Happy Friday all,

We have had a great week back at school, starting with an Indian drumming assembly and workshops for years 3, 4 and 5. It was certainly very loud! This was to kick off our Diwali celebration week. At Dovedale we teach our children that everyone is welcome, that respect is the most important value underpinning all that we do, and we learn about different faiths, religions, people, families and lifestyles to support this. All classes are having a carousel afternoon on Friday to complete some fun activities and mark this important festival. 

I was delighted to see that our attendance figures for the first half-term have stayed above national figures at 97.5%. Eight of our classes were in the top percentage of schools for attendance – this is an excellent start to the school year. The three classes with the highest attendance for the first half of the term are : Peacock class in first place, closely followed by Owl and Robin classes. The children in these classes will get to choose a celebration. We are very aware that absences can't always be avoided due to illness or medical appointments and this is why we celebrate the classes as a whole rather than individuals. Let's keep this positive start going. The more children are in school, the more they learn, make friends and develop personal skills.

Next week we will hold our Remembrance service, and we are very lucky to have bugle players coming from Trent college to sound our last post and reveille. As mentioned in my half-term newsletter, children may wear their brownies or cubs etc. uniforms and any serving or ex-military personnel are welcome to attend.

We will also celebrate Red Nose day on Friday. Children can bring in a donation to wear their own clothes and will take part in a mile challenge.

The preparations for our Christmas fair on the 28th of November are shaping up nicely. If any parents or friends wish to hold a stall, please contact the PTA directly or message me. 

Please remember that if you need any support for you or your child, get in touch with Miss Martin as our family liaison lead, or Mrs Houseman or Mrs Tomlinson. We know that things can be tricky sometimes for all families, and we are here to support you as much as we can.

I hope you have a lovely weekend, stay safe with all the bonfire activities and we will see you all next week.

Mrs Houseman.