It has been another busy week at West Leigh with a number of children representing the school at the London Aquatic Centre as well as our Year 5 and 6 girls competing in the quarter final of the Essex Cup. Well done to all those who participated and thank you for representing the school so well.
This coming Monday (3/2/25) will be the last chance for children to submit their entries to our Waddle on Sea competition. I know that children across the school have been busy developing innovative designs and we look forward to seeing what they have created.
I hope that you all have a fantastic weekend .
Best wishes,
Mr Aggus
Reminder: Please ensure that the children come to school with plain black shoes or trainers with no visible logos.
Diary Dates
February
- Monday 3rd - Young Voices at the O2
- Deadline for Waddle on Sea entries
- Tuesday 4th - Family Fun Cooking Session
- Girls' Football Friendly against Hinguar
- Family Fun Cooking Session
- Wednesday 5th - Coastal Schools - 4SW
- Thursday 6th - Mop-up swimming trials
- Year 5/6 Boys' Football V Chalkwell
- Y5/6 Girls' Football V Temple Sutton
- Family Fun Cooking Session
- Monday 10th - Year 5/6 Boys' Football V Fairways
- Tuesday 11th - Safer Internet Day
- Year 6 Girls' Netball League
- Year 3/4 Football V Chalkwell
- Wednesday 12th - Year 6 Cyber Security Workshop
- Year 5/6 Essex Tag Rugby Finals
- Year 3/4 Football V Chalkwell
- Pre-loved Uniform Sale
- Thursday 13th - Year 5/6 Boys' V St Anne Line Catholic Junior school
- Year 6 Netball Fixture
- Pre-loved Uniform Sale
- Friday 14th - Year 5 Boys' Football Festival
- Monday 17th - Friday 21st - Half Term
- Monday 24th - INSET Day
- Wednesday 26th - Year 6 Netball Competition
- Thursday 27th - Year 6 Netball Festival @ Alleyn Court
- Friday 28th - Year 3/4 Girls' Football Competition
- School Nurse drop-ins for Parents
March
- Monday 3rd - Year 3 Dogs Trust visit
- Tuesday 4th - Southend Makes Music
- Wednesday 5th - General Knowledge Quiz Club Area Heat
- Coastal Schools - 4E
- Thursday 6th - Year 4 Colchester Castle
- Year 5/6 Quad Kids Trial
- Friday 7th - Year 6 Dragonball Competition
- Monday 10th - Year 3/4 Boys' Football
- Parent Council Meeting 4.30pm - 5.30pm
- Tuesday 11th - Year 6 Openroad Drug Safety Workshop
- Wednesday 12th - Years 3-5 assessments until Friday 21st
- Year 4 Tag Rugby Competition
- Thursday 13th - Year 5/6 Boys' Football V Greenways
- Tuesday 18th - Year 6 Openroad Drug Safety Workshop
- Wednesday 19th - Year 5/6 Sports Hall Finals
- Coastal Schools - 4B
- Thursday 20th - Cross Country training Essex Final Squad
- Year 3/4 Quad Kids Trials
- Coastal Schools - 4C
- Friday 21st - Comic Relief (non-uniform)
- Monday 24th - Year 6 Mock SATs Week
- Tuesday 25th - Year 6 Girls' Netball League
- Year 4 presentation @ 2pm (4B & 4C)
- Thursday 27th - Year 4 presentation @ 2pm (4E & 4SW)
- Friday 28th - Year 5/6 Aquathlon
April
- Tuesday 1st - Learning Conferences
- Wednesday 2nd - Cross Country Essex Finals
- Coastal Schools - 4SW (missed from last term)
- Friday 4th - Y5/6 Padel Competition
- Thursday 3rd - Learning Conferences
- Monday 7th - Monday 21st - Easter Holidays
- Thursday 24th - Year 5 Transition and Selection meeting (for current Year 4 parents) 7.30pm - 8.30pm
- Friday 25th - Year 3/4 Tennis Competition @ 9am
- Year 5/6 Tennis Competition @ 12.15pm
- Monday 28th - Year 5 Geography Field Trip
- Wednesday 30th - Year 3/4 Quad Kids
May
- Thursday 1st - Dance Festival @ Alleyn Court
- Wednesday 7th - Year 5/6 Quad Kids
- Monday 12th - Year 6 SATs Week
- Tuesday 20th - Year 3 Presentation @ 2pm (3M & 3S)
- Wednesday 21st - Maths Quiz Club Area Heat
- Swimming Gala @ Garon Park
- Thursday 22nd - Year 3 Presentation @ 2pm (3T & 3H)
- Friday 23rd - Year 6 Rounders Festival
- Monday 26th - Friday 30th - Half Term
June
- Monday 2nd - INSET Day
- Wednesday 4th - Year 6 Cricket Competition (boys)
- Thursday 5th - Year 6 Cricket Competition (girls)
- Friday 6th - Careers Day
- Monday 9th - Wednesday 18th - Assessments in Years 3 - 5
- Seesma Concert - 7pm - 9.30pm
- Monday 9th - Thursday 19th - Year 6 Bikeability
- Wednesday 11th - Borough Sports
- Thursday 12th - Year 4 Transition
- Monday 23rd - Friday 27th - Ilam Hall Residential and Southend Activity Week
- Tuesday 24th - Super Sports - Track
- Year 6 Induction King John
- Wednesday 25th - Super Sports - Field
- Year 6 Induction King John
July
- Friday 4th - Year 6-7 Transition Day
- Monday 7th - Sports Day
- Tuesday 15th - Open Evening 5pm - 7pm
- Friday 18th - Annual School Reports
- Monday 21st - Year 6 Swimming Gala
- Wednesday 23rd - Last day of term
Year 3
It's been a fantastic week in Year 3, packed with exciting learning experiences that have showcased the children's growth and understanding.
