What a positive start to the summer term, with some bright sunshine! As the week has gone on, the children have moved into their checked summer outfits, shorts and ankle socks. I did catch two children in Y3 in deep discussion, comparing the shape of their knees the other day.  I did wonder if they had not actually looked at their knees since last year?  Summer brings so much freedom and opportunity. Longer days to fit in more fun. As I was locking up early years the other night, the majority of Y6 were coming away from the park, laughing together. They shouted as loudly as they could down the street to me. “Miss Pashley, need  hand?” Playing out is such an important part of childhood and having the freedom and trust of their parents is an experience that sets them up for life.

It was my first full week back in school and I had to answer the question from our younger learners, “Where are your ‘rutches’?” Which I am very happy to respond with, back at the hospital! We really do have the most delightful children at Westroyd. There has been little laptop work done this week, as I have been in class catching up with the children and their progress. They really are a huge distraction from meetings and dealing with paperwork. I was joined in class by our school improvement advisor from the LA, who continues to be impressed by our professionalism and drive to be innovative and drive standards.

This week, our Y4 and our SEND swimming squad have been swimming every day again. Great progress towards such an important life skill. All the swimmers have been at the deep end and thus our SEND swim squad have been entered into an event in July at John Charles. Which we will win, of course!

Y3 made the trip to The Deep in Hull as part of their polar theme. When we go out, we set a target of at least three random members of the public praising the children for their behaviour/manners. Of course, our Y3 achieved this and have acquired pride and sheep points as a consequence. The children in this class are really becoming a very mature bunch, who really look out for each other and staff. The other day in assembly, as they were walking in, one of them noticed a missing bench. They just went to the cupboard and got an extra one out for Y6. No direction. They just knew it had to be done. Small thing, but a big thing.

We collected a large quantity of old clothes for Leukaemia UK this week. Thank you very much. The photo above shows myself and two Y6 who helped to move all the donations and insisted on having a glory photograph!

If you have not already noticed, Mrs Hollingshead has quite a baby bump. We sat in a meeting the other day and Mr Popple and I were sat watching the little lady play football! Kicking like mad. Mrs H only has three weeks to go, and she is scaring us all with her organising.  Preparing for her departure. I have had lists, tables, dates emailed to me at a rate of knots and there are folders set up for next academic year and dates on the calendar. If you see her, please tell her to slow down! She is so committed to Westroyd and maintaining our high standards.

We had a funny moment in school last week. Mrs Hollingshead and I were showing around a family, looking to apply to our school in September 2027. (We are getting very popular!) They were a proper lovely family, and we were all getting on well on the tour. If you have never done a tour, we usually get the children to lead it, or at the least, introduce each class. We walked into Y2 and I anticipated two children coming to us and introducing the class. Instead, Mr Clough, started to use a really posh voice and talk at length and in detail about what the children were learning. Me and Mrs Hollingshead, and the children were all staring at Mr Clough, thinking What are you doing? Alex and Arthur had nothing to say! And why the posh voice? You see what you get at Westroyd, we are very transparent. Anyway, we finished the tour, which was fun, and I am pretty sure they will join us in 2027 and off they went. Next thing, Mr Clough came running down the corridor, giddy as a goose, shouting, "O my word, do you know who that was?" We were like, not at all. Turns out some famous TV presenter, thus why he was taking the limelight in his classroom. Never a dull moment with Mr Clough! He spent his break walking about telling everyone he had met them. 

Breaking news, after nearly three years of playing Uno, we have upgraded to Uno – NO MERCY! Not for the faint-hearted, as it is brutal. Forget plus 4 it has Plus 10!!! I played our first game in wraparound on Friday with Hami and Jacob. Of course, I won, but I have been playing it all holidays with my family. Round two next week, 

Excited about next week, as we are filling the planters with bright bedding plants! The gardens have been a bit neglected in my absence. I had the children cutting back the daffodils for me on Friday, clearing space, ready for next Friday, when I have some volunteers to help! Summer is here for sure!