Here we are at the end of the academic year and for some of us, including our Year 6 children, the end of this chapter of the journey. Someone once said to me, “Don’t cry because it is over; smile because it happened” – very wise words and something we should always remember. I always remember also, that to be emotional just shows that we care.

Talking to various staff recently we have reminded ourselves that even this academic year, it has not been ‘normal’. I was at Avanti Fields School until November and then we were hit harder than ever by Covid after Christmas with about 30% of the children positive at the same time (not to mention the staff). Then huge numbers of children had chickenpox (and some still are being affected by it). Despite all of this I am so very proud of both the children and the staff. The children are absolutely wonderful; Ěýpolite, generous, caring young people. I have been in education for 25 years so far and know something special when I see it – they really do make you smile and make you proud. The staff are also a great team that have gone with the changes (myself to Avanti Fields School), delivered during lockdowns and offered opportunities for free – you do not get that, to the extend we have here, everywhere.

So a huge thank you from me to the children who are so wonderful and the staff that are brilliant. Our Foundation Two GLD, Year 1 phonics results, Year 2 and 6 SATs will be compared to other schools, both in the šűśł´ŤĂ˝ and elsewhere. What I ask myself when I see better results is:

• Did we narrow the curriculum?
• Did we stop offering the opportunities for visits?
• Did we give more time to the subjects that are tested at the expense of developing such wonderfully positive, resilient, independent children?

The answer to all is ‘No’.

We gave our children what we truly believe will make a difference when the time comes to sit GCSEs, degrees and whatever else they choose to do. I have every confidence they will be people I would happily employ and enjoy working with. I hope you feel the same too and if not, well we all have different perspectives on life and I will show you that respect. Our results are however above National averages anyway, should that matter.

Building Relationships, Improving Behaviour and Creating Stronger Communities

This will be my last post to you, obviously, reflecting on what I’ve read in Mark Finnis’s book about building relationships. To summarise the whole book and put it into action I would say, care about people, get to know them, look after people, and be a kind person. After that, you can help them with their needs. A phrase I often use and remember is, ‘Life is hard – don’t make it harder for people’. The messages sprinkled throughout Mark’s book help people to understand that and hold a true purpose in life. If we want to be a wonderful writer, we need to be able to think, reflect and empathise with how people may feel. If we want to be a brilliant artist, we need to have the confidence to make mistakes and be comfortable holding a brush. If we are feeling insecure and pressured and undervalued, our ability to do these things will be hindered – hence we should seek to be kind and help others to be in a position to achieve their dreams.

I have really enjoyed reading Mark’s book and reflecting on who I am as a person. I have enjoyed seeing staff talk about the book and act with goodness. I have also enjoyed seeing the children being people that would easily relate to the behaviours in the book – a way of being.

Go build relationships with the people you meet and be a good person. Work with people on the things that matter and regardless of what others think, be the best version of yourself, making others smile.

Best wishes

Thank you to those that have completed the questionnaire during the course of the year.

The comments and complements have been valued. The ideas for improvements have been heard and acted on. It has been a wonderful year in many ways and I hope the improvements have been evident.

Thank you

As we close for the year, please do ensure that your balances are settled to avoid additional work for both staff in the office and yourself being chased. We currently have ÂŁ429.71ĚýĚýowed for lunches. Staff will check this later today and early next week.

Thank you for your support and sharing views over the year.

If you are having difficulties, talk to us so we are aware and can advise.

As we end the year we wish our Year 6 children the very best as they move onto secondary school. They have been absolutely wonderful and to see them present their assembly this morning showed how great they are. Th confidence that has grown, whilst remaining suitably mature and caring was quite an emotional thing to watch.

Go and shine brightly and be the best you! You are all fabulous in different ways and never lose that.

Best wishes

So for the last time, thank you very much for your support. The last seven years have been truly amazing and I leave knowing the school is in a very good place. I wish you all the very best for the future and pass the baton on to Mr Koorichh and his introductory communication, below.ĚýĚý

Wishing you all the very best.

Mr Kite

Principal

Dear All

Hare Krishna! My journey with Avanti started almost 16 years ago in a basement office in the bustling city of London administering plans for the very first Hindu state school in the United Kingdom. Who would have known, that so many years on, I would encounter a plethora of opportunities to grow from being a teacher to a Principal -it has been a real privilege. And now I am excited that my journey continues up the M1 to serve the community of Krishna Avanti Primary School Leicester.

Awards

Another week to look back on with a number of events to celebrate. The children, even with only one week to go until we take a break for the summer, continue to impress and make choices that please us. Excellent behaviour on the whole and positive attitudes on display – they should be very proud of themselves. The Rath Yatra on Monday was fortunately dry; Year 3 at Leicester Tigers for another session; the school cricket team playing in the County Finals at Grace Road (and two children scouted); Boomwhacker musical sessions across the school; and a Year 6 production. Some schools wind down as they get near the end but we seem to do more. The opportunities are valuable and I am grateful, as Principal, to have staff that continue to the end to organise, lead and support these opportunities for the children. I should also mention that we were assessed yesterday for The Rights Respecting School Award – Gold Accreditation. Nothing can be announced until it is officially verified and sadly now, that announcement won’t be available until the new academic year, but we are all smiling.

Thank you all for your continued support and let’s continue in the same positive way throughout the final week.

Building Relationships, Improving Behaviour and Creating Stronger Communities

One size does not fit all but to share, debate and have a healthy discussion can allow great things to happen. Being part of a team should create the ideas to consider what works – but what works for one does not necessarily work for others. This is the case in schools and it is also the case for your children and what as staff at Krishna Avanti Primary School we make decisions carefully.Ěý

Mark writes about one size only ever fitting one. To make this work we need all of our staff to understand, and more importantly, believe in what we are doing. We use all of this work and align it with the vision of the school, and ethos of The Avanti Way. We have had many discussions about why we do what we do and having done that we’re all very clear that we are here for the children, to provide them the very best education that we can. In doing that we also have to look after each other because a member of staff or a parent that is not in a good place or feels no value, we’re not perform well for the good of the children in the care. To be able to look after somebody else we need to look after ourselves too.Ěý

Another line in Marks book reads, “Involve students and families at every stage.” In all cases, an open discussion with clear communications can ensure that all we do is successful, or at least understood and supported, for the good of all. What is important to begin, is too understand where each person is at and they are on a journey. The journey over the past seven years has been a wonderful one with many successes along the way – lots of them! The biggest success and what me most proud is how we are all connecting, whether at drop off in the morning or during events wherever they may be.

