Dear Families
As we reach the end of another school year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly wonderful year at Coleham.
This week, we received our SATs results and I could not be more proud of our Year 6 children. The outcomes are excellent and are a reflection of so much more than a set of tests. They represent years of hard work, determination and resilience from the children themselves, alongside the dedication of their teachers and every adult who has supported them along the way. From teachers and teaching-assistants; intervention staff to office staff, lunchtime supervisors and everyone in between: success like this is always a team effort. Most importantly, it belongs to the children. They worked incredibly hard and thoroughly deserve every bit of success that has come their way. Precise details of the data will be on the website as soon as possible.
Reports also came home this week and I sincerely hope you enjoyed reading them. One of my favourite jobs at this time of year is reading every single report before they are sent out. It takes a little while, but it is always worth it. Reading about the progress children have made, the challenges they have overcome and the unique qualities they bring to school is a brilliant reminder of what a privilege it is to be part of their journey. I genuinely enjoyed reading every single one.
It has been a great year. There have been achievements in the classroom, on the sports pitches, on trips, in performances and in the countless everyday moments that make a school such a special place. None of that happens without the support of our families, so thank you. Whether it has been helping with reading, attending events, responding to messages or simply getting children through the gates each morning ready to learn, your partnership makes an enormous difference.
There are also a couple of staff members we will be saying goodbye to this summer. Mel, our cook, is leaving after providing countless wonderful meals for our children over the years. School lunches are a hugely important part of the day and Mel has played a significant role in making sure children have been well fed and looked after. We thank her for everything she has done and wish her all the very best for the future.
We will also be saying farewell to Mrs Field, who is leaving us to take up a College Lecturer position. This is a fantastic opportunity and a reflection of the expertise and knowledge she brings to education. We thank her for her contribution to Coleham over the last 8 years and wish her every success in her new role.
We are also delighted to share that Ms Lucas with be with us full time in September to be Year 1 Hedgehogs Class Teacher 5 days a week. This will provide greater consistency for the children and Mrs Stennett and Ms Lucas are excited to be teaching Year 1 together. They have lots of plans to freshen up the classrooms and transform the outside area ready for September!
Finally, it is a shame about England’s men at the World Cup. As I write this, the staff have yet to take on Year 6 in the end-of-year football and netball matches. Given recent sporting events, it would be nice if the adults could actually win something for a change! Whether we emerge victorious or not, I suspect the Year 6 children may have other ideas.
We’ve talked a lot about the year, but it’s not completely over yet: three days next week sees the final goodbyes; the House Cup and the winners of the termly Values Cups – so much to be excited about!
One final important message: Thank you for all your patience re: the road the last couple of days – it’s been stressful! As I understand it, the roundabout at Coleham Head will be resurfaced next week, but I am assured that it won’t have an impact on school. Let’s hope they’re right!
Have a lovely weekend!
Tom Larkham
Headteacher