Dear parents,
Another week in lockdown has gone by, and many of you are finding fun and interesting ways to keep busy and
entertained at home. We do enjoy seeing your photos of what you have been up to – keep them coming! For
example, one of the Science activities given to children in Y2 was to create a mini pond in the garden to encourage
wildlife to take up residence and make it their habitat. You will have seen some examples of these ponds on our
Facebook page – they are wonderful! While we are in lockdown, nature carries on as normal, and taking the
opportunity to go outside in your garden or for a local walk and see spring unfolding does wonders for mental
health and wellbeing. In school, the children are in the garden as much as possible, digging, building, sowing,
planting, weeding and generally caring for nature. We even have some baby birds nesting in one of the bird boxes!
Tomorrow is the 75th anniversary of VE day (Victory in Europe day), to commemorate the day the guns fell silent
at the end of war in Europe. Children have been learning a bit about this in school and at home, and the Isle of
Wight council is encouraging people to mark this occasion from the safety of your homes and gardens. For
example, you may have a ‘street party’ on your driveway, in your garden or in your dining room, or you may
decorate your house and windows with homemade bunting made from cereal boxes, paper, fabric, string, wool or
whatever you can find! The Royal British Legion (RBL) has organised a programme of events to help families mark
the spectacle responsibly. It includes a national moment of reflection and Remembrance at 11:00 on Friday 8th
May, not only in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, but also to reflect on
the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on so many lives across the world. Following the silence, the RBL is
hosting a VE Day live stream, sharing stories and memories from those who served and sacrificed during the war,
which you may want to access on their website. We would love to see what you get up to – email photos to your
class home learning emails (let us know if you would like these photos to be shared on our Facebook page).
You may be aware that, on Sunday 10th May, Boris Johnson is addressing the nation detailing measures that will
be put into place to partially ease the lockdown. Part of these plans may include the reopening of schools in some
form. Once we know further details, we will let you know, and will keep you fully informed throughout the
process.
On Tuesday, it was Suzanne’s last day before she took her well-deserved retirement. We had a mini-leaving
assembly involving the children and staff who were in school that day, which was filmed live on Facebook. It is
testament to what a huge impact Suzanne has had on so many people’s lives, and it was lovely to see all the
comments from children, parents and staff, both past and present. As you know, we will be planning a larger
retirement party once restrictions are lifted, and we will let you know about this nearer the time. We wish you a
happy retirement, Suzanne!
I mentioned in last week’s Buzz that Melissa is now focusing on her role as DSL, FLO and ELSA, among other things.
We extend a very warm welcome to Mrs Debbie Pelosi, who will be joining the Brighstone team as our new
administrator after half term. However, she will also be part time leading up to half term, so you may get the
opportunity to see or speak with her over the coming weeks. Some of you may already know her, as she is
currently a school administrator at All Saints Primary School in Freshwater. We know that everyone will make her
feel very welcome!
I hope that you all have a lovely Bank Holiday weekend in the sunshine.
Best wishes, and stay safe!
Mrs Lennon and the Brighstone team