As we approach the end of a busy term, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful events that have brought our school community together. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at St Margaret’s Church on Tuesday evening for our annual Carol Concert. It was a truly magical occasion, filled with beautiful performances from our talented choirs, readers, ukulele group, and poetry performers. The evening perfectly captured the spirit of Christmas and marked the start of the festive season for us all. Today, the children had great fun choosing gifts for their loved ones at our Christmas gift sale, and we are looking forward to an exciting final week of term with more festive activities planned before we break up on Thursday. We wish all our families a very Merry Christmas and a happy, restful holiday. We look forward to welcoming the children back to school, refreshed and ready for a new term, on Monday 5th January.
Book Fair
Wow, wow, wow! Thank you so much for your support and generosity during our recent Book Fair at school. It was truly magical to see so many children excited about reading, even if the sale was a little cosy at times in our little book shop! Over the four days, the sales totalled more than £1800. This is a staggering amount and what makes it even more wonderful is that the school benefits to the tune of over £1000 to spend on new book resources for the book shelves and the curriculum. Thank you so much – the West Leigh reading community is very much alive and kicking!
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Autumn 2 Diary Dates - Year 3 - Year 4 - Year 5 - Year 6
Online Safety - Sports News - Dinner Menu - Book Shop
Autumn 2 Term Diary Dates
December
- Tuesday 16th - In School Carol Service
- Wednesday 17th - Year 3 Party
- Year 6 Movie Afternoon
- Thursday 18th - Festive non-uniform
- Year 3 Movie
- Christmas Singalong
- No After School Club
- Friday 19th - INSET DAY
- Monday 22nd - Friday 2nd January - Christmas Break
Year 3
What a wonderful week it has been in Year 3! The children have continued to work exceptionally hard and have shown great enthusiasm in all areas of their learning. We were also delighted to welcome a very special visitor - Darcey - our new school therapy dog! Her visit brought great joy to the children, and they are thrilled to know they will be seeing more of her during the spring term. In English, the children have been putting the finishing touches to their Stone Age Portal narratives, crafting engaging endings that include imaginative sequels. They then had the opportunity to professionally publish their stories, proudly sharing their final pieces with their classmates which was a real highlight of the week. In maths, the children have continued their work on measurement, exploring millimetres, centimetres and metres. They have been converting between units, adding and subtracting lengths, and solving a variety of question types, including practical tasks. Their understanding of perimeter has also grown as they measured a range of shapes and everyday objects. In history, the children investigated the geographical changes that took place in Britain during the Stone Age, including reasons for the separation of the UK from mainland Europe. They learned about Doggerland, exploring who lived there, what it was like, and how significant changes occurred over time. They also took part in a collaborative scavenger hunt, comparing animal species from the Stone Age to those we see in Britain today. The children identified animals that are now extinct and produced accurate drawings, paying careful attention to key features. In science, the children greatly enjoyed comparing a range of soil samples. They used close observation to explore the appearance and texture of each sample, discussed how to ensure a fair test, and recorded their findings with care and accuracy. Please note that there will be no spelling test next week due to our festive Christmas celebrations. The Year 3 team wish you all a warm, joyful and restful weekend as we look forward to the final days of the Christmas term!
Year 3/4 Boys' Football Trials: Letters have been sent out to the boys from Year 3 and 4 who expressed an interest in attending school football trials in January. If your child has changed their mind and would now like a letter, please contact the school office.
PE Days Spring 1
3T
- Indoor PE - Tuesday
- Outdoor PE - Friday
3H
- Indoor PE - Wednesday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
3L
- Indoor PE - Monday
- Outdoor PE - Friday
3M
- Indoor PE - Tuesday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
Swimming
- 3H - Monday
- 3L – Tuesday
- 3T – Wednesday
- 3M – Wednesday
Year 4
Over the course of the week, the children have been actively engaged in reviewing English and maths test papers. They have learnt how to improve answers: a vital step in their learning process. This practice has not only reinforced their understanding but has also promoted resilience and a growth mindset. By reflecting on answers in papers, the children have been learning to identify areas for improvement and develop their critical thinking skills. The children have now completed our Layered Reading book, The Ancient Egyptian Sleepover. They have thoroughly enjoyed the story and have been incredibly engaged throughout. On Tuesday, 4B went on their Coastal Schools visit. Whilst there, they enjoyed collecting interesting items and used these to create beautiful examples of beach art. As always, they had lots of fun during this exciting experience. Science lessons this week have been about pitch. The children have observed and played a range of musical instruments to find out which factors affect the pitch. They used scientific vocabulary and diagrams to record their findings. Through our Connected Curriculum lessons, the children have been learning about materials and structures in order to design and build a model pyramid. Some of these will be completed next week
Year 3/4 Boys' Football Trials: Letters have been sent out to the boys from Year 3 and 4 who expressed an interest in attending school football trials in January. If your child has changed their mind and would now like a letter, please contact the school office.
