Following the glorious hot weather in the Half Term break, it has been a somewhat wilder and windier affair this week but that hasn’t stopped the pupils fully engaging, embracing the wide variety of experiences on offer to them. One highlight of my week was escorting our Year 4 pupils to a Performing Arts Day hosted by Brighton College. They participated in lessons in drama, dance, and music led by the College’s heads of each department. Not only did pupils report enjoying learning new skills and techniques in each activity, I was thrilled that many pupils (and staff) commented on the kindness shown to them by their hosts. As quoted on one display in school I observed this week, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind”, it is so wonderful to see this played out by the adults who work with your children and also by the children themselves.
Next academic year we will be introducing “Caught Being Kind” postcards, where pupils will celebrate acts of kindness shown to them throughout each school day. Acts such as helping carry a bag, noticing a child who is on their own, or praising someone for a good piece of work or performance, will all be acknowledged and encouraged as pupils work together to continue to foster a happy environment where each child can thrive.
I am sure many acts of kindness have also been shown by pupils and staff while away on residential trips this week. As pupils step out of their comfort zones and try new activities, it will have been crucial that they have worked together to support one another through these experiences. I hope you enjoy hearing all their wonderful stories as they return to share memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.
There are only three more Newsletters this term, but we have many exciting events to look forward to. I hope to see lots of you at our two Sports Days, the Piano Recital, Reception’s Graduation morning, the Leavers’ Assembly, and of course the Upper School performance of Shrek The Musical at Brighton College.
Ms Tamsin Hoyles, Head
