Dear Families,

It’s been lovely to see so many of you in school this week to discuss your child’s progress with the teachers.  If you didn’t get a chance to make an appointment, your teacher will be making contact with you to arrange a suitable time.

 

Sporting events
We’ve had two sporting events this week.

Football.  Our football team was amazing and won the Newcastle School’s League. 

Cross Country - A group of children took part in the Newcastle Cross-country , each child achieving their own super results.

We are so proud of these sporting children.  They have shown resilience and a real enthusiasm to achieve their very best.

Well done to all of you. 

 

Year 3 swimming
Next Friday (28th) is the last swimming session of this term.  It’s the first year ever that we have had every child swimming without any swimming aids from the deep end to the shallow end.  They have been amazing.  We can’t wait to see what they achieve next term.

The dates for next term will be a little sporadic due to taking the older children swimming ready for the Newcastle swimming gala.  We will let you know the dates as soon as we have them.

 

Years 5 & 6 swimmers
Next term, we will be looking for some children to take part in the Newcastle swimming gala.  The children need to be strong, fast swimmers.   We will ask the children who would like to take part, and then we’ll practice the races and pick the fastest swimmers for the girls and the boys' teams.

If your child hasn’t swam for a while, they may want a little practice over the Easter holidays before we do our practice sessions.

I will send out more information about this, when I receive it.  

 

Nursery
The numbers for nursery in September are looking very promising, with only a couple of places left.  If there are any siblings that should be joining our Nursery in the next academic year, please can you let me know so that we can ensure there is a place for them.

 

Have a lovely weekend.

Take care and stay safe.

Mrs Wilmer

 

Upcoming events

PTA Mothers' Day Pop-up shop	24.3.25 - 28.3.25	£2.50 per gift
Mothers' Day Lunch	26.3.25	We look forward to welcoming our mum's to enjoy lunch with us. Last day to book in and pay is 14.3.25
Last Swim of the term for Year 3	28.03.25
PTA Recycle 4 School	31.3.25	Old clothing, bags, jewellery etc... To be dropped off at school to be recycled for school funds on this date.
Year 1 School Trip to Peake Wildlife Park	03.04.25
Easter Celebration	11.04.25	Parents are welcome to come and join us for songs, an Easter bonnet parade and decorated eggs competition. Starts at 1.30 pm

 

Dear Families,

 

What another lovely week we’ve had.  It certainly makes everyone feel much better with a bit of sunshine.

 

CEO visit
Yesterday, we had a visit from our CEO, Dr Chris Tomlinson.  He had a tour around the school and met with some staff as well as having a chat with some of our children.  It was lovely to show off Friarswood and the wonderful things we do.  He certainly appreciated all of the hard work and dedication that goes into making our school so great.

 

World Book Day
To celebrate World Book Day, we did something a little different this year and asked the children to choose a word that they could dress up like. We have had some amazing words today! The creativity and ideas were just amazing. There are a few pictures in the photo gallery on our website to see. Thank you for all your efforts to help make this day so enjoyable for everyone. 

 

Online Safety
Here is a link to information about making online viewing safer for children.  I hope you find it useful.

 

Orchestra Trip
Next Tuesday, some of our Year 3 and 4 children are going to Hanley to watch the Halle Orchestra.  We hope this will inspire the children, especially those children who already play instruments.

 

Asthma Academy
I have received this notice off the NHS.  Here is the referral link.

 

 

 

October half-term 2025
As you know, we have a two week half-term in October.  I have sent out a survey for anyone who may need childcare for the week beginning 20th October.  If there is enough interest, Bee Active will run a sport and activity club for the week.  Bee Active have been involved with Friarswood for over ten years and have a great team of staff who work for them.  If you do choose Bee Active for your childcare, I’m sure the children will have lots of fun.

Here is the link for the form.

 

Bags to School
The PTA have arranged a ‘Bags to School’ day on 31st March.  If you are having a sort out of unwanted clothes etc, please pop them into one of the bags that your child will bring home and return to school on either Friday 28th or Monday 31st (morning).  The collection will be at some point on Monday 31st March, so please do not bring them in after school on the Monday.

