Dear Parents/Carers,
It has been another busy week at West Leigh. Our School Councillors had an interesting day grilling politicians in the Houses of Parliament, the whole school had fun exercising on trampolines with Boogie Bounce and we finished the week with an amazing Careers Day on Friday. Thank you so much to our volunteers for giving up their time to talk about their jobs. It gave the children a fascinating insight into some future career possibilities and they found it very interesting. We also had the privilege of welcoming David Burton-Sampson MP. A group of children were able to ask him some probing questions about life as an MP – I think we have some budding Jeremy Paxmans in our midst!
In addition to our other volunteers, we were very lucky to be visited by Olympic gymnast Georgia-Mae Fenton. All the children were able to attend an amazing assembly, into which she entered walking on her hands! She showed the children a selection of medals including European Championship Gold and World Championship Silver before demonstrating her gymnastic abilities. It was amazing to watch in such close proximity and the children will have taken a lot from her messages of hard work, resilience and perseverance.
Don't forget that next Friday is non-uniform day so that children can bring in a donation for the Summer Fayre on Saturday 14th June.
You may have read an article in the Evening Echo stating that West Leigh was one of only four Southend schools to receive a building improvement grant from the government. While this sounds impressive, I'd like to clarify that this grant is part of a national bidding process open to all academies across the country and is not a special or exclusive award - certainly not as exciting or lucrative as the Echo article would have us believe, unfortunately! Any investment in our school building is always welcome and helps us maintain the high standards and excellent condition of our facilities.
I hope you all have a great weekend,
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
Summer 2 Diary Dates
June
- Monday 9th - Wednesday 18th - Assessments in Years 3 - 5
- Monday 9th - Seesma rehearsal from 11.30am
- Seesma Concert - 7pm - 9.30pm
- Monday 9th - Thursday 19th - Year 6 Bikeability
- Tuesday 10th - Maths Quiz Club Semi Final
- Wednesday 11th - Borough Sports
- Thursday 12th - Coastal Schools - 4SW
- Year 3 water safety assembly
- Significant Male Sale
- Football Trials (5K and 5L)
- Friday 13th - non-uniform day for summer fayre
- Saturday 14th - Summer Fayre
- Monday 16th - Thursday 19th - Bikeability - Year 6
- Assessment 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
- Friday 20th - Sponsor Day for Havens Hospices
- Year 4 Cricket Competition
- 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
- Year 4 Quidditch Event
- Friday 27th - Year 3 Field Study
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 - King John induction morning - Year 6
- Wednesday 2nd - Year 5 IndiRock visit
- Rescheduled Field Trip for 4E and 4SW
- Thursday 3rd - Friday 4th - Year 3 Residential to Danbury
- Friday 4th - Year 6-7 Transition Day
- General Knowledge Quiz Club Finals @ Oxford University
- Boys' Choir singing with Music Man Project
- Monday 7th - Sports Day - no swimming
- Tuesday 8th - Sports Stacks Event - Year 3
- Wednesday 9th - Year 5 IndiRock visit
- 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
- Wednesday 23rd - Last day of term - no After School Club
Year 3
It has been a wonderful start to the last half term of the year. The children have returned refreshed, positive and are looking very grown up all of a sudden. There has been lots of enthusiasm displayed this week with the introduction of our unit on newspaper reports in English lessons. The children have enjoyed exploring newspaper articles and identifying their features. They have created headlines and opening paragraphs based on photographs for inspiration. They will be moving on to writing a full newspaper report next week linked to our new layered reading book, This Morning I Met a Whale by Michael Morpurgo.
Maths has been an opportunity to review many of the skills, knowledge and understanding that has been covered so far this term. The children have all reviewed the four operations, place value and tackled word problems.
"Let there be light" is the focus of this half term's science learning. The children sorted pictures into natural, artificial and not a light source. There was lots of discussion over the moon and the children were quite surprised to find out that it only reflects light and is not actually a source of light.
The children were also fascinated to explore how the River Thames has been used as a transport route throughout history and the many changes in the crossings, exploring the reasons behind this, such as; population growth and advances in technology.
Request: If you have any thick cardboard at home, please send into school. The children will be using it towards the end of next week as part of our printing unit in art lessons. We would be very grateful for any donations.
Wishing you all a restful weekend.
Reminders:
- Next week is our assessment week and therefore we will not be sending spellings home but it would be useful to review the spellings learnt this term.
- Don't forget that PE days have switched to the Summer 2 timetable, so please ensure your child is wearing their kit on the correct days.
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
Year 4
It has been lovely to welcome the children back after their break. We look forward to a busy, but exciting half-term ahead.
