Dear Families,

 

Thank you so much for coming along to the Summer Fair last Friday.  I know lots of you came to support the PTA event.  The children certainly had lots of fun.  The event raised just under a massive £1700.  All of this money goes straight back to your children, so a huge thank you from everyone for helping to make the fair so successful.

A massive thank you to Eloise and Sarah and the rest of the PTA for working so incredibly hard over the last few months, ensuring that our children and families had such a great night.

 

KS2 Summer show - Matilda
The children were absolutely amazing!  I can’t believe how enthusiastic and brave they all were.  They have worked so hard to learn their lines and remember all of the songs.   And the soloists - they were incredible.  I’m so proud of you.

Both shows were fantastic.  

Thank you to all of the parents who helped to sort out costumes and help their child learn their lines.

Thank you to the children for being their usual incredible selves.

Thank you to the staff who have worked tirelessly for months to create such a wonderful show.

 

 

 

Parking on yellow lines / in front of driveways
Please can I ask again that family and friends do not park on the yellow lines by school.  They are there to keep people safe, not to make it easy for you to park by school.  Also, please can you not park in front of the neighbours driveways.  This type of thoughtless behaviour is causing a lot of anger and frustration with residents and families of our school.  Thank you for your cooperation with this.

 

Reports
Today you will receive your child’s end of year report.  I hope that you are as proud of your child as I am.  It was an absolute pleasure reading them and as always I enjoyed writing my own personal comments about your child. 

 

Online Safety

For Parents - Digital Family Agreement

With the summer holidays just around the corner now can be a great time for parents/carers to talk with their children and set ground rules, boundaries and expectations around tech use. The easiest way to do this is via a digital family agreement and London Grid for Learning have a really useful template which is free for anyone.

You can download the digital family agreement from LGfL HERE.

 

Safeguarding

With the holidays just around the corner, contact with the school will end for a while.  If you have concerns about a child’s safety please use the following numbers:

Staffordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board:  0300 111 8007

(out of hours -  0345 6042886)

If you feel that someone (child or adult) is in immediate danger, please call the police.

 

 

Platinum School’s Games Mark

This week we have received confirmation that we have achieved the Platinum School’s Games Mark.  This is due to the amount of emphasis we place on children being active and healthy, including the amount of activities and competitions we take part in.  Well done to all of the staff for helping to achieve this and a special mention to Ms Cooper who has put all of the evidence together and organised the sports in the school. 

 

 

 

Year 6 SATs
This week we received our SATs results.  They were brilliant!  We are so proud of the achievements of all of our children.  Every child has worked so hard and tried their very best. 89% achieved the expected standard or better in GPS (grammar, punctuation & spelling), writing and maths.  In reading, 93% achieved the expected standard or better.

 

Phonics
Super results for the phonics, which we’re so proud of.  95% passed the phonics tests in Year 1 and 100% passed the phonics in Year 2.  

 

String Assembly  

Well done to all of the children who took part in the string instruments assembly this week.  The children showed off their talents from the very beginners to those who’ve been playing for a few years.  It was so lovely to see the children playing their instruments confidently.

 

Have a lovely weekend

Take care and stay safe

Mrs Wilmer

 

Dear Families,

 

Parking on Abbots Way
Please can I ask that parents, family members or friends who park on Abbots Way do not park on the yellow lines.  The lines are there for a reason; to keep our children and families safe.  By doing so, not only are you putting people in danger but you are also causing anger and frustration to the many families who are walking that way.  You would never forgive yourself if your parking caused a serious accident.  Please park safely.  

 

 

Road Safety
At the beginning of the week, DHL brought one of their lorries to school so children could learn about road safety and especially how to stay safe around large vehicles.  The children really enjoyed finding the blind spots and looking in the cab.  Hopefully their excitement of the activity will help them to remember the safety rules that the team went through.