Bags to School pays the PTA for the items by weight, so the more bags we have, the more money raised.  Happy sorting everyone!

 

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Take care and stay safe.

Mrs Wilmer

Upcoming dates

Year 3/4 Music Trip	11.3.25	Morning trip - Details to bear sent out.
Piano assembly	18.3.25	2 pm for the parents and families of those having lessons at school.
Parents’ evenings	19.3.25 20.3.25	3:30 - 6:30pm    3:30 - 6:30pm
Red Nose Day	21.03.25	Children can come to school wearing something red for a small donation for Red Nose Day.
Mothers' Day Lunch	26.3.25	Here is the booking form link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dHl1aHAIs-gD_K2eO1VsCue_Hmo9lx69py77UKsCheA/edit
PTA Mothers' Day Pop-up shop	24.3.25 - 28.3.25	£2.50 per gift
Last Swim of the term for Year 3	28.03.25
PTA Recycle 4 School	31.3.25	Old clothing, bags, jewellery etc... To be dropped off at school to be recycled for school funds on this date.
Year 1 School Trip to Peake Wildlife park	03.04.25
Easter Celebration	11.04.25	Parents are welcome to come and join us for songs, an Easter bonnet parade and decorated eggs competition. Starts at 1.30 pm

Dear Families,

 

It’s been a very busy first week back.  KS2 are busy rehearsing for the Summer Show.  Don’t forget to send money in for your tickets.

 

Year 6 Dentist talk
Year 6 had a workshop focusing on making sure you clean your teeth carefully and correctly.  They learnt about how certain foods can damage your teeth and how much sugar is in certain foods.  Hopefully, all the children will be taking extra care of their teeth from now on.

 

Swimming Gala trials
This went really well today.  I was so impressed with how fast the children were.  They really have improved from the last time I took them swimming.   Just to confirm, we won’t be deciding who is coming to the gala until after the third week of trials.

 

Small & Tall care club price increase
Unfortunately, we have had to make the unpopular decision of increasing prices.  This is due to the overall costs increasing so much.  The new prices will start in September.  Mornings will be £5.95 and after school it will be £9.85.

 

Transitions
Over the next few weeks, the children will be meeting their new teachers as well as finding out where to arrive for school in the mornings and leave at the end of the day.  The official move up morning is Thursday 3rd July.  Children will need to go to their usual class for registration, and then they will go to their new classroom.

 

Have a lovely weekend.

Take care and stay safe.

Mrs Wilmer

 

Upcoming Dates

Father's Day Pop-up shop	Week beginning9.5.25	£2.50 per gift, please send in a named envelope.
Father's Day Lunch	10.06.25	All bookings are now taken.
Grand Reveal Garden Party	10.06.25	Come and join us for the grand reveal of our newly transformed environmental area as part of the Big Green Week! 3:20pm
Summer Fayre	27.06.25	After school
Summer Show - Annie	2.7.25 5pm 4.7.25 1:30pm	Send ticket orders to Mrs Hughes in a named envelope. £5 each
Colour Run	11.7.25

 

 

Dear Families,

The Trust has put some information together to clarify the role and responsibilities of what we used to call Governors.  There has been a change to the structure in all schools of the Co-op Academy Trust.  Each school / academy will have an Academy Community Council (ACC).  The members of this are called Community Council Members (CCM).

What does an ACC do?

As part of our local governance team, as a CCM, you will:

•Support academy planning and key strategic priorities.

•Champion student and staff wellbeing, and promote positive behaviour and attendance.

•Strengthen links between the school and the local community.

•Monitor outcomes for vulnerable groups and ensure policies translate into practice.

•Help shape career opportunities for students.

•Promote Co-op values within the academy.

 

GoIT - Year 6
On Wednesday, a group of three Year 6 children went to Manchester to present their A.I. eco project in front of a team of judges.  Lots of other Co-op Academy primary schools were there too, all competing for a place in the national finals.  Although the girls didn’t win, they were so confident with their presentation.  They had lots of positive feedback recognising their efforts and forward-thinking, as well as a huge round of applause.  Myself and Mrs Bebbington were so proud of them.  Well done to Emyllia, Ava and Francesca. 

