Dear Parents and Carers,
What an amazingly busy week to finish our penultimate half term of the year at Hamstel Infants! We've had a great time filled with exciting activities and brilliant learning experiences.
Our Reception classes had a wonderful time with their parents in the sewing workshops this week. It was lovely to see so many parents getting involved and helping the little ones create their own mini masterpieces. The children loved showing off their new sewing skills, and we had some amazing creations by the end of the session. Thank you to all the parents who joined us – your support makes such a difference!
Our Year 1 children had an interesting visit to the local Southend Christian Fellowship church. They learnt about the church's history, architecture, and the role it plays in the community. It was a great experience for the children to see first-hand what they've been learning about in class. A big thank you to Southend Christian Fellowship for hosting us and to all the parents who helped with the trip!
Our Boom Whackers Day on Tuesday quite literally went with a bang! The whole school got involved in making music with these colourful, fun instruments and it was incredible to see children across the school creating such lively musical rhythms. The energy was amazing, and it was a perfect way to celebrate a love of music. Thanks to Miss Whiston for organising such a fun event!
After half term, we have a fairly quiet first week back before the real madness of the summer term begins but we do have our community police officers coming in to lead a whole school assembly and hopefully our Reception children will have the chance to meet some police officers and to see their police cars.
During the same week, Year 1 parents are invited into school to experience our outdoor learning sessions with their children. We hope you can make it!
I hope you all have a lovely half term together and we look forward to welcoming you all back on Monday 3rd June, when we will be eagerly looking forward to more exciting events and learning adventures during the rest of the summer term!
Scott Roche
Principal
Diary Dates
May
- Monday 27th - BANK HOLIDAY
- Tuesday 28th - Friday 31st - May Half Term
June
- Monday 3rd - Newt Class - Come and Join Outdoor Learning
- Tuesday 4th - Reception & Nursery Police visit
- KS1 Police Assembly
- Duck Class - Come and Join Outdoor Learning
- Wednesday 5th - Dragonfly Class - Come and Join Outdoor Learning
- Thursday 6th - Heron Class - Come and Join Outdoor Learning
- Friday 7th - Nursery Library visits
- Monday 10th - Thursday 14th - Phonics Screening Week
- Tuesday 11th - Otter & Hedgehog Beach visit
- Nursery Library visits
- Wednesday 12th - Fox & Squirrel Beach visit
- Friday 14th - INSET DAY
- Monday 17th - Owl & Kingfisher Church visit
- Nursery Library visit
- Tuesday 18th - Speak Out Stay Safe Assemblies
- Wednesday 19th - SPORTS DAY
- Speak Out Stay Safe Assemblies
- Thursday 20th - Friday 21st - Year 2 Mini First Aid Session
- Speak Out Stay Safe Assemblies
- Friday 21st - Woodpecker & Peacock Church visit
- Speak Out Stay Safe Assemblies
- 3Ts Cricket
- Tuesday 25th - Newt & Dragonfly Beach visit
- Wednesday 26th - Heron & Duck Beach visit
- Friday 28th - Borough Sports
- SEND Coffee Morning
July
- Monday 1st - Summer Safety Assembly by Fire Service
- Tuesday 2nd - Owl & Woodpecker Beach visit
- School Nurse Drop In Session
- Wednesday 3rd - Parent Council Meeting
- Thursday 4th - Year 2 Speak Out, Stay Safe Workshop
- Mini Games
- Friday 5th - Talking Transition/ Class Swap
- Tuesday 9th - Water Safety Assembly
- Wednesday 10th - Year 2 Disco
- 9am & 2.24pm Year 1 Curriculum meeting for current Reception parents
- Thursday 11th - 9am & 2.45pm - Year 2 Curriculum meeting for current Year 1 parents
- Summer Fair
- Friday 12th - Kingfisher & Peacock Beach visit
- Monday 15th - 3.30pm - 4.30pm - Open Evening
- Nursery Teddy Bears Picnic
- Tuesday 16th - Year 2 End of Year show (Otter & Hedgehog parents)
- Reception Superhero Dress Up Day
- Wednesday 17th - Year 2 End of Year show (Squirrel & Fox parents)
- Friday 19th - Last Day of Term
- Monday 22nd - INSET DAY
Nursery
This week we have been learning about minibeasts. We have shared ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ which is always a firm favourite. We have enjoyed looking at the food that the caterpillar ate and sorting them into healthy and unhealthy foods.
