News
Water Sports events added to Sports For All Afternoon!
Posted On: 30 September 2017
Can we begin with a HUGE thank-you from all the staff at Church Langley Primary School for the fantastic support, co-operation and understanding that parents, friends and family displayed during our Sports For All Afternoon. Your patience and thought enabled us to ensure that 550+ ‘wet’ children (and staff) were able to return safely to their classrooms unimpeded to dry off. As always our primary focus remains to ensure the safety of the children at all times and relocating such a large number of children back inside the main building is a big undertaking.
“…from when Rhys was in Reception up until now, I can't remember it ever raining at sports afternoon! …it was such a shame it rained, as for many of us, it was the last time our older ones were taking part with their siblings! However, it was good to see the smiles on (most) of the little ones faces and the year 6 kids growing up overnight, some with their badges, taking on their duties, taking care of the younger ones and playing their part really well.” Carly Chapman - parentIn spite of the hasty retreat, the children were amazing throughout; the older children supported our youngest pupils fantastically well, sometimes forgoing their own turn to ensure their peers felt reassured – this has always been one of the strengths of the event and once again the children showed great care and responsibility.
It would seem that it was unlucky 13 (years) that brought such an abrupt end to what was our biggest and best attended Sports Afternoon for us at Church Langley Primary School. Despite the numerous weather ‘apps’ not forecasting any rain, the heavens did open in the final couple of minutes, meaning that the traditional announcing of the winning team was postponed until Monday’s assembly.
To those few parents that may question why Church Langley doesn’t hold the Sports Afternoon in the summer term, we would like them to consider the implications that extreme heat could have on children and spectators, which on the all-weather pitch is magnified significantly -as witnessed several years ago at the Football Feet, Dancing Beat festival. Unfortunately, such is the unpredictable climatic nature of our country/region, there is absolutely no guarantee of ‘good weather’ at any point in the academic year and in our 20 year history we have had more outdoor events (District Athletics, Danbury and the Strawberry Tea/Picnic afternoon) postponed or cancelled during the summer term than Sports For All Afternoons in the past 13 years.
Once again, we would like to reiterate our thanks to all the spectators and our congratulations to all the children for showing tremendous resilience and determination. Well done everyone.
