Dear Parents and Carers,
Wow what a great week it’s been at Hamstel Infants! Music filled the corridors on Monday as children from every class took part in a special filming day for our trust-wide singing project, performing the uplifting song ‘Make Your Own Kind of Music’. Throughout the day, each class had the opportunity to showcase their singing, enthusiasm and confidence in front of the camera for this great project designed to bring children together across the Portico Trust to create a wonderful celebration through music. As reported last week, the children have been working so hard to learn the song and I am sure that the finished film will capture not only, their musical talents but also their energy, creativity and enjoyment. Mrs Stubbington, who led the project for us was incredibly proud of the children’s positive attitudes and the way they supported one another during the recordings. The finished video promises to be a brilliant reflection of our Portico community and the message behind the song — encouraging everyone to be themselves and celebrate their individuality. We look forward to sharing the completed project with families soon. Children enjoyed two fantastic days outside this week, as the wildlife garden was transformed into a wonderful farmyard experience, by the visit of Gemma’s Farm. This wonderful annual event gives all of our children the chance to meet a variety of familiar farmyard friends up close. Throughout the sessions, children showed great excitement and curiosity as they learnt more about the animals and how to care for them. This visit always provides a great hands-on learning experience and it is lovely to see children’s confidence grow as they had the chance to observe, interact with and talk about the animals with staff from Gemma’s Farm. There were plenty of smiles, with the experience being thoroughly enjoyed by all and having created so many memorable moments for our children. A huge thank you to Miss Carmichael for organising the day and to Gemma’s Farm for bringing such a special experience to Hamstel Infants. Finally, just this morning, Team Hamstel proudly represented our school at this year’s Quad Kids competition, as they looked to continue our strong tradition in this great event. The team certainly didn’t disappoint, with each member demonstrating fantastic determination, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the competition, while taking part in a range of athletic activities that tested their speed, strength and endurance. Every child gave 100% effort and showed great encouragement and support for one another and we are so proud to report that we came second overall, just missing out on the top prize by 2 points. Another superb performance by Team Hamstel! Next week, is another very busy week, as Year 2 head off to another of our local churches for their yearly visit. Year 2 will also be completing their mini first aid course learning valuable life skills that could help them respond confidently in an emergency and KS1 also have a story box assembly to look forward to on Monday. We also hope to welcome lots of parents into school next week to join us in our Outdoor Learning Lessons with the class teachers and Mrs Shine. On Monday 18th, we welcome Rainbow and Starlight parents and Year 1 parents are invited from Tuesday to Friday (please see individual class times for more details). All of the sessions take place between 2-3pm. I hope you enjoy seeing our wonderful outdoor learning provision in action…. It’s exciting to think that we still have great plans ahead and a long way to go before our wildlife garden is complete! I hope you all have a great weekend, Good luck to Southend United as they look to win the FA trophy at Wembley on Sunday and we look forward to seeing you again on Monday morning. Scott Roche - Principal
Weekly Celebrations!
Attendance
Parent Council
The next Parent Council meeting is taking place on Wednesday, 20th May at 9am. Please speak with your class rep or email the school office with any agenda items you would like to see raised. The parent council minutes can be found on the school website following each meeting.
Gemma's Farm visit the school
This week, the children were very excited to welcome Gemma's Farm to our school for a fantastic hands-on learning experience. The children had an amazing opportunity to meet a variety of friendly farm animals and learn all about how to care for them. Throughout the visit, the children showed great curiosity, enthusiasm, and confidence as they carefully handled and observed the animals. There were lots of smiles and excitement as the children met chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even some larger farm animals too! The visit gave the children a wonderful opportunity to develop their speaking and listening skills by asking thoughtful questions and sharing their own knowledge about animals and life on a farm. The experience linked to our learning in science and understanding the world, helping the children learn more about animals, their habitats, and how living things should be cared for. It was lovely to see the children being so gentle, respectful, and responsible during the visit. A huge thank you to Gemma’s Farm for providing such an engaging and memorable experience for our children.