In Maths we have introduced the names of 3D shapes and looked at the symmetrical patterns on butterflies.
In Outdoor learning the children enjoyed looking for minibeasts.
In RWI we have been learning the sounds ‘u’ and ‘b’
Please click on the links below to practise the sounds at home
Fred Games
REMINDER: If you are able to help with our library trips could you please let Miss Brooks or Mrs Snashall Know, Many Thanks
As the weather is getting warmer please ensure that you apply suncream before attending Nursery and provide a named hat for your child Thank you.
Could you please ensure that your child's cardigan or jumper has their name written in it as we have a lot in our lost property box with no names on.
Please ensure that your child has spare clothes at nursery especially now that the weather is getting warmer as we will have water play in the garden.
Please could you return any Nursery spare clothes as our supply is getting very low thank you.
Letters sent home this week
Rainbow & Starlight
Rainbow
This week we have continued learning about zoo animals, different textures, noises and emotions.
The children have been practicing some simple additions from 1 to 10. Subtractions up to 5 (depending on child's ability). We have looked at measurements, sizes and repositions.
The children have done some lovely letter formations, cvc words and sentence writing. We have continued with RWInc which is prepared according to the child's ability, reading and fine motor skills.
Turn taking and learning to share. We have looked at different emotions and feelings, the children have been learning Makaton signs, identifying feelings and what makes us happy or sad. It has been a very busy week for the children, and we are very proud of all their hard work. Friday was all about having fun and relaxing, playing together and being mindful of our friends' feelings.
Wishing everyone a lovely half term break.
Letter formation: Ladder, curly caterpillar, robot and zigzag letters.
Maths: Additions 1 – 10 (according to ability) /subtractions 1-5
Starlight
In Starlight this week, the children have completed activities around the book 'Dear Zoo'. We talked about the animals in the book and other animals we might find in a zoo. The children practised their cutting skills making monkey masks, which they used for play afterwards.
We focused in writing on independent name writing and finding other children’s names.
In Maths, we continued with many number activities, including matching numbers, ordering numbers and finding missing numbers. We did extra practice on the writing of numbers correctly.
The children really enjoyed the PE lesson today. They were full of energy and loved exploring and using the hoops.
Reception Year
This week we have been learning about minibeasts. In outdoor learning we have enjoyed hunting for minibeasts, observing them carefully and identifying and naming them. We have been writing about minibeasts trying to use lots of interesting adjectives to describe them.
In PSHE, we have started our new unit ‘Growing and Changing’ and this week we have been thinking about why we are unique and special.
In Science we have been comparing animals that live in hot climate countries, identifying similarities and differences. In Geography, we have been comparing life in England and life in hot climate countries.
The children were proud to show off their sewing skills to their grown-ups at the sewing workshop on Thursday. Thank you for everyone who attended.
How to help at home
Handwriting
Reading
Continue to listen to your child read at 5 least five times a week. Please continue to listen to your child over the half-term holiday. The more the children re-read the same book, the more fluent and confident they will become. You might want to try encouraging your child to read with expression.
Letters sent home this week
Year One
In literacy this week we have been learning about instructional writing. We looked at examples of different kinds of instructions and noted their features. This tied in perfectly with our DT as we have been making fruit kebabs. We learned how to chop different kinds of fruit and vegetables and then created a pattern of up to 3 fruits we liked the best. We then got to eat the kebabs and they were delicious! We used this experience to write our own set of instructions ‘How to make a fruit kebab’.
In maths we have been looking at time. We have been learning o’clock and half past. We have learned that a clock usually has two hands; a minute hand and an hour hand and sometimes a second hand. We used our own mini clocks to practice with.
We also had a lovely visit to the church this week which the children thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to our parent helpers for coming along.
How to help at home
REMINDER: In addition to the weekly QR codes and links to the Virtual Classroom, we will be sending home additional QR codes for the half-term to help prepare and support the children for the upcoming Phonics Screening Check.
Outdoor learning is the first week back after half term.
Letters sent home this week
Year Two
What another busy week in Year 2! In Literacy the children have been using their creative writing skills to write their own versions of Sleeping Beauty. The children planned their stories first and changed the curse that was put on Sleeping Beauty. There were some fabulous ideas across the year group, which made the staff smile when reading their stories.
In Maths this week the children have returned to 2d shape and have been looking at symmetry in shapes and complex figures. The children had to find the line of symmetry and show they understand where it is by drawing lines. The children have also explored drawing some of the common 2d shapes, this is very tricky, so we used dotty paper to help.
