JUNIOR SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER
Friday 6th September 2019 Dear Parents
Welcome back after what seems like a long summer break and a very warm “hello” to all of our new joiners in all the year groups from Early Years to Year 6. Our shortened first week back means that this newsletter is briefer than normal as teachers have been focussing on getting their classes settled – but expect a fuller epistle next week. The beginning of a new school year heralds a wealth of exciting prospects and speaking to many of the children already I know that they are looking forward to the some of the things they can do in their new year group, from using the adventure playground for those in Year 3 or going sailing (more on this later!) for those in Year 6. At Meeting for Worship on Wednesday morning I used a blank piece of paper as an analogy of the opportunities that lay ahead; it could become a letter to a pen-friend, a graph, a map, a short story, a piece of art work or, more whimsically, a paper plane. The potential is limited only by the imagination and capability of the person holding it. I shared with them a passage from Quaker Faith and Practice which challenges us to look forward to the exciting opportunities all around us; in our work and in our relationships:
“Be aware of the spirit of God at work in the ordinary activities and experience of your daily life. Spiritual learning continues throughout life, and often in unexpected ways. There is inspiration to be found all around us, in the natural world, in the sciences and arts, in our work and friendships, in our sorrows as well as in our joys. Are you open to new light from whatever source it may come? Do you approach new ideas with discernment?” Advices and Queries 7 I hope all the children can, this year, take advantage of the inspiration that can be found all around them. In the coming weeks we are looking forward to Year 6 going sailing with fingers crossed for sunshine and light wind! Later next week we will be holding our Class Booklet Meetings which will be an opportunity for you to meet your children’s teachers and to go through some of the routines and expectations for the new year. On the 27th September we are also looking forward to our annual Apple Day. For those new to Sibford it is a chance for the children to use the bumper crop from the orchard to make stalls for us to visit to raise money for charities chosen by School Council. Look forward to more information on this in the coming weeks. For the time being can I wish you all a very pleasant weekend. We might only have been back for three days but there are already some very tired young people!