Dear Families,

A midweek newsletter this time. I’m not trying to catch you out I promise!

Last week, I was out on Friday with Mrs Darling to celebrate the success of the Read Write Inc programme on phonics, and then I spent the weekend enjoying two Summer Fairs. Both were incredibly successful in their aim of raising funds for our children but more importantly, in the community spirited fun which was shared on both days (despite the torrential rain on Sunday!) It was absolutely lovely to welcome back ex-pupils and the families to both events. Yet another week for me to reflect on how fortunate I am to have the job I have. So, thank you to everyone who played their part in preparing for, participating in and clearing up after either Fair. You are so appreciated. Both events raised significant pots of money for the children to see the benefits of in the next academic year.

Given that we are thinking gratitude, I have a small favour to ask. We are collecting any donations for the Malton Foodbank in the run up to the Summer holidays. If you have anything to donate, as every donation helps, please drop them into school and I will make sure these reach the foodbank and therefore families in need. I also wanted to draw attention to this scheme which began during the pandemic

https://www.morrisons-corporate.com/media-centre/corporate-news/morrisons-introduces-food-parcels-for-customers-to-purchase-for-those-in-need2/

It isn’t only food. As you enter the store you can pick up a parcel which you then donate at the till. These can be food, but may also be a PE kit or school shoes. I picked up one over the may half term which was canned/dry good for children at home for the week. These vary in price and are adjusted to the time of year/local needs. My understanding is that these parcels are available in all Morrisons stores. I think this is an excellent strategic approach to support families in need. Equally, if you know someone who might benefit from support, Morrisons is certainly somewhere worth signposting them to.

So, back to what our children have been busy with. Last week, the Warthill children painted their tiles and they have been glazed, fired and returned: looking fabulous! We cannot wait to put these on display, thank you FOWS! We also had fun with junk percussion in a SAMBA session. (My ears have nearly recovered!) It was LOUD and lots of fun.

Today is the treat day for our soon to be Year 6 Leavers. We hope they have had a great day! I think it is fortunate we chose bowling and not a picnic given the weather! We will of course say our proper goodbyes at the Leavers’ Services on Thursday 18th July. These will take place at 9am at Warthill in church and at 2pm in Sand Hutton School Hall. Please remember that everyone is welcome to attend these services. At Sand Hutton this is an event for all classes as there are so few Year 6 pupils leaving. Please come along for a final sharing and I have booked the ice cream van from 2:30 so bring ‘ice cream money’ too.

Could I ask you to start having a look at home for any forgotten reading and library books which might have been overlooked so that we can have our shelves fully restocked for September. It is quite possible you have a few hiding somewhere! Many thanks for that.

I am sharing another website link now to the activities provided across the North Yorkshire region over the summer. Many of these are free or very cheap. There is a good variety; it isn’t all sport related. There is of course the reading challenge which is promoted at all libraries (and if this weather continues, that could be a really good shout!)

https://northyorkshiretogether.co.uk/feast-activities/

I don’t turn off my emails over the summer, even if I am on holiday. Should any families need support over the holidays, an email will reach me. I will support however I am able, depending on where I am.

Should you need support or make a self-referral please look on the attached website. Here you will find links to how you can be supported according to you concern.

https://www.safeguardingchildren.co.uk/

I know this isn’t the last newsletter of the year but it gives you time to look and come back to me if you have any questions before term ends.

Your children will be bringing home reports on Friday so I won’t bombard you with a further newsletter then. All children in our schools should be proud of what they have achieved this year, academically but also in embodying our values in everything they do!

Well done everyone!

Have a lovely weekend when it arrives,

With every best wish,

Beverley Pawson

Sand Hutton and Warthill Federated Schools