Dear Parents/Carers,
As we come to the end of our penultimate week of the half term, I would like to begin by saying a huge well done to all our Year 6 children for their incredible focus and effort during SATs week. The children demonstrated great resilience and determination and they should be proud of all their hard work.
In this week’s newsletter, we are pleased to feature a guest article from our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors who have been exploring ways that children are empowered at West Leigh.
A special mention also goes to our Year 5 and 6 Girls’ Football Team, who played a friendly match against Fairways this week. The spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship was truly inspiring—well done to everyone who took part!
As we head towards our Summer Fayre, we are putting out a big call for helpers. These events rely on the enthusiasm and generosity of our school community, so if you can spare some time, please do get involved using the link included within this newsletter.
Lastly, a quick reminder that class photos will be taken on Monday. Please ensure your child is in full school uniform. PE kit can be brought in with them if they have PE in the afternoon.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend,
Best wishes,
Mr Aggus
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Summer 1 Diary Dates - Year 3 - Year 4 - Year 5 - Year 6 - Online Safety
General News - Sports News - Summer Term Inspirational Person - Dinner Menu
Attendance - Golden Thank Yous - Sports Awards - House Points - PTA - Parent Council
Summer 1 Diary Dates
May
- Monday 19th - Swim Squad Training
- Class Photos
- 5K & 5F to fields
- Tuesday 20th - Year 6 Field Study (Southend)
- Year 3 Presentation @ 2pm (3M & 3S)
- Wednesday 21st - Maths Quiz Club Area Heat
- Coastal Schools - 4E
- Swimming Gala @ Garon Park
- Thursday 22nd - Year 3 Presentation @ 2pm (3T & 3H)
- Seesma Rehearsals @ Wesley Church
- Friday 23rd - Year 6 Rounders Festival
- Monday 26th - Friday 30th - Half Term
Year 3
Year 3 have continued to work brilliantly both in and out of the classroom this week! They have continued to develop their confidence in tennis and cricket, with the sun shining down on their PE lessons.
The writing in English lessons this week has been remarkable! The children have been writing about the legend of Bell Wharf. They have structured their writing using paragraphs and have used a wide range of rich, descriptive vocabulary to entice the reader. It is fantastic to see the children combining the different writing skills and techniques that they have learned across Year 3.
The children have been learning about statistics in maths. They have been reading and interpreting different charts and graphs. Later in the week, they explored Venn and Carroll diagrams as a way of sorting and classifying.
In science, the children have been learning about seed dispersal and have created posters to demonstrate the different ways that seeds are dispersed. The posters look great and have certainly brightened up the children's science books! It is always interesting to see the creative techniques children use to present their ideas and understanding.
Well done Year 3 on another fantastic week!
REMINDERS:
- Just a reminder that it is class photos on Monday 19th May. Please send the children to school wearing school uniform; they should bring their PE kit in a bag if they have PE.
- Next week, Year 3's mixed afternoon is on Wednesday so 3M and 3H will need to wear their PE kit on Wednesday instead of Thursday.
Letters sent home this week
Swimming
- 3M - Tuesday
- 3S - Wednesday
- 3H - Monday
- 3T - Wednesday
PE
- 3M - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 3S - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Friday - Outdoor PE
- 3H - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 3T - Monday - Indoor PE - Friday - Outdoor PE
Year 4
In English, the children have used their knowledge of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to plan, write and edit a sequel to the story. They used their storytelling skills to describe the characters and setting and included a dilemma and a resolution, where the problem was solved.
Towards the end of the week, the children were introduced to our new Layered Reading text, The Butterfly Lion. Once the main character had been established, the children gave reasons and justifications for the character’s actions.
As mathematicians, the focus has been on fractions and decimals. Some groups have compared and ordered fractions and have begun to make the link between common fractions and decimals. Other children have identified the place value of digits within decimals, while others used their knowledge of multiplication and division to calculate equivalent fractions and fractions of amounts. Some children used this knowledge to solve problems involving fractions and decimals.
In science, the children worked in groups to investigate which materials conduct electricity. They were presented with a selection of materials to test within their circuits and had to consider the importance of a fair test. They represented their results in a clear way and drew their own conclusions about which materials were conductors and which were insulators.
As historians, the children studied the history of the Ferris wheel. They arranged facts and photos into chronological order and created a poster to show this information.
