Newsletter 5
24.11.2023
Thanks to everyone who gave feedback regarding the last newsletter. It seemed to be a 'big hit' and so we will stick with this format for now. You seemed to particularly enjoy the photographs and some of you told us that it was easier to view on your phones and iPads/tablets.
Please see below for the latest news, information and updates from school.
Contents
Children in Need
We had a fantastic day on Friday when we all got spotty to raise money for Children in Need.
We were delighted to have a special visitor in school - Pudsey Bear himself! Pudsey came into our Achievers' Assembly, gave us all a high five and made special visits to Reception classes before he hurried off to the live TV show in London. He was great fun and made us all smile.
Big thanks to Michelle from ASDA in Gosforth who helped Pudsey find his way up to the Great Park!
Lots of happy Pudseys in Ladybird Class!
High fives and high tens with Pudsey!
School Uniform
Please could you make sure that children are wearing correct uniform for school whenever possible. We have noticed some children wearing sports wear, including 'skins' under their uniform. Children can definitely layer up in the winter but any additional layers shouldn't be fashion items or branded items. Thank you for your support.
Parents and Carers' Evenings
Thanks to everyone who made an appointment and came along to meet teachers and talk about learning and progress. It was great to see such a high turn out for appointments and we hope that you found it helpful to see your child's books and talk to teachers about learning and progress.
If you didn't manage to make an appointment and would like to talk to your child's teacher, please let the office know and we can get something booked in for you.
Bowmont House
Some Year 4 children visited Bowmont House last week to see the residents and enjoy a catch up!
It was a lovely occasion, as always. The children chatted to the residents, sang some songs and played the piano. As it was BBC Children in Need day, the residents made a donation to the charity which the children brought back and has since been donated.
Maths Workshops
Next week, we have three maths workshops taking place after school. These are:
Monday 27th November 5pm - Reception maths workshop
Tuesday 28th November 5pm - KS1 maths workshop
Wednesday 29th November 5pm - KS2 maths workshop
The workshops will be split into year groups so that teachers can talk to you about the specific expectations, strategies and methods for your child's year group. We hope that this will help you to understand the curriculum and be able to talk about maths and support your child with maths at home.
Lots of parents and carers have already booked places via ParentMail and it's not too late to book if you would like to attend. If you forget to book but would like to come, please do so - the booking system helps us to prepare spaces more efficiently but it isn't vital!
The Big Ambition
The chidlren's commissioner for England has launched a campaign called the Big Ambition and this aims to give children all over England a voice. She would like as many children as possible to take part in the survey. This might be of interest to you and your children. You can take part via the link below:
WhatsApp Use
The use of WhatsApp and similar apps has made communication between groups of parents very easy and when it is used carefully, it is a very useful tool. We know that lost property has been reunited with its owners, people have remembered non uniform days, some of you have organised parties and get togethers, etc. However, if you are using WhatsApp, we ask that you follow the advice below:
✔ Always exercise tolerance and inclusion.
✔ Avoid ‘gossip or hear-say’.
✔ Never name children, staff or other parents and carers.
✔ Never deliberately or accidentally shame other children or families by sharing information which you have heard from your child or another parent or carer.
✔ Do not use messages and talking to other parents and carers as a substitute for talking to staff in school.
✔ Create a positive and safe online environment for everyone involved.
The school staff involved in the care and education of your children will always be willing to talk to you if you have any concerns and queries about your child or incidents which have happened in school.
Thank you for your support.
Dates List
Monday 27/11 Reception Parents and Carers’ Maths Workshop 5.00-5.30pm
Tuesday 28/11 KS1 Parents and Carers’ Maths Workshop 5.00- 5.30pm
Wednesday 29/11 KS2 Parents and Carers’ Maths Workshop 5.00- 5.30pm
Thursday 30/11 Rise Workshop - Anxiety 9.00-10.00
Friday 01/12 PTFA Non Uniform Day - optional festive theme for the first day of advent - see info from PTFA for more details
Monday 4/12 Flu Vaccines
Monday 4/12 Governors’ meeting 5.00pm
Monday 11/12 Reception Christmas Concert 9.00am
Tuesday 12/12 Year 1 Christmas Concert 9.00am
Wednesday 13/12 Year 2 Christmas Concert 9.00am
Wednesday 13/12 Christmas Lunch
Thursday 14/12 Year 3 Christmas Concert 9.00am
Thursday 14 /12 Reception visit to Northern Stage
Friday 15/12 Year 4 Christmas Concert 9.00am
Monday 18/12 PTFA Christmas Fair
Thursday 21/12 Reception Stay and Play for Parents and Carers - 8.50am
Friday 22/12 Outdoor Carols – weather permitting – 1.30pm
Friday 22/12 Break up for Christmas Holiday
Monday 8th January Return to School for Spring Term
Remembrance 2023
We all remembered those who have been involved in, or are currently involved in, wars and disputes across the world in the week before Remembrance day. We were all impressed at how our children are so reflective and thoughtful, as well as being creative in their efforts to mark this occasion.
Photo Gallery
We hope everyone has a fun but restful weekend!
Best wishes from the Havannah Team