October is Black History Month in the UK. This year, the theme is Proud to be. During the last few weeks, classes across the school have been learning about and celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of black people, past and present, to British and Global History.

On Thursday, Mr Regan led a whole school assembly to help children understand their right to be safe, including what they could do if they feel worried or scared in a range of situations. Watch the NSPCC ‘Speak out Stay safe’ virtual assembly with your child to see what and how important information was delivered and to discuss and reinforce key messages. The NSPCC provides information, advice and resources to support families in a range of situations, covering some of the issues discussed in the assembly, including family separation, mental health, challenging behaviours and how to talk about difficult topics.

A second follow up report to the Mental Health of Children and Young People in England survey was published at the end of last month. It explores changes since the survey was first carried out in 2017 and the impact of the pandemic. It makes an interesting read and some of the main findings highlight the significant impact of the pandemic upon the lives and experiences of children and young people and factors that we must take into consideration, as we support our children to recover and repair.

It is likely that your child will spend some of this week on a digital device; viewing, gaming, browsing or contacting friends. It is an area of 21st century life that often causes parents and carers worry and frustration. There is always much discussion, information and research relating to children’s on-line behaviours, focusing on trends, safety and habits. thinkuknow is a good place to start, for families looking for advice and information to help keep their children safe online. Childline also offers resources and support as well as advice about how to report online bullying and abuse. Next half-term, all pupils will take part in workshops focusing on online safety, delivered by an external provider.

Currently, Squid Game is in the headlines, prompting concerns from some families, schools and local authorities, as some children act out scenes and games from the show.  We have had several incidences at Bowmansgreen, of pupils playing games inspired by the show and have reminded pupils involved about the nature of the games they play and that their behaviour should reflect our school rules and values at all times. Squid Game is rated 15 by Netflix and the British Board of Film Classification and we would recommend that parents and carers are aware of the themes and content of the show so that they can have informed discussions with their children about it’s suitability. Articles on the following sites may be useful sources of information as well as providing tips and guidance as to the show’s appropriateness for primary age pupils: Safer Schools, HertsLive and BBC News.

Stay healthy and safe this week.

Happy half-term!

Last Friday, Year 5 led our whole school harvest assembly. They read poems they had written, sang and explained what harvest is and why it is celebrated. Thank you to the Year 5 pupils and staff for all of their hard work, helping our school to celebrate harvest together.

Thank you also to everyone who generously donated items for our harvest celebration. This year, Year 6 pupils and staff took the donated items to the Churches Together Foodbank, where they will be put to very good use, supporting local families.

A message from Reverend Wood:
“An immense 403 items were given and it felt a little overwhelming to see such generosity. This total is also more than last year’s offering by the school, which is incredible.
Please could you pass on my gratitude to the whole school community and let everyone know that their kindness really does make a difference to people’s lives here in London Colney.”

Please note that we have an additional bank holiday to look forward to this summer, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. As the official extra bank holiday (June 3rd, 2021) falls within the half term holiday, schools have been allowed to close on an alternative day, to mark this occasion. Our school community will therefore be off on June 24th, 2021.

Nicola McLachlan and Minesh Pamar held their final meeting as Chair and Treasurer of the FOBS (Friends of Bowmansgreen School) committee this week. I am sure that you will join me in thanking them for the hard work, time and energy that they have put into organising events and activities to help raise money for our school. In the last 4 years, FOBS have raised over £44,000 for the school, funding equipment, resources and experiences for your children. Regrettably, as nobody has yet come forward to take over these positions, for the first time in many years, FOBS will be without a Chair and Treasurer to lead the committee.  It would be a great shame if we no longer have this support, to help raise much needed and appreciated funds for Bowmansgreen pupils. If you are interested in supporting the school in either of these roles, or would like more information, please contact the school office.

School was much quieter than usual this week, as most of our Year 6 pupils enjoyed a week of fun on their residential trip in Norfolk. They had a great time taking part in activities including sailing, caving, rock climbing and fencing. They really did themselves proud, with staff commenting on what a fantastic, well-behaved group of children they were, to take away. I had the pleasure of visiting them during their week away and I was really impressed by their enthusiasm, behaviour and how supportive they were of each other. I also never realised that learning to fence could be so much fun! Thank you to Miss Allen, Miss Hancock, Miss Bliss and Mrs Enus-Rahman for supporting pupils during their week, enabling them to have such a fantastic time.

Please be reminded that next Friday, school is closed as it is an INSET day.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.