In the news this week...

This week the children have been taking part in National Anti-bullying Week. This year’s theme is “Power for Good”. Children have been involved in a range of activities, that once again supports them to use their power to stand up to bullying, as we remain committed to improving the world…and empowering our pupils from a young age to be able to do this.

Friday is of course “Odd Socks Day”, when everyone in school, whatever their age, is invited to wear odd socks to school as a reminder that “we are all equal, but all different”.

Continuing with the theme of socks, a little more prosaically: please ask your child to check that they have a spare pair of socks in their PE bag every day, both for wet feet in puddles emergencies and to put on for PE on days when they have come to school wearing tights.

Friday 14^th November is also Children in Need. At Launton, the children will be taking part in their annual Pudsey Orienteering Challenge. The ground is likely to be very wet, so bringing a pair of wellies in a bag labelled with their name is highly recommended. The weather forecast is not encouraging, in which case we will postpone to the first convenient less wet day.

Playground leaders

Our Year 5 pupils are mature and responsible role models in school with important leadership roles; one of these gives them the opportunity to be Playground Leaders. Mr Mawn, our leader for ‘Physical Literacy’ has taught them how to deliver activities to younger children at lunchtime.  Our year 5 pupils are doing a fantastic job in providing fun, creative, engaging and active games for children to join in.  There is also an opportunity for children to practise this term’s personal challenge which is a tennis challenge: how many tap ups they can do in a row; this is recorded in their physical activity record each week and they are working hard and practising to improve their personal best.   

Playground leader comments

“Our games make children feel happy.” (Barney and Charlie, Chestnut class)

“I like being a playground leader because I like looking after children and make them happy.  I am sure that I am a fair leader, and I hope the younger children enjoy my games.” (Robyn, Chestnut class)

“I like being a leader and wearing the badge on a Monday when I lead games at lunchtime” (Dwayne, Chestnut class)

“I enjoy being a playground leader because it makes me feel happy and I enjoy teaching people how to play games.” (Sienna, Chestnut class)

Children taking part

“The games are really fun; the leaders make sure everyone is included and taking part.” (Susanna, Beech class)

“We play lots of games with the playground leaders, they’re always fun.” (Beatrice, Beech class)

Tennis challenge

“It is good we can practise at lunchtime; I’m improving each week.” (Mollie, Chestnut class)

“The tennis challenge is really good; I enjoy it a lot.” (Austin, Beech class)

And in other news, I am sure that you will be delighted to hear that the Department for Education wrote to me this week to congratulate children, parents and staff for our extremely high attendance rates through the whole of last year and this term (currently 97.4%) and to invite us to advise other schools.

Waddesdon Manor Christmas Project

As our children took part in Waddesdon Manor's Christmas Display project, Waddesdon have made avaliable a code for each child. 

Each code gives you a free child grounds ticket, and half price grounds entry for 2 accompanying adults and 2 extra children (there are ticket options for both members and non-members).  The code will not work when trying to book the house, as it is a grounds only offer. 

If you would like your child's single use code, please email the school office.