HT Blog
Friday 26th April 2024
Music, French, individual music lessons, library, school counsellor sessions, recorders and swimming took place as normal and Mrs Buck went to Warminster for her ELSA supervision.
Mr Rich and I spent some time in Purple Class during the week in preparation for the KS2 SATs.
We welcomed professionals into school to support our children and Miss Chapman completed half a day of training.
Our governing body Behaviour and Safety and Curriculum committees met during the week.
I submitted our Mere Matters article and TAs completed headchecks.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 19th April 2024
It was lovely to welcome the children back to school after the Easter break.
A hard copy of the newsletter was sent home and the topic webs of what the children will be learning this term was published on the website.
Wessex Water worked with every class on Monday and Tuesday.
I held several School Attendance Meetings.
Mr Rich attended a course on Tuesday and Miss Fletcher one on Wednesday and I taught their classes.
Music, French, individual music lessons, our School Counsellor sessions and swimming continued.
I submitted our article for Mere Matters.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 22nd March 2024
The final newsletter of the term was available to download on Monday.
The staff and I attended face to face and virtual meetings during the week and we welcomed various professionals to work with our children.
Music, French, individual music lessons, our School Counsellor and swimming continued and we were delighted to welcome parents to our Open Afternoon on Thursday.
I taught in a variety of classes during the week – covering Blue Class while Miss Fletcher completed some more SEND training, GreenSS Class while Miss Santry took our netball team to the county finals and Gold Class while Miss Hanby met with parents.
Our netball team played really well at the county finals in Sherborne coming third – the competition was quite stiff!
The Book Fair left us on Wednesday and Mrs Clements continued with the stock take in the school library.
It was a busy week for parents with our Open Afternoon on Wednesday and parent interviews on Thursday.
Mr Ian Griffin organised tennis workshops on Friday for every class on Friday and the children enjoyed The Friend’s disco on Friday evening.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 15th March 2024
It was science week in school with all sorts of exciting activities. Classes watched the Farming Live broadcasts and enjoyed a great day with the ‘rocket man’ on Wednesday.
It was the last week for clubs and the children continued with music, French, individual music lessons, Gold swimming, school counsellor, year 3 recorders and library.
I covered in several classes while Mrs Shannon prepared for the KS2 SATs and Miss Fletcher continued with her coursework for her SEND qualification.
The governors had some training on Tuesday evening with our OFSTED consultant and he was in school on Wednesday working with some of our subject leaders.
The book fair arrived on Wednesday and books were on sale after school for the rest of the week.
Mr Rich took our year 3 & 4 football team to a tournament after school on Wednesday as well and they came second!
Purple Class had their rescheduled visit to Winchester Museum on Thursday and I went to the Cluster Head Teacher meeting at Wardour School.
It was Red Nose Day on Friday and we celebrated this and collected for this worthy cause.
The Friends held their Beetle Drive on Friday evening.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 8th March 2024
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and our gym and outdoor play equipment was inspected.
The staff and I attended virtual meetings during the week and we welcomed various professionals to work with our children.
Mrs Marsh, our governor responsible for geography, worked with Mrs Wilson on Monday afternoon to consider our geography provision across the school.
Clubs, music, French, individual music lessons, our School Counsellor and swimming continued.
I held my final Head Teacher lunch of the term on Wednesday and we rehearsed for our Musical Entertainment Evening during the afternoon. All of our musicians performed so well at the evening performance for their families. It was a very special occasion.
Mrs Rich took our B team to a tournament after school as well.
It was World Book Day on Thursday and we celebrated this in school.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 1st March 2024
Mrs Jennings took Green Classes to the church on Monday morning so they could watch the bell ringing group rehearse and Yellow Class visited Mere Museum in the afternoon.
Various meetings took place during the week and clubs, year 3 swimming, French, music, individual music lessons, visits to our school counsellor continued. Sadly our library is out of action at the moment.
All of the children attended a health and well being workshop with professionals who used to run The Life Bus and a first aid session with Wiltshire Air Abmulance.
Mrs Carolyn Godfrey, our Chair of Governors, met with Mrs Sarah Cocker to discuss maths in school on Tuesday and I spent a day in Bristol on a leadership course.
It was non-uniform day on Thursday in exchange for a Beetle Drive prize.
Mrs Jennings rehearsed our year 3 and 4 children on Friday ready for the Cluster Sing event and I met with our lunchtime supervisors.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 23rd February 2024
It was lovely to welcome the children back after the half term break.
The teachers were busy in school on Monday planning for our new curriculum for the summer term.
The newsletter was available to download on Tuesday and there were various meetings and visits from professionals during the week.
Our usual programme of events took place – music, French, individual music lessons, clubs, school council, library and swimming.
Green Classes went to The Newt for a fascinating visit to the Roman Villa there.
Mrs Jennings and I attended The Tower Stories meeting in St Michael’s Church in the evening.
Our children enjoyed an online meeting with an author but the cross country event at Clayesmore School was cancelled due to the weather.
Mrs Cripps and Miss Glendenning updated their first aid qualification on Friday and head checks took place throughout the week.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 9th February 2024
OFSTED have recently responded to the tragic death of head teacher, Ruth Perry.
The newly appointed Chief Inspector of Schools, Sir Martyn Oliver has published a formal response to the Coroner’s report following the inquest into the death of Ruth Perry.
He states that:
“OFSTED has pledged to always act with professionalism, courtesy, empathy and respect, in a response to a Prevention of Future Deaths report.”
The actions include:
- All inspectors will be trained to recognise and respond to signs of distress in school leaders.
- There will be a clear and simple process for providers who have concerns about an inspection to speak to an unconnected senior OFSTED employee.
- A new policy on pausing and inspection will be published.
- An expert reference group will look at leader and staff well being.
- An independent expert will lead a learning review of OFSTED’s response to the tragic death of Ruth Perry.
Sir Martyn will also conduct a comprehensive listening exercise, the Big Listen, across all sectors that OFSTED works in.
Let’s hope that OFSTED inspectors can carry out their important work with respect in the future.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 9th February 2024
The final week before our half term holiday.
The normal events happened – music, French, individual music lessons, clubs, year 3 recorders, library and visits to our school counsellor. Sadly swimming did not happen but we are in the process of planning an additional session.
Our girls football team were knocked out of the next round of the football tournament.
The Friends met on Tuesday afternoon and the governors on Tuesday evening.
Gold class enjoyed a fascinating visit to Stonehenge on Wednesday.
Miss Santry organised a very successful Dance Festival on Thursday morning for our pyramid schools.
We welcomed CAHMs to school on Friday. They organised a very informative parent workshop on anxiety and building resilience.
All classes took part in some ‘buddy’ reading, Mr Ings completed a governor Health and Safety inspection and we broke up for half term.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 26th January 2024
A relatively normal week in school with swimming, French, individual music lessons, library, our school counsellor visits, clubs and music.
Miss Fletcher met with all of the teachers about the SEND children in their classes and I attended several virtual meetings during the week. We also welcomed several professionals into school to work with individual children.
Our older children took part in a Hockey Tournament at Gillingham School. Our A team came second, missing out on winning by goal difference.
We have had a new server in school and the final migration of data took place on Wednesday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 12th January 2024
The school is almost back to normal after such an early start to the term. I think everyone struggled to ‘get into gear’ after the new year celebrations.
We had a special treat on Tuesday afternoon when a visiting pantomime came to entertain the children. Many of our children were involved in the performance as well.
Clubs have not started but swimming, French, individual music lessons, library, our school counsellor visits and music took place.
I attended several virtual meetings during the week and our fire extinguishers were serviced.
The Wiltshire Library Service delivered our books and artefacts for the term and the school nursing team visited to weigh and measure our year 6 children.
Travel to School data was collected on Friday and head checks too place during the week.
Gold and Green Classes started to rehearse with Mrs Jennings for the Cluster Singing Event at the end of term.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 5th January 2024
A calm return to school and it was lovely to welcome the children back after their exciting holiday.
Music French, recorders, library, some instrumental lessons and our school counsellor visits took place.
We all enjoyed a visiting pantomime during Tuesday afternoon – some of our children took part as well.
The school nursing team were in Purple Class doing height and weight screening and our TAs checked heads during the week.
Miss Fletcher assumed the role of SENCo and Mr Button is now teaching an extra day in Blue Class while Mrs Fletcher completes her new responsibilities.
We collected ‘Travel to School’ data on Friday morning.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 15th December 2023
The most exciting week of the year!
It has been very busy but we have all had a lot of fun.
We welcomed a work experience student on Monday and all of our Wiltshire Library artefacts and books were collected.
Mrs Jennings took our choir to sing at Bramley House on Monday afternoon.
We had our productions on Tuesday afternoon and evening. Our children performed so well and there were lots of very proud families in the audience.
There were no clubs during the week but I continued to rehearse our recorder players and Mrs Jennings the choir ready for the Carol Service on Friday. Some individual music lessons, music, French, counselling and Green Class swimming happened as normal. Mrs Clements continued with her stock take in the library.
On Wednesday Father Christmas was in school all day. He was in his grotto then came to see the children after their Christmas lunch.
Mrs Cocker met with all of the teachers on Wednesday to discuss maths progress in their classes and Mrs Shannon, Mrs Tavenner and Miss Fletcher discussed English on Thursday.
Raffle tickets were on sale all week and the raffle was drawn on Friday morning.
Several meetings took place during the week about some individual children.
Lost property was on display in the entrance hall all week – there was loads!
Agatha Shannon won the FJ Chalke Christmas Card competition and her design has gone to print as the Christmas card for this company. Chloe Dimmock won the competition for the younger age group. The girls also won a gift voucher and £150 for the school. We were delighted that Mere School had the 2 winning entries out of 800 children locally.
St Michael’s Church was bursting on Friday morning for our Carol Service but the children had some ‘down time’ on Friday afternoon when they enjoyed a Christmas film.
School closed at 3.15 pm for the Christmas holidays.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 8th December 2023
The newsletter was available on Monday.
A busy week with lots of Christmas rehearsals – we had our dress rehearsals on Friday and invited the local pre-schools to come along.
Our usual activities continued – individual music lessons, year 3 recorders, music, French, Green swimming, library and our school counsellor but clubs have ended for the term with the final dance club catch up taking place on Monday.
While we were at Salisbury Playhouse on Wednesday enjoying the pantomime Mere Pre-School borrowed our hall and we had the kiln and air conditioning units serviced.
Miss Fletcher has been working with Mrs Tavenner ensuring that the SENDCo role is passed over effectively. She is also having some study time to complete her SENDCo qualification.
Mrs Carolyn Godfrey, our governor responsible for English met with Mrs Shannon on Tuesday afternoon to consider the love of reading in school. The Friends met during this afternoon also and a company came to complete a lighting audit.
Various professionals were in school during the week supporting individual children.
Mrs Clements collected in the library books for the termly stock take.
Thursday was our non-school uniform day in exchange for a Christmas raffle confectionery prize and our fire extinguishers were serviced.
Members of St Michael’s Church visited on Friday afternoon to deliver ‘Open the Book’ and The Friend’s disco was enjoyed by all on Friday evening.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 1st December 2023
Christmas is rapidly approaching and the weeks are getting busier and busier! The children now all have their costumes in school.
We are putting the ‘final touches’ to our productions and a huge thank you to Ms Blunt who has been helping us with the dances.
Mrs Broom started as our new TA in Green Class – a huge thank you to Mrs Clements who has been helping until Mrs Broom started. Mr Rich spent some time with Mrs Broom inducting her into the role. We also welcomed a new family who have started with us.
I taught Green Class SS on Monday and Blue Class for 2 afternoons during the week while Miss Fletcher prepared for her new role as SENDCo. I also attended several meetings and completed some formal observations.
Clubs ended on Thursday but swimming, individual music lessons, music, KS2 games, year 3 recorders, library, counselling, library and Family Learning continued.
The Full Governing Body and Finance Committee met on Tuesday evening and a group of governors met on Friday morning to discuss the school marketing strategy.
The Friends held their annual Christmas Fair on Thursday afternoon – it was lovely to see so many parents and friends.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 24th November 2023
The newsletter was available on Monday.
A busy week with lots of Christmas rehearsals. Ms Blunt has been in as well helping us with the dances.
Our usual activities continued – clubs, individual music lessons, year 3 recorders, music, French, Green swimming, library and our school counsellor.
‘Grown Your Own Community’, our current family learning project took place on Tuesday morning.
I continue to show prospective new parents around the school.
Miss Fletcher has been working with Mrs Tavenner ensuring that the SENDCo role is passed over effectively. She is also having some study time to complete her SENDCo qualification.
It was great to welcome so many parents to our Open Afternoon. A lot of these parents came early to take part in a phonics or tables workshop.
I held another Head Teacher Lunch – it is great to talk to the children about our school, what they really like and what we can do better.
Three children from our school attended the Cluster Council meeting on Thursday while I met with my cluster colleagues and Yellow Class went into Mere during the afternoon.
Our year 3 & 4 netball team attended some training at Gillingham School.
It was Snuggle Up day on Friday when Our KS1 children were given a special book, that they can change every week, to share with someone at home.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 17th November 2023
I was in Bristol on Monday completing some training. Various professionals visited the school during the week and I released Miss Fletcher so that she could ‘shadow’ Mrs Tavenner in anticipation of her new SENDCo role. I met with the lunchtime supervisors and Mr Rich met with the TAs.
