The only way to begin this week’s newsletter is to let you know about two departing members of staff. Mrs Martin has decided to leave Little Lambs and pursue a different career path after several years here at SVPS, most recently as the Nursery Assistant Manager. We know that she will receive a warm send-off when she leaves us in early March, especially from the children and staff with whom she worked most closely.

Also leaving SVPS at the end of the academic year will be our Head of Pre-Prep, Mrs Froggatt, who will leave us for sunnier climes. Whilst she has only been with the School for a relatively short period of time, her impact during that time has been huge and I will be losing a loyal and passionate lieutenant. Most importantly, the vision she has overseen will benefit the children in Nursery and Pre-Prep for years to come. We are already in the process of recruiting their replacements and I will look forward to updating parents soon.

Thank you to all parents who were able to complete the parent survey during the last few weeks. I am pleased to say that over 60 per cent of parents responded, and the survey has therefore now been closed. We are now in the process of analysing the results and we look forward to sharing some of the insights with parents in the Summer Term.

Thank you too to the SVPSPA parents who helped to make Tuesday’s Pancake Day a fun and celebratory occasion. There were perhaps even more smiles than there were remnants of lemon and sugar on the chops of children, parents and staff by the end! Planning has already now turned to the SVPSPA Easter Egg Hunt which will take place on the final day of this term.

The calendar for the Summer Term is also beginning to take more shape and, following feedback from the Parent Consultation Group (PCG) amongst others, we will once again be producing a paper calendar. The minutes of the most recent meeting of the PCG, which took place before half term, are also now available on the School Portal for all parents. I would also like to point out that, in contrast to what I said in Celebration Assembly this morning, there will be Celebration Assemblies on Friday morning on Friday 10th March and Friday 24th March, but not on Friday 3rd March (World Book Day) or Friday 17th March (Senior Castle Swimming Gala).

Hockey (U9 and U11), Rugby (U10) and Netball (U11) tournaments have all taken place this week, as well as, parent consultations in Pre-Prep and Year 6, an Ancient Egyptian day in Year 1, and of course Open Week for individual music lessons. I hope you all therefore have a lovely weekend with a chance to unwind, as well as a chance to sort out costumes for our celebration of World Book Day, on Friday 3rd March.