Thank you very much for the wonderful feedback received regarding the art on the school windows and the poppies on the lamp posts.  We were honoured to lay a wreath at the service last Sunday (at Holy Trinity Church) and thank Grace, Karolina and Zara for supporting this so beautifully. It was great to see so many DPS children, past and present, at the service representing various local clubs with respect and pride.

Every school week is full of a plethora of different learning opportunities and this week has been no different! The week started with an assembly for Y3-6 with the Rt Honourable Andrea Leadsom MP, as part of Parliament Week. This was a fascinating opportunity to find out more about the life of an MP; the children asked some fascinating questions. At the same time, our Reception children were having lots of fun exploring a fire engine and police truck!

On Thursday, we had a strong focus on anti-bullying with odd socks day, and today, we recognised Children in Need! This was on top of regular teaching and learning. 

Additionally, we had a full local academy committee meeting on Tuesday evening and had the opportunity to welcome new governors, including our new staff governor Mrs. Kim Ritchie. Our grateful thanks go to Mr. Dan Peel for his previous role as the staff governor - a role he fulfilled with heartfelt commitment. 

Football

With the first England football match on Monday, we have decided to give the children the opportunity of watching some or all of the match in class. We appreciate that learning time in school is very precious, but we have balanced this against the fact that the World Cup only comes around every four years and many of the children are very excited about it.  We will give the same opportunity for the Wales match.

As well as enjoying the football children in KS2 will also be using the match as an opportunity to consider various topical issues surrounding the values in different countries.

Football tops can be brought into school and put on for the match, but all children should come to school in their regular school uniform.

PE Kit

We are keen for the children to look as smart in their PE kits as they do in their regular school uniform.

Please be reminded of the school colours for PE -

• White or red T-shirt - these can be with or without the school logo
• Black shorts or black tracksuits
• Black or white plimsolls for indoor games
• Trainers for outdoor use 

Please avoid other colours and football tops, thank you

As children are now coming to school in PE uniform on their PE days, they obviously need to be keeping warm in the colder weather, even if they are having indoor PE. Black tracksuits should be worn.

What's inside the Meal Boxes?

St Mark Meals have developed 5 different meal kit boxes designed to create a delicious meal for the whole family. Everything needed for dinner is in the box, including a recipe card with straightforward instructions and games and puzzles for children to play with. 

To make sure that the meals are available to ANY child, they have made sure that there are options for children who are vegetarian, or gluten-free or those that only have access to a kettle. Some of our families in school have tried them, and we can confirm, they're tasty!

Please come to reception and ask Mr Peel or Mrs Hodge if you would like a meal box. The cost of living is at an all-time high and with the community fridge and these meal boxes, we would like to try and help anyone that is finding things difficult. The meal boxes are a brilliant way to encourage children to help cook and have recipe cards inside. If you would prefer not to pick the boxes up from school, please call us to arrange alternative options.