Year 6 Adventure Days!
Some Year 6 children went to London and had an adventure day. The other children went on a residential trip to Stubbers Adventure Centre. At Stubbers, they had a camptastic time!
They used all their learning powers to try new activities like bell boating and the vertical rope challenge. Everyone had an amazing time and the highlights were definitely banana boating and the high ropes. We also loved cooling off in the lake and the fantastic play area. We were complimented on how polite the children were and how supportive they were of each other.
📚 Celebrating Our Reading Mentor Scheme!
This week, we were thrilled to celebrate the success of The Reading Mentor Scheme, run by University Centre South Essex. The programme has been a wonderful opportunity for our children to grow in confidence, develop their love of books, and enjoy sharing stories with a trusted adult each week.
A very special thank you goes to our amazing reading volunteer, Emily, whose kindness, encouragement, and dedication have made a real difference. Her time and support have inspired our pupils and helped them take great steps forward on their reading journeys.
To mark the end of the scheme, children proudly received certificates and were delighted to choose a book of their own to take home – a perfect way to keep their reading going over the summer!
We are so proud of the children's commitment, enthusiasm, and progress, and we’re incredibly grateful to Emily and the team at University Centre South Essex for making this opportunity possible.
Well done, readers – keep turning those pages!
An Inspiring Afternoon with Author Jennifer Claessen!
We were delighted to welcome the brilliant author Jennifer Claessen for a truly inspiring afternoon that left our pupils excited, motivated, and full of creativity.
Jennifer began the afternoon with an engaging assembly, packed full of energy, games, and interactive quizzes—including a fun test of knowledge about Greek mythology that had everyone joining in enthusiastically. Her warm, humorous style immediately captured the children's attention and set the tone for a fantastic visit.
One of the most powerful moments came when Jennifer shared that she is dyslexic, and spoke openly about how it has never stopped her from becoming a writer. She shared personal stories and inspiring tips about how she started writing, showing our children that challenges can be overcome with passion and persistence. Her honesty and encouragement really resonated with the pupils.
During the Q&A session, children asked thoughtful and insightful questions about Jennifer’s writing journey and the myths that inspire her work. Jennifer was genuinely impressed by the children's confidence and curiosity, later commenting on how "amazing and confident" they were.
Another highlight was Jennifer’s reading of an exciting extract from her new book, Metta Becker and the Timeline Crime. The story gripped everyone from the very first line and sparked lots of excitement about the rest of the adventure!
At the end of the visit, children had the opportunity to get a signed copy of her book—a moment many will treasure. One child beamed, “I loved Jennifer’s assembly so much I had to buy her book.”
A heartfelt thank you to Jacqui from Jacqson Diego Story Emporium (jacqsondiego.com) for providing us with this incredible author experience. It’s events like these that ignite a real love for reading and writing in our pupils.
With book two in the Metta Becker trilogy coming out next year, we’re already looking forward to persuading Jennifer to return—though we don’t think it will take much convincing!
Look out for the letter about IndiRock climbing wall visit on July 2nd and 3rd
Save the dates:
Friday 4th July Year 1 and 2 Sports Afternoon
Thursday 10th July Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 Sports afternoon and picnic at Southchurch Park
Book Fair News
Monday 7th July to Friday 11th July the travelling book fair will return with an amazing special offer of 3 for the price of 2 on all their books! This is a great way to get some new reads for the summer and raise money for new books for our school.
Diary Dates
June
- Monday 23rd - Friday 27th - Year 5 & 6 Swimming Week
- Monday 23rd - Year 6 visiting Sacred Heart School
- Wednesday 25th - Year 4 visit to Southend hardcourt tennis
July
- Tuesday 1st - Year 6 School Nurse Transition session
- KS1 Borough Sports
- Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd - IndiRock Climbing Wall visiting school
- Friday 4th - Year 6 Transition Day
- Friday 4th - Year 1 and 2 Sports Afternoon
- Monday 7th - Friday 11th - Book Fair
- Tuesday 8th - Open Evening with Art & D.T
- Wednesday 9th - Reception Reading Workshop 9.00am & 3.00pm
- Thursday 10th - Years 3, 4, 5, & 6 Sports afternoon and Picnic at Southchurch Park
- Wednesday 23rd - Last day of term
Nursery
This week we have enjoying using ‘playdough’, we have used it to explore and talk about how it feels, using some descriptive words. We have also used it to make some models of caterpillars. Outside we have enjoyed playing with reception class in the waterplay area, sharing equipment with them.