Thank you all for those connections and please, keep connecting with others.Ěý

Thank you to those that have completed the questionnaire during the course of the year. The latest comment posted follows (response also), but I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for giving your feedback. By you taking the time to complete the questionnaire, we have been able to check what we do and either continue it or reflect and look at possible changes.

You always being very good Mr Kite to us and our children, worked very hard I agree teachers work hard but if they push children little hard the one has more potential to do , so they will learn to hard work and trying more times where get difficult without leaving the topic or subject.Ěý

Thank you – we work hard and I hope all seek to be kind and respond with goodness. Next year we will be back, I trust, to a full school year without disruption. We sometimes forget that even this academic year we had huge disruptions with covid hitting the school hard shortly after Christmas and large numbers of chickenpox. We should never make excuses but looking forward to next year and back to ‘normal’ attendance and consistency, we can certainly aim high and do what we did pre-covid. Having the children (and staff) in everyday and major disruptions gone, we can push (positively), instil that hard-work ethic but all, whilst maintaining the broad curriculum andĚýopportunities we have. That will however be over to Mr Koorichh and I wish him well.Ěý

The comments from the whole year are available to read – just click the toggle below for all comments and responses to date.

We currently have ÂŁ159.61ĚýĚýowed for lunches, a drop from the previous amount of ÂŁ335.79. With only one week now until we break up for the summer, balances must be settled and enough in accounts for the remainder of the week. Where this is not the case, options will not be given. Thank you to all that have maintained a positive balance – it is appreciated.

On Wednesday there was the mixed cricket final at Grace Road, the home of Leicestershire cricket. We played some really competitive cricket in all our matches, particularly in the field where we took some excellent catches and fielded really well. Our batting was not our strong suit on the day as a team, but some strong individual batting performances ensured we were always pushing for the win. We represented the school well and the team should be proud to have played strongly, but mindful that we could have played better. A special mention must go to Rudra who got a hat-trick with the last three deliveries of the day to ensure the win in that game. We didn’t win the tournament on this occasion but there is always next year.

A special thanks to the school community, especially our Young Leaders, in particular our Rights Respecting Warriors who have led the school on a very positive journey to being a Rights Respecting School.Ěý We recently had a very pleasing report from the UNICEF assessor.Ěý The results for this assessment will be announced in due course. We went for Gold – I wonder if we achieved it.

We would like to invite you to join us for our annual ‘Party on the Park’ (picnic on the field) with your child on Friday,8th July 11:15 onwards. Children will be finishing at 12:30 straight after the picnic. If you are unable to join us, please arrange for you child to be collected at 12:30.

We will also be having Summer fayre on the field; there will be paid rides for children to enjoy. If you wish to book a stall, please get in touch with the school office.

We will email you your child’s class and teacher for the next academic year on Monday, 4th July. Moving up day will take place on Wednesday.

Please do not contact school to request a change your child’s class, Ěýas teachers have made sure new classes allocated are in the children’s best interest.

On Tuesday 5th July, Krishna Avanti Primary School will be hosting it’s very own KAPS Has Talent! The show will begin at 1pm. Parents are welcome to attend.ĚýThis is a charity event of which all proceeds will be donated to the Ukraine appeal. If you wish to donate, please do so through the Avanti website. You can find the link here:

Thank you very much for your continued support.Ěý

Yours sincerelyĚý Ěý

Mr Kite

Principal

Awards

It has been an extremely busy week with the Fun Sports Days for all year groups, the Key Stage Two Competitive Sports Evening, Year 3 at Leicester Tigers and a few other great events. The weather was extremely kind to us and some may say, a little too hot. These events are brilliant, providing the opportunities to engage with parents and the community – thank you very much for coming along where you were able to and connecting with us again.

This week we have welcomed several past students who are now in Year 10 and on Work Experience placements. Some of these fabulous young people were with us from the very start and were Krishna Avanti Primary School’s first Year 6 children. They have impressed greatly and been a huge asset over the past week and we wish them well in the future.

With just two weeks of school left, it will remain busy with various events, learning and for Year 6 especially, the end of year performance. Thank you in advance for your support over the next couple of weeks with the numerous events as detailed on the website calendar (also below).

Building Relationships, Improving Behaviour and Creating Stronger Communities

Sometimes you read a book and you can keep delving back into it for little nuggets of inspiration. ‘s book is one of those such books. I opened the book today, randomly at page 129 and read the heading, Making Change Stick. Change is a natural part of life and change happens. We have all been in situation where we know we need to make changes, but to make them requires courage in some instances and people willing to embrace them. Mark writes, “People are the hardest part of change.” Linking this to something that Leicester City goalkeeper, , valuing people and taking the time to connect with them makes a huge difference, enough to win the Premier League. He talked about the way the late Leicester City owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, treated everybody with respect and humility being the reason that the club is so different to any other he has known.

As the principal of a school, it is of paramount importance to me that we do show respect. It is important that we are humble and connect with all. In doing so, we make the world a better place and enable change to happen, for the better, for the benefit of all. Mark always uses the phrase, ‘only connect’ which is emphasising (my interpretation) the importance of connecting with people and be genuinely interested about them, before the ‘content’ of any subject we need to address.

If you have not bought Mark’s book, I highly recommend it. If you have not yet discovered The High Performance Podcast, explore it. You will get from it what you wish and for me it has been highly positive and great reflections on what I do, how I behave and what I seek to change for the children, staff and parents I connect with.

Thank you to those that have completed the questionnaire so far. There have been two comments since last week, as follows (responses also)…

Very happy with how my daughter is progressing in the school and the support provided. The teachers and all staff are very friendly and approachable. She has made great progress and I can see great changes in her. Would it be possible to look at (subject to teachers) adding clubs such as Maths, English etc so that we can help the children ie year 1 currently moving to year 2 next term where they need some more support please.