In English, we have continued to study The Jabberwocky poem by Lewis Carroll. After a recap on word classes, the children used their prior knowledge to plan a sequel poem. They wrote their verses using the same rhythm as the original and included suitable nonsense words for effect.
The main focus in maths has been on the Multiplication Tables Check. Three of the four classes have completed this with one more scheduled for next week. Here, the children answered a selection of times tables questions under timed conditions. We commend the children for all the effort and determination they have shown during this process.
As scientists, the children reviewed what they had learnt within our unit on electricity and completed a quiz to demonstrate their knowledge. Some children completed posters and some children devised their own questions to ask others about the topic.
As geographers, 4B and 4C went on their field trip to Southend in order to find the answer to the question: ‘Is Southend-on–Sea a suitable location for a theme park?’ They used various fieldwork techniques such as completing field sketches, carrying out questionnaires with the general public and traffic surveys. They thoroughly enjoyed the valuable experience and found out a great deal about the area in terms of its human and physical features. Unfortunately, 4E and 4SW were not able to attend their field trip due to bad weather, so this has been postponed to a later date that will be communicated in due course.
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
Year 5
It is incredible that we are in the final half term of this school year; however, the children in Year 5 still have plenty to learn and lots of fun to experience before we wave them off to Year 6.
In our layered reading lessons, the tension is ramping up. The children have turned their thoughts to a decision the main character will need to make that could potentially put him in danger. They also revised their knowledge of the structure of a story.
In maths lessons, we have focused on statistics. The children have studied a range of different graphs including line graphs, applying their knowledge to answer questions and look for trends in data. In some classes, they have also reviewed the use of timetables and other ways that data can be presented.
Later in the week, the children were literally bouncing off the walls when Boogie Bounce visited with their mini trampolines. Each class enjoyed 30 minutes of extra physical activity whilst also having a huge amount of fun.
On a calmer note, Yoga has been reintroduced to our indoor PE lessons with a focus on building strength and flexibility and practising relaxation techniques.
Finally, the children were able to unleash their artistic skills whilst learning about the Mayans. They learnt about the importance of masks and headdresses and what they signified for the Mayan people. They were then tasked to create their own mask and/or headdress which they will incorporate into a piece of digital art later in the term.
On Thursday 12th June, Year 5 will be visited by Charlotte Wells from The Essex Wildlife Trust. She will be working with the children on creating an art project to raise awareness about single-use plastics and how they are damaging our marine environment. A request has gone home in communication books for a collection of small plastic items that will be incorporated into a beautiful piece of artwork with a message.
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, Year 6 have once again demonstrated their creativity, critical thinking and enthusiasm across a wide range of subjects. In English, pupils were deeply inspired by the emotionally powerful music video Skin by Rag’n’Bone Man. Using the video as a stimulus, they crafted emotive narratives that followed the journey of a lonely boy navigating a war-torn landscape in search of connection. The writing they produced was mature, sensitive and reflective of the children's growing ability to write with depth and purpose.
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
Online Safety
Emojis aren’t just digital decoration — they’re often used as a coded language that young people use to express identity, humour and emotion. Without context, they can easily be misunderstood by adults, leading to confusion or missed signals. Some emojis may even mask risky behaviours or emotional struggles.
This guide helps decode this ever-evolving language, empowering parents to have more open, informed conversations with the children in their care. It also highlights the meaning of some common emojis and offers practical tips for staying clued-in without snooping or suspicion.
General News
Boogie Bounce!
This week, the children of West Leigh were treated to an energetic and unforgettable fitness experience as Jump Warehouse delivered two fantastic days of Boogie Bounce trampoline sessions. From the moment the music started, the session was filled with laughter, excitement, and non-stop energy. Bouncing on mini trampolines to high-tempo music, the children threw themselves into the fun, following choreographed routines, with huge smiles and boundless enthusiasm.
The sessions offered the perfect blend of fitness and fun — a workout disguised as a party! Every pupil got involved, showing great determination, rhythm, and joy as they bounced through the session. It was a brilliant celebration of movement and wellbeing, and a fantastic way to keep active while having fun. The buzz around the school said it all: Boogie Bounce was a huge hit!
School Council Visit to The Houses of Parliament
On Thursday, members of the School Council had the exciting opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament. Despite a very rainy journey into London, spirits remained high throughout the day.
The visit included a fascinating tour of the historic Palace of Westminster, where the children were thrilled to get a glimpse inside both the House of Commons and the House of Lords while they were in session. One of the highlights was witnessing a live debate on free school meals, which sparked great interest and curiosity among the children.