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Summer 1 Diary Dates - Nursery - Reception - Rainbow & Starlight Year 1 - Year 2 - Lunch Menu - PTA - Messages from the Office - Community
Summer 1 Diary Dates
May
- Monday 18th - Year 2 Church Visits
- Rainbow & Starlight Families invited to Outdoor Learning session
- Story Box Assembly
- Tuesday 19th - Year 2 First Aid workshops
- Duck Class Parent/Carer Outdoor Learning session
- Wednesday 20th - Parent Council Meeting 9am
- Newt Class Parent/Carer Outdoor Learning session
- Year 2 Church Visits
- Thursday 21st - Special Lunch menu
- Year 2 Church Visits
- Dragonfly Class Parent/Carer Outdoor Learning session
- Friday 22nd - Heron Class Parent/Carer Outdoor Learning session
- Open House Session
- Monday 25th - Friday 29th - Half Term
Nursery
This week our NELI story has been ‘Nothing can frighten a bear’. We have been thinking about different feelings. The children enjoyed recreating bears using different materials, they have also enjoyed playing our wiggle freeze dance. In maths we have been learning to recognise numeral 1-7. The children loved visiting Gemma’s farm and being hands on with the animals- please check tapestry for photos. As part of our literacy learning, we have introduced oral blending, where children listen to individual sounds in words and blend them together to say the whole word (for example, c-a-t = “cat”). How to help at home NELI special words: Frightened, deep, wiggle and stuck Please click on the link below or the QR code on tapestry to explore some fun Fred Talk games that you can play at home to support your child’s learning. https://schools.ruthmiskin.com/training/view/2D6HdZTR/bweiZLIg https://schools.ruthmiskin.com/training/view/wfjBJb7x/QwJVWPZv
REMINDER: As the weather is getting warmer and the children will enjoy spending more time in the garden, please ensure that your child brings a named hat to nursery and that you apply suncream before they attend their session. Could you please ensure that your child has a spare set of clothes at nursery and if you have borrowed any clothes could you please return them. Thank you.
Letters sent home this week
Reception
This week we have been learning about animals that live on a farm and reading the book ‘Farmer Duck’. In literacy the children have been writing sentences about farm animals, remembering to use their Fred Fingers, leave spaces between words and use a full stop at the end of the sentence. In PSHE we have been learning about keeping our body healthy by being active. In maths we have been consolidating our number bonds to 5, using our fingers to show the composition of 5 and identify a missing part of 5. In RE we have been identifying features of scared places. In art we have been adding details to our printed caterpillar pictures. In outdoor learning The children have all had a fantastic time visiting Gemma’s Farm this week and have loved stroking, brushing and holding some of the animals. How to help at home Maths: Number bonds to 4 | Reception maths | addition - BBC Bitesize Nursery rhyme of the week: Mary Had a Little Lamb - CBeebies House Nursery Rhymes - CBeebies Handwriting:
Letters sent home this week
Rainbow & Starlight
Rainbow
This week has been another busy and exciting one for Rainbow Room! We have been listening to the story 'Noisy Farm', and the children have been learning all about farm animals and what life on a farm might be like. The children created some lovely animal pictures using a range of materials and media to explore texture and creativity. On Tuesday, we welcomed Gemma’s farm. The children enjoyed meeting and learning about the different animals, while also learning the importance of being gentle and kind towards them. We brushed the pony, patted the sheep, and some of the children even had the opportunity to hold the rabbit! It was a wonderful day, and the children were incredibly gentle, caring, and excited throughout the visit. We have also been exploring what makes us different and why differences are important. The children have been learning about kindness, caring for others, and the importance of following classroom rules. In addition, we have been discussing the changing weather and learning about some of the features of summer. Maths: Addition to 10 using counters and ten frames/Partitioning numbers RWI: NG CVC words/Building 2–3-word sentences Letter Formation: One-armed robot letters REMINDER: Outdoor Learning on Monday. Please make sure that the children are dressed appropriately. We are also very excited that you will have a chance to spend some time with the children in the outdoor area from 2 – 3 pm. Look forward to seeing you all there.
Starlight
In English, the children planned and rewrote the story of 'Sleeping Beauty'. We focused on remembering the main events of the story, sequencing ideas, and using descriptive language in our writing. In maths, we learnt about fractions. The children explored finding 1/2 and 1/4 of different shapes by carefully folding and cutting shapes into equal parts and identifying the correct fractions. In art, we looked at the work of Edward Tingatinga and explored colourful African patterns. The children created their own patterned backgrounds inspired by African art and then produced paintings in the style of Tingatinga using bright colours and bold designs. We were very proud of their finished artwork. In PSHE, we talked about healthy sleep habits and discussed things that help us fall asleep and get a good night’s sleep, including bedtime routines, relaxing activities, and limiting screen time before bed. REMINDER: Outdoor Learning on Monday. Please dress your child in appropriate clothing. We look forward to you joining us from 2:00pm - 3:00pm.
Year 1
In literacy this week we have been reading ‘Martha Maps it Out’. We discussed the story and looked at the different maps of her street, where she lived, and what her bedroom looked like. We planned a map of our own bedroom and wrote noun phrases to describe the objects inside. We used this to help us write full sentences describing our bedroom. In maths we have been comparing numbers to 100, looking at the terms ‘greater than’ and ‘less than’. We also ordered numbers from smallest to greatest. In Design & Technology we have been looking at mechanisms including levers, sliders, pivots and wheels. We explored these mechanisms and planned our moving picture design ready to be created next week.
REMINDER: Outdoor Learning – parents invited to come along at 2pm - refer to your letter for details.
