On Saturday 15^th June, we were delighted to participate in the Earls Barton Carnival. We had a team of dancers from across Key Stage Two (children aged 7 – 11 years) who had been rehearsing every week after school with Miss Luca on their Lion King-themed dance. These children looked superb on the day with their costumes and face-paints! You may have seen them in the parade; they were the large group in orange and yellow colours, carrying a gigantic lion’s head – specially made by Mrs Kay Smart and Miss Alice Smart! The children were delighted to have been awarded a rosette for our exceptional entry. It was the large paper mâché lion head in particular that impressed the judges.

After the judging, our dedicated senior choir gathered (albeit in diminished numbers) to sing a Disney medley. Despite the very badly-timed torrential downpour, the children were testament to the phrase “the show must go on” as they kept singing under coats and umbrellas and did their very best to showcase their musical talents. Thanks to Miss Bartholomew who led choir.

Finally, our Lion King dancers performed on a rather soggy recreation ground field. This is a huge space to fill and our dancers were tremendous in soldiering on and fulfilling the routine they have spent months rehearsing in the rather different surroundings of the Infants’ hall! Well done to everyone involved and thanks to our staff for giving up their time and to all of the carnival committee for organising such a fantastic day.

Our PTA are in the final stages of purchasing some new outdoor gym equipment for the Key Stage Two playground – the culmination of years of successful fundraising. The May fayre total was over £2,500 – which is tremendous! The PTA are also planning a summer disco for every year group, as well as the annual Year Six Leavers’ Party.

Our Year Six children thoroughly enjoyed their recent week-long residential to Durdle Door in Dorset. They camped in bell tents and completed a range of outdoor and adventurous activities including kayaking, abseiling, paddle boarding, orienteering, team-building games and much more! They also went on a beach hike to see the geography of the area; along the coastal paths and to the spectacular sight of Durdle Door limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast. The children were commended for their behaviour, respect and manners by many people during the week: the camping staff; activity staff and members of the public. This residential creates lifelong memories and is a wonderful way for the children to develop their independence and resilience in their final term of primary school. Our Year Six children are preparing for their leavers’ show and their transition to secondary schools. This year, the vast majority of our children are going to Wollaston Academy.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a complete article without reference to our building works! These have (finally) commenced on our school field – watched by the careful eye of a North Northamptonshire Archaeologist to ensure there is nothing of significant historical interest which would need to be preserved. The car park is due for completion by the end of August, ready for school staff to use from September. The classroom building will begin once school finishes for summer in July. Thank you to local residents for your patience and apologies in advance for any inconvenience caused as we progress with the extension and improvements to our school.

Marie Lally

Headteacher, on behalf of the EBPS community.