 

 

 

 

 

Please can all parents ensure their parentpay is up to date by Friday 5th July.  Thank you  

 

Swimming Gala
On Tuesday, some of our older swimmers took part in the Newcastle Schools Swimming Gala.  Eight schools took part.  The children were amazing.  They could not have tried any harder.  Their team spirit was wonderful as they showed a lot of ‘loud and cheering’ support to all of our team.  A huge well done to Imogen, Anna and Ava who all came home with a gold medal.  Overall we came third.  A massive well done to the rest of the team: Stanley, Georgia, Jack F, Jack B, Maddie and Albert.

 

KS2 Sports afternoon
On Monday at 1:30pm, KS2 finally get to take part in their races.  It will be dry!  It has to be dry!  Please bring along chairs or picnic blankets and sunhats (and maybe a brolly just in case!) 

 

Move up morning
Next week, most of our Year 6 children will be visiting their high schools for transition days.  We hope it goes well for them.

On Thursday, it is our move-up morning.  All of our children will be visiting their new classes in the morning.  They will go to their current class first thing for registration and then they’ll go to meet their new teacher and check out their new classroom.  Year 2 children and Reception children will be shown several times over the next few weeks where they have to go in the mornings ready for September. (Year 1 children go into the classroom and leave via the first gate on the rainbow fence.  Year 3 children go into school using the door next to the veranda - where I stand in the mornings and will leave using the hub room door which is the room next to the library)

 

Class teachers will remain the same as this year.

Nursery - Mrs Tagg and Miss Goodwin

Reception - Mrs Williams and Mrs Rushton

Year 1 - Mrs Elkin (Mon, Tue & every other Wed) and Mrs Harris (every other Wed, Thu & Fri)

Year 2 - Ms Hartley

Year 3 - Mrs Dickens (Mon, Thu & Fri) and Mrs Simpson (Tue & Wed)

Year 4 - Miss Smith (covering maternity leave for Mrs Rafferty)

Year 5 - Miss Coleman 

Year 6 - Ms Cooper

 

Teaching Assistants: Mrs Bebbington (KS1), Dr Fletcher, Ms Shaw and Ms French (KS2) Ms French will be starting with us in September. Ms Master will be in Year 5.

 

Cover Supervisor - Mrs Hughes (covers teachers when on leadership time or PPA time)

 

Uniform
Year 2 going into Year 3 has a uniform change.  Their uniform will be pale blue shirt/blouse, tie and v neck sweater or cardigan. We are also introducing sweatshirts for PE and coloured PE tops which will be your child's house colour. Mrs Dean will send a letter out soon to let you know which team your child is in.  

 

Celebration of learning
On Thursday 4th July, we have our celebration of learning afternoon from 2:45pm.  Your child will have their books with them so you can see all of their learning.  Their art work will be in the hall to look at too.

 

Have a lovely weekend.

Take care and stay safe

Mrs Wilmer

Upcoming events

KS2 Sports Day - 1.30pm	1.7.24
Celebration of Learning	4.7.24	2:15pm
Summer Fair	5.7.24	5pm
KS2 Summer show	10.7.24 11.7.24	6pm 1.30pm
Colour Run	12.7.24	pm
Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly	17.7.24	2pm
Last day at school	19.7.24

 

Dear Families,

 

KS2 Summer Show

The children have been heard singing their hearts out, practising for this performance.  The Wednesday evening tickets have nearly sold out.  Thursday afternoon has still got some space.  Please book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment.

 

 

 

 

Year 3 swimming

I’m so pleased with these children.  This week every single child was able to jump into the deep end and swim part of or the full length of the pool.  And they kept coming back up to the deep end for more!  This positive attitude and resilience was fantastic to watch.  Well done to all of our Year 3 children.

 

Year 3 Shot put 

I took some of the Year 3 children to Co-op Academy Stoke for a shot put competition.  They learnt correctly, the correct stance and about the safety area.  They followed the instructions perfectly and every child amazed me with the skills.  We had some very long throws!  Well done to Frank, Ruben, Lorna, Ella, Lizzie, Grace, Daniel and Esther.

