Governors' course in Salisbury - April 26th 2012

A useful day and so much to absorb. I'd forgotten what is was like
being in the classroom! It was interesting to hear how other new
governors are finding their way and to hear how other schools
operate.

I can see that I have a lot of learning to do but can also
see that Blandford St Mary Primary School is on the right track. Mike
Lane

Year 1 Assembly - skipping

A refreshing look at an activity - perhaps it will be carried forward
to the playground. Such good skippers and rope-turners! Well done -
most enjoyable.

Assembly

Everyone looked refreshed and happy at the first Friday assembly this term, even Mr Lavis who ran the "Catch up holiday club" and the children who gave up holiday time to improve their learning.

The cakes made by Year 4 were delicious and the singing was wonderfully sweet and tuneful.

Staff and parents must be very proud of the children's achievements in school.

Fw: Book Day

----Original Message----
From: mwlane@tiscali.co.uk
Date: 21/04/2012
11:02
To:
Subj: Fw: Book Day

Assembly - Friday,20th April 2012

I
always enjoy the assemblies on a Friday morning but yesterday, on
entering the hall, the smell of
cooking filled my nostrils and added
to the experience as before the morning was over I was eating the
product.

Year 4's contribution to Assembly was the making of the
Eccles cakes and it was encouraging to
hear that the children had made
them by simply following instructions - not sure I could have followed
instructions quite as well!

Assembly followed the usual format with
Show and Tell of achievements, suitably rewarded by acknowledgement in
the form of loud applause - comments always encouraging to the children
and their attainments.

The prayers of thanks for safe return after
the holiday with requests for help that easily relate to the children
and their experience allows them to see prayer as part of their
development.

The new hymn was delightful and the accompanying guitar
was accomplished. The opportunity was taken to remind the children why
certain things need to be done or not done - in this case why things
should not be leant
against a guitar.

The awarding of the Splodges
adds an extra dimension to the business of saving energy. All the
children are involved and all the children know that Mrs Rees' class is
the one to be beaten and the humour which runs through these
proceedings is inclusive - shared by all - the children, the staff and
the visitors.

The conclusion of this Assembly was the eating of the
Eccles cakes - delicious - in all shapes and sizes - just the right
amount of sweetness. Well done Year 4!

Mike Lane

Fw: Fw

As a regular attender at assemblies, I can see what a valuable part
of school life this is. It is good to see the children involved in the
process and particularly commendable is the response by the Head to
achievements as individuals are praised and encouraged.

The sense of
humour always present, with the ability to allow the children to be
aware of personal foibles and preferences, again adds to the overall
experience - for the children to see that teachers too are human - and
for the observers who appreciate the jokes.

Very well done! Mike Lane

Fw: Book Day

I thoroughly enjoyed my morning at the school on Book day.

I
enjoyed seeing the various costumes - from Alice to Wizards - they were
fantastic.
I was impressed with the older children's discussions of
their favourite
books and listening to the reception class who chatted
freely as they
explained their choice of costume was very
interesting.

What an exciting time for the children - to be able to
dress as their chosen
characters - so very different from my days at
school - when we had to
wear plain trousers and shirts and were never
allowed to get up from
our desks - it was a joy to see the children
able to move freely and to
be an active part of the school scene.

Thank you for such a good morning. Mike Lane