REMINDER: Please remember to make sure your child has sunscreen on before their nursery session.
Also to bring a named sunhat.
Reception
This week we have been learning about the changes in the weather in the summertime. We have been thinking about ways we can stay safe in the sun such as wearing a hat and sun cream. We went outside to look find places where we can see the shade and to observe what happens to the shade throughout the day.
We have enjoyed story acting and we have been revising and then acting out traditional tales. This week we have acted out ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’ and ‘The enormous Turnip’.
In Maths we have been learning about addition and subtraction using number sentences.
REMINDER: Please ensure your child has a hat and sun cream now that the weather has changed.
Year 1
Year 1 have worked very hard this week in maths. We have focused on describing bigger numbers, using tens and ones. We have recapped vocabulary including partition, commutative, parts and wholes.
In English, we have started to create reports about birds. This will support their independent writing and introduce skills including; writing sub-headings and writing factual sentences.
This week, we have used our PSHE lesson to talk about how we feel about year 2. We have some children who are very excited and some who are worried about their next step. We have spoken to them about their worries, and they have written questions to send to their year 2 teacher as well.
REMINDER: As the heat intensifies, we are asking you to ensure your child has sun cream on and brings with them a hat that has their name on please.
Reading books must be in every day. As we approach the end of the school year, this is when lots of progress can be made. Without their books, we can’t help with their reading.
Year 2
This week the children have been continuing their work in maths looking at different types of graphs and how data can be represented. They have read information from different pictograms using different keys.
In English we have started a new unit looking at Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories. We have read about how the camel got his hump and we are starting to think about what animals could be in our own stories.
In science we planted our own sunflower seeds, and we are taking it in turns to water them daily.
In PSHE we have learnt more about staying safe in the sun and using these skills on these lovely hot days.
REMINDER: Seahorse Class have their beach trip on Tuesday 24th June.
Please apply suncream before school and send your child in with a hat each day. Thank you.
Year 3
This week in English we have written a setting description for the Palantine Hill in Rome. In science we have been looking at the functions of different parts of a flowering plant and in DT we have been making scutum prototypes, ready to make a large-scale version in the coming weeks. We are also completing our NFER tests and the children are doing really well.
REMINDER: Please make sure you apply sun cream to your child before they come to school and provide them with a hat.
PE is on Tuesday and Friday.
Year 4
This week the children have been working hard completing their final NFER tests of the year. We have concentrated very well and hopefully their scores will show that. In maths we have continued learning about decimals and even learning about money.
In science we have been talking about scientific vocabulary on sound such as pitch and volume.
REMINDER: Children will need to bring a water bottle, a packed lunch, and hat for our trip next Wednesday. Please can children come to school wearing P.E. kits or sports clothes. We will send P.E. kits home on Tuesday.
Please remember to put suncream on your children before every school day starts. If they do bring some in it needs to be the kind of bottle that is easy to apply and they need to be sensible applying it before lunch time.
Some children still do not have PE kits in school, they really need to get changed as it the weather is so hot.
Year 5
This week the children have been completing work based on The Window by Jeannie Baker. We have had lots of discussions about the book and how climate change is having a big impact on our environment. We have written lots of sentences that have included parenthesis and fronted adverbials.
In maths, the children have been working with negative numbers. They have successfully taken away and solved negative number problems.
REMINDER: Swimming starts next week. Please ensure that you have read the separate letter.
- Whole School - NHS Dentist Information - 16.06.2025
- Years 2-6 - IndiRock Letter - 13.06.2025
- Year 5 - Swimming - 12.06.2025
Year 6
Year 6 Adventure Days!