 

 

 

Sports days next week 

Fingers crossed for some dry weather next week.  KS2 have rearranged their afternoon to Monday 1st July.  KS1 is Tuesday 18th June at 1:30pm and Early Years is Thursday 20th June at 1:30pm.  Don’t forget your brollies as well as chairs or picnic blankets. (and winter coats as it’s so cold at the moment!)

 

Swimming - Years 3 and 5

Next week is the last swimming session of the year

 

World of Work Week

Next week, years 5 and 6 are taking part in a special week linked to Careers Related Learning (CRL).  They will be taking part in interviewing people from various employment backgrounds, learning even more about the skills needed for various jobs, taking part in enterprise initiatives and applying for jobs in school.  Yes, we have some job vacancies for the children to apply for.  We have some visitors coming into school to interview the children and then those who are chosen actually get to take part in that role.  This is so exciting.  It’s the first time we have taken part in a week like this.  The Co-op has supported us with volunteers and the Trust has a designated CRL lead who has supported this week too.  

 

And finally….. It was lovely to see so many Dads at school yesterday.  Your compliments have all been passed to the cook and her team.  I hope you all have a lovely Father’s Day and that your job lists aren’t too long!

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Take care and stay safe.

Mrs Wilmer

 

Upcoming events

 

Career's Week	17.6.24
KS1 Sports day - 1.30pm	18/6/24
Early Years sports day - 1.30pm	20/6/24
Non uniform Bring a bottle for Summer Fair	28.6.24
KS2 Sports Day - 1.30pm	1.7.24
Celebration of Learning	4.7.24	2:15pm
Summer Fair	5.7.24	5pm
KS2 Summer show	10.7.24 11.7.24	6pm 1.30pm
Colour Run	12.7.24	pm
Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly	17.7.24	2pm
Last day at school	19.7.24

Dear Families,

 

What a shame we’ve had to cancel our sports days.  We have rearranged them for:

Mon 10th June at 1:30pm - KS2

Tue 18th June at 1:30pm - KS1 

Thursday 20th June at 1:30pm - early years

Fingers crossed the weather improves.

 

Homework survey   📕
Thank you to those of you who completed the survey.  The senior leadership team will be looking into the results and your comments.  We’ll use these comments to update the homework policy.  As soon as we’ve done this, we’ll send it out to you.

 

Year 2 trip to Wedgewood
The children had a fantastic time at Wedgewood yesterday.  They learnt lots of facts about Josiah Wedgewood and had great fun creating tiles.  We’ve just got to wait a short while before Mrs Hartley can collect them and show them off to everyone.

 

 

Year 1 Phonics tests
These will take place the week beginning Monday 10th June.  These checks are to find out how much your child has learnt since beginning their phonics learning journey.  Mrs Elkin or Mrs Harris sits with the child whilst they read the words to her.  The children enjoy showing off how well they can read and I know the teachers love seeing their progress.

 

Swimming  🏊
Swimming for Year 3 and the gala practice children starts as soon as we’re back after half term.

Cricket   🏏
The postponed cricket will now be on Tuesday 4th June - first day back to school.

 

I wish you all a lovely half term.  Lots of you are going away for a well earned break - enjoy and have fun.

I’ll see you all back to school on Tuesday 4th June.  (Monday is an INSET day for staff)

 

Take care and stay safe

Mrs Wilmer

 

Upcoming dates

May Half term	27.5.24
INSET - children not in school Small & Tall closed	3.6.24	All day
KS2 Sports Day - 1.30pm	10/6/24
Father’s Day Lunch	13.6.24
Career’s Week	17.6.24	All week
KS1 Sports day - 1.30pm	18/6/24
Early Years sports day - 1.30pm	20/6/24
Non uniform Bring a bottle for Summer Fair	28.6.24
Celebration of Learning	4.7.24	2:15pm
Summer Fair	5.7.24	5pm
KS2 Summer show	9.7.24 10.7.24	1:30 6pm
Colour Run	12.7.24	pm
Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly	17.7.24	2pm
Last day at school	19.7.24

 

Dear Families,

I hope you all had a lovely bank holiday weekend and enjoyed the sunshine.

