Hello! Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer holiday. We have been very lucky with the weather this year!

We have been busy getting the school ready for children to come back. Year 1 have a freshly painted classroom and it’s all looking lovely and new for you all.

As you know, Mrs Hill was going to be teaching Year 1 but has now moved on from Southill Primary. Her decision came late in the year and we started our search for a new teacher as soon as we could. I’m delighted to announce that Melanie Beale will be our new Y1 teacher working alongside Mrs Clark. Melanie is an excellent teacher and brings a wealth of experience particularly in phonics and children’s wellbeing. We are very lucky to have her. Unfortunately, due to contractual issues, Melanie is unable to start with us until January. However, by an incredible stroke of luck, I have been able to secure another excellent teacher to step in for the autumn term. Hannah Whiter has already spent some time with the children at the end of the year and is looking forward to getting started with them. Hannah will be teaching on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Mrs Clark will teach on Thursday and Friday. The children already know Mrs Clark, of course.

I wish we could have had a smoother transition for the children but I know they have two excellent teachers for the autumn term and I’m sure everyone will settle in very quickly. I’ll be there in the mornings to make sure everyone feels happy and confident.

If you have any questions about the arrangements for Year 1 please email me on cwood@southill.dorset.sch.uk

I’m looking forward to seeing you all.

Caroline