 

Young Voices
The choir had a wonderful day yesterday at the Young Voices concert in Birmingham.  Many schools were there to perform in the concert.  The excitement was palpable.  Our children were incredible, singing their hearts out.  My ears are still ringing today from the volume of over 5000 children singing (and screaming)!

A massive thank you to Mrs Elkin, our music lead, for organising this and making it happen.  Her enthusiasm and dedication to music across the school is incredible, always ensuring the children have lots of opportunities to take part in musical events.   Also, a huge thank you to Mrs Dickens and Miss Smith for supporting in all of the rehearsals and arrangements.  

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Take care and stay safe.

Mrs Wilmer

 

Happy Birthday
This weekend Mrs Wilmer is celebrating a very special birthday - the school council surprised her this morning with some beautiful flowers off us all and a special rendition of "Happy Birthday".

Happy Birthday, Mrs Wilmer - enjoy your weekend!

 

 

Upcoming events

Children's Mental Health Week	3.2.25
Reception trip	3.2.25	Reception class visiting Morrisons for Food around the world.
Walk and Talk 3.20 - 4.30 pm	5.2.25	Join our Academy Community Pioneer for a local walk in The Three Parks looking for the new growth of spring. Everyone welcome!
Time to Talk Day	6.2.25	Parents Coffee and Chat time 2–2.45 PM  (this will lead to the Young Voices Sing-along)
Young Voices Choir Singalong  2.45 PM	6.2.25	Come and join us for the Young Voices live sing-along  in the hall with our choir.
Yr 6 Manchester Spelling Bee	7.2.25	A group of Year 6 children are going to Manchester for a ‘Spelling Bee’ competition.
Safer Internet Day	11.2.25
Valentine’s Disco	13.2.25	EYrs & KS1 4:30 KS2 5:30
February Half Term	17.2.25 - 21.2.25	Back to school 24.2.25
World Book Day	7.3.25

Dear Families,

 

Year 3 swimming
Year 3 had a brilliant start to this term’s swimming lessons.  All the children were swimming without any swimming aids, which I think is a first for this time of year.

 

Year 6 Residential
On Monday, Year 6 will be going on their residential trip.  Fortunately, the weather looks like it will be dry.  Don’t forget to pack lots of layers and socks!

Some online safety information for parents

For Parents - How to Deal with Online Scams

Continuing the theme, ParentZone have put together a very simple but really useful webpage guide for parents which would be worth sharing. You can find the guide HERE.

 

For Parents - Free Webinar - Supporting Neurodivergent Children in the Online World

This one is definitely worth sharing with your parents. Internet Matters are putting on a free webinar (29th January) for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people who enjoy gaming online. Registration is required and I'm sure some teachers/support staff will find it interesting too. See HERE for more information.

 

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Take care and stay safe.

Mrs Wilmer

 

Upcoming events

Year 6 - Stanley Head residential	20.1.25	Monday to Wednesday
SEND Coffee morning - 9 AM	22.1.25	Come and join Mrs Dickens, our SENDCO and an advisor from Caudwell's Children to get advice and further information on any concerns you may have about your child.
Young Voices - Choir	30.1.25	Choir at the NEC Birmingham
Children's Mental Health Week	3.2.25
Time to Talk Day	6.2.25	Parents Coffee and Chat time 2–2.45 PM  (this will lead to the Young Voices Sing-along)
Young Voices Choir Singalong   2.45 PM	6.2.25	Come and join us for the Young Voices live sing-along  in the hall with our choir.
Safer Internet Day	11.2.25
Valentine’s Disco	13.2.25	EYrs & KS1 4:30 KS2 5:30
February Half Term	17.2.25 - 21.2.25	Back to school 24.2.25
World Book Day	7.3.25

On Friday 29 November 2024, our school choir performed at the opening of the Co-op Academies Trust Recognition Awards, in front of almost 300 people.