 

Online safety for you and your children
Parentzone  has lots of information about staying safe when online.  If you’re unsure how to set up 2 step verification, not sure about malware or have received some ‘dodgy looking emails’  this is definitely the site for you.

 

Year 3 athletics 
I had the pleasure of taking some Year 3 children to Co-op Academy Stoke to take part in athletics against Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff.  The children took part in various races, all showing off their running skills.  Well done to Luca, Daniel, Emma, Eva, Oscar, Amber and Louie.  They all came home with several medals.

 

Coffee Afternoon
We had a couple of parents join us for the coffee afternoon where we got to chat about SEN and various difficulties we have with children.  We will be arranging another time for parents to come and join us so please watch out for the invite.

 

Sports Events
We’ve got our sports days coming up:

Early years - Wednesday 22nd May at 9:15am

KS1 - Wednesday 22nd May at 1:15pm

KS2 - Thursday 23rd May at 1:15pm  (some children will be playing in a cricket competition at Leycett Cricket club during this)

 

Lockdown
This term we will be practising our lockdown procedures.

Twice a year we practise our lockdown procedure.  This procedure would be used if there was a threat to the safety of the children, staff and others in the school and it would be safer to stay in school rather than leave the school.  Possible situations where we would use the lockdown procedure are:

-a possible dangerous person or animal on the school grounds

-an incident in the local community which could affect the school and everyone in it

-a terrorist incident

-extreme weather which could put lives at risk

-an alert from the UK emergency alerts system

If a lockdown occurs, the children and staff will remain in classrooms, lock the doors and sit under tables.  Everyone remains quiet.  The senior staff call the emergency services and follow their advice.  

As parents, you will be alerted to the lockdown as soon as we can do this.  Please do not come to the school or try to call the school as we will need the phone lines free.  We will not let any child out of the school (and anyone into the school) if we’re in a lockdown until the emergency services have confirmed it is safe to do so.

We ask that parents do not share the event on social media as this may cause panic and spread false information.

When we practise lockdowns, the staff explain to the children what is happening and why.  Everything is explained in an age appropriate way.  The children already know that we want them to be safe and this will help.  Each time we practise one of our emergency procedures, the staff always explain to the children why it is necessary.

 

Change of menu Thursday 16th May - All day Breakfast with a Vanilla Ice Cream Tub for dessert

 

Fathers Day   'Marvellous Men' Gifts

Don't forget the PTA are collecting orders for the special men in your children's lives. The gifts are suitable for Dads, Step-Dads, Foster or adoptive Dads as well as Grandfathers, Uncles, Brothers and more!

The fantastic gift options available are:

1. Handcrafted and Personalized Mug:
   - Decorated by the children with love and creativity.
   - Comes with a delicious chocolate bar inside.
   - Price: £3.50

2. Handcrafted Personalized Coaster:
   - Coloured by the children, making each one unique.
   - A practical yet thoughtful gift.
   - Price: £2.50

3. Special Offer: Order Both for £5!
- Combine the mug and coaster for an even more memorable Father's Day surprise at a discounted price.

If you would like to order, please send in the correct amount in an envelope, along with your child's name, class and order details  (who the gift is for so we can encourage the children to add this onto their decoration)

Last day to order is Friday 24th May - No orders can be accepted after this time.

 

 

Have a lovely weekend.

Take care and stay safe.

Mrs Wilmer

 

Upcoming events

KS2 SATs	13.5.24	All week
Early Years Sports  KS1 Sports	22.5.24 22.5.24	9:15am 1:30pm
KS2 Sports	23.5.24	1:30pm
May Half Term	27.5.24	All week
INSET - children not in school Small & Tall closed	3.6.24	All day
Father’s Day Lunch	13.6.24
Career’s Week	17.6.24	All week