With our second week following the Easter break well underway we are really enjoying using the outdoors to support children’s return to social, emotional and academic learning this week. With the emphasis firmly upon reminding ourselves of and consolidating the relationships, awareness and understanding we have there has been plenty of fun in the sun!
The children have commented upon how good it feels to see children from both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 playing on the school field at the same time. It so easy to overlook how small things are making a big difference right now. With space available to us we have been able to maintain distance between KS1 and KS2 class bubbles by splitting the field, and as you look out and see 4 classes playing in the same space it brings reminders of the ‘normal’ that we miss and continue to yearn for. Of course we’re moving in the right direction and there’s so much to look forward to.
In our Monday morning Key Stage 2 assemblies our theme is ‘Totally Together’ – we have been exploring what it means and how it feels to be reunited. We are talking about how changes around us, and experiences that we are having, are leading us to look forward and be excited about the future again. As we do this we will also be acknowledging the questions and concerns that children still have as a result of their experiences over the last year. As we remain positive, and careful in how we have contact with others, it would be easy to imagine that the past year is behind us and all is good. We can however all recognise within ourselves, as it will be for children, that the past year has changed things for us and we may now have new needs – perhaps the need to be heard, acknowledged and supported. We are keen to support both children and wider families with this part of the journey.
Sadly we continue to be restricted in how we can welcome you into the building. There’ll be a real celebration when ‘normal’ Time to Think can happen each morning! In the meantime please be confident in sharing with us any questions you have, successes or challenges you are experiencing – we will always try to make any approach you make to us worth your while. You know how to get in touch:
- School Gateway;
- School email address admin@haytorview.devon.sch.uk;
- Speaking with school staff via telephone 01626 203040.