To receive such a positive comment fills us with pride. Being friendly and approachable are what we talk about and obsess on – being kind and caring. This is not at the expense of expectations as we aim high and want he best we can possibly have – long may it continue.

The request regarding clubs has been noted and shared with appropriate staff for next year.

I am extremely proud of my child attending this fantastic school. He has made great progress, especially with reading and writing following the sudden ‘break’ due to covid19 in 2020… I felt that his learning was ‘robbed’, However due to the wide range of home schooling activities and appropriate materials provided by KAPS, I do not feel that he actually lost in his educational journey. I am also very happy for Mr Kite and Miss Benson acting promptly and effectively in the bullying incident which occurred in Year 1 first term. They reassured me that it will be dealt with and it put my mind at ease as a concerned parent, it is worrying to have to see your child go through a horrible experience. It all resulted well in the end and the boys in question became friends again with my son, which I was happy to learn. Please continue to support parents and children in the future, we appreciate it always. I am sad that Mr Kite is departing from the school… he is super at his role and is always welcoming and supportive… its is a shame he is leaving… as it would have been lovely to have him present throughout my child’s journey at KAPS. I wish Mr Kite all the best in his future endeavors. Kind regards.

Again, very pleased to be providing an effective education and environment. When things get difficult, such as pandemics, we do our best and are very proud of what we managed to provide considering the difficulties.ĚýWhen children have difficulties with others, we talk, challenge and engage all to recite the situation with the aim being it is everlasting. We ‘work with’, not ‘do to’. This helps the children make better choices in the future, understand why certain choices are better. Thank you for your warm wishes and as stated many times, Krishna Avanti Primary School is a special place with great people (children, staff and families).

By clicking the toggle below, you can see all comments and responses to date.

We currently have ÂŁ335.79ĚýĚýowed for lunches, a very slight drop from the previous amount of ÂŁ340.80. Several children have amounts of a little over ÂŁ20 owing and this easily adds up. It really is important that this is kept on top of otherwise the school gets charged for outstanding amounts which then means less of a budget for resources that children use. If you are owing money, you should receive a letter today – please do make every effort to get into credit before Monday otherwise you will need to pick your child up for lunchtime – they will not be fed at school. We do not want to have children go home due to payments not being made.

If you are having difficulties, talk to us so we are aware and can advise.

Good attendance is a cornerstone of education so thank you for all of the efforts to get your child to school. Attendance for individual classes is shown below so far this year.ĚýIt has been a very difficult year with high rates of absence due to Covid earlier in the year, a later, Chickenpox. For the remaining two weeks and next year, let us try to get back to attendance of near 98% – what we had pre-covid.Ěý

Class Attendance

• F2 Bees – 91.86%
• F2 Butterflies – 91.4%
• Y1 Doves – 93.36%
• Y1 Parrots – 90.39%
• Y2 Peacocks – 91.91%
• Y2 Swans – 93.63%
• Y3 Moon – 95.16%
• Y3 Sun 94.28%
• Y4 Comets – 93.8%
• Y4 Planets – 94.37%
• Y5 Sharks – 96.62%
• Y5 Turtles – 96.06%
• Y6 Mayapur – 95.95%
• Y6 Vrindavan – 94.87%

We will be celebrating Rath Yatra on Monday, 27 June 2022, the oldest street festival in the world. Normally, people would need to go to the temple to see the deities but this is the only time in the year that the deities of Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra come out to see the people.

On Friday 8th July, the last day of school this academic year, we will finish with our usual ‘Picnic on the Park’. There will be some fair rides and an ice-cream van, so bring along some money to enjoy what is on offer. Ěý

We hope that many of you will join us and bring along a picnic (in line with our ethos). Family members are all welcome and let’s hope for more sun. It has been a great success on recent occasions and a lovely way to end the year.Ěý

School will officially close at 12:30 by which time you need to be here for your child if not already with us for the picnic.

Thank you once again for your continued support.

Yours sincerelyĚý Ěý

Mr Kite

Principal

Awards

It has been a hot week and so heart-warming to see the children exploring the grounds and taking it upon themselves to learn about pond life during break and lunch. You know you are in a great place when the children manage themselves and naturally explore, learn and ask questions. These things do not just happen – they are a result of a lot of hard work, modelling, positive encouragement and engagement from staff. Krishna Avanti Primary School is not lucky nor fortunate. Krishna Avanti Primary School is a great place because a team of staff have been united in its vision, shared with parents and supported by all to be a fantastic place to learn.

We have three weeks of school left and we will continue to learn together, support each other and make the most of the opportunities in the classroom, on the sports field and out and about during the events we have coming up out in the community. We look forward to seeing you in person at the various planned events coming up but for now, the usual reflections, recent news and reminders…

Building Relationships, Improving Behaviour and Creating Stronger Communities

Everyday life and very much so, life in schools, discussions and circles really do make a difference. When you observe, reflect and do a little analysis of the altercations that occur between people, it is always (from my experience) the lack of discussion and willingness to listen that holds back the resolution. People may be upset or angry and not yet willing to hear another viewpoint. The person that has upset someone may well believe they themselves are totally right and have in no way caused upset. When we are able, despite our viewpoint on the matter, to listen to another without disruption, we are on the way to the solution.

Mark Finnis has a section on solution focused circles in his book, . Mark writes that ‘it is more important to spend less time on the problem and more time on the solution’. This is a well made point and one that should involve the people involved, being involved. You take the concept of the circle so that there is no-one person that is more important, but we listen, but really listen to understand. By doing so we hear and accept that the other person’s perception is in fact their reality. As we listen we may well realise our own action was, although not intended (hopefully) caused some hurt. We can then in realising that, respond in a way that both shows others you are sorry for the hurt but also, becoming a better person that is unlikely to repeat the action. You are then on the way to the solution.

Discussions in circles, without turning your back to others, listening carefully without interruption and listening to really understand, makes a difference. It makes a huge difference and where people do this, the world is a better place for it. I encourage our children to do this and I see them do it well. I encourage all others to do it too and use our discussions to find solutions.

