For us in schools, September is a time of new beginnings. The point in the school year of children moving up and moving on. At St Rumon’s and St Peter’s it is a time when we focus on building new relationships which will give us the foundations needed for the best learning experiences for our children. Teachers have taken time to welcome and nurture children and to set defined boundaries and expectations. We have allowed pupils the time to rekindle their friendships with peers and we always plan opportunities for building new working relationships.
A great way for pupils to get to know each other and their adults is through outdoor and adventurous opportunities. Each of our classes have ventured onto Dartmoor to climb their class tor! During their moorland journey the children develop their relationships as they support each other over the rugged terrain and the challenges that Dartmoor invariably presents. They persevere, succeed and celebrate together. Of course, these visits also ensure that we are getting our children out into our local habitats and environments and growing their understanding of their relationship with the world around them. The wonderful rangers who guide us on these visits share their expert knowledge of the natural and human history of the moor and the wonders of the flora and fauna.
Whilst the impact of COVID is still on going, we feel that life in our school is becoming ever more settled. It has taken time for teaching and learning routines to settle and for children and staff to re-establish the day to day ebb and flow of flourishing school life. I have had many opportunities this term to take stock of the progression of children’s learning and to reflect on the impact and difference that our teachers and support staff are making. It is a joy to see the children’s passion for learning, desire to reflect and improve and consequently the positive journeys through learning over the term.
As we ended last school year and moved into this new school year, myself and Mr Woodgates took time as the still relatively new leadership team to reflect and plan for the ongoing improvement journey for our schools. We have identified and set our priorities and mapped out the tools and strategies that will support us in achieving the best outcomes. We are extremely fortunate to be a part of St Christopher’s Trust. The wider services, support and opportunities provided by the trust enable us to have a sharp focus on the core focus of Teaching and Learning and draw on wide expertise from within and beyond the trust team.
This term, the staff and pupils were very excited to meet Father Matt in church and in our schools for the first time. Father Matt has taken time to visit classes and speak to pupils and adults. It is clear to us that the spirituality of the young people of the parish is in great hands and that the strong links between the school and church will continue to thrive. This term we were warmly welcomed to St Eustachius for our Harvest and All Saints services and representatives from both schools attended the Remembrance Service at The Cenotaph.
As I write this, the planning for the Christmas season is well underway. With the pressures and challenges that many of our families are feeling this winter, we are committed to ensuring that through our Christmas activities all our children have lasting memories of Joy and celebration this Christmas.