Dear Parents and Carers,
This week has seen the children performing both creatively as part of the SEESMA choir at the Cliffs Pavillion and athletically at the Borough Sports. On both occasions, the children made us extremely proud. They behaved impeccably and their dedication and commitment over the past months shone through. Be it humility, teamwork, resilience or sportsmanship - every child played their part and should be proud of their achievements.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend,
Best wishes,
Cheryl Woolf
Executive Headteacher
Diary Dates
New dates in italics
Advance Notice: End of year school reports will be sent home on Friday 12th July to your personal email address held in the school office.
June 2024
- Monday 17th - Music workshop Year 4
- Life-saving all week - clothes needed for swimming
- Tuesday 18th - Year 3 Induction Meeting for Year 2 parents from 7.30pm
- National School Sports Week - Year 6
- Football trials for 4G, 5K & 5F 3.30pm - 5pm
- Wednesday 19th - Team photos - selected children to wear PE kit
- Thursday 20th - SPSSA Southend Gotta Dance @ The Palace Theatre from 7pm
- Sunday 23rd - Girls' Choir concert @ Plaza Centre from 3pm
- Monday 24th - Friday 28th - Year 6 Residential to Ilam Hall and Southend Week
- Tuesday 25th & Wednesday 26th - Year 6 Transition Day (King John)
- Tuesday 25th - Super Sports (track) @ Garons from 4pm
- Wednesday 26th - Super Sports (field) @ Garons from 4pm
- Coastal Schools - 4G
- Thursday 27th - WHSG visit (year 4 girls) 9am
- Girls' football fixture at Chalkwell Park 4pm - 4.45pm
- Friday 28th - Summer Fayre Donation Day (Bottles / Chocolates)
- Saturday 29th - Summer Fayre
July 2024
- Tuesday 2nd - King John Transition morning
- Adalah Care Home visit from 1pm
- Year 6 - Fields
- Football trials 5R & 4B 3.30pm - 5pm
- Wednesday 3rd - 3T & 3M Field Study
- Musicians @ West Leigh Baptist Church
- Friday 5th - Year 6 Transition Day
- Year 3N & 3L Geography Field Study
- Monday 8th - Fun Swim Week
- Year 5 Geography Field Trip
- Tuesday 9th - Music Man project
- Football Trials 4E, 4S & 5J
- Wednesday 10th - Meet your new teacher day
- 6W & 6A Geography Field Trip
- Thursday 11th - Open Evening (5pm - 7pm)
- Friday 12th - 6D & 6P Geography Field Trip
- Monday 15th - Year 6 House Team Swimming Gala
- Tuesday 16th - Sports Morning 9am - 12pm @ Belfairs
- Thursday 18th - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 2pm - 3pm
- Friday 19th - Last Day of Term
- No After School Club
- Monday 22nd - INSET DAY
Year 3
This week, the children have been completing their assessments for English and maths. It has been excellent to see them completing their tests with positive, mature attitudes; we are very proud of their efforts.
Science lessons have been very exciting this week. The children have investigated light reflectors using torches and a range of materials.
In RE lessons, they carried out research into the St. Vincent’s charity and the helpful work they do in our local community. They compiled interview questions to ask a volunteer from the charity and considered their important roles.
By the end of the week, the children were extremely excited about their trips to Danbury and the local area. We look forward to sharing some photographs in next week's newsletter.
Year 4
We are very proud of how well the children have focused during their tests this week. They have demonstrated their knowledge in maths, reading, grammar, punctuation, spelling and science and have shown resilience and attention to detail.
In RE lessons, the children have researched different religious festivals from a wide range of religions and have been fascinated by their similarities and differences, producing well considered and designed posters.
Tennis skills have been practised by two classes in PE lessons this week with a focus on positioning when receiving and returning the ball. Please note that next week outdoor PE slots will return to normal with 4S and 4B needing to wear PE kit on Wednesday and 4G and 4E on Thursday.
After completing the background for their Lowry-inspired art, the children have considered the challenge of perspective, thinking about where buildings and fairground rides need to be placed. Careful painting and cutting has been needed, as much of the artwork is intricate and detailed. Finally, the children have drawn Lowry-style figures to complete their artwork.
