The Journey of a new Headteacher ...by Mrs Dye

 

Wednesday 9th January 2013

 

What a fabulous introduction to John Bramston Primary! Having spent time preparing and working hard to find out about the school and time with school staff; I finally got to meet the children and a few parents today.

I really appreciated the warm welcome from so many children, who took the time to say hello, as they walked past my room or talked to me in the playground at lunchtime. Special praise to Elliot Wavita in Year 6 for excellent supporting technician skills and Mr Cusack for creative problem solving skills during my assembly.

There is obviously so much to understand and learn in my new role: learning new names, getting used to different timings and arrangemnt of meetings and administration etc.. I am very happy that the children and staff have been so helpful, knowing that we can all work and learn together, to enhance the school further.

We all accept and adopt the school's Core Values of: Aspiration &  Achievement, Creativity & Enjoyment and Respect & Responsibility. I hope to become more involved and actively participate in the Community life of the school, as well as supporting staff to create an amazing learning experiece and environment for all the children of John Bramston.

The journey that we take may not always be easy, but together we can build a bright future...

...so join me from time to time to share and record this journey....

THANKYOU

Thursday 10th January

I met many more parents this morning; have started to spend some individual time with staff but really enjoyed teaching Y6OG for part of the morning! I heard some very informative and exceptionally positive views about the school: fun, enjoyable, safe, caring, joyous, helpful etc. I was able to follow this up with some teaching opportunities where the children demonstrated excellent creative thinking skills. I am looking forward to spending time with other classes.

Once again, I received some very positive and kind comments from various children and even a very much appreciated hand made card from Geneva Hurd in Year 6.

I still have much to do and find out. It is really important that I spend time with everyone involved in the school...one of these included the school's Police Community Officer and made important links to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pupils is maintained.

Friday 11th January 2013

After an amazing end to my first official week - I am very, very tired but absolutely enthralled by my experiences! 

I met more parents and staff individually, became accustomed to more John Bramston procedures and as ever had opportunities to speak and teach more children - this time Y6B who commented that they liked the space and climbing frames, opportunities to attend lots of clubs and that they really liked the staff who helped with any problems that they may have...Again, the children demonstrated some excellent creative reasoning skills.

The  role of a Headteacher is varied...the best parts are most certainly time spent with the children....the worst however, yet essential and very important, is the paperwork. Now to catch up on the PAPERWORK ...

....See you next week...have a good weekend :)                                   Mrs Dye

Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th January 2013

Two more days...where is the time going? I have spent time with both Year 5 classes and enjoyed our creative and purposeful discussions and activities. They agree with many sentiments shared about JB already...it is a Good school, with lots of clubs and staff to support and help. They also said there was a balance of easy and hard work and I really appreciated the caring suggestions of more climbing frames for the younger children's playground!

Being outside at lunchtime, I managed to speak and even join in to play with some children. It was good to see those wrapped up warm in the chilly weather and also sharing some of their interests like art/drawing and sport.

This week I have several formal meetings that are important to ensure the school runs effectively. I am particularly looking forward to Friday's Sharing assembly and an opportunity to meet some more parents.

Friday 18th and Monday 21st January 2013

Two notable events:

Firstly, thank you to the parents and carers that attended the Sharing Assembly and especially to those who were able to stay after for a tea and coffee and introduce themselves. Well done children and Ms Berbank for a clearly productive and enjoyable sharing of work and experiences!

Secondly, SNOW! We have managed to keep the school open on both days aiming to have minimal disruption - parents/carers cooperation has been very much appreciated.
Most of us love snow when we are prepared and wrapped up warm. It is a difficult decision to make and not taken lightly. We have no way of knowing how long we may be affected by bad weather and must seek to maintain our pupils' education. Predomoninantly, we look to ensure pupil and staff safety. Our caretaker, Mr Hooker has made excellent provision on clearing pathways and gritting. We have endeavoured to inform parents by text and information displayed on our website of changing circumstances.

Last Friday, I was also able to take part in an interview with Year 6 pupils about my initial experiences as the New Headteacher. The children, Jenny Joseph Y60G, Enam Dogbey Y6OG, Ibrahim Miah Y6B and Nicole Stimpson Y6B, asked some interesting questions. I hope to add the video footage to this blog soon- so watch this space! As has been my continued experience here, they demonstrated their excellent communication, presentation and questionning skills - well done!

Week commencing Monday 28th January 2013

They say...'time flies when you're having fun!' Well time is flying - I've only been here for four weeks, yet I have been made so welcome and been able to spend time with so many children, parents and staff that already I am feeling quite at home! I'm certainly having fun too - and I'm trying to make sure that the classes I've been taking have had some learning fun also!

I've now spent time with Year 5, Year R and Y4J who again have reiterated exceptionally positive comments about the school, in particular, they have acknowledged the ethos of the school as a Rights Respecting School with  many opportunities for clubs, a tuck shop and FABs. Year 5 were able to fulfil some of their wishes for more creative art lessons last week with the work of Miriam Smith-Phillipson, who took time to explore and develop pupil confidence and skills in their art abilities. Look out in the next Newsletter for some amazing quotes by the pupils about their experiences!