Dear Parents/Carers,
The sun is shining at the end of a busy week and ahead of the summer fayre tomorrow. Fingers crossed that it continues to shine! Thank you to everyone who brought in donations for the fayre and volunteered to help. Your contributions are an essential part in making a fun and memorable day for everyone.
I would also like to say a big thank you to everyone who has sponsored a child for our Havens fundraiser next Friday. We are raising money as part of the Waddle-on-Sea project and each class is participating in a different sponsored event to help raise money. Over the coming months, you will see many decorated penguins dotted around the city and one of them will be ours! We are very appreciative of your donations and it goes towards a very worthwhile cause. If you haven’t sponsored yet and would like to, it’s not too late! Your child should have a sponsorship form to complete, but if they have lost theirs, please feel free to contact the office.
Thank you again for your support and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow at the fayre.
Best wishes,
Mr Aggus
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Summer 2 Diary Dates - Year 3 - Year 4 - Year 5 - Year 6 - Online Safety
General News - Sports News - Summer Term Inspirational Person
Dinner Menu - Attendance - Sports Awards - House Points - Achievements
Summer 2 Diary Dates
June
- Saturday 14th - Summer Fayre
- Monday 16th - Thursday 19th - Bikeability - Year 6
- Assessment catch-up week for Years 3 - 5
- Whole Class Swimming - clothes needed
- WHSG Taster Day for Year 4 girls
- Parent Council Meeting @ 4.30pm
- Tuesday 17th - Football Trials (4B, 4SW & 5F)
- Wednesday 18th - Year 4 Rounders Competition
- Thursday 19th - Sports Captains with Year 1
- Boys' Football trials (4C, 4E & 5G)
- Year 6 Cricket Squad Training
- Friday 20th - Sponsor Day for Havens Hospices
- Year 4 Cricket Competition
- Year 6 Maths Mission
- Monday 23rd - Friday 27th - Ilam Hall Residential and Southend Activity Week (Year 6)
- No swimming all week
- Tuesday 24th - Super Sports - Track
- Year 6 Induction King John and The Deanes Schools
- Wednesday 25th - Super Sports - Field
- Year 6 Induction King John and The Deanes Schools
- Thursday 26th - Year 4 Quidditch Event
- Friday 27th - Year 3 Field Study
- Monday 30th - All classes to wear PE kit for Team photos
- Transition Meetings (Year 6)
- Year 3/4 Boys' Football vs Chalkwell
July
Please note that there will be no After School Club on Tuesday 15th July due to Open Evening . There will also be no After School Club on the last day of term (Wednesday 23rd July).
- Tuesday 1st - All classes to wear PE kit for team photos
- King John induction morning - Year 6
- Boys' Essex Cricket Finals
- Wednesday 2nd - Year 5 IndiRock visit (5K & 5F)
- Rescheduled Field Trip for 4E and 4SW
- Year 5/6 Music trip for Choir & Ukulele
- Thursday 3rd - Friday 4th - Year 3 Residential to Danbury
- Friday 4th - Year 6-7 Transition Day
- Maths Quiz Club Finals @ Oxford University
- General Knowledge Quiz Club Finals @ Oxford University
- Monday 7th - Sports Day - no swimming
- Tuesday 8th - Sports Stacks Event - Year 3
- School Nurse Drop In
- Wednesday 9th - Year 5 IndiRock visit (5L & 5G)
- Boys' Choir singing with Music Man Project
- Thursday 10th - Meet the Teacher morning (Years 3 - 5)
- Monday 14th - Friday 18th - Fun Swim Week
- Tuesday 15th - Open Evening 5pm - 7pm - no After School Club
- Friday 18th - Annual School Reports
- Monday 21st - Year 6 Swimming Gala
- Tuesday 22nd - Year 6 Leavers' performance to parents - 2pm
- Wednesday 23rd - Last day of term - no After School Club
Year 3
It has been a busy and productive week in Year 3 and we’re incredibly proud of how hard the children have worked. They completed assessments in English, maths, science, and spelling—providing a fantastic opportunity to showcase the knowledge and skills they’ve developed throughout the year.
