Well, off we go again into another national lockdown. Thank goodness we can keep school open. There is much evidence to show nationally from the previous lockdown that children simply do not make the same progress when working from home. It showed the importance of the teacher in the classroom, the importance of the children being with each other and the importance of social development, which of course we all knew! In this new lockdown, we do have new regulations around face covering wearing for Years 7, 8 and staff, which I have communicated separately. As you know, we are following strict policies and procedures and thank you to all parents for their support of the staff team.
St Peter’s has been a hub of activity this week. We have welcomed three new pupils and three new staff. We have all enjoyed some new food, with the herby ciabatta crumbed chicken, bonfire chilli and toffee apple crumble being particularly enjoyed by everyone, staff and pupils alike! Thank you to Mrs Richards and
her team for working so hard. You will notice gradual changes over the next few weeks.
Friday activities have started this week and the PTA funded Home Economics Room has been used by Year 6 to make some banana muffins. Plans are in place for Christmas biscuits too. I am so happy to see how excited the children have been. We have had to cancel any prospective tours for new families due t o the new lockdown. However, I have enjoyed videoing a virtual tour of the grounds, which we are able t o send on to families enquiring about St Peter’s. Year 5 had a wonderful day themed around WWII, thanks to Mrs Colwill and Mrs Evans who organised such fantastic learning opportunities. I popped in to see a Morse Code workshop and some seeds being planted in a ‘Dig for Victory’ session. The first Student Council meeting was undertaken in one of the Marine tents (socially distanced).
I’m delighted to share some staffing news: Mrs Stoyles has had a little girl! Phoebe Rose (pictured right) was born on Sunday 1 November, weighing 7lb 7oz. All are doing well. This half term, we are delighted to welcome two further new staff to St Peter’s. Mrs Jane North will be working as a Teaching Assistant in Reception to cover Mrs Stoyles’ maternity leave and Keith Barnard is our new PCV Driver, taking over from Mike Chalmers when he leaves us next week. I know you will make them feel welcome. Mrs Nic Lingard leaves us this week following 15 years at the school on the catering team. We wish her and Mike well in their retirement.
Do take a look at the activity programme which starts next week be tween 16:00 and 17:00 for children to take part in new adventures and opportunities. Well done to Mr Budgett and all the staff team for getting this off the ground.
Charlotte Johnston
Head
