Newsletters

A message from Mrs Statham - Head of School

We are now fully into the Autumn term and our expectations around behaviour, attendance and learning have been set. I have been very impressed with the way the majority of children are taking responsibility for their own learning - reading regularly, asking for help when needed and using resources in the classroom to support them. It is also lovely to be able to use the field well into September. Let's hope the good weather stays through to half term.

Many clubs have been running for a few weeks now, including High5 Netball, Games Clubs, Multi-Skills Club and Badminton. Please email the office to find out what other clubs are on offer this half term and next.

Information and reminders

In the previous newsletter, I asked Reception and KS1 parents  to help with showing their children the correct grip when holding a fork and a knife. Many of our younger children need a lot of practice at home with this skill, so that they are able to grip a knife and fork correctly, as well as cut and slice food. Please help your child to develop and master these essential skills. 

Walking with scooters and bikes

For parents who are new to our school, there is no scooting or cycling on the pathways or playgrounds. Please make sure your child walks with their bike or scooter, when on school premises. This includes pre-school siblings and older children. It makes for a safer and more pleasant walk for the 800+ people who pass through our gates during busy times. 

Uniform

We are a uniform-wearing school and expect to see all children in the correct uniform every day. We are aware of the wait on school ties at Smiths School Wear. Other than that, children should be wearing correct shirts, dark blue check summer dresses and shoes, rather than trainers. PE kits should be as listed on the Uniform Policy on the website. Please kindly tell us if you are waiting for an item from the uniform shop. Thank you. 

Being on time to school 

Parents are responsible for ensuring their child comes into school on time every day. Recently, there have been a few children who are regularly arriving at school after the gate has closed. Our soft start is from 8.45am to 8.55am. Children who are on time for the register have a calmer start to the day. 

What has been happening this week?

Year 3 pupils visited St. Andrew's Church this week to listen to Fr. Steve talk about the Bible's Big Story. The children then made their own story wheels that told the story in 6 pictures: Creation, Brokenness, Promises, Jesus, The Church and New Creation. A big thank you to Fr. Steve for leading the session.

Year 1 children have been busy investigating halving numbers in Maths lessons. They had to work out which numbers could be shared equally and this led to more learning about odd and even numbers. 

In Year 4 last week, the children examined their own teeth and then re-created them using plasticine. They had to look very closely at the shape and size and then label each tooth correctly. 

Our House and Vice Captains have been busy already, with some leading parent tours this week. We look forward to them taking on more roles of responsibility in the coming weeks. 

In Year 5 science lessons this week, the children explored the process of filtering. They enjoyed making their own filters from rice, cotton wool and sand, to see which one was the most effective at cleaning muddy water! 

Meanwhile, our Year 6 children have started constructing their playgrounds in the Design and Technology lessons. They have been using saws, glue guns and balsa wood to create their designs. And to finish off the busy weeks, the Y6 children have chosen songs to raise their mood on feel Good Fridays. What a great way to end the week!