Kennet Valley School staff and pupils celebrated Valentine’s Day or Kennet Valley-tine’s Day early on Friday February 12 by dressing in pinks, purples and blues. Kennet Valley-tine’s Day followed the highly successful Christmas in February Friday which included a visit from Santa Claus. Both days were part of the series of themed Fridays designed to keep spirits up during lockdown.
As part of Kennet Valley-tine’s Day, Headteacher, Emma Russell and TA, Helen Bushnell, made the short journeys around the villages to deliver special care packages to all of the parents. Labelled with ‘Happy Kennet Valley-tines” these special care packs were put together to give parents a treat after a long and busy term of home schooling or because they were critical workers who have been supporting the Covid-19 efforts.
The care packs consisted of 2 packs of biscuits, a pack of ground coffee, tea bags, and chocolates. There were even tiny coffee bags which parents could fill if they didn’t have a Cafetiere or coffee machine.
Emma Russell, Headteacher, said, “As a staff team we felt it was vital that our parents were thanked for all they have been doing over the last term and the latest lockdown. We know, as parents ourselves, that the lockdown can be very tough going and we wanted to spoil our lovely parents.
Parents were delighted to receive their ‘Valley-tines’ gifts saying, “We are so spoilt to be part of the small but mighty Kennet Valley School. You really did brighten our day. The boys were so happy, you brought the biggest smile, and for me to get a goody bag too …WOW. Thank you so much for being fabulous.” Another parent commented, “What an amazing delivery this morning! Can’t get over it. So kind. What an amazing school.”
Naomi Watts, who is a TA and ELSA at the school, had also put together well-being activity packs for the children to complete over the half term holiday. These were also delivered to homes and included a kit to make a worry doll, a proud pocket for children to keep a record of the things they were proud of doing during the current lockdown and a label for a Hope Jar. This label was to be put on a jar at home where children and their families could place ideas of things that they would like to do after the lockdown ended.
Naomi Watts said, “As a school we recognise that a healthy mindset is paramount to learning. I wanted to encourage families to have some time without technology so I put the packs together to help them with this. We also gave some ideas of other mindfulness activities that children and parents could do together.”
Peter Barry, co-chair of the Governing Body said, “This is just another wonderful example of the all embracing attitude of the staff at Kennet Valley School. They understand better than anyone the pressures on both parents and children. The marvellous ‘family’ approach of the school, brings parents into the whole schooling experience and helps them deal with home schooling. It shows what can be done by a dedicated and professional staff, and the Governing Body couldn’t be more proud of everything the school is doing.”
Healthy half-term milkshakes from The Milk Yard
