Dear Parents

What a fantastic two weeks we have had! The residential trips have been highly successful, with Year 3 spending 3 days learning all about the Celts at New Barn in Dorset, Year 4 and Year 5 enjoying a four day adventure of climbing, abseiling and relaxing around a campfire in the Mendip Hills. Year 6 have had a whole week away at a PGL centre where they have been sailing with the National Sailing Academy and challenging themselves on Jacob’s ladder. They have also been learning survival techniques. A huge Thank You to all the staff who accompanied the children, and an especial thanks to the trip leaders for doing such an amazing job! 

At St James we believe strongly in our residential programme as it equips our children for life. The programme that we have devised builds resilience, independence, confidence and deepens friendships. I am always struck by how much the children have grown up when they return. Having London as our extended classroom is a huge bonus, and this week the children in Year 5 had their art lesson in the National Gallery where they had talks and workshops with an art specialist; next week it will be Year 4’s turn.

Our Chess Team gained medals at the Queen’s Gate School tournament, and we will be celebrating their success in our newsletter on Friday. On Wednesday, the Year 5 pupils were outstanding greeters, tour guides, and speakers for our very well attended Open Morning. They stepped in gallantly as the Year 6 pupils were away on their trip and they made us all very proud. Feedback from our visitors was extremely positive.

Today we have sent off our third batch of sandwiches for Under One Sky, and we are now supplying them each Friday with different groups of children helping to make them. During Tea and Toast a group of Year 4 children made sandwiches with Chef Suzie whilst I met with the other half. Next week we will switch the groups around. We are using the cheese, tomatoes, humous and lettuce that is not used at lunch time to make the sandwiches and they are then distributed to our homeless friends in London on Saturday. The children are enjoying making a difference to the lives of others and the kitchen are pleased that we are not having to throw the leftovers away.

On Tuesday and Thursday next week we are inviting you to come in for a family lunch with your child. We have had a strong response so far and we will be looking for further ways to get you involved in school life. After half-term, we will be timetabling in regular Parenting Support Groups in the Café, mindfulness sessions and possibly even cooking lessons for you to learn how to cook quick and healthy vegetarian meals for your child.

The courtyard now has two little water fountains to add to the oasis feel. Please supervise your children after school to ensure that the fountains are not damaged. There is a basket of books for you to borrow or to read with your child while you are waiting. Do feel free to add any good quality books that you no longer need.

Next week we will have our half-termly Newsletter with dates for our new workshops and cooking lessons.

Have a lovely weekend.

Best wishes

Mrs Wyatt