What goes “Oh, Oh, Oh”?
Santa walking backwards!

Apologies, but I just couldn’t help myself! After such an unusual year, seeing Santa walking backwards wouldn’t even cause the raising of an eyebrow for most people! However, as we approach the holiday season, I think it’s crucial that at this time of year we start to look forward, reflect on the last twelve months and enjoy time with those that are close to us.

At the time of writing the morning news has all been about the very first injection to prevent infection from COVID-19. A hopeful day for us all! I am limiting any COVID-19 references, and the focus here is not about COVID-19, but about our amazing staff. When anyone faces a huge challenge and rapid change it can cause many reactions and emotions. Fear, anxiety, the self-doubt that comes from ‘what if…,’ determination, team spirit and selflessness that come from ‘how can I help’ have been considered by many of our staff during the last year. I have never met such a determined group of people, who when faced with an onslaught of frightening and sometimes misleading messages, both from the media and government, were determined to do one thing. That being, to support your sons/daughters as best they can. Initial lock down experiences really rammed home the fact that not everybody can or wants to be a teacher or Learning Support Assistant. Our staff remained dedicated, full of determination and drive to continue learning and supporting our pupils as best they could. I thank each and every one of them for the way they have conducted themselves during this time.

As we move towards 2021, and just like any other year, your children continue to amaze us all. They have experienced such a challenging year. I will never be able to get over the fact that they have had to get used to increased hand washing, social distancing and staff wearing masks. This, of course is on top of the all of the other issues that many face in ‘normal’ times. Yet they have coped superbly and they continue to surprise us, challenge us, make us laugh and smile and remind us about how bright the future is. Their adaptation, alongside the staff has been nothing but miraculous and I am proud of each and every one of them.

Finally, we all know that Christmas will be a bit different this year. However, our staff have again risen to the challenge to ensure that all of our pupils (and their siblings where relevant) will be opening up presents on the big day, as they should be. My thanks are extended to Mrs Osobu for her idea of a Toy Drive and the support from many staff to make that happen. Mrs Ford managed to use some of her network to secure donations and many staff also made contributions. This is amazing and it just highlights what an amazing place this is!

Special thanks go to:
Kenny Arnold (People for People)
Sara Lawrence (AD Bly construction)
Rachel (Tesco Community Champion)                                                                                                          Michelle (Food/ Toy Shed) Executive Headteacher
Laura Burrage (Butterfly Room)

On behalf of all at Larwood Academy Trust, have a wonderful Christmas break!
Please note all pupils should return to school, at the usual time on: Monday 4th January 2021

S D Trimble
Executive Headteacher