Our usual activities continued – individual music lessons, clubs, year 3 recorders, music, French, Green swimming, library and our school counsellor.
Christmas rehearsals continued.
‘Grow Your Community 2’, our current family learning project took place on Tuesday morning.
Mr Tim Jacobs, one of our governors visited school on Monday to complete some IT monitoring with Mrs McClelland.
Our tag rugby teams represented our school so well at the pyramid tournament on Tuesday and our A team won. We also had success at the Davison Cup Girls Football Tournament winning the first match against Wyke. Quite a ‘nail biter!’
Purple Class had a fascinating day at the American Museum on Wednesday.
It was Anti-Bullying day on Thursday and our School Council took a whole school assembly.
There was much excitement in school on Friday for Children in Need.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 10th November 2023
Christmas rehearsals are in ‘full swing’ as we are on the countdown to Christmas!
Our usual activities continued – clubs, individual music lessons, year 3 recorders, music, French, Green swimming, library and our school counsellor.
‘Grown Your Own Community’, our current family learning project took place on Tuesday morning.
Silver Class had a fascinating day at Salisbury Cathedral on Monday and I taught Red Class during the afternoon while Mrs Cocker completed some maths training.
I continue to show prospective new parents around the school.
I attended some virtual training on Tuesday morning and met with The Friends on Tuesday afternoon after their very successful Fireworks Event. They are now planning their Christmas activities.
I am working with Mr Button every Thursday afternoon while Miss Fletcher shadows Mrs Tavenner. Mrs Tavenner will be retiring at Christmas and Miss Fletcher will be taking over the role of SENDCo. Miss Fletcher also went to some training on Wednesday while I taught Blue Class with Mr Button.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 3rd November 2023
It was a T D day on Monday and the teachers were busy completing curriculum plans for the spring term.
We welcomed the children back on Tuesday and our usual activities continued – individual music lessons, clubs, year 3 recorders, music, French, Green swimming, library and our school counsellor.
Christmas rehearsals started with the children learning the new songs.
‘Grow Your Community 2’, our current family learning project took place on Tuesday morning.
I met with the School Council to discuss some of their plans.
The school nursing teams administered the flu vaccines on Wednesday and we welcomed an author who worked with all of the children and was in the playground for a book signing after school.
Some of our girls went to a transition Football Festival at Gillingham School.
Mrs Cole, Mr Rich and I interviewed for our vacant TA post on Wednesday.
Our OFSTED consultant was in school all day on Thursday. He worked with us looking at safeguarding and data.
As ever I enjoyed showing some potential parents around the school and it was lovely to welcome some parents briefly to our celebration assembly on Friday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 20th October 2023
Our Family Champion was in school during the morning on Monday, Walksafe worked with Gold Class and I showed some potential new parents around our school. I love doing this as I am so proud of our children.
Our usual activities continued – clubs, individual music lessons, year 3 recorders, music, French, Green swimming, library and our school counsellor.
‘Grown Your Own Community’, our current family learning project took place on Tuesday morning.
Our new Police Community Support Officer popped in to meet us all at school as well.
The therapy dog was in school on Wednesday morning and Mr Rich met with our TAs.
I help my first Head Teacher Lunch of the year and parent interviews took place during Wednesday afternoon and evening.
School closed on Friday for the half term break.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 13th October 2023
Our electricians were in school Monday morning and solved the issues with the lights in Red Class.
Our usual activities continued – individual music lessons, clubs, year 3 recorders, music, French, Green swimming, library and our school counsellor.
‘Grow Your Community’, our current family learning project took place on Tuesday morning.
Walksafe worked in Yellow, Gold and Purple Classes to help our children keep safe on the roads.
The Speech and Language team were in school supporting a child.
I had the pleasure of visiting every class to look at our children’s approach and attitudes to learning and the classroom environment. I was so impressed – as ever! I also attended several meetings.
Miss Santry took our netball team to a tournament at Gillingham School. They played so well and represented our school perfectly.
Miss Hanby took Gold Class to Charmouth on Thursday to go fossil hunting and learn all about Mary Anning. They had a fascinating day.
We collected all of the Christmas card designs in ready for the Christmas cards which will be on sale later in the term.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 6th October 2023
The newsletter was available to download on Monday. Our Family Champion was in school during the morning and our Sports Ambassadors went to some training at Gillingham School.
Our usual activities continued – clubs, individual music lessons, year 3 recorders, music, French, Green swimming, library and our school counsellor.
‘Grown Your Own Community’, our current family learning project took place on Tuesday morning.
There was a series of governing body meetings on Tuesday evening.
The therapy dog was in school on Wednesday morning and all classes took part in Harvest Live.
I showed various new parents around the school, held a very useful Class Parent meeting on Friday afternoon and attended an online finance meeting on behalf of Wiltshire head teachers on Thursday afternoon.
We celebrated harvest festival with a special service in St Michael’s Church on Friday morning.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 29th September 2023
There were lots of meetings this week! Mr Rich met with our Teaching Assistants, Mrs Cocker met with the Maths Advisor, Miss Hanby met with her Recently Qualified Teacher group and I met with my cluster colleagues and lunchtime supervisors.
Our usual activities continued – individual music lessons, clubs, year 3 recorders, music, French, Green swimming, library and our school counsellor.
‘Grow Your Community’, our current family learning project took place on Tuesday morning.
I went to a Local Authority schools briefing in Devizes on Wednesday but returned in time for a governing body Behaviour and Safety meeting. Our curriculum governors met on Thursday after school.
The Speech and Language team were in school supporting a child.
Mr Karl Hopwood, an international internet safety expert, was in school on Wednesday. He worked in every class then ran a workshop for parents after school.
We had our final snagging meeting for our new building extension.
Yellow Class went into Mere on Thursday afternoon and Red Class visited The Curiosity Cube at Gillingham School on Friday afternoon.
We welcomed members of St Michael’s Church into school on Friday afternoon for Open the Book.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 22nd September 2023
Mr McGirr was in school taking individual photographs on Monday morning and the newsletter was available to download.
Our Family Champion was also in school – she is coming every fortnight now.
Clubs started and our usual activities continued – individual music lessons, year 3 recorders, music, French, Green swimming, library and our school counsellor.
‘Grown Your Own Community’, our current family learning project took place on Tuesday morning.
Mrs Mel Tavenner, our Special Needs Leader, met with all teachers on Thursday morning and I showed some new prospective parents around the school
We collected ‘Travel to School’ information on Friday morning and we were delighted to welcome back members of St Michael’s Church for ‘Open the Book’.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 15th September 2023
We are all gradually getting back into the routines of school.
Our Family Champion met some parents on Monday morning and our usual activities – French, music, swimming, KS2 games afternoon, School Counsellor, library and individual music lessons took place during the week.
A lot of our year 6 children took part in the Bikeability course.
I had the pleasure of teaching Gold Class on Thursday and Friday and the KS2 games afternoon on Friday while Miss Santry attended a PE leaders meeting.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 8th September 2023
It was lovely to welcome the children back to school on Monday for the start of the academic year. They all seem to have enjoyed their holiday. We welcomed Miss Chapman to Green Class and Mr Button as our new EYFS teacher.
A hard copy of the newsletter was sent home and our Family Champion drop ins restarted.
The school started to return to some form of normality with music, French, library, swimming, year 3 recorders, some individual music lessons and our KS2 games afternoon. Our School Counsellor returned The Friends met on Tuesday afternoon.
The Speech and Language team were in school supporting individual children.
Head checks took place during the week and the curriculum webs were published on our website so parents know what the children will be learning.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 21st July 2023
The final week of the school year was extremely hectic as you would expect!
There were no clubs but our Family Champion and school counsellor were in school and music, French, some individual music lessons and swimming continued.
The Friend’s summer raffle was drawn on Thursday after tickets had been on sale all week.
The lost property was also on display for parents.
Mrs Clements continued with the library stock check and our Families Reading Every Day project completed their final day together.
The whole school enjoyed the dress rehearsal of the leaver’s production and parents and families were delighted with the final performance of Bugsy on Tuesday evening.
Parents and carers visited their child’s new class after school on Monday and many staff appraisal meetings were held during the week.
Some of our older children visited Gillingham Schools as part of the transition project.
Our subject leaders reviewed the progress in their subject during the week and Pupil Progress and handover meetings were held on Wednesday in preparation for the new school year.
We had a ballroom dancing day on Wednesday when members of the community came to say goodbye to Mrs Loxton, watch the dancing and enjoy a cup of tea and some cake.
Miss Glendenning and Mrs Peck met with PH Sports to organise after school care from September 2023.
The staff and year 6 children enjoyed a Leaver’s Lunch on Thursday and the Leaver’s assembly took place that afternoon along with a Staffing Panel meeting. After school the staff and governors met at The Walnut to say goodbye to Mrs Loxton.
The school was closed for the children but the staff were very busy sorting out their classrooms and attending carious meetings. We said a very sad farewell to Mrs Edgar. Our alarms were also serviced.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 14th July 2023
We started the week with our French day and we welcomed Lila, a French girl to Mere School.
The Family Champion drop-in was available for parents at 9 am on Monday as well and the school nurse trained a group of staff to administer epilepsy medication.
Individual music lessons, French, swimming, recorders all took place during the week and Mrs Clements started to collect the library books in.
I attended several attendance meetings and went to Bristol for a course on Monday.
A large group of our older children went to London with Mrs Loxton on Wednesday to see The Lion King. They had an incredible time. Mrs Jennings and the Gold Classes performed to the rest of the school and their parents, showing off their recorder skills.
It was non-school uniform day on Thursday in exchange for a confectionery raffle prize.
There were staff appraisal meetings during the week and Purple Class continued to rehearse Bugsy.
Reports were sent home after school on Friday and The Friends held their disco.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 7th July 2023
The newsletter was available to download and our Family Champion Drop In was available on Monday morning.
Clubs, swimming, music, French, individual music lessons, library, year 3 recorders and various staff training took place during the week.
Mere Library came into our assembly on Monday to introduce the Summer Reading Challenge.
Some children took part in the FRED (Families Reading Every Day) course on Tuesday morning and Purple Class were preparing for their leaver’s performances during the week.
Purple Class spent the day in Devizes on Tuesday exploring the canal and taking part in the Junior Good Citizen workshops.
The governors and The Friends met on Tuesday as well.
Purple Class spent the day on Wednesday at Gillingham School so during this afternoon our children were in their new classes with their new teachers and TAs. We also welcomed our new entrants while their parents met with The Friends.
Our School Council held a jam jar raffle to raise funds for Mere Foodbank.
We welcomed 6 students to Mere School for their work experience and they were a great help during our Sports Day on Friday. This was a great event and so well organised by Miss Santry.
The staff met on Friday evening for Mrs Edgar’s leaving event.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 30th June 2023
Purple Class are busy preparing for their production of Bugsy – we are looking forward to seeing it.
The Family Champion drop-in was available for parents at 9 am. Clubs, School Council, individual music lessons, French, music, swimming, recorders and library all took place during the week.
I attended several virtual meetings during the week and held quite a few attendance meetings.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance were in school delivering first aid lessons to all of our children – such an essential life skill.
The Cluster Parliament met at Mere School on Tuesday morning while the Cluster Head Teachers held their meeting. Our Families Reading Every Day project also met at this time.
Our Governors Behaviour & Safety committee met on Tuesday afternoon.
I visited Gold Class on Wednesday morning to see how well the children are learning. During the afternoon we welcomed our new entrants in for their play visit while I spoke to their parents.
Our governors attended some training that evening as well.
Purple Class visited the Brush Factory for the start of their business project on Thursday.
Our new photocopiers were installed on Friday, Mrs Edgar met our lunchtime supervisors and our younger children took part in the mini-olympics event organised by Gillingham School.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 23rd June 2023
The weeks are definitely filling up towards the summer holidays!
The newsletter was available to download and our Family Champion Drop In was available on Monday morning.
Clubs, swimming, music, French, individual music lessons, library, year 3 recorders and various staff training took place during the week.
Some children took part in the FRED (Families Reading Every Day) course on Tuesday morning and Purple Class are preparing for their leaver’s performances.
Green and Blue Classes have visited Langford Lakes this week, learnt a lot and had an enjoyable time. We welcomed our new entrants on Wednesday afternoon while Mrs Godfrey (Chair of Governors) and I spoke with the new parents.
Purple Class went swimming on Thursday and went to the Brush Factory on Friday to launch their business project with them.
The Curriculum Governors met on Thursday evening and I met with a lady who is interested in bringing her therapy dog into school to work with the children
Our new teacher, Miss Chapman, was in school with Mr Rich on Wednesday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 16th June 2023
We are in the final weeks of the school year.
Mrs Loxton trained a group of staff on how to use the kiln as she will not be with us in September.
I held quite a lot of attendance meetings and Mrs Rawlings and I met with our Education Welfare Officer.
Clubs, French, music, individual music lessons, library, swimming and French took place as normal.
Mrs Loxton met with our teaching assistants and Capita came to check our office computer systems were working effectively.
Mrs Shannon and Mrs Edgar worked with Green Class to administer the statutory ‘tables test’.
Mr Rich took our boys to a cricket tournament on Wednesday and our girls to one on Friday. They all played enthusiastically and represented our school so well. Our boys team can second on Wednesday.