The group was also joined by our local MP, David Burton-Sampson, who kindly took the time to answer a range of thoughtful—and at times challenging—questions.
Throughout the visit, the children represented West Leigh with impeccable behaviour and enthusiasm. They were a credit to the school and wonderful ambassadors for our school community.
Careers Day
Today was our whole school Careers Day, and what a brilliant day it was! The children engaged in various activities that allowed them to explore the skills required for different jobs. They attended workshops and presentations delivered by parents and members of the local community, including our local MP, David Barton-Sampson.
As part of the day, the children enjoyed an assembly with Olympic gymnast Georgia-Mae Fenton. She shared her career journey, achievements, and even demonstrated some of her amazing skills. The children had the opportunity to hold her medals and ask questions about her career as a gymnast.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to all the parents, relatives, and community members who generously gave their time to make our Careers Day truly special. Many of you created engaging, interactive presentations that the children thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot from. The children heard about a wide range of careers, from the creative to the academic. Thank you for your support in providing such exciting learning experiences for our children.
Sports News
KS2 Cricket Competition
On Wednesday this week, nine Year 6 boys represented our school at the KS2 cricket competition held at Garon Park.
In our opening match against Greenways, the team displayed excellent batting and fielding. It was a very close contest, but we were narrowly beaten 102–99. However, the boys bounced back brilliantly in the next game, securing a convincing 108–56 win over Fairways. Building on that momentum, we rounded off the group stage with a superb 118–49 victory against Bournemouth Park.
Progressing into Round 2, the boys continued to impress. A tight game against Our Lady of Lourdes saw us win 114–100, followed by another strong performance beating Prince Avenue 98–88 and then St George’s 85–61.
In the semifinal, we faced Darlinghurst and once again delivered a solid all-round display, winning 108–80.
That took us to the final—another clash with Prince Avenue. It was a nail-biting match that came down to the very last ball. We were leading 57–56, but a six on the final delivery meant Prince Avenue edged it 62–57.
Despite the narrow loss, both teams will go on to represent Southend in the Essex finals on 2nd July.
The boys should be extremely proud of their efforts. They showed fantastic spirit, determination, and teamwork throughout the day. It was a true team performance, and they represented the school with pride.
Well done to all involved!
Year 6 Girls’ Cricket
A huge well done to the Year 6 girls' cricket team who showed great determination and skill during their matches on Thursday, despite the challenging wet weather conditions.
The team have been working hard in training over the past few weeks, particularly focusing on developing their overarm bowling and batting techniques. That dedication truly paid off and was clearly visible in their performances on the field.
West Leigh were placed in a group with Greenways, St George’s, and Edwards Hall. They played three competitive matches:
- West Leigh 45 – 92 Greenways
- West Leigh 67 – 63 Edwards Hall
- West Leigh 85 – 98 St George’s
While the team secured a brilliant win against Edwards Hall and put in strong performances in all matches, they narrowly missed out on a place in the semi-finals after a close loss to St George’s.
We’re incredibly proud of the team’s efforts and sportsmanship—well done, girls!
Next up: It will soon be the turn of our Year 4 cricket and rounders teams, who will compete in two weeks’ time. Good luck!
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 1
Monday - Homemade sausage tomato and vegetable wholemeal pasta - Jacket Potato (with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise) - Granary Baguette with Cheese - Sweetcorn, Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Cocktail
Tuesday - Pork Meatballs in Tomato Sauce - Quorn Meatballs in Tomato Sauce - Jacket Potato (with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise) Pasta, Sweetcorn and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruity Flapjack
Wednesday - Traditional Roast Chicken in Gravy - Quorn in Vegetable Gravy - Granary Baguette with Tuna Mayonnaise - Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Carrots, Green Beans and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Banana Cake
Thursday - 100% Beef Burger in a Bun - Vegetable Burger in a Bun - Wholemeal Wrap with Egg Mayonnaise and Tortilla Chips - Baby Potatoes, Homemade Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Carrot Cake
Friday - 100% Fish Fingers - Vegetable Fingers - Wholemeal Wrap with Salmon and Sweetcorn - Potatoes Cubes, Baked Beans and Salad Bar - Fresh fruit, Yoghurt or Ice Cream Sponge
Don't forget to check out our new online bookshop here.
Achievements
Over the recent bank holiday weekend, Enzo took part in the Lakeside Fashion Show—an exciting event attended by hundreds of shoppers each day! Enzo was one of only three children selected to take part, having been put forward by his dance teacher just a week before the show. He was chosen for his ability to follow instructions and for being such a great listener. Well done, Enzo, for representing so brilliantly!
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." • Brian Jackson - "Calendar appointment"