Headteacher News
Dear Parents and Carers
As we wrap up this school year, I want to share my final thoughts and reflections on an incredible first year as head. These last few weeks have been a whirlwind, filled with joy and memorable moments.
KS1 Sports Day
A big thank you to all parents, children, and especially Coaches Da Silva, Hamadi, and Zack for organizing the KS1 Sports Day. Watching parents support their children with such enthusiasm, donning the same colours and waving banners, was heart warming. I've asked Coach Da Silva to provide a summary of this year's sports achievements, so be sure to read it.
Trips, Workshops, Events and Assemblies
Our dedicated staff have been working tirelessly to organise a variety of trips for the children. These excursions included a fascinating visit to the London Zoo, an educational tour of the British Museum, and a delightful day at Walton-on-the Naze. I had the pleasure of accompanying the children on the Walton trip, where we received numerous compliments from the public on how well-behaved and polite our children were. Additionally, I absolutely adored the recent Orchestra Assembly, where the children's musical talents were on full display, and the Reception Breakfast Assembly, which was a wonderful start to the day.
Another of the highlights was the Year 6 sleepover, expertly organised by Y6 parents led by Katie Betti. Who would have thought my first year as head would include spending a night at school! This was a fantastic event, despite only getting 3 hours of sleep and I'm grateful to everyone involved and the funds raised to support the school.
Our Year 6 students delivered a truly impressive, West End-level production of Oliver! Their dedication, teamwork, creativity, acting, choreography, and technical skills, including scenery, props, sound, and lighting, were awe-inspiring. Special thanks to Mr Buckeridge, Ms Jones, Mr Da Silva, and Ms Nicholls for their exceptional leadership and hard work. We also deeply appreciate the parents for their unwavering support. It was a fantastic production, showcasing the incredible talents of our children and a memorable milestone for them.
Results
Finally, a massive thank you and congratulations to our Year 6 children for their outstanding SATs results and to our Year 2 students for their impressive phonics achievements.
Parent Support
Thank you to the parents who have generously given their time and support to the school in numerous ways. From building a new sandpit in the EYFS playground to sourcing art supplies by reaching out to various suppliers, and even providing an incredible opera experience for Year 1 and Year 3 children, your contributions have been invaluable. We are also deeply grateful to those who have generously donated to our Keep the Lights On Fund.
A special thank you goes to the Friends of Tetherdown for organizing the Silent Disco and the highly successful Summer Fair. The event was filled with joy and excitement, featuring children’s stalls, a delightful choir performance, and an energetic JK dance. Thank you, parents, for the time and effort you dedicated to setting up and managing it all. Your involvement has made a significant difference and will raise significant funds for our school.
Looking ahead
We have made some adjustments to our internal timetable to better support our children's learning and well-being. While we are one of the few schools that still offer an afternoon play, which I am committed to keeping, we have moved our lunchtime to 12:30 pm. This change will require some adaptation, so please ensure your child has a nutritious breakfast. Reception to year 2 students will continue to receive a snack (fruit or vegetables) provided by the government. For year 3 to year 6 students, we recommend sending a substantial, healthy, nut-free snack. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us make this transition smooth and beneficial for the children.
We have an exciting year ahead! The 2024-25 school year will emphasise the social and emotional development of our children, with significant improvements to our playgrounds and play provisions. This initiative is part of an ambitious three-year plan, described by the governors, which I am thrilled about. I will share more details with you in September 2024.
Wishing you all a restful and wonderful summer from myself and all the staff at Tetherdown. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, 4th September. Please encourage your children to send me a postcard from your travels (be it in the UK or abroad)—I would love to hear about their adventures.
Best wishes
Annie Ashraf
Headteacher
