7th March 2008

Be Positive
There can be a tendency to tell children what they must not do and what it is wrong to do. They need to know those boundaries. But it is equally important, if not more so, to tell them what is right and provide examples. The ethos of the school has always been to provide children with the finest examples of conduct and encourage them to follow them. The Easter service is not lip service to the traditions of Christianity, it is because Jesus provided us with examples and models of conduct which, if followed, would solve everyone’s difficulties.
We could say to children forever – ‘don’t bully people’,’don’t ever smoke’, ‘don’t steal’, but it is better encourage them to be kind and loving towards people, live a healthy lifestyle that includes lots of exercise and teach the meaning of generosity and sacrifice. Then they will not do those things anyway.
Try to encourage children to follow positive behaviours by showing them how their behaviour can be improved and the benefits of it. For example, in Year 5 and 6, we try to become very still at the beginning and end of lessons. This helps us focus and concentrate. I do not operate sanctions for those who find this hard but offer reward and encouragement when they crack it. The result? – they are all getting pretty good at it!

Touching Distance
We arrived at Leeds Girls High School last Monday afternoon for the Leeds Schools Netball Association annual tournament in a blizzard. The coaches met - -should we call it off? A hopeful patch of blue sky appeared so the decision was made to continue. The seven teams would engage in an all play all, meaning 6x16 minutes games. It was going to be hard work!
It was clear from the off as the girls attempted to shake off numb fingers, soggy feet and freezing ears that we were not at our best. Opening against the Leeds Girls B team, a 15-0 victory could not disguise the fact that some girls looked a little jaded and not quite as up for it as usual. A difficult game against an outsized Bronte House team saw a 5-5 draw and bitter rule disputes (as we have come to expect from certain quarters). They dug in grittily to see off Froebelian 4-2, Bronte B team 6-2, and then came the crucial game against Leeds Girls. Despite an abysmal display, we were still in it going into the last quarter, but uncharacteristic errors in front of the post cost us dearly and that strange word, defeat, by 7-4 was the result. In the final game Richmond House were seen off in some comfort 8-2. Overall we were pronounced runners up, despite a desperately disappointing display by our standards. Still, this means invitation to the presentations in April where the girls will receive runners-up medals and, of course, the one thing Leeds Girls can’t take away from us – the league championship!
On Tuesday after a meeting with their coach who reminded them of their true stature, the Under 10’s put in a fantastic display to see off Moorlands in a 7-a side match 10-6 (their shooter was in Year 7!) and end the season unbeaten!ISI Inspection
After all the build up the ISI inspection is finally upon us. I hope it is a positive experience for the school and feel sure it will be. The children are great examples and I am sure the inspectors will see that. As a result there are various meetings with inspectors after school which means that Tuesday’s after school activities are cancelled.

Then Breaking Up
Then it is the end of term! We break up at 3.30pm on Friday for a three week break.Be Positive
This is related to the anti-bullying and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, Education) policies which we practice in the school.

“Keeping ourselves and others safe” week.
This week was a great success. Please do come in and see the display in the corridor opposite the white-board.
Ask your children about The Car Wash, Warm Fuzzies and what I.A.L.A.C. stands for.
J Watkins

Uniform
Any summer dresses ordered for after Easter will be with Ms Simms next week from Thursday and can be collected then.
Unfortunately blazers will not be available until after Easter. Please can we ask for patience from anyone waiting for a blazer, and for you to send your child in the winter coat until they arrive. We will advise via the newsletter when they are available.
Once they arrive we will have a selection of sizes in stock.
Lauri Bower

Not just a chocolate bar…
The Milky Way is not just a chocolate bar. Year 4 have worked hard to complete their Milky Way and Solar System display in Room 3. Learn about galaxies, planets, dwarf planets, moons and the sun…and, of course, Mars.
R Hook

Summary Box
Monday:
ISI Inspection Begins 12 noon
Art Club 3.30-4.30pm
Tuesday:
Swimming
No clubs today
Wednesday:
Chess Club Lunchtime
Story Club 3.30-4.30pm
Thursday:
ISI Inspection ends lunchtime
Netball Practice 3.30-4.30pm
Friday:
Orchestra Lunchtime
Break Up For Easter at 3.30pm