Larkhall Primary Campus Newsletter
Friday 4th February 2022
Dear Families
I hope you and your families are keeping well. This Newsletters starts where you would expect it to start, with Lina Santos. I have highlighted some of the memories from staff and families alike and also started to share some of the ways we plan to share and honour the life of Lina. The Newsletter is being sent via email and Dojo.
Contents:
- Lina Santos
- All Things Sport and Wonderful
- Woodlark House Autism Provision News
- Non-Uniform Day
- Safer Internet Day
Lina Santos
As you can imagine, this week has been very difficult for the team at Larkhall. The sudden loss of Lina has shaken us all. Too often we seem to build people up to be more than what they actually were. For Lina, this is not the case. She was, and will remain, a figure who will rightly be recognised in the history of Larkhall. We all feel privileged to have known her and to have worked alongside her.
We all have many cherished memories of Lina and all us have no doubt been reflecting on these. No matter how long we have all known Lina, each and every person talks about the common threads that run these experiences.
Staff at Larkhall always talk about how ‘Lina would go the extra mile for them’; ‘She would gently remind them (in her own unique way of the correct way of doing things’; ‘Lina organised and was an ever-present at the Year 6 Graduation Ceremony’; ‘if there was an issue with school uniform to resolve, Lina would step in’; ‘she was the senior member of the Administration Team, being not only a colleague, but also a confidante and friend.
From speaking to families and reading their comments, the phrases that always come up are, ‘such a lovely lady’; ‘a wonderful, loving woman’; ‘she always greeted you with a smile’; ‘always willing to help me and my child’; ‘she taught me and my children’
Further, as one of the school governors has commented, she would always cheerfully resolve children’s and families’ problems, big and small – such as lost uniform, no packed lunch, queries over attendance or over dinner monies.
Lina really was the name and face of Larkhall!
I will write to families in due course to let you know of the plans the school has to commemorate Lina’s life. Lina of course was also incredibly proud of her Portuguese heritage, and in due course I will write to all families to inform you of the plans the Portuguese community have in celebrating Lina’s contribution to Larkhall.
To start this commemoration, from Monday 7th February, there will be two Books of Condolences open to honour the life of Lina. One book will be in the Family Centre and the other at the main school entrance on Gaskell Street. Families, if you would like to add your own thoughts and perhaps your own special memory of Lina, then please do come along and contribute to these books, I know the staff and family would greatly appreciate it. There is no need to make an appointment to come into school to do; please come along when you can.
ALL THINGS SPORTS AND WONDERFUL!
A big shout out to the year 4 children who took part in a dodgeball fixture against St. Mary’s on Monday. The attitude of the children, in showing good sporting behaviour and trying their very best, was fantastic and we were really impressed with how they represented the school.
The children competed in a mixed competition, whereby children from both schools worked together in different teams. The team from Larkhall team managed to win 1 game and drew 1 game. Well done to all the children.
WOODLARK HOUSE AUTISM PROVISION NEWS
I want to highlight the magnificent effort of Val Martin and her son who took part in a charity Marathon walk to raise money for the National Autistic Society. Val has worked in Woodlark House Autism Provision for many years and is passionate about the care and support children with ASD need. As a result of their huge effort, they raised an amazing £1200. This is fantastic. A big well done to them both.
I would also like to congratulate Ebony and Fatima, two teachers in Woodlark House Autism Provision. They both attended their graduation last Friday, 28th January. Ebony achieved her PGCE Graduation and Fatima achieved her graduation for a MA in Autism – with distinction!
Woodlark House Autism Provision has a new ball pit! This has been donated by the sister of Josephine, another member of staff who has worked in Woodlark House Autism Provision for many years. We really appreciate all the effort she made to bring it to us.
Lambeth Autism Advisory Service are offering the following parent workshops.
- Tuesday 15th March – Anxiety
- Tuesday 17th May – Secondary transition
- Tuesday 14th June – Sensory differences
- Tuesday 12th July – Staying safe
The sessions are currently online and run from 10 a.m. till 11 a.m.
Please email LAAS@lambeth.gov.uk to get the link for the session.
NON-UNIFORM FUNDRASING DAY FOR YOUR DIARY
We are so grateful for your support for these days. All money raised goes directly towards early reading books for all of our children. The next Non-Uniform day is Friday 11th February. Please help us meet our targets.
SAFER INTERNET DAY
A final reminder to all of our families that this year Safer Internet Day is on Tuesday 8th of Feb. This falls in our Online Safety Week.
I really can’t stress the importance of this. Each and every year, how our children use the internet and access online resources becomes ever more critical to their safety and development. On this day and during the entire week our children will be carrying lots of activities linked to safer internet use during their lessons. More information will be provided closer to the date.
That’s it from me. If there is anything else myself or a member of the team can do to help and support you during this time, please do not hesitate to get in touch in the usual ways. I am also always on the Gaskell Street gates each morning from 8:40am.
Best wishes
Gary