Headmaster's Welcome

Headmaster's Weekly News, Friday 12th July, 2019

Jul 12, 2019

12 July 2019

Dear Parents

Leavers’ Assembly
This is always the most memorable and emotive assembly of the year as we look back on our Year 6’s journey through the years at Highfield. We share with you many happy memories from your years here, right back to Nursery for some of you and throughout the school; many of you have been with us for nine years! You spoke passionately and fondly of the activities and events that you have enjoyed, the ones that made you laugh and the ones you will always remember. The Assembly finished with your leavers’ video which really captured the big heart and fun side of Year 6 and certainly made us all laugh. Thank you Year 6 for so many happy memories.

NCT Results
The Year 6 National Curriculum Tests results were published on Tuesday. The children achieved the following class average scaled scores.
111 in Mathematics (National Average: 105)
111 in Reading (National Average: 104)
115 in Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (National Average 106).
This is an excellent set of results. Congratulations to all the children and staff on all your hard work.

Summer Fayre
It was lovely to see so many people at the Summer Fayre on Sunday. The weather was kind to us again and helped to create a lovely atmosphere throughout the afternoon. There was a wide range of stores and activities to keep us entertained and an excellent Bollywood Dance Display by Anshi, Yaamini, Reya and Amritha. Thank you to everyone who supported the event and to our PTA for organising it. Also, a big thank you to Ms Eccles who worked incredibly hard in the lead up to the day and was instrumental to it running so smoothly, especially as she is one of the main organisers of the Longridge Show which was held the day before!

Vikings come to Highfield! Year Four tells you about their Viking Day:
My favourite part was when we made bread. I liked it because it was messy, fun and intriguing. I was partners with Isabelle. We then waited for it to bake. Zorain 4D

My favourite part was making the bread. I really enjoyed it because I like to get my hands messy and it was really fun making the butter. My Dad and I really like it and now I’ve got the recipe. I also really enjoyed the game of war as it was really fun using the bow and arrows and using the shields to defend yourself. Rohan 4D

My favourite part of Viking Day was making the bread because the butter had to be shaken and so it turned from a liquid into a solid. The bad part about making the bread was because your hands got wet and gooey. Sam 4D

My favourite thing was the bread-making because we learnt how to make butter with cream and we decorated them. At first I thought it would be hard but it was easy and the bread tasted amazing! Diya 4S

My favourite part of Viking Day was looking at the weapons. Carla made Ariana hold the sword and wear some armour. I liked looking at all the weapons: the sword, axe and spear. The weapons looked very heavy but when I held them they were surprisingly light. I enjoyed Viking Day. Ibraheem 4S

My favourite part of the day was the Game of War. There were 2 teams against each other and I was against Denmark. My team won once and so did the other team. Yaamini 4D
My favourite thing was how to make a spark from flint but I did have some help from Carla. She was very nice and helpful and I love her so much. Amritha 4S

I had such a fun day today. Especially with Carla telling us about Vikings but my most favourite thing was the war. Everyone was screaming like ferocious wild animals. I had soooo much fun. Lameesa 4S

Positive Mindset and Well-Being Sessions
I would like to thank Mr Ross McWilliam who has been delivering workshops to children, staff and parents across the school this week. The school has placed a lot more focus on this area in recent years, during class time and assemblies, and we felt, as a school, it would be really beneficial to ask a specialist speaker to come to talk to the Highfield community about our mindset and well-being. I know from talking to children, staff and parents that he touched on many relevant areas in their own lives and really gave them a chance to reflect, discuss coping mechanisms and also keep events in their lives in perspective. The children also enjoyed the assembly which really made them laugh, especially when Mr Sheppeck had to balance an egg on his back!

Ice Cream Van
A big thank you to the Nakhuda family who arranged an ice cream van to visit school today. What a special treat to end the week!

Summer Building Work
Work will be carried out to the outside of the building and in the grounds during the holiday. A significant proportion of this work will take place on the driveways and in the front of school. Steps will be taken to try to minimise the disruption to parents who are bringing their children to Holiday Club and Nursery. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience during this time of development.

Merit Awards
RB and RH: Whole Year Group 1D: Esme 1W: Haniyah 2E: Malaaikah
3J: Anoush 3M: Hayden 4D: Hasan 4S: Amritha 5M: Brooke 6H and 6P: Whole Year Group
Monitor of the week: Yawar
High 5 Award: Hannah

Thought for the Week
Stay positive and happy. Work hard and don't give up hope. Be open to criticism and keep learning. Surround yourself with happy, warm and genuine people. T. Desae

Yours sincerely

J M Duke
Headmaster