This week has been another busy week at the Junior school. 

Our Library: 

This week we have received delivery of a wonderful selection of books based around the themes of diversity and neuro-diversity. You can see pictures of some of the books we have chosen here. We feel it is so important we have a large, diverse range of books in school so that ALL children can see themselves represented in a wide range of texts. 

 

Some of my favourites (it is hard to choose!) from our new books this week include, ‘Hats of Faith’ by Medeia Cohan-Petrolino (illustrated by Sarah Walsh), ‘Like a Charm’ by Elle McNicoll and ‘Julian is a Mermaid’, written and illustrated by Jessica Love.  

 

‘Hats of Faith’ introduces different hats and headdresses which are worn by people of different faiths (with beautiful illustrations). ‘Like a Charm’ is about a girl called Ramya who is dyspraxic, who enters a hidden world of adventure with only the clue she should ‘Beware the sirens.’ ‘Julian is a Mermaid’ is another beautiful book about a boy and his Abuela (Granny) who wants to take part in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. It is about being seen for who we are by someone who loves us.  

 

Year 6 have said, when thinking about why it is important to have books representing diversity and neuro-diversity in our library and classrooms: 

“It’s important to have diverse books to spread awareness and so people understand other people better.” 

“It helps us understand about people in our class who may be from diverse backgrounds about their life.” 

“It helps people who may be different to feel included and accepted for who they are.” 

“Everyone needs to see themselves represented in books.” 

“It makes everyone feel normal because they see themselves in books.” 

“It opens new doors for reading and learning.” 

 

We just know the children will love these books as they get chance to look at them closely, and would like to thank the PTA for funding this set of books. This is just the beginning for us, and we will be continuing to expand this range of books in our library as we move into next academic year.  

 

Also this week: 

• Year 6 were lucky enough to have a visit from Don Macpherson about how to manage their ‘Monkey Mind’ in advance of their SATs – click here for more information and photos, and look at our Twitter page here to see a special video for the Year 6’s (kindly organised by Mrs Brunton) from Bath, England and Lions player Anthony Watson 😊 
• We are in the news! Click here to find out more.  
• Term dates and INSET days 2022/2023: Please click here to see the INSET dates for next academic year. These are the same for Infants and Juniors.  

 

Best wishes, 

Mrs Simmons