In P.E., the children have been building on their yoga skills, deepening their understanding of how yoga supports both mental and physical well-being. They revisited key poses, refined their techniques, and created their own flow sequences that challenged their balance and co-ordination.
In art, the children began an exciting new project inspired by patterns in nature - particularly those found in water. Using string, they crafted their own printing tools to design sea-themed textures. They then chose a sea creature to feature as a silhouette and enhanced their compositions by adding details such as coral, seaweed, and other underwater elements. They also explored colour blending, starting with a base of blue and experimenting with white, green, and black to create a stunning range of ocean-inspired tones. The children thoroughly enjoyed mixing shades and trying out new techniques. Next week, they will use their printing tools to build layered backgrounds for their sea life artwork—we can’t wait to see the finished results!
Wishing you a relaxing weekend and plenty of sunshine!
Swimming
- 3M - Tuesday
- 3S - Wednesday
- 3H - Monday
- 3T - Wednesday
PE
- 3M - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Friday - Outdoor PE
- 3S - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 3H - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Friday - Outdoor PE
- 3T - Monday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
Letters sent home this week
Year 4
The children have worked incredibly hard on all their tests and should be commended for the resilience and determination they have shown throughout the week.
In English, the children have begun their unit on biographies. We started off by finding out information about P.T. Barnum, using a range of sources. In groups, the children sorted facts into specific categories then, using their findings, they retold the events of P.T. Barnum’s life to a partner in their own words.
We have also continued to study our Layered Reading text, The Butterfly Lion and have used a range of skills to answer a variety of questions about what we have read.
As mathematicians, the children used their prior knowledge of co-ordinates to locate and plot points on a grid.
In science, our new topic on Life Cycles was introduced. Using a range of pictures of living things, the children identified their characteristics and grouped them accordingly.
As artists, we have focused on the work of L.S. Lowry. Adopting Lowry's distinctive style, the children experimented by drawing a range of buildings, fairground rides and attractions. They have also looked in detail at the way he represented people, and have mimicked his style to produce some of their own ‘matchstick figures’.
On Thursday, it was 4SW’s turn to visit Coastal Schools. In their groups, they designed, created and played their own fairground-style games using supplied equipment. Once again, the children enjoyed this valuable experience of their local area.
Swimming
- 4B - Monday
- 4E - Friday
- 4SW - Monday
- 4C - Wednesday
PE
- 4B - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 4E - Monday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 4SW - Friday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 4C - Monday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
Letters sent home this week
Year 5
The children have shown their resilience this week during their tests and despite the heat and lots of exciting external events, they have worked hard and with good humour.
In English lessons, we have introduced our book from another culture: Cloud Tea Monkeys. This is a story about tea-pickers and how a little girl, despite all of the odds against her and with some help from some simian friends, overcomes authority. The children have begun looking at different characters within the text and how external events affect them both positively and negatively. On Friday, they took on the role of a royal tea taster, having the opportunity to taste different teas and describe the taste and fragrance using the language of the senses. They were then tasked with writing a recommendation of their favourite tea to the ‘Empress of the known world and all the bits that have not yet been discovered’.
In our Connected Curriculum lessons, the children have become photographers. Inspired by some of the greats, including Yusuf Karf and Annie Lebovist, the children considered how to use light and light modifiers to create an image. They then used some of the features on the iPad to manipulate the tone and saturation in order to represent the Mayan mask they had designed in the previous week. Using the drawing tool on the iPad, they added elements of their mask to creature some truly outstanding and in some cases frightening pieces of artwork.
In our PSHE lessons this half term, the children are learning about how to keep themselves safe. In class, they created a plan for keeping themselves safe in certain scenarios. We were impressed at how sensible and thoughtful they were and would encourage them to share their plan with you and possibly discuss the emergency procedures that they have considered.
Finally, Year 5 were excited to welcome Charlotte Wells from the Essex Wildlife Trust, into school on Thursday. As part of our Eco-Schools journey, in which Charlotte has been supporting us, the children created artwork using single-use plastics to promote discussion about the damage that this kind of plastic and careless disposal of rubbish is causing to our oceans. We look forward to showing you the results of our creativity during our upcoming Open Evening.
