“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop
It has been a brilliant start to the term and I am ever enthused, even in the dark days of January, by the excited chatter and smiling faces of our pupils as they return to school. There is a lot planned for them over the coming weeks and I have no doubt that the children will approach everything with their customary energy and enjoyment.
It is my overriding aim that within the whole Edge Grove community, we treat each other with kindness and respect. You may have noticed the large signs which have appeared around the school with the resonating Aesop quote reminding us all that acts of kindness are the most important thing we can do, and are never wasted. It is this message that we will be reinforcing throughout the term and I hope you will be able to support us by talking to your children about their acts of kindness at home. We will also be celebrating them, at every opportunity, at school.
In my start of term assembly, rather than talking about New Year resolutions which unfortunately we usually end up breaking (crisp eating and gym visits spring to mind!), I spoke about focussing more on our behaviours instead. The need to always give of our best, approach everything we do with determination and effort, and above all never giving up. When learning an instrument, starting a new after-school activity or tackling a particularly thorny maths problem solving exercise, it can be all too easy to declare, ‘I quit’ as the alternative to digging deep and trying hard which can be uncomfortable. Again please help us in encouraging this with your children in order to ensure high levels of resilience and in turn, greater achievement and success.
I hope, wherever possible, that you will be able to attend the curriculum and coffee mornings being held for each year group over the coming days. In response to parental requests, we are holding them to not only keep you informed about curriculum coverage each term, but also to look deeper into how we teach, the learning outcomes and levels of attainment expected and how you can purposely and productively support your children at home. There will also be lots of opportunity to ask questions and for staff to clarify any misconceptions.
My best wishes for a good week ahead.
Ben Evans