4G will be attending their final Coastal Schools trip to the beach on Wednesday 26th June. If any parents are able to come and help please could you let Mrs Garrett know as soon as possible.
Year 5
The children have shown resilience and determination throughout test week and it has been wonderful to see such focus. Alongside this, our days have still been filled with the excitement of science and DT.
During science, the children have continued to develop their understanding of the properties of materials and changes in state. They have worked collaboratively to plan an investigation that tests the absorbency of nappies. Although they were given certain prompts, it was an independent activity that allowed for creativity and investigative thinking. Many of the children were able to identify the variables necessary for ensuring a fair test and some were able to repeat the investigation to confirm accuracy in their findings.
The hallways have been filled with the rasping of hand saws and enthusiastic discussions. After being presented with their design brief, the children began planning a unique sea-themed cam toy. They tested their skills using glue guns, hack saws, drills and knives. It was wonderful to observe the children working collaboratively and remembering our “little things” driver when sharing and looking after equipment.
This week has also been filled with collaborative work in PE. The children have started their topic focused on outdoor adventurous activities. It was enlightening to see them communicate and negotiate effectively. Additionally, 5K and 5F have discovered the importance of teamwork and listening skills as they perfected their fielding skills during rounders.
Once again, we thank you all for your support and cooperation with our lessons at Fields and for reading with the children at home.
Year 6
This week, as mathematicians, the pupils have begun to learn how to organise lists, which is a key mathematical skill needed in extended problem-solving. Although the skill has only been initially introduced, it will become the basis for some of their problem-solving in the coming weeks and will also be an invaluable skill in investigational work at their new schools. To also support them with the transition into Year 7, they have begun to use pen in maths, which might seem like a trivial detail, but is one fewer difference that they will face next year.
The learning in Connected Curriculum this week has been highly and closely related to their work in English, with the pupils developing metaphorical ideas relating to how they perceive their independent location to feel. Using these metaphorical ideas, they have developed poetry and also incorporated aspects of their thinking into the design of their sculptures, which will be constructed next week. There have been many unusual ideas and creative aspects developed in their designs. Some children have also worked on refining their use of watercolour when emulating the style of Monet.
As scientists, they have investigated the link between exercise and pulse rates, and attempted to articulate their understanding of the results and data gathered.
Online Safety
With football’s European Championships about to kick off, it’s likely that young fans will be inspired to take to the pitch themselves – or perhaps they’re naturally sporty already. High-profile tournaments such as this can be a great opportunity to teach children and young people about what constitutes being ‘a good sport’ – not just in terms of technique, but also attitude.
This guide collates our expert’s tips for encouraging fair play and friendly competition between children. It will help you to ensure that they can relish an enjoyable game of football, rugby or something else entirely — without unhealthy approaches to winning and losing polluting what could be an uplifting experience for all.
The National College and Online Safety
If you still need to sign up to the Online Safety portal, please follow the link https://nationalcollege.com/enrol/west-leigh-junior-school and add yourself as a parent.
Junior Music Festival at the Cliffs
Congratulations to the children from Years 5 and 6 who represented the school at the Cliffs Pavilion in the Junior Music Festival choir. Since February, the choir have been meeting after school each Tuesday to learn the songs set by the South East Essex Music Association (SEESMA) and performed with confidence and great enthusiasm on the night.
Following an afternoon rehearsal, the children returned to the Cliffs Pavilion in the evening, raring to go! Singing about the school day, different subjects and our favourites from Matilda, Six! and not forgetting 5,6,7,8, we could not be prouder of the choir’s behaviour and performance. Well done and thank you for your hard work! Thank you also for all the support on the night which spurred the children on to be 2024 SEESMA Stars!
Borough Sports 2024
What a fantastic afternoon we had at Borough Sports on Wednesday. Our track and field athletes performed to perfection to enable the squad to become Borough Sports champions for the second year running. West Leigh were ranked 3rd in the field events, joint 1st in the track events and joint 1st overall. Every child who fought for an extra cm in their jumping or throwing event, dived for the finishing line in their sprint or stepped in at the last minute to help the team is responsible for the team's success. It was a true example of excellent team work! Well done, West Leigh - 2023 and 2024 Borough Sports champions!
