Christingle Celebrations for Years 3 and 4
This week, our Year 3 and Year 4 children enjoyed their very own Christingle services, held on separate days and led by Mother Phyllis. The children were delighted by her interactive retelling of the Christmas story, joining in with actions each time she mentioned “Mary,” “Angel,” “donkey,” “sheep,” and other familiar characters. Mother Phyllis then shared the story and symbolism of the Christingle, explaining the meaning behind each element. There were plenty of smiles and laughter when the screen playfully showed a banana and a football in place of the traditional orange to represent the world! After carefully lighting their Christingles, the children created a warm and magical atmosphere as they sang Away in a Manger to the parents gathered in the audience. It was a joyful celebration and a lovely way to begin the Christmas season.
Outdoor Learning
This week, Mrs Britton worked with some of our Year 1 children to make bird feeders. The children began by carefully heating the lard and mixing in the bird seed. They also learned how to tie a knot in a piece of string so they could hang their yoghurt-pot feeders. Once the pots were filled with the lard and seed mixture, the children headed out to the garden. On the way, they independently noticed the sounds of birds around them, so we paused for a mindful moment to listen closely to the different bird calls. We were even able to recognise the call of a magpie! The children then chose the perfect spots to hang their bird feeders, placing them near our new bird box. To finish the morning, everyone helped with some garden care—sweeping leaves and looking after the grass. It was a lovely, hands-on morning full of learning, nature, and teamwork.
Jazz Adventure at Beecroft Gallery!
On Friday 28th November, seven of our Year 4 musicians joined children from, Thorpdene, Richmond and Friars for an exciting Jazz Music experience. Mason, Tiarna, Aaisha, Alexia, Alvin, Kirthikvasan and Blake, explored the world of jazz through improvisation, using claps, their voices, and a variety of percussion instruments. It was an inspiring day full of creativity and rhythm. The day included a visit to the Jazz Centre within the Beecroft Gallery, where the children researched the legendary Louis Armstrong while enjoying the interactive exhibits. To finish the day all four schools wowed the audience with a performance alongside the Rhythm Connections Band, showcasing their new improvisation skills and presenting each school's research on a jazz great. Aaisha and Alvin were chosen for their listening and creative skills to direct a session with the four schools as improvisation leaders using claps and boom whackers. Well done to all involved!
Family Reading Workshop – A Wonderful Success!
Last week’s Family Reading Workshop was a delightful event, providing a fantastic introduction to phonics and practical tips for reading at home. We were thrilled with the great turnout and loved seeing children and grown-ups snuggling up together, sharing the joy of reading. The workshop ended on a high note with the classic tale The Three Little Pigs, bringing smiles and laughter to readers of all ages. It was truly heartwarming to witness families bonding over stories and nurturing a love of reading together. Remember to share their decodable book at home - short and sweet but regularly and to read aloud to your child too. Don’t forget—our library is open every Wednesday after school. We can’t wait to see you there for more reading fun!
Diary Dates
December
- Tuesday 9th - Year 6 visiting IndiRock
- Tuesday 9th - Year 4 Mince Pie Making
- Wednesday 10th - Years 1 - 6 Christmas Discos
- Thursday 11th - Year 3 Mince Pie Making
- Monday 15th - Nursery Christmas Make and Sing
- Tuesday 16th - Year 1&2 Nativity am and pm
- Wednesday 17th - Christmas Jumper Day
- Wednesday 17th - Christmas lunch
- Wednesday 17th - Year 5&6 Carol Concert
- Thursday 18th - Reception Christmas Sing-a-Long
- Friday 19th - Last day of term & Christmas Parties
- Monday 22nd - Friday 2nd January - Christmas Break
- Monday 5th January - School reopens
Nursery
This week we have started talking about ‘Christmas’. We have talked about why we have ‘Christmas’ and talked about the ‘first Christmas’. We have started learning some Christmas songs and have enjoyed the start of our Christmas themed nursery sessions. Nursery has been very sparkly!!! At the end of the day.
REMINDER: Please remember our stay and play/decoration making with Parents/carers...
