Headteacher Newsletter Issue 18
FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER ISSUE 18: 30.6.23
Dear Parents
Year 6 Residential
At 2:30 on Sunday afternoon, Year 6 arrived at the activity centre. We were all excited to get off the bus and see our new surroundings. Our group leaders, Emma and Leah, welcomed us. They took us to our building which was called Blickling (after Blickling Hall). We unpacked and got ready for our first activity. After a tour of the site and some information about what to expect, we were put into two groups.
The first activity for Group 1 was archery; we had a few practise shots and then played some games.
The first activity for Group 2 was problem solving; we had to work together, mentally and physically, as a team to complete the challenges.
We then had dinner, but it hadn’t finished yet, as we then went on a night walk up a big hill (Beaston Bump) to watch the sunset.
We enjoyed lots of activities each day: caving, Jacob’s Ladder, scavenger hunt, rock climbing, zip wire, a quiz (with hot chocolate), shelter building, low ropes, nightline and an afternoon at the beach, where we had an ice cream and/or a slushie.
On the last day we went for breakfast at 7:20. We did our last two activities and had a picnic lunch. After that, we sadly had to leave, after an amazing experience at Kingswood.
By Matilde and Louisa (Year 6)
Year 5 Harlow Outdoors Centre
This Monday year 5 went on an amazing trip to Harlow Outdoor Centre. We split into three groups. The first activity was raft building, which was really fun. The next activity was kayaking, most people fell in (including the teachers) and we all had a great laugh. Next was lunch then after we conquered the climbing walls. Everyone who went had an amazing time and we can’t wait to go on another trip!
By Oscar and Camden
Sports Day
The children took part in an excellent Sports Day last week. The children all showed great sportsmanship and it was wonderful to see all the children cheering each other on and the older children supporting the younger ones. A big thank you to Mrs Tokeley and Mr Snelling for leading the event.
Piano concert
The parents and relatives of the children who learn to play the piano in school were treated to a wonderful concert. Mrs Thomas led the concert where each child was encouraged to introduce their piece and then played to the audience. This showcased the hard work and practice the children have put into their piano playing and was a great opportunity to play to an audience. A special mention to Anna in Year 6 who offered to play again at the end and in her class assembly as she will be moving on soon to Secondary school.
Well done to all the children who took part and thank you to Mrs Thomas and Miss Crosby for organising it.
Rose Show
The children took part on the local community Rose Show competition colouring in a rose. Well done to:
1st place – Henry (year 1)
2nd place – Griff (Reception)
3rd place – Seren (year 2)
Well done Year 5 and 6 for taking part in Silver Stories
The children in year 5 received a card and a book token from the Silver Stories team, supported by Queen Camilla, for taking part. Silver Stories is an initiative where the children read stories to the older generation each week. This helps the children develop their reading skills alongside supporting their ‘Silver Listeners’. Well done Year 5
To find out more about the initiative see the link below –
Recorder Donation Thank you
A big thank you to all the families who kindly donated recorders to the school and to Mrs Elliston and Miss Crosby with their help in organising this.
Thank you to the Parker and May families at school and to the Crabb and Phillimore-Browns and to Heather Pointer.
An extra special thank you to Ana Hater who is a local not connected to the school who has paid for twenty brand new recorders for the school.
What a wonderful response and here’s to lots of merry music making!
Important information – Term time holidays – Essex update
Improving school attendance is a key priority for all schools across Essex. Where families choose to take a family holiday during term time, this can detrimentally impact a pupil’s progress and can prevent them from fulfilling their true academic potential. Our school attendance policy, available via our school website, clearly sets out the process that parents should follow if they wish to apply for leave during term time. Please note that applications should only be made, if you feel that there are exceptional circumstances which mean that the leave cannot be taken during the school holidays. We would ask all parents to note that, where families choose to go on holiday during term time and the absences are coded as unauthorised, Essex County Council may not issue penalty notices and may instead proceed to prosecution and place the case directly before the Magistrates for their consideration in court.
Lateness
School starts at 8.50 a.m. We have noticed several children are consistently arriving late for school – ‘late’ is defined by not being within the school gates by 8.50 a.m. Please make every effort to be at school on time and if you know that your journey will be disrupted by road works, do allow time for this.
Please note that lateness is recorded on a per pupil basis.
Thank you.
Cost of Living Support
We know that there are families across Essex who are currently struggling with the rise in the cost of living. Colleagues have pulled together a special newsletter which gives information on some of the support they may be eligible for. Please share onwards with parents and carers. You can also find out more about cost of living support on the Cost of Living web hub.
Free School Meals Funding
You can register for Free Schools Meals Funding if you meet the criteria below.
If you have a child in Key Stage One and are receiving the free meal, which is part of the universal offer, you could be missing out on this additional funding for the school, which will support your child with their learning, if you meet the criteria below. You have to apply for this funding. If you think you meet the criteria below then please follow the guidance below and contact the school office.
Free school meals are available to pupils in receipt of, or whose parents are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guarantee element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
How to apply –
https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
Mobile Phones
This is a gentle reminder not to use mobile phones whilst on the school site.
This is part of our safe-guarding policy for all of our children.
Ooo000ooO
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
12th – 16th June Phonics check
13th June Year 6 Parents Residential Meeting
14th June Year 6 Crucial Crew
16th June Sharing Assembly, 2.45 – invitation for Reception parents
17th June Clavering Village Fete
19th June Sports Day 10-12
20th June Piano Concert
23rd June Sharing Assembly 2.45 – invitation for year 6 parents
25th – 28th June Year 6 Residential
30th June Year 6 transition day at JFAN
30th June Tray Day – Reception to year 5
26th June Year 5 Harlow Outdoors trip
3rd – 7th July Work experience student
3rd July Class Photographs
4th July French Day
6th July Tray Day – Year 6
7th July FOC Summer Fayre
10th – 14th July Work experience student
14th July Fun Run
17th July Class Swap
17th July Parent evening
18th July Parent evening
19th July Year 1 and 2 school trip
19th July Leavers assembly – 1.45pm
21st July Last day of term
ACHIEVEMENTS
STAR OF THE WEEK
Week ending 16th June
Reception Sydni – for her amazing attitude and effort towards Sports Day
Year One Lunetta – for super effort and understanding of equal and unequal groups in Maths
Year Two Lila – for a fantastic attitude to learning and always smiling
Year Three Beebee – for writing a super riddle in English this week
Year Four Evie – for using such creative ideas to write a Kenning poem
Year Five Toby – for being a thoughtful, careful and very motivated learner
Year Six Joshua L – for well considered questions and contributions at Crucial Crew and in class
Week ending 23rd June
Reception Juliet – for being so kind and helpful all week
Year One Benjamin – for settling in Class 1 very well
Year Two Caleb – for always working hard, being kind, polite and helpful to others
Year Three Hattie – for fantastic perseverance with telling the time in Maths
Year Four Toben – for showing excellent focus in all his lessons and for working hard on his handwriting
Year Five Isaac – for always contributing to classroom discussions, sharing his great thoughts and ideas
Year Six Kayleigh – for supporting the younger children at Sports Day and being the smiliest swimmer
IT DIDN’T GO UNNOTICED AWARD
27.6.23 Taylor (6) – for supporting and helping others at lunchtimes.
If you have any questions at any time, then please feel free to make an appointment.
Have a great weekend
Rosalind Allsop
Headteacher
