Introduction from Mrs Brooks

Dear Parents/Carers, 

I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the new headteacher for Great Waltham C of E Primary School.  I would like to take this opportunity to briefly introduce myself and to express my enthusiasm for the exciting times ahead. 

I am very passionate about education and my aim is to give each child a variety of experiences and a chance to shine during their time at Great Waltham.  I put teaching and learning as well as safeguarding at the heart of everything I do. I look forward to building on the school's strengths and continuing to work in partnership with all stakeholders.

I have two children of my own, one of whom is off to university in September, so I do have an understanding of what it’s like to be a parent of school aged children.  With this in mind, I believe communication is of the upmost importance and I will be holding a number of events over the Autumn term so that I can get to know you all and start to build a successful partnership. These will include a coffee morning / afternoon tea and I will also be available at parent’s evenings, all of which will provide an opportunity to meet you and discuss plans for the future.  These events will take place at different times, which I hope will enable most parents and carers to attend.  In addition, I will be available on the playground before and after school.   

I am really looking forward to starting in September but in the meantime, I wish you all well in the coming months. 

Best wishes  

Mrs Justine Brooks 

Curriculum

Last week, the children came back to school and enjoyed a day with the author / illustrator Simon Murray. The children enjoyed a class based workshop about design and characterisation of the creature Icky Doo Dah. The children produced some fantastic artwork and will be finishing their work in the coming weeks in school.

Class Australia’s topic this term is all about the seaside. They have explored how to stay safe at the seaside and the importance of staying hydrated. This week they have been looking at information texts about rock pools and creating their own class book. The children are really focusing on using their phonics and becoming more independent and confident with their writing.

The children in Class Antarctica have been busy planting sunflower seeds. They have been writing instructions explaining the steps they took to do this. Miss Clydesdale is really pleased with the work the children are producing.

Class Africa have been looking at the story’ Jack and the Beanstalk’ and have planted broad beans. They have re-told the story of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ using interesting vocabulary.

In Key Stage two, the children have been busy completing a range of activities. The children with Miss McCullough this week have been creating theme park rides as part of a week-long design and technology project. They have had great fun designing and creating their own models. In computing, the children continue to work on their Stop Animation Projects where they have produced mini films using plasticine models and backgrounds that they created themselves.

Notices

Reminder - Change to pick up arrangements

Please can we remind you to advise the school office of any changes to your child's usual pick up arrangements. Whilst we understand that changes can be last minute, where possible please inform us by 12.00 noon on the day. If your child usually attends an after school club and on some occasions cannot attend, please can you advise us.

We can be contacted by e-mail or telephone:

admin@greatwaltham.essex.sch.uk - Tel: 01245 360 395

Icky Doo Dah Book Orders

If you haven't yet ordered a book from our author visit there is still time. 

Please return the slip & money to the school office before the end of June.

News

Hot Chocolate / Milkshake Friday!

This weeks hot chocolate Friday was milkshake Friday instead! A lovely treat for our winners on the hottest day of the year so far!

Well done to all of the winners for the last 2 weeks!