- Monday 15th December – am- 10.45am - 11.45am and 2.15pm - 3.15pm
- Sorry but no younger siblings
Letters sent home this week
Reception
This week we have been learning the story of the Nativity. In phonics we have begun to blend our sounds to read words and have been listening to traditional fairy tales. In maths we have been exploring the composition of numbers 1 to 5.
REMINDER: Please remember to name all belongings, including hats, scarves and gloves.
Year 1
Year 1 have been very busy this week. Our English lessons are now moving away from letter families to capital letters and how we form them correctly. In maths, some children have been revisiting number bonds to 10 and developing their knowledge of number bonds to 20 as well. PSHE continues to support children with their understanding of ‘equality’ and treating everyone fairly and with respect. We have continued to practice our Nativity songs in preparation for our play in December.
REMINDER: CHRISTMAS NATIVITY – YEAR 1
- Tuesday 16th December 2025 (9:30-10:15)
- Reading books to be in school everyday.
- Please name all items your child brings to school.
- No toys from home please. They keep getting lost.
Year 2
Year 2 have moved on to the next unit of shape in maths. They are learning to draw 2D shapes on squared paper. This was tricky! The children need to use a ruler to draw shapes accurately. In English, some children have been embedding handwriting skills and looking at sentence structure. As the Christmas celebrations draw closer, Year 2 are regularly practising their Christmas production. Please make sure your child practises their lines and knows them off by heart.
REMINDER:
- Christmas disco- Wednesday 10th December 2025.
- Christmas play- Year 2 - Tuesday 16th December 2025.
Year 3
In Year 3 this week we have been honing our ball skills, learning to pass quickly and accurately to our team members. In English we are writing a non-chronological report about mountains and in maths we are working on multiplication and division. In geography we are looking are comparing lowlands and mountains and this week we also had a lovely opportunity to visit All Saints church for our annual Christingle event. Please read with your child as often as you can and record your listening in their reading record. Continued practise of times tables is also very beneficial for their maths journey.
- Mince pie making: Thursday 11th December.
Letters sent home this week
Year 4
In maths we have continued to cover more multiplication tables in our multiplication and division topic moving on to look at patterns to help us recall answers. We have moved onto multiplying three numbers. In English we have been reading the story Wolves and used it help us plan instructions to care for animals. We had a wonderful time during our Christingle at the church.
REMINDER: Please continue to use TTRS at home, it is having a positive impact on those who use it regularly.
- Mince Pie making, Tuesday 9th December.
Letters sent home this week
Year 5
This week in English, year 5 have begun exploring the book FArTHER and have been evaluating the authors use of language and cohesive devices whilst also planning and writing a sequel to the story. In maths, we have been continuing our fractions unit and have been converting improper fractions into mixed numbers and mixed numbers into improper fractions which has been challenging at times so well done for pushing through. We have also been enjoying practicing alongside the year 6’s for our Carol Concert in a couple of weeks time and look forward to performing for you all!
REMINDER: Please strive to read for 20 minutes each night with your child and ensure that you sign your child's reading record. As the weather is getting colder, please ensure that your child has appropriate clothing for being in school and being outside at break and lunch time.
Year 6
This week in English, we have been learning how to use advanced punctuation such as colons and semi-colons in our writing. We have also learned how to use brackets to good effect and explain technical terms. In history, we have learned about the vicious Victorian crime and punishment and the hard labour that prisoners were forced to do! In maths, we have been furthering our learning of fractions and can now confidently multiply them. We have been designing a cover for our Christmas Carol Concert and practising our singing.
REMINDER: The Year 5 and 6 Christmas Carol Concert is Wednesday 17th December at All Saints Church. We look forward to seeing many of you there.
Music
Music Lessons
All of our tutors have now completed the 10-week block for this term. Lessons will resume in January
PE & Sport
KS1 dodgeball was amazing last week! (Friday 28th November). The children represented Porters Grange very well and we were undefeated in the first part of the competition beating 3 schools in succession; Hamstel, Temple Sutton and Thorpedene. We lost to West Leigh, Greenways and Earls Hall before winning again against Fairways. We finished off with a defeat to St Mary’s. Massive ‘well done’ to Aidan, Bailey-Jo, Finn, Henry, Nina, Noah and Robert from Oyster class and Mason and Ruthvika from Seahorse class. You all did so well! An extra ‘well done’ to Henry, who was my MVP of the competition.
