Dear Parents and Carers,

On Monday’s Inset Day, the teachers took part in specific training to support the development of our knowledge-based curriculum. The half term began in earnest on Tuesday when the school was buzzing with excitement as the children were fully engaged in the new learning journeys. Even the blustery and wet weather hasn’t dampened the children’s efforts throughout the week, which included Bodiam Class having a fabulous time visiting the Military Aviation Museum in Tangmere yesterday.

As you know, Reverend Richard leads our Worship on Tuesdays. This week, Richard challenged the children to think about laws and rules: laws set by the government and our school rules and how these affect our lives. The children then explored what Christians believe is the most important commandment. Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength (Matthew 22:37). This is reflected in our Open Door to Learning statements – one of which is ‘We Worship Together’.

Prayer for November

A new month means a new school prayer, which is attached to this letter. Thank you to Peyton, James, Harry, Albert and Jamie for their thoughtful ideas and reflections which have all contributed to the beautiful prayer.

Thought-Full

During the first half term, the children began to explore the 5 Ways to Well-Being. We strongly believe everyone’s mental health is very important and we have been working with the Local Authority to secure a Mental Health Practitioner for our school. His name is Ollie Kendall. We are excited to begin working with him. Here is an introduction from Ollie: My name is Ollie Kendall – I am a Trainee Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP). I work forThought-Full, the West Sussex Mental Health Support Teams in Schools service and I am delighted to have been allocated to Yapton C of E School. We support children with mild to moderate difficulties in the following areas:

• Sleep difficulties related to poor sleep routine, behavioural problems, anxiety-based night-time avoidance behaviours, or problematic thoughts or worries at night;

• Poor eating patterns or diet affected by and/or affecting mood (Not eating disorders);

• Low mood, depression and low self-esteem;

• Anxiety difficulties including phobias (e.g. animals, vomit, agoraphobia etc.), separation anxiety, social anxiety, school avoidance and excessive worry (Not Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder);

• Common behavioural difficulties (ages 4-8 only)

  Attached is a very short questionnaire from Ollie. If you are willing and able, please send your responses either within the form, or just as bullet points through the office2@yaptonschool.org email address.

  Remembrance Commemorations

  The children have begun to make their poppies which will be planted at the front of the school next week in the lead up to the Remembrance Day commemorations. We will gather as a whole school family on Friday morning to pay our respects to all those who have made sacrifices in different conflicts. During morning playtimes next week, our House Captains will be selling various items in aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Attached is a list of what is on offer along with suggested donations for these items.

  Children who are members of organisations such as the Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Girl guides, Brownies, Rainbows or any Cadet groups are invited to wear their uniforms on Friday 10th November.

  Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

  Take care

  Kim Huggett