Monday November 18th 2024

Dear Diary,

I didn’t have to leave the house until quite a bit later than usual today, as my school visit didn’t start until 10.45 a.m. Gretton Primary is only a small school, with fewer than 100 pupils in total. But it has a lovely community atmosphere… and an awful lot of steps! Fortunately for me, the lovely postman arrived at the same time as I did and helped me cart my trolley up the first set. It was another upside-down day today, with my assembly not taking place until just before home time. But from the excitement that fizzed in the air from the moment I turned up with my giant book prop, I could tell that it was going to be another fun visit! I began with a workshop for the Owls and the Owlets (Years 3 & 4). There was some brilliant work created during this session, and so many pupils in this class were happy to read their stories aloud! (I always love it when that happens!) Henry’s story entitled ‘Agent Bob’ was hilarious. In fact, there were so many funny stories today — and also a number of scary ones. As always seems to be the case these days, I flew through my stock of certificates in no time… almost forgetting to save enough for the afternoon session. After lunch, it was one final workshop, this time for the Eagles (Years 5 & 6). And although fewer children were willing to share their stories with the rest of the class, the work they all produced was equally magnificent. I thought Bella’s story about a scared ghost and Rufus’ poem were both brilliant. I’m thrilled to have photos of (hopefully) all the work that was created today, and I look forward to reading through it all again this weekend. Laura and all the staff made today a truly wonderful day. And the pupils were so enthusiastic throughout my visit, giggling and guffawing whilst I read from WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous! during the afternoon assembly. I can’t wait to see them all again next year when I return with WARNING: May Contain Dragons.