On Monday, I kicked off the week by talking to the children about optimism. I shared a quote from a retired gymnast, who described optimism as ‘a happiness magnet – if you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you’, and I couldn’t agree more. I believe optimism and positivity are two of the greatest tools we have in life, but they are also skills; we need to learn and practise them. So, when is the best time to learn and practise optimism and positivity? When we face challenges.
I spoke to the children about seeing these challenges as opportunities; opportunities to be brave, to build resilience, to develop perseverance, and to stay positive. I think we are very lucky at Pennthorpe, as it is naturally a happy place, which in turn fosters positivity.
On Wednesday afternoon, many of you joined us for our ‘Come and See What We Do’, and I was delighted that so many families commented on that feeling, both in person and in follow-up emails: ‘It was so wonderful to come and see all the children so happy… that’s all down to you… looking after our little ones with such love’ and ‘Pennthorpe had a wonderful buzz about it this afternoon, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.’ The best thing is, this is genuinely what Pennthorpe feels like every day.
After a lunchtime meeting this week, a parent mentioned they were ‘returning to work’ in the afternoon. It made me reflect on how fortunate I am that being here every day is my “work”. So, returning once again to the quote I shared on Monday, the idea of Pennthorpe as a ‘happiness magnet’ very much appeals, and those of you who joined us on Wednesday afternoon will know that we are already well on our way.
Alongside ‘Come and See What We Do’, it has been another busy week. Our Year 3 pupils had their first sleepover on Thursday evening and were simply brilliant. I had the pleasure of reading their bedtime story before retreating to the luxury of an airbed in my office. Thank you to Miss GB, Miss Cooper and Mrs Stanbridge, who braved the Year 3 corridor and were there for the children throughout the night. I am pleased to report it was a relatively quiet one.
Residential opportunities like this are a big part of what Pennthorpe is all about: stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing experiences that are both exciting and just a little daunting. Year 3 is a cohort that is increasingly demonstrating this, and we are incredibly proud of them.
This week, you will find your class lists for next year within your year group sections of the communications. Pastoral, academic and leadership staff have all contributed, and I am confident we have created classes and forms that will allow the children to make excellent academic and pastoral progress. If you have any questions about your child’s class for September, please do contact Sophie (Nursery), Miss Goddard (Pre-Prep), or Mrs Partridge (Prep School).
Thank you to all those who came out to support the staff team at Run Wisborough last Sunday. It was a wonderful morning, and seeing so many familiar faces on the course certainly helped Mr Mott, Miss Goddard, Amy Wilson and me get around the 10K. Watching several Pennthorpe pupils then take part in the colour run was also a very proud moment; not only because Wilfred in Year 3 ran away with the senior race, but because of the happiness and energy our pupils bring to any situation. I was proud of them, and I am sure their parents were too.
I would encourage as many of you as possible to put next year’s date in your diary early and come and join us. On the back of that dopamine hit, I have found myself entering both the Guildford Triathlon and the Barnes Green Half Marathon later this year, so if anyone fancies joining me for a training run, cycle or swim, please do let me know; I will need all the motivation I can get!
As many of you will be aware, staff absence has been a challenge for us this week. I have tried to keep those impacted up to date with the plans in place to ensure continuity and quality provision for all. However, there have still been a number of cover lessons. This is something we are addressing for next year. Many specialist staff will have slightly reduced timetables, enabling them to step in when required, and a break- and lunchtime supervisor will be recruited so that teaching staff have reduced duties and can spend more time doing what they do best – teaching.
Thank you for your understanding, and please be assured that I am on it. Specialist teaching and provision is one of the things that sets us apart, and September will see us strengthen further in this area. I am also pleased to share that Nicky Goddard, who many of you will remember as a former Deputy Head and Maths teacher at Pennthorpe, will be helping over the next few weeks with some Maths teaching. I am delighted to welcome Nicky back to Pennthorpe; please do say hello if you see her.
I am excited to share that I had a very productive meeting this week to discuss the creation of an orienteering course at Pennthorpe. As you know, I am keen to make the most of our incredible grounds whilst continuing to strengthen our provision, and this is a wonderful way to do both. Orienteering challenges pupils to think independently, build resilience and teamwork, and develop spatial awareness and problem-solving skills, all through an engaging, active experience in the outdoors. I am hopeful that next term, we will be able to share this new resource with our pupils and perhaps even launch it with our first ever ‘Pennthorpe Families Orienteering Challenge Day’.
Finally, a sentence which truly sums up Pennthorpe: good luck to all those representing the school in the County Athletics Championships at the K2 Arena today; I look forward to seeing those attending the Pre-Prep Beach Party tomorrow; enjoy the Sports Enrichment Session for those in school; and I cannot wait to hear all about the Formula Goblin Racing Team preparation day taking place on Sunday. If you ever wondered what a truly holistic education looks like, there it is.
Have a great weekend, and I look forward to seeing many of you at the FoP Quiz tomorrow night. The teachers’ team is down to four, so I am delighted to announce that we have been granted four ‘Phone a Friend’ opportunities to use throughout the evening—it seems fair!
P.S. Coming to work in pyjamas and slippers is absolutely wonderful. If you run a business (or if you are self-employed!), I would highly recommend getting involved with Pyjamarama Day next year!