Letters sent home this week
Year 2
In literacy, we explored the story of 'Sleeping Beauty' by discussing the characters, identifying story language, and retelling the story in our own words. In maths, we began our work on fractions by identifying equal parts and exploring halves and quarters of shapes. The children used practical activities to deepen their understanding and confidence. In art, we learned about Edward Tingatinga and explored his colourful, patterned style of painting. The children experimented with creating their own patterns and designs, preparing to produce their own artwork inspired by his work next week.
REMINDER: Church Trips next week. Monday- Fox Class Wednesday- Otter Class Thursday- Squirrel and Hedgehog Class No swimming on Friday for Fox and Squirrel Class.
Letters sent home this week
Lunch Menu
Week 2
Monday - Grilled Cumberland Sausage with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy - Vegan Sausage with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy - Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce - Steamed Peas & Carrots - Cheese Sandwich - Ham Salad Wrap - Marble Sponge with Custard Tuesday - Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza with Spiced Baked Wedges - Homemade Margherita Pizza with Spiced Baked Wedges - Baked Jackets with Baked Beans - Sweetcorn & Coleslaw - Tuna & Sweetcorn Baguette - Cheese Sandwich - Carrot Cake Wednesday - Roast Leg of Pork - Sweet Potato & Leek Frittata with Gravy - Pasta with Tomato & Vegetable Sauce - Roast Potatoes, Broccoli & Carrots - Cheese & Tomato Bloomer - Ham Sandwich - Fruit Jelly Thursday - Favourites Day - Boston BBQ Chicken Wrap - Margherita Pitta Pizza - Served with Baked Wedges, Baked Beans & Peas - Chocolate Sponge with Chocolate Sauce
Friday - Fish Fingers, Chips & Ketchup - Vegan Quorn Nuggets with Chips & Ketchup - Baked Potato with Baked Beans - Baked Beans & Peas - Egg Mayonnaise Sandwich - Ham Salad Baguette - Vanilla Ice Cream Served Daily Pabulum Salad Bar Fresh Fruit Yoghurt Jelly
Support Our School with Easyfundraising!
Our PTA is using Easyfundraising to help raise money for our school and you can help too, simply by doing your everyday shopping online! It’s completely free to use and takes just a minute to get started.
- 🛒 Here’s how it works: Visit our fundraising page here
- Click “Support this cause” and create your free account.
- Start your online shopping at your favourite retailers (like Amazon, Argos, Tesco, M&S, Just Eat and many more!).
- The retailer sends us a free donation at no extra cost to you!
It’s an easy way to support our school while doing what you’re already doing online. Every penny raised goes directly towards enriching the learning experience for our children from new equipment and resources to fun events and activities. Please take a moment to sign up and share the link with friends and family too!
Messages from the Office
Parking around the school
Have you spotted unsafe, illegal and inconsiderate parking near to the school at drop off and collection times? As a citizen if you see problem or illegal parking you can report this - the link for Southend Council is here Report a Parking Problem and the link for Essex Police is here Report antisocial behaviour | Essex Police
Arbor Hints and Tips
How to make a payment towards the Enrichment Events:
- The payment item can be found on your child’s main profile page under ‘Quick Actions’, ‘Trips’, choose this option.
- You will see a section 'Trips Open to (your child's name), choose School Enrichment Events.
- Now you can view the information and on the right hand side of the page is a 'Sign up ....' button, choose this option.
- The cost for the Spring Term events your child will be taking part in is £6.00, increase the amount to pay to this figure or you can also choose to pay the full amount.
- You can now choose to 'Add to basket' - use this option if there are other items you want to pay for in one total transaction.
- Or choose 'Make Payment'. You will then be asked to add your card details and confirm the payment.
If you are unable to make payments using the system after following these steps please contact the school office.
Breakfast and After School Club
To change or cancel Breakfast or After School Club you need to contact the office. Parents are unable to change/amend their own bookings. If your child is booked into After School Club or Breakfast Club, it will show on their calendar in Arbor, including the session i.e SHORT, FULL, LATE. A full week view can be seen by clicking the blue arrow in the ‘Calendar’ tab.
Are you eligible for tax-free childcare? This can be used to pay for wraparound care at our setting. Please see the information below.
Community
COMMUNITY INFORMATION From the local authority Early Years Team - Information on the upcoming Best Start Family Hub event for families to find out more about childcare funding support and the Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) programme. This session will provide families with:
- Information about childcare funding options (9 months – 4 years)
- Details about the Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) programme
- Support with applications and eligibility
- Opportunity to speak with staff and ask questions
Credits:
Created with images by Fabio Principe - "A diary open with instruments for writing.,Pencil, eraser and notebook on white background.,Close up of a wooden pen orange and black, an eraser green and a booklet black." • ercan senkaya - "full lunch service station" • ELUTAS - "PTAのイメージ｜木のブロックが置かれたデスク" • Stock Rocket - "Creative office desk" • Africa Studio - "Business people hands, top view. Teamwork concept."