In reading, we have seen the children apply knowledge from previous weeks, particularly in their studies of Ancient Greece. In our reading lessons, the children have delved into the book Beast Keeper, learning to recognise and infer characters' feelings through their words and actions. They also demonstrated their ability to write from different perspectives and created engaging thought bubbles to bring their characters to life.
In English, the children demonstrated effective note-taking skills as they researched and documented information about Hercules and the Twelve Labours. This skill will serve them well in next week's lessons when writing their non-chronoloical reports.
In Connected Curriculum, the children discovered the geographical wonders of Greece, creating informative guides for adventurers and comparing climates between the UK and Greece. They drew vibrant pictures showcasing the distinct environmental characteristics of each region.
In maths, the children expanded their knowledge of place value, mastering addition and subtraction using the formal method. They also developed their critical thinking skills by identifying mathematical patterns and using inverse operations to double-check their answers.
In science, the children reflected on their experiments investigating friction, drawing meaningful conclusions with the help of engaging bar charts.
The children have worked incredibly hard this week, and we are proud of their dedication and achievements. We can't wait to see what next week brings.
If you have any materials like scrap paper, travel brochures, wallpaper samples, children's magazines, or comics that you'd be willing to donate for our upcoming art project, please encourage your child to bring them in next week. Thank you!
Please can all children remember to bring their recorders for their music lesson every Thursday.
Year 4
We have come to the end of another week where the children have worked diligently and conscientiously.
The emphasis in English has been on persuasive texts - in particular, travel blogs. The children identified and practised using a range of persuasive devices. They have used these to write a blog to persuade someone to visit Rome, Naples, Aosta or Palermo. The finale of the week was to swap their pieces of writing with children from the other Year 4 classes, where they identified the persuasive features and suggested ways that they could be improved.
The focus in maths has been telling the time. The children have studied units of time and their equivalences. They have practised reading the time on an analogue clock, and some groups have also converted analogue to the digital format. Some children have also begun to solve problems involving durations of time.
As scientists, the children studied the process of melting and freezing. Together, they conducted an experiment to find out whether ice melts quicker in fresh water compared to salt water – with some surprising results!
The importance of food hygiene was discussed as part of our Connected Curriculum lessons. The children created informative posters to explain food safety in the kitchen. An exciting end to the week involved taste-tasting a range of Italian foods where the children had to share their opinions relating to taste, appearance and texture.
Please note that 4SW will be going to Coastal School on Wednesday 5th so will need to wear suitable clothing and footwear.
Year 5
Another busy week has passed and the children have continued to enjoy the challenges provided through their learning opportunities.
The children engaged with enthusiasm during our learning about different types of poetry during their English lessons. Some classes began with Haikus - a form of Japanese poetry related to nature with a very specific structure. They had to practise counting syllables whilst considering metre. As a challenge, the children went onto apply their knowledge of structure and syllables to study sonnets. They looked at both modern and traditional examples, including some of the most famous written by Shakespeare. Considering the themes and the correct structure, the children practised writing lines including iambic pentameter and rhyme using their hero/heroine as inspiration. They honed their writing skills to create a 14-line poem including 3 quatrains and a rhyming couplet.
In some classes this week, maths lessons have involved reviewing tables facts and using prior knowledge in order to multiply numbers by 10 and 100. They also revised formal methods of multiplication, progressing onto multiplying by 2 digits. In other classes, multiplication skills have involved solving word problems and calculations involving division with remainders.
