Headteacher News
Dear Parents and Carers
We have been delighted since the start of term with our new catering company, Olive Dining. During our initial process of procurement our aim was always to provide enticing, flavoursome food which the children would be enthusiastic about eating. We also had high expectations on the appointed company to provide a vibrant, informative and welcoming dining experience. ALL of this, we have seen since Olive Dining have taken over. Our original kitchen staff, led by Millie are working extremely hard to get to grips with these improved standards and I would like to thank the team for their commitment so far.
We will be providing all Junior aged children who currently bring in a packed lunch to school to take part in our planned taster sessions. This is not a full lunch just a sample from a chosen day's menu therefore your child will still need to bring their packed lunch. Taster days are on:
Year 3 - Wednesday 11th May
Year 4 - Thursday 12th May
Year 5 - Wednesday 18th May
Year 6 - Thursday 19th May
We intend for those families wishing to transfer to a regular school meal to be able to quickly register for the next half-term (summer 2) so that your child can participate and enjoy the benefits of the lunchtime service provided by Olive Dining. If you would like your child to participate in a taster session please complete the Microsoft form below before 9am Friday 6th May 2022.
Microsoft Forms
Many thanks to those parents who are beginning to engage with the school in real life! We have recently provided two information events: a Maths Workshop for parents and carers with children in Years 3 to 6 and a PGL information to parents and carers in Y6. Both sessions were very well attended, and we thank you for your support and contributions to these events. Slides for the Maths Workshop are linked to our school website Key Letters & Presentation page.
Looking ahead to extracurricular sports provision in the autumn term, we would like all families with children currently in Year 2 to 5 to complete a short questionnaire to determine needs and preferences. We are particularly keen to raise the profile of girls’ sports. Please look out for the questionnaire which will be sent out early next week via ParentPay.
After the half-term break we will be celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee (70 Years). Staff are planning many exciting and inspiring activities including an art exhibition and a musical performance from every year group. This event will take place on Friday 10th June and parents are invited on to the junior playground to attend our summer concert at 1.30pm. At 2.30pm you will then be provided the opportunity to pick up your child from their classroom and tour the school to see all of our amazing work. Please make every effort to come and join us as I know many of you are super keen to see your child’s classrooms and their work since the covid experience curtailed such arrangements.
I would like to bring to everyone’s attention the amazing work of our Friends of Tetherdown Committee who have worked tirelessly over the last four years to raise much needed money for your children at Tetherdown. During this time Mia Jenkins, Chair, has developed a strong sense of community, even through COVID times, and the committee, volunteers and parents have raised a fantastic amount of money. Sadly, the committee will be stepping down, and we look to you as parents and carers of children at Tetherdown to commit to taking up the reins on this important aspect of school work.
Over the years I have worked with three quite different committees, all of which have worked in very different ways. Across the school we have really valued the support, engagement, collaboration and inspiration brought to the school in an endeavour to ensure our children – your children – have the best opportunities put in front of them. Without this our school cannot provide the level of learning resources, playground equipment, or IT infrastructure necessary for the successes we aspire to. We would love to work with our next Chair of the Friends of Tetherdown to suit your needs, your expertise and build on what you have to offer. Without this support your child’s journey will unfortunately, be significantly impacted. Sharing is caring, as they say. Please give some time to thinking about how you can contribute to the development of your child’s school environment, our beautiful surroundings and the friendships that we value so much. Let’s keep the magic going!
In our endeavour to reach out to the Archery Club on the Thames Water Reservoir, we would like any parent with an association to the club to help with developing more successful lines of communication. The Archery Club and field offer a unique opportunity to our children at Tetherdown, and we are keen to explore this further. Do contact the office in the first instance to provide us with your details. Many thanks in advance.
Finally, I would like to wish our Muslim community at Tetherdown a happy and peaceful Eid - Eid Mubarak!
Kind regards
Tony Woodward
Headteacher