Happy half term! I am writing this looking out onto a sunny Pennthorpe site, with Sports Day ahead of us. It truly is one of the best and most eagerly anticipated days in the Pennthorpe calendar. I am sure that by the time you read this, you will have enjoyed a day of high-energy, competitive, positive and inclusive sport, and that your children are now looking forward to a well-earned rest.
I would like to thank you all for coming today; having parents present to watch and support the children is one of the things that makes the day so special each year.
We have had another busy week, and on Wednesday, the Beehive children welcomed parents for ‘Bring Your Parents to School’. This is another wonderful parent event, and it was lovely to see how much pride the children showed at drop-off, leading their parents into school to share their work, their Beehive, and their school. I love how proud our children are of Pennthorpe.
They delivered a wonderful Huddle alongside the Honey Pot children, and it was great for parents to hear about how we support the transition from Beehive into Reception. This all came in the same week that we celebrated Pennthorpe Nursery receiving a score of 9.6 on Day Nurseries, thanks to the reviews from our nursery families — thank you!
Another highlight of my week was spending time with Year 1 on Wednesday, reading them a story. Having had a book chosen for me, I stepped in to read The Book with No Pictures… and if you have never read it, beware! An ingenious children’s book by B.J. Novak (yes — the same one for American Office fans!), it explores the idea that whoever reads the book must say every word (or sound!) on every page, ‘no matter what!’. Needless to say, the children loved it.
It reminded me once again what an incredible thing it is to read aloud to children, I think it might be one of my favourite things to do in school. So much so that next year I would like to introduce a ‘Guest Reader’ initiative, bringing surprise visitors into school to read to different classes each week. Exposing children to different voices, and showing them the pleasure that we as adults get from books, is a wonderful way to encourage them to read themselves — and to share that joy with younger siblings too. I will write more about this next term, but if you would be interested in being involved and making a guest appearance, please do get in touch.
I also had the privilege of watching one of our Year 6 pupils present to Year 3 about his passion for palaeontology. James brought in his equipment, his fossil collection, and even created a PowerPoint showcasing some of the fossil hunts he has been on. I was blown away by his knowledge and enthusiasm, and very proud of both James and the Year 3 pupils as they learnt from one another.
Moments like this highlight just how important role models are at Pennthorpe, and the significant role our older pupils play in inspiring those younger than themselves. At the end of the talk, the children were asked how many of them would like to be palaeontologists when they grow up — with 8 out of 23 hands going up, it is fair to say that James did a wonderful job!
In staffing news, I am sad to share that Freya Conway will be leaving us at the end of the academic year. Freya has been Head of Science for the past two years and Head of Performing Arts (maternity cover) this year, achieving excellent outcomes in both roles.
The Science department has flourished under her leadership, particularly as she has redesigned the curriculum and assessment model following our move away from Common Entrance. During her time leading Performing Arts, she has produced some truly exceptional performances and had a profound impact on so many Pennthorpe children. Seeing their confidence grow as Freya has instilled such strong self-belief in them has been wonderful, and, as I said on Tuesday evening, to see the children so happy and at ease on stage has been a real triumph.
We wish Freya every success in her next chapter. I will write again after half term to share news of our new Head of Science, following interviews held last week.
I am, however, delighted to announce that Hannah Golchin will be returning to Pennthorpe after half term as Head of Performing Arts, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming her back. Having met with Hannah this week to discuss plans for next year, there is plenty to look forward to. Not wanting to wait until September, Hannah will also be reintroducing the Junior Orchestra immediately after half term, with plans for the group to perform at the EYFS Prize Giving next term. I can’t wait to see them back in action.
In more good news, it gives me great pleasure to share that Charlotte Gallina Breese and her partner, Charlie, are expecting their first baby later this year. We are absolutely thrilled for them. Charlotte will be with us at the start of the next academic year before going on maternity leave at October half term. I am sure you will all join me in congratulating her — I know she will be a wonderful mum, and we look forward to welcoming her back to visit us with her new arrival later next year.
Finally, as we move towards the end of the academic year, transition activities will begin in earnest during the first week back after half term. Details of each year group’s transition timeline can be found in the specific year group communications, so please do take some time over half term to review these and share them with your children. We know how important this process is, and ensuring that children feel ready and excited for the next stage of their educational journey is something we do exceptionally well at Pennthorpe.