We welcomed a lot of parents to our Open Afternoon on Wednesday and Blue Class had a pirate day on Friday.
Phonics screening took place during the week and we welcomed a student teacher.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 9th June 2023
It was good to welcome everyone back to school after the half term break and 3 new children to our school.
Mr McGirr took class photos on our first day back and the newsletter was available to download. I also went to watch Miss Hanby working with her class and then taught Red Class in the afternoon while Mrs Cocker completed some history monitoring.
The newsletter was available to download and our normal extra curricular activities took place during the week.
We held our first Family Champion drop-in on Monday morning.
Purple Class visited Melbury Estates on Tuesday and had a fascinating day learning all about the countryside and our Nature Detectives Family Learning event took place after school.
The school was closed on Wednesday for a TD day as the teachers attended The Bryanston Summit in Blandford. It was a thought provoking and interesting day. While the school was empty our water systems were checked.
Thursday was another busy day. Yellow Classes went to Carymore and our new children, who are due to start with us in September came to visit Mr Button and Mrs McClelland. Miss Santry also took a bus full of children to compete at the Area Athletics event.
I held some attendance meetings during the week and attended several on line meetings.
Red Class spent the day at Stourhead on Friday and we collected data on how the children travel to school.
Head checks took place during the week.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 26th May 2023
We waved Purple Class off early on Monday morning at the start of their week in Pencelli. They returned on Friday – exhausted but after a wonderful time. Thank you to Mr Rich, Mrs Read, Mr Ings and Mr Hall for giving up their week to accompany our children and for the hilarious blog Mr Rich!
Our normal, planned activities took place during the week, without Mr Rich and Purple Class.
We sent 2 tennis teams to a year 3 & 4 Tennis Festival. They had a great time and played some excellent tennis.
I attended various virtual meetings, held several School/Local Authority Attendance Meetings and submitted our contribution to Mere Matters.
Mrs Loxton hosted a Cluster writing moderation meeting and the GMB Union held a meeting for our support staff.
Mrs Jenny Bennett was in school on Wednesday morning talking to our children about our environmental education provision as part of our governing body monitoring programme. She will feedback to the full governing body at our next meeting.
Mrs Jennings and Miss Hanby made good use of their time without year 6 to evaluate how successful music and French had been during the year and to consider what we can develop next year.
We broke up on Friday for half term.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 19th May 2023
We enjoyed a full week in school.
The school was presented with the Modshift Bronze Award for our Travel Plan in assembly on Monday – the first school in Wiltshire to achieve this.
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and our normal extra curricular activities took place during the week.
The School Nursing Team was in on Tuesday weighing and measuring our foundation stage children and we all enjoyed a tremendous production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ with IF Opera and Red Class.
There was a selection of governing body meetings on Tuesday evening.
I held some attendance meetings during the week and Mr Rich travelled to Wardour for a writing moderation meeting.
I was at Bradford on Avon on Thursday for a Primary Head Teacher meeting.
We welcomed 2 new children to the school on Friday and Mrs Edgar met with our lunchtime supervisors.
Mrs Jean Knapp came to assembly on Friday to launch an exciting competition for the children and we had a fire drill during the week.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 12th May 2023
Another short week and Monday was a Bank Holiday.
The week returned to normal on Tuesday with clubs, French, individual music lessons, library, swimming and year 3 recorders.
Mrs Rainford and Mrs Buck attended some ELSA supervision on Tuesday and I went to a face to face meeting on Thursday at County Hall
There were several School Attendance Meetings during the week and IF Opera worked with Red Class – they performed a little bit of their work to the whole school at the end of the day on Wednesday.
The KS2 SATs took place every morning and I had another very valuable meeting with our Class Parents on Friday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 5th May 2023
A short week in school due to the Bank Holiday.
The newsletter was available to download on Tuesday morning and I had an early morning cluster head teacher meeting at Semley.
Clubs started and our normal weekly activities took place (French, library, swimming, year 3 recorders, some individual music lessons).
Mrs Loxton met with our teaching assistants on Tuesday afternoon and I attended a Friends meeting.
Red Class are taking part in a series of opera workshops with an opera company from Bradford on Avon. They had prop making and singing workshops during the week.
I continued to hold a lot of attendance meetings and Miss Hanby attended some Early Career Teacher training on Thursday afternoon.
We celebrated King Charles III Coronation on Friday with special activities, a picnic lunch and a huge games afternoon.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 28th April 2023
We had a huge delivery from Wiltshire Library Service on Monday morning. These books and artefacts support learning across the school.
Individual music lessons, music, French, year 3 recorders, library and swimming took place during the week.
There was some online staff training during the week and Mrs Wilson looked at science books across the school on Thursday afternoon. I taught Red Class while on Thursday morning while Mrs Cocker did some PSHE training.
Yellow Class visited Mere Library on Friday morning.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 21st April 2023
It was lovely to welcome the children back after the Easter break – fresh and excited about the new term. Let’s hope we have some lovely weather.
The hard copy of the newsletter was sent home on Monday evening and the topic webs were uploaded onto our website so everyone can see what the children will be learning throughout the term.
Wessex Water worked with all of the classes on Monday and Tuesday and The Friends held their monthly meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
Some of the staff attended online training and virtual meetings during the week and I held some more attendance meetings face to face.
Our normal activities took place during the week – music, French, individual music lessons, recorders, swimming and library.
We closed down our financial year in the office which enabled us to put the final touches to our new budget.
The curriculum governors met on Thursday afternoon and head checks took place during the week.
Our new after school care started.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 31st March 2023
The lost property was in the foyer all week and any left after 12 noon on Friday was put into the re-cycling.
I held some School Attendance Meetings and our usual weekly activities took place.
Silver Class went to Port Regis School for a gymnastic session on Tuesday.
Wednesday was a busy day! We appointed a new KS2 teacher, Mr Rich ran a Phonics Screening parent meeting, then met with teachers to discuss progress in reading and writing in their classes and the new playground markings were put down.
Teachers had various meetings during the week and Mr Rich ran a football tournament for our pyramid of schools on Thursday afternoon while Mr Edgar met with our teachers to discuss the maths progress in their class.
The school closed on Friday for the Easter holidays.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 24th March 2023
Gold Class had an interesting and exciting day on Monday at Charmouth and the newsletter was available to download.
There were no clubs this week but our usual bits and pieces continued – swimming, music etc.
We hosted the Cluster Singing Event which was a huge success. Our year 3 and 4 children enjoyed singing with their cluster peers and I know parents thoroughly enjoyed the event.
I held a lot of School Attendance Meetings during the week and Mrs Edgar met Mrs Godfrey, our maths governor, to monitor our current maths provision.
Our netball team attended the North Dorset Netball Finals at Sherborne School on Wednesday. They played and represented our school well. Our younger KS2 children also took part in 2 football tournaments.
Mrs Clements collected in the library books so she could complete her termly stock take and Mrs Edgar met with all teachers to consider maths progress in their classes.
Mrs Loxton, Mr Rich and I attended a conference on Thursday and Mrs Wilson completed an on-line science training course. Mrs Shannon and Mrs Edgar also took part in some maths training online on Tuesday.
On Thursday a lady from Energy Sparks came into school to work with our Eco Council.
It was lovely to welcome so many parents to our Open Morning on Friday morning and the children danced away at the disco on Friday evening.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 17th March 2023
The Book Fair was in school until Wednesday morning and the children have enjoyed looking at and buying the books.
Various meetings took place during the week – virtually and in person and visiting professionals were in school supporting individual children.
Our routine activities took place during the week.
We welcomed many parents to school on Wednesday for our Parent Interviews and our governing body had some finance training on Tuesday evening.
We celebrated Red Nose day on Friday and our clubs ended on Thursday after school.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 10th March 2023
We had a wonderful Mere School Book Day with all sorts of different and exciting activities. The children and staff looked marvellous. A huge thank you to Mr Rich.
The newsletter was available to download and we welcomed a new child to Blue Class.
Some staff attended online training and various professionals were in school supporting individual children. I also travelled up to County Hall for a meeting.
Mrs Loxton met with our TAs on Tuesday afternoon while Mrs Jennings and I rehearsed with the children for our Musical Entertainment Evening. They all performed so well later in the evening.
The Friends also met during this afternoon.
I held various attendance meetings during the week and the children who performed at the Dance Festival performed to the whole school on Wednesday afternoon.
A local author joined our Friday assembly to present the prize to Libby Raynes for her sign design for the new play park near The Walnut.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 3rd March 2023
We have had a very busy week in school.
The Friends funded an artist in residence who has created a piece of artwork with the children for our entrance hall. It is quite magnificent and the children learnt a lot and enjoyed working together with him.
We managed to squeeze in our normal activities – individual music lessons, recorders, swimming, clubs, library, music and French and various professionals were in school working with individual children.
Mrs Wilson attended a science course on line and I attended a several meetings on behalf of Wiltshire head teachers.
The staff from the Life Bus joined us on Tuesday and worked with every class broadly on how to keep safe and healthy. This is such an important part of our PSHE curriculum.
Sadly our internet safety day has been postponed due to illness.
Mrs Edgar met with our lunchtime supervisors on Friday.
The week ended with The Friend’s Beetle Drive.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 24th February 2023
We had a very useful T D day on Monday when we worked with a specialist on how to support our children to recall previous learning.
We welcomed the children back to school on Tuesday after the half term break and French, some clubs and individual music lessons, swimming and library took place as normal.
Our girls took part in a football festival on Tuesday and a group of our children ran in the cross country event at Clayesmore School on Wednesday. All of our children represented our school so well.
Various professionals were in school during the week supporting our children.
Our KS2 children met virtually with an author on Wednesday morning.
Silver Class went to Sevington on Thursday and had a fascinating day and Mrs Loxton and Mrs Cocker talked to our older children about puberty.
Mrs Rawlings and I met with our Educational Welfare Officer to discuss attendance across the school and look at individual cases.
Head checks took place during the week and Purple Class visited the library on Friday morning.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 10th February 2023
It has been a busy half term and school closed today for the half term break.
We said goodbye to Mr Benjamin who has been training with us for the last 3 weeks with Mr Rich and we welcomed Mrs Rich back to Purple Class.
There were various meetings in school and virtually and French, individual music lessons, clubs, swimming and library took place as normal.
The Friends met on Tuesday to finalise their plans for the Beetle Drive and we had a non-school uniform day on Thursday to collect prizes for this event. Future events were discussed.
Our hockey teams played really well at the pyramid tournament on Wednesday and soldiered on despite 2 significant injuries to the team. The dance festival on Thursday here was also a wonderful occasion to share the dances from local schools with us all.
Our visiting OFSTED consultant worked with us on Wednesday. He continues to make a significant positive impact on the school. The governors also shortlisted for the Deputy Head post.
Blue Class had a visit from a nurse on Thursday as part of the topic on 'people who help us' and Silver Class visited Castle Hill.
The children have had a focus on positive mental health this week as it has been Children's Mental Health week.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 3rd February 2023
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and lots of professionals were in school during the week supporting our children.
Clubs, music, individual music lessons, French, Green swimming, library and recorders took place during the week.
Mr Rich held a phonics workshop meeting for parents on Wednesday morning and I attended several virtual meetings during the week. Mrs McClelland also attended an Early Years briefing online.
I showed a potential Deputy Headteacher around the school on Tuesday and Mrs Cocker and Mrs Ritter completed some governor monitoring in the afternoon while I taught Red Class.
I held quite a few attendance meetings and had a valuable Head Teacher lunch on Wednesday.
Mrs Jennings rehearsed our year 3 and 4 children for the Cluster Singing Event
We held a ‘mock’ emergency drill in school and I met with the Class Parents on Friday afternoon.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 27th January 2023
Walksafe were in school this week working with some classes and the School Council met with a company to plan what playground markings we would like.
Clubs, music, individual music lessons, French, Green swimming, library and recorders took place during the week.
There were a selection of governing body meetings on Tuesday evening, various professionals worked in school with our children and I attended several meetings virtually and in person.
We welcomed Mr Benjamin who started his teaching experience in Silver Class with Mr Rich.
I was delighted to show some new parents around the school and some potential Deputy Head Teacher candidates.
Mrs Edgar met with the lunchtime supervisors on Friday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 20th January 2023
The National Education Union (NEU) announced at the beginning of this week that its ballot of teacher members in England has met the thresholds required to commence industrial action in school. The ballot of support staff and 2 other teaching unions failed to achieve the 50% turnout required by law.
The NEU has announced national and regional action in England but more specifically in our area on the following dates:
Wednesday 1st February 2023,
Thursday 2nd March 2023,
Wednesday 15th March 2023 and
Thursday 16th March 2023.
Should the NEU decide to proceed with industrial action they must give employers at least 2 weeks’ notice.
I have been asked by our parents whether the school will be open and I can confirm that it will but cannot guarantee that all classes will operate that day. Some members of our NEU staff are considering whether they will be taking strike action on these days.
Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, had plans to meet union leaders this week and the Department for Education guidance on handling strike action in schools is asking us to prioritise vulnerable children, children of critical workers and children due to take public exams and other formal assessments. There have been changes to the regulation on engaging supply staff and providing emote education.