Thank you to those that have completed the questionnaire so far. We have received no comments in the past week.

By clicking the toggle below, you can see all comments and responses to date.

We currently have ÂŁ340.80ĚýĚýowed for lunches, a big rise from the previous amount of ÂŁ164.51. Several children have amounts of a little over ÂŁ20 owing and this easily adds up. It really is important that this is kept on top of otherwise the school gets charged for outstanding amounts which then means less of a budget for resources that children use. If you are owing money, please do make every effort to get into credit before Monday. We do not want to have children go home due to payments not being made.

If you are having difficulties, talk to us so we are aware and can advise.

Throughout this school year, various sporting opportunities have been had by many of the children at school. In the case of girls in years five and six, they have taken part in a city wide tournament with several football fixtures played against numerous teams. Prior to Christmas, they competed in a general league in which they finished top, resulting in them being placed in Division 1 (the top division) for those competing at Judgemeadow College. The same was the case across the city for other venues.

After Christmas there were more fixtures and the team finished top of the group and qualified for the Finals to be played at Seagrave. There were four other venues across Leicester and the winners of each were to be the opposition. On Tuesday 7th June the top five teams, Krishna Avanti Primary School being one of them attended Finals Day where there would be four matches for all, and an extra one – the final – for the top two. Despite losing the first game 2-0, the girls upped their game and went on to win the next two matches before drawing the final match in the group. It was enough to qualify for the overall final and the opponents were the team that they lost 2-0 to earlier in the day.

The girls knew they started poorly so went out and played with the right attitude and were leading within minutes. The confidence grew and more goals were scored. Priyanshi scored a hat-trick in the final and with two other goals from Kalindi and Diya, Krishna Avanti Primary School girls won the final 5-0. They performed brilliantly and should be very proud – well done everybody.

A reminder that next week will see all children taking part in various sports activities on various days.ĚýAll parents and relatives are invited to cheer on the children from Foundation 2 to Year 6 during the Fun Sports Days as follows:

• • Foundation Two – Wednesday, 22 June 2022 from 13:00 to 14:30
  • Year 1 – Monday, 20 June 2022 from 11:45 to 13:15
  • Year 2 – Monday, 20 June 2022 from 13:15 to 14:45
  • Year 3 – Wednesday, 22 June 2022 from 10:15 to 11:45
  • Year 4 – Wednesday, 22 June 2022 from 08:30 to 10:00
  • Year 5 – Tuesday, 21 June 2022 from 11:45 to 13:15
  • Year 6 – Tuesday, 21 June 2022 from 13:15 to 14:45

There will be a number of activities set up on the field which the children will move around in small groups. Children will have about eight minutes at each activity, pitting their wits and flexing their muscles against opponents from their classes. It will be fun primarily, but competitive at the same time! All parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and any relations I have missed, are invited along to move around with the budding athletes and enjoy the day with us.Ěý

On the date for each year group, children should come in their PE kit with trainers – no uniform on the days taking part.

Following trials in school, the fastest runners, longer jumpers and furthest throwers have qualified to compete for points for their house. This is a Key Stage Two event and is competitive. If your child qualified, you should by now have received the information. Anyone who wishes to attend to cheer and support is very welcome.Ěý

Due to the event and need for staff, there will be no clubs running on Tuesday 21st June, apart from the paid Library Club.Ěý

There are only three weeks left of school and they are very busy. We look forward to seeing you and connecting at various times.

Thank you very much for your continued support and have a super weekend.Ěý

Yours sincerelyĚý Ěý

Mr Kite

Principal

Awards

The end of a half-term is here and looking back, there have been many positives. I see that when I hear comments from the children about the love of learning. Finishing the half-term with a celebration for the Queen’s Jubilee gives that opportunity to smile and laugh together, enjoying rides, ice-creams and generally catching up. These things are so very important and do not just happen – they come about from the hard work of children, parents and staff – the whole community, so thank you.

One area we really need to work on is the attendance. Pre-covid we were up at 97/98% but are currently on 93.7% for the year. We do appreciate that we have had a great deal of absence due to covid earlier in the year and more recently huge numbers with chickenpox. We have also had a larger number of people taking children out during term-time when it can be avoided, or worked within holiday time. Please do help all you can over the next half-term, because every day does count – thank you.

Building Relationships, Improving Behaviour and Creating Stronger Communities

It is the end of a half-term and when things end, it is always good to look back and reflect. These reflections enable us to see where things could have been better and where they were successful and what to keep doing. On the whole, the past half-term has been full of positives. It is due totally with how you as parents positively connect with the staff at school. Those relationships are so hugely important. The children see how we connect and see the positives. Whether a deliberate effort or a natural action, the way we interact is overwhelmingly a good model for the children and we see that so much through the school day in lessons and when on breaks.

Whilst we started getting back to various activities, visits and opportunities earlier in the year, it is wonderful to see them really happening each week now, whilst carrying on with all of the usual lessons. I have always had a strong belief that the opportunities with various external partners can happen, week in, week out without any negative impact on the more traditional and formal lessons. This has always been the case where I have been and I wish all children across all schools could have this. The opportunities to take part in water-sports such as canoeing and kayaking; the playing of musical instruments; visiting Leicester’s training complex (twice in a week for some); and so much more. These are experiences the children do not forget and ones that may just be the inspiration for a career or lifelong hobby.

So it has been a great half-term on the whole. The minor negatives are manageable and we have always listened, responded and where a response for some is not helpful, we have professionally moved on. Please do keep being kind and being a positive force, modelling the right behaviours and inspiring your children to keep being the brilliant people they are.

A huge thank you to all that have completed the parent questionnaire so far. There have been no additional comments since last week but there have been many in person conversations – all positive. Again, a huge thank you for all of your support, positive working partnerships and help in making Krishna Avanti Primary School the wonderful place that it is.

By clicking the toggle below, you can see all comments and responses to date.

We currently have ÂŁ164.51ĚýĚýowed for lunches, a drop from last week’s ÂŁ231.40.ĚýPlease do keep on top of the payments and do your best to get into credit before we return. Take the week off as an opportunity to get more paid in. A couple of children had to go home this past week due to payments not being made.

