Opportunity has become a buzz word this week at Junior Boys. It has certainly been exciting to see in all areas of our curriculum that the boys and adults are adapting well to the changes, as well as thinking of ways to enrich what we do and being oh so flexible. We have embraced the challenge, and a  ‘we can do it’ attitude.

One change at the start of each day has seen a slight alteration to the arrival process but the refreshing and cheery meet and greet still allows the boys to be dropped off efficiently, with reassurance, good hygiene and even time for a pupil-parental hug, or not! As the weather turns we will not be using the grass entrance to the temporary hand basins but we are already planning permanent replacements to be stationed under the Mezzanine walkway. 

Pupils developing their independence bouncing into school has been a joy to see but has limited the odd conversation. Pleasingly our pastoral phone calls were used by many to keep the dialogue channels open. If you do need a quick catch up please do email the School Office or teachers to request a mutually convenient catch up, or you can pass on messages to the senior leadership team or the nurses at the gate. One topic from the calls that was raised was an adult yearning for books and less Google Classroom. Google Classroom has certainly proved to be a useful tool and benefit for many reasons. Please be reassured that teachers are still utilising all their skills to engage, hook, stimulate, encourage, provide challenge, feedback and build relationships within lessons. Watch out for the house handwriting competition that will allow us to develop fine motor skills, consider presentation and technique. I wonder if there should be a staff section as well?

Handwriting will be developed in form time whilst social skills and manners are often forged at lunch time. It has also presented an opportunity for some to be creative with dinosaur or regular and irregular shaped mathematical sandwiches plus other culinary delights. Thank you for remembering to adhere to the absolutely no nuts edict. My colleagues are also pleased that the assorted packed lunch boxes have also contained many healthy diet choices. Mrs Carter has also recently reminded us about the healthy eating Wweek next week. I am just pleased that my post lockdown return to refereeing fitness drive shed five kg and the banana suit will now fit more comfortably!

Reception this week got ahead of the game and had a wonderful soup tasting, making and hands on learning experience. A little too much pepper for my palette but great fun. There were quite a few birthday cakes this week too. Please do send in purchased and sealed nut free edibles for the class to celebrate if you wish, plus possibly one extra…