Dear Parents and Carers,

With the start of the new half term has come many new beginnings: Monday evening saw the successful first meeting of the new governing body; Tuesday morning we welcomed parents to our first Inclusion Coffee Morning; this afternoon we hosted the first class 'Expo' as Year 4 showcased their learning to their parents. All of these events help us to build connections within our community as we share ideas and learn together.

Values: This week our value has been 'responsibility' and we discussed who is responsible for our learning. While the teachers and school leaders shape the curriculum, the children have huge responsibility through their engagement and hard work. In Celebration Assembly, teachers recognised pupils who take responsibility for their learning, their friends and the school environment. Next week, our value will be 'empathy' as we explore 'seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another' - Alfred Adler.

Votes for Schools: This week we considered the question 'Can you trust one leader to make all decisions for you? (KS2) and 'Do you find teamwork helpful? (KS1). There were some fascinating opinions shared: some believing one person could get things done quickly, while others valued sharing ideas and working in teams. Next week, in connection with National Careers Week, we will be exploring 'Would you like to start your own business?'.

Lunchtimes: We have launched the new zoning system on the playground at lunchtimes. Both playgrounds now consist of a selection of different areas. There is a construction zone, quiet zone, team games zone, racket sports zone, obstacle course and circus skills. There is a lot to explore and play with outside. Thank you to the Friends of Lanchester who funded the equipment and storage.

School Day Timings: Thank you to those who shared their views on the consultation to open earlier. There are many factors to consider and more time is needed to help families to adapt, if we lengthen the day. There will be no change at Easter. We will review whether to open earlier from September.

World Book Day: With so much going on in school, this should be renamed as World Book Week! We've got lots of classes out on trips, wooden spoons coming in, shared reading, bedtime stories, poet visits and book swaps. We will also be sharing a family challenge with you on Monday giving you ten reading tasks to explore. We have removed the costumes and dress up to focus on the magic that is reading and all that we can experience from immersing ourselves in the pleasure of reading.

Parents' Evening: These will be taking place on Monday 24th March and Wednesday 26th March. We are using different software to book appointments this term. More details will be shared over the coming days.

The forecast promises sunshine all weekend! It's a great time to get active and be outside. It might be the perfect time to dust off the bikes and explore Watford's Green Loop, a 6.5 mile circuit around the town. Whatever you choose to do, have a great weekend.

Best wishes,

Mr. Matt Morey - Headteacher