If you are having difficulties, talk to us so we are aware and can advise.

The official celebration for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is over a four-day bank holiday from 2 to 5 June. All over theĚýland street party organisers are putting up bunting and sending invitations to neighbours in celebration of ĚýTo mark the school’s celebration of the event we welcomed parents and community members into school from 14:00 on Friday 27 June for a mini fair, organised by the Friends of the Schools (FORs). There were various fair-ground rides, street food, an ice-cream van and numerous activities and stalls for all to enjoy.

Children and staff were able to attend school wearing the colours of the Union Flag (red, white and blue) or something regal. We saw many princes, princesses and several crowns in the day. It was a lovely event and the weather was wonderful. It was a great opportunity for the Year 4 children to put on a performance of four pieces, with violins, violas and cellos being played.

A huge thank you to FORs for their hard work and to everybody that supported the event. ApproximatelyĚýÂŁ1000 was raised and will go towards more opportunities for the children. Well done toĚýJiya in Year 4 Comets for guessing the exact amount of sweets in the jar competition – 240.

Another reminder that there are limited spaces in school grounds and that is why fobs are given to those with exceptional circumstances. All spaces have been allocated so there should be no drivers trying to gain access without a fob. Staff, including myself, Ěýhave seen first hand how some parents come in and wait for someone with a fob to open the barrier and then follow them in. These parents have no reason to do so other than laziness and disregard for others. Behaviours such as these cause the chaos that can follow with overcrowding and for some people, arguments and abusive remarks.

I always comment quite genuinely about the wonderful behaviour of the children. It is even more remarkable considering the role models that some have. We will be monitoring this very closely so those with a fob, ensure you clearly display the pass you should also have it as you approach the barrier.

Thank you to all of those that do the right thing.

As we approach the end of the academic year, for various reasons staff move on. At the end of this academic year, as well as staff already announced to be leaving, we will be saying goodbye to Mrs Nagar and Miss Khunti. Both teachers have been great members of the team and we wish them well. Mrs Nagar is going to have a little change having been successful in an application to teach at Oaklands School, literally around the corner. Miss Khunti has accepted a position at Gateway College, where she will teach in an area specific to her degree.

The advert to replace both (and Miss Taylor) is live and we hope to be able to announce the new appointments mid June. Mrs Marshall’s maternity cover has been appointed and final checks are being made prior to the announcement.

The incoming Principal, Mr Koorichh, will be visiting school during the final half-term of the school year. He will be involved in the interviewing of the new teachers, planned for the 14th June before he visits again on the 22nd June. On this date it is hoped that he can arrange a time to meet with parents.

A reminder that school will be closed on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th June for staff training dates. These two dates are Trust wide directed dates that will involve staff from across the šűśł´ŤĂ˝ being engaged at different locations to work on various developments.

As such, the first week back after half-term is a short school week of three days.

Thank you very much for your continued support.ĚýHave a wonderful half-term break and we will see you back on Monday 6th June for a short week.Ěý

Yours sincerelyĚý Ěý

Mr Kite

Principal

Awards

It has been a wonderful week with so much still going on. Today has been wonderful, seeing the children all arrive in their various colours for the country they have linked to for Cultural Diversity Day. It is quite remarkable and something to be proud of the way that children and staff engage in such events with great enthusiasm. To hear various children talking about the countries, the colours on flags and facts about the different places shows they have a real thirst for learning. It also shows we do not just do English and mathematics, but a broad, balanced and rich curriculum.

For Vegetarian Week, even though part of our ethos, the children have enjoyed preparing, making and eating various vegetarian food. Even the staff have been getting excited, showing the final dishes with pride. If you would like a bit of a break this weekend, maybe test your children and get them to prepare what they made at school for you to enjoy at home.

We have six more school weeks and lots to celebrate, starting next week for the Queen’s Jubilee. Please do keep checking the school calendar so you can be with us during the various events.

Building Relationships, Improving Behaviour and Creating Stronger Communities

It is all about the love. It is all about the ability to stop, listen and be prepared to accept the ideas of others. I have heard the word ‘love’ quite a lot recently and in the main, it has been used in the profound, deep, totally appropriate way of really caring about others. I have been really pleased how children have listened to each other and apologised, congratulated or check in on friends to ensure they are okay, whether because they have accidentally caught them with a paddle whilst kayaking or something else. The children here really are brilliant people that you as parents, should be very proud of.

Mark’s book about building relationships mentions this kind of love and how it is not a simple, easy thing that we are lucky to have. I remind colleagues and parents how we are not lucky, but hard-working people that have deliberately worked on building relationships over time so that great conversations can be had and powerful learning moments shared. In these learning moments we have children and staff being challenged. They are challenged quite rigorously, but that challenge is not negative – it is not a confrontation. It is a challenge of the action, behaviour or result, not a challenge of the person. Let us all keep talking and challenging each other, but let us do it without confrontation. Let’s do it with love in the knowledge that we are here for each other and with the intent that future experiences are better, improved, kinder and more aware.

Thank you to those that have completed the questionnaire so far. A recent comment to share…

I would like the school to be more involved with children that have difficulties in learning. Different strategies should be in place , extra time, different methods etc. If these children are not supported from an early age ,it only gets more difficult as they get older.

We totally agree with this and for any child not making the progress that we would expect them to, we work hard to work out why, and where right to do so, involve external experts. There are so many strategies, programmes and different types of provision that are used for various children that benefit from it. We do this automatically at school, differentiating work, time, space and resources appropriately. ĚýSometimes sadly, getting the support from external agencies can take time but we push for this and argue the need.

By clicking the toggle below, you can see all comments and responses to date.

We currently have ÂŁ231.40ĚýĚýowed for lunches, a rise from last week’s ÂŁ207.80.ĚýJust lately it seems that the amount owed is rising a little each week. Please ensure you keep on top of the balances so we do not have to make contact about payments.

When you book lunches, please take care to ensure bookings are made in time and the correct date is used. Ideally, the Monday of the week wanted is the commencing date.