French
Year one have been learning the colours; two have been talking about healthy eating; year three have been writing about their lives; four have been looking at adjectives showing gender; five have learning through a story about animals, and six have been learning about a French female football star. In our Creative Writing Club – year 4 Monday after school – we have been creating some great cartoons.
Online Safety
This edition of WakeUpWednesday explores essential electrical safety habits for homes and schools. This week’s guide highlights simple steps that can prevent overheating, fires and other hazards linked to everyday electrical devices. It offers clear, reassuring advice to help adults spot risks early and model safer routines. It explores common risk areas, including unsafe charging habits and overloading sockets, and explains how to identify early warning signs such as damaged cables or poorly ventilated devices. The guide also touches on protective measures like RCDs and safe power bank use, supporting families and educators in creating safer environments for young people.
Second Hand Uniform
Our Uniform shop is located within the front reception area of the school and is open Monday-Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm. All items are 50p each (cash only please). We always have a good selection of skirts, trousers, jumpers, tops, dresses and P.E items. Please ask at the office to point you in the right direction.
Donations
We always welcome school uniform donations for us to sell at our school uniform shop. Could we please ask that the clothes are in good, clean condition. All items can be dropped off at the school office between 8.30am - 4.00pm. Thank you so much for doing this for the school as it helps our parents out tremendously.
Attendance
Keeping Our Children Healthy This Winter
As the colder days set in, we’d really appreciate your help in keeping everyone at school happy and healthy When to Keep Children at Home
- If your child is vomiting, has diarrhoea, or a fever, please keep them at home until they’re fully better. This helps stop bugs from spreading to other children and staff.
- If symptoms persist or you’re worried, please seek advice from your GP or local pharmacy.
Reporting Absence
Remember to let us know every day your child is off school. This helps us keep accurate records and support your child when they return.
Dress for the Weather
Children spend time outside at playtime and during PE, even in chilly weather! Please make sure they come to school in warm, weather-appropriate clothing—coats, hats, gloves—and bring a winter PE kit (like tracksuit bottoms and a warm top). Thank you for working with us to keep our school community healthy and ready for learning!
Contact us
If you would like to talk to someone for support or advice on attendance or punctuality, please do not hesitate to contact the Attendance Team and ask to speak to, Mrs Dowd our Attendance Administrator or Mrs D Morris our Assistant Principal and Senior Leader for Attendance, you can also pop in to the school office to request to speak to one of us face to face, alternatively you call the school or send us an email to attendance@pgps.porticoacademytrust.co.uk we are here and we are always happy to help!
Lunch menu
Week 3
Monday
- BBQ Chicken Pizza with Baked Wedges
- Margherita Pizza with Baked Wedges
- Pasta with Tomato & Vegetable Sauce
- Sweetcorn
- Cinnamon Apple Crumble with Custard
Tuesday
- Beef Meatballs in Roasted Tomato & Basil Sauce with Spaghetti
- Vegan Meatballs in Roasted Tomato & Basil Sauce with Spaghetti
- Jacket Potato with Baked Beans
- Broccoli & Cauliflower
- Sultana & Oat Cookie
Wednesday
- Slow Roast Beef & Root Vegetables with Gravy
- Vegan Country Vegetable & Bean Pie
- Pasta with Tomato & Vegetable Sauce
- Roast Potatoes, Seasonal Greens & Carrots
- Fruit Jelly
Thursday
- Chicken Jambalaya
- Vegan Vegetable Jambalaya
- Jacket Potato with Salmon or Baked Beans
- Cauliflower & Roasted Carrots
- Lemon Drizzle Cake
Friday
- Fish Fingers, Chips & Ketchup
- Mexican Roasted Vegetable & Bean Quesadilla
- Wholewheat Pasta with Tomato & Vegetable Sauce
- Baked Beans & Peas
- Chocolate & Courgette Rice Krispie Cake
Cost of Living
Click here to access cost of living advice from Southend City Council. It contains information on housing support, energy cost advice and benefits and support for those with children.
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