Last week, Mrs Reynolds and I visited all of the Key Stage One classes and this week, Miss Featherstone and I visited all of the Lower Key Stage Two classes. It has been an absolute pleasure to see the children’s learning in action and get a real sense of how enthusiastic they are in lessons. This year, we have been having a big focus on presentation and we were really impressed with the care the children are taking over their work. I cannot wait to visit Early Years and Upper Key Stage Two next week!
You also have the opportunity to see your children’s learning at our first open classrooms of the year taking place on Thursday 2nd October, 3:15pm to 3:45pm. You are welcome to enter through your child’s usual classroom door to see all their hard work so far.
Mental Health Support Team Practitioner
At Galley Hill, we are very fortunate to have had a Mental Health Support Team (MHST) Practitioner, from the NHS, working in school for one day a week for a number of years. Most recently our MHST has been Mishaal (Mish) Kayani, who has done incredible work with individuals, their families and groups of children. We are very sad to share with you that Mish has now left the MHST service and so her time at Galley Hill has come to an end. We thank Mish for her hard work and dedication to our school. We are working closely with MHST with the hope of having a replacement as soon as possible.
Scooters and Bikes
We are really pleased that so many of our children walk, bike or scoot to school. This is great for their health and has a positive impact on the environment. We would just like to remind all parents that children should get off their bikes or scooters when they enter the school site. Children should not be riding / scooting on the playground or paths before or after school. The playgrounds get very busy and we want to prevent any possible injuries. Please support this by ensuring that your child is following this expectation while under your care.
Reception/Year 1 Phonics Open Morning
On Friday 24th October, 9-10am, we would like to invite all parents/carers of children in Reception and Year 1 to a phonics open morning, where you will get a chance to watch your child's phonics lesson in their classroom, learn about our phonics scheme and how we teach it, and gain some ideas for how you can support your child with their reading at home. If you would like to attend, you do not need to do anything, just drop your child off at school as normal on the day then come round to the school office. If you attended last year please do come again as we will be sharing some updated resources. We look forward to seeing you!
Black History Month
Throughout the month of October, at Galley Hill we will celebrating Black History Month. Children in Key Stage 2 will all take part in an African drumming workshop, and all children will be learning about significant black figures from past and present and about the history and significance of Notting Hill Carnival. Finally, at the end of the month, we will be bringing this all together in a whole school Black History Month celebration. We are looking forward to teaching our pupils about black history, and look out for photos on your child's class page on the website!