The children have enjoyed this half terms observational drawing focus which has been linked to our theme, Africa. The children have been looking closely at African artefacts such as drums, ornaments and jewellery. All the children worked very hard at looking at the detail of these artefacts.
In RE this week, we have explored the story of The Crying Camel, an Islamic story which illustrates the power of Allah (God) as the creator and the importance of looking after animals. The children enjoyed listening to this story and discussing the importance of being kind to animals.
The Boom Whacker sessions on Tuesday were a big success and the children had a wonderful time making music with these instruments.
REMINDERS:
Letters sent home this week
Boom Whaker Workshop
On Tuesday 21st May the school had a day of boom whaker sessions run by the Rhythm Connections team.
The children each had a session with their classes in the hall and were able to explore the instruments and then be shown how to play and use them properly. The children were able to take turns in trying out different roles such as conducting the rest of their class, playing in tune to follow a song and progressing through the session. They were able to explore the beat and rhythm of songs which linked to what we have been learning in our weekly music lessons as well as work with in their class to do this!
The sessions were varied and progressive for the year groups from reception to year 2 and each where just as engaging! The children were focused and joined in through out.
The staff were just as enthusiastic to join in with the children and learnt lots of key skills and ideas of how to use the Boom whakers within their lessons!
This workshop was funded by Music on Sea supported by funding from Arts Council England. You can find out more about Music on Sea by visiting www.musiconsea.co.uk
Reception Sewing Workshop
This half-term Reception have been learning about sewing. We have learnt what sewing is, how to thread a needle, what a running stitch is and we have all practised these skills.
Reception were very excited to have their grown-ups come into school to show off their skills by sewing and decorating a fish. We worked hard to thread our needles and sew the fish together. Once the fish were sewn together we stuffed and decorated them, following our designs. There were different materials we could use including: sequins, fabric and stick on eyes. It was so much fun!
Thank you to all the grown-ups that joined us for our sewing fish activity. The children loved having you in school!
Celebration Assembly - Working Together
This weeks value has been 'Working Together', below are highlights from around the classes.
Online Safety
A fitness tracker is a wrist-worn device that can measure your level of physical activity during the day. Each fitness tracker focuses on different things but in general, they tend to count steps taken, record sleep patterns and enable activity goals. They can also monitor heart rate, running distance and more. The first fitness tracker was created by Garmin in 2016 but Fitbit popularised fitness trackers for children by introducing the Fitbit Ace in 2018. Now they can be synched to children’s smartphones and used to make physical activity fun for children by giving out virtual badges or encouraging family challenges.
In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as unhealthy obsessions, unrealistic expectations and data leaks.
Dinner menu
Week 1
Monday - Beef Bolognaise with Spaghetti - Vegan Bolognaise with Spaghetti - Baked Jackets with Grated Cheese - Chicken Mayonnaise Baguette - Cheese Salad Wrap - Pea & Broccoli - Maryland Cookie
Tuesday - Ham & Cheese Pizza with Bakes Wedges - Margherita Pizza with Baked Wedges - Pasta & Tomato Sauce - Ham Sandwich - Cheese & Tomato Bloomer - Carrots & Sweetcorn - Apple Crumble with Custard
Wednesday - Roast Chicken with roast Potatoes & Gravy - Squash & Lentil Lasagna- Baked Jackets with Baked Beans - Tuna Sweetcorn Baguettes - Cheese Sandwich - Seasonal Greens & Cauliflower - Cherry Cornflake Cake
Thursday - Chilli Con Carne with Steamed Rice - Vegan Bean Chilli with Steamed Rice - Pasta & Tomato Sauce - Tuna Mayo Sandwich - Cheese Salad Wrap - Broccoli & Carrots - Chocolate & Pear Sponge
Friday - Breaded Fish Fingers with Chips & ketchup - Vegan Goujons with Chips & Ketchup - Baked Jackets with grated Cheese - Ham Sandwich - Egg Mayo Baguette - Peas & Baked Beans - Banana Flapjack
Freshly Baked Bread - Carrot & Beetroot or Wholemeal Bread.
PTA
The Friends of Hamstel have organised a 'pop-up' shop for the children to purchase a Father's Day gift for their dad or a special adult in their lives. There will be a selection of small gifts available for the children to choose from such as a 'tea-break' gift bag or a 'breakfast' gift bag. All gifts are £2. If the children would like to purchase a gift then they need to bring in £2 in a named envelope and the staff will take the children to choose their gift at the 'pop-up' shop during the day.
