Recitals, poet Rachel Rooney and inspirational speaker, James Shone
Recitals
It seems an age ago that we returned from half term with record warm temperatures in Kew for winter months in the UK and although the weather may have turned, there has been so much which is positive at school to report.
On the first day back we had a wonderful tea time music concert with 18 instrumental and vocal performances. They were very brave to perform so soon after the break and it was a treat to be there. The music continued at the end of the week with the Richmond Music Festival; well done to the Unicorn Singers and all who performed so tremendously well.
Rachel Rooney
Also on that Monday, the children celebrated World Book Day a few days early to coincide with the visit of the poet, Rachel Rooney. She gave an assembly and ran 
workshops inspiring the children to write their own poetry; the poetry theme continued as we had our Junior poetry competition on Friday.
Years 3 and 4 at Sayers Croft
The time for Sayers Croft eventually arrived and I have heard some great stories from pupils and staff in Years 3 and 4 about their trip. The kindness and good behaviour reported back to me was all positive which, as you can imagine, was the best news for me to hear, as well as the many educational and adventurous activities they participated in while they were there. It can be a time of apprehension for some parents and some children, but the children always have a terrific time – a particular well done to those who went straight on to perform with the choir that evening!
Inspiring Confidence in Every Individual
The well-being of our children, as well as all parts of the Unicorn community, is of such extreme importance and we discuss, in many forums, how to help in this area. Last week we had two special visitors which will have been of immense value to those who heard them speak. The NSPCC gave separate assemblies to Infants and Juniors and followed that up with workshops to the older children. That evening, after the AGM, James Shone spoke to parents about ‘Inspiring Confidence in Every Individual’ and then returned 
next morning to give an assembly to the Juniors and run a workshop with Year 6. For parents and children these were thought provoking and emotional at times. They cannot fail to have made a lasting impression on how we perceive ourselves and our children, in terms of what everyone can achieve and the choices we can make. Looking upwards, forwards and outwards, rather than inwards and backwards to the past, certainly struck a chord with many of us.
