Monthly Archives: December 2019

Head’s Blog – 20th December

We have made it to the end of a very long term. I am so grateful to the wonderful team (staff, governors and parents) at Clearwell who have worked so hard in supporting children to make progress as well as the extra things that make things just happen. Miss Hale has spent weeks organising and collecting raffle prizes which was drawn at the KS2 performance on Wednesday. The raffle, together with the mugs decorated by the children, the 100 square and refreshments raised over £1000. This is just phenomenal for a school of 47 children. We really appreciate the effort that goes into this by so many people, whatever your contribution, every little helps. This money helps every child at our school, whether it is through subsidising transport to a visit (we have free tickets for the Three Counties Show and the Fairford air show later in the academic year) or buying an ice-cream at the theatre today.

Mrs Griffiths and Mrs Stirrup have both worked so hard preparing the children for the Christmas 1914 production. I am so proud of all of those involved, especially as I have the luxury of seeing individuals confidence grow as they take different roles. This doesn’t happen by chance, it is the nurturing and support that they receive at home and school that makes this possible. Clearwell School is truly a special place which supports all. Every child having the chance to participate shows that we live out our vision.

The nativity and Christingle were spectacular as always. There is something so magical about candles in St. Peter’s church. A big thank you to Mrs Baulcombe, Miss Young and their team who provide everything needed for the Christingle as well as making them for us all.

Thank you all so much for the donations for the Forest Food Bank, there are so many people in need and us giving a bit helps out those that are.

We finished off our Christmas celebrations by attending the pantomime this morning. A great time was had by all, just before finishing the decade off with lunch provided by Mrs Thomas. Everyone is in need of a well earned rest!

If you missed the announcement, Mrs Stirrup has asked me to let everyone know that she is expecting a baby in May. Mrs Griffiths will be covering her maternity leave; we are extremely lucky as there will be a smooth transition for the children as they know and love Mrs Griffiths and she is an outstanding teacher.

Thank you for the kind gifts so many of you have given to staff, we really are truly grateful. Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Remember children remember your presence not presents.

See you on Tuesday 7th January 2020, we head to Coventry cathedral the first week back!

Our Celebrations

Head’s Blog – 13th December

What a busy week we have had. The castle hosted our annual Christmas party. We started the afternoon singing to the villagers, who absolutely loved Millie’s Christmas song. We were very grateful as they bought a number of raffle tickets from us. Next we had the amazing food followed by a couple of games. When we were playing, we heard a bell… Father Christmas had arrived. The children all had a chat with him and received a bag of sweets. Thank you so much to the Castle for hosting us, as always we had a wonderful time.

Skills zone

The day started with a quiz about how to stay safe using interactive “pebbles”. This was used to see what learning has taken place. These included mental well being as well as physical safety.

Building site safety

Electric substations

Train platforms and electrified rail lines

Level crossing safety

Mental well being

Seat belt safety

Safety in the home – hazard awareness

The judiciary system including police custody, cells and a magistrates court

Safety around water

The Elms

As part of our community links we visited The Elms nursing home. They were struggling to get a school to visit them because of the transport costs but we decided that we would use our own funds as it is so important for our children to support our local community. To see the smiling faces and hear the laughter from the residents was priceless. We hope that our children enjoyed themselves too.

Christmas festivities

We made our annual Christmas visit to Clearwell Caves today. They generously provide us with free entry and money raised from events in school (Friends) paid for the gifts. The story about Archie and his snowy unicorn was fabulous and as ever, the art work stunning.

We returned to school to have an incredible Christmas lunch. Mrs Thomas, Mrs Edey and Mrs Knight produce and serve a phenomenal meal that is enjoyed by all. They really go over and above for all of us. Thank you so much.

It was also Bag2school collection day. You brought in 180kg of clothing which raised £72! Thank you so much. We also collected £27 for Christmas jumper day. It is an expensive time of the year for everyone and we appreciate all of the donations that you give. If things are financially difficult for you as a family, then we do have Food Bank vouchers in school. Just speak to me and we can provide you with a card in confidence.

Our Celebrations

Head’s Blog – 6th December 2019

This week we were fortunate to welcome Roger Pickett, Fire Officer and Dementia Awareness ambassador, came to Clearwell to educate us about Dementia. We learn to what it is, how to recognise symptoms and how to support people with dementia. It was so interesting and some of the key things that we learnt were:

Some people with dementia find it very difficult to see white objects, so white food on white plates, smoke alarms on white ceilings and all white bathrooms can be challenging.
When some people with dementia go for a “wander’ they often go to places that they used to frequent in their youth.
Some people with dementia can continue with their everyday life but support is needed from those around them and society.

In addition to this, Roger shared with us information about the Safe and Well checks that the fire brigade carry out free of charge. The information is on the leaflet below.

We have been learning how to cross stitch in Willow class and we fond to therapeutic. A number of children, boys and girls said how they wanted to get a cross stitch for Christmas. Here are a few of the children and their representations of poppies.

This week saw the last welly walk and some of the children made Christmas trees and decorations. We love the creativity of the children as well as learning the importance of learning what is and isn’t safe to eat. Here are a few of their creations.

Thank you all so much for the donations received for the raffle. We have decided to have a separate children’s raffle. Tickets are on sale at 20p each. The main prize is a Kindle Fire. Children have been given one raffle ticket for every golden time that they have earned this term, lots of children have received 13 tickets! More can be earned during the next two weeks as well. We have listened to the children and are continually rewarding those children who always follow the behaviour policy. Here are a selection of the prizes.