Upcoming Diary Dates

This week	Event	Details
Monday 20th May	Celebration of Languages and Communication – children only event	We had a wonderful festival this morning with HSW students with doves flying high as we all shared our languages.
Monday 20th May	Kindergarten to Juniors Transition Q&A – 2pm	Find out about our new Willow Class teacher and how they will support the journey from kindergarten to the classroom. How children are gently prepared to love their learning, and how this preparation is designed for life. Sarah and Rachel Bochenski, our incoming Head Teacher for 24/25 will lead this session, which is designed for parents with children either going into Willow (yr2) or joining the oldest kindergarten year (yr1) between September 2024 and September 2025.
Friday 24th May	Oak and Chestnut Walk and Talk 8:45am-9:15am	An opportunity to join Sarah Thorne to ask questions and find out more about Oak and Chestnut Class’s preparation for their next academic setting in September.
Friday 24th May	End of Half Term	After school clubs on this Friday will be running as normal. We look forward to welcoming children back on Monday 3rd June 2024.
First week back after half term	Event	Details
Monday 3rd June	Back to school for Kindergarten and Juniors	Looking forward to welcoming Kindergarten and Junior students back to school at 8:30am.
Thursday 6th June	Sailing for Oak and Chestnut students	“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing–absolutely nothing–half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” The Wind in the Willows It is that time again when our Oak and Chestnut children head to Wimbledon Park to set sail! Please find the consent form link here: https://forms.office.com/e/sTfDkMHatC
Friday 7th June	Willow Class Play – Willow Parents Only	Willow Parents, you are invited to a performance of Queen Quizaquora at 9am in the Hall. We hope to record the performance for any families unable to attend.

Welcome from our Headteacher

Welcome everyone,

Last week we had our final meetings of the year with class reps. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all class reps who have served our community this year. You form a vital link between the school and its families.

Thank you for the messages that you have sent out on behalf of class teachers, often rallying your class families on WhatsApp at the last minute. Thank you too for your constant and much appreciated positive attitude,in your class groups and in welcoming in new families to our community, and helping them negotiate their first days and weeks with us.

A big thank you also for your feedback. It is lovely to hear what you appreciate about the school and truly useful to hear about the areas on which we could do better. This in many ways is the most valuable feedback of all, and influences so many of our actions for the future here.

Have a wonderful half term everyone, and I hope the weather keeps up.

With kind regards,

Sarah

Announcements, Reminders and Important Information

SEPTEMBER 2024 New Willow Class Teacher:

We are delighted to announce the new appointment of our Willow Class Teacher, Emily Cook, who will be joining us in September.

Emily joins us with over 10 years experience in primary school teaching across a variety of different education provisions. With a strong background in theatre and performance, Emily has much to ass to The London Acorn School with her creative flair.

We look forward to officially welcome Emily to the team in the Autumn Term 2024.

Farewells:

We would like to take this opportunity to say farewell to Louis Smart and his family as they head on their adventure to Australia. We wish you all the best for your journey and education. Please do keep in touch!

BRIDGE CLOSURE:

Please be aware of the upcoming works to the riverbed in the park which will affect access to the school for a short period.

NT are doing important riverbed restoration works from Monday 10June through until Friday 28 June. During this period the bridge across will be inaccessible to any staff or visitors.

Sorry in advance for any inconvenience.

Transition to Hall School Wimbledon for year 5 and year 6 education – Monday 10^th June drop off and pick up time sessions

Join Sarah and Andrew Hammond of Hall School Wimbledon for details of the transition to Hall School Wimbledon for year 5 and year 6, this year and in the years ahead. All interested families are welcome. These sessions are to answer practical questions on the transition, from preparation at The London Acorn School, through to minibuses, sports and curriculum. Sessions will be held at 8.45-9.15 and 2.30-3.15.

HOT WEATHER PROTECTION

Finally, we are starting to enjoy some sunny weather! On hot, sunny days, please provide your child with a sunhat and water bottle, as normal. Suncream may be applied before school but will not be administered by staff during school hours. Please come prepared.

Kindergarten News

The meadow this year has been dominated by a sea of golden yellow buttercups. When a child heard this description, she said, “No, it’s an ocean of buttercups!” A popular childhood game during this season is placing a buttercup flower under the chin to observe its bright reflection on the skin. As plants grow, many little creatures become more active. Whilst many children run around or dig mud at outdoor time, some never have enough of watching how snails, beetles or ladybirds move. It is truly therapeutic.

Last Wednesday was the “Den Day”. Birch students teamed up with kindergarten children to create cozy dens which were wonderful spaces for them to read to the little ones. The new story told last week was “The Queen Bee”. In the story, a kind prince, Simpleton, was able to remove the enchantment for his brothers and others with the help from all the animals that he very gently saved on his journey. Being kind to nature is being kind to ourselves!

Junior School News

Willow, Birch and Oak and Chestnut Classes all took to the pool last week at Morden Leisure Centre. It is wonderful to see how enthusiastic the children are, how organised and independent they are becoming looking after their belongings, how much stamina they have, and above all, how much progress they are making with their swimming pace and technique.

A huge well done to students, a huge thank you to staff for supporting, and a huge thank to parents for a change of pick-ups for these two weeks.