Keep up to date with news from across both sites and upcoming events with our monthly newsletter.
1. Welcome back
A very warm welcome back to all our returning families and those who are joining us this term. We are delighted to re-open to all our pupils and trust that you are keeping well.
2. Healthy school
We are continuing to work with families and pupils in the promotion of a healthy diet. One area we have been recommended to follow by the Department of Health is the reduction of sugar in children’s diets. In the light of this, it is school policy to allow pupils to have only plain water with their packed lunches. Please do not send in smoothies, yoghurt drinks or squash.
Please remember:
- No nuts of any type
- Only water or milk to drink – the school provides these freely too
- Minimise the number of foods with chocolate or high sugar content
- All pupils can have a school meal every day for FREE - this is due to the grant given to all London schools by the Mayor of London…..have a look at the menu on the website.
3. Celebrating effort, good behaviour and hard work
At Valence, we place a high value on developing children’s sense of worth and self-esteem. We love to celebrate both effort and achievement in academic and social settings. We have an approach where we support pupils to Go for Gold based on the following school rules:
Listen to and co-operate with each other.
- Follow adults’ instructions.
- Treat everyone with politeness, kindness, courtesy and respect.
- Work to the best of our ability.
- Move safely and calmly around school.
- Respect our school environment.
Children who consistently follow the school rules, who set a positive example for others to follow and who demonstrate a positive attitude to others can achieve a GOLD reward.
4. Home – school communication
We are using Class Dojo for communicating with parents & carers. Your child’s class teacher will invite you to join the class forum.
5. Collecting your child
Please ensure that the class teacher is fully aware of the adults whom you have designated to collect your child. If there is a change, please call the office asap.
6. School reminders
Our website is a source of up-to-date information. Here are a few items:
- Have a look at the curriculum pages as they give you information about what we teach at Valence
- No dangly earrings for safety reasons
- Don’t park on the yellow zig-zag lines outside the school gates as this endangers pupils and may result in a fine from the LA
- Avoid doing U-Turns up onto the pavements as this is dangerous for pedestrians
- We have a car-free zone at St. George’s every morning and afternoon, so please walk to school wherever possible
7. Wraparound provision
Our before and after school provision (GEMS) is operating on both sites, and we have spaces. Please enquire at the offices should you wish to know more details. The provision is run by our highly experienced school staff.
8. Rights Respecting School
We are continuing our journey as a UNICEF Rights Respecting School. Please have a look at the UNICEF website for more details. We are aiming for SILVER this year.
The Rights Respecting Schools Award | UNICEF UK (link opens in new window)
9. Parent survey
We carried out a parent survey in July this year. We had about 300 parents respond. Thank you for taking the time to do that. A summary of the results can be downloaded below. If you would like to discuss the results or offer suggestions to help us improve, please do not hesitate to contact me via the school office.
10. PE kit
Pupils are asked to wear a PE shirt that is the colour of their sports house. This will help the children identify more closely with their teammates.
11. Curriculum
We continue to teach a broad and balanced curriculum with a key focus on developing maths and literacy skills alongside science, history, geography, art, design and technology, and sport. We also deliver PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) lessons, which are designed to support pupils with their emotional and mindful development.
Mr November
Headteacher
