Newsletter 24.10.25
We have made it to the end of our first half term in school. Routines are well established and relationships between class teachers, support staff and their new classes have developed as the term has progressed.
Thank you to everyone who attended Parents’ evening. It was lovely to see so many of you throughout the evening. If you were unable to make Parents’ evening, please reach out to your child’s class teacher so they can touch base with you after the half term holiday.
There are a few new initiatives in progress behind the scenes. We have engaged with VOICE 21 programme, which is designed to support pupils to develop their speaking skills across the curriculum. Mrs Gabbitas and Ms Westbrook are leading on this.
Mr Taylor is busy leading the implementation of our new maths approach.
Curriculum Leads and Mrs Steatham are developing a wider range of approaches to enhance our wider curriculum offer for all pupils.
Mrs Moore is busy developing our mental health strategies, use of myHappyminds and our PSHE and Relationships Curriculum
All the children and staff have worked really hard and are ready for a well-deserved break.
Curriculum enhancement:
As part of our currciulum offer, we like to build in opportunities for children to experience activities that enhance their learning experiences. Year Six have been studying the inquiry ‘Why was winning the battle of Britain so important?’ This week, the children have had a visit from ‘Portals to the Past’ who have delivered a World War ll workshop. The children participated in a range of educational activities, explored genuine WWII artefacts and tried on real period clothing. They discovered the true meaning of community spirit and gained a memorable insight into what life was like for people in Britain during World War II, particularly children.
Year Two have been studying the inquiry ‘How do we know so much about what happened in the Great fire of London?’ This week, they have taken part in a virtual workshop. The video was a presentation that was set a week after the Great Fire took place and a range of activities including weaving, making a scent bag, making a candle holder, writing a letter and making a plaque. All resources were provided by the company that produce the online assembly. The children enjoyed the activities and had a real sense of what life was like for the people who experienced life after this tragedy.
These activities are provided at a cost to the school but we do not charge parents for them. Any fundraising we do as a school such as the Christmas Market and Summer Festival enable us to provide these enhancements for the children.
Library Developments:
There continues to be a buzz around school about the library development. The children are aware that this is taking place and are asking lots of questions about it. We have promised the children that the library will have a grand opening before Christmas. There are a number of staff who are getting together next week to continue to develop this area of school. Our creative flair is being exercised and we are having fun ‘pulling it all together’ to support Ms Westbrook with her vision.
Watch this space, not long to wait now!
Star of the Week: This week the children were learning about the festival of Diwali. To be nominated for star of the week, children were encouraged to research and create a fact file about the Hindi Religion or research and retell the story of Rama and Sita. The following children were awarded certificates this week: Jacob, Lily, Luca, Isabella, Zac, Max ,Navtej, Quinley and Addi-May.
Housepoints:
Housepoint certificates have been plentiful again this week. This is a testament to the childrens’ hard work.Lots of certifcates have been presented to the children in all four houses. Falcons are in the lead, closely followed by Kestrels.
Sports Personalities and swimming:
We have some achievements with swimming this week, Bella with her 5 Metre badge and Tate with his 200 Metres. Musa and Miruna were both chosen for their perseverance and dedication to football and general balls skills.
Awards out of school and Lexia Congratulations to Iryah-Noor and Quinley for their sporting achievements outside of school-gymnastics and karate, as well as their achievements in Lexia this week. They have both been very busy.
Prayers:
6A have written the prayers this week, linked to theme of Diwali. Thoughtful prayers were presented by Alayna, Lily and Henry.
Attendance:
Congratulations and well-done to 2M who have 98.52% and 5M who have 97.04% attendance this week. These 2 classes also have the most improved attendance. Our attendance mantra is
‘PRESENT makes PROGRESS’
The more that children attend school the more progress they will make!
Roles and Responsibilities:
Year Six have been busy applying for a range of different jobs in school:
School Council, Hall Monitors, House Captains, ICT Monitors and Play Leaders. Peer Mediators will receive training after the half term holiday. Once this is completed they will also receive badges.
All of these roles play an important part in their personal development. Each role has it’s own set of expectations that the pupils need to uphold whilst carrying out their new roles. These are excellent opportunities for the children to develop a range of life skills such as organisation, public speaking and team work.
Deadline for Secondary School Applications-31st October at 11.59pm:
The deadline for applications for Secondary School places is fast approaching. Parents of pupils in Y6 should apply through the Birmingham Council Website:
www.birmingham.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Have a lovely half term holiday. I hope the weather is kind to us so we can venture outdoors and have some fun. Enjoy family time and stay safe.
I would like to thank all of the Glenmead famillies for working together with us over the last half term. We look forward to continuing to work with you next half term.
Reminder that children return to school on Tuesday 4th November 2025.
If you need to reach us, have a concern or help of some kind, catch one of the senior leaders on the gate, contact the team via Class Dojo message, give the pastoral team a ring, or email to enquiry@glenmead.bham.sch.uk. We are always here to support our families.
