Headteacher Update - Friday 20th January 2023

Welcome to this week's 'Weekly Update'.

 

I think we are all pleased to see the back of the recent rain. It has certainly felt relentless, and everyone has appreciated these crisp, but dry, winter days.

 

At Oakwood, we have been enjoying the celebrations for the Chinese New Year - the year of the Rabbit. All of the classes have enjoyed learning about the traditions of the festival and the symbolism of the rabbit. There has been some brilliant artwork and some great displays throughout the school. 

 

Our children in Year 5 enjoyed a fantastic trip to Newhaven Fort this week, where they learned about how the fort was used as part of the longest work of defence ever built in Sussex. The children enjoyed exploring the network of tunnels and finding out how the fort was used during the World Wars, building on their knowledge from their learning journey. 

 

I've had plenty of knocks on my door this week, with children eager and enthusiastic to share their learning with me. It's always a pleasure to do so, and a real highlight, and a restock of Headteacher stickers is definitely needed!

 

'Well done' to all of our certificate winners. There was a huge amount of pride amongst all of our winners today. Here is the list of this week's 'Stars' and the value they have been awarded!

 

Reception - Archie W. for Achievement

Year 1 Nightingale - Holly B. for Achievement

Year 2 Brunel - Flynn-Jack J. for Equality

Year 3 Ashe - Ernis H. for Achievement

Year 3 Turing - Cheyenne L. for Achievement

Year 4 Logie-Baird - Teddie W. for Equality

Year 4 Thunberg - Thorin D. for Knowledge

Year 5 Hamilton - Blake D. for Determination

Year 5 Pankhurst - Henley V. for Determination

Year 6 Amundsen - Evie C. for Equality

Year 6 Parks - Cherry B. for Equality 

 

We have lots of information in this week's Bulletin, including our learning photographs and details about this term's curriculum events - please do take a look! 

 

Finally, you may be aware that the NEU teaching union has voted in favour of strike action. The first anticipated strike day is scheduled for Wednesday 1st February, and is likely to impact staffing arrangements in some way. What this looks like, is currently unclear. The Trust will provide further communication to all parents in the early part of next week, and I will follow up with our plans, when the details of the strike is clearer. I appreciate the likely impact that this will have on families, and will do my best to ensure that I update you as I am able to.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Ryan Laker
Headteacher