Most of us, pupils, parents and staff, get a little anxious about the start of a new school year, however the reality has been an absolute joy this week. We have LOVED having all of the school community back together again and it is so wonderful to see the children a little bit bigger and full of stories about their summers. We welcome all of our new families in Nursery and Reception, and of course, other year groups across the school.
I have been extremely impressed with the behaviour of the whole school in the two assemblies I have already done this week. Our children really have been showing our Galley Hill Expectations:
· Be respectful
· Be safe
· Be your best
Website
As many of you may have spotted, we are delighted to have launched our redesigned website for the start of the new school year. With the developers, we have considered making the website as user friendly as possible, particularly for mobile devices. I would like to say a huge thank you to Mr Edwards, who has worked extremely hard to make this project happen. We hope you enjoy using our new site.
Welcome Meetings
As you will know, welcome meetings for each year group (Years 1 to 6) have started taking place this week. Thank you to all parents who have already attended. We hope the summary of the key points about learning for the year, any statutory assessments and school expectations are helpful to you.
These meetings continue next week as follows:
Year 6 – Monday 9th September at 3:20pm in Topaz classroom
Year 5 – Tuesday 10th September at 3:20pm in Onyx classroom
Year 2 – Thursday 12th September at 3:20pm in Pearl classroom
Staff News
As I am sure many of you will have spotted, we want to say congratulations to Mrs Pritchett, who is expecting Baby Pritchett Number Two in December. Mrs Pritchett will be with us for most of this term. We will be keeping parents of children in Coral updated regarding a new teacher as the term progresses.
Congratulations to Mrs Dumpleton who successfully completed her Level 3 Early Years qualification at the end of July. We are extremely proud of her achievements.
Value of the Month
Every month, we have a value that we focus on through assemblies and discussions with the children. Our 11 values (we do not have one for August!) were selected by staff, pupils and parents prior to the pandemic. The full list can be found on our website: Galley Hill Primary School and Nursery - School Values
Our value for the month of September is COURAGE. On Wednesday in assembly, we talked about the courage to try new things even when they feel difficult. We would really appreciate you speaking with your child at home about what it means to be courageous and how this is different from taking unnecessary risks.
Celebrating Achievements
If your child has any achievements from outside of school please email them to admin@galleyhill.herts.sch.uk to be included on the newsletter.
Alice Hin 3 Emerald passed her LAMDA Acting Grade 1exam with Merit in the holidays. Well done Alice!
Paige C in 2 Pearl completed the Summer Reading Challenge at the library over the summer. Fantastic reading Paige!
Mark C in 1 Crystal and his sister Flora C B in 3 Ruby have both received their end of year certificates and awards at First Gymnastics and also both completed the Summer Reading Challenge. Flora has also been attending the Hemel Hempstead Theatre Company and performed on stage in The Wizard of Oz over the summer. Great work Mark and Flora!
Carina H in 2 Pearl has also completed the Summer Reading Challenge and has completed her Stage 2 Swimming badge. Well done Carina!
News
Lunchtime
Children from Years 1 to 6 have been enjoying using both KS1 and KS2 playgrounds this week at lunchtime. They can now choose where they would like to play at lunchtime and move between the KS2 playground, field and woodland area and the KS1 playground. It has been lovely to see all children playing together and the older children playing with and supporting the younger children. Reception and Nursery are continuing to use the Early Years playground each lunchtime.
If you have any wheeled items at home that you can donate then please place them in the donation box outside the office (e.g.scooters, balance bikes, cars, suitcases). Thank you for your continued support.
ASDA Cashpot for Schools
We are still looking for helpers on the day to assist with setting up and running stalls. If you are able to help then please pop to the office and put your name on the sign up sheet! Without volunteers then events like this won't be able to happen.
