Children in Need
Nursery
We have had a very exciting week in Nursery. We have been enjoying using all our new skills to produce some wonderful models. We have also loved investigating the new areas of the garden even on rainy days!!! On Friday we learnt about raising money for charity and why we do this through lots of fun activities for Children in need, including lots of spotty fun, Pudsey biscuit making, Pudsey bear puppets and masks.
REMINDERS: Thank you for all your kind donations for children in need. It is very much appreciated.
Reception
We have been celebrating friendship week by learning how to treat each other with kindness and respect. We have drawn pictures of our friends and talked about why we like them.
In maths we have been looking at the different ways to make five and the patterns five objects can make.
REMINDERS: We are holding our second reading workshop next Wednesday. You can attend the 9.00 am session or the 3.00 pm session.
Year 1
We have had a really fun week. The children watched a production of ‘The Three Little Pigs’ performed by the year 1 staff! The children have been experimenting using a hairdryer and various materials to blow the three little pig’s houses down. They made a prediction of which house would be the strongest and weakest, considering from which materials the houses were made. The children have become immersed in the Three Little Pigs story. If you have a copy at home then please continue to read it to your child.
We have recapped various subtraction methods in maths to make sure the children’s knowledge is secure. This includes the crossing out method and using a numberline.
REMINDER: Thank you for your Children in Need donations.
Please remember to make a note in your children’s reading record of how they have read at home.
Please use your child’s SeeSaw code to access home learning. We are receiving lots of responses but not from all families. Thanks!
Year 2
This week in English, our creative minds were at work! We wrote paragraphs about different attractions in Southend, using our knowledge of adverbs, conjunctions, and persuasive language. We produced wonderful pieces of writing that showcase our growing language skills. In maths, we’ve been hard at work applying our understanding of subtracting two 2-digit numbers, particularly when the numbers cross the tens place. We also delved into the concept of exchanging, making our subtraction skills even more impressive!
During our PSHE session, we had important discussions about hurtful behaviour. We learned how to seek help and explored ways to “make a noise” when we see things that shouldn’t be happening.
We’ve started practising our exciting Christmas songs for our upcoming “Magical Christmas Journey” production. Get ready for a magical celebration of music!.
REMINDER: Please remember to read with your children daily and make a note in their reading record.
Year 3
This week Year 3 have been looking at and writing a newspaper report about events, inspired by the Stone Age Boy. In maths, they have started learning about multiplication and division. They have been recapping their knowledge of the 2, 5 and 10 times tables. In geography, they have been locating the mountain ranges of the world, finding their specific geographical locations within the continents. In science, they have been learning about the different types of skeletons, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the three different types (endoskeleton exoskeleton and hydrostatic skeleton).
Year 4
This week Orca class have been learning about area in maths. We have learnt various methods for working out the area of a rectangular shape and have been very successful. In Porpoise class we have been subtracting 4-digit numbers with more than one exchange.
In English we have been learning about standard English and also learning about how to write an interesting diary entry.
Year 5
This week, Year 5 have been looking at using adverbs and modal verbs in our English lessons – we should be able to apply them next week when we continue to write our own anti bullying leaflets! In maths, we have been taking on factions, learning how to find equivalent fractions and finding common denominators. In science we looked at the effects of gravity, applying Newton’s third law of opposite and equal forces. In PSHE, we celebrated Anti Bullying week, by learning about how we can ‘speak out’ against bullying in all forms.
REMINDER: On Monday, we have our trip to the Cinema. We will be leaving and returning within school hours, and lunches will run as normal so no need to send a packed lunch if your child wishes to have a school dinner. If your child wishes to bring a snack and drink with them to the cinema, they are able to. Please do not send your child in with money for purchasing items at the cinema.
Year 6
This week Year 6 have investigated the length of shadows in science. In history the children continued to learn about how crime and punishment has changed over time and took part in a debate about the suitability of the punishment for treason. As part of anti-bullying week, Year 6 have learnt about the difference between ‘banter’ and ‘bullying’ and how to challenge bullying behaviours.
REMINDER: On Monday 20th November, Year 6 will be visiting the local cinema, please read the letter that has been sent home.
Please encourage your child to read daily and record in their home school diary.