PE Days Spring 1
4B
- Indoor PE - Friday
- Outdoor PE - Tuesday
4E
- Indoor PE - Monday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
4SW
- Indoor PE - Wednesday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
4C
- Indoor PE - Monday
- Outdoor PE - Tuesday
Swimming
- 4B - Monday
- 4SW - Monday
- 4C - Wednesday
- 4E - Friday
Year 5
We can hardly believe that we are almost at the end of this half term already, and recognise that the children are very much looking forward to their imminent break and all the excitement that is offered by the upcoming festive season. In maths lesson, the children have been revising and building on their knowledge and understanding of measure. They have reviewed different types of measure including length, mass and capacity. Knowledge of multiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 1000 has enabled accurate conversions of measures, for example between m and km and ml and l. They went onto apply this knowledge through problem-solving. We are nearing the end of The Firework Maker’s Daughter but before we reveal to the children what actually happens, we have challenged them, through narrative writing, to write their own endings based upon a critical incident within the story. This has excited and engaged them. Many have expected their characters to overcome exceptionally stressful challenges and through this, they have demonstrated great creativity - worthy of Pullman himself! Through their writing, they have practised using a wide range of sentence types. It was been wonderful to see the children grow as writers and further develop their authorial voice. Our final science lesson has focused on gears. The children have explored how gears are used in mechanisms. They also considered when 'gearing up' and down would be useful – for example when riding their bikes up and down hills and how to calculate gear ratios. In RE lessons, we reviewed the story of Zachariah and Jesus. We discussed how through understanding and education, people can change. We then spoke about 'giving', introducing the term ‘tithe’ and how some people bequeath a sum of money monthly or annually to a charity. The children went on to write about the importance of generosity. Our cam toy project is in it’s final stage. After the construction of last week, the children have enjoyed inserting their cam mechanism and discovering how different cams affect movement. They will complete this project by making the topper for the toy in line with the brief and decorating it before completing their final evaluation.
PE Days Spring 1
5G
- Indoor PE - Tuesday
- Outdoor PE - Wednesday
5A
- Indoor PE - Friday
- Outdoor PE - Monday
5N
- Indoor PE - Friday
- Outdoor PE - Monday
5F
- Indoor PE - Thursday
- Outdoor PE - Wednesday
Swimming
- 5N – Tuesday
- 5F – Tuesday
- 5G – Thursday
- 5A – Thursday
Year 6
Twas the Week Before Christmas in Year 6… ’Twas the week before Christmas, when all through Year 6, The pupils were busy with learning and tricks. Their pens danced with flair as reports came to life, On wintry sports full of magic and strife. They crafted great writing with structure and care, Using clauses and conjunctions placed just so, with flair. Letters from the Lighthouse brought mystery and light, As Esther’s past slowly crept into sight. In Connected Curriculum, needles flashed through the day, As puppets took shape in the most charming way. With stitches now neater and confidence grown, They paused to reflect on how much they had sewn. Then off to Belfairs the children all went, For Matilda Jr., a joyful event. They cheered for past pupils who shone on the stage— A magical moment for every age. So Year 6 continue with spirits held high, Their learning, their laughter, all soaring sky-high. With excitement now building as Christmas draws near, They’ve ended the week full of festive good cheer!
PE Days Spring 1
6D
- Indoor - Wednesday
- Outdoor - Tuesday
6K
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Monday
6W
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Monday
6S
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Tuesday
Swimming
- 6D - Thursday
- 6S - Friday
- 6K - Friday
- 6W - Friday
Online Safety
Scalping has long been a frustration for fans hoping to bag concert tickets or exclusive toys, but the online world has supercharged this dishonest tactic. Scalpers use bots to buy up stock in seconds, then resell items such as consoles or collectibles at significant mark-ups. For children and young people, it can be disappointing and harmful to their wallets, well-being and worldview. As this unethical practice becomes more visible, and, worryingly, sometimes glamourised online, it’s important to talk to children about fairness, financial boundaries, and spotting scams. This guide breaks down the tricks of the trade and how to avoid them, helping young consumers stay safe, informed and scam-free.
Plea from Playground Squad
We’re looking to refresh some of our playground toy boxes and need your help! If you have any unwanted toys or play equipment at home that are still in good condition, please consider donating them to school. We’re especially on the lookout for:
- Magnetic tile sets
- Plastic toy food or kitchen items for our playground kitchen
- Doll styling heads for practicing fabulous hairdos!