Swimming
- 5K - Tuesday
- 5F - Thursday
- 5L - Tuesday
- 5G - Thursday
PE
- 5K - Friday - Indoor PE - Wednesday - Outdoor PE
- 5F- Friday - Indoor PE - Wednesday - Outdoor PE
- 5L - Thursday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 5G - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Monday- Outdoor PE
Letters sent home this week
Year 6
This week has been rather unusual in that, due to two classes taking part in Bikeability, not all four classes have been working on parallel learning. Therefore, it’s probably best to share with you some of the activities that your child might have done this week.
As artists, many of the children have embarked on a study of Monet’s iconic painting of the Houses of Parliament as an introduction to their Awesome Art topic. They have subsequently analysed his artistic style and applied aspects of it in their own artwork, linked to their newly-found knowledge of significant landmarks.
Excitement is beginning to build for our Leavers’ Assembly, with the first round of auditions taking place in class this week. It has been wonderful to see so many pupils stepping forward with enthusiasm and courage, keen to showcase their talents and contribute to what promises to be a memorable production. There was plenty of laughter and support across the classrooms, creating a warm and encouraging atmosphere. We now look forward to the next stage—what we like to call the Hollywood Round—where pupils from all classes will come together for the next phase of auditions.
In science, the children have been investigating lung capacity through a practical and data-rich experiment. They gathered their own results and explored the range of factors that can affect lung function, including height, health and lifestyle. This hands-on activity helped to deepen their understanding of the respiratory system and its role within the human body.
Swimming
- All Classes - Friday
PE
- 6D - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 6A - Thursday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 6P - Thursday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 6W - Thursday - Indoor PE - Tuesday- Outdoor PE
Letters sent home this week
Online Safety
The remarkable growth of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has opened up exciting new opportunities for young learners. Used wisely, AI can be a powerful ally in boosting creativity, learning and problem-solving skills. However, without proper guidance, young people may stumble into challenges including inaccurate information, data security risks, and a growing reliance on AI over their own critical thinking.
From setting clear usage boundaries to teaching digital hygiene and promoting independent thought, this guide offers parents practical advice on the safe, positive use of AI. With the right understanding and guidance, you can ensure that generative AI becomes a positive influence, rather than a potential pitfall in young people’s digital lives.
General News
SEESMA 2025
On Monday evening, after many weeks of rehearsals and learning of words, 28 children from West Leigh Junior School participated in the Junior Music Festival at The Cliffs Pavilion. The theme of the evening was Retro Classics where the children performed a wide variety of songs from the 70s and 80s. It was a fantastic evening with lots of singing and dancing and some audience participation! The 28 children were excellent and performed to a high standard. A special mention for Chester in Year 6 who was an announcer for the evening. He was very confident and learnt his words well. Well done SEESMA Choir!
Sports News
Borough Sports 2025
It is that time of year again...
Athletes from across Southend have been training for months in preparation for Borough Sports! The standard this year was incredibly high, but West Leigh gave it their all and performed brilliantly in their events.
West Leigh finished in 3rd place overall, with a 3rd-place finish in the track events and a 4th-place finish in the field events. The determination shown by our track athletes to fight until the very end of their races, was remarkable.
There were extraordinary achievements from across the school. Lexi Shinn fought from 6th to 2nd in the final straight of her 400m race, and Polly Morley reached the final of the 80m sprint in her first appearance at Borough Sports!
Our field athletes were powerful yet precise with their throws and jumps, ensuring they maintained good form and technique in their attempts. Primrose Fox won gold in the tennis ball throw event — a hidden talent unearthed at athletics club! Poppy McCaughran won gold in the rounders ball throw, qualifying for Super Sports for the second consecutive year.
The West Leigh staff are incredibly proud of the effort, behaviour, and sportsmanship shown by the children, who applauded not only their teammates but also athletes from all schools.
