World of Woodland Issue 52

This month’s value is: PERSEVERANCE

I had intended to send our Newsletter out last Friday but then the snow arrived and dominated the day somewhat! Our decision to open was a close call but certainly was the correct one, especially after a few parent volunteers kindly arrived with extra shovels. Thank you, snow angels! If you didn’t see the snow play videos, please check out Twitter@WoodlandAcademy.

It feels spring like again and now March has arrived we focus on a new value for the month—perseverance. The effort and hard work that we all put in is proportional to what we get out, so poignant in a school which is focussed on results and progress. Yesterday our Y8 pupils listened wide-eyed to the personal account of Harry Bibring, a 92 year old Holocaust survivor. His story of perseverance, great courage and suffering has a very clear message that rings out through the decades of tolerance and respect. You can read about Harry by visiting our Twitter page and clicking on the link to a recent BBC article.

  

As you read this, the first of two Y7 Normandy trips is spending the last day on their cultural visit. They have visited Bayeux to see the famous tapestry and Cathedral, the WW2 D-Day landing beaches including the town of Arromanche and the 360 cinema there.

 

Last week was our World book Day: always impressive to see the pupils and staff in their costumes celebrating their literary heroes. So many Harry Potters! Our library really is proactive in encouraging reading—this week we also had an author’s visit (Karen McCombie) to discuss her work and inspire others. 

 

   

I want to say a terrific well done to our school rock band, First Class, who won the KS3 School of Rock competition, contested by many schools. The senior event was held last night with the winners earning the opening spot at AmpRocks. This has to be our band’s future ambition!

Next week, we look forward to a visit to our Art and Design Technology Departments from our Y4 feeder cohort at Flitwick Lower, Kingsmoor and Templefield. It is great to begin to make the acquaintance of next year’s new pupils. No doubt there are some excited younger siblings raring to come and visit.

Next week (Friday) is our Swimming Gala (9-11am): all competitors should report to the Leisure Centre at 8.30am in school uniform. After the public event, our staff will walk the pupils back to school. Come along and cheer for your favourite House.

And finally, Happy Mothers’ Day this weekend to all of the parent and staff Mums. Hope you all get spoilt rotten, as you thoroughly deserve!

BATTLE OF THE BANDS KS3 - WINNERS!
Our Rock Band, comprising Matilda Akroyd, Lucy Dibble, Daniel Goodson, Elizabeth McFarlane and Amelie Williams won the Battle of the Bands KS3 competition held at Redborne on Wednesday evening, which included 11 other regional schools including Upper schools.

The judges’ feedback was that not only were they brilliant on their own instrument, they worked as a band, listening and reacting to each other, with strong harmonies by the singers.

We must say a BIG thank you to Mr George - our guitar teacher—and Mr Williams who supported them in rehearsals. What an amazing evening! The pupils involved received a certificate, along with a school trophy and an amp as the prize. So very proud!

Miss N Dobson

Attachments:
World of Woodland Issue 52.pdf