Time called on 2022!

This first term we’ve certainly felt as though we have been able to resume usual activities – quite different to this time last year! We’ve had a jam-packed half term – with trips, visits, clubs and countless opportunities for our children to enjoy learning within their classrooms.

Our children are playing an active role in leading the school with the staff and Governing Body. Child Governors have met and are undertaking their duties; School Council have also been busy with their playground plans and most recently also planning the traditional Garswood’s Got Talent event. Eco-club are working with gardening club on their own project and have also taken a trip to Gilmoss Recycling centre to help them understand more about their role. Garsmart is back up and running with the shop team providing the junior children with the opportunity to purchase a healthy snack at playtime.

Thank you to Mia in Y6 for the fantastic flag design with our values which is now on display at the front of the school. In the new year we will be announcing some new important roles for children in our school as we bring together child ambassadors and committees to promote and celebrate our school values – to be kind, be ambitious and be respectful. It has been lovely to see how the children have embraced the values and I look forward to seeing the children lead on this more in the coming months.

This term has also seen the return of the crowds to watch and enjoy our infant nativities. What a treat we had with ‘Prickly Hay’ from our infant children and later ‘A Wriggly Nativity’ from the Early Years. Two amazing performances with stars that were shining on and off stage. I was delighted to be able to share the experience with so many of our parents and families, reminding us of the special memories that Christmas can bring as we create life's rich tapestry.

Christmas dinner was a hit, sprouts and all! Thank you to our wonderful school cook and the kitchen staff, who did an excellent job. Our buddies helped out with our infants doing amazing work to set up and support the younger children - and we saw crackers and party hats, jokes and jingle bells.

The fun continued on with the Garswood's Got Talent Performance which was, as ever, full of fun and laughter. It’s an opportunity to celebrate those skills and talents which are not often seen in school. We saw puppetry, stand-up, dancing and drama. The staff at the school also entered the talent show once again with some footage to inspire your Christmas TV viewing! See which of the staff you can spot on the short film which can be found (and hopefully lost) on Twitter.

We ended the term today tucking into some tasty treats. We lit the fire in forest school; toasted marshmallows for s’mores and enjoyed hot chocolate together. It was a lovely event. A festive fire is one of those moments that lifts the soul. The school, all together, doing something – not because we have to - just because we want to - because actually, life is about making the best of things especially at primary school – having fun and making memories.

On the final day we always take some time to reflect. We share the folk tale of the Christmas Spider and place the spider ornament on our tree. We reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, with staff coming together to tell the Christmas story. In this busy, hectic run up to the holiday we can forget that it’s the moments that make the memories and, the people you surround yourself with are the most special gifts you can ask for. Sometimes it's good to remind ourselves that every day is filled with the most wonderful things and the most special moments that we take for granted - all year round.  

“Enjoy the little things, as one day you’ll look back and realise they were the big things.”

Thank you to our amazing community. We have received some lovely emails and cards in school and your support and encouragement, your recognition and thanks – they mean such a lot to all of us. I would also like to personally extend a huge thank you to the staff and volunteers at the school. I could not ask for more from them. They care enormously about your children which is the ‘Garswood way’ It is an incredibly special school and not all schools are the same. I feel very lucky to be the Head teacher here.

So finally, as we look back on our successes, our challenges, our learning and our laughter; we also look forward with hope that we continue to see our children grow and thrive at our school and develop into kind, caring, responsible citizens who can have a positive impact on the world.

On behalf of all of the Governors, staff and children, thank you for all your support and hard work – and for your kindness. Garswood is a very special community. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and may 2023 bring you good health and happiness.

Pamela Potter

Head teacher