Year 6 have enjoyed the first of several session at Leicester Outdoor Pursuit Centre. They have been kayaking or canoeing, something that many do not the the different between – do you? The weather has been kind and to hear the children positively encouraging each other and enjoying the games on the water is wonderful. It is always great to have the staff members feedback that the children are a real credit to the school.

A reminder that it is Parents’ Evening on Monday 13th June and Tuesday 14th June. Should you wish to book an appointment this term, using the booking link below.

On Monday 16th May the ĚýYear 1 children and staff visited Hall to enhance their topic on Victorian childhood. ĚýThe children came to school dressed as a typical Victorian child may have, taking them back in time to find out what life was like in the Victorian era. TheĚýsimilarities and differences between life in Victorian times and the present day were explored and all had a great time.Ěý

The school cricket team took part in the East Leicester mixed cricket tournament on Thursday and came back as winners. Mr Jackson coached the team on the day and gave a wonderful, waxing lyrical about the performance of the team. With all that goes on at school, it is always super to hear of even more successes and so much credit to the children who continue to be brilliant. They now go onto the next stage where they compete against neighbouring counties in the Level 3 School Games – date to be confirmed.

Thank you very much for your continued support.Ěý

Yours sincerelyĚý Ěý

Mr Kite

Principal

Awards

Another week ends and for our Year 6 children, the end of the SATs. Whilst the official tests are over, there are still seven weeks of school left this academic year so we do not just stop. Every day is valuable and we will continue to engage, teach and learn. Dates for the summer term are now live on the website (and can be seen below). Please do have a look and keep checking for any updates. Only today we received an invitation to Leicester City’s training ground for three events. Once confirmed, they will be added to the calendar. Such wonderful learning opportunities and experiences are highly valued here at Krishna Avanti Primary School and long may they continue.

Building Relationships, Improving Behaviour and Creating Stronger Communities

Conversations can be difficult but early in Mark’s book he asks the question, “do they have to be?” This very topic is one that I have had with a few people recently with the point of focus being the way we talk to each other or the content of emails that we send. When people have taken the time to listen and learn, to understand and care, the conversations that would ordinarily be difficult are not difficult at all. They may be emotional and cause a degree of sadness, but they are by no means difficult nor require courage. If we are in pursuit of the same goal then such conversations are welcomed, in the right manner. This all links well with the importance of developing relationships which is something that we continually work hard on.

So let’s keep having the conversations and when they are what some would call ‘challenging’, have them with kindness at heart and the mutual benefits will flow.

A huge well done to all of the children and staff, right across the school. The successes of our Year 6 children are a result of the past ten/eleven years of their lives starting with the parents prior to starting school and then every single member of the school team that has contributed. If our Foundation Two staff do not help children learn those vital social skills of communication, sharing, playing then the child will struggle in later years. Every year group at school has a very important role to play and this then culminates in the child being able to sit, concentrate and be resilient in a classroom in test conditions, so thank you to you as parents for starting the journey so wonderfully well and supporting us along the way. We will receive the results shortly before we break for the summer holidays and as soon as we do, we will share them with you all.

Regardless of the results, we are very proud of the children and after two years of disruption at school, we are all the more proud of the focus, determination and effort by all.

It has been reported that some drivers are not stopping to allow pedestrians at the crossing to walk between St Pauls and Krishna Avanti Primary School, just after the vehicle barrier. I am not sure if many realise but the rules with regards priorities changed at the beginning of April, giving the priority to pedestrians, then bicycles etc… over larger road users. I strongly recommend everybody checks the new laws – the consequences are also much greater for anyone than causes injury.

The fact that the crossing is there, and not considered by car drivers, is even more so worrying. The image may help.

As part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations we are planning an event for Friday 27th May. More information will be sent soon but save the date and come and join us from 14:00 for rides, food and celebrations.

You will have read the letter last week, informing you of my decision to resign as Principal at Krishna Avanti Primary School. The number of messages, calls and brief conversations has been very positive, whilst emotional. Krishna Avanti Primary School is truly a wonderful place to be, which made my decision all the harder to make. The question of ‘Why?’ is so very hard to answer. It is a question I ask myself sometimes but the fact that I have been contemplating this decision for several months led me to finally decide it is something that I needed to do.

Also leaving at the end of the year is Miss Taylor. Miss Taylor’s family are in Manchester and for personal reasons, she is moving back to Manchester and will be looking to travel before settling down. Miss Taylor has been a super member of the team and will be greatly missed. An advert for her replacement is now live and we are confident that the role will be filled in good time.

You will have also seen an advert for maternity cover recently. Mrs Marshall is expecting in early September and we interviewed for her cover today and hope to be able to announce the new member of the team once all required checks and approvals are complete.

Cultural Diversity day will be celebrated on Friday 20th May and the children will be taking part in activities relating to the country chosen in their year group.

On the day it would be lovely if children can wear colours that are on the flags of the country being celebrated in their year group. The countries that each year group have chosen are:

• Foundation Two: France
• Year 1: United Kingdom
• Year 2: Italy
• Year 3: Spain
• Year 4: Egypt
• Year 5: Jamaica
• Year 6: Mexico

It is National Vegetarian next week! Vegetarianism is increasing in appeal and National Vegetarian week aims to show to communities and schools across the UK that vegetarian food can be vibrant and exciting to eat as we already know at Krishna Avanti Primary School!

To celebrate this week, Govindas will be preparing some delicious vegetarian delights available for you to purchase from the Enterprise Team if you wish to do so, on Thursday 19^thĚýMay at home time.

We currently have ÂŁ207.80ĚýĚýowed for lunches, a rise from last week’s ÂŁ190.30.ĚýPlease do keep on top of the payments and do your best to get into credit – it would be great to have nothing owed in these updates.

Thank you to those that have completed the questionnaire so far. There have been no new comments in the last week.

By clicking the toggle below, you can see all comments and responses to date.

Thank you very much for your continued support.Ěý

Yours sincerelyĚý Ěý

Mr Kite

Principal

Awards

Even in the shortest of weeks following a double bank holiday, there is still so much going on at school and that is the way we like it. Swimming sessions for our Key Stage One children; a Premier League Primary Stars Youth Voice event with Leicester City in the community; A tennis tournament; and after school clubs clubs starting. The opportunities that your children have are, in my opinion, hugely valuable ways of extending their experiences and giving them a wonderfully wide view what life is about.