Science lessons this week have challenged the children to consider why we have day and night using the classroom globe and torches. They also considered how and why certain areas of the Earth experience seasonal changes, where seasons are less obvious and the reasons why.
Finally, in Connected Curriculum lessons, the children have built upon their knowledge of the topography of the Earth with further study of a wide range of maps including historical, political, landscape, transport and resources. They have considered the usefulness of each type, how they could be used, by whom and for what reason. They were particularly interested in how maps over the centuries had changed and the reasons why this had occurred.
Year 6
Following the wonderful performance by the Young Shakespeare Company last week, Year 6 have delved deeper into the plot and characters of Hamlet, demonstrating their understanding of the intricacies and complexities faced by the diverse characters within the narrative. Their engagement with the highly emotive performance has been evident through their conversations and subsequent work.
As scientists, they have built upon last week’s learning about classification keys by creating their own. This process required them to apply technical skills in constructing dichotomous keys, showcasing their understanding of the topic.
In Connected Curriculum, as artists, they have made detailed plans for their upcoming rainforest-inspired artwork. They have carefully considered how to incorporate their chosen animal effectively, as well as how to combine layers and materials to create a visually striking final piece.
In RE, they have continued to reflect on how charity and charitable behaviours are fundamental in both Christianity and Islam. Additionally, they have explored their personal opinions on the value of money and how individuals can demonstrate acts of charity.
Online Safety
As we grow up, we’re inevitably exposed to new and challenging feelings – whether it’s sadness, fear or rage. These emotions can be tough to handle when we’re still learning about the world – and even once we’ve passed into adulthood – which is why emotional literacy is a vital life skill.
Of course, when emotions are running high, it can be tricky to help young people process these feelings in a healthy way, but it’s incredibly important that we do so as parents and educators. This free guide provides you with expert tips on teaching children to recognise their own emotions and deal with them in a mature manner.
Year 6 Basketball
On Tuesday, eleven Year 6 boys attended the basketball festival at Thorpe Hall School.
They all played seven games in total and thoroughly enjoyed playing inside on the basketball courts, showing great teamwork and determination throughout the morning.
Well done to all involved and to the parents for transporting the children to and from the venue.
Young Shakespeare Company Year 6
Once again this term, Year 6 enjoyed a visit from the highly talented and enthusiastic Young Shakespeare Company, who performed an interactive workshop version of Hamlet. During their session, the children were swept away into a world of subterfuge, revenge and misfortune. With opportunities to become a part of the performance, the children thoroughly enjoyed this event and most certainly were inspired by the phenomenal acting and high drama. Unsurprisingly, there was much excited conversation following the performance with the pupils eager to discuss the characters, plot and the many impressive and inspiring techniques used by the wonderfully talented actors.
Panathlon Swimming Gala
On Monday 27th January, eight children from across the school took part in the Panathlon swimming gala held at the London Aquatic Center. They took part in a variety of races against five other schools with each race running over two heats. The children showed off their fantastic swimming abilities. The team did a fantastic job finishing 3rd. All the children had a wonderful day, thoroughly enjoying the event and keen to take part again, should the opportunity arise.
Girls' Football Essex Cup
On Thursday 30th January, the year 5/6 girls' football team played in the quarter finals of the Essex Cup against George Carey C of E School in Barking. The team worked incredibly hard from the start, utilising their defending skills and applying pressure to the ball, making great tackles to clear the ball from the area. At half time, we were down 0-2 but the team kept their heads up, helping to improve their attacking chances. The team made some great tackles to win the ball and advance up the pitch, however they struggled to get past George Carey's defenders. The final result was 0-5 to George Carey.
The team showed off their fantastic teamwork and improved their play throughout the match, mixing up their tactics to try different approaches to find a way through. They never lacked confidence and put their all into the match and can be immensely proud of reaching the quarter finals of the Essex Cup.
Playground Equipment
For our new 'airport roleplay' box in the playground, we would be most grateful if you have any of the following items at home that you would be able to donate.
Please leave all items at the school office for the attention of Mrs London. Thank you.
- small travel bags or briefcases
- old passports
- plastic travel mugs (not glass or ceramic)
- luggage tags
Inspirational Person
Thank you to all of those who submitted entries for last half term's Showbie challenge - it was fantastic to see all of the quotes about integrity presented in such interesting and creative ways. Some of the entries are shown below.
This half term, we have looked at the achievements of Ryan Hreljac. Whilst at school, he learned about the scarcity of water in some countries. He decided to do something about it - raising thousands of dollars to buy wells and even inspiring others to join him. We discussed the different Golden Values that he demonstrated, and concluded that his actions actually demonstrated all three!
