“THE first half of the Michaelmas Term is well known in teacher circles as the longest and sometimes hardest, as darker evenings and wet play become the order of the day. Yet as I write, the autumn sun is shining, the children are racing to put their wellies on after lunch, as they go outside to run and play. The chatter on the first-floor corridor is light hearted and full of giggles and teachers are reflecting on a busy and successful seven weeks, appropriately socially distanced, in the staff room.
“This has been a remarkable seven weeks. I cannot underestimate how amazing your children have been not only to inhale some fast paced and challenging learning, to quickly accept new ‘normals’ as if nothing had ever happened, create happy friendships and continue to show us many daily examples of those thoughtful and supportive values which, at any time, are important and never more so than now.
“Before we conclude the first half of term, we felt it was important to ask the children how they have fared with our current routines, their return to school and what may be challenging or concerning. Mrs Walker completed a survey with children from Reception to Year 2 and has colourfully depicted the results. Some children were nervous to return but have enjoyed the divided play spaces or indeed, realised not much had changed. Many said they had missed being at school and were happy to be back. All surveys gave a ‘five stars’ for feeling safe at school and, as you can imagine, that was a very important finding for us.
“I join all the team here in wishing you all a safe, healthy and happy half term.”