REMINDER: Just a reminder that it is class photos on Monday 19th May. Please send the children to school wearing school uniform; they should bring their PE kit in a bag if they have PE.
Swimming
- 4B - Monday
- 4E - Friday
- 4SW - Monday
- 4C - Wednesday
PE
- 4B - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 4E - Monday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 4SW - Friday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 4C - Monday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
Year 5
In English, Year 5 have been travelling to space and beyond as they began to research, collect and creatively generate facts about our universe, including how space rockets work; how a space suite enables astronauts to survive and how black-holes are formed. They have learned how to precis a text when researching, collecting and in some cases inventing facts to use in an explanation text. Consideration of successful layouts and how to form an organised glossary have also been discussed.
In some maths groups, we have continued to work on improving subtraction skills including with money and decimals. The children have applied their knowledge of times tables facts to successfully multiply by multiples of 10 and 100.
In our PSHE lesson this week, the children learnt about menstruation. Discussions were carried out about how and why it occurs and how it is dealt with by women and girls. We were proud of the sensible way in which the children conducted themselves and the thoughtful and insightful questions that they asked.
Our Connected Curriculum lessons have required the children to explore and research the hierarchy of the Mayan people, using and applying their learning of Anglo Saxons from the autumn term. Looking at how climate change has and is affecting both the human and the natural world in Central America allowed the children to research the negative effects and also how organisations such as the WWF are attempting to negate the negative impact of global warming, deforestation and pollution. Greta Thunberg would have been proud of the Year 5 children who, through passionate speeches, articulated how we need to protect our planet: now and in the future.
Using drama in RE lessons and working in groups, the children demonstrated their understanding of Christian values.
REMINDER: Just a reminder that it is class photos on Monday 19th May. Please send the children to school wearing school uniform; they should bring their PE kit in a bag if they have PE.
Swimming
- 5K - Tuesday
- 5F - Thursday
- 5L - Tuesday
- 5G - Thursday
PE
- 5K - Friday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 5F- Friday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 5L - Thursday - Indoor PE - Wednesday - Outdoor PE
- 5G - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Wednesday- Outdoor PE
Year 6
As always, it has been a busy and exciting week for the Year 6 pupils at West Leigh. Firstly, there was the small matter of SATs to contend with but they approached these tests with great determination and focus, and we are proud of their accomplishments, regardless of the results. For many children, however, the highlight of the week was simply having the opportunity to have breakfast when they arrived at school – it certainly caused great excitement!
On Tuesday afternoon, the year group went to the fields together and had a lovely time relaxing and enjoying themselves. We believe that it is essential to provide our pupils with opportunities to unwind and have fun, especially during such a challenging time.
Learning more about Ilam/Southend Week and the end-of-year Leavers’ Assembly were also significant highlights for the pupils. There were many lively conversations and much excitement about both events. While our pupils have been sworn to secrecy about the Leavers’ Assembly’s theme, they are certainly enthusiastic about celebrating their time at West Leigh in a fun and inspiring way.
REMINDER: Just a reminder that it is class photos on Monday 19th May. Please send the children to school wearing school uniform; they should bring their PE kit in a bag if they have PE.
Swimming
- All Classes - Friday
PE
- 6D - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 6A - Thursday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 6P - Thursday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 6W - Thursday - Indoor PE - Monday- Outdoor PE
Online Safety
With its limitless opportunities for building, exploring and collaborating, Minecraft remains a global gaming phenomenon. Its broad appeal lies in how open-ended it is – but this also means it’s not without risk. From chatting with strangers on public servers to the grief of having a beloved creation destroyed, young players can face challenges if left unsupervised. Minecraft can also become a time- sink for enthusiastic players, with late nights spent crafting and constructing, potentially impacting school and social lives.
The following guide will help parents to understand how to keep young gamers safe – from choosing age-appropriate game modes to setting boundaries around screen time and spending.
General News
Identity, Inclusion and Diversity at West Leigh Junior School
A guest article from the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors
We would like to share with you the many different ways that we empower children of all ages at West Leigh! As Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, we believe that there is no limit to who you want to be and what you want to do. At school, we are given the chance to take leadership roles, no matter what age we are.
At West Leigh, we offer a variety of opportunities for our students to get involved and help make our school a better place. Some of the many responsibilities that we are able to undertake include roles such as Prefects, Librarians, Team Captains, Sports Captains, and Reading and Maths Ambassadors.