I will be discussing the situation with our governing body next week and we will formulate a plan. As soon as I have some concrete decisions I will let you know.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 20th January 2023
Walksafe were in school this week working with some classes and they will be coming in again next week.
I visited every class this week to see how well the children were working. I was, as ever, most impressed.
Staff attended courses and meetings this week on line and in person and we welcomed various professionals to work with our children.
All of our normal weekly activities took place apart from clubs.
I submitted our contribution to Mere Matters and our advert ‘went live’ for our vacant Deputy Head Teacher post for September.
The governing body Behaviour and Safety Committee met on Tuesday afternoon and the Curriculum Committee on Thursday afternoon.
We welcomed a new child to year 2 and I was delighted to show some new parents around the school.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 13th January 2023
Our first full week back.
All of our normal activities started apart from clubs – French, music, year 3 recorders, library, individual music lessons and swimming (2 sessions).
I attended several virtual meetings and took 2 children to the Cluster Parliament meeting on Tuesday morning while I met with my colleagues.
Professionals were in school supporting individual children and our School Improvement Advisor worked with Mrs Loxton considering how our Pupil Premium children are doing at Mere School.
The children enjoyed a visiting pantomime performance on Tuesday afternoon and there was a Friends meeting also.
Miss Hanby was on a course on Wednesday while I took her class and there was a football tournament for our girls during the afternoon.
We welcomed 5 students from Gillingham School on their work experience and we collected our Travel to School data.
Headchecks took place during the week.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 6th January 2023
Monday was Bank Holiday and on Tuesday the school was closed for the children for a T D day.
It was lovely to welcome the children back on Wednesday. The newsletter came home in hard copy and he topic webs were published on our website so all can see what we are learning this term.
Green Class had 2 swimming sessions (one to catch up from last term), year 3 had their recorder lesson and there were some individual music lessons.
I attended several virtual meetings during the week and on Friday afternoon Mr Chisling trained some members of staff on the new boards in the classrooms.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 16th December 2022
The end of my favourite week in school and it has been a busy one plagued with illness, sadly.
The final newsletter was available to download on Monday and we welcomed one student from Gillingham School on work experience with her mum.
English and maths Pupil Progress meetings took place during the week , Mrs Tavenner attended an SEND conference and I had several online meetings.
The children performed so well on Tuesday night and many children stood in at the last minute playing the parts of our ill children. I know families really enjoyed them.
Swimming, year 3 recorders, individual music lessons and music took place. Mrs Clements collected in our library books.
We had rehearsals for our performances and Carol service and the children were tremendous in both events despite being exhausted and quite poorly, in a lot of cases.
The visits to Father Christmas in his grotto were so exciting and all of the children received a small gift. He then joined the children for a delicious Christmas lunch. A huge thank you to The Friends for organising this.
Our week ended with our traditional Carol service in St Michael's Church - a very fitting end to this term.
School closed for the children at 3.15 pm.
A lot of snagging/building work is planned for the break.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 9th December 2022
The weeks continue to get busier approaching Christmas.
Mrs McClelland returned after her parental leave – it was lovely to have her back in school.
Our Christmas rehearsals continued – we have run through the plays in costumes this week.
Our recorder group and choir are rehearsing for the Carol Service and Mrs Jennings and I are teaching the children the carols.
The Friends met on Tuesday afternoon and Families Connect worked with a group of parents on Wednesday afternoon.
I spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Bristol on a leadership course and Thursday afternoon at a county finance meeting in Trowbridge.
We thoroughly enjoyed the panto again – thank you so much to The Friends for funding and organising this for us. As ever I was so proud of our children. Mere Pre-School used our hall while we were in Salisbury.
French, music, year 3 recorders, swimming, library, Families Connect and individual music lessons all went ahead as normal.
Various professionals were working in school with children during the week.
There were no clubs this week but The Friend’s Christmas raffle tickets were on sale.
Mr Rich and Mrs McClelland completed some computing monitoring.
The week ended with The Friend’s Christmas disco.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 2nd December 2022
We continue to put the finishing touches to our Christmas performances and the children have started to learn the carols for our Carol Service.
Clubs, individual music lessons, swimming, music, library and French continue.
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and our TAs had some training on our new phonics scheme on Tuesday with Mr Rich.
Families Connect continued to work with various families on Wednesday afternoon and it was non-school uniform day on Thursday in exchange for a Christmas confectionery bingo prize.
Mrs Tavenner and Mrs Loxton looked at revising some of our SEND paperwork on Thursday.
The Friends held their Christmas Fair in the playground on Thursday afternoon.
Christmas costumes were ready to go on Friday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 25th November 2022
Christmas rehearsals continue.
I attended various meetings in person and virtually and 2 of our children represented our school on the Cluster Council.
Clubs, music, year 3 recorders, swimming, library, Families Connect and individual music lessons all went ahead as normal.
There were 2 governing body meetings on Tuesday evening.
We welcomed 2 leaders from at school in Devon on Wednesday who came to learn how we work with our most disadvantaged and vulnerable children. Wessex Archaeology were in Green Class as well.
I had another very useful Head Teacher lunch.
Our year 3 netball squad attended some training at Gillingham School on Thursday and Walksafe were in school working with 3 year groups as well.
We were delighted to welcome so many families to our ‘Celebration Morning’ where our children proudly showed off what they had been learning this term.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 18th November 2022
Christmas rehearsals are in ‘full swing’! No doubt the children are sharing the songs with you at home. Our sound system was serviced ready for the big event!
We enjoyed meeting parents on Wednesday evening and Mrs Gulliver and I met with Mr Bloomfield to start planning for our fireworks event in 2023.
Clubs, library, swimming, individual music lessons, music and French continued as normal.
Lots of professionals were in school during the week working with staff and children and many of us attended virtual training. Mrs Jenny Bennett completed some governor computing monitoring and Mr Ed Ralph and Mrs Carolyn Godfrey talked to groups of our children about their learning.
I went to support a local head teacher as part of the Wiltshire Head Teacher monitoring programme.
Our rugby team took part in the pyramid rugby tournament and our Curriculum Governors also met.
Mrs Edgar met with our lunchtime supervisors and we supported Children in Need on Friday by wearing spots to school and buying Pudsey Bear cakes.
Families Connect worked with a group of our children and parents on Wednesday afternoon.
The heating engineers visited to regulate the new heating system and some more electrical issues were resolved.
I was delighted to show some more potential new parents around our school. I am always so proud.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 11th November 2022
Christmas rehearsals are ‘in full swing’!
We welcomed a new child to our school and parents were able to start booking for Parent Interviews.
Clubs, music, year 3 recorders, swimming, library, Families Connect and individual music lessons all went ahead as normal.
OFSTED were with us on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mrs Shannon and Mrs Edgar ran a Times Table Parent Workshop on Tuesday morning.
Mr Rich had a busy week with 2 football matches and The Friends met on Tuesday afternoon.
Mrs Loxton met with our TAs.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 4th November 2022
School was closed to the children on Monday as the staff had training on supporting children with mental health needs. Lots of ‘snagging’ work was completed during the break.
We re-opened on Tuesday and the newsletter was available to download.
Year 3 recorders, individual music lessons, French, some clubs, year 4 swimming, school council and library took place during the week.
The Friends met on Tuesday afternoon to finalise the arrangements for our Fireworks Event.
I showed several potential new parents around the school.
The Fire Service were in school on Wednesday working with several of our classes.
I attended several meetings online and face to face with advisors and professionals and several members of staff participated in virtual courses.
Families Connect worked with a group of our children and parents on Thursday afternoon and Mrs Rawlings and I met with our Education Welfare Officer.
Headchecks took place during the week as did our Christmas rehearsals.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 21st October 2022
We welcomed some new children to our school on Monday morning.
Clubs, music, French, individual music lessons, clubs, school council/Eco Club and library continued as normal.
The staff and I attended a selection of virtual meetings.
I held my first Head Teacher Lunch of the year – it is so useful sitting down and chatting with a group of our children.
An IT technician visited Mrs Rawlings and Mrs Hyde to check on our office systems.
Families Connect worked with some families on Thursday afternoon.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 14th October 2022
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and I dropped into every class to see how well our children were learning.
Music, year 3 recorders, individual music lessons, French, clubs, year 4 swimming, school council and library took place during the week.
I attended several meetings online and face to face with advisors, professionals and governors and several members of staff participated in virtual courses.
Families Connect worked with a group of our children and parents on Thursday afternoon.
The Local Authority completed a Health and Safety inspection in school on Wednesday.
Our governors met on Tuesday evening.
I attended Wiltshire Primary Heads Forum on Thursday – this is always such an interesting day.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 7th October 2022
On Monday Mrs Rainford took our 4 Sports Ambassadors to Gillingham School for their training. The represented our school so well.
Clubs, music, French, individual music lessons, school council and library continued as normal.
Green Class has a fascinating day at Nothe Fort on Wednesday
Mrs Shannon and Mrs Edgar attended the Wiltshire Maths Conference on Thursday. I also attended the virtual Schools Forum meeting on behalf of Wiltshire Head Teachers. This groups makes key funding decision for the Education Department at the Local Authority. Our Governing Body Curriculum committee met after school as well.
Red Class enjoyed a science event at Gillingham School on Friday morning.
The School nurse visited one of our children and met with Mrs Tavenner
I had our first Class Parent meeting of the year on Friday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 30th September 2022
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and we had a visit from our Local Authority School Improvement Advisor.
Music, year 3 recorders, individual music lessons, French, clubs, year 4 swimming, school council and library took place during the week.
I attended several meetings online and face to face with advisors, professionals and governors and several members of staff participated in virtual courses.
Families Connect worked with a group of our children and parents on Thursday afternoon.
We welcomed some visitors from Sutton Veny School.
Red Class also visited Rockbourne Villa on Wednesday.
Two windows were replaced in Blue Class on Friday and Mrs Edgar met with our lunchtime supervisors.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 23rd September 2022
Clubs started this week and our regular activities continued – music, French, individual music lessons, school council and library.
The barrier was commissioned so we are now fully operational!
I attended a Local Authority Finance meeting virtually and Mr Button and Mrs Cocker also attended some training.
Our OFSTED consultant spent all day Tuesday with our Senior Leadership Team and Chair of Governors. These days are so valuable for the improvement of our school.
Mr McGirr took individual photographs on Wednesday and Families Connect worked with a group of our children and their parents on Thursday.
Mrs Cocker and our Governor responsible for PSHE spent Thursday afternoon walking around the school looking at our classrooms and talking to the children about their PSHE learning.
The car park was officially handed over to us on Friday and we collected Travel to School data.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 16th September 2022
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and Purple Class visited the Ancient Technology Centre.
Music, year 3 recorders, individual music lessons, French, clubs, year 4 swimming, school council and library took place during the week.
I attended several meetings online and Mrs Read attended a diabetes course off site.
Families Connect worked with a group of our children and parents on Thursday afternoon.
Some of our year 6 children were involved in the Bikeability programme on Thursday and Friday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 9th September 2022
Our first full week in school. All of our children have settled so well.
The Friends met on Tuesday afternoon to plan their events for the rest of this term and Mrs Gulliver, Mr Bloomfield and I met on Wednesday evening to consider the finer details of our fireworks event.
French, music, year 3 recorders, library, some individual music lessons and swimming took place – we were almost back to normal!
I attended several virtual meetings.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 2nd September 2022
School was open on Wednesday – the staff were preparing for the children returning.
We were delighted to open our doors for the new school year on Thursday and the hard copy of the newsletter came home. The topic webs were also published on our website for parents.
The school started ‘coming to life’ as the week progressed.
We started to enjoy our new school building and many parents felt the benefit of the new car park.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 22nd July 2022
The lost property was in the entrance hall all week and subject leaders reviewed their subjects at various times.
Mrs Lee spent Monday and Tuesday with us getting ready for starting with Mrs Wilson and Yellow Class SW in September.
We took control of our new extension – the classrooms are lovely and we spent the week preparing them for the children. We welcomed parents and carers to have a look after school on Monday.
I held School Attendance meetings during the week and all teachers and subject leaders met to pass on information to the new class teachers.
I complete appraisal meetings during the week and Mere Pre-School came to use our play area and listen to a story.
The whole school watched the dress rehearsal of Oliver and we all enjoyed the performance on Tuesday evening.
We squeezed in French, music, swimming and some instrumental lessons and Mrs Clements worked on a stock take in the library/.
Mrs Whitmore visited Red Class on Wednesday to trial some financial resources out with our children.
It was a busy final day of term for the children and staff. We had our Leavers’ Assembly and Leavers’ Lunch. Green Class visited The American Museum in Bath and The Friends’ raffle was drawn. There was a removal team in school helping us to organise our classes for the new academic year. School closed for the children and they went home with an ice cream from The Friends.
The staff were in school on Friday. I held appraisal meetings all day while the staff prepared their classrooms for September. School closed for the summer break.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 15th July 2022
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and we welcomed 3 work experience students from Gillingham School.
Individual music lessons, French, music, library and swimming took place.
Silver and Orange Classes visited the library and Mere Museum.
I attended several face to face and online courses and various professionals worked in school with our children.
Staff appraisal meetings were held throughout the week.
Tuesday was our Commonwealth Day and the children were involved in all sorts of exciting activities related to their chosen country.
Mrs Loxton took a large party of our older children to London to see ‘Frozen’.
