Dear Kites parents,

We are so proud of the children for settling in so well this week. It is always tricky starting something new and being in a new environment, but we are pleased to see them all so happy and comfortable in their class.

Another achievement has been embracing lunchtimes. There was a bit of trepidation at the start of the week and some anxious faces around the lunch hall. However, as the week has gone on we are seeing the children try new things, (almost) licked-clean empty trays and smiling faces as well as some requests for ‘Can I have a little bit more please?’. We have all been out on the playground and field testing out the bikes and trikes, the HUGE sandpit and meeting children from other year groups. The children mostly seem happy and less worried out and about with the rest of the school but there is always a Kites member of staff outside to ensure there is a familiar face.

Each week we will be updating you on our focus skill in Kites and we may add a simple challenge which you have the option of doing at home.

This week, we have been looking at sharing and turn-taking as our key skills. We have been enjoying getting to know the children’s personalities, helping them to learning each other’s names and playing lots of turn taking games. On Thursday, they spent the morning in the hall playing games with Mrs Hogan and the afternoon exploring Forest Camp whilst the other half of the class made playdough.

Next week, we will slowly be easing into a routine of short teaching sessions and assessing children’s prior knowledge of maths, literacy, speech and understanding. Our PE and Forest Camp sessions will begin properly next week so, if you have not yet sent in PE kit and Forest Camp kit, please do so. Please may we also ask that you ensure that your child has a spare change of clothes in school too.

Please do try to join our curriculum sharing evening (online) on Monday 14th Sept at 7pm. We will be able to give you an overview of the year ahead and allow you some time to ask any questions relating to the school day and the curriculum.

Challenge: Take some time to play a turn-taking game (Uno, Pop-up Pirate) with your child this weekend.

Reminders:

14th September- Curriculum sharing evening 7pm (a virtual meeting link will be sent on Monday)

19th September- OPAL open day at school

4th October- SoCo 10km race

9th October- INSET day (no school)

23rd October- End of term

If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to catch us at the gate or send an email via the office and we will respond as soon as we can.

Have a great weekend,

The Kites Team.