Summer Term Dates
Term 6 is always busy in school, with lots of exciting things going on. Please see below for some of the key dates.
Thursday 13th June - Class Photos
Wednesday 19th June - Open Classrooms - 3.10pm -4.30pm
Tuesday 25th June - Sports Day - KS2 at 0930 & KS1 at 1330
Thursday 18th July - Leavers Assembly - 1400 (Y6 families only)
Friday 19th July - Leavers BBQ - 1630 (Y6 families only)
Summer Holiday Club
Unfortunately we will be unable to run a summer holiday club this year due to staffing constraints. This means that we are unable to provide the level of service and supervision necessary to run the holiday club effectively and safely. We know the club was really valued last year and do apologise that we cannot offer it again this summer.
Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check
Next week, all children in Year 4 will be doing an online times table test. The test involves completing 25 multiplication facts up to 12x12 with six seconds to answer each question. This week all children have done a practice test in school. A replica of the test can be found on the following link:
https://talkingtimestables.uk/y4_ks2_mtc_practice_tests_multiplication_tables_check.php
Other good websites for practicing are: https://ttrockstars.com/ and https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Hedgehogs & Otters trip to Berkeley Castle
On Tuesday, Hedgehogs and Otters had a brilliant day at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. It was so exciting to see how huge castles are in real life!
We had a tour of the inside and outside of the castle and impressed the tour guides with our knowledge of castles from our history topic in term 4. It was especially interesting to see the medieval kitchen and find out how they used to cook their meals.
We also did a stained glass window workshop – you can see our creations here.
All Girls Cricket
Yesterday our incredible girls’ cricket team competed in the Chippenham cricket competition at the local cricket club. We are proud to announce that our girls are through to the Mid Wilts finals later this month after an unbeaten run and an incredible showcase of talent. Our amazing team beat St Peters in the first game 92-42, Kington St Michael A team 94-42 in the second game and Kington St Michael B team by a staggering 117-25 in the quater finals. The girls then continued their impressive batting and fielding skills in the semi-final, with a score of 69-35 against Colerne, before beating the rather impressive Queens Crescent 45-30 in the final.
We could not be prouder of our girls and we’re truly blown away by their incredible sportsmanship and self-belief. They encouraged and supported each other throughout.
We now look forward to the Mixed Mid Wilts final and Girls Mid Wilts finals later this month.
Homework Questionnaire
Thank you to everyone who responded to the Homework Questionnaire before the holidays. We received responses from over 50 families. It was very positive to hear about the ways in which you support your children at home. The two main areas we want to address are based on these responses:
• 68% of parents would like to know more about expectations for homework
• 37% of parents are unsure how long children should be spending on homework
We have created a new Homework Policy which sets out clear expectations for homework in each year group and approximate timings for how long should be spent on each task. The policy is currently in draft form, so please let us know if you have any further comments or suggestions (via the following email: admin@monktonpark.wilts.sch.uk).
The draft policy can be viewed by clicking here.
Weekly Achievement Awards
Achievement certificates
Achievement certificates are awarded to one child per class every week in our celebration assembly.
Congratulations this week to: Rowan, Hattie, all of Hedgehogs, all of Otters, Beren, Noah, Eira, Katie & Leonardo
Hot Chocolate Friday
Congratulations to this weeks hot chocolate winners.
This weeks achievers are: Albie, Jaxon, Amelia, Advik, Leona, Arthur, Olivia, Evie & Beth
Star Writer
Our Star Writers this week are: Arty, Sienna, Joey, Anika, Evie, Viraj, Tabi, Reuben F & Eli
School Nurse & Coffee Afternoon
Mrs Marshall and the School Nurse will be holding a drop in session on Tuesday 11th June from 1415 in the School Bungalow. Mrs Marshall will be there if you wish to talk to her or you are welcome to come a long for a social and a cup of tea before school pick up. The School Nurse will have slots if you wish to discuss anything with her, these can be booked through the School office or please do just drop in.
Affordable Schools
At Monkton Park School, we have recently engaged with Wiltshire’s ‘Affordable Schools’ strategy because we understand it can be difficult to talk about money worries. People finding it hard to make ends meet often hang on and try and sort things out themselves; not seeking help until the situation has become very difficult. Whatever the issues you are facing, we would encourage you to ask for support. With guidance from the ‘Affordable Schools’ strategy, we have created a page on our website under the ‘Parents’ tab that signposts support and guidance. Alternatively, please feel free to get in touch with us here at school. You can contact our Family Link Worker, Jen Marshall or contact the office in school on admin@monktonpark.wilts.sch.uk.
Parent Resource - online safety
In a survey with pupils in Y3-Y6 we found that lots of children have very active online lives. Many use apps such as WhatsApp or Snapchat and we would recommend regular checks with your child to see which groups they are part of. Some groups can contain over 100 people and can lead to children being exposed to inappropriate language. This is always best done in a supportive way with your child and the recording below has lots of advice. Other children said that they use games which are not age appropriate e.g. Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto.
Please see links below to the parent resources and recording of the Online Safety talk
Recording Link (please do NOT to share this link publicly online / social media etc)
Class Assemblies
Class assemblies will take place on Tuesday mornings at 9.05am. Family and friends are welcome, tea and coffee will be served after.
Owls - 11 June 2024
Fieldmice - 18th June 2024
FOMPS
FOMPS PTA Newsflash: Community Champions Unite!
🌟 Playbark Gratitude A standing ovation to Jewson Chippenham! Their generous donation of playbark for our school play area deserves a round of applause. When it arrives, our dedicated DOMPS volunteers will roll up their sleeves and ensure it finds its perfect spot. 🌳🙌
🔧 Rob Elkins, Our Fixer Extraordinaire Hats off to Rob Elkins! As soon as we spotted a wobbly fence post outside Hedgehogs class, Rob was wielding his toolbox magic to sort it out. Hey presto: another fix by DOMPS! 🔩🏫
🎉 Mark Your Calendars
• Summer Disco (20th June): Get ready to dance like nobody’s watching! Backstage crew, we need your secret moves—sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/EJXBK
• Monkfest Revival Summer Fair (30th June): Sun, stalls, and smiles await. Be part of the fairytale—volunteer and make it legendary! 🎪🌞 https://volunteersignup.org/7DEKT
📅 PTA Meeting Alert Join us for biscuits and brainstorming at our next FOMPS PTA meeting on Monday 17th June, 3.15pm in the Bungalow. Your voice matters! 🗣️🍪
📧 Contact Us Questions? Ideas? Email us at fompspta@gmail.com. Let’s keep the teamwork going! 💌
Cheers,
FOMPS PTA 🌸🌟
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TD Days
Tuesday 23rd July
Wednesday 24th July