Our Year 6 children have been working so hard, and even more so in the past couple of months, ready for next weeks National SATs. In schools across the country next week, all Year 6 children will be taking part in the SATs for the first time since 2019. The past few years of school have been quite disrupted due to Covid and whilst our children impress me with their resilience, independence and maturity, I do know that Covid affected so many in different ways. I hope that our children absolutely smash the tests next week but regardless, I’m so proud of the effort that they have put in and the effort of the staff that have done all humanly possible to fill any gaps. Thank you also to your parents for your support Ěý– you are all amazing.

Building Relationships, Improving Behaviour and Creating Stronger Communities

There is a section in Mark’s book about making changes and the importance of the seeds being planted well in advance of the actual changes been made. Some of us struggle with change and some of us embrace it with great enthusiasm. Where change is needed, it must happen and sometimes this happens quickly. Mark writes about the hardest part of change being people. This makes sense as we are involving emotions, perspectives and people’s understanding of the current position. Through discussion, respect and openness, change can happen and be positive.

I hope that over recent years here at Krishna Avanti Primary School, we have communicated changes well and they have been positive. We often talk about doing what is right for the children and that should never change. Any change must be made for the benefit of all and staff are part of that, as well as the children. I believe that through an open dialogue we can agree on changes and respect decisions, even when not the most comfortable. By being a team that works well together, we will be successful.

We currently have ÂŁ190.30ĚýĚýowed for lunches, a rise from last week’s ÂŁ172.80.ĚýThank you for working hard to manage the balances and please do keep on top of the payments. Please do settle the outstanding balances as soon as possible.

There is a wonderful opportunity for the children to attend possibly their first-ever live concert. The Summer Festival at De Montfort Hall will take place on 21^st and 22^nd June.

Please take a look at the short video to give you an idea of what to expect – the LEAP ensemble from Birmingham Conservatoire, YolanDa Brown (CBeebies) and much more.ĚýWhat better way to celebrate the end of SATs with this to look forward to!

All info on how to book is on the video. .

Whilst we had the Jubilee bank holiday, day off on Tuesday this week we will be celebrating the event closer to June. Early next week we will share the date and ideas for the day, so please be ready to add it to your calendar and enjoy the celebrations with us.

It has come to my attention that our usual events for the summer term and not on the website calendar. This is something that we hope to have updated by the end of Monday, if not before. We will send out a communication to let you know that the dates are on the website so you can then check it against your commitments. These events will include, for example, our extensive sports days.

Thank you to those that have completed the questionnaire so far. The comments from recent entries are below. We have had 63 entries to date. It would be appreciated to get as many responses as possible so that we have more confidence in what has been shared. Please do take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire if you have not done so already. To have near 200 would be wonderful.

By clicking the toggle below, you can see all comments and responses to date.

On Thursday this week we held the in person Coffee Morning to look at the results and comments made so far. Whilst not many were able to attend, those that did commented that the issues raised are minor and always worked on. There was a great deal of positivity about how the school always listens and responds to concerns and ideas. Despite the very positive comments, feedback and affirmation, we will always welcome people’s feedback and use it to improve in every way that we can.

Thank you very much for your continued support.ĚýI hope you have a super weekend.Ěý

Yours sincerelyĚý Ěý

Mr Kite

Principal

Awards

It is absolutely wonderful to be back at school after the Easter break. We finish the week with the positivity of sunshine and the super attitudes of the children. We head into this bank holiday weekend being impressed with the hard work that children are putting into various activities and the hope that such endeavours will turn into pleasing outcomes, be it Year 2 and 6 SATs or Year 1 Phonics. Whatever the outcome, knowing everybody has given their all and prepared well means we can be confident that we will do well.

This weekend is an extended break with the usual May Day Bank Holiday on Monday, followed by an additional day for the Queen’s Jubilee celebration on Tuesday. Whilst we may not be celebrating the event on Tuesday, we will do nearer the time, greatly supported by FORs (Friends of Our School). Whilst we sent reminders about Tuesday’s additional day off, as well as it being on the school website calendar, I am aware that some appear to have missed the communications. If this is you then I truly hope that arranging any childcare at this stage is possible and you enjoy the extended weekend.

Building Relationships, Improving Behaviour and Creating Stronger Communities

Mark writes in his book about ‘Conflict as Property’. Throughout the book the term ‘relational’ is used and in these section it is about getting the relational systems right so that whatever the conflict, those involved have ownership. Mark writes about this being important, referring to the point that when some thing has gone wrong, some people get the rule book and subsequent punishments are handed out, leaving the victim and perpetrator out of the decision making process – a missed opportunity.

We often talk about us all being on a journey and on that journey at school, we help children to learn what works and what doesn’t. By making mistakes we have the opportunity to learn. People do not make mistakes deliberately, otherwise t would not be a mistake. In the right environment, mistakes allow for great learning. When there is more than one person involved, the opportunity for dialogue to happen means the understanding of all involved can be greater. It is pleasing that we do not need to focus on sanctions and blame here at Krishna Avanti Primary School; I would argue that is not needed anywhere. The way that our children discuss, debate and share their views is wonderful and in turn, helps them grow into people with great characters, respecting others and causing the least possible harm.

We currently have ÂŁ172.80ĚýĚýowed for lunches, a slight drop from last week’s ÂŁ210.20.ĚýPlease do keep on top of the payments and do your best to get into credit by Friday lunchtime – it would be great to have nothing owed in these updates.

Thank you to those that have completed the questionnaire so far. ĚýPlease do take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire if you have not done so already.

The face to face Coffee Morning will be taking place next week with the responses from the questionnaire and specifically, areas that we can improve on, being the focus.

On Monday we were hugely grateful for the time of Kieron Achara OBE. The Olympic basketball player gave an hour of his time to speak to all of the children and take questions from them. The discussion was hugely insightful and inspiring, linking in our various virtues such as self-discipline. Kieron talked about the need to have belief and the mindset to work hard to improve – something relevant in all areas of life.

