21st July 2021 Newsletter

21^st July 2021

Dear parents/ carers,

Well it’s here!  The end of the summer term and another school year.  To say it’s been a challenge, would be an understatement and I would like to thank my wonderful staff for their unwavering commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for the children during such tricky times.

As we end this school year with the news this morning that we have a positive case in the school, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage you to keep using the lateral flow tests during the holidays.

As you know, testing is a key line of defence against the spread of Covid-19. With other protective measures such as face coverings and social distancing no longer legally required, testing is even more important. It’s the only way to know if you have Covid-19 and make sure you don’t spread it to friends and family. As many as 1 in 3 people do not show any symptoms so self-testing can detect these hidden cases and keep everyone safe.

You can collect packs of self-tests from libraries and pharmacies. Alternatively, you can order self-tests online. If someone develops symptoms, you would still need to take a PCR test or call 111, and self-isolate immediately

Year 6 Leavers:  Our Year 6’s have finished this term with their leavers assembly to parents and families this morning.  Although they were unable to attend the residential planned, due to restrictions at that time, the children have had some great experiences to end this year.

We have been to Go Ape at Thetford – what a super day that was, with some children over-coming their fears with such resilience, and others being able to literally run through trees!  Amazing!

Thanks to Vision Fitness, the children took part in team games at the centre, even getting to pull a tractor!

Last week they had a day of Forest school/ bushcraft activities as well as a trip out to the Nuclear Race assault course in Ongar, which covered us all in mud – a super way to finish the term!

I would like to wish all the Year 6’s much happiness as they start the next part of their learning journey, and beyond.  Good bye and good luck to: Sophia, Kaleb, Sara, Imogen, Millie, Sebastien, Klea, Heidi, Noah, Summer, Megan, Henry, Ella, Thomas, Asa, Abigail, Charlie, Kanji, Theodora, Luke, Maisie, Rosie, Alec, Delilah, Joseph and Violet.

We have plenty to celebrate as we end this school year…

Sports: We have entered many virtual events this term and have had some great results – Well done to all the children who took part.

Tennis	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Year 5	Year 6
Stansted Schools	2nd place	2nd place	1st place	1st place	3rd place
USSP (Uttlesford Schools)	3rd place
Cricket
KS1 3 tees	2nd place	5th place
KS2 rapid fire			2nd place		2nd place	3rd place
Archery KS2			4th place	4th place
Quad Kids	4th place	4th place	2nd place	2nd place	1st place	1st place

PSA fundraising: Thank you so much to everyone that took part and contributed to the most amazing fundraising this term – I can hardly believe how much has been raised for our lovely school!  Thank you all so much!

 Readathon – An amazing £1696 has been raised by this event.  Below are the names of the children who participated and have received a prize and certificate this week; well done for such a super effort.  There is also a book prize for each class, for the child that raised the most sponsorship money, which the PSA will hand out.   Thank you for supporting this event.  You can still claim a prize in September, if you haven’t handed your forms in yet!

Nursery	Reception	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Year 5	Year 6
Ethan R	Ella G	Millie C	Joshua P	Harry M	Thomas H		Asa P
Oscar P	Seth M		Maxwell H	Ben M	Thomas A
Esme J	Tabitha K		Marlie L	Olivia H	Wilf H
Alice P	Davey O		Xander A	Millie K	George M
George L	Ava E-A		Emily E-A	Bertie R	Harry W
				Holly C
				Lara P
				Jasmine T

Bags2School:  thank you so much for your donations – a wonderful £210 has been raised!

3K and 10K Henham virtual fun run:  At last count, an amazing £1785.32 has been raised.  There are still some outstanding invoices, so if you haven’t paid yet, please do check your emails for the invoice.

A huge thank you to everyone that helped to organise this, including Vision Fitness who hosted us, and Clifford’s Farm Shop who provided cakes, and obviously all those that took part in the event.

Invicta Summer Academy: We have been made aware of a summer academy that is available to support school children during the summer holidays.

The Summer Academy is provided by Invicta National Academy, and is open to all school students, aged 6 years to 16 years, and it offers free, daily, live, interactive, online teaching, delivered by fully qualified teachers. The lessons take place via Zoom, and children can participate in as many sessions as they would like.  Sessions begin on Monday 26 July 2021.

Please see the attached flyer for more information.

That leaves me to finish off by sending love and best wishes to Mrs Brennan as she starts her maternity leave – we are all going to miss her so much and look forward to meeting Baby Brennan in the autumn.

Thank you to Mr Jackson for supporting the Year 6 children so well this term and good luck in your new adventures!

Finally, thank you all for your continued support and understanding during this year – you have all been amazing!

Have a relaxing summer everyone, you’ve earnt it!

Kim

Kim Hall

Headteacher