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Three teams entered the regional round of the Maths Quiz Club competition this week.

Dear Y6 Parents,
The leavers Yearbooks are well underway.
You can now order your copy by clicking this link: https://allyearbooks.co.uk/buy/22607
Books will be handed to students on the last week of school w/c 15th July.

For any queries, please use your class WhatsApp group or DPSYearbook2024@gmail.com 
Thank you so much,

Leavers 2024

JLT met this week to get closer to finalising our design for the new outdoor area.

• We are getting closer to some sort of ‘treehouse’ idea with relaxation space on the ground floor.

• We like the idea of there being two floors, and the ground floor shaded area a place to relax, sit comfortably (bean bags, sofas, outdoor friendly) and possibly have the idea of an outdoor waterproof library or bookcase here too - library prefects could update and change books in it each week.

• We like the idea of having spider web, rope ladder or multiple ways of getting up and down the first floor.

• We want it to be inclusive for all

• IT must be safe - railings and safety all very important.

• It must have a natural design to blend in to the environment as much as possible - eco materials where possible, but ensuring it is not an eyesore was high on the agenda for JLT

• Masroor from JLT commented that we need to consider the wildlife that currently exists in and around the maze. In taking down the maze, and building a new outdoor area, how are we going to ensure that wildlife is protected throughout this process?

  • JLT and ECO ambassadors to help relocate any insects/slugs etc before building to ensure as many types of wildlife are protected prior to the building. Or simply be mindful of the fact that habitats may be disturbed during the building process.

  • Eco ambassadors/JLT carry out a biodiversity survey the space?

  • Could bug hotels be either incorporated into the design, or included in the space somehow?

  • Include bird feeders? Maybe more suitable for quietopia?

• Kieran is concerned about how we will incorporate the tree that is currently in space? Can the structure proposed be designed to incorporate the tree currently there?

• We thinking having a water feature is looking unlikely, unless it can be set back and safely installed. Would this be necessary or even affordable to install? We are not convinced.

What do you think?

We had our second round of class ambassador training this week since our last training session was interrupted by the class photos. The children all had the chance to role play and practise how as class ambassadors they should greet visitors to their classes, how to proactively talk about and share their learning, and how to demonstrate impeccable manners and speak confidently. These skills are essential to being a leader and you could see even in half an hour's practise how the children's confidence and public speaking improved. Hopefully, next time visitors pop their heads into a class, they will be swiftly greeted and invited to hear all about the learning taking place from our knowledgeable and articulate class ambassadors.

Today, we looked over and discussed some of the design entries for the proposed new outdoor area design competition. We saw a few physical models, a few emailed ideas and some written ideas from various children across the school. From looking over and discussing what we had, we came up with the following points.

Also! If any parents, carers or members of the Dorchester community know of an contractors who could help with the designing and building of this project that would be superbly helpful!

Features we like as JLT:

• Having a shaded area

• Places to relax, or sit comfortably - outdoor, weather resistant furniture?

• Two stories (ground floor and first floor) - some sort of treehouse, climbing frame like structure with a covered space beneath

• A slide going from the first floor to the ground

• A climbing element

• Something physical to do - floor trim trail, tyre trail, sandpit..

• Inclusive - Options for all to use regardless of their physical ability

  • If two floors, different things to do on each floor

• Making sure it is safe for all

Other features we discussed:

• Natural design exterior - wood, bark etc - almost blending with the tree and natural surroundings

• If a treehouse type structure, a variety of ways of climbing up and getting down - e.g. web-like climbing rope, stairs, rope climb

Questions arising

1. If a tree house idea is the predominant-agreed structure, how can we ensure this is safe for all?

• Suitable soft ground to be included - rubber, bark, wood chips etc?

2. Where would we store the netball posts as they are currently next to the maze?

3. How can we incorporate the tree that is currently in space? Can the structure proposed be designed to incorporate the tree currently there?

4. Water feature? Bottle filling area? Pros - place to fill up water bottles Cons - potential injury, water fights, clothes getting wet

5. What about safety if a tree house like structure is built and is higher than the surrounding school fence?

Actions!

• Can classes please discuss the above points, and make any additions in their year group colours.

• SLT, Premises team and governors to discuss the above suggestions to begin to formalise an official proposal for the redesign.

With the warm weather finally here, please remember to:

• Wear a hat to school
• Apply sun cream to the face, neck and ears before school- arms too but the first three are the most important
• Remember your water bottle - drink water often
• Spend time in the shade when outside, especially in the last 5 minutes before coming back in after lunch break
• Sunglasses may also be useful if you like