Anti-Bullying Week
National anti-bullying week ran from 10 to 14 November with the theme Power for Good. Our children learned how they can use their powers to be upstanders not bystanders if they witness behaviours that can be perceived as bullying. A number of children in KS2 have made informative and well presented posters for anti-bullying week which are now displayed around school.
As adults, we understand that falling out with friends is a normal part of growing up. In school, our PSHE curriculum and wider pastoral support help children navigate these typical relational
conflicts effectively. We teach children to recognise the difference between everyday disagreements and bullying. Whenever a child feels that negative behaviour towards them might
be bullying, we encourage them to speak to an adult – either at school or at home – so that we can work together to address any concerns quickly and effectively. We also encourage parents to contact their child’s class teacher if you believe your child is experiencing any form of bullying, whether in person or online. While incidents of bullying in our school are extremely rare, we are committed to working together to resolve any issues as soon as they arise. Childline has produced a helpful resource called Bounce Back from Bullying, which we recommend to any child who feels they have experienced – or are experiencing – bullying.
If parents would like to find out more about the importance of anti-bullying week, more information can be accessed here.
The Dog Mentor
Thanks to funding from the Parish Council, our Dog Mentor Programme is having a really positive impact for children in school. The programme builds upon the benefits of the human-animal bond by providing children positive experiences with dogs that can help them educationally, developmentally, emotionally and socially. Mrs Meakin’s Cavapoo, Bonnie, is our school dog and has already worked with many children to support their emotional wellbeing. The Dog Mentor Programme is having a positive influence on the school environment as a whole and children are delighted to see Bonnie in and around school.
Key Stage 2 Citizenship Award Scheme
Last year we launched our Citizenship Award Scheme for children in Y3, 4, 5 and 6. Children were set a series of challenges to complete over the year which enabled them to demonstrate their commitment to our school motto: ‘Making Our World a Better Place’. Many children earned the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards and a small number of children achieved the highest level governor award, receiving a special certificate, badge and prize from our Chair of Governors. Children have made some changes to the challenges this year and the programme is underway once more. Children proudly wear their badges, which are awarded in Monday assemblies.
Online Safety
The NSPCC and UK Safer Internet Centre both have some really helpful advice for parents on keeping children safe online. If parents have any questions about our online safety education, please get in touch and we will be happy to talk to you about this.
Dogs
Thank you to everyone for for avoiding bringing dogs into the school grounds unless the dog is carried by the owner and is under very close control.
If you have anything that you need to ask me about or let me know about, please email the school office, come to see me or give me a call and I will get back to you.
Mrs Marie Wilson