Your donations will make playtimes even more fun and creative. Please send any items into the school office for the attention of Mrs London. Thank you so much for your support!
Sports News
Southend Handball Competition
Our Year 6 handball team competed against five other schools in the Southend competition on Wednesday. The team have been learning how to play handball, developing tactics and have become fantastic players during the autumn term. The team competed well in all their matches against some very talented schools. West Leigh finished in 5th place, just one win away from 3rd place - well done team! West Leigh 0-1 Milton Hall West Leigh 1-2 Bournes Green West Leigh 1-5 Prince Avenue West Leigh 0-4 Greenways West Leigh 3-2 Chalkwell
Year 5/6 Boys' Football
There was success in the Essex cup on Wednesday afternoon. The final sporting event of 2025 was a cup fixture against George Carey. West Leigh made a fast start scoring in the opening seconds with a fine finish from Jacob. Ted then doubled the lead before half time. It was a tight second half, made even more nerve wracking when George Carey scored to make it 2-1. West Leigh held their nerve and defended superbly to hold out for a win. We look forward to the next round in the new year!
Dinner Menu
Week 3
Monday - Homemade Macaroni Cheese with Garlic Bread - Jacket Potato (with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise) - Wholemeal Wrap with Tuna Mayonnaise - Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt and Raspberry Mousse Tuesday - Pork Meatballs in Tomato Gravy - Vegan Meatballs - Jacket Potato (with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise) - Rice, Sweetcorn, Peas and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Chocolate Cherry Cake Wednesday - Chicken Nuggets - Vegetable Nuggets - Granary Baguette with Cheese - Curly Fries, Spaghetti Hoops and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Cornflake Cake Thursday - Homemade Beef Spaghetti Bolognaise - Homemade Quorn Spaghetti Bolognaise - Jacket Potato (with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise) - Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt and Fruit Biscuit
Spring 1 Term Diary Dates
January
- Monday 5th - Children return to school
- Year 3 Hook Day
- Newsies rehearsal
- Tuesday 6th - Year 3/4 Boys Football Trials (4C & 3M)
- Wednesday 7th - Year 5/6 Sports Hall Athletics Competition
- Thursday 8th - Year 3/4 Sports Hall Athletics Competition
- Friday 9th - Year 3/4 Boys Football Trials (4B, 3T & 3H)
- Monday 12th - Newsies rehearsal
- Tuesday 13th - Year 3 and 4 RSE Meeting (via Teams)
- Year 3/4 Boys Football Trials (4E, 4SW & 3L)
- Wednesday 14th - Girls Football Friendly vs Fairways
- Thursday 15th - Year 5 RSE Meeting (via Teams)
- Friday 16th - Year 5/6 Football vs Bournes Green
- Tuesday 20th - Year 6 RSE Meeting (via Teams)
- Southend Bowling Competition
- Wednesday 21st - Year 6 Book Look
- Young Voices at the O2
- Friday 23rd - Year 3/4 Boys Football Competition
- Wednesday 28th - Year 5 Book Look
- Year 6 Netball vs Hockley Primary
- Friday 30th - Year 6 Hockey Competition
- Year 3 Disco
February
- Monday 2nd - Children from Year 5/6 visit ENO
- Wednesday 4th - Year 4 Book Look
- Essex Tag Rugby Finals
- Year 4 Girls Football Festival
- Thursday 5th - Year 5/6 Football Friendly vs Chalkwell
- Friday 6th - Team Challenge
- Monday 9th - School Council visit to House of Parliament
- Maths Quiz Club Area Heat
- Year 6 Netball A team fixture
- Tuesday 10th - Safer Internet Day
- Wednesday 11th - Year 3 Book Look
- Thursday 12th - Year 6 Netball B team fixture
- Year 5/6 Boys Football vs Chalkwell
- Monday 16th - Friday 20th - Half Term
- Monday 23rd - INSET Day
Credits:
Created with images by netrun78 - "Cork board mockup, desktop organizer with school stationary and office supplies.,Back to school, home office, begining of studies concept" • mnirat - "Closeup Colorful drawing pins on Calendar page with date." • ImageFlow - "Kid boy with phone, cybersecurity hologram and padlock circuit" • Pantherius - "Budapest, Hungary - 07/30/2018: Girl's plastic kitchen for playing with various colors in the room." • Kaspars Grinvalds - "Tablet with sports news website on stack of newspapers.,All contents are made up." • ercan senkaya - "full lunch service station" • Dusan Petkovic - "Adorable curious caucasian little girl with eyeglasses standing in bookstore and reading interesting book. All around are books on shelves." • New Africa - "Trophy and confetti on light background, top view with space for text.,Victory concept" • mnirat - "Closeup Colorful drawing pins on Calendar page with date."