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    Islands Reflect & Review

    17 April 2026 (by Stefan Mitsis (Stefan))

    It has been a fantastic first week back! The children have settled quickly back into our routines and have returned to school ready to learn, showing great enthusiasm and positivity across all areas.

    In English, the children have been inspired by the picture book The Jolly Postman by Janet Ahlberg and Allan Ahlberg. At the start of the week, we received a very exciting mystery parcel from the Jolly Postman, which immediately captured the children’s curiosity. Inside were clues linked to the story, and the children worked together to predict what the book might be about. We have been exploring the features of a letter, including who it is from, who it is to, and how messages are structured. The children have begun to think about writing their own letters to key characters, using their imagination and developing their understanding of purpose and audience.

    In topic, we have launched our brand new summer unit, Perfect Post. The children have been learning about the postal service, both past and present, and thinking about how communication has changed over time. A key focus has been the important historical figure Rowland Hill, who transformed the postal system by introducing the penny post. The children explored his impact through engaging role play, acting as postal workers, letter writers, and recipients, which helped bring history to life and deepen their understanding.

    To immerse themselves further in the past, the children experienced what writing a letter might have been like long ago. They stained paper using tea bags to give it an aged appearance, created their own ink, and carefully wrote letters using quills. This hands-on experience was a highlight of the week and helped the children connect with history in a meaningful and memorable way.

    The children have also enjoyed their weekly karate and music sessions, where they have been developing their skills with great focus and energy. In music, they have begun learning songs in preparation for an exciting upcoming event, and their enthusiasm for singing and performing is already shining through.

    It has been a wonderful start to the term, and we are looking forward to another week of exciting learning ahead!

    Have a lovely weekend.

    Islands Team

    Home Learning:

    Tahiti

    • Handwriting 
    • White Rose 
    • Spelling 

    Sumatra 

    • White Rose sheets
    • Comprehension 
    • Phonics reading