The sun continued to shine for the majority of the week and was great to see and hear all of the children complete the first full week of the academic year. They continue to show how amazing that they all are with their hard work, determination and joyous approach to all that they have done this week.
We started the week off talking about our mental health, as well as our physical health. Each half term this year, we have a curriculum focus - this half term is Mind, Body and Soul. You can see below the curriculum for each year group, with the focus and related work to the key driver for each half term.
On Monday we read The Magic Moment, by Niall Breslin, discussing our emotions and reflecting on them, empowering their sense of self when dealing with fear, sadness and anger, showing how to create a mindful space to overcome these emotions. They all applied the Magic Moment Trick and there was a wave of stillness and calmness all around.
School life
What a busy week!
Reception have had a really busy week. They have started to learn The little Red Hen and the children went to visit the school hens. They have been talking about families and drawing pictures of them. The children have really enjoyed playing in the new role play shed.
We would be very grateful if everyone could ensure that jumpers and cardigans are labelled. If anyone has forgotten their Tapestry or Teams log in please let us know.
The children in reception have all been given a purple folder. Please can the children bring their purple folder every day.
Curriculum
Our curriculum, this year, is centred around 6 Broad Themes of Global Citizenship that connects all of the learning across the school, designed in collaboration between the school and community, drawing on literature from organisations like Oxfam and from the heart and minds of staff, parents, governors and the children through previous parent forums and pupil voice.
School Council
It was a real joy to meet the school council for the first time this week. We discussed the roles and responsibilities of the roles and discussed what they think is working really well in school, as well as what they would like to see more of. They are looking forward to sharing what they get up to over the year.
STar/mathematician/writer of the week
VACANCY
HEAD BOY AND HEAD GIRL
School Kitchen
term dates for 2021-22
Training days
Friday 22nd October, Tuesday January 4th, Wednesday January 5th, Friday 18th February, Friday 27th May, Thursday 21st July
LetsLocalise
We have a new campaign on our letslocalise page to get some buckets and spades for the school beach. Let's see if we can keep summer for as long as we can. We are hoping to get a few campaigns running over this term and you can find this one by clicking here.
Parent Forum
I will be holding a Parent Forum on 23rd September at 5pm. It would be great to see as many of you there as possible. I will be sharing the plans for the year, as well as answering any questions you may have and taking feedback.
Register in advance for the Parent Forum meeting here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIldeCvrzooH9cu6GYIe5WeZ8r8mUbREozu
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
What's coming up in the school calendar
Free School Meals
As we start the new academic year, I thought I would highlight that there may be families that are entitled to Free School Meals. I sent a letter out today explaining a little more. If you would like to discuss, or think you may qualify, please do contact school on office@galleyhillprimary.co.uk or call us on 01287 635540.
OPAL
Some amazing play continues to grow. We had our first OPAL assembly on Wednesday and will have one every Wednesday this week.
We will use the assemblies to discuss risk benefits when introducing/reminding children of the rules, that they help to create, with each piece of equipment or area. This week we reminded children around the rules of using the sandpit, as well as how we should use the tyres. They came up with some wonderful rules, such as only stacking tyres to waist height, keeping tyres by your side when rolling them and ensuring that sand stays in the sandpit and is not thrown around.
The welly sheds are now full of the children's wellies and will be used more often as the weather begins to change over the next few weeks. I am sure you will soon being seeing pictures in their wellies and waterproofs on the Twitter and Facebook page over the next few weeks.
Finally
Several letters went out via Parentmail earlier on this week asking if anyone would like to be a parent governor. I am keen to continue the growth of the Local School Board, which plays a crucial role in the development in the school. If anyone would like to discuss what the role entails, I'm more than happy to discuss. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
I would also like to congratulate Mrs Greenhalgh on her 25 years of service at Galley Hill. She is a real asset to the school. All of her nurturing, hard work, determination and loyalty, has ensured there have been hundreds of children who have started off their school life wit the best possible start. Thank you for your continued contribution towards making Galley Hill a special place.
Have a fantastic weekend.
Take care and stay safe,
Mr Anthony McGeeney