Nursery
This week we have enjoyed making lots of different insects in the creative area. We also used the materials outside in the garden to make some models of insects. For the children who are going up to Reception in September we have started transition, preparing them for leaving nursery and the next stage of their early years journey.
REMINDERS: Please remember we go in the garden every day, so with this very changeable weather please can your child wear a jacket, sunhat.
Also no toys from home to be brought into nursery.
Reception
This week we had lots of fun practising for our sports day! The children enjoyed the races and worked well as a team. In maths we have been learning about patterns and looking for the pattern rule. We have been learning how to write sentences sounding out each word using the sounds we know. In art we have been learning to use paper cutting skills to cut, fold, curl and stick paper and make 3D sculptures.
REMINDER: Please continue to read at home at least 3 times per week and sign the school reading record.
Year 1
This week we have been writing a report about ourselves. We have really enjoyed thinking about what we look like, what we enjoy doing and where we live. Other children have then had to guess who the report is written about. In maths we have been learning about money, identifying coins and notes and learning the value of them. We have been continuing to learn about old and new toys then sort them depending on features.
REMINDER: Please continue to read with your child on a regular basis.
Please remember to consider the weather forecast on a daily basis and dress your child appropriately. Thank you!
Year 2
This week in English, we used iPads to research holiday destinations in Brazil. We applied our knowledge of persuasive language to write paragraphs about must-visit attractions. In Maths we revised column addition and subtraction, and also solved word problems. In Geography we recalled and researched information about Brazil, then created our own travel brochures using all the facts we learned. During PSHE we discussed the Green Cross Code and identified hazards in our local area. We talked about actions we can take to protect ourselves.
REMINDER: Please make sure to listen to your child read daily and note it in their reading record.
Year 3
This week in math’s we continue to explore shape, more specifically 2D and 3D shapes. Looking at their features and how we identify them. In English we continue to explore information texts. The children will be planning to write their own about the shields they have been creating.
REMINDER: Please remember PE is every Tuesday and Thursday and that the children need their kit for both days.
Please ensure your child is doing at least 10 minutes every other day of TTRockstars and should be reading every day.
Year 4
In English, children have been using their learning on sound to write an explanation text. Applying all the relevant features, such as subheadings, diagrams and key vocabulary. In maths, children are continuing their learning on identifying angles, by using mathematical vocabulary to describe the turns. In design & technology, children have been pattern cutting their Viking pouches and using their sewing skills to stitch the fabric pieces together. This week in PE, children have been preparing for sports day events, by practising how to work together in a team.
REMINDER: Please continue to practise the weekly spellings with your child. There is a spelling and times table test every Friday.
Please encourage your children to read every day for at least 10 minutes.
Year 5
This week in English, year 5 have been arguing… constructively of course, as we delved into the world of debating. We learnt how to structure and undertake a debate, and how we can use persuasive language and modal verbs to help make our points and counter points more effective. In maths, we have been exploring negative numbers and problem solving. In PE, we continued to learn and develop our strokes in tennis (just in time for Wimbledon!) whilst also working on our golf swing techniques – combining long distance pitching with the finesse of putting at a target.
REMINDER: Please bring in PE kit for Mondays and Wednesdays like normal.
Please strive to read for 20/30 minutes each night and log into TTRS regularly.
Year 6
This week year 6 have been rehearsing for their end of term performance and learning the final song! They are looking forward to performing in front of an audience. In PSHE lessons, we have been looking at risk and how to avoid negative risks. In science the children learnt about Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution. Year 6 are enjoying running the stalls for the enterprise topic and the stalls will be available on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th July as well.
REMINDER: Please have a PE kit in school on Wednesday and Friday.
Please continue to read daily and record in your home school diary.
PE
French
This week year one have been learning about plants and flowers in French; year four have been expressing opinions about sports; year six had the sports afternoon but pick up next week with comparing schools in France and England.
