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Newsletter 5
Thursday 14th November 2024
It was really pleasing to share the comments from the county advisor visit last month. The teaching team continue to excel at Tudor and receiving such positive feedback from experienced colleagues at county about how we support the children is rewarding to read. As I mentioned in the first assembly after the half term break, the second half of the autumn term in schools is a truly busy time. Our focus must continue to be on providing high-quality learning experiences EVERY day for the children but also to ensure we get the right balance of ‘extras’ at what is a special time of the year. The weather may become a little (or a lot!) colder outside but the atmosphere inside is sure to remain warm and inviting. After the positive feedback on our approaches last year, we will seek to meet (and even exceed!) your expectations again this term. As one of the largest primary schools in Hertfordshire now (we are even OVER capacity!), we have to plan carefully about what performances/ events we can offer and, as some of our more ‘experienced’ Tudor parents know, we have even tried outdoor events in the past. We pledge that December 2024 will a fun, memorable and rewarding time for all.
I do not often comment in newsletters on the success of our children at lunchtimes but it is fair to say that such periods of the day can really highlight just HOW happy a school is. My additional work as a headteacher member of the Dacorum Behaviour and Wellbeing board evidences how well-organized, safe and interactive lunchtimes are vital for children. At Tudor, children are able to access a wide range of opportunities (sporting, active or creative) every lunchtime and this ensures that high standards of behaviour are maintained when the children are out of class. As a headteacher who is present EVERY lunchtime with the children, it is always rewarding to see how much fun the children have; they are always keen to share new skills, dances, creations and more! Just this week, three awesome Tudorites were keen to share some acrostic poems they had written during lunchtime following Ms Smith’s assemblies on values… well done girls!
A FOND FAREWELL to Mr Denny on Friday 6th December- what a difference he has made to Tudor.
As I often say on the (many!) tours we have to prospective parents at Tudor, a key part of my role is making sure that I surround myself with the BEST staff team I can. Whilst I am very aspirational for the Tudor community, my job would not be possible unless the team can put those ideas into action. When Mr Denny became site manager in December 2020, the school was certainly not in the shape it is now. He has been a true strength of the school, especially with those tough (and tricky!) situations that are not always visible. Ranging from the taps to security doors to Health and Safety, EVERYTHING works at Tudor and we have Mr Denny to thank for that. We have roofs and ceilings that are now watertight, walls that are well painted, and a site that many headteachers are very envious of. He has also been able to support other schools with their site challenges- he really has been a true star for Tudor and beyond. I would like to thank Mr Denny on behalf of ALL the Tudor community and wish him well with what is clearly a fantastic new opportunity for him. I do think he’ll miss working in a school though and I am sure that we will continue to see him lots in and around our school (and the local area!). Thank you Mr Denny and good luck in the future. We will all miss you.
Inclusion at Tudor Primary- a message from Miss Reading- our Leader for Inclusion:
Thank you to parents of children who have an individual support plan and attended their child's support plan meeting. Plans are more successful when targets and support required are agreed by teachers, parents and pupils, it is vital we all work together to assist your child in achieving their individual goals. Every half term I facilitate a 'Tudor Coffee Morning', sometimes these meetings have a specific focus. If you would like more information or support with a particular topic e.g. sleep, routine and boundaries etc. please do let me know and I will endeavour to cover this.
FOT- THANK YOU for the FIREWORKS event…now for festive fun!
What a truly spectacular event we all enjoyed! There was about 1000 people present at the fantastic fireworks last Friday and I am sure EVERY one would agree that a key reason for the success was the super organisation by the FOT team.
The Friends of Tudor are now looking forward to delivering their next events in the run up to Christmas. Such events are great fun for the community and they ALSO help raise money which benefits every child at school.
Parent Governor Election
The members of the governing board at Tudor have been instrumental in helping lead the development of the school and it was pleasing to see that there was good interest in the position of parent governor recently. Well done to Rob Davies who achieved the most votes in a very close- run parent election. He is sure to bring some further expertise to what is a highly professional and committed board! Thanks to those who put themselves forward as well as the many parents who took time to vote.
Are you interested in purchasing a woodwind instrument?
There has been good levels of interest but we still have some saxophones, flutes and clarinets left for purchase. We are able to sell these for fantastically low/ subsidised prices. Saxophones are available for £100, flutes for £20 and clarinets for £30. For more information, contact the office.
Children in Need and Anti-bullying week
There has been an enhanced focus this week on the important value of ‘Respect’. At Tudor, we have three core principles of behaviour and these were selected by the children themselves. They are:
Be Kind; Be respectful; Be responsible
To support Children in Need on Friday, we are asking that you donate just £1 when you come to school on Friday 15th November in non-school uniform. Pudsey has his very own spotty eye patch, come to school in your brightest, spottiest, SPOTacular clothes. The louder and brighter and spottier the better!
Important dates for the second half of the autumn term:
Class assemblies-
6Y- 14th Nov
5W- 21st Nov
4V- 28th Nov
3T- 5th Dec
KS1 Christmas performances- 9.30am on Tues 10th and Thurs 12th December
EYFS Christmas performance- 9.30am on Weds 11th December
School Christmas Lunch- Weds 11th December
Christmas is coming- This Friday is the deadline for Santa letters that get special ELF DELIVERY! This costs £3.50 and the post box (as well as the letter template) can be found in the school office.
Christmas Card ordering reopens 15th Nov until 25th Nov so if you need additional items or missed the previous order dates, now is the time to do it. Visit https://shop.classfundraising.co.uk/
The word RESPECT is mentioned a lot in this newsletter. I feel fortunate to come each day to what is (in my view!) the BEST school around. Whilst it must be frustrating to be on the receiving end of parking tickets/ penalties, please ensure that you treat all members of the school community respectfully (including parking attendants). After all, correct parking is all about keeping children safe and issues only appear to arise when parents are insistent on parking as close to the school as possible. To ensure a peaceful, stress-free! start and end to the school day, do consider walking or at least parking a little way from the school (where is lots of space) and walking the last bit.