Summer Term Update
Dear parents and carers,
It was a difficult few weeks before half term, with an increase of COVID cases in North Tyneside. This resulted in a request for mass testing in Y2 by Public Health England and surge testing across North Tyneside. A number of local schools closed to many year groups and one school closed early for half term. However, half term finally arrived along with much needed sun for us all!
Frank’s outdoor area
The day before half term saw the first outdoor area open in memory of Frank. Frank’s Mum, Dad, best friends and family all joined school staff in planting a specially selected tree in his memory. We hope that it will grow beautifully strong and provide colour and flowers to enjoy. The space which has been opened is just the first of the new outdoor areas. It is a space for quietness and stillness. Huge thanks as well to Mr Attwell our Site Manager for adding timber planters along the fence, which await the many plants our gardening club have been growing ready. Further seating for the area is on order and will finish the area off. 
You will also have noticed some preparation has taken place at the top of the school field for outdoor area two! The work has been delayed due to issues with deliveries. But I can assure you that it is a space Frank would particularly have loved and will be well worth the wait when it is finished! We hope the work there will restart next week.
In the KS1 yard work is also planned to create a range of different areas for our younger children to enjoy. There will be a number of quiet spaces along with some active spaces. These areas will be completed over the coming half term as deliveries arrive.
Being able to spend time outside having fun with friends is good for all of our well-being. These significant developments should make time outside even more enjoyable for everyone. It has been a real pleasure watching our children explore and enjoy the space which has opened so far. I am confident that area two, which will be a very active space, will bring particular fun for all of our children!
Nigel’s 1st birthday
The last day of term also saw Nigel’s first birthday! If you’ve not had the chance to look yet, you’ll find some more information about his role in school AT THIS LINK. He brings happiness, smiles, comfort and confidence to children throughout school. It is hard to imagine life here without him now!
The company who is doing the majority of the work for us in memory of Frank were so impressed that we have a school dog that they made him a special bespoke gift for his first birthday! His very own kennel! He went straight in and lay down.
Nigel is already getting to know younger brothers and sisters who are not yet in our school, as he greets everyone in the Key Stage 1 yard each day. He gets lots of strokes and treats from his youngest special friends in the yard!
With a little under 6 weeks left to go until the summer holidays I think it is fair to say that this has been another extremely challenging school year for us all. None of us ever expected to experience the significant challenges of a global pandemic! It is exciting to see increasing normality return for us all. Hopefully the sun will shine throughout this half term and make it an amazing half term for us all!
Miss Byrne
