Dear parents and carers

Thank you so much for coming into school this week for parent’s evenings, it was wonderful to see everyone face to face! My impressions from the teachers are that you all seem to be very happy with the progress your children are making in school and that they are on the whole, happy. This is just what we like to hear! It was great to have positive comments about the displays and about how well the teachers know your children. And….we kept to time J

Reading

We are looking to see how we can continue to support children in learning to read and reading for please. Our expectation is that children should read at home with you at least 5 times per week, but we also understand that some parents have real difficulties with this. We are interested to hear how you make this work successfully at home – from those of you who do, and what makes this so difficult – what barriers are there. It is so important that children read – it does have a massive impact on their future in so many ways. If you have any comments, please let us know by emailing the office, for the attention of the reading team. Thank you.

1 Minute Maths!

We use a scheme called White Rose maths to deliver our maths teaching. They have produced an excellent free app for children to use at home to practice the four operations – addition, subtraction, multiplying and dividing. It can be accessed via the app store, google play, or amazon kindle and is simply called ‘1 minute maths.’ We would highly recommend it!

Packed Lunches

One of the benefits to us of having all of the children in the hall now for lunch, is that we can see what might be in packed lunches. We obviously want to encourage a healthy lifestyle for our children, and have noticed that some lunchboxes do not promote this. This website has plenty of ideas for healthy lunchboxes Lunchbox ideas and recipes – Healthier Families - NHS (www.nhs.uk). We do understand that some children can be quite picky eaters, but would expect children to have a sandwich/wrap, fruit, a small bag of crisps, maybe a yoghurt and maybe a small snack bar/biscuit to ensure a healthy diet.

An appeal

Please can we have your clean, empty yoghurt pots? They are brilliant for holding PVA glue or poster paint and we have run out. Thank you!

PSFA Competition

The PSFA are running an Easter competition, to decorate an egg. It costs 50p to enter and I know there are plenty of chocolaty prizes to give out! Please encourage your child to take part.

Please see the attached flyer for information on a craft workshop being run during the Easter holidays by South Gloucestershire Community Learning and Skills Ccentre.

The FA are running wildcats sessions across England for girls to try non competitive football for the first time or to play football with girls of their age . Most importantly it's all about having loads of fun and meeting new amazing friends. The local community session is being partnered with Warmley Rangers and free sessions are being held at Hanham Woods Academy, BS15 3LA. Sessions start on Saturday 2nd April and then every Saturday morning from 10.30 till 11.30. Open to girls aged 5 till 15 year olds from all backgrounds and abilities.

This week it is the turn of Ms McCormick and Pine Marten class to give their book reviews.

Ms McCormick recommends ‘The Magic Paintbrush’ written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Joel Stewart for all KS1, KS2 children and adults who love an enchanting tale.

"When Shen receives a magical paintbrush, she uses it to paint things for the poor that come to life. The tale is told in a rhythmic, poetic style, which is wonderful for reading aloud and sharing. Based on a traditional Chinese tale, this book is culturally fascinating and has a moral about greed. I love the way that Shen draws pictures in the sand; it reminds us that we can create art anywhere! I hope that you find pleasure in this wonderful little treasure. Enjoy!"

Kamon recommends 'Phoenix' by S. F. Said

"This book is centred around a boy called Lucky. One day he wakes up to see his bed charred and this starts his adventure to fulfil his destiny. With twists and turns on every page as well as some unusual friends. Lucky has to find how to save the universe and how to support his friends. A book filled with acceptance, kindness and belonging a must read for KS2."

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

Hedgehogs - Bow,  Squirrels - Chloe,  Owls - Bella,  Robins - Harry,  Deer - Kallum,  Foxes - Leo,   Bats - Joseph,  Badgers - Elsie D,  Kingfishers - Sophie,   Woodpeckers - Lucus,  Otters - Ava,  Pine Martens - Milly A,  Falcons - Demi,  Kestrels - Sulley.

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

Hedgehogs - Jessica,  Squirrels - Darcey,  Owls - Nina,  Robins - Ruby,  Deer - Jack M,  Fox - Archie,  Bats - Beau,  Badgers - Lola,  Kingfishers - Lewis,   Woodpeckers - Kieran,  Otters - Katie,  Pine Martens - Paige,  Falcons - Ben M,  Kestrels - Dylan.

Upcoming dates for the diary:

Wednesday 6th April: Inclusion coffee & chat, 2.30 pm

Thursday 7th April: Inclusion coffee morning, 9.00 am

Friday 8th April: Last day of Term 4

Monday 25th April: Start of Term 5, children return to school