Headteacher News
Dear Parents and Carers
I hope this Newsletter finds you and your family well.
Despite a huge increase in covid cases in the last couple of weeks we have continued to enjoy a wide variety of activities enhancing your children’s learning. Year 5 classes were visited by Apollo Music Foundation recently. This organisation work with schools across London with talented and experienced performers who come in to school to share their knowledge of music, the orchestra and individual instruments. Children will spend a number of sessions over the coming weeks learning about different sections of the orchestra which will culminate in two live performances in the latter part of the year.
We took part in Haringey’s sample dental survey with some of our Year 1 and Reception children. Thank you to parents for supporting the school with this.
Year 2 children enjoyed a wonderful “superhero day”. There were some amazing costumes and the children enjoyed being in character for the day.
Year 6 took part this afternoon in a Shakespeare Workshop learning about MacBeth through drama – thanks to our resident Drama Club teacher, Louise Parsons. We look forward to hearing more about this when the children are able to write a short report.
Parent Consultations will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 9th February. I hope you have been able to organise an appointment ahead of these dates. If you have any issues making an appointment please contact the admin team who will be happy to support you.
I recently met with the Friend of Tetherdown and following a very productive meeting I am delighted to share that we have agreed a number of priorities for fundraising, including:
- IT devices, technical support and interactive classroom screens.
- A brand-new activity centre for the Infant Playground replacing the old trim trail.
- Development of the Woodland slope and the Year 2 outdoor learning area to include bright new floor markings, gardening equipment and a lovely seating area with shade.
- Contributions towards the school cost of providing swimming provision.
- Development of the History, Geography and R.E. curriculum with resources and displays around school.
- A new stage to support the Performing Arts within our school curriculum.
We look forward to being able to share with you our progress in developing this aspect of the school’s work and thank the Friends of Tetherdown in anticipation of their support and hard work.
Please look out for information on our upcoming Readathon which we are holding to support World Book Day. Details of activities, competitions and dressing up will be available soon.
I would like to thank you and the staff for your continuing support during these challenging covid times. We have seen many staff absences and on occasions have struggled to obtain replacement support staff from agencies. Please be mindful that Senior Leaders are continuously monitoring standards and expectations around the school to ensure the continuing safety and warmth that we pride ourselves on.
We understand that managing your family’s covid situation can be time-consuming – indeed we have had around 90 cases in the last two weeks. It is really helpful when parents report their child absent using the school telephone number or by sending an email into the admin mailbox AND report the covid absence on the school website FORM.
Sadly, we say goodbye to one of our support staff, Barbara Magin, who has worked with our children for the last 6 years in a number of roles, including lunchtime support, Breakfast and After School Clubs. She has worked in class to support reading and will be taking up a new role as a private Nanny. I would like to than Ms Magin for all her hard work and support over the years and wish her all the best for a successful future.
Thank you for your continuing support and I wish you a restful weekend.
Tony Woodward
Headteacher