Run Ranelagh Run - the official parade to Ranelagh’s Sports Day was unveiled this morning . Ranelagh have worked in partnership with Newham heritage to celebrate a decade since London Olympics. The children waved and cheered as they showed their placards to an enthralled audience, singing The Ranelagh song, We are the Champions and a newly-penned song by Mr Murdoch, our music teacher called Faster, Higher, Stronger. The parade was closed with African drumming sensation Iroko Arts, who had composed a Run Ranelagh Run with children the previous day. It was a true memorable experience to show that the legacy of London Olympics lives on ..

The event was attended by hundreds of parents / careers as well as local councillors - Cllr Charlene Mc Lean and Cllr Joshua Garfield.

Ranelagh participated in a Bowling Tournament at The Hollywood Bowl O2 against 10 other schools. The children represented Ranelagh amazingly; being respectful to all other schools and encouraging each other on throughout the tournament. Ranelagh is proud to have come 4th. Estelle in 3M2 was awarded the medal for most strikes and spares out of all the schools! The children had an amazing day representing Ranelagh!

Celebrating and accepting all differences has never been so important than over the past few years. Ranelagh, as ever, accepts this and takes on this gauntlet with great gusto and pride! 

Every year the school works tirelessly in promoting Autism awareness both within the school as well as within the local community. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a life -long condition that affects the way children communicate and behave. 

Autism awareness is not something that is isolated to one week at Ranelagh Primary but it’s something that we promote each and every day. This can be seen in the classrooms, in outside play as well as in the lessons that teachers plan. One recent visitor commented on how they could see this being a ‘cornerstone in everything the school does.’ 

The children themselves are experts on this and displayed their substantial knowledge of Autism and how they can support children with this. "You should not be loud because some children might feel upset" said Saeed in Year 1.  Mary observed "Some people might feel confused when there are so many people around them so don't be rude if they don't want to play with you". Aaliyah commented ‘having different children in our school helps us to be tolerant to everyone.’

Equally, the children with Autism in the school have an important role to play and show everyone their individuality, humour and interests through their actions and behaviour.  

Although we could not have our legendary cake sale to raise funds for this worthwhile cause, this did not dampen the children’s spirits as Thursday was the chance for children to dress up in all shades of blue - ranging from blue T shirts, socks and sweaters. 

As one teacher reported, “Autism affects how a person thinks, feels and learns, and we believe it is crucial that teachers and children at the school know and understand as much as possible about this condition”. 

Mrs Lawrenson said, “We are determined that everyone who is on the Autistic Spectrum should get the best start possible, and have the same chance to enjoy their time at school as everyone else. It is events like these and the continuing inclusive practice at the school that makes this possible.”

Finally, all of this could not be done without the ongoing support of our parents, carers and community. As one of the parents said ‘ I really wish other schools were like Ranelagh!’