The Friends sold ice cream at the end of the week in the playground and the children took their reports home.
The week finished with the Friend’s disco.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 8th July 2022
I know a lot of us are struggling to keep up with everything that is going on at the moment!
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and Gold Class thoroughly enjoyed a visit from a Greek visitor. Purple and Red Classes also had their puberty talks.
It was the last week for clubs and swimming for Gold and Purple Classes, music, French, library, some individual music lessons took place.
I held several attendance meetings and some of the staff were involved in online training and meetings.
There was a selection of governing body meetings on Tuesday evening.
Our School Improvement Advisor completed a book scrutiny with the senior leadership team on Wednesday and our year 6 children spent the day at Gillingham School. Our teachers met their new classes and we sent their ‘Welcome Letters’ home after school. Sadly not all classes could visit their new rooms as the building works are not yet completed.
It was non-school uniform day on Thursday in exchange for a stationery raffle prize and Mr Walker performed with our brass and year 3 recorder players in our final assembly with him. He is retiring at the end of this term after over 20 years with us. We are really going to miss him.
Mrs Loxton held appraisal meetings with our TAs and The Friends had a Table Top Sale in the playground after school.
It was Sports Day on Friday and the teachers gave me their reports to read.
We welcomed 6 work experience students from Gillingham School.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 1st July 2022
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and interviews were held for our new TA.
Clubs, individual music lessons, French, music, library and swimming took place.
I held some Attendance Meetings during the week.
Mrs Fletcher, our new year 1 teacher spent the day with us on Wednesday in preparation for September.
A company came to look at replacing our playground markings and I met with the building team – hopefully we are near completion of the internal building works.
Teachers were involved in some face to face and online meetings and courses.
Mr Rich took our year 4 cricket team to a tournament and Red Class went to the rescheduled ‘Capture the Flag’ event at Gillingham School on Wednesday. I took Gold Class swimming while Miss Santry completed some RE monitoring with Mrs Marsh, our RE governor.
Letters went home to inform parents of their child’s new class for September.
Blue and Yellow had a Pirate Day on Thursday and Green Class walked up Castle Hill. Our new entrants had their final visit and The Friends served tea and coffee while they chatted to the parents.
Purple Class went to The Brush Factory as part of their ‘Dragon’s Dens’ project on Friday while our KS1 classes enjoyed working with the Gillingham School Leaders at their mini Olympic competition.
The Friends sold ice cream at the end of the week in the playground.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 24th June 2022
Some of our year 6 children worked with a cycling instructor to complete the Bikeability programme on Monday and Tuesday.
I held some attendance meetings during the week and staff took part in various meetings remotely. Our TAs had some specific training on Dyslexia.
We welcomed Miss Hanby back to Mere as our new French teacher on Tuesday.
Clubs, music lessons, individual music lessons, French, HT Lunch and KS2 library took place during the week.
It was a busy day on Wednesday. Red Class went to Stourhead Woods, Purple Class to the Brush Factor, our lower KS2 tennis team to the Dorset Games tennis finals, Green and Gold Class to the Cluster Singing event and Blue Class to the dentist. It was a quiet day in school!
Purple Class went swimming on Thursday morning and we welcomed out new entrants for their second play visit. While they were in school I chatted to their parents.
Mrs Carolyn Godfrey chatted to a group of our children, as part of the governors’ monitoring programme, about their work and life in school.
I met with my Cluster colleagues on Thursday lunchtime.
Mrs Godfrey and I attended a conference on Friday morning and some of our children went to a sporting festival at Gillingham School.
The Friends sold ice cream after school and Green Class took the Government tables test during the week.
Sadly the internal building works will be completed a little later – we had hoped to take control of the building this week.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 17th June 2022
The weeks are definitely getting busier as we approach the summer holidays.
The newsletter was available to download on Monday morning and we were delighted to welcome a Ukranian child to our school.
Various members of staff were involved in meetings and training during the week and some visiting professionals came to work with individual children.
All of our children had some first aid training on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mrs Loxton and Mrs Edgar took our Lunchtime Helpers (some year 6 children) to The Walnut for lunch as a reward for all their hard work. On her return, Mrs Loxton met with our Teaching Assistants.
Green Class also enjoyed a fascinating day at Langford Lakes as well as taking their tables test.
The School Council had their lunch on Wednesday and Mr Rich ran a year 6 cluster writing moderation session in the afternoon.
Clubs, music, individual music lessons, year 3 recorders and swimming and library took place as normal.
Mrs Hyde and I supported the Finance Officer and Head Teacher from a local school on Thursday morning as part of the Head Teacher mentoring scheme. During the afternoon we had our first new entrant play visit.
It was lovely to see so many parents at our Open Morning on Friday.
The Friends held their Ice Cream Friday after school at the end of the week.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 27th May 2022
We have missed Purple Class this week as they have been on their residential visit to Pencelli in Wales.
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and our educational OFSTED consultant spent the day with us in school.
Clubs, swimming, library, individual music lessons and music lessons took place during the week.
We welcomed 2 new children for a day with us ready for starting in September.
Attendance meetings were held and I attended a buildings meeting to see how the work on our expansion is progressing.
Miss Rea’s tutor was in school on Wednesday morning, Red Class attended a ‘Capture the Flag’ event and I took Yellow Class while Mrs Tavenner completed some science monitoring.
I was at Bradford on Avon all day on Thursday at a head teacher meeting and some EYFS teachers visited Mere School to work with Mrs Edgar and Mrs Tavenner moderating EYFS work.
Gold Class enjoyed a rescheduled visit to Charmouth on Friday, interviews for a teacher and TA post were held and The Friends sold ice creams in the playground after school.
School closed at 3.15 pm for half term.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 20th May 2022
Class photos were taken on Monday.
Music, clubs, individual music lessons, year 3 recorders, swimming and KS2 library took place during the week and Mrs Cocker met with our older School Council members.
The staff and I were involved in online training and virtual meetings during the week.
Miss Santry took our year 3 and 4 tennis team to a festival on Tuesday and they have qualified for the North Dorset competition and Purple Class visited the American Museum in Bath.
A lot of attendance meetings were held during the week.
Blue and Yellow Classes went to Carymoor on Wednesday and they had an exciting day.
Red Class visited Mere Museum on Thursday morning.
Our children performed so well at our Musical Entertainment Evening on Thursday evening – we were so proud of them all as were their parents.
We celebrated the Platinum Jubilee on Friday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 13th May
The weeks seem to be getting busier as we approach the summer holidays!
Purple Class have completed their SATs this week and enjoyed a walk around Mere on Friday to celebrate.
Clubs started. Most individual music lessons, swimming, library and music took place and I enjoyed talking to a group of children at my Head Teacher Lunch.
Orange and Silver Classes enjoyed a walk up Castle Hill.
The governors met on Tuesday evening and I showed some new parents around the school. We welcomed several children to spend some time with us who will be joining us in September.
Many of us attended virtual meetings and various professionals were in school supporting our children.
The newsletter was available to download at the beginning of the week.
I met with our Class Parents - this is always such a valuable meeting.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 6th May 2022
It was a short week with a Bank Holiday on Monday.
All of our classes had a session with an expert from Life Education Wiltshire during the week. Sadly ‘The Life Bus’ is no longer travelling around but their teacher delivered their expertise to all of our children in their classrooms.
French, some individual music lessons, swimming and library took place and there was a ‘catch-up’ dance club.
Our School Improvement Advisor worked with us on Wednesday morning and our Behaviour and Safety governing body committee met on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr Rich and Mrs Loxton met with our TAs during the week and I had a meeting with my cluster colleagues.
School Council lunches resumed and a small group of our year 2 and 3 children attended a multi skills festival at Gillingham School.
The Friends met on Friday afternoon.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 29th April 2022
It was lovely to welcome the children back to ‘normal school life’ after the Easter break.
The newsletter came home with the children in hard copy and the topic webs were uploaded onto our website so you can see what the children will be learning this term.
We welcomed Mrs Jennings, our new music teacher and Mrs Shinar is taking classes during their French time, completing alternative activities, until Miss Hanby starts later in the term.
Individual music lessons, swimming, library, year 3 recorders started and there was a dance club catch up session after school on Wednesday.
I held several attendance meetings during the week and Mrs Loxton went to Warminster for a writing moderation meeting.
I met with the building team to discuss how the works are progressing.
We welcomed a local head teacher to school as part of the Head Teacher mentoring programme on Thursday morning.
We closed down our financial year during the week and Mr Rich welcomed back Miss Rea who will be training in Orange Class for 4 weeks.
Head checks took place and luckily our detection rate is very low in comparison with other schools.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 8th April 2022
The newsletter was available to download on Monday.
Sadly COVID restrictive measures are still in place so many of our special and extra curricular activities have been cancelled. We are hoping that these measures will be lifted for the start of the new term.
Music, French, individual music lessons, swimming, library and individual music lessons took place.
The lost property was on display in the foyer all week.
Mrs Edgar, Mrs Smith and Mr Rich held Pupil Progress meetings to consider the progress that our children have made this term.
I attended several meetings during the week and various professionals were in school supporting individual children.
I met with my cluster colleagues on Wednesday and took Orange Class in the afternoon while Mr Rich managed our football team at the Pyramid Football Tournament.
We said a very sad goodbye to Mrs Smith on Thursday. She is looking forward to her new position but we are going to miss her.
The Friend’s Easter raffle was drawn on Friday.
Our upstairs classroom was cleared on Friday so that the builders can continue with their work.
School closed at 3.15 pm for the Easter break.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 1st April 2022
Restrictive measure were still in place but case numbers fell during the week.
I held several attendance meetings.
Various professionals were in school working with individual children. I also attended some on line and face to face meetings.
French, music, swimming, individual music lessons, year 3 recorders and library took place.
I was delighted to show a new parent around the school.
Our School Improvement Advisor worked with Mrs Loxton and our Chair of Governors to consider how we have spent our Pupil Premium funding.
The School Nursing team were in on Wednesday morning completing health checks.
The Friends met on Friday afternoon and I had a lovely afternoon on Friday taking a during our KS2 games afternoon.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 25th March 2022
The newsletter was available to download on Monday.
Sadly COVID restrictive measures are still in place so many of our special and extra curricular activities have been cancelled.
Music, French, individual music lessons, swimming, library and individual music lessons took place.
Miss Santry took our netball team to the North Dorset netball finals in Sherborne. They represented our school so well coming third overall.
Mrs Cocker attended a Child Mental Health course on Thursday morning while I taught Red Class.
Thursday was non-school uniform day in exchange for a confectionary Easter raffle prize. The tickets will be on sale during the last week of term
I attended several meetings during the week.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 18th March 2022
Sadly restrictive measures were implemented in school as the COVID cases were so high.
I held many Attendance Meetings during the week.
Various professionals were in school working with individual children. I also attended some on line and face to face meetings.
Swimming, individual music lessons, year 3 recorders and library took place.
Mrs Tavenner and Mrs Smith met to pass over all the SENCo information on Monday morning while I taught Yellow Class.
Our gym and outdoor play equipment was inspected on Tuesday.
The Book Fair left on Wednesday and Mr Rich organised a Family Learning coffee morning
Mr Rich took our lower KS2 football team to a festival at Gillingham School.
Our governing body had some OFSTED training on Thursday evening and they completed some maths monitoring on Wednesday morning with Mrs Edgar.
We celebrated Red Nose Day on Friday and our expansion building works continued.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 11th March 2022
The newsletter was available to download on Monday.
I attended a significant Social Care meeting with professionals discussing how we could improve the service in this area.
Clubs, music, French, individual music lessons, swimming, library, individual music lessons and School Council took place as normal.
I held several Attendance meetings.
It was Mere School Book Day on Thursday with the children dressing up and involved in a wide range of book-related activities – thank you to Mr Rich for organising this for us. The Book Fair also opened for families to buy books at the end of the school day.
Mrs Hyde and Mrs Rawlings attended an online course related to the smooth running of the school and Mrs Loxton and I went to a conference in Bradford on Avon on Thursday.
Mrs Edgar and Mrs Shannon organised a Times Tables Workshop for parents on Wednesday morning which was well attended and appreciated by those who came along.
Salisbury Hospice came to talk to the children in assembly on Wednesday morning as we are raising money for this organisation this year. One of our families has benefitted hugely from their work and support.
Mr Rich took our year 3 and 4 football team to a tournament at Gillingham School on Wednesday.
Green Class enjoyed a visit from Howard Carter on Friday morning – he brought their Ancient Egypt topic to life!
Mrs Loxton completed some art monitoring with a group of children on Tuesday afternoon. Mrs Julie Gulliver observed this session in her governing body role and will feedback her observations to the whole governing body.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 4th March 2022
Monday was a T D day when staff were updating their Child Protection qualification.
We welcomed quite a group of new children to the school on Tuesday.
Various professionals were in school working with individual children and I held several Attendance Meetings.
French, music, swimming, individual music lessons, clubs, year 3 recorders and library took place.
Mrs Shannon attended a virtual times tables course .
It was World Book Day on this day also but we will be holding a Mere School book day next week.
Mrs Edgar met with our Lunchtime supervisors on Friday and The Friends met during the afternoon.
Head checks took place all week and our expansion building works continued.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 18th February 2022
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and 2 governors were in school during the morning.