We are proud of the many children who contribute to our school community through their leadership role, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate responsibility, empathy, and integrity—our core Golden Values.
Team Captains -Team Captains are elected by their classmates and are often seen representing their teams during celebration assemblies. They also play a key role in encouraging others to take part in team challenges and promoting teamwork and school spirit!
Prefects - Prefects play an important role in helping the school run smoothly during lunch and break times. They show empathy and responsibility by ensuring that any injured students are safely taken to the office for medical attention.
Librarians - Librarians are responsible for keeping the library organised and running smoothly. If you have any questions about the library, they are always happy to help—whether you're looking for a specific book or want to learn how to become a librarian in the future.
Reading Ambassador - Reading Ambassadors support Year 3 children in developing more expressive and confident reading skills. By helping younger students improve their understanding and tone, Reading Ambassadors not only boost the confidence of the children they assist but also grow in confidence themselves.
Eco Warriors - They work hard to keep the school tidy, constantly coming up with new ideas to help us make our school more eco-friendly. They ensure that there is minimal rubbish on the floor, encouraging us to properly dispose of our waste. They have run events such as the toy swap to help us recycle and find new uses for old toys.
Playground Squad - They ensure that everyone is happy and participating in fun activities during playtime. They set up really enjoyable games using the equipment and the ‘come and play’ sign encourages children to join the fun. They also make sure that no one is left out and that everyone has someone to play with. The Playground Squad members wear high-visibility jackets marked with "Playground Squad" to easily identify them.
Tuck Monitors - Tuck monitors ensure we have a range of healthy tuck options. They take responsibility for giving change and taking money.
Anti-Bullying Ambassadors - Finally, we have the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors – us! We help to prevent bullying by carrying out activities such as creating videos, posters and even articles like this. We have been trained by the Princess Diana award and are qualified ambassadors.
We hope you have enjoyed reading about all the different ways we are able to take on responsibility within our school – helping us to become leaders and develop our confidence.
Sports News Stories
Girls football friendly vs Fairways
On Tuesday 13th May, the Year 5/6 girls’ football team played their last game of the season with two friendly fixtures against Fairways. Both teams were able to demonstrate their football skills with great defensive play and tackles along with superb passes to get the counter attack on a number of occasions. One team lost 2-3 while the other won 5-1. Both teams put in an incredible effort and played with smiles on their faces throughout the match and can be incredibly proud of their performance.
Summer Term Inspirational Person
This half term's inspirational person is Katie Stagliano, who founded the charity Katie's Krops at a young age. Her work all started with a school project - growing a cabbage! She managed to grow an enormous cabbage which she donated to feed the homeless. When she realised that her cabbage had helped provide meals to 275 people, she started to wonder what a whole garden might do. After setting up a garden in her school, Katie's project grew until she had young people across America creating their own gardens and donating the produce. Her empathy, compassion and selflessness have inspired us all!
The challenge for this half term can be found on Showbie - don't forget that there are prizes available! Children should design a garden or allotment that could be used to grow crops to feed people who do not have enough money to buy food. They can upload their design to Showbie or hand it in to Mrs London.
Dinner Menu
Week 2
Monday - Homemade Creamy Cheese and Vegetable Pasta Bake with Garlic Bread - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise - Wholemeal Wrap with Ham and Tortilla Chips - Sweetcorn, Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Raspberry Mousse
Tuesday - Chinese Chicken Curry - Chinese Vegetable Curry - Granary Baguette with Cheese - Steamed Rice and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Biscuit
Wednesday - Pork Sausage Toad in the Hole with Gravy - Vegan Sausage Toad in the Hole with Gravy - Granary Baguette with Tuna Mayonnaise - Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Cornflake Crunch
Thursday - Mild Chilli Con Carne - Vegetable and Bean Chilli Con Carne - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans Cheese or Tuna Mayonniase - Rice and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Cherry Chocolate Cake
Friday - Margherita Pizza with Chunky Chips - Vegan Pizza with Chunky Chips - Wholemeal Wrap with Salmon and Sweetcorn with Tortilla Chips - Homemade Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh fruit, Yoghurt or Fruity Jelly
Don't forget to check out our new online bookshop here.
