Head teacher blog 20th September 2018

Trees have paid a big part in the week at Farfield. Our landmark old dead tree at the end of the football pitch – a remnant of the old Farfield Farm from yesteryear – was finally removed this week just before the storm-force winds that may have blown it over more treacherously. As if in protest, another tree by the treehouse then split in the high winds and was swiftly dealt with by our tree surgeons. A pre-planned site tree survey is taking place soon so that we can have a comprehensive plan to ensure that all our hundreds of trees are safe and under control.

By our willow dome, in the avenue of trees, the new ‘Outdoor Gym’ has opened and appears to be a great success – particularly amongst the girls it would seem…  Part-funded by the lottery and PTA, the equipment has been installed by parent and staff volunteers with such valuable support from Bows and Co Developments and Gibbs and Dandy Building Supplies.  Many, many thanks to all those involved.

This week we have had some exciting school trips with 6S sailing on Yeadon Tarn and Year 2 visiting Thackray Medical Museum.  6H’s sailing was postponed because of the weather but we will try to find a calmer day soon.

Meanwhile, as (a small) part of my secondment to Leeds City Council, I had the pleasure of being on the judging panel for the annual Children’s Services Awards. It was uplifting, and frankly humbling, to read such fantastic and moving nominations for individuals and teams that are making a difference and going ‘the extra mile’ for Leeds’ children and families – often in the most challenging of circumstances. Choosing winners was so difficult but I was proud to be part of this public service working hard to deliver ‘Child-Friendly Leeds’.