Welcome to QRA Weekly
We've had a brilliant week and I've seen a different side to some children - in the best way - this week.
It was a pleasure to see children from Year 2, Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 present their ideas for the Enterprise Challenge on Tuesday and Wednesday this week - more on that below!
On Monday, we had a visit from phonics experts at Jerry Clay English Hub, who have been helping us to deliver our phonics scheme to maximum effect. I was delighted with the progress we've made and am incredibly proud of both the staff and the children for their hard work. Brilliant stuff!
This week, we have celebrated more than 1300 occasions of children doing good things through our ClassDojo system - a great effort. I have set the children the task of achieving more than 1500 points next week.
Next week is the last week of the half term, if you can believe it! A group of Year 5s and Year 6s will be having the time of their lives at their residential. We will keep you updated and informed of how they're getting on via a Padlet link, which will be shared on Monday morning.
Thanks to everyone for your support this week, as always.
Mr Smith
Tuesday and Wednesday were particularly memorable as we took part in the Primary Enterprise Challenge. On Tuesday, Years 2 and 3 demonstrated their enterprising ambition, and Years 4 and 5 did the same on Wednesday.
The challenge was to design a mobile sensory room for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Working in teams, they worked on their designs, designed their logos, and assigned themselves a team name before being asked to present their designs to a panel of judges.
They were brilliant!
The confidence to stand up in front of a room full of other children and adults and discuss something new was incredible, and while we had to pick a total of three winning teams, it was a case of everyone being a winner on the day.
The winning teams will participate in the grand final at Barnsley Metrodome, where alongside other winning teams from various schools across Barnsley, they will present their designs to local entrepreneurs. The winning team from this event will see their designs become reality, and have their sensory room built and delivered to school!
You may remember that before Christmas, school participated in the Elf Run. This was a charity drive to raise funds for Barnsley Hopsice.
I am incredibly proud to tell you that Queens Road Academy raised a remarkable £2,086.10. This is a fantastic amount for a fantastic cause.
A huge well done and THANK YOU to everybody who helped with this cause.
We have received a couple of reports regarding inappropriate language from parents overheard at drop-off and collection times. Please remember that we strive to set the best example for all children in school and to be mindful of this when on school premesis.
Please remember as well that lateness is a vital part of attendance.
So far this year, a total of 8613 minutes of learning has been lost across school due to lateness. This equates to 143 hours, or 23 school days, or more than four full weeks of lost learning! Much of this time will be reading and phonics, which is the vital focus of learning and indeed underpins all learning.
Remember, when it comes to attendance, every minute counts. If you feel you need support in getting children to school on time, please get in touch.
Our current school attendance rate sits at 94.9% for the year.
Attendance total has been good this week, at 96%.
Please remember to report your child's absence to the school office and reach out for support if needed.
OUR ATTENDANCE WINNERS THIS WEEK ARE Year 5, with an incredible 98.5%! Well done!
Remember to please schedule non-urgent appointments outside school hours when possible.
If you're facing any challenges that are affecting your child's attendance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you and can offer guidance or connect you with helpful resources.
Our remaining INSET days for this year will take place on:
22nd July
23rd July
Credits:
Created with images by VisualProduction - "Teamwork of business people working together and combining pieces of a puzzle. Teamwork to achieve success concept. Working together" • adragan - "Charity. Glass jar with coins and an inscription charity. Man holds coin in his hand" • exopixel - "Desk covered with multiple stationery" • Anastasiia - "3D hourglass symbolizes modern business timekeeping for appointments schedules and deadlines. Concept Time Management, Business Tools, Modern Technology"