Head’s blog
As Mr Roberts is currently attending the IAPS Heads’ Conference, he has given me the opportunity to reflect on the past week and share with you this week’s whole school theme.
This gives me a great opportunity to thank all friends of Belmont for their messages of support over the past four months. I was overwhelmed by the response of children, parents and staff to my illness and it has reinforced to me the warmth of the Belmont community. I will continue to follow a phased return to work and would like to thank Mrs Russo, particularly, for leading on pastoral care when I am not in school. It is wonderful to be back, though Belmont certainly does not stand still and it has been another busy week for the staff and the children.
Harvest and Eco Concerns
This week’s theme has been Harvest, with children focussing on those less fortunate than ourselves and showing our support by donating food and basic necessities to Homeless Action in Barnet. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s collection: the team at Barnet are so grateful for your generosity.
In assembly, Mr Roberts spoke to the children about the importance of looking after our planet with reference to Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old climate activist. We asked the children to consider the choices they make that impact on our planet and to think about the role they can play in caring for our world and the immediate Belmont environment. Mrs Van Der Westhuizen, in her role as Eco-Coordinator, is excited about future projects that will allow the school to educate the children on climate change and how, collectively, they can really make a difference.
The highlight of any week is always my time spent with the children. On Wednesday I enjoyed lunch with both Lower and Upper School, who tucked in to their packed lunches after we sadly had to postpone Grandparents’ Day due to adverse weather. I am happy to say arrangements have been made to welcome grandparents on Wednesday and Thursday of next week. Thankfully, the weather is looking promising and I am sure the children will be excited and proud to show their grandparents around their beautiful school.
Macmillan Coffee Morning
The week was topped off nicely with cake for breakfast! While it certainly isn’t part of my diet or helpful in returning to full fitness it was wonderful to see the children and parents coming together for this event. The incredible work Macmillan do to support families impacted by cancer is to be applauded. A massive thank you to the FOB for all their support with this event.
I wish you an enjoyable and restful weekend.
Paul Symes