On Thursday 5th May at 08:15, there will be an in person Coffee Morning where we will look at the various responses from our Parent Questionnaire. You can see the comments made but the in-person event next week will give you an opportunity to look in more detail at each one and share your views. By working together, with open-dialogue, we can make the school the best it can be and where possible, make improvements. If you are available, please do come along and be involved.

A reminder that the clubs will begin next Wednesday for all apart from Year 6, whose will start the following week. Please make sure you arrive in good time to pick up your child at the end of the club and if they cannot attend, encourage your child to inform the person running the club out of politeness.

There is only one more week before our Year 6 children take part in the SATs tests. Having had a couple of years without the national tests taking place, it is a time to find out how well the country has continued during lockdowns and where we are in comparison to people nationally. There will continue to be SATs Club for children next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after school.

Thank you very much for your continued support.Ěý

Yours sincerelyĚý Ěý

Mr Kite

Principal

Awards

The final week of the term is now complete. Year 5 have returned from their 5 day residential at PGL Caythorpe and they have, like Year 6 who visited The Vedanta last week, had a wonderful week. We are now two full-terms through the academic year and so much has been achieved in a year when so much has happened. Following so much disruption over recent years, there have been two big aims for this year: one is to ensure that the children (and you as families) feel safe, valued and are as comfortable as can be following the isolations, remote working and disconnect felt by so many; the second was (and still is), to help all children make as much progress as possible to get back, as reasonably possible, to where we think we would have been had covid not happened. ĚýWe seem to be doing that successfully but time will tell. Please continue to help us as by working positively in partnership, our successes are so much more. Please keep sharing quality texts with your children; help them with their mathematics and understanding of number; and having the positive resilience to keep gong and enjoy learning.

Building Relationships, Improving Behaviour and Creating Stronger Communities

To wrap up another term it would be good to share some comments and thoughts, all which link to the work we have continued to do on our relationships and connections. Mark’s book on Restorative Practice is more about ‘building relationships’. It is in the title… Building Relationship, Improving Behaviour and Creating Stronger Communities.

The discussions that I have personally had with various parents, children and staff over the past term have been heart-warming. To hear gratitude about the opportunities to connect during Holi for example, and today’s event on the field, confirm that what we are doing is the right thing to do. I had the pleasure of a few discussions today on the field about ‘how lovely’ the event was and the opportunity being given for parents to connect with the staff, greatly appreciated. The weather was kind which helps, but a simple act of engaging and talking to the children and parents, in that informal event does build relationships and create communities.

A discussion about an issue that could have been tricky, wasn’t. It was not tricky because we have taken the time (parents and staff) to connect and show respect, compassion and empathy. We have listened to each other and we know we want the same thing. Whilst we go off for our Easter breaks, let’s be grateful for the opportunities that we have and always seek to understand others. We do not have to agree. We do not need to enjoy the same things. But, we can always be respectful, humble and have the best intentions to help others and make their every day, the best it can be.

We currently have ÂŁ210.20ĚýĚýowed for lunches, a rise from last week’s ÂŁ80.10. Thank you to you all for keeping on top of these payments.

With the Easter break now upon us, please take the opportunity to settle the outstanding balances and top up for next term – it will be greatly appreciated.

The deadline for lunch bookings for next term is ĚýThursday 21st April at 07:00. Please make your bookings now so you do not forget.

When you book lunches, a reminder that it is now the new Summer Term menu.

Our Year 5 children have returned from the five day residential visit to PGL, Caythorpe. It is a week filled with activities to build character, resilience, develop communication and try new things. The children (and staff) had a wonderful time and have impressed with their willingness to support and help each other, whilst stepping outside of their own comfort zones.

Throughout the week the children were brilliantly well behaved and all parents should be very proud of them.

A reminder about the ‘My Identity, My Heritage’ art project. The gallery will be live until Sunday 17th April, 2022.

Children have created a self portrait with their heritage and identity shining through in many creative forms. We have now used your children’s artwork to create a online gallery from which you are able to purchase your child’s piece of art. Find the link to the online gallery below, do take a look and celebrate your child’s creativeness by purchasing their artwork. Every piece or art sold will result in the school receiving a percentage to put towards the school fund.

A television production company called Love Productions who are the makers of The Great British Bake Off and Junior Bake Off has chosen our school to take part in a brand-new programme for Channel 4, and are looking to find children to take part in a once in a lifetime wild camping adventure this summer. They are looking for children aged 9-11 from all areas of the country, from a range of backgrounds, abilities and ethnicities.Ěý

Love ProductionsĚý are contacting schools across the country to invite the parents of children in years 4, 5 and 6 to put their family forward to take part in this adventure. The experience takes place this summer holiday in rural location in Britain. The programme will explore what children are capable of in an outside, wild environment.Ěý

Please note: childrenĚý will be under constant supervision by trained chaperones/experts at all times. This project does not involve children taking any time out of school.Ěý

You can find more information at: Ěý

Parents can also email kidsinthewild@loveproductions.co.uk for any further questions.ĚýĚý

Ěý

The parking permits have been handed out and there will be numerous spot checks next term. We do have limited spaces and they have all been allocated so please do not attempt to enter school and park in a bay if you have not been allocated one – it will be a space allocated to somebody else.

Those that have a fob and permit, please ensure you have the permit on your dashboard for easy viewing so that spot checks by staff can be quick.

Ěý

Thank you to those that have completed the questionnaire so far. Please do take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire if you have not done so already. For our Pupil Questionnaire, 176 children have completed it to date. These will form part of assemblies at school, led by our Young Leaders.

A reminder about the face to face Coffee Morning planned after Easter. We will look at the responses from the questionnaire and specifically, areas that we can improve on.

Save the date: Thursday 5th May at 08:15

Thank you once again for all of your support, kind words and ideas. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter break and enjoy some quality family time.

We look forward to seeing you back at school on Monday 25th April. A reminder that the following week is only a part week due to the Bank Holiday.

Have a super break and stay safe.

Yours sincerelyĚý Ěý

Mr Kite

Principal

Awards