PE kits need to be in school on Wednesday and Friday.
French
This week Year 6 have continued to learn French through football, this time through the context of the women’s world cup. Year 3 have done well describing pets, colours and using dictionaries; Year 1have been successfully learning some more basics like asking how you are.
Music
Music Clubs
- Tuesday lunchtime: Choir
- Tuesday: Music Making for year 1 and 2.
- Thursday: Choir for years 3 - 6.
Instrumental Lessons
We do have a few vacancies, please contact Mrs Baines if your child would like to learn an instrument.
- Tuesday am: Drums
- Tuesday am: Guitar and keyboard
- Wednesday am: Keyboard
- Wednesday am: Guitar
Online Safety
As well as our weekly online safety guides, I would like to remind you of the recent letter about Online Safety for Parents. In the letter we outlined the process for signing up (for free) to the National Online Safety services. You can do so by following this link and selecting ‘Parent/Carer’ as your user type in order to get instant access to a wealth of support guides, videos and resources. This only takes a few moments to do and will help us all to keep your children safe online.
The online safety guide this week focuses on Smart TVs which have become more affordable in recent years. They are now found in many homes and these advanced systems offer numerous features beyond those of a normal television set. They have the ability to access the internet and interface with popular streaming services without the need for an additional set-top box or other device.
This increased functionality, however, also brings additional threats to privacy, security and more – as you’d expect from any device capable of going online. As televisions are such a cornerstone of our home lives, these dangers can be uniquely difficult to manage. This week's guide breaks down the major risks, with tips on helping children to enjoy TV … stress free!
Second Hand Uniform Shop
Our Uniform shop is located within the front reception area of the school and is open Monday-Friday 8.15am - 4.00pm. All items are 50p each. We always have a good selection of skirts, trousers, jumpers, tops, dresses and P.E items. Please ask at the office to point you in the right direction.
School Uniform Donations
We welcome school uniform donations for us to sell at our school uniform shop. Could we please ask that the clothes are in good, clean condition. All items can be dropped off at the school office between 8.15am - 4.00pm. Thank you so much for doing this for the school as it helps our parents out tremendously.
*** White Polo Shirts needed ***
If you have any white polo shirts or short sleeved white shirts in good clean condition that your children have grown out of could you consider donating them to the school.
Thank you
Attendance
Holiday Requests
Holidays taken during term-time will not be authorised, so please bear this in mind when making your booking. We would expect that holidays are booked during the school holiday dates. School term dates are available on the school website and printed copies are in the main foyer.
Appointments and Absence Requests
We encourage parents/carers to make appointments out of school hours where possible. Where this is not possible, the child should be out of school for a minimum amount of time, coming back to school after the appointment or attending school before the appointment and returning after it has taken place, if appropriate to do so. Attending an appointment during term-time will be counted as authorised as long as the school is notified in advance and evidence of the appointment is provided. Evidence can be shown by way of an appointment letter, card, text message or email. Please show this to the school office or email a copy to the attendance email address in advance of the appointment.
Requests for other absences can be made in two ways, 1) you can complete a Pupils Absence Request via our online form found on our website or 2) you can complete the request on a paper form that is available from the front office. All requests are review by our Principal. As a school we would expect that for any planned pupil absence, parents inform the school in advance. For many instances we can authorise an absence that we have been informed about. If we are not able to authorise the absence, we will note the reason of the absence so that it can be considered as part of the school’s pupil absence review and fixed penalty notice for absences process.
Reporting Absence
If your child is absent for any reason, you should let the school know by telephoning 01702 468 047 (option 1) on the morning of the absence. Please provide your child's name, class and reason for absence. Please also keep us updated if the absence continues into the following day.
Contact us
If you would like any support or advice on attendance or punctuality, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Mrs S. Wyer, Attendance Administrator or Mrs D Morris Assistant Principal and Senior Leader For Attendance through our email - attendance@pgps.porticoacademytrust.co.uk
Dinner Menu
Week 1
Monday - Ham & Pineapple Pizza - Margherita Pizza - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans - Sweetcorn - Chocolate Rice Krispie Cake
Tuesday - Beef Bolognaise with Spaghetti - Vegan Bolognaise with Spaghetti - Jacket Potato with Cheese - