Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been a week of innovation and exploration in school: we have adjusted the timetable putting assemblies into the afternoon to maximise learning time in the morning; Mrs de Garis (Reading lead) has been adapting the structure of reading lessons; and Mr Bristow (Maths lead) has been in classes observing how maths is taught. Miss Murphy and Mrs Tang have also been on important training to strengthen our safeguarding and behaviour processes. We are all on a learning journey at Lanchester!

Thank you to Mrs Henney for taking time on Wednesday evening to share how we teach phonics to parents new to the school. As a parent on the phonics journey with my own daughter, I know how important it is for reading at home and school to align as much as possible.

Punctuality: Lessons start at 9.00am. Although we have a soft start between 8.45 and 9.00, children arriving at 9.00 are not getting into class and ready to learn until 9.05 or later. This interrupts the start of the lesson and leads to a lot of lost learning time. Please endeavour to get your children in school by 8.55.

Values: Our weekly value has been appreciation and how a small sign of thanks can have a big impact on people. This connects to our core value, respect, when we value the contributions of others. Next week, as we reach the end of the half term, our value will be reflection as we consider our learning journey over the last eight weeks.

Votes for Schools: This week classes have explored the importance of an active lifestyle. It also saw our Junior Leadership Team in action for the first time. Four of the JLT are Votes for Schools Youth Ambassadors and they attended a webinar on Wednesday afternoon with children from a host of other schools. They gave their feedback on the sessions we have explored this week and helped to contribute to the upcoming anti-bullying sessions after half term. Next week, the big question will explore the American election asking 'Is it easy to choose a leader?' (Y1-Y2) and 'Should we choose our leaders based on their personality?' (Y3-Y6).

Parents' Evening: Appointments will be held in your children's classrooms. Their books will be in the corridor outside the room for you to enjoy before your meeting. The Chorleywood Book Shop will set up shop in the school foyer bringing a wide selection of books from their excellent stocks. The school receives money from every purchase made so make sure to spend some time browsing. The PTA will also have second-hand uniform available for a small donation.

An eight-week half term is a long one and there are signs of tiredness, particularly within the younger classes (and a few of the staff!). Be sure to give your children the best chance to recharge this weekend: healthy meals, lots of sleep and plenty of fresh air are much needed. The wet weather might keep us all inside, so take the chance to share a great book or a family movie-night. Whatever you do, have a relaxing weekend.

Best wishes,

Mr Matt Morey - Headteacher