Clubs, library, swimming, French, music, School Council, year 3 recorders and individual music lessons took place.
We said a sad goodbye to Mrs Mole on Tuesday. She left our lunchtime supervisor team to start a new job.
We welcomed the Local Authority Head of School Improvement Service to our school on Tuesday afternoon – I am always so proud to show people around.
Parent interviews were held after school on Wednesday.
Visiting professionals were in school during the week to support individual children.
There were many contractor visits during the week in preparation for the expansion works that are due to start at half term.
School closed early for half term due to the weather.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 11th February 2022
Various professionals were in school working with individual children and I held several Attendance Meetings.
French, music, swimming, individual music lessons, clubs, year 3 recorders and library took place. I held my Head Teacher lunch also.
I attended an on-line OFSTED course and we ran our First Aid catch-up course for members of staff who missed the training earlier in the term.
Our football team played Shaftesbury Primary School in the next round of the Davison Cup. Unfortunately they were not strong enough and were up against some strong opposition losing 2-0.
On Wednesday the teachers spent some time with an educational consultant (an OFSTED expert) in preparation for our next OFSTED inspection.
Miss Santry took our hockey team to the pyramid tournament at Gillingham School on Wednesday. They won the event - the third pyramid tournament we have won this year!
We welcomed a work experience student to our school for the week.
I had a very useful meeting with our Class Parent group on Friday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 4th February 2022
I had a meeting with many people on Monday about the school expansion and the newsletter was available to download on Monday.
Staff attended a variety of on-line courses.
Various professionals were in school supporting specific children.
Swimming, music, French, year 3 recorders, library, clubs and individual music lessons took place and Mrs Cocker held her School Council lunch.
I spent a day with Blue Class while Mrs Edgar and Mrs McClelland continued their handover for Mrs McClelland’s maternity leave.
Mr Walker rehearsed with Gold and Green Classes as they will be taking part in the Cluster Music Event towards the end of term.
The Friends met on Friday afternoon.
We said a very sad farewell to Mrs Green who has been with us for many years. She has worked with hundreds of children during this time helping them to learn and develop personally. We are going to miss her but wish her every success in the future.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 28th January 2022
Clubs started this week at lunchtime and after school.
Various professionals were in school working with individual children and I held several Attendance Meetings.
French, music, swimming, individual music lessons and library took place. Mrs Clements now opens the library on Wednesday lunchtimes for a specific class.
Our full governing body met on Tuesday evening and Mrs Loxton met with our TAs.
Our Local Authority School Improvement Advisor worked with us on Wednesday. He talked to Mrs Smith and Ms Hansford about SEND and Mrs Shannon about geography.
Blue Class has a visit from a local vet on Thursday as part of their ‘People Who Help Us’ topic.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 14th January 2022
The flu vaccines were administered on Monday and many visiting professionals attended meetings (remotely or in person) or supported our children in school.
Many School Attendance Meetings took place during the week as well as music, French, School Council, individual music lessons, swimming and library.
We had a fascinating day in school on Wednesday. Mr Karl Hopwood made his annual visit to work with our children, staff and parents on internet safety.
I met with my cluster colleagues remotely and some teachers attended training courses remotely.
The children enjoyed a pantomime performance on Thursday afternoon, kindly organised and partially funded by Mrs Anne Rich.
Head checks took place all week and we collected Travel to School data on Friday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 7th January 2022
A very short week in school.
All staff completed their first aid training on Wednesday and the topic webs were published on our website for parents.
It was lovely to welcome all the children back to school on Thursday and to hear about their Christmas celebrations.
Some class music lessons took place and our KS2 games afternoon.
The Friends met on Friday afternoon.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 17th December 2021
My favourite week of the year!
On Monday we welcomed 5 work experience students from Gillingham School and a student teacher in Orange Class.
Some music, some individual music lessons and some clubs took place. Mrs Clements has been collecting in the library books so she can complete a stock take.
Mr Rich and Mrs Edgar held Pupil Progress meetings in English and maths.
The Friend’s Christmas Grotto was very special and everyone had the chance to visit Father Christmas. Christmas lunch was delicious and Mrs Talbot recorded and edited out Christmas performances and these were published on Friday.
Mrs Smith filmed the staff’s ‘Lip Sync’ ready for the children to see at the end of term.
The Friends Christmas Raffle was drawn on the last day of term..
Christmas raffle tickets were on sale all week.
School closed on Friday for the Christmas holidays.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 10th December 2021
French, music, individual music lessons, swimming and year 3 recorders took place as normal and some clubs have restarted.
Mrs Clements has been collecting in the library books so she can complete a stock take.
Various meetings took place during the week and visiting professionals supported some children.
We had a marvellous visit to Salisbury Playhouse on Tuesday – thank you to you and The Friends for funding this very special occasion for our children.
We are continuing with Christmas and carol rehearsals.
Christmas raffle tickets were on sale all week.
We filmed our KS1 play on Friday morning.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 3rd December 2021
The newsletter was available to download on Monday.
French, music, individual music lessons, library, swimming, some clubs and year 3 recorders took place as normal as the COVID protective measures were lifted.
Various meetings took place during the week and visiting professionals supported some children.
The Gillingham Pyramid Cross Country event was cancelled due to COVID.
We are continuing with Christmas rehearsals and we formulated plans for recording them.
The Friends held a very successful outside Christmas Fair to raise money for the school.
The Friends also held their monthly meeting on Friday and gave the children the books they had selected for their class.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 26th November 2021
Unfortunately we have had to implement additional COVID protective measures so some of our planned events had been cancelled which included our eagerly awaited Celebration Morning. I know the children were very disappointed about this.
We managed to continue with music, individual music lessons, French, school counsellor sessions, swimming, library but clubs and whole school assemblies were cancelled.
Various professionals were in school to support our children.
Mrs Tavenner attended an online Science course and I had several remote meetings during the week. Our School Improvement Advisor was in school working with our English and maths subject leaders (Mr Rich and Mrs Edgar).
The governors also held several meetings remotely on Tuesday evening.
Mr Rich welcomed parents to a chilly, well ventilated phonics workshop.
Thursday was a non school uniform day in exchange for a confectionary Christmas raffle prize. Tickets will be on sale shortly.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 19th November 2021
The newsletter was available to download on Monday.
French, music, individual music lessons, library, swimming, counselling sessions and year 3 recorders took place as normal but clubs were cancelled due to the introduction of more COVID protective measures.
Various meetings took place during the week and visiting professionals supported some children.
I showed some new parents around the school.
Christmas rehearsals are in ‘full swing’!
Catriona Williamson
Friday 12th November 2021
I held several Attendance Meetings during the week.
Music, individual music lessons, French, school counsellor sessions, swimming, library and clubs took place.
Various professionals were in school to support our children.
Mrs Loxton met with our Teaching Assistants.
Mrs Cocker attended a child mental health course, Mr Rich took part in an English Leaders briefing and I ran the Wiltshire Primary Head Teacher meeting.
My Head Teacher lunch on Wednesday was most interesting and informative and Mrs Cocker met with the Class Parents on Friday to chat in more depth about our Relationships and Sex Policy.
We had our last Forest Schools session on Friday – thank you to The Friends for funding this for us.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 5th November 2021
We had a really interesting day at the beginning of the week working with Sutton Veny School for our T D day and I met remotely with our chair and vice chair of governors.
We welcomed the children back after half term on Tuesday and the newsletter was available to download.
French, music, individual music lessons, library, swimming, clubs, counselling sessions and year 3 recorders took place as normal.
I attended various meetings, held a couple of attendance meetings and visiting professionals supported some children during the week.
Mrs Buck attended one of the final sessions of her ELSA training.
On Thursday afternoon the School Council held an environmental meeting to coincide with the COP26 international conference in Glasgow.
We had our final Forest Schools session and The Friends met on Friday afternoon.
Christmas rehearsals started!
Catriona Williamson
Friday 22nd October 2021
The whole school enjoyed a ‘Mad Science’ assembly on Monday morning. We are hoping to run a Mad Science club after half term – if numbers allow.
Music, individual music lessons, French, school counsellor sessions, swimming, library and clubs took place.
Various professionals were in school to support our children.
Wessex Archaeology worked in Red Class on Tuesday learning more about the Romans.
An Education Consultant worked with the school on Wednesday keeping us up to date with any OFSTED requirements and looking at early education in the school.
Parent interviews also took place at varying times on Wednesday.
Miss Santry took our tag rugby team to a tournament at North Dorset Rugby Club. They played and represented our school very well and won.
We had our last Forest Schools session on Friday – thank you to The Friends for funding this for us.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 15th October 2021
The newsletter came home on Monday and Green Class had an enjoyable and fascinating day at Nothe Fort.
Music, individual music lessons, French, school counsellor sessions, swimming, library and clubs took place.
Various professionals were in school to support our children and I showed some new parents around the school.
Mrs Cocker held her fortnightly School Council Lunch.
I spent some time in every class during the week looking a pupil attitudes to learning and the classroom environment. It made me so proud to see how keen our children are to learn.
Mrs Buck completed another day of her ELSA training.
On Friday 2 of our classes were involved in Forest Schools and all photo orders needed to be in.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 8th October 2021
A selection of Attendance Meetings were held during the week.
Music, individual music lessons, French, school counsellor sessions, swimming, library and clubs took place.
Various professionals were in school to support our children and our School Nurse worked with Red Class.
Our School Improvement Advisor worked with us on Wednesday morning.
Henry VIII and a roman soldier were in school in Gold and Red Classes.
I held my first Head Teacher Lunch of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the children and talking about our school and what this group of children thought about various issues.
Two of our children represented out school at the Cluster Council.
Mrs Buck completed another day of her ELSA training.
I met with our Class Parents on Friday afternoon and 2 of our classes were involved in Forest Schools.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 1st October 2021
The newsletter was available to download from the website.
Several professionals were in school supporting our children throughout the week.
Some staff members attended on-line training.
French, music, individual music lessons, swimming, clubs, counselling sessions and library took place. Mr Cocker held her second School Council lunch.
We said a sad farewell to Mrs Carrie-Anne Sayer on Wednesday.
Wiltshire Wildlife worked with 2 classes.
I held several Attendance Meetings and The Friends met on Friday afternoon.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 24th September 2021
I started the week off by showing some new parents around the school – I love this job.
I attended several meetings during the week and Mrs Buck went to Devizes for more of her ELSA course.
Music, individual music lessons, French, school counsellor sessions, swimming, library took place and our clubs started.
Mrs Julia Cole (our governor responsible for PSHE) was in school on Tuesday afternoon working with Mrs Cocker and the children. She and Mrs Cocker ran an information ‘drop in’ for parents after school that evening so that any policy changes could be shared (particularly around Relationship and Sex education).
Our School Nurse worked with Red Class on Wednesday afternoon.
Mr David McGirr came in and took individual and family group photos on Wednesday
Mrs Rawlings collected in out ‘Travel to School’ data on Friday and 2 of our classes were involved in Forest Schools.
Mrs Smith monitored our music provision during the week.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 17th September 2021
The children have settled back into the ‘old’ routines so well. It is lovely to hear them singing again!
Purple Class had a very interesting day at the Ancient Technology Centre on Monday preparing them for their topic this term.
The newsletter was available to download from the website.
Several professionals were in school supporting our children throughout the week.
Some staff members attended on-line training.
French, music, individual music lessons, swimming and library took place. Mr Cocker held her first School Council lunch.
Our school nurse worked with Red Class on Tuesday afternoon.
Wiltshire Wildlife worked with 2 classes on Friday and I had the pleasure of taking Green Class swimming while Miss Santry attended a PE meeting.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 10th September 2021
First full week back!
I held a couple of attendance meetings during the week and attended several other meetings.
Music, individual music lessons, French, swimming and library started.
Mrs Brookfield has retired and Mrs McPherson started as our new piano teacher.
Our alarms were serviced and the Local Authority completed a tree survey as part of the expansion works.
We welcomed our new School Counsellor and she will be working with us every Wednesday for this academic year.
A van-load of library resources arrived on Thursday for the teachers and children to use during the term.
Headchecks took place throughout the week.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 3rd September 2021
It has been a very short week in school but it was lovely to welcome our children back to school for the new academic year and to welcome all our new starters.
The teachers and office team were in school on Wednesday preparing for the new school year.
The Friends served coffee and croissants to parents and carers at the start of school on Thursday so the adults could have a catch-up after the holidays.
The newsletter came home in hard copy.
Green Class swam on Friday afternoon – still catching up after the COVID closure.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 22nd July 2021
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and Mrs Buck, our new TA for Orange Class, spent the day in school.
A few of our normal activities took place – music lessons, French and swimming.
Staff appraisal meeting took place throughout the week.
Subject leaders continue to evaluate the progress in their responsibility curriculum area.
Most of Purple Class visited Gillingham School on Wednesday.
I met with the Local Authority to hear about how they are progressing with the expansion plans for our building.
Our school nurse met with some parents and Mrs Tavenner.
Mrs Clements finalised the library stock take.
The lost property was on display in the entrance foyer all week.
Purple Class held their remote Leaver’s Assembly on Friday morning and various awards were presented:
Governor’s Awards – Reuben Ralph and Lily Franks
Science – Caleb Watson
Arts – Eva Bryce
Sports – Rafael Ohuanbor.
Congratulations to these children.
