Dear Parents
Whilst some things are different, we are trying very hard to make school as normal as possible and continue with many of the activities that we were doing before lockdown. There is such a calm atmosphere as the children come into school and complete their mindfulness activities. We now have assemblies via Zoom, that allow us to get a whole school ‘feel,’ and are still presenting the Pride Cup and Values stickers each Friday to highlight excellent work, behaviour and contribution to school life. We are hoping that parents will be able to join us in our first virtual whole school Good Works Assembly this Friday. Check your emails for the Zoom link.
Wherever possible, we are trying to ensure that things can happen, albeit that it may be done differently. We are planning to have our annual outing to Hackthorn Hall kitchen gardens to pick apples but we will be visiting in our separate bubbles.
KS2 pupils had a fantastic experience last week when they virtually interacted with Dave McCallum, a trumpet player in the BBC Concert Orchestra. The children loved ‘guessing the soundtracks’ of well known films and shows that he had played for…Star Wars, Strictly Come Dancing, The News. They also were surprised to find out that he had performed for the Queen, Kylie Minogue and that he could now add the pupils of Hackthorn school. We hope this will be the first of many exciting experiences like this.
KS1 and KS2 pupils have enjoyed additional PE sessions, led by Mr Sheehan so our pupils, despite the circumstances that we find ourselves in, appear to be healthy in mind, body and spirit.
Mrs K Appleby, Headteacher
Governor News
School Development Plan
At the beginning of each school year, behind the scenes, a very important document is worked upon that will set the strategic vision and priorities for the year to come. We call this the School Development Plan or SDP (Acronyms are a favourite in Education). The SDP sets priorities for action with achievable timescales and outcomes.
This year the 3 main priorities are:
· Developing the emotional health and wellbeing of the whole school community.
· Improving standards in writing and addressing gaps through CATCH up intervention programmes.
· Updating online communication systems – virtual learning, website, and parental forms.
Website
With this last priority in mind, our website will be undergoing a revamp and we will be asking you for feedback and suggestions in due course, on what you would like to see on our website.
Parent/Teacher Interviews – Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14 & Thursday 15 October
Due to COVID restrictions, we are unable to conduct parent/teacher interviews in our normal way. Instead you should have received an email asking you to book an online Zoom appointment. I know many of you have already signed up. Zoom links will be emailed out on Friday.
Each slot will be 10 mins max. It would help us if you arrived in the waiting room 5 mins before your chosen time.
Friends of Hackthorn School
FOHS held their AGM on 15th September. Many socially distanced fundraising activities were planned for the next few months, details of which can be found in the latest FOHS newsletter.
Jo and Nic have been busy planning another car treasure hunt, so make sure you purchase your ‘clues’ sheet from the school office or Welton paper shop. A fun, family activity for half-term…
The next meeting is set for Tuesday 3rd November at 6pm, via Zoom. New members are always welcome. Email enquiries@hackthorn.lincs.sch.uk for the Zoom link.
Harvest Festival
Unfortunately the school is unable to hold its annual harvest festival in the church this year. We have decided to have a short harvest celebration during our annual apple picking at Hackthorn Hall kitchen gardens.
KS1 and KS2 bubbles will visit the gardens separately.
Support for Food Banks
There has been a lot of media attention about Food banks across the UK struggling to meet demands since COVID-19 hit. We will have a special assembly in school about food banks, in the hope that the children’s community spirit will be stirred and that they will want to bring a small contribution for one of the Lincoln food banks. Children may bring in their donations on Thursday 22 October.
Visit: http://lincoln.foodbank.org.uk/get-help/whats-in-a-food-parcel/ for a list of items that are needed.
Reminders from the School Office
Please could parents who have yet to complete and return the paperwork which was sent out at the start of term, do so as soon as possible. We need to ensure that we have a record of the correct information for all pupils on file, particularly with regard to emergency contact information and current medical information.