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HEADTEACHER'S UPDATE Spring Term Week 2

Dear Parents,

What a wonderful first full week back we have had with the school in full flow; wondering, inquiring, researching and discovering about this amazing world in which we live.

I wanted to start this update by introducing to parents some exciting plans for the recruitment of new pupils. There is a real buzz in Reading about St Edward’s and we are now looking to have two Reception classes next year. Our Nursery is also thriving with our highest ever numbers on roll and looking very good for September. It is clear that going Coed has had a very positive impact on St Edward’s and has achieved many of the initial goals we set back in January 2021 when we took the plunge. The introduction of girls has added an exciting new dynamic to our school at the same time as making it more inclusive and fun!

The school is growing and we are about to launch an advertising campaign to capitalise on this and let Reading know St Edward’s is the place to be! Although this is very exciting and the school growing in size will only benefit all the children, we are not looking to expand classes to a level that would change the one thing that makes St Edward’s so special; we are a family and our small class sizes and individual care are the very core of what we do.

The campaign will largely be focussed around our Nursery and Reception class for next year. However, we will also be looking at bringing in some new children to our current Year 2 and 3. We are not going to expand the classes for the sake of expanding but are aiming to bring in children that would add value to these already wonderful year groups. To do this we will be running a scholarship award for current and new children.

We are also currently discussing with parents of Year 2 and 3 their thoughts on going Coed. There have been no decisions made on this yet and I thank everyone for the feedback they gave. I would like to invite the parents of these year groups to find out more about the scholarship award, discuss the feedback and have a chance to talk face-to-face. Therefore, I will be holding two meetings for parents next week.

The Year 2 parental meeting will be at 4pm on Thursday 19th January and Year 3 at 5pm on Thursday 19th January. Please email kate.mckenna@stedwardsprep if you are able to attend. I look forward to seeing you there.

Spring Term Curriculum Overviews

The Spring Term Curriculum Overviews are now available on the website via the button linked below. Our new Theme of Investigation is Systems and Structures and the children have already started some brilliant enquiries into eco-architecture, 3D modelling, Aztec civilisation, understanding living things, what makes a home and more. We are looking forward to seeing the results of their learning at the end of term.

Parent's Evening and Reports

A reminder that our cycles for Parents' Evenings and reports have changed this year. A lot of work goes into writing reports and preparing for Parents' Evenings and we found that there was often repetition. Here is the outline for the Spring Term:

  • Half Term Report: Effort Grade Card with a Form Tutor comment
  • Parents' Evenings: Year 5 & 6 - Tuesday 21st February, Nursery & Pre-Prep - Wednesday 22nd February, Year 3 & 4 - Tuesday 28 February. This will be an opportunity for you to meet with your child's teachers to discuss their effort and attainment in more detail.
  • End of Term Report: Effort and Attainment Grade Card with a Form Tutor comment.

More details on how you can book your Parent's Evening appointments will be coming soon.

Western Elms Parking Restrictions

Please remember that next week from 18th-23rd January there will be parking restrictions outside the Western Elms gate and number 60 Western Elms due to water mains works being carried out. You can use the rest of the road but please avoid parking on Baron Court and be considerate of our neighbours.

Holiday Club Booking Open

We are excited to announce that booking for the February Half Term Holiday Club is now open! Sign your children up for a week of jungle-themed sports and activities organised by Mr Winship and Mrs Turner. Follow the link below to use our new online booking system and if you have any queries please contact holiday-club@stedwardsprep.com.

Online Safety Update

The playground and classroom chatter since the start of term has been full of Christmas gifts, including lots about new games. It is great that the children have a platform to develop their skills and connect with friends, but there are ongoing dangers that they are exposed to online. Please find below a few recent guides containing useful information to help your children stay safe.

Chinese New Year - Decorations Needed!

Next Friday we will be marking Chinese New Year with a special lunch from Chef Linda and the catering team. We are keen to add some decorations to the School Hall for the celebrations and if you have anything you can lend us for the day we would be very grateful. It could be pictures or posters, decorative items or even kitchenware! Please send any items in with your child by Thursday and they will be available for you to take home on Friday ready for your own celebrations.

Year 3 & 4: Guitar Lessons Available

We have three guitar lesson spaces available for children in Years 3 and 4 on Wednesdays between 2.15 - 2.45pm with our teacher Ben Lawrence. If your child is interested in starting lessons please get in touch with Ben directly on ben@plucksaway.co.uk

Staff Recruitment

In the next week we will be advertising three roles at St Edward's. The first will be to cover Mrs Hagyard's maternity leave that will start in May, the second will be for a second Reception Teacher and the third will be to replace the irreplaceable Mrs Daley-Franks who will be retiring at the end of the academic year in July. This will us plenty of time to give Rosemary the thanks and send-off that someone who has given 15 years of service to the school deserves.

Have a lovely weekend.

Best wishes,

Jonathan