Latest News
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Strictly Come Dancing star visits Redmile
Thu 30 Sep 2021Former Strictly star inspires pupils to keeeeep dancing!
As the new series of Strictly Come Dancing begins, lucky pupils from four village primary schools in the Vale of Belvoir have been inspired to ‘Keep dancing!’ by a former Strictly star.
Robin Windsor, a professional dancer who previously partnered with Deborah Meaden, Patsy Kensit and Lisa Reilly on the BBC One award-winning programme, has run a series of dance lessons this week for children at: Waltham-on-the-Wolds CE Primary School, Wymondham CE Primary School, Redmile CE Primary School and Croxton Kerrial CE Primary School.For the children who attend the schools, which are all part of the Rise Multi-Academy Trust, this was a unique opportunity to learn from an accomplished professional dancer, to enhance their passion for dancing and to keep active throughout their lives.
Robin Windsor, professional dancer and former Strictly Coming Dancing star, said: It has been an absolutely amazing couple of days. It's such a rewarding experience, because you get to see the children light up, they learn something new and their confidence builds throughout the day.
"I think dancing should be compulsory in schools, there are so many positive benefits!"Julie Hopkins, Executive Headteacher of all four schools, said: “The children were absolutely delighted to take part in a dance lesson with Robin. Many of them have watched Strictly Come Dancing over the years and some have gone to the arena tours, so to learn from one of the former professionals in person is just so thrilling for them.
“We already have a strong commitment to dance in our schools, as our specialist dance teacher, Cheryl Lobo, has been inspiring our children for many years. We are passionate about the many benefits to dancing; not only is it an incredible skill in its own right, but the fun and laughter is good for health and well-being. It promotes fitness and supports long-term memory, plus, it is a great opportunity to create lasting memories with friends and family.”
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Melton family tell their story as part of national back to school campaign
Thu 02 Sep 2021A family-of-six from Melton Mowbray have appeared in a national back to school campaign in a national newspaper.
The campaign, which celebrates the return to a more 'normal' school life following the end of COVID-19 restrictions, features the story of nine-year-old Evie Moore and her family, who cannot wait for the start of term.
Evie, who attends St Mary’s Church of England Primary School on Brampton Road, was diagnosed with Leukaemia at the age of three.
Even before the pandemic, Evie had already missed a lot of time at school as she courageously endured chemotherapy treatment and lengthy stays in hospital, before being told she was cancer free three years ago. So, when the first lockdown arrived and Evie had to shield, it meant even more time away from school.
Mum, Helena Isaac, said: “Evie was catching up and the school was pleased with her progress, so losing face-to-face schooling all over again to the pandemic was hard.”
With three sisters, Freya, seven who also attends St Mary’s; Sophia, three; and baby Alice, born just before the pandemic started; lockdown was a busy time for the family at home. Nothing could stop Evie though, she loves learning and with the support of her Dad, Chris, was determined to try her best.
As the start of the new academic year approaches, Evie, like children across the country, can look forward to many more freedoms around school now that Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed.
With an end to social distancing, bubbles and a return of school-wide events it will feel much more ‘normal’. However, schools are keen to reassure families that some safety measures will remain in place, with regular testing of staff and continued vigilance surrounding health and hygiene.
Louisa Morris, Headteacher at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, which is part of the Rise Multi-Academy Trust, said: “We’re all looking forward to the new school year – returning to more normality but with some safety procedures maintained, including regular Covid-19 testing for staff.
“Schools aren’t going to pretend Covid doesn’t exist. We’ll keep our focus on good hygiene and ventilation and we will follow public health advice to help everyone keep as safe as possible.
“The feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. They know some safety measures will still be in place, and that reassures them.”
Evie's Mum, Helena, ended: “St Mary’s and the Rise Multi-Academy Trust have been brilliant – and on top of the rules and hygiene all the way through they have a huge playing field so there’s plenty of space for all the kids to run around.”