From the Principal’s Desk, 25th July 2019
Dear Parents
I thoroughly enjoyed the Key Stage 2 assembly this morning and felt inspired by the message Ms. Kiley presented to the students about talents.
As much as academics is an important part of any school, I was reminded by Ms. Kiley’s message that each and every student has other talents too. These are the areas of interest that come naturally to a person, whether it be a love of music or the performing arts.
These are also the areas in which we should offer additional encouragement, so that our students are not lost under the load of factual information they are plied with on a daily basis. Children need to play in the sand, climb trees and explore outside, rather than relying on technology for entertainment.
Here are five reasons why outside play is fundamental to the growth of our children:
- Sunshine: Vitamin D is essential for the development of the immune system.
- Exercise: Children are so happy when they are outside running and kicking balls. It gives them renewed energy and focus.
- Risks: Often times we as parents are too anxious and we want our children to be safe. Keeping them away from risky situations may dampen their bravery and confidence. Yes, they might get hurt, but the lessons we learn from failure are as important as the lessons we learn from success.
- Socialization. Children need to learn how to work together. They need to learn to make friends, how to share and cooperate and how to treat other people. If they only interact in very structured settings, such as school or sports teams, they won’t — they can’t — learn everything they need to know.
- Appreciation of nature. So much of our world is changing, and not for the better. If a child grows up never walking in the woods, digging in soil, seeing animals in their habitat, climbing a mountain, playing in a stream, or staring at the endless horizon of an ocean, they may never really understand what there is to be lost. The future of our planet depends on our children; they need to learn to appreciate it.
(Dr Clair McCarthy, Faculty Editor Harvard Health)
A reminder that school photographs will take place on Monday the 29th and Tuesday the 30th of July. A letter has been sent out on Engage.
I wish you all a wonderful weekend ahead.
Regards
Edna