Headteacher News
Dear Parents and Carer
As we end the month of November, I'm thrilled to share some of our highlights that have taken place at Tetherdown this month.
Online Safety Workshops: A special thanks to Rae Binger, our Computing Lead, for organising the online safety workshops for both children and parents. We hope this information empowers our community in the digital world. Stay tuned for the parent workshop recording available next week.
Sustainable Learning with the Garden Classroom: Despite the challenging weather, Ghenti Etan, our Science Lead, has been exemplary in managing sustainable activities in our woodland classroom. The children have gained invaluable insights into our local environment.
Quiz Night Success: Our heartfelt gratitude to the Friends of Tetherdown (FoT) for a memorable quiz night. It was a pleasure to see everyone bonding over trivia. Also, a notable mention to Gabriel, our Interim Head (thanks to the FoT Summer Auction), whose insights into school administration were truly eye-opening. Gabriel, you're a natural leader! Please read his version of the Heads newsletter.
Sports Tournament Participation: Kudos to Sonia Da Silva for her dedication in organising sports tournaments. Her efforts in ensuring fair participation and fostering resilience amongst our students who weren't selected are commendable.
A Season of Learning and Kindness: As we enter our last month of the Autumn term, I want to express my gratitude for your continuous support. It's a joy to see our students' kindness and eagerness to learn. Many of our staff talk about how their progress makes us all proud!
Attendance and Punctuality
Attendance at school plays a critical role in your child's educational journey, shaping their academic achievements, social growth, and overall well-being. Have a look at this infographic which explains its impact on learning.
Here's why it's so important:
Academic Progress: Regular attendance is key for your child to keep pace with the curriculum and avoid falling behind. Studies indicate that students who maintain high attendance rates tend to achieve better academic outcomes by the end of their primary education.
Social Growth: Being present in school regularly helps children forge lasting friendships and establish social ties with peers. Infrequent attendance can lead to feelings of isolation, adversely affecting their social development.
Habit Formation: Primary school years are ideal for cultivating positive habits. Regular attendance and punctuality are amongst the most crucial habits to inculcate. This instils a sense of responsibility and accountability, which benefits them long-term.
We recognise that there might be times when your child cannot attend school due to illness or other valid reasons. Nonetheless, it is vital to ensure that your child is present at school as much as possible. Absences can accumulate quickly, impacting their learning journey.
Our team is dedicated to assisting and supporting families facing challenges with attendance and punctuality. Remember, every day counts in your child's education, and we're here to help make each day rewarding and productive.
Annie Ashraf
Headteacher
