Dear Families,

It certainly feels as though this term is now in full swing! There are events, experiences and occasions happening all across Chilton, and it has been wonderful to see so many of our families getting involved in school life.

This week saw the amazing Year 1 Museum arrive in our school hall! What a fantastic experience it was for our children. We cannot thank you enough for supporting it – whether that was by sending in objects to share, helping the children prepare or coming along to be part of the experience.

It is occasions like this that remind me just how important our community is to the success of Chilton. You all make Chilton what it is. The energy, enthusiasm and support you give our children – and our school – makes such a difference. We are incredibly fortunate to have families who throw themselves into school life and help us create these memorable experiences for our children.

We also had a brilliant day celebrating poetry this week! There was a real buzz around school as the children enjoyed playing with words, rhythm and rhyme. I was going to include a poetry joke here…but I couldn't find one that rhymed with outstanding educational provision, so we'll move swiftly on!

I would like to say a huge congratulations to our Year 5-6 girls football team, who finished 3^rd in the cup! They represented Chilton with all the values we hold so dear, we could not be more proud of them! 

Wellies at the ready!

The sunshine appears to have finally admitted defeat and the rain has arrived! With that in mind, please can I remind families that children need a pair of wellies in school.

We want children to continue enjoying our outdoor spaces throughout autumn and winter – including den building, Forest School and the grassy areas at lunchtime. A bit of mud certainly won't stop us, but having the right footwear makes a big difference! Children must have wellies to be allowed on the grass at lunch during Thrive Play. 

On a similar note, as the weather becomes wetter and colder, please think about PE kit for outdoor lessons. Children need clothing that will keep them comfortable and warm when exercising outside. Those very short shorts that were perfect during the summer heatwave can probably now enjoy a well-earned winter break! Jogging bottoms, leggings and appropriate layers are going to be much more useful as the temperature drops.

Harvest at Chilton

Looking ahead to next week, we have our Harvest Assemblies, which are always a wonderful spectacle and a very special part of our school calendar.

Harvest gives us an important opportunity to think about some of the values that matter enormously at Chilton: giving, kindness and caring for others. It helps our children understand that even a small act of generosity can make a meaningful difference to somebody else.

We would therefore be extremely grateful for any donations of non-perishable food, which will be donated to Thanet Food Bank to support people within our local community.

Our Harvest Assemblies are always incredibly well attended, and it means so much to the children to have their families there sharing these moments with them. Thank you in advance for your generosity, your donations and, as always, for turning up in such numbers to support our children.

Please check your class blog for the time of your child's Harvest Assembly.

There is plenty happening at Chilton, and plenty more to come. Thank you, as always, for the part you play in making our school such a positive, vibrant community for our children.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mr McAuley