Sports Awards
The award for Most Improved goes to Adhish Saravanan in 5F for demonstrating great progress in finding space on the opponent's side of the volleyball court in PE lessons.
The Sports Performer award goes to Everly Pocknell in 5L for demonstrating an excellent technique for an overarm bowl in cricket.
Parent Council
The full list of councillors, along with their email addresses if you wish to contact them, can be found on our school website. The minutes from our meetings are also published on this page, which can be found using the following link: https://www.westleighjunior.co.uk/parent-council
A reminder that answers to many of the previously discussed items at parent council can be found on the 'hot topics' section of our website: https://www.westleighjunior.co.uk/hot-topics
This includes subjects such as lost property, lunchtime arrangements, clubs and much more.
We still have vacancies in 4C and 6P - if you are able to spare an evening each term to represent your class, it would be of great benefit to the school. Our meetings are held at 4.30pm and councillors are able to use our After School Club, free of charge to assist with child care during the meeting. Please contact Mrs London if you are able to volunteer.
Community News
We've created a dedicated space on our website to share flyers for local events and community support. Click the link below to explore what's happening in our area.
Summer Term Diary Dates
June
- Monday 2nd - INSET Day
- Wednesday 4th - Year 6 Cricket Competition (boys)
- Thursday 5th - School Council Visit to Houses of Parliament
- Year 6 Cricket Competition (girls)
- Danbury Meeting for Year 3 Parents @ 2.30pm
- Meeting for Year 4 parents re: transition and Mersea residential
- Friday 6th - Careers Day
- Monday 9th - Wednesday 18th - Assessments in Years 3 - 5
- Monday 9th - Seesma rehearsal from 11.30am
- Seesma Concert - 7pm - 9.30pm
- Monday 9th - Thursday 19th - Year 6 Bikeability
- Assessment Week for Years 3 - 5
- Tuesday 10th - Coastal Schools - 4C
- Wednesday 11th - Borough Sports
- Thursday 12th - Coastal Schools - 4SW
- Year 3 water safety assembly
- Significant Male Sale
- Friday 13th - non-uniform day for summer fayre
- Saturday 14th - Summer Fayre
- Monday 16th - Thursday 19th - Bikeability - Year 6
- Assessment week for Years 3 - 5
- WHSG Taster Day for Year 4 girls
- Parent Council Meeting @ 4.30pm
- Friday 20th - Sponsor Day for Havens Hospices
- Monday 23rd - Friday 27th - Ilam Hall Residential and Southend Activity Week (Year 6)
- No swimming all week
- Tuesday 24th - Super Sports - Track
- Year 6 Induction King John and The Deanes Schools
- Wednesday 25th - Super Sports - Field
- Year 6 Induction King John and The Deanes Schools
- Thursday 26th - Year 3 Field Study @ Leigh Beach
- Year 4 Quidditch Event
July
Please note that there will be no After School Club on Tuesday 15th July due to Open Evening . There will also be no After School Club on the last day of term (Wednesday 23rd July).
- Tuesday 1st - King John induction morning - Year 6
- Wednesday 2nd - Year 5 IndiRock visit
- Thursday 3rd - Friday 4th - Year 3 Residential to Danbury
- Friday 4th - Year 6-7 Transition Day
- General Knowledge Quiz Club Finals @ Oxford University
- Boys' Choir singing with Music Man Project
- Monday 7th - Sports Day - no swimming
- Tuesday 8th - Sports Stacks Event - Year 3
- Thursday 10th - Meet the Teacher morning (Years 3 - 5)
- Monday 14th - Friday 18th - Fun Swim Week
- Tuesday 15th - Open Evening 5pm - 7pm - no After School Club
- Friday 18th - Annual School Reports
- Monday 21st - Year 6 Swimming Gala
- Tuesday 22nd - Year 6 Leavers' performance to parents
- Wednesday 23rd - Last day of term - no After School Club
Credits:
Created with images by Christy Thompson - "make a date" • Pixel-Shot - "Female hands with newspapers on color background" • Kaspars Grinvalds - "Tablet with sports news website on stack of newspapers. All contents are made up." • Creative Stocker - "Golden trophy held by a hand isolated on transparent background, 3D metallic award PNG download for sports, competition, success, achievement, victory, pride, leadership, championship, and celebration" • Brian Jackson - "Calendar appointment"