Last week in Wise Wednesday, our focus was on redirecting negative thoughts and learning how to reframe them in a more positive light. This week, we’re building on that idea by creating artwork around positive affirmations.
Each piece will be bursting with our crew members’ personalities, confidence, and colour – a chance for everyone to proudly declare who they are. As a crew leader, I believe it’s important to have something on our wall that celebrates us, reminds us of our strengths, and shows the pride we take in who we are together.
I can’t wait to share the finished results – photos to follow soon!
Crew Windsor have been busy this last week or so! We have completed our reading assessments and are moving ahead with purposeful extended study. We have also been on top of our SOS analysis and making sure that we are recognising the good work going on, and holding those to account if they’re not quite being the best versions of themselves. In our community meeting we had a beautiful announcement that one of our crew members were artist of the week! Freya has really committed to her art progress and it is showing! Well done Freya!
On Tuesday 16th September, Big Talk Education are speaking to Year 9 students as part of the statutory Relationships and Sex Education. Below is an outline of what is going to be covered by Big Talk Education.
This week, Year 8 students at XP were given an exciting opportunity to immerse themselves in their new expedition with a visit from professional artist Michelle Clarke Stables (MC Stables).
Michelle worked with all Year 8 groups, bringing energy, expertise, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live and work as an artist. She inspired students by sharing her personal journey and creative story, showing that art is not just about making something beautiful—it’s about expressing the human experience.
One of the highlights of the day was when Michelle introduced her original artwork and a powerful sculpture titled Entrapment. This piece explores themes of fear, anxiety, and the barriers we sometimes create for ourselves, sparking deep conversations among students about how art can communicate emotion and connect with audiences in powerful ways.
Students also had the rare chance to closely examine Michelle’s original pieces. This hands-on immersion gave them valuable insight into materials, processes, and the layered thinking that goes into creating professional artwork.
The workshops challenged Year 8 to explore expressive mark-making, colour, and words in new ways—laying a strong foundation for their expedition learning. By experiencing art firsthand, students began to see how creativity can give voice to complex ideas, emotions, and stories.
Michelle’s visit has raised the profile of Art across the school, showing students that the subject is not only about developing skills, but also about asking questions, telling stories, and making meaning. She has kindly donated, on loan, some of her pieces to be exhibited within the XP and XPE community which will enrich the arts experience for the whole school; its staff, students, parents and our visitors.
The buzz in classrooms following her sessions has been undeniable, and it’s clear her visit will leave a lasting impression on our budding artists.
“Michelle inspired our artwork in class. I enjoyed that we were able to express ourselves freely through the marks we made. I think it’s good to have authentic artwork around the school. I added XPs Character traits to my own work.” – Jensen E31
What a wonderful start to the year with C31. I’m looking forward to seeing how their work progresses!
Morning from the not so sunny hills of Stockbridge, students have began there journey and are in great spirits. Heading for a memory filed 3 days see you on the other side
The survey closes on Monday 15th September 2025 at 09:00a.m.
We would also very much appreciate your support in sharing the survey more widely through your communication methods/websites/social media etc
The survey will help us to understand the childcare needs across Doncaster moving forward and support the production of our Annual Childcare Sufficiency Assessment.
Thank you in advance
Why and How do we need this information and why is it so important?
So we can better understand opinions and perspectives of parents.
To make improvements in Learning Environments.
To spark discussions with parents
To improve family retention and lower vacancy rates.
To highlight areas requiring improvement
To provide opportunities for recognition, motivation and empowerment
Every week in Community Meeting we celebrate those who are top of the attendance and praise leader boards. At the end of the 24/25 academic year we shared certificates to those who had shone throughout the year.
Students with 100% attendance throughout the whole year were entered into a draw to win an Amazon gift card. Well done to those students! Enjoy a treat on us!
Students below went the extra mile providing ambassador tours to the huge amount of visitors we had to school. We appreciate their commitment to sharing our stories!
Finally, we recognise that although we look at the praise board every week, there are a number of ‘unsung heroes’ in our community. Students below received the ‘Crew Champion’ award. Identified by their Crew Leaders for the variety of ways in which they have embodied XP throughout the year and shown what it truly means to be Crew!
The leaderboards are now reset and we start a new academic year looking forward to seeing which faces we’re celebrating by the end of the term!
