Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. 

It has been a busy week here at De Havilland, with many highlights. One I would like to share with you took place today, when I was lucky enough to be part of a science experiment carried out by some of our children in Year 3. In relation to their geography learning about volcanoes, the children used a combination of bicarbonate soda, white vinegar and red food colouring to stage a volcanic eruption. The reaction was quite the sight and caused something of a stir! The vocabulary the children were using whilst explaining what was happening, including lava and magma, was a joy to see. A big thanks to Ezra, Nathaniel, Zac and Jo Jo, as well as Mrs. Barker, Miss Bolton and Mr. Anderson for my invitation! 

This term, along with the other schools in Danes Educational Trust, De Havilland has launched its new 'Character curriculum'. Within our school community, we are committed to fostering self-insight and reflection while prioritising our children's wellbeing, emotional, social, and mental health. We emphasise skills, relationships, and learning behaviours for success beyond academics. This term, we have begun with the theme of compassion, focusing on walking in someone else’s shoes. Our children have engaged in assemblies exploring compassion for others, our planet, and ourselves. Next week, the theme of compassion will culminate in several events. We look forward to welcoming the Guide Dog Association, our chosen charity, to share how our fundraising supports a puppy’s graduation. Additionally, on Valentine’s Day, our children will experience an activity while temporarily losing their eyesight (through the use of a blindfold!). Look out for the flyer, and ask your children how blindness connects to Saint Valentine after the event!

I also wanted to take this opportunity to clarify the situation regarding PE kits. As communicated at the beginning of term, children are now expected to come into school in their PE kits on their PE day and can then stay in their kits for the remainder of the day. However, should they wish to change back into school uniform due to a particularly muddy lesson, that is also absolutely fine. I must stress that PE kits at De Havilland do not include football shirts and we would ask parents and carers to support us in ensuring children are dressed suitably for school.

I wish you all a very pleasant weekend and look forward to seeing you all at our parent consultation evenings next Wednesday and Thursday - if you are yet to make an appointment, please do so as it provides a vital opportunity to see your child's learning as well as receive an update on their progress at the midpoint of the year. 

Mr. Bostock