Dear Parents and Carers,

We made it to the end of our first half-term! The weather is definitely turning greyer, Halloween celebrations have begun and with the nights drawing in, it definitely feels time for the October half-term.

This brings me to a huge thank you to our community for making yesterday's 'Trunk or Treat' event such a hit! Whilst a personal appointment kept me from attending in person, I was pleased to hear about the fantastic turnout and all the happy faces. Special thanks to the FODS team for organising the event, the staff who came out to support and even got involved with car decorating, as well as everyone who cleared their cars from the school car park! With fireworks and discos on the November agenda, I look forward to hearing how the next round of events go.

Earlier this week, we welcomed Anne Peck, the Director of Education Services for Hertfordshire Schools alongside senior leaders from our Trust to conduct a whole-school review. Whilst with us, they observed lessons, looked at books and spoke with children and staff. It was Mrs. Peck's first whole day visit to the school and she was full of praise for your children, our brilliant staff team, and the warm relationships that make our school so special. The insights which came out from the review were immensely valuable, and we’re looking forward to acting on the feedback to keep moving De Havilland forward over the coming twelve months. 

Before signing off for half-term, I wanted to express a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has sent their kind wishes regarding my upcoming leave of absence. I leave you in wonderful hands with Mrs. Fowler being supported by the most fabulous leadership and staff team. I know Mrs. Fowler is absolutely the right person for our school and is eager to get to know you all during her time here. For obvious reasons, I am unsure of exactly when my leave will begin so it may well be that you hear from me again after the half-term break. However, once my leave begins, Mrs. Fowler will be taking over the newsletter duties, with the ambitious goal of keeping you far more entertained than I ever have (I can already hear a few quiet mutters of agreement out there!). 

Have a wonderful, relaxing half-term break. Enjoy the run-up to Christmas, and I look forward to seeing all of the children again soon.

Mr Bostock

Headteacher