The teachers joined Purple Class for their Leaver’s Lunch and we said a very sad farewell to the children at the end of the day.
School closed for the children on Thursday.
The teachers were in school on Friday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 16th July 2021
Almost there!
Mrs Buck spent the day in school on Monday preparing for her new role as TA in Orange Class.
Our subject leaders have been reviewing the progress and standards in their subjects throughout the week and collating a report.
Staff appraisals have been taking place all week.
Our new piano teacher visited us on Tuesday morning and the governing body Pay Panel met.
Various professionals were in school supporting our children and some staff attending on line training and meetings.
On Wednesday morning Mr Rich, Mrs Edgar, Mrs Loxton and I met with our School Improvement Advisor to have a look at our children’s books. We were most impressed!
Mrs Clements is in the process of collecting in the library books and completing a stock take.
Thursday was our Multi-Cultural Day. Each class selected a country to learn about. The children were involved in all sorts of exciting activities.
Raffle tickets were on sale all week for The Friend’s end of term confectionary raffle.
We held our ‘bubbled’ sports day on Friday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 9th July 2021
The newsletter was available to download on Monday and Mrs Buck, our new TA for Orange Class, spent the day in school.
Our normal activities took place – music lessons, Year 3 recorders, French, KS2 games afternoon, swimming, individual music lessons and library. Purple Class also went swimming on Thursday morning.
Mrs Wilson and Mrs Shinar taught in Silver, Yellow and Green Classes supporting the teachers with COVID learning catch up.
The teachers, TAs and I attended various meetings remotely and several professionals came to school to support our children.
Green Class had a great day at Langford Lakes on Tuesday and the school nurse came into school to help talk to our older children about puberty and body changes.
Orange and Silver Classes visited Careymoor on Wednesday.
Mrs McClelland and Mrs Tavenner spent 2 afternoons together planning for the next school year and Mr Rich and Mrs Edgar met with the teachers to talk about maths and English progress in their classes.
We held our usual school remote celebration assembly on Friday morning and Purple Class enjoyed their ‘Dragon’s Den’ meeting with the Hill Brush Factory team. The friends met during the afternoon.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 2nd July 2021
The weeks seem to be getting busier as we approach the summer holidays.
Gold Class went to ‘Ready to Climb’ on Monday and had a very exciting day. Letters were also sent home informing parents of their child’s new class for next year.
Our school nurse worked with our older children considering puberty and the changes associated with this. Mrs Loxton, Mrs Read, Mrs Cocker and Mr Rich also supported this work.
Various professionals were in school supporting our children and some staff attending on line training and meetings.
Mrs McClelland and Mrs Sayer visited Leaping Frogs on Tuesday to meet our new children and all of our new children came into school for a quick individual visit to their new class on Thursday.
All of the children met their new teachers on Wednesday morning and received a letter to share with their parents about the new school year.
Mrs Shinar and Mrs Wilson worked additional days in Green, Silver and Yellow Classes enabling the class teacher and TA to work individually with children to try and ‘close’ some of the learning gaps as a result of the lockdown.
Purple class swam on Thursday to ‘brush up’ their swimming skills before starting Gillingham School.
The children came to school in their own clothes on Thursday in exchange for a raffle prize. Tickets started to be sold in classes then as well.
We held our ‘bubbled’ sports day on Friday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 25th June 2021
The newsletter was available to download on Monday.
Our normal activities took place – music lessons, Year 3 recorders, French, KS2 games afternoon, swimming, individual music lessons and library. Purple Class also went swimming on Thursday morning.
Mrs Wilson and Mrs Shinar taught in Silver, Yellow and Green Classes supporting the teachers with COVID learning catch up.
The teachers, TAs and I attended various meetings remotely and several professionals came to school to support our children.
I met remotely with my cluster colleagues and Mrs Edgar met with our lunchtime supervisors.
We held our usual school remote celebration assembly on Friday morning and the very small amount of lost property was in the playground.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 18th June 2021
We were delighted to welcome a school improvement consultant to work with us at the start of the week. He worked with the Senior Leadership Team during the morning helping us to complete OFSTED information and in the afternoon he worked with Mr David Rich, when they looked at early reading in school.
All children had some first aid training on Tuesday and Wednesday from the team at the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. This will be annual training for our children as we feel it is so important.
The governors met on Tuesday evening and I completed a Health and Safety course.
Various professionals were in school supporting our children and some staff attending on line training and meetings.
Blue and Yellow Classes had an exciting day at Careymoor on Wednesday and I went to speak to a head teacher group in Wilton. During the afternoon I worked with a local head teacher in the role of Head Teacher Mentor.
Mrs Shinar and Mrs Wilson worked additional days in Green, Silver and Yellow Classes enabling the class teacher and TA to work individually with children to try and ‘close’ some of the learning gaps as a result of the lockdown.
Purple class swam on Thursday to ‘brush up’ their swimming skills before starting Gillingham School.
We held a full school celebration assembly on Friday morning over TEAMs and the small amount of lost property was on display.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 11th June 2021
It was lovely to welcome the children back to school after half term and the newsletter was available to download on Monday.
Our normal activities took place – music lessons with Mrs Smith, Year 3 recorders, French, KS2 games afternoon, swimming, individual music lessons and library.
Mrs Wilson and Mrs Shinar taught in Silver, Yellow and Green Classes supporting the teachers with COVID learning catch up.
The teachers, TAs and I attended various meetings remotely and several professionals came to school to support our children.
Mrs McClelland and Mrs Tavenner phoned all of our new entrant parents on Tuesday to talk about their children and introduce them to our school.
Purple Class visited Fonthill Estate for a countryside day.
Mrs Mac came to visit our year 6 children on Wednesday morning as part of their induction programme for Gillingham School
We held our usual school remote celebration assembly on Friday morning.
We also collected Travel to School data and The Friends met during the afternoon.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 28th May 2021
Our final week before half term and Red and Purple Classes should have been on their residential visit to Pencelli in Wales. Unfortunately this was cancelled but Purple Class have had such an exciting activities week with 2 days at an activities centre near Warminster with the Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team. They canoed, built rafts and fires and had an evening laser event and barbecue. This team came to our school on Wednesday introducing more activities to the children from axe throwing to various team games. On Thursday they took part in a long walk and on Friday both Purple and Red Classes were involved in some ‘extreme’ sports.
Various professionals were in school supporting our children and some staff attending on line training and meetings.
Mrs Barry was successfully renewed her nominated first aider training.
Mrs Shinar and Mrs Wilson worked additional days in Green, Silver and Yellow Classes enabling the class teacher and TA to work individually with children to try and ‘close’ some of the learning gaps as a result of the lockdown.
Music, French, library, year 3 recorders, swimming and individual music lessons continue.
Our School Improvement Advisor remotely interviewed groups of our children about science and e.safety.
We held a full school celebration assembly on Friday morning over TEAMs and the small amount of lost property was on display.
School closed for the half term break.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 21st May 2021
The newsletter was available to download on Monday.
Our normal activities took place – music lessons with Mrs Smith, Year 3 recorders, French, KS2 games afternoon, swimming, individual music lessons and library.
Mrs Wilson and Mrs Shinar taught in Silver, Yellow and Green Classes supporting the teachers will COVID learning catch up.
The teachers, TAs and I attended various meetings remotely.
Wednesday was a busy day. The Book Fair left us and all classes had some cricket coaching. Mr Karl Hopwood, an internet safety expert, worked with every class and ran a staff meeting after school for the teachers.
I attended some asbestos training virtually.
We held our usual school remote celebration assembly on Friday morning.
Miss Santry and our governor with responsibility for PE held some pupil conferencing interviews as well.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 14th May 2021
Various professionals were in school supporting our children and some staff attending on line training and meetings.
The ‘look but don’t touch book fair’ arrived in school on Wednesday and we all enjoyed the Mere School Book Day on Thursday.
Mrs Shinar and Mrs Wilson worked additional days in Green, Silver and Yellow Classes enabling the class teacher and TA to work individually with children to try and ‘close’ some of the learning gaps as a result of the lockdown.
Music, French, library, year 3 recorders, swimming and individual music lessons continue.
I updated my health and safety training and Mrs Edgar attended a virtual maths conference.
We held a full school celebration assembly on Friday morning over TEAMs and Mrs Edgar met with the lunchtime supervisors.
Our Class Parent meeting could not take place but we have shared issues/suggestions over e.mail.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 7th May 2021
A very short week in school as Monday was a Bank Holiday and Tuesday was a T D day and the school was closed to the children. The teachers enjoyed meeting parents on Tuesday for our parent interviews.
The newsletter was available to download on Wednesday
Some of our normal activities took place – music lessons (for some classes) with Mrs Smith. Year 3 recorders, French, KS2 games afternoon, swimming and library and some of our peripatetic music teachers taught as well.
Mrs Wilson and Mrs Shinar taught in Silver, Yellow and Green Classes supporting the teachers will COVID learning catch up.
The teachers, TAs and I attended various meetings remotely.
I attended a remote cluster head teacher meeting.
We held our usual school remote celebration assembly on Friday morning.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 30th April 2021
There were a selection of governing body meetings on Tuesday evening.
Various professionals were in school supporting our children and some staff attending on line training and meetings.
KS1 enjoyed some cricket training on Wednesday.
The staff had some further training on the VR headsets.
Mrs Shinar and Mrs Wilson worked additional days in Green, Silver and Yellow Classes enabling the class teacher and TA to work individually with children to try and ‘close’ some of the learning gaps as a result of the lockdown.
Music, French, library, year 3 recorders, swimming and individual music lessons continue.
I worked with a local head teacher in my Head Teacher Mentor role.
We held a full school celebration assembly on Friday morning over TEAMs.
Mrs Tavenner completed some science monitoring during the week.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 23rd April 2021
We welcomed the children back to school after the Easter break and several new children across the school.
The newsletter was sent home in hard copy as it was the first ‘chunky’ one of the term.
Most of our normal activities resumed – music lessons with Mrs Smith. Year 3 recorders, French, KS2 games afternoon, swimming and library and some of our peripatetic music teachers taught as well.
Mrs Wilson and Mrs Shinar are teaching in Silver, Yellow and Green Classes supporting the teachers will COVID learning catch up.
The teachers, TAs and I attended various meetings remotely.
Mrs Hyde closed down the financial year and finalised our school budget for this financial year.
Our School Improvement Advisor worked remotely with our DT and RE subject leaders.
The staff completed some more training on childhood bereavement and our Governor’s Curriculum Committee met as well.
Catriona Williamson
Thursday 1st April 2021
Easter has crept upon us very quickly but the teachers are looking forward to a rest over the holidays.
Mrs Shinar and Mrs Wilson worked additional days in Green, Silver and Yellow Classes enabling the class teacher and TA to work individually with children to try and ‘close’ some of the learning gaps as a result of the lockdown.
Music, French, library, year 3 recorders and some individual music lessons continue.
Various members of staff attended online training and meetings and the teachers had some additional training on the VR Headsets.
Some children in Purple Class completed their Bikeability training on Wednesday and Thursday.
Mrs Clements collected in all the library books so she could complete a stock take.
We held a full school celebration assembly on Thursday morning over TEAMs.
School closed on Thursday for the Easter break.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 26th March 2021
The newsletter was available to download from the website at the beginning of the week.
Some of our normal activities resumed – music lessons with Mrs Smith. Year 3 recorders, French, KS2 games afternoon and library and some of our peripatetic music teachers started teaching as well.
All children took part in tennis workshops on Wednesday with Mr Griffin.
Mrs Wilson and Mrs Shinar are teaching in Silver, Yellow and Green Classes supporting the teachers will COVID learning catch up.
The teachers, TAs and I attended various meetings remotely.
I visited every class during the week to see how the children have settled back into their learning – always a pleasure!
Catriona Williamson
Friday 19th March 2021
Our second week back in school after lockdown and the children are already back in routines as if they have never been away!
Mrs Shinar and Mrs Wilson are working additional days in Green, Silver and Yellow Classes enabling the class teacher and TA to work individually with children to try and ‘close’ some of the learning gaps as a result of the lockdown.
Music, French, library, year 3 recorders and some individual music lessons continue.
The governors met virtually on Tuesday evening for some training.
Various members of staff attended online training and meetings.
The Local Authority visited school to inspect the kitchen roof. The will be putting on a new one in the summer holidays.
Friday was Red Nose Day and the children were invited to come to school in red clothes with a small donation for this cause. They also brought their favourite joke with them to school.
We held a full school celebration assembly on Friday morning over TEAMs.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 12th March 2021
We were delighted to open our doors to all children on Monday morning and welcome a lot of new children to our school.
The newsletter was available to download from the website at the beginning of the week.
Some of our normal activities resumed – music lessons with Mrs Smith. Year 3 recorders, French, KS2 games afternoon and library and some of our peripatetic music teachers started teaching as well.
All children took part in tennis workshops on Wednesday with Mr Griffin.
Mrs Wilson and Mrs Shinar are teaching in Silver, Yellow and Green Classes supporting the teachers will COVID learning catch up.
The teachers and I attended various meetings remotely.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 5th March 2021
School was open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. The rest of our children completed their learning at home.
I attended several remote meetings during the week and Mrs Hyde worked with the Local Authority on our new budget preparations.
All normal activities were cancelled due to the national lockdown.