Some Year 6 children went to London and had an adventure day. The other children went on a residential trip to Stubbers Adventure Centre. At Stubbers, they had a camptastic time!
They used all their learning powers to try new activities like bell boating and the vertical rope challenge. Everyone had an amazing time and the highlights were definitely banana boating and the high ropes. We also loved cooling off in the lake and the fantastic play area. We were complimented on how polite the children were and how supportive they were of each other.
REMINDER: Swimming starts next week. Please ensure that you have read the separate letter.
All children need to be in school at 8:05 so we can get to the pool on time.
Music
Instrumental Tuition -
- Tuesday am Guitar – Mr Brown
- Wednesday am Guitar – Mr Elliot
- Wednesday am Keyboard – Mr Hockey
- Wednesday am Drums – Mr Peters
WE HAVE SOME AVAILABILITY FOR NEW PUPILS TO START LEARNING AN INSTRUMENT – CONTACT MRS BAINES (through the school office) FOR INFORMATION.
French
This week, year one have been talking in French about brothers and sisters; year three have been discussing birthdays; year six have continued their cultural icons project with a look at a viaduct in southwest France.
Online Safety
YouTube Kids promises a safe, child-centric experience with colourful visuals, age-filtered content, and robust parental controls. Designed to appeal to younger viewers, the app has grown rapidly, being used by tens of millions of children worldwide. But is it as safe as it seems?
Despite YouTube Kids’ safeguards, reports have highlighted worrying issues, such as inappropriate content slipping through filters, subtle advertising, and the use of manipulative design to keep children engaged. Our guide explores how to navigate these pitfalls, offering practical advice for making sure children get the most from the platform – without the risks.
Second Hand Uniform Shop
Our Uniform shop is located within the front reception area of the school and is open Monday-Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm. All items are 50p each (cash only please). We always have a good selection of skirts, trousers, jumpers, tops, dresses and P.E items. Please ask at the office to point you in the right direction.
Donations
We always welcome school uniform donations for us to sell at our school uniform shop. Could we please ask that the clothes are in good, clean condition. All items can be dropped off at the school office between 8.30am - 4.00pm. Thank you so much for doing this for the school as it helps our parents out tremendously.
Thank you
Attendance
You can contact the school to talk to someone for support or advice on attendance or punctuality, please do not hesitate to contact the Attendance Team and ask to speak to, Mrs S. Dowd, Attendance Administrator or Mrs D Morris Assistant Principal and Senior Leader for Attendance, you can also pop in to the school office to request to speak to one of us face to face, alternatively you call the school on 01702 468047 (option 1) or send us an email to attendance@pgps.porticoacademytrust.co.uk we are here and we are always happy to help!
Dinner Menu
Week 1
Monday
- Baked Sausages with Crushed Potatoes & Gravy
- 3 Veg Macaroni Cheese
- Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
- Baked Beans & Peas
- Chocolate & Beetroot Brownie
Tuesday
- Beef & Vegetable Pie
- Vegan Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Coconut Curry with Steamed Rice
- Jacket Potato with Baked Beans
- Sweetcorn & Broccoli
- Courgette & Oat Cookie
Wednesday
- Roast Chicken Fillets with Gravy
- Vegan Squash, Sweet Potato & Bean Hot Pot
- Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
- Roast Potatoes, Seasonal Greens & Carrots
- Vanilla Ice Cream
Thursday
- Beef & Vegetable Ragu with Penne Pasta
- Vegan Vegetable & Chickpea Ragu with Penne Pasta
- Jacket Potato with Cheddar Cheese
- Cauliflower & Roasted Carrots
- Apple & Parsnip Sponge
Friday
- Fish Fingers, Chips & Ketchup
- Vegan Vegetable Fingers, Chips & Ketchup
- Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
- Baked Beans & Peas
- Fruit Jelly
Community
Cost of Living Advice
Click here to access cost of living advice from Southend City Council. It contains information on housing support, energy cost advice and benefits and support for those with children.
Credits:
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