What fabulous start to the new academic year it has been! Our Global Warriors topic has been a huge success in school with a range of activities linking to our World. We have some very passionate children who are determined to reverse global warming and save our seas - it is truly lovely to hear them talk so enthusiastically about their learning.
In this Issue
Theme of the Year: Dream Big
This year we are introducing a 'theme of the year' and aiming for our children to Dream Big. We have launched this with an assembly talking about, what is a dream? We have listened to lots of children's aspirations for the future and heard some magical ideas. Each class has chosen a selection of dreams which have been added onto our new Regent Farm Snowdog. He stands proudly at the end of our library and the children have thoroughly enjoyed seeing their ideas represented in the artwork. We will be continuing to return to this theme across the year, supporting our children to reach for the stars!
School of Sanctuary
I am delighted to announce that school has been awarded as a School of Sanctuary. We want to live in a world where every child feels safe and accepted regardless of what they believe, where they are from or what they look like; a world where cultural diversity is valued and celebrated. The children have taken part in a range of curriculum learning over the last year, and in refugee week to increase their knowledge and understanding: we will be continuing this work moving forward.
A School of Sanctuary is a school that helps its children, staff and wider community understand what it means to be seeking sanctuary and to extend a welcome to everyone as equal valued members of the school community. By becoming a School of Sanctuary, we are fostering a culture of welcome and inclusion in our school community. We will offer refuge to those who need it and will be equipping pupils and students with intercultural skills and the ability to have compassion in what is, for many, a turbulent world.
Shaun on the Tyne and St Oswald's
Sadly the Shaun on the Tyne trail has now ended but it’s been a wonderful summer and we’re so glad that lots of children took part in the sheep hunting! It has been fabulous to see all the medals, pictures and certificates. A huge congratulations to those children who found all 115 sculptures - an amazing achievement. The farewell event takes place at Newcastle Civic Centre on the 7th and 8th October where you'll be able to see all the sheep under one roof!
A huge thank you to the donations we received this week. As you know we have been collecting money for St Oswald's Hospice over the last few months and our final total stands at £1,717.30. This is an amazing contribution to a charity which supports so many at a time of need.
Reception and Middle School Applications
Reception September 2024 - The application process has opened for children who wish to join our reception classes next year. Applications cannot be made directly to school, but must go to through Newcastle City Council using the weblink below. The deadline for application is 15th January 2024. We are offering tours of our reception during the day and open evenings. If you would like to book onto a session please contact the school office.
Middle School September 2024 - If your child is currently in year 4, you will need to apply for a middle school place for September: your child does not automatically get offered a space. The deadline for applications is 31st October 2023 and you will find out which school you have been offered on 1st March. We advice parents to use all four preferences.
Reading at Regent Farm
Reading is a huge priority at school; we want children to develop a love of books and reading. Staff are passionate about the importance of reading, both as a skill in its own right and as means for accessing the entire school curriculum through first, middle and into high school.
The staff have been working hard over the summer to create snug reading corners in every classroom for children to enjoy. We have also redesigned parts of the school library. Can I also take this opportunity to remind parents about our 'Read Around the World' scheme for children in year 1 to year 4. If you read with your child three different times during a week, they will receive an stamp in their diary. These stamps help them move around the world in their classroom, gaining certificates and rewards as they go.
Building on the success of the class reading cushions in Early Years, next month we will be launching our 'reading boxes'. Each week a different child in class will bring the box home to share some stories, snuggle with our school bear, and enjoy a treat. We hope all our families will cherish this opportunity to share books together.
Important Messages
- Our new school website is now live. We hope you will find it easier to navigate and it will give you all the information you need about life in school. Lots of curriculum detail is included in our Year Group and Subject pages if you would like any further details about your child's learning. Please do let the school office know if you would like any other content included.
- Bumblebees Collection - Please remember our Bumblebees After School Club closes at 5:45pm. You must arrive by this time to collect your child. Additional charges will be applied to cover staff costs if children are not collected on time.
- Our new outside area has been completed - this is a fabulous addition to school and will be well used by everyone over the coming weeks and months.
- Please remember that learning starts at 8:45am, if your child arrives after this time they are missing out on experiences in the classroom. Please ensure you leave home early enough to get to school on time. Our Family Support Advisor will contact parents who are regularly late to see what we can do to help ensure your child arrives on time.
- If you think you might be eligible for Free School Meals, it is always worth trying to apply on the website below. You should get a quick response and it may secure additional funds for the children including weekly shopping vouchers during school holidays.
Dates for Next Half Term
- Thursday 28th September Cauliflower Christmas Cards sent home for ordering
- Friday 29th September Year 4 meeting for parents at 2:45pm about Hawkhirst Residential Trip
- Thursday 5th October Deadline for returning Christmas Card
- Thursday 5th October Flu Immunisation
- Thursday 5th October Year 3 trip to St Mary's Lighthouse
- Tuesday 10th October Y2 Trip to Northumberland Zoo
- Thursday 19th October SEN Drop in with Mrs Doonan Please email the school office if you would like an appointment.
- Friday 20th October Harvest Collection for People’s Kitchen
- Wednesday 25th October Year 1 Environmental Day
- Thursday 26th October Fancy Dress Day and Spooky Disco