Dear Parents and Carers
It has been a busy few weeks to start the year and we are already approaching the end of the first half term. This is a short term with Easter being so early this year and there is a huge amount to fit in! You will see from the 'News and Events' section below, a range of the exciting things children have been doing, from art lessons to Forest School, cycling to first aid and athletics, a visit to a synagogue and simply learning about money in maths. Check out the dates below to see what else is on the horizon for the rest of this term.
One reason we have so many extra fun events is largely down to our fabulous new PTA who are keen to make a difference and add to the life of Manor Primary. They have been raising money and are looking at ways this can be spent to benefit the children. We have lots of ideas, of course! We are already booking in a poet to visit for the day to kick-start a week of poetry around World Poetry Day in the week before Easter. We are also hoping to use PTA money to refresh the book corners in each class with some new books chosen by the children. These are 'non-essential' additions that we would struggle to afford but will add so much to enrich the curriculum offered by the school. Do get in touch if you would like to be involved with the PTA even as an occasional volunteer at events.
You may have noticed several new faces around school recently. We have been lucky to have some bright young trainee teachers placed with us from Birmingham City University. This includes Miss Roberts in EYFS, Miss Christou in Swans, Miss Collins in Owls and Miss Archer in Penguins. Our teachers are all experienced teachers and mentors who can pass on their knowledge and expertise, while we get the benefit of enthusiastic new teachers who are keen to learn and are an extra pair of capable hands supporting children in each class.
Another new face who you will come to recognise is our new Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) Holly Clarkson, who we have appointed to cover Mr Forman for one day a week in Early Years. Some of you may know Miss Clarkson from her part-time role as a pre-school teacher at Little Acorns Nursery. We are delighted to have secured her services as she is not only an experienced early years teacher with forest school qualifications, but she seems to be a lovely person who will fit in perfectly with our Manor family. I am sure you will give Miss Clarkson and our trainee teachers a warm welcome when you meet them.