Dear parents and carers

It is so lovely to be back into school – the air is buzzing with football songs! With the Euro final in mind, we will understand if some of our children are late to school on Monday morning. However, we would really appreciate it if the children could be in by 9.30, to ensure the kitchen has sufficient time to prepare the lunches. If your child is going to be any later than this, please provide them with a packed lunch. Gates will be locked at the usual time, so please use the main entrance

Whilst I was at home, I was able to read every child’s annual school report, which you will receive today. I was so pleased to be able to spend this time reading them – they are a real reflection of how hard working and resilient your children are, and have been during a very tricky school year. You will notice that we have used our ‘short’ format, which shares information on reading, writing and maths, with general comments. This is due to another year of disruption from covid. The Year 6 reports take the format of ‘pen portraits’ with comments from both the children and their teachers. We are not expected to report on attendance for this year. I hope you enjoy reading them!

Staffing 2021-22

I am pleased to be able to say that we have now completed our recruitment process, and staffing is set for September as follows:

Mrs Nicky Dowding is an experienced teacher, who will be teaching Kingfishers full time in Term 1, until Mrs Davis’ return in November, when they will share the class. (Mrs Dowding Mon-Weds, Mrs Davis Thurs-Fri.) Miss Genevieve Borrowdale-Cox is an early career teacher who will have Falcons class on Thurs & Fri, sharing with Miss Curtis. Both are exciting appointments from a strong field of candidates.

We have also appointed Mrs Karen Thomas to work Thur/Fri in Hedgehogs class as a teaching assistant. Mrs Thomas has lots of nursery experience, and will be a real asset to the team.

Covid restrictions

Following the Prime Ministers statement earlier in the week, we have revisited our risk assessment and taken advice from the local authority and public health. Our current risk assessment will remain in place for the rest of this term – so up to and including Wednesday 21^st July. This means we will keep our staggered start and end to the day, and staggered break and lunchtimes. As covid cases in the local area are currently high, we will also continue with mask wearing to the end of term.

However, in September, when the children return on Monday 6^th September, we will revert back to our normal start and end time – school will open to the children at 8.45am for an 8.55 start, and the day will end at 3.10pm. This will be for all children. Classrooms will continue to be well ventilated, and we will continue with hand washing/sanitising, but it currently looks as though any other arrangements will revert to ‘normal.’ The local authority and public health are currently preparing guidance for all schools, and once we have this, we will put in firmer plans and share these with you.

Parking and traffic around school

Unfortunately this week, we have been contacted by Ian Boulton, our local councillor, because of inconsiderate parking and the amount of traffic around the school, particularly around the Jubilee road entrance. Local residents have spoken to Ian to express their concerns that children may be at risk, as people park over driveways or even on the yellow zig zags. Whilst I completely understand that parents may often be in a hurry when dropping off/picking up, it is really disappointing that we continue to have problems in the local area. We have spoken to the police, and a beat officer/ PCSO will be more present to support us with ensuring that all of our children are able to be dropped off and picked up safely, and that our neighbours are happy with the way this is happening. Please help us with this – park safely, park considerately, and whenever possible, walk to school. Thank you

We are getting close to our goal of reaching Tokyo. Lots of children have been writing letters and letting me know about all the running and walking they have been doing outside of school which is great to hear. We have currently walked or ran 4105 miles. This is 6,568,800m or 32844 laps of our track. 

Currently we are in Mongolia meaning we just have a trip through China, then our next country will be Japan. This is a brilliant amount of distance to have covered and we are nearly ¾ of the way to reaching Tokyo! Please can you keep up the great work getting active and make sure to let me know of any running or walking you do outside of school so I can add it to our total.

Thanks for all your hard work and effort!

Y5’s have been inspired by the Japanese artist Hokusai.

Y4’s have made Rakhi bangles in their Hindu theme.

Please see the attached link for information from our uniform suppliers. FR Monkhouse have assured us that all orders placed will be delivered in time for the new academic year.

https://ma.swischoolwear.co.uk/email/preview/315

To support children after a challenging year, The Maths Factor is releasing a free new summer course: Summer Adventure.

Led by Carol Vorderman, this 6-week course is completely free and matched to each child’s learning stage, ideal for boosting confidence and avoiding the summer dip!

• For ages 4 to 11 years old.
• 1 x 20-minute session per day, 5 days a week.
• Content tailored to their year group and confidence level.
• Virtual rewards can be earned as they progress.
• Proven methodology with tutorials, warm-up questions and lots of practice.

Please click on the link below to find out more.

https://www.themathsfactor.com/summer-adventure/?utm_source=ealert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GBPRMA0621SATEA

This week we hear from Otters and Mrs Weeks.

Miss Thomas recommends 'The Bear and the Piano' by David Litchfield

"I’ve been reading lots of picture books recently and I have really enjoyed ‘The Bear and the Piano’ which Mr White leant me.  It’s a lovely story about a bear who finds a piano in the woods.  At first, he can only make awful sounds from the instrument but eventually he learns to play.  Will this new skill take him on an adventure?  I loved the musical focus in the book and the message of friendship that runs through it.  It is also beautifully illustrated.  A lovely bedtime story!"

Edwards’ review:

"I enjoy reading ‘The Blurred Man’ by Anthony Horowitz because it has a brilliant plot which makes the book really hard to put down.  It is about a rich man who hired two detectives to investigate a man’s death.  The man was called Lenny Smile and he spent his entire life raising money for children.  However, the man mysteriously kept his personal life very hidden and refused to reveal himself to most people.  I promise you won’t regret reading this book!"

Mrs Weeks' recommendation is 'The Queen's Hat' by Steve Antony

"This is a lovely, funny picture book to share time and time again.  A sudden gust of wind sets off a marvellous London adventure for the Queen, the Queen's men and one very special hat. So you have to follow one determined, dare-devil queen through London Zoo, over Tower Bridge and up Big Ben ... just where will that hat land?  There are more books about the Queen by Steve Antony you might also enjoy."

Congratulations to the following children who have received the "Champion of the Week" certificate this week:

Hedgehogs - Toby,  Squirrels - Nina,  Owls - Saoirse,  Deer - Esme,  Foxes - Reggie,  Bats - Kieran,  Badgers - Charlie,  Kingfishers - Ellis,  Woodpeckers - James A,  Otters - Noorhen,  Pine Martens - Lily,  Falcons - Elsie-Rose,  Kestrels - Alex.

Congratulations to the following children who have received "Hot Chocolate Friday" packs:

Hedgehogs - Niamh,  Squirrels - Ruby,  Owls - Ethan, Deer - Olaoluwa,  Fox - Seren,  Bats - Angel,  Badgers - Tyler,  Kingfishers - Ronnie,  Woodpeckers - Josh, Otters - Oliver,   Pine Martens - Morgan,  Falcons - Layla,  Kestrels - Zachary.

Upcoming dates for the calendar:

Monday 12th July to Thursday 15th July: Year 6 away on camp

Wednesday 21st July: Last day of Term 6

Thursday 2nd September: INSET day, children do not attend school

Friday 3rd September: INSET day, children do not attend school

Monday 6th September: Start of Term 1, children return to school