Weekly Update Friday 26th January

Storm Isha certainly made its presence felt in BWIS this week, with us losing one of our trees. The children were very interested in how the tree came down and lots asked 'why that tree?'. We didn't have any answers, and neither did the tree people who came out to help dispose of it. It was certainly a talking point for a few days! We are now waiting for our fence to be replaced, and have made sure the children are kept away from the area at lunch time.

Bishops Waltham Town team

There was an email sent out this week from Bishops Waltham Town Team. In case you missed it, please see the invite from them to attend their open meeting on the 16th March;

The Town Team, which has organised many events and activities in Bishop’s Waltham over the past 10 years, will be holding an Open Forum on Saturday 15th March at 10:30 in the United Free Church, Basingwell Street. You can see a summary of what has been achieved in a 2-minute video if you click: BW Town Team

To learn more about the Town Team and the Open Forum, visit the website www.lovebishopswaltham.com/ideas. This includes an on-line form to offer your ideas on what you would like to see organised in the future, particularly events and activities for children.

Measles

We sent an urgent health email out this week from the government regarding the rise of the cases of measles in other parts of the country.

UKHSA have stated that measles is not currently circulating in the south-east, there are cases in London and a sustained outbreak in the West Midlands (specifically Coventry and Birmingham but now in all local authority areas in the region) but at the moment in the SE, rashes are more than likely to be for other reasons (particularly in children). However being prepared is important.

At a national level UKHSA are working on an outbreak pack for, similar to the packs for scarlet fever and gastric illness. We will cascade this when it is published.

In case you missed the link regarding measles' please click on below;

What to do if your child has measles

Winter Warmer

Thank you to all the parents and children who attended our 'Winter Warmer' evening this week. It was lovely to share the importance of reading and tips to help at home. A big thank you to Mrs Labram and all the teachers who came to make the evening's activities so successful. Thank you also to Mrs Palmer for making all the goodie bags to take home. Despite the storm we had a really full hall, full of parents and children with big smiles!

Parliamentary Teacher Ambassador

I am delighted to tell you that I was accepted on the Parliamentary Teacher Ambassador Course, which takes place in London next week. A little more about this is below. I look forward to bringing more knowledge about the parliament into BWIS on my return and I promise to take lots of pictures to share!

UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme 29-31 January 2024

Teachers from across the United Kingdom are set to discover more about how UK Parliament works - and how they can engage their students in politics.

Participants on the UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador programme will watch debates in the House of Commons and House of Lords, and learn more about the role of MPs and Lords, doorkeepers and select committees.

They will also tour the palace, meet fellow teachers, and have an opportunity to quiz Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, and his counterpart in the Lords, Lord McFall of Alcluith.

Sir Lindsay said the three-day programme ‘offers a great opportunity for politicians and teachers to share experiences’.

‘In my view, you are never too young to get involved in democracy and to make things happen - so giving teachers an insight into our world is a great way to pass that message back to the classroom,’ he said.

‘We also appreciate having the chance to talk to teachers about their experiences, to thank them for their hard work - and to see how we can work together to get children interested in politics."

Lord McFall, the Lord Speaker, said: ‘The Teacher Ambassador Programme is exceptionally well-regarded by the participants each year, and I welcome the opportunity to explore the work of the House of Lords with such a dedicated audience.

‘As a former teacher and one who has a continuing engagement with young people, I know how keen they are to understand how politics works in practice. This successful initiative is a great opportunity to encourage that interest.’

70 teachers from across the UK are set to take part in the programme, which runs 29-31 January 2024.

On that note, I wish you a peaceful weekend. Hopefully , it will not be as windy we can all get out for some fresh air!

Best wishes

Mrs Riches