We have a fantastic newsletter again this week including some great video content and lots of interesting events you can register for so make sure you check these out at the bottom of the newsletter!

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Note from our Head

Walking around school and having the opportunity to​ see the key worker children in person, as well as being able to pop into lessons with those who are online​ makes me so proud to see how they have adapted in such a resilient, positive and enthusiastic way to the new way of living and learning. However, there is no doubt that the current 'world order' does make great demands on, and pose challenges and uncertainties to, us all. Children are having to navigate their way around new routines and dynamics at home and at school, and may well be wondering how their voice, feelings and thoughts are able to be heard and addressed.

As is so often the case, it is in Early Years pedagogy that we find help and due regard being paid to this important matter. A basic principle of the EYFS framework allows children to express their voice through making choices, giving opinions and ideas and expressing their emotions. This in turn promotes and develops their sense of self-worth and self-esteem, thus helping them to understand that they are valued, important and have a place in the world. Confidence and resilience are consequently developed as children play, explore, learn in an active way and think critically, knowing that their contribution is respected and acknowledged.

As they get older at Oakfield, we develop pupil voice by giving opportunities to contribute to the running and development of the school via the School Council, where the elected members share their ideas, experiences and ambitions for the school. The minutes of their meetings go to the Senior Team so that we can act on suggestions as appropriate and add the children's contribution into the School Development Plan.

I am delighted that we have now begun our participation for the children in Years 1-6 in Votes for Schools, which I am confident will give a great opportunity for them to explore and express their reactions and thoughts concerning the wider world issues which they may have questions, concerns or strong opinions about. The debates are linked to highly topical, current issues (such as Brexit and vaccination in recent weeks), and the voting platform enables each school to see how its children have voted compared to the picture nationally. Votes for Schools then works in collaboration with bodies such as government departments, the police, media, celebrities and charities who are able to show the children how their voice is being heard.

Allowing children to have a voice is stated as a basic right by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and I am proud of the way in which Oakfield plays its part in this. However, it is also true to say that the right to be listened to and taken seriously is not something that many children across the world enjoy, and it remains our duty to teach our children to be mindful of this as they grow and their voice is developed on behalf of others.

Moyra Thompson

WE (STILL) WANT YOU(R) FOOTAGE

We have had some fantastic footage in from parents and carers - thank you for those who have responded this week. If you would still like to send me some footage to give your children the opportunity to potentially appear in our remote learning video then please send them into me by Wednesday 27th January.

For example, it could be footage of your children contribution on a Teams call, accessing work via the Pupil Portal or happily completing school projects or activities from home. You don't need a fancy camera - just filming on a smartphone or tablet would be great! If you can please film in landscape format and send your clips to bgolden@oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk.

Thank you so much!!

P.S. There are no promises I will put all clips I receive in the final video :)

OAKFIELD BIRTHDAYS

Year 6

YEAR 3

YEAR 2

This week Year 2 have been looking at electricity and circuits. We found out the components we need to make sure the bulb lights up and anything that could get in the way needs to be noticed too. The children had lots of ideas about how to stay safe with Electricity around us.

Year 2 were inspired by the how many things around our homes use electricity.

And here is some great creativity recorded from home this week too!

SPORT

ISA Limitless Skills 2021 Launch

Oakfield Prep were No.1 in the country for the first ever ISA Limitless Skills in 2020. Well done to all the children who took part! See the 2020 highlights video from ISA below which includes some familiar Oakfield faces.

We are delighted to inform you that the new ISA Limitless Series will be launched next week and we will need YOUR help to retain the title. More details will follow next week and I hope you're as excited as we are!

Free Empowering Kids Workshop

You will leave the workshop feeling confident and less stressed!

This is a 45 minute fun and active workshop. Suitable for parents or guardians with kids. All siblings welcome!

You will receive a FREE HAPPY dance video tutorial link at the end of the workshop!

Workshop will be facilitated by Marrielle Monte, author of Award Winning children's book, Magic Thinking for Kids. Her book teaches kids they can change their feelings simply by changing their thoughts! Marrielle is a Happy Activist and for the past 7 years has taught hundreds and hundreds of kids how to lead a happier life

Philip Pullman and Michael Rosen Virtual Event

On March 16th there is a rare opportunity to listen to the acclaimed and inspiring children’s authors, Philip Pullman and Michael Rosen, in conversation about children’s literature. Philip Pullman will be talking about his writing and some of the stories and ideas behind his influential and much loved books. And the event is FREE - you just need to register at the link below.

Virtual Chess Tournament

Pupils of all years are invited to the upcoming King Edward's Witley virtual chess competition on the 6th February at 11am. Details below!