Music
Open Evening Performances
- 4.00pm Music Making Club
- 4.30pm Porters Choir
Instrumental Lessons
We do have a few vacancies, please contact Mrs Baines if your child would like to learn an instrument.
- Tuesday am: Guitar (Mr Brown)
- Wednesday am: Keyboard (Mr Hockey)
- Wednesday am: Guitar (Mr Elliot)
Nb. We are currently looking for a tutor in order to continue offering drum lessons.
Online Safety
WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging platform on the planet, with over two billion users (forecast to become three billion by 2025), across more than 180 countries. The majority of those people (70%) open the app at least once a day – but what exactly are they seeing? Contact from strangers, fake news and convincing scams are all among the service’s well-documented hazards.
According to Ofcom, WhatsApp is used by more than half of 3- to 17-year-olds in the UK (including one in three from the 8–11 bracket), despite its 16+ age restriction. If your child hops onto WhatsApp to stay in touch with friends or family, our updated guide to the service contains the key details you’ll need to support them in doing it safely.
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. 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.
School Uniform 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.
Attendance
Congratulations Attendance Awards
Congratulations to Pebbles, Starfish, Orca and Sea turtle Class for meeting the attendance target and achieving a certificate this week.
Being ready every day and getting in on time is the challenge you set yourself to achieve greatness!
This week, an impressive 339 children achieved 100% attendance. Well done to all those children who were in every day and on time. Every moment helps to improve learning and make more progress. Being here is half the battle won!
Being here is half the battle won!
Summer Term Time Absence
Travel abroad and particularly booked holidays taken during term time, which cause your child to miss school days, will not be authorised. Please bear this in mind when considering booking family holiday dates as we approach the end of term.
School term dates are available on the school website, and printed copies are in the main foyer. Please plan to make holiday bookings during school holidays and weekends.
If you need to inform us about any unavoidable term time absences, please complete a Pupil Absence Request Form for planned absences of more than half a day and submit it to the school office.
Some planned absences may be considered exceptional circumstances and, as such, part or all of the absence may be authorised. The office and attendance team can advise whether the absence would be considered an exceptional circumstance.
A Pupil Absence Request Form can be filled out online via our school website, or a paper copy can be collected from the school reception.
For the online pupil absence request form, please use the following link – Pupil Absence Request Form Link
Every day of school is important, moments matter, attendance counts!
Contact Us
If you would like to talk to someone for support or advice on attendance or punctuality at any time, please do not hesitate to contact the Attendance Team: Mrs. S. Wyer, Attendance Administrator, or Mrs. D. Morris, Assistant Principal and Senior Leader for Attendance. You can visit the school office to speak to one of us face-to-face if we are available. Alternatively, you can call the school or email us at attendance@pgps.porticoacademytrust.co.uk We are here and always happy to help!
From the first day of term to the last, the small moments in a school day make a real difference to your child.
Weekly Attendance Report
Dinner Menu
Week 1
Monday - Beef Bolognaise with Spaghetti - Vegan Bolognaise with Spaghetti- Baked Jacket with Grated Cheese - Peas & Broccoli - Maryland Cookie.
Tuesday - Ham & Cheese Pizza with Baked Wedges - Margherita Pizza with Baked Wedges - Pasta & Tomato Sauce - Carrots & Sweetcorn - Apple Crumble & Custard
Wednesday - Roast Chicken with Roast Potatoes & Gravy - Vegan Vegetable Biryani - Baked Jacket with Baked Beans - Seasonal Greens & Cauliflower - Cherry Cornflake Cake
Thursday - Chilli Con Carne with Steamed Rice - Vegan Bean Chilli with Steamed Rice - Pasta & Tomato Sauce - Broccoli & Carrots - Chocolate & Pear Sponge
Friday - Breaded Fish Fingers with Chips & ketchup - Vegan Goujons with Chips & Ketchup - Baked Jacket with Grated Cheese - Peas & Baked Beans - Banana Flapjack
Community
The link for the parents to book for free is here -
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.