Dear parents and guardians,
It has been barely a month since the last newsletter and it is remarkable that there is so much content to pass on after this relatively short amount of time. As I am writing this newsletter I am also thinking ahead to the next number of weeks which are also packed with events and trips….there is never a dull moment!
6Alpha have certainly not been finding life dull, delivering an excellent assembly towards the end of the last half term on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). They independently put together an assembly aiming to raise our awareness of the SDGs. Year 6 delivered some tough messages in a compelling way. Most pleasing to see was the positive role modelling in place as our young audience learned about the initiatives that Year 6 had implemented to reduce food waste, reduce energy consumption and improve our local environment - 6Alpha are clearly very socially responsible. Stop, Think, Do More!
Our learning habit for this half term is resilience, a habit that is a key component whilst embarking on the journey to learn a musical instrument. Music is a strength at Rosedale House and Madingley, rhythm runs through our pupils’ veins. This was clearly evident during the recent Performers Platform for Year 5 and 6 pupils. The Performers Platform is an event open to those who are learning instruments and provides the children with an opportunity to perform more formally to an audience. Pupils in Year 2 will be given their chance to shine in the Summer Term. I thoroughly enjoy listening and watching our young musicians play with such skill and confidence...it’s truly inspiring!
Year 1 and 2 took us into our half term break full of Spring cheer as they dazzled parents with their performance of The Bee Musical. Please click here to read the news story and see the range of photos from the show. For a range of news stories that cover many events that have taken place during the last few weeks please do go to our newspage.
Our pupils have recently been thinking about eSafety. Concepts of keeping safe on-line are regularly delivered throughout the children’s curriculum. Whether specifically in a PSHE lesson or more informally during a science or history lesson, when topical issues may arise, we realise the importance of ensuring that our pupils have the power of knowledge!
I recently completed an eSafety training course and to be honest very little has changed in terms of messaging over the last number of years. We have better support as parents and teachers, through the work of organisations like: Thinkuknow or NetAware and companies are receiving more and more pressure to take greater responsibility for ensuring child safety whilst online. The world is slowly waking up to the need to have measures in place that enable our children to enjoy the internet within crucially safe parameters. However, this is certainly not a finished picture and the key responsibility lies with us parents and schools to ensure sound advice is delivered. It can feel overwhelming to stay on top of changing trends but fundamental principles remain. Have you managed your child’s accounts? Are the privacy settings turned on and are they accessing age appropriate apps and content? Do you know which apps they are using?
One outcome from a recent assembly is that our children are well taught and know how to stay safe. Research shows that when experiencing content that makes children feel uncomfortable they tend to do what they are being asked to do (as most children usually will), rather than stop and think should they be doing this ...stay involved and don’t assume everything is fine!
With best wishes
David Hewlett
Head of Rosedale House and Madingley
