Mr. James’ Weekly Reflection – 02 October

Dear Nadeen Family,

I cannot believe the week has already flown by, as they say, “Time loses its grip when passion takes the wheel!”

We started the week with our Primary assembly, celebrating Appreciation Week for both staff and learners, and ended in Secondary reflecting on what makes a strong community – belonging, respect, collaboration, and support. A great way to bookend the week with gratitude and connection.

As part of Learner Appreciation Day, our learners enjoyed a sweet surprise – ice pops! It may seem small, but recognising our learners in fun ways matters. It’s about celebrating effort, resilience, curiosity, and individuality, and nothing says “we appreciate you” quite like an ice pop in the sunshine.

One of my highlights was hosting the ‘Meet the Principal’ session. I was delighted to meet so many parents, introduce our fabulous new Parent Board (seriously, what a brilliant bunch of people!) and hear your thoughts on what we want to see in the classroom. Words like creativity, curiosity, resilience, inquiry, global citizenship, inclusion, and neurodiversity came through strongly. What struck me most is that your feedback mirrored what our staff shared just five weeks ago. a sure sign we’re all aligned and working together for the good of our learners.

Our Year 11 learners also have an exciting opportunity coming up: a trip to the International Academic Studies EXPO 2025. They’ll connect with universities, explore programmes, and get a glimpse of future possibilities, with a spotlight on engineering. I’m a little jealous; it looks like a brilliant chance to see what the future might hold.

In Early Years, Shanee spoke with our youngest learners about belonging and being part of the Wolf Pack. She introduced the WOLF concept, and of course, each class ended with a big joyful howl! (And yes, it’s that time again. I need to call out Ms Pauline – When are you coming in to read with the children? Next week, perhaps?)

On to parents, thank you again for engaging with our Parent Pulse Check in September, which was so positive. From the last survey, you’ll have noticed changes in communications, timetables, and greater clarity around leadership stability, a question I know has been raised a lot recently. Beyond that, I’m really pleased with how much the community has been coming into school. In Secondary, we’ve had weekly events from Meet the VP, where Mr Paul gave clarity over leadership and communication. We have also held GCSE Options Evening, and Meet the Teacher, to the King’s College session. In Primary, Meet the VP has been well received, and Ms Lianne has met with many parents one-to-one and I know she is enjoying getting to know the community so well. Our lovely Ms Suzanne ran a brilliant Inclusion workshop, Friends of Nadeen have been in three times already, and we’ve even had our first official Parent Board meeting. That’s quite a list when you stop and think about it!

This is the final of two short surveys for this term (the first was in October), and we’ll follow up again after half-term to track progress. Please do complete it by Tuesday, 7th October 2025 – your voice really does make a difference. Parent Pulse Survey

And finally, a little sparkle to look forward to: our Diwali Celebration next Thursday. It promises to be colourful, joyful, and full of light – just the way school should feel. As I often say, “True success is built when we work hand in hand, combining vision, expertise, and care, to serve the wider community we are privileged to be part of.”

Here’s to another week of learning, laughter, and maybe a few more ice pops along the way!

#MoreThanASchool #ParentBpard #Community #GrowTogtherThriveAsOne 

Warm regards,

James Batts

Principal, Nadeen School