Diary Dates
January
- Monday 27th - Years 3/4 Boys' Football V Rayleigh
- Panathlon Swimming Gala
- Year 3/4 Boys' Football v. Rayleigh
- Tuesday 28th - Family Fun Cooking Session
- Year 6 basketball competition
- Family Fun Cooking Session
- Thursday 30th - Girls' Essex Q/F Cup vs George Carey
- Family Fun Cooking Session
- Friday 31st - Year 5/6 Hockey Festival
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
- Thursday 6th - Year 5/6 Boys' Football vs 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
- Wednesday 12th - Year 6 Cyber Security Workshop
- Year 5/6 Essex Tag Rugby Finals
- Year 3/4 Football v. Chalkwell
- Year 6 Cyber Security Workshops
- Thursday 13th - Year 5/6 Boys' vs St Anne Line Catholic Junior school
- Year 6 Netball Fixture
- 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
- 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 vs Greenways
- Tuesday 18th - Year 6 Openroad Drug Safety Workshop
- Wednesday 19th - Year 5/6 Sports Hall Finals
- Thursday 20th - Cross Country training Essex Final Squad
- Friday 21st - Comic Relief
- 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
- 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 another fun filled week in Year 3 with 3S and 3H visiting Leigh Library.
As readers, the children have discovered why Demon’s long-lost father Pan appeared and took him on the magical rainbow journey to Olympus in our layered reading book, Beast Keeper. Developing their reading skills, the children explored a rich and vibrant array of vocabulary that the author, Lucy Coats used to build creative images. The children have explored using their developing vocabulary skills when writing.
As mythical writers, the children have continued their exploration of the story of Perseus and Medusa. They wrote a powerful battle scene between the characters considering dialogue, powerful verbs, adjectives and adverbs to entertain the reader and build creative images. We have been impressed by the children’s attention to detail to write cohesive sentences.
As mathematicians, the children have been consolidating and extending a range of place value skills within their maths bands.
In Connected Curriculum, the children investigated Athens and Sparta to compare and contrast what life would have been like. Can your child talk about which city state they would have preferred to have lived in and why? As Geographers, the children have been introduced to human and physical features. They practised categorising these features linked to modern day Greece.
In science, the children extended their understanding of friction by investigating how far a toy car would travel down a ramp on different surfaces. Can your child explain what friction is and which types of surfaces result in creating more friction?
Year 3/4 Girls' Football
Thank you to all of the girls who attended the football trials over the last two weeks. It was fantastic to see so much interest and participation in the trials. A team has now been selected for the upcoming Southend tournament and letters have been given to the children selected. We hope to arrange further opportunities for all of the trialists later on in the academic year.
Year 4
In English, our focus has been on persuasive writing. We have studied a range of texts, including adverts. We have identified their features and also answered questions about them. The children have used a variety of techniques to write their own persuasive pieces, where the aim was to convince someone to purchase a broken object.
As mathematicians, the children have been learning to calculate with negative numbers, using number lines to count forwards and backwards through zero. Some groups also compared and ordered a range of positive and negative numbers while some calculated using negative numbers. An additional focus for the week was consolidating addition and subtraction skills. The children used various methods to calculate accurately, and some groups have explored how to check answers using the inverse.
Great fun was had in science lessons this week. The children investigated the viscosity of a range of liquids and made predictions about the speed at which they ‘flow’. They considered the importance of a fair test and demonstrated the teamwork skills required to carry out the experiment.
As geographers, the children have compared the weather in the local area compared to locations in Italy. From this, they were able to describe how climate affects which activities can be carried out in a particular location.
In RE, the children conducted some research on rites of passage across a range of religions and demonstrated their knowledge by presenting their findings to others.
Year 3/4 Girls' Football
Thank you to all of the girls who attended the football trials over the last two weeks. It was fantastic to see so much interest and participation in the trials. A team has now been selected for the upcoming Southend tournament and letters have been given to the children selected. We hope to arrange further opportunities for all of the trialists later on in the academic year.
Year 5
Our week certainly started with a bang, with an exciting visit to London to explore the Natural History Museum. As they journeyed across London, the children enjoyed spotting a number of famous landmarks including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Albert Hall. When we arrived at the museum, the children were struck by the beauty of the building. After walking through the great hall, they marvelled at the skeleton of the blue whale. Lunch was hungrily consumed and then we began the climb up to the top floor. The children were excited to see all the amazing exhibits and enjoyed the interactive ones - particularly the earthquake simulator. As always, the children were a credit to the school, with their visit having added an exciting layer to their learning.
In maths lessons this week, some classes have been focusing on subtraction to embed some key skills. As the week has progressed, they have moved onto missing number calculations with increasing levels of challenge. In other classes, the children have been reviewing area and perimeter including splitting irregular shapes into rectangles. They applied their learning to real life situations such as fence building and carpet laying.
Continuing with our stories based on The Ridge, the children have been honing their skills, linking their descriptive openings to an exciting build up. Practising to use a wide range of techniques to include tension, they wrote some breath-taking dilemmas, and in some cases using the power of three – two failed attempts before a successful resolution. Finally, the children ended their stories by reviewing and demonstrating their learning from the previous term, choosing the most suitable to engage their reader.
