Weekly Blog 16.09.22
We are already at the end of week two and the students are well into the swing of things. This week we have been fully on timetable and students were able to take part in their chosen options on Tuesday morning. I was able to have a quick walk round some of the lessons and activities and I was delighted to see all our students engaged. New friendships are being forged, especially during lunchtime activities, and we also have a few budding pool and badminton stars.
The students in CLAKE have amazed me this September with how well they have settled in.
Getting used to a new building, new staff and new routines is not easy. Thankfully, I have four students who were with me last year and they have been so helpful and kind towards the new students who have just joined the Learning Centre.
Each week, we focus on one of our classes, this week it’s the turn of Mrs Keane’s Community Living class.
“In our first week back, we did lots of ‘getting to know you’ activities….
…as a group we talked, asked questions, played games, and got creative to find out more about each other.”
“The second week has seen us moving on to timetable. The class have already got used to working in different areas of the building with new and different staff.”
“The group have really enjoyed their outdoor lessons.
Mr Blackman said the group worked hard in the gardening lesson and some students have already volunteered to do some weekly work experience in that department.”
“In outdoor ed, the group went to Daisy Nook. Mrs Robinson said that everyone enjoyed themselves and behaved well. Some students were interested in watching Mr Taylor securing the wheelchairs in the minibus. Others helped to carry equipment.”
“I’m really proud of everyone’s hard work and positive attitude and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone progress and grow in confidence this year.”
This week, we have also started our work experience programme. Here is the first report from Miss Manoo, one of our amazing job coaches.
“The Learning Centre students from the Employability group have visited their new placements today at The Atrium Cafe and The Roxy Cafe within Guinness Trust.
Students have learned basic cleaning skills and learnt how to use the till. Students met Lofti catering manager at The Roxy and discussed types of food they would like to cook. Also learning about basic food hygiene.”
During next weeks blog I will be sharing information about our upcoming ‘Parent group meeting’ which is taking place on Monday 3rd October at 2.00pm. Please make a note in your diaries. A letter will be going out to all parents next week.
As you are aware, the Learning Centre will be closed on Monday for the National Day of Mourning for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth.
Please find below links to some helpful resources when talking to students.
https://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle/queen-death-talk-to-children-27945095
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/how-talk-young-children-queens-24970791
If children and young people are upset, Minded is a source of information to support children and young people to manage death and loss
I would like to close with the words from last week’s blog.
“Everyone at the Learning Cengtre shares the sense of loss and mourning felt by our nation. Queen Elizabeth II has been a constant in our lives and the epitomy of service, dedication, care, compassion and a tireless sense of duty and desire for unity. RIP Elizabeth II.”
Take Care
Dawn
