I think World Book Day is one of the best days of the St Peter’s Calendar. And Mary Poppins visited St Peter’s again! Some of the little ones actually thought I was the real Mary Poppins – which certainly made me smile. It was a wonderful opportunity to have a whole school photo as well. I know that all of the children appreciated the staff’s effort in dressing up – my favourite was Mrs Bruce-Jones as the Mad Hatter. With gold boots that lit up. Wow! Mrs Parker organised some wonderful activities for the children to do at Break Times.
I have been nominated by the Head of Blundell’s to take part in the #7Books World Book day challenge. Do follow @stpetersprep on twitter to see the recommendations. One of my favourite books to read to my children was Shirley Hughes’ ‘Dogger’. I watched a video this week on her work as a writer and illustrator and it was quite wonderful, something for a quiet half hour (if any of you have those).
In these times of iPads and WhatsApp, reading can be at the bottom of the list. We are addressing this at St Peter’s with our renovated Libraries – the ‘Hub’ and ‘Hublet’. All children have weekly library lessons with their tutor and reading for pleasure as well as learning to read are part of our core curriculum. Our team of librarians are on hand to help anyone find a book and there are regular recommendations and changing displays and activities thanks to our wonderful librarian Mrs Whitlock. Do model reading for pleasure to your children. Ask yourself how many times do they see you reading a book sitting on the sofa? Talk about the books you as adults are reading over the dinner table. Let reading be part of life and conversation.
Year 7 returned from the French immersion trip on Friday – they have had a wonderful time, many thanks to the staff for ensuring it is such a successful trip. We also had an open day this weekend. Thank you to our wonderful tour guides. Next term, we will have an open day for current parents – many of you won’t have had a look round since touring with your child as a 3-year-old. Put the date in your diaries now for Saturday 27 April 2019.