The weekly class meetings over TEAMs too place – the children love them!
I met with my cluster head teacher colleagues remotely.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 26th February 2021
School was open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. The rest of our children completed their learning at home.
The newsletter was available to download on Monday.
I attended several remote meetings during the week.
All normal activities were cancelled due to the national lockdown.
The weekly class meetings over TEAMs too place – the children love them!
Our gym and outdoor equipment was serviced and inspected on Monday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 12th February 2021
School was open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. The rest of our children completed their learning at home.
I attended several remote meetings during the week including one about the expansion of the school building and parking area.
All normal activities were cancelled due to the national lockdown.
The weekly class meetings over TEAMs too place – the children love them!
School closed at the end of the week for the half term break.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 5th February 2021
School was open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. The rest of our children completed their learning at home.
The newsletter was available to download on Monday.
I attended several remote meetings during the week.
All normal activities were cancelled due to the national lockdown.
The weekly class meetings over TEAMs took place – the children love them!
Catriona Williamson
Friday 29th January 2021
School was open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. The rest of our children completed their learning at home.
I attended several remote meetings during the week.
All normal activities were cancelled due to the national lockdown.
Mrs Edgar met over TEAMs with 2 governors to monitor our remote maths provision.
We have been distributing devices to children to help with their home learning.
Virtual class meetings took place throughout the week.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 22nd January 2021
School was open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. The rest of our children completed their learning at home.
The newsletter was available to download on Monday.
Various on-line class meetings took place throughout the week.
There were a series of governing body meetings on Tuesday evening.
I attended several remote meetings during the week and completed some training on line.
All normal activities were cancelled due to the national lockdown.
The lunchtime supervisors had a socially distanced meeting with Mrs Edgar.
We received donations of devices all week from the community and some were distributed to families.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 15th January 2021
School was open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. The rest of our children completed their learning at home.
I attended several remote meetings during the week and completed some training on line.
All normal activities were cancelled due to the national lockdown.
I met remotely with my cluster colleagues.
We were receiving donations of devices all week from the community – we will hopefully have them ready for distribution.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 8th January 2021
Monday was a T D day with no children in school and remained closed on Tuesday so the staff could plan for the lockdown. It was great to welcome our key worker and vulnerable children on Wednesday and hear all about their Christmas holidays.
For the children at home, work was set on TEAMs and the teachers were able to offer feedback and help throughout the day.
The newsletter came home in hard copy on Wednesday and was available to download.
We welcomed Mrs Rainsford who started in Silver Class, following Mrs Young’s retirement. Mrs Legg has moved to work in Orange Class.
I attended several remote meetings during the week.
All of our normal activities were cancelled due to the lockdown.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 18th December 2020
We have done our utmost to ensure the children have had a fun Christmas week in school.
We had a remote Christmas assembly with Rev Carol on Tuesday and we have regular celebration assemblies remotely on Friday morning.
On Monday Mr Rich and Mrs Smith met with staff to consider the English progress our children have made this term and Mrs Edgar did the same on Thursday afternoon for maths. We call these meetings our Pupil Progress Meetings.
I attended several remote meetings during the week and the Behaviour Support Teacher came into school. A new parent also visited the school.
Mrs Clements completed her stock take in the library.
Some individual music lessons, music, swimming and French took place.
Mrs Phayne-Mudge left us on Wednesday to move onto her next school placement. We wish her the very best of luck.
Thursday was a very exciting day for us all. The children were involved in Christmas activities all day in their Christmas jumpers, Father Christmas made a socially distanced visit, we enjoyed Christmas lunch and watched an online pantomime. Thank you to The Friends for funding this day for us.
The lost property was in the entrance hall all week (not much now!) and school closed for the Christmas holidays.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 11th December 2020
I attended several remote meetings during the week and the Behaviour Support Teacher came into school.
Mrs Loxton, Mrs Edgar and Mrs Tavenner worked with individual children for one afternoon during the week while Mrs Wilson and a supply teacher took the classes.
Mr Walker took Gold Class for their recorder lesson, KS1 had their library session and some individual music lessons, music, swimming and French took place.
The School nursing team came into school to deliver the catch-up flu vaccines.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 4th December 2020
We started our ‘slimmed down’ Christmas celebrations by putting up the Christmas tree and the nativity tableau.
The newsletter was available to download on Monday.
I attended several remote meetings during the week and Mr Rich completed some English training on line.
Mr Stone from Gillingham School ran a cross country competition for our year groups.
We have 2 student teachers working with us at the moment.
Mrs Loxton, Mrs Edgar and Mrs Tavenner worked with individual children for one afternoon during the week while Mrs Wilson and a supply teacher took the classes.
Mr Walker took Gold Class for their recorder lesson, KS1 had their library session and some individual music lessons, music and French took place.
Our School Improvement Advisor worked with me on Wednesday morning
The Walk Safe team took Gold Class out and about in Mere, showing them how to keep safe on the roads.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 27th November 2020
We welcomed out new Teaching Assistant in Silver Class – Mrs Sam Legg.
Several remote meetings took place during the week.
Mrs Loxton met with our teaching assistants.
We have 2 student teachers working with us at the moment.
Mrs Loxton, Mrs Edgar and Mrs Tavenner worked with individual children for one afternoon during the week while Mrs Wilson and a supply teacher took the classes.
Mr Walker took Gold Class for their recorder lesson, KS1 had their library session and some individual music lessons, music and French took place.
Thursday was non-school uniform day in exchange for a Christmas raffle prize.
The Walksafe team were in school on Thursday with our children in years 1, 2, 3 and 6.
The lost property was on display in the playground on Friday.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 20th November 2020
This week was Anti-Bullying Week and the children have been involved in a variety of activities.
The newsletter was available to download on Monday.
Mrs Hyde had a remote ‘financial health check’ in the office.
I attended several remote meetings during the week
We have 2 student teachers working with us at the moment.
Three governing body meetings were held on Tuesday evening.
Mrs Loxton, Mrs Edgar and Mrs Tavenner worked with individual children for one afternoon during the week while Mrs Wilson and a supply teacher took the classes.
Mr Walker took Gold Class for their recorder lesson, KS1 had their library session and some individual music lessons, music and French took place.
Henry VIII visited Gold Class on Friday morning!
Mrs Edgar met with our lunchtime supervisors.
We said a sad farewell to Mrs Howell on Friday. She has left the school after many years and we wish her every success in her new job.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 13th November 2020
We welcomed a consultant virtually to school on Monday to work with the staff and governors to ensure we are well prepared for our next OFSTED visit.
I attended several remote meetings during the week.
A Wiltshire head teacher visit me virtually in my role as head teacher mentor.
We have 2 student teachers working with us at the moment.
Mrs Loxton, Mrs Edgar and Mrs Tavenner worked with individual children for one afternoon during the week while Mrs Wilson and a supply teacher took the classes.
Mr Walker took Gold Class for their recorder lesson, KS1 had their library session and some individual music lessons, music and French took place.
Mrs McClelland completed some computer monitoring during the week talking to the children about what it was like working from our website during the COVID lockdown and how they kept safe on the internet.
The school nurse came into school to train the staff on how to use an Epi-Pen.
I met with my cluster colleagues virtually.
Children in Need day on Friday was all about spots and mad hair! The children were able to buy a cake and all the proceeds went to this appeal.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 6th November 2020
The staff had 2 very busy T D days in school. On Monday we were working on our new learning platform (in case of another lockdown) and Tuesday we held socially distanced parent interviews.
The air conditioning and extractions systems were serviced.
I attended several remote meetings during the week
We have 2 student teachers working with us at the moment.
Mrs Loxton, Mrs Edgar and Mrs Tavenner worked with individual children for one afternoon during the week while Mrs Wilson and a supply teacher took the classes.
Green class swam once, Mr Walker took Gold Class for their recorder lesson, KS1 had their library session and some individual music lessons, music and French took place.
Headchecks took place during the week.
The Friends met on Friday afternoon.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 23rd October 2020
Green Class had an exciting, safe an informative day at Nothe Fort on Monday.
I attended several remote meetings during the week
We have 2 student teachers working with us at the moment.
Mrs Loxton, Mrs Edgar and Mrs Tavenner worked with individual children for one afternoon during the week while Mrs Wilson and a supply teacher took the classes.
Green class swam twice, KS1 had their library session and some individual music lessons, music and French took place.
A fire consultant was in school on Monday to complete our Fire Risk Assessment.
The school nursing team delivered the Flu vaccine on Wednesday morning to our children
I showed a potential new parent around the school.
The lost property was on display on Friday and school closed for our half term break.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 16th October 2020
I have had the pleasure of visiting every class this week (at a distance) and our School Improvement Advisor met with Mrs Loxton to chat about how we are supporting our vulnerable children.
Red Class had a very informative visit from a Roman Soldier on Monday morning.
The newsletter was available to download at the beginning of the week.
I attended several remote meetings during the week
We have 2 student teachers working with us at the moment.
Mrs Loxton, Mrs Edgar and Mrs Tavenner worked with individual children for one afternoon during the week while Mrs Wilson and a supply teacher took the classes.
Green class swam twice, Mr Walker took Gold Class for their recorder lesson, KS2 had their library session and some individual music lessons took place.
The feedback on the photos has been excellent and the last day for orders was Friday
There were a series of governing body meetings on Tuesday evening.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 9th October 2020
I attended several remote meetings during the week
We have 2 student teachers working with us at the moment.
Mrs Loxton, Mrs Edgar and Mrs Tavenner worked with individual children for one afternoon during the week while Mrs Wilson and a supply teacher took the classes.
Green class swam twice, Mr Walker took Gold Class for their recorder lesson, KS1 had their library session and some individual music lessons took place.
We welcomed children to school in their PE kit on their PE days during the week and we started our new lunchtime arrangements with a KS1 and a later KS2 sitting.
Mrs Edgar met with the lunchtime supervisor team on Friday and we had all of our blinds refurbished.
The Governor’s Behaviour and Safety Committee met remotely on Tuesday evening.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 2nd October 2020
Our boiler was serviced on Monday morning
I took part in many meetings using TEAMS.
Mr Stone from Gillingham School came to work and train our Sports Ambassadors.
Mrs Loxton, Mrs Tavenner and Mrs Edgar were released from class to run catch-up programmes to help our children make up for the learning lost during the school closure.
Some individual music lessons, year 3 recorders, year 4 swimming, French, music and library took place.
Mrs Edgar met with our lunchtime supervisors on Friday to consider our new lunchtime arrangements now that the weather is becoming more tricky.
The Friends had a socially distanced meeting on Friday afternoon.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 25th September 2020
Mrs Smith talked to the children on Monday morning gathering their views about French on Monday morning.
The school nurse completed some heath checks and I met a potential new parent.
Most individual music lessons, French, music, year 3 recorders, library and swimming took place.
I took part in many meetings using TEAMS.
Our kiln was serviced and someone came to repair our blinds in various classes.
Socially distanced school photos took place on Wednesday – we are trying another new photographer.
Mrs Loxton, Mrs Tavenner and Mrs Edgar were released from class to run catch-up programmes to help our children make up for the learning lost during the school closure.
We collected Travel to School data on Friday and the lost property was on display in the playground.
Mr Paul Nicholson, Head Teacher of Gillingham School, came to talk to our year 5 and 6 parents – socially distanced on the field. He then spoke to Purple Class. Unfortunately their normal open evenings cannot take place.
Mr Rich organised the launch of our KS1 Snuggle Up Stories initiative for this year.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 18th September 2020
Purple Class enjoyed a safe and fascinating day at The Ancient Technology Centre on Monday.
I attended various meetings remotely with professionals and spoke with several potential new parents.
The diabetic nurse visited school to deliver some training to staff.
French, music, individual music lessons, year 3 recorders, library and swimming took place during the week, with the necessary social distancing measures.
Nominations closed for our 2 parent governor positions on Tuesday. Mr Lee Tibbit was re-elected and Mr Doug Jones was newly elected. Congratulations to them both.
Mrs Mudge started working in Red Class. She is a student teacher who will be training with us this term.
I took Green Class swimming on Friday while Miss Santry attended a virtual meeting.
Catriona Williamson
Friday 11th September 2020
Our first full week in school and the children (and staff!) are managing well with the new and old routines.
Mr Walker, Mr Lickard and Mrs Brookfield have started individual music lessons and Gold Class enjoyed their first socially distanced recorder lesson.
Mrs Smith taught French and music in a COVID-safe way during the week and Green Class had 2 swimming sessions (to make up for lessons missed last year). Our KS1 children also selected the first books of the year from our library.
I attended several ‘virtual’ meetings and The Friends also met on the school field.
Wiltshire Council delivered our learning resources – these books and artefacts really enhance the learning in school.
Mr Ross completed a health and safety inspection on Thursday morning and works with me on a weekly basis to update our COVID risk assessment.
Head checks took place during the week in ‘bubbles’.
Friday 4th September 2020
It has been lovely to welcome the children back to school – they seemed very excited to be back.
The teachers worked in school on Wednesday preparing for the new school year and catching up with things that we were not able to do last term due to COVID-19.
The newsletter was published on the website on Wednesday and hard copies came home on Thursday.
Teachers also put their curriculum webs on the website so you can see what the children will be learning this term.
Some music lessons started this week and Green Class had their rescheduled swimming lesson on Friday.