Ryan demonstrated commitment and responsibility – it took him a long time to save the money needed for a well. He could have given up at any point, but he kept going. He recognised that it was not fair that he had easy access to water whilst others did not and set about trying to change that, showing integrity. Finally, Ryan showed compassion and concern for others; he was upset at the thought that other people did not have the essential water that they needed. By empathising with them, he was able to help.
This half term's Showbie challenge is to look at all of the tips on Ryan’s website for different ways that we can conserve water. Choose some of these tips and make a poster to share this information with others. The link and further information can be found in the 'Inspirational People' folder on Showbie.
West Leigh's Waddle-on-Sea
As part of our ongoing charity work, we have signed up to this exciting project to raise funds for Havens Hospices. The children have been invited to design a baby penguin that will form part of the city's exhibition in the summer. Designs will need to reflect our school's Golden Values of responsibility, integrity and empathy and should be completed on one of the templates provided in school.
If your child would like to take part, they should collect a design template from Mrs Wilson and ensure that completed designs are returned by Monday 3rd February.
Further details about the Waddle-on-Sea project can be found below:
Dinner Menu
Week 2
Monday - Homemade Macaroni Cheese with Garlic Bread - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise - Granary Baguette with Cheese - Sweetcorn and Saad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Raspberry Mousse
Tuesday - Pork Sausage - Vegan Sausage - Wholemeal Wrap with Egg Mayo - Yorkshire Pudding - Mashed Potatoes, Garden Peas and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Jelly
Wednesday - Minced Beef and Onion Puff Pastry Pie with Gravy - Winter Vegetable Puff Pastry Pie with Gravy - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise - Roast Potatoes - Carrots/Sweetcorn and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Cornflake Cherry Crunch
Thursday - Chicken Thigh Curry - Cauliflower and Vegetable Curry - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese and Tuna Mayonnaise - Coleslaw, Sweetcorn and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Chocolate Prune Cake
Friday - Battered Chicken Steak - Vegetable & Cheese Bake - Granary Baguette with Salmon and Sweetcorn - Diced Potatoes, Spaghetti Hoops and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Ice Cream
Don't forget to check out our new online bookshop here.
Swimming
Please ensure that your child has their full kit with them on swimming days as we will no longer be phoning home for forgotten kits.
Monday
- 3H
- 4B
- 4SW
Tuesday
- 3M
- 5L
- 5K
Wednesday
- 3S
- 4C
- 3T
Thursday
- 5G
- 5F
Friday
- 6D
- 6A
- 4E
- 6P
- 6W
PE Lessons
Please ensure that your child is wearing their full kit on PE days as we will no longer be phoning home for forgotten kits.
First Half Term:
3M
- Indoor PE: Wednesday
- Outdoor PE: Thursday
3S
- Indoor PE: Tuesday
- Outdoor PE: Friday
3H
- Indoor PE: Tuesday
- Outdoor PE: Thursday
3T
- Indoor PE: Monday
- Outdoor PE: Friday
4B
- Indoor PE: Wednesday
- Outdoor PE: Tuesday
4E
- Indoor PE: Monday
- Outdoor PE: Thursday
4SW
- Indoor PE: Friday
- Outdoor PE: Thursday
4C
- Indoor PE: Monday
- Outdoor PE: Tuesday
5K
- Indoor PE: Friday
- Outdoor PE: Monday
5F
- Indoor PE: Friday
- Outdoor PE: Monday
5L
- Indoor PE: Thursday
- Outdoor PE: Wednesday
5G
- Indoor PE: Tuesday
- Outdoor PE: Wednesday
6D
- Indoor PE: Wednesday
- Outdoor PE: Tuesday
6A
- Indoor PE: Thursday
- Outdoor PE: Monday
6P
- Indoor PE: Thursday
- Outdoor PE: Tuesday
6W
- Indoor PE: Thursday
- Outdoor PE: Monday
Attendance
Congratulations to 4C who all achieved the highest attendance this week with an impressive 100%.
Messages from FOWLS
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 4E, 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
NHS Pharmacy First Service
Did you know that the NHS Pharmacy First Service enables children and adults to get convenient access to healthcare advice and treatment where appropriate, for seven common conditions without the potential delay of having to wait for a GP appointment? Accessing the service may help children feel better and get back to school as quickly as possible, as well as supporting parents/carers to also get better if they are unwell with one of the conditions covered under the service.
There is no need to make an appointment; parents or carers can pop into their local Boots pharmacy with their child and ask for help under the service.
Support for the following conditions can be accessed under the service, free of charge (unless NHS prescription charges apply):
Credits:
Created with images by Alexa Joy - "Model airplane lying on passports. Isolated white toy plane and documents. Travel concept. Place for your text" • epicraw - "Close up man hands holding champion golden trophy on transparent background Generative AI"