As we move further into the new school year, it has been wonderful to see children becoming increasingly confident in their new classes and engaging with the learning taking place across the school. Each week, we are also focusing on a particular behaviour through our Behaviour Sprints, helping to re-establish good learning practices and positive learning behaviours across the school. So far, our focuses have been “We show proof of listening” and “We speak to be heard”. Please ask your children what our focus is each week and talk to them about how they are putting these behaviours into practice.

With the warmer weather still with us, the children have been making the most of their playtimes, enjoying being outside with their friends and making the most of our outdoor spaces.

Attendance remains a strong priority for us. The beginning of the school year is an important time for children to build strong foundations, establish good routines and settle into their learning. Being in school every day and arriving on time means children do not miss valuable learning and can make the most of the opportunities in front of them. A particular well done to Year 5, who have reached our school target of 95% attendance this week. Thank you to the children, parents and carers who have helped them achieve this.

As part of our focus on getting children to school safely and on time, where possible we encourage families to walk to school. For those who need to drive, please consider parking further away and walking the rest of the way to the school gates. In particular, please do not drive or park on Dallas Road or Brickwood Close. There is not enough space on these roads for safe drop-offs or parking, and dangerous driving creates a significant risk to our children. We are also aware that residents are becoming increasingly frustrated by unsafe driving and parking. Please consider the safety of our children and our wider community when travelling to and from school.

This year, we are also placing a particular focus on reading for pleasure. Reading has always been a priority at Kelvin Grove, both in school and at home, and we want to encourage every child to develop a genuine love of reading. That might be a comic book, a chapter book, a magazine, a non-fiction book or something completely different. What matters is that children find the books and styles that interest them and discover the enjoyment that reading can bring. A huge thank you to everyone who visited our Book Fair and bought books. It was wonderful to see such a great turnout and so many children excited to choose their next book.

Our Parents’ Evenings are coming up in the next few weeks, and a letter with information about booking appointments has been sent out today. This is a valuable opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher, talk about their progress and find out how they are getting on in their learning. Please make sure you book an appointment and take the opportunity to speak with your child’s teacher.

Finally, a huge thank you to the KG Circle for organising our nomination for the Tesco Stronger Starts Campaign, and to everyone who took the time to shop, vote and support Kelvin Grove. We are delighted to announce that the KG Community Garden has won. This funding will help us continue developing our community garden, creating an even better outdoor space for our children and wider school community. It is another wonderful example of what we can achieve when our community comes together.