Whiteshill School carnival triumph and other triumphs

Still ploughing through piles of emails but wanted to catch up with some of what has been happening - wanted to particularly mention the amazing carnival in Stroud on Saturday - that included the whole of Whiteshill School who helped make costumes - 4 other Primary schools were also involved (see Citizen report here).

Also while we are on Whiteshill School I've been meaning to report that their Forest School has started up - Class 1 have been to the forest classroom several times and had great fun learning in the outdoors. They will continue to visit every Thursday and will be continuing this into Year 1, joining the new intake Reception children.

This Forest School is a fantastic opportunity for children and really gives them an enhanced learning opportunity - and the first in Gloucestershire. Well done to all. See my previous blogs on 14th July 2006 about this project getting started and on 2nd October 2007 re the importance of play in nature - see also research at end of blog item re Hamwell Leaze on 8th June 2007 - that shows that if you want your children to grow up to actively care about the environment, give them plenty of time to play in the *wild* before they're 11 years old.

I am cross that I didn't mention the carnival and Forest School successes to the headmaster when he called very briefly at my house today for my signature to support another school project - I'll email them!

As many will know Whiteshill School is in the process of major development works - all are looking forward to the improved facilities in September - for now they face seriously restricted space and continual noise of excavation, lorries and pneumatic drilling. Other news to mention is that Friends of Whiteshill School now have their own website - see here.

Lastly for this blog a quick mention re the exhibition at Stroud College - I got there last night to see some friends work there - worth a visit - and noticed various local people's contributions!