Headteacher Newsletter Issue 9
FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER ISSUE 9: 23.1.26
Year 4 Forest School
| Year 4 had a wonderful walk to and from Forest School this week. On the way, the children were excited to spot horses in the nearby field and behaved extremely sensibly as they walked through, staying calm and respectful at all times. They walked sensibly in their pairs and showed excellent awareness of their surroundings. At Forest School, the children had a fantastic time climbing trees and working together to make swings using ropes. Thank you to our parent helpers. We look forward to visiting the Forest over the coming weeks. |  |
Multi Skills Years 1 and 2
Classes 1 and 2 had a great time at multi-skills. We were put into groups and sent to our first activity. The Year 10 children at JFAN explained what we needed to do and helped us; we thought they were fantastic teachers! We completed sporting activities such as hockey dribbling, throwing & catching, shuttle runs and many more! We had a fantastic time, and all learnt many new skills.
JFAN Sports Coach visit with years 3 and 4
Year 3 and 4 enjoyed an extra sports session with Miss Dunlop from Joyce Frankland School this week. The children took part in a range of ball skills tournaments, showing great teamwork and sportsmanship throughout. Unfortunately, due to the rain, the planned session of tag rugby could not go ahead but the children remained positive and fully engaged in the activities that were able to take place. Well done to everyone for their fantastic effort and attitude.
Bad weather
In the event of severe weather conditions and possible school closure a notice will be placed on the school website.
Parents will be notified via our school website or the Essex County Council on the ‘Emergency School Closures’ page:
https://www.essex.gov.uk/education-schools/schools/dates/pages/emergency-school-closures.aspx
Please note that when the school is open in bad weather a path will be cleared, on the school site, to enable you to gain access to the school but care does still need to be taken.
Communication Chain
Just as a reminder, in order for the communication chain to be effective it is important that phone calls are made as opposed to emails or texts, in order to ensure contact is made. Normally the chain will be activated the morning of the school closure as the decision is made on the day, unless in exceptional circumstances we know of the need in advance. We will try to open where possible, hence the decision being made at the last minute, once we can assess the school site. We will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible, but as you are aware it takes some time for the communication to pass through.
Facebook can be used as a supplementary means of communication if requested to do so by a member of the leadership team but this is not part of the school process. ParentMail, the Communication Chain, the school website and the Essex link above are the school notifications.
Thank you again for your support with this process.
Please see below a message from the Local Authority regarding seasonal illnesses.
“As we move further into the term, we want to remind all settings of the key guidance available to help manage seasonal illnesses and keep pupils and staff well.
- Education Hub Blog: Reducing the spread of illness this winter: Seven steps to healthier schools and higher school attendance – a helpful blog for parents and staff.
- NHS Guidance for Parents: Is my child too ill for school? – a useful resource to help parents decide when children should stay at home.
- Preventing and Controlling Infections Guidance: Includes advice on vaccination, ventilation, and good respiratory hygiene.
- A–Z of managing Infectious Diseases: Practical guidance on managing specific illnesses.
Drop off times and key messages for class teachers
If you would like a message to given to your child’s class teacher, before school, then please catch the person on duty by the gate leading on to the playground. It is usually myself. These messages will be given to the class teacher before school.
Class teachers cannot meet with parents during this time as they are with the children in their classrooms. Appointments or telephone calls can be made upon request at a mutually convenient time.
Thank you for your support with this.
School Absences – sickness and holidays
Following Local Authority guidance, we will be contacting families on a daily basis, even if we have been told there is sickness. Following the same guidance, if it is believed that the family are actually on holiday and not sick then this will need to be actioned as an unauthorised absence. Fines may follow.
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.
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 safeguarding policy for all of our children.
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
5th January Spring Term starts
7th January Parent Forum 2.30pm
8th January Friendship Day
10th and 11th February SENCO/Parent/Class teacher discuss Learning Plans (ahead of SENCO
writing them). Appointments to be arranged with parents
W/B 16th February Half Term
26th February Sharing Assembly – Year 4 parents invited
27th February Public Speaking year 4 at Great Chesterford
5th March World Book Day
W/B 9.3.26 Parent Forum Hobbies Week
12th March Sharing Assembly – Year 2 parents invited
16th March Tray Day
19th March Governor Focus Morning
24th March Choral Festival
25th and 26th March Parent Evenings
27th March End of term
13th April INSET Day
14th April Summer Term begins
ACHIEVEMENTS
STAR OF THE WEEK
Week ending 9th January
Reception Alexi – being really independent coming into school
Year One Rose – working hard on writing neatly and for always being ready to listen and learn
Year Two Ariella – taking on advice allowing fantastic progress in her reading and always giving 100%
Year Three Cameron – great effort with presentation in English and well explained predictions
Year Four Cruz – for being kind and helpful around the classroom and for consistently showing pride and
attention to presentation
Year Five Jacob – being such a supportive friend to his classmates and putting others first
Year Six Bella – for always being kind and helpful – a super role model
STAR OF THE WEEK
Week ending 16th January
Reception Darcy – great enthusiasm in all her learning this week
Year One Wilf – using a comma and ‘and’ to list adjectives in a description
Year Two Henry – improved resilience and fantastic effort in his writing
Year Three Michaela – fantastic writing in English, with great consideration to characters’ feelings
Year Four Laura – always giving 100% and showing an amazing attitude to all her learning
Year Five Buddy – for having a positive attitude to his learning and showing pride in his work, especially
his writing
Year Six Lottie – always working hard in all areas of the curriculum
If you have any questions at any time, then please feel free to make an appointment.
Have a great weekend.
Rosalind Allsop
Headteacher
