Dangan NS Parent Newsletter

• Monday 6th May - May Bank Holiday
• Saturday 11th May - First Holy Communion
• 28th May - Staff meeting (pupils finish school at 12pm)

It is traditional for the children to play on the grass during the final term of school, and I know that the children have been very eager to get out to it for their breaks. However, the pitches are still quite wet due to the constant rainfall we have been experiencing. For the next few weeks, we will trial using the pitch for 3rd class to 6th class pupils. However, I am asking that the children bring in old runners or football boots to wear during yard time. I would be grateful if they could also bring in a bag (with their name on it) to store their boots/old runners when they come into their classroom after yard time. We will trial this arrangement from next Monday onwards, for this week the children will remain on split yards.

Hopefully, the weather will improve in the coming weeks, and there will be no need for a change of footwear when going out to the yard. However, until such a time, I appreciate your cooperation with this arrangement. Thank you.

As we begin a new term, I wanted to share with you our core value for the upcoming weeks: Inclusion. As April marks Autism Awareness month and with the upcoming opening of a class for children with Autism in September, fostering an inclusive environment remains paramount to us.

Inclusion isn't just about being together in the same space; it's about valuing and respecting each individual's unique needs and differences. Equity plays a crucial role in creating this environment within the classroom.

Our teachers always strive to be fair in meeting the diverse needs of all our students. It's essential to remind our children that differences exist among us, and therefore, our needs also differ. Some children might require additional time outside the classroom to regulate and engage effectively with their learning. Respecting and accepting these differences are vital for every child to feel included and a part of their community. The image below to explain the concept of equity to the children. It conveys the idea effectively and resonates with them.

Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and support in promoting an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all our students.

Please see below details of the school tours. Payment can be made via Aladdin.

The school will be conducting standardised testing in May, and we would like to encourage all children to ensure they are present on the designated testing dates so that they do not miss the tests.

The tests that will be administered are the Sigma and revised Micra-T tests. We have been informed that the revised Micra-T tests may be more difficult than the previous version. As a result, it is important to note that test results may not be directly comparable to previous years' results.

We understand that standardised testing can be stressful for both students and parents, but please be assured that we will do our best to create a supportive and encouraging environment for all our students. We believe that this testing will provide valuable insights into your child's academic progress and help us identify areas where they may need additional support.

Your child's class teacher will be in touch with more specific dates and information about the testing. We encourage you to speak with them if you have any questions or concerns.

I kindly ask all parents to take a moment to review our school's Code of Behaviour with your child, emphasising both acceptable and unacceptable behaviors within our school community. Additionally, I urge parents to familiarise themselves with our Anti-Bullying Policy and its procedures for investigating any allegations of bullying. Encouraging your child to promptly report any incidents to their teacher or myself greatly assists in our efforts to address and prevent bullying. Handling incidents as they occur makes it easier to uncover the truth and ensure appropriate action is taken. These policies can be found on the school website.

Thank you for your cooperation.