Dear Parents

Look East at Bridgewater

We had an unexpected surprise last weekend when the short film recorded here on Tuesday afternoon about the smartphone ban was featured on Look East Politics on Sunday, and again later in the evening news. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s available on our X and Facebook pages.

We’ve been heartened by the positive comments we’ve received. It is important that many people are supporting the ban on smartphones in school and other schools are encouraged to do the same. Our children represented Bridgewater with maturity and we are incredibly proud of them.

A big thank you to Miss Holmes and 6 Warhol for willingly taking part in the filming, and to Mrs Bayes, who greets the children warmly each day and collects the one, ‘call-only’ phone. The individual children were articulate, and Harry’s poster has had a big impact and can still be seen on the noticeboard.

Katie Moore, our parent campaigner on the Smartphone Free Childhood Campaign shares her views with passion and clarity and would warmly welcome other parents to support the national campaign. When parents stand together it is easier to make change and reduce/eliminate screen time for the children and get them back outside, as Adiya said, ‘If you remove your phone and get outside you can do wonderful things without technology.’

Recently, Denmark announced a ban on smartphones for under-15s, and we understand that our own local council is considering our approach as a county. We will continue to follow these developments closely.

Year 5 Science

Year 5 have had a fascinating time in the Forest School area this week learning about reversible and irreversible change and conducting experiments. The wind helped discussions around the fire pit as the addition of oxygen fanned the flames making memorable learning.

Behaviour After School

We are concerned to learn that a young person with disabilities was recently taunted by children near the turning circle after school. This behaviour is completely unacceptable and does not reflect the values of our community.

We ask all parents and carers to ensure they arrive on site promptly at the end of the school day and that their children are supervised at all times. Your support is essential in helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Culture Day

Culture Day is this Monday 24^th November, once again organised by the language ambassadors and Mrs D’Agostino. If you need any more information on Culture Day, please refer to the ParentMail that was sent out on 11^th November. We look forward to seeing the children in their outfits that help them identify with their heritage, be it a national dress or rugby shirt etc. representing their passions.

Have a good weekend

Alison Harvey