Summer Term Inspirational Person
This half term's inspirational person is Katie Stagliano, who founded the charity Katie's Krops at a young age. Her work all started with a school project - growing a cabbage! She managed to grow an enormous cabbage which she donated to feed the homeless. When she realised that her cabbage had helped provide meals to 275 people, she started to wonder what a whole garden might do. After setting up a garden in her school, Katie's project grew until she had young people across America creating their own gardens and donating the produce. Her empathy, compassion and selflessness have inspired us all!
The challenge for this half term can be found on Showbie - don't forget that there are prizes available! Children should design a garden or allotment that could be used to grow crops to feed people who do not have enough money to buy food. They can upload their design to Showbie or hand it in to Mrs London.
Dinner Menu
Week 2
Monday - Homemade Creamy Cheese and Vegetable Pasta Bake with Garlic Bread - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonniase - Wholemeal Wrap with Ham and Tortilla Chips - Sweetcorn, Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Raspberry Mousse
Tuesday - Chinese Chicken Curry - Chinese Vegetable Curry - Granary Baguette with Cheese - Steamed Rice and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Biscuit
Wednesday - Pork Sausage Toad in the Hole with Gravy - Vegan Sausage Toad in the Hole with Gravy - Granary Baguette with Tuna Mayonnaise - Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Cornflake Crunch
Thursday - Mild Chilli Con Carne - Vegetable and Bean Chilli Con Carne - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans Cheese or Tuna Mayonniase - Rice and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Cherry Chocolate Cake
Friday - Margherita Pizza with Chunky Chips - Vegan Pizza with Chunky Chips - Wholemeal Wrap with Salmon and Sweetcorn with Tortilla Chips - Homemade Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh fruit, Yoghurt or Fruity Jelly
Following a meeting with the School Council and Mrs Froydenland, the school have voted for a special American-themed lunch that will be available on Thursday 10th June.
Don't forget to check out our new online bookshop here.
Sports Awards
The award for Most Improved goes to Adhish Saravanan in 5F for demonstrating great progress in finding space on the opponent's side of the volleyball court in PE lessons.
The Sports Performer award goes to Everly Pocknell in 5L for demonstrating an excellent technique for an overarm bowl in cricket.
House Points
Achievements
We are delighted to celebrate the success of Mollie Ball, who recently took part in a gymnastics competition and came away with an incredible three medals!
Mollie showed great courage and determination, overcoming her nerves to perform in front of an audience — a true example of resilience and dedication.
She was awarded Gold medals for both her beam and floor routines, and a Bronze for her performance on the bars.
Well done, Mollie!
Parent Council
The full list of councillors, along with their email addresses if you wish to contact them, can be found on our school website. The minutes from our meetings are also published on this page, which can be found using the following link: https://www.westleighjunior.co.uk/parent-council
A reminder that answers to many of the previously discussed items at parent council can be found on the 'hot topics' section of our website: https://www.westleighjunior.co.uk/hot-topics
This includes subjects such as lost property, lunchtime arrangements, clubs and much more.
We still have vacancies in 4C and 6P - if you are able to spare an evening each term to represent your class, it would be of great benefit to the school. Our meetings are held at 4.30pm and councillors are able to use our After School Club, free of charge to assist with child care during the meeting. Please contact Mrs London if you are able to volunteer.
Community News
We've created a dedicated space on our website to share flyers for local events and community support. Click the link below to explore what's happening in our area.
Autumn 1 Term Diary Dates
September
- Monday 1st - INSET Day
- Monday 8th - Swimming restarts
- Wednesday 17th - Friday 19th - Year 5 Residential
October
- Monday 27th - Friday 31st - Half Term
November
- Tuesday 11th - Flu Immunisations
- Wednesday 19th - Year 6 - Young Shakespeare Macbeth
- Monday 24th - Friday 28th - Book Fair
December
- Friday 19th - INSET DAY
- Monday 22nd - Friday 2nd January - Christmas Break
Credits:
Created with images by Christy Thompson - "make a date" • Pixel-Shot - "Female hands with newspapers on color background" • Kaspars Grinvalds - "Tablet with sports news website on stack of newspapers. All contents are made up." • Anomal - "Hand holding bright shining big gold trophy cup on blue background" • Brian Jackson - "Calendar appointment"