Dear parents and carers,
It’s been a very challenging week this week with the extremely warm weather. We have worked hard to adapt our school day and keep the children cool – combining classes to make the most of cooler rooms, shortening the lunchtime play outside and using the hall for more learning. The children have coped incredibly well and we have been very proud of them, particularly when we know it’s been so difficult to sleep at night. The slightly cooler weather today has been a welcome change.
Despite the heat, we had a successful first transition afternoon on Tuesday. The children in Reception and Year 1 enjoyed meeting their new teachers and classmates and exploring their new classrooms. There were some nerves and excitement which we discussed were completely normal feelings to be experiencing. The teachers and TAs also enjoyed meeting the new pupils and finding out a bit more about them. During our staff meetings this week and next week, staff are handing over the key information about all pupils to their next teachers so that the transition in September is really smooth. Deciding the new class groups is always a very difficult decision with lots of factors to balance. Teachers and teaching assistants put a lot of time into the process.
Year 2 had a great afternoon at Pilton Bluecoat. They’re very familiar with Pilton Bluecoat now after all of their recent transition activities, so were more than ready to spend the afternoon there. It was also wonderful to meet our new Reception cohort in the afternoon and their parents in the evening. We’re really looking forward to them visiting again next week and then joining us properly in September.
Our local community is very important to us at Pilton Infants’. Our new area PCSO visited me on Wednesday to say hello and have a chat. As a former Pilton Infants’ pupil, she is very keen to get involved with the school and support the children. We look forward to working with her.
This afternoon, Lisa from Barnstaple Library came to visit and introduce the summer reading challenge to all the pupils. The library is a great local resource in our community, for families with lots of free clubs and activities during the holidays, as well as an amazing collection of books.
Next Tuesday afternoon is our second transition afternoon and we’re hopeful that Sportsday will be on next Wednesday. The gates will open at 1.40pm with events starting at 2.00pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
Although the weather is cooler next week, UV levels are still high, so please ensure children have suncream, hats and drinks bottles every day.
Finally, this week, we’re celebrating Mrs Johnson (HLTA) who, today, marks 30 years of working at Pilton Infants’ – a real-life Timmy Teamworker and Carly Can Do! She has supported countless children and families. Thank you, Mrs Johnson.
Have a lovely weekend.
Best wishes,
John Mortimer, Head of School
