An Unforgettable Week in St Ives
I've just returned from our Year 6 residential trip to St Ives in Cornwall and I'm reflecting on what a truly special week it has been.
Our Year 6 children have been wonderful. Over the past week, they've embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, courage and maturity. We've packed in so many incredible experiences: exploring the breathtaking Eden Project, discovering contemporary art at Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Gallery, getting hands-on at Leach Pottery, riding the waves whilst surfing and bodyboarding, taking an exhilarating speedboat ride to Seal Island, meeting amazing wildlife at Paradise Park, delving into history at Bodmin Jail, learning sea shanties, and of course, some well-earned souvenir shopping.
Every single child has been a joy to be with. They've supported one another, tried new things and shown such wonderful character throughout. I couldn't be prouder of them.
I was particularly delighted to receive an email from a member of the public who spotted us at the bus stop during the week praising our Year 6 pupils for their impeccable behaviour and manners. Comments like this mean so much because they reflect the values we work so hard to instil at Southill Primary. The children were fantastic ambassadors for our school and should be incredibly proud of themselves.
This residential feels particularly poignant as it's their last hurrah of primary school – a precious chance to create lasting memories together before they all head off in new directions to their secondary schools. One of the loveliest things about the week was seeing the children simply enjoy being children: laughing together, being silly, singing sea shanties at the top of their voices, playing games and making memories. Before long they'll be heading off to secondary school and trying hard to be cool, so it was wonderful to see them making the very most of these final moments of primary school together. Watching them laugh, learn and grow together this week has reminded me just how important these enrichment experiences are for our children's personal development.
I've also been reflecting on our curriculum offer at Southill. I'm genuinely proud of how ambitious we are for our children's personal development and enrichment. These experiences – the residential trips, the cultural visits, the outdoor adventures and opportunities to experience the wider world – really do set us apart, and I believe they give our children memories, confidence and skills that will stay with them for life.
A huge thank you must go to Dan, who organised an absolutely incredible trip. The amount of planning and preparation that goes into a residential of this scale is enormous and the week ran seamlessly because of his hard work and dedication. I would also like to thank Paul and Rose, who generously gave up their time to accompany us. They have both been amazing throughout the week, supporting the children, encouraging them to try new experiences and helping to make the trip such a success.
Back at School
Whilst we've been away, Matt tells me the rest of the school has had a lovely week too. The warm weather has meant the children have enjoyed learning and playing outside.
Important reminders about the hot weather:
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Please apply sun cream to your child in the morning before school.
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Send them in with a named sun hat.
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Make sure they have a water bottle with them.
Tick Awareness
We did have a child with a tick this week. Please check your children carefully, particularly after they've been playing in grassy or wooded areas. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible using a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers, and monitor the area for any signs of infection.
Sports Week – Weather Watch
Next week is our much-anticipated Sports Week and, with the forecast predicting very hot weather, we're monitoring the situation closely. The safety and wellbeing of our children is always our top priority.
We may need to postpone some of the sports afternoons to when it's cooler. I know many families will have made arrangements to attend the afternoon sessions, so please be assured that we'll give you as much notice as possible if we need to make any changes. We'll keep you updated.
Teaching Arrangements for September 2026
I'm pleased to share with you the class teaching arrangements for next academic year:
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Reception Class – Melanie
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Year 1 – Laura
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Year 2 – Emma & Emily
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Year 3 – Andrea
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Year 4 – Dan
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Year 5 – Kirsty
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Year 6 – Tom
We're still finalising our support staff arrangements and will let you know these as soon as they're confirmed.
Thank you all for being part of our Southill Primary community.
With love, joy and pride,
Caroline