Our Connected Curriculum lessons have been all about contours and elevations. The children were asked to form their mountains from playdough after looking at how mountains and raised ground are represented on maps. Slicing through the playdough, they created layers that when drawn round and placed on top of each other, formed contour lines. From this, they were able to create a graph of the side elevation which they found fascinating.
Year 6
In English, Year 6 have written persuasively, articulately explaining who they believe should be the recipient of ‘The Unluckiest Character’ award. This challenging task showcased their ability to draw connections across a range of narrative texts, including characters studied throughout Year 6.
Our English learning also featured a captivating performance of Hamlet by the Young Shakespeare Company. Inspired by the play, our upcoming learning will provide opportunities to respond to the themes, character and plot of the play. The immersive experience not only enhanced their understanding of Shakespearean literature but also has ignited their imaginations as a result of the powerful and dramatic performances.
In science, the learning has focused on using and interpreting classification keys. A deeper understanding of the work of Karl Linneas has also supported the children’s understanding of how biodiversity is grouped and organised. Many pupils even enjoyed using the Latin binomial system to identify clues relating to the characteristics of unfamiliar plants.
In Connected Curriculum, after investigating the intricate patterns of animal prints, the children applied their observations into creative expressions through printing techniques. They have also, as geographers, had a focus on the diverse climates across Brazil. Through this exploration, pupils identified links between data and geographical locations.
Online Safety
Over time, more and more fitness apps have been finding their way into circulation. Usually free to download – at least initially – these apps claim to offer helpful advice and assistance in routine management to those looking to lead a healthier lifestyle.
While these platforms can be useful, they do present several safety concerns. These issues become more significant when we consider that children and young people can use these apps to stay active – whether out of concern for their own health or for reasons of body image. Our free guide breaks down the risks of health and fitness apps and offers expert advice on how to address these concerns to safeguard younger users.
Year 5/6 Boys' Football - Jim Smith Essex Cup Last 16
West Leigh competed in an incredibly nervy round of last 16 football match against Rayleigh Primary last week. Ted Dennahy put the Year 5/6 boys into a 1-0 lead with a well-taken finish, firing into the roof of the net. With the game seemingly creeping towards a 1-0 win, Rayleigh scored a tremendous scissor kick with almost the last kick of the game. The team regrouped and set out to find a winner in extra time, hoping to avoid the lottery of a penalty shootout. The winner came from Hugo Ventress, with a powerful shot across the keeper and into the bottom corner. West Leigh held on for a 2-1 win, much to the delight of our travelling parents and Mr Markham! The team will now compete in the quarter finals of the Jim Smith Essex Cup against St Anne Line Catholic Juniors School!
Playground Squad
This week, our new Playground Squad came together for a morning of training. Within this session, they learned how to make fair and safe decisions, how to speak positively and kindly to other children, and how they can involve everyone in their games and activities.
At playtime, the children investigated our playground as 'play detectives', looking carefully at the games children enjoy; considering what would make our playground better; taking photographs of good play and even shadowing our staff on duty.
The squad are very enthusiastic and keen to start next week - we are looking forward to seeing the positive change that they bring!
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.
Royal Academy Young Artists' Summer Show
Now in its seventh year, the Young Artists’ Summer Show is a free, open submission exhibition for pupils aged 4–18. Artworks are judged by a panel of artists and art professionals, with selected artworks displayed online and on-site at the Royal Academy of Arts. West Leigh Junior School is now registered so if anyone is feeling inspired, they are able to apply and enter this prestigious exhibition online. Submissions are open until 5th March 2025. All details are available on the Royal Academy’s website, below but if you have any further questions, please get in touch with Mrs Nash.
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 1
Monday - Homemade Tomato & Vegetable with Wholemeal Pasta - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayo - Wholemeal wrap with Tuna Mayonnaise - Sweetcorn and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Cocktail
Tuesday - All Day Breakfast (Sausage, Baked Beans and Hash Brown) - Vegetarian All Day Breakfast (Vegetarian Sausage, Baked Beans, Hash Brown) - Granary Baguette with Cheese - Scrambled Egg, Mushrooms, Tomatoes and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruity Flapjack
Wednesday - Traditional Roast Chicken - Roast Quorn in Gravy - Roast Quorn in Gravy - Granary Baguette with Egg Mayonnaise - Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Carrots/ Peas and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit - Yoghurt or Banana Cake
Thursday - Sweet and Sour Pork - 5 Beans and Vegetables in a Sweet and Sour Sauce - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise - Rice, Mixed Vegetables and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Carrot Cake
Friday - 100% Fish Fingers - Vegetable Fingers - Wholemeal Wrap with Salmon and Sweetcorn - Potato Wedges, Sweetcorn/Peas and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Jelly
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 3S, 3T, 4C and 5K who all achieved the highest attendance this week with 99.24%.
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" • Kseniya - "empty gallerys in museum" • epicraw - "Close up man hands holding champion golden trophy on transparent background Generative AI"