Key Notices this Week
Breakfast and After School Club Fees: From the start of the new academic year (2024 - 2025), the fees for our wraparound childcare will be increasing due to rising costs, as detailed below:
- Breakfast Club £6.50
- After School Club (full session) £12.00
- After School Club (From 4:30pm) £8.50
ParentPay: We are sorry for any inconvenience caused with the various ParentPay issues this week. Unfortunately, these have been out of our control and ParentPay are looking to resolve all the issues.
Dietary requirements: Please can all parents and carers ensure their child’s dietary/food allergy requirements are kept up to date as this will impact on the lunch choices available for you to book.
Inspirational Person
Our final inspirational person for this year is Favio Chavez. He is known for his work with the Cateura Orchestra of Recycled Instruments - an orchestra formed of young people living in Cateura, whose parents spend their days working on a rubbish dump, locating materials they can sell. In this town, a real musical instrument would be worth more than a house, so it would be dangerous for children to own one. Instead, Favio worked with the children to create instruments using recycled materials and taught them to play at a very high standard. He is an inspiration as he took something that others would consider worthless and used it to change the lives of children.
A huge well done to all those who completed last half term's Showbie challenge - make sure that you see Mrs London for your prize. For the final Showbie challenge of the year, you need to design something from rubbish! You could design a musical instrument like Favio, or it could be something else completely – but whatever it is, it must be something useful. You could draw and label your design, or even make it if you are feeling really creative! Drawings or photos of your creations can be uploaded to Showbie.
Dinner Menu
Week 3
Monday - Homemade Macaroni Cheese with Garlic Bread - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise - Granary Baguette with Cheese - Sweetcorn, Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruity Jam Doughnuts
Tuesday - Chicken Fajita with Tortilla Chips and Guacamole- Quorn/Vegetable Fajita with Tortilla Chips and Guacamole - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise - Vegetable Rice Carrots and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Lemon Drizzle Sponge
Wednesday - Roast Chicken with Yorkshire Pudding- Roast Quorn with Yorkshire Pudding - Granary Baguette with Tuna Mayonnaise - Roast Potatoes, Green Beans and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruity Shortbread
Thursday - Homemade Beef Spaghetti Bolognese - Homemade Quorn Spaghetti Bolognaise - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise - Broccoli and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Sprinkle Cake
Friday - Chicken Burger in a bun with optional Salad and Mayonnaise - Vegetable Burger in a bun with optional salad and Mayonnaise - Wholemeal Wrap with Salmon and Sweetcorn - Potato Wedges, Sweetcorn, Homemade Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Ice Cream/ Ice Lollies
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
- 3M - Mrs Millham
- 4B - Mr Boylan
- 3N - Mrs Nash & Mrs Mitchinson
Tuesday
- 3L - Miss Playfair
- 4G - Mrs Garrett & Mrs Nash
- 4S - Miss Street
Wednesday
- 3T - Mrs Thompson
- 5K - Miss Chapman
- 5R - Mrs Lewis
Thursday
- 6D - Miss Fletcher
- 5J - Mrs Wilson
- 5F - Mrs Flower
Friday
- 6W - Mr Dunn
- 4E - Mrs Rodger
- 6P - Miss Poysden
- 6A - Mrs Mears
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.
Second Half Term:
3L
- Indoor PE - Wednesday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
3M
- Indoor PE - Wednesday
- Outdoor PE - Friday
3N
- Indoor PE - Tuesday
- Outdoor PE - Friday
3T
- Indoor PE - Tuesday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
4B
- Indoor PE - Tuesday
- Outdoor PE - Wednesday
4E
- Indoor PE - Monday
- Outdoor PE - Thursdasy
4G
- Indoor PE - Monday
- Outdoor PE - Thursday
4S
- Indoor PE - Monday
- Outdoor PE - Wednesday
5F
- Indoor PE - Friday
- Outdoor PE - Monday
5J
- Indoor PE - Friday
- Outdoor PE - Tuesday
5K
- Indoor PE - Friday
- Outdoor PE - Monday
5R
- Indoor PE - Thursday
- Outdoor PE - Tuesday
6A
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Tuesday
6D
- Indoor - Wednesday
- Outdoor - Monday
6P
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Monday
6W
- Indoor - Thursday
- Outdoor - Tuesday
Attendance
Congratulations to 3T who achieved the best attendance this week with 99.38%.