Friends of Hamstel Schools are requesting donations of teddies for a teddy tombola at the Summer Fair. Donations can be brought in via classroom doors or the office for us to pass on to the PTA.
Summer Fair
Friends of Hamstel Schools are busy planning a Summer Fair on Thursday 11th July 3-5pm.
They are also looking for willing volunteers to help with the planned Summer Fair.
Messages from the Office
SEND Coffee Morning
This morning we held the SEND Coffee Morning, which was well attended by parents. Little Heroes, an ASD support group, came along to provide us with information on all the activities and advice the group offer. It was a useful session with positive feedback from parents.
Anyone who is interested to know more about this group, there is a drop in session every Friday morning (during term time) at Garon Park Community Centre, between 10.00 and 12.00 (see leaflet). You are very welcome to attend.
We will have another SEND Coffee Morning on Friday 28th June, 9.00 – 10.00. Little Heroes have kindly offered to join us again. If you would like to attend, please email our SENCO, Petra Verkooijen.
School Nurse - Drop-in Sessions
Our School Nurse is next in school on the dates below, she is available to speak with parents or carers. You can either book a slot by contacting the school office or pop in, although the times will be subject to her availability.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Outdoor Learning
- Monday 3rd - Newt Class
- Tuesday 4th - Duck Class
- Wednesday 5th - Dragonfly Class
- Thursday 6th - Heron Class
- Friday 7th - Rainbow & Starlight Class
Swimming
- Tuesday - Heron & Squirrel Classes
- Wednesday - Newt & Hedgehog Classes
- Thursday - Dragonfly & Otter Classes
- Friday - Duck & Fox Classes
PE Days
Rainbow
- Friday
Nursery
- Thursday
- Friday
Reception
- Monday - Woodpecker Class
- Tuesday - Peacock Class
- Wednesday - Kingfisher Class
- Thursday - Owl Class
Year 1
- Monday - Duck Class
- Tuesday - Dragonfly Class
- Wednesday - Heron Class
- Thursday - Newt Class
Year 2
- Monday - Hedgehog Class
- Tuesday - Otter Class
- Wednesday - Fox Class
- Thursday - Squirrel Class
Attendance
Weekly Attendance Award
Reception Year: Kingfisher Class - 96.4%
Overall Reception Year attendance for the week 90.2%
Year 1: Duck Class - 97.5%
Overall Year 1 attendance for the week 95.4%
Year 2: Fox Class - 99.6% another week of excellent attendance from all the children in Fox Class, well done!
Overall Year 2 attendance for the week 99.6%
Whole School: 96.8%
If your child is going to be absent from school please contact the school office by 9am and leave a message on our answerphone or via ParentPay giving your child's name, class and specific reason for their absence.
Any planned absence for example medical appointments should be advised to the school office with a copy of the confirmation letter or text being provided. For other absence i.e weddings, holidays etc then a Leave of Absence Request form should be completed in advance. Copies of this can be obtained from the school office.
Clubs
New Club offers for after half-term.
Premier Education Club Information
Book onto clubs using this link www.premier-education.com
For before school clubs run by Premier Education drop-off is in our Infant School Hall. Enter through the Poynings Avenue gate and walk across the playground. The register will be taken by the club coach and once the club is finished children will be taken to their classrooms. Please arrive promptly.
For clubs after school run by Premier Education collection is from the Infant School Hall. Enter through the Poynings Avenue gate and walk across the playground. Children will have been escorted to the club by school staff for the start.
Collection time for all Premier Education after school clubs is 4.15pm. Premier Education staff will telephone parents/carers of any uncollected children after 5 minutes. Any child not collected after 10 minutes will be escorted to Hamstel Infant School & Nursery After School Club and a fee of £7.00 will be charged.
If you are unavoidably delayed please telephone the school emergency telephone number on 07526 079300 to speak with a staff member of our After School Club.
Bricks4Kidz Club Information
Book onto club using this link www.bricks4kidz.co.uk/essex
Bricks4Kidz Club is held in our Welcome classroom. Collection for this club is from the Reception Learning Garden (No mow) outside Woodpecker Class.
Collection time for the club is 4.15pm. Any child not collected after 10 minutes will be escorted to Hamstel Infant School & Nursery After School Club and a fee of £7.00 will be charged.
If you are unavoidably delayed please telephone the school emergency telephone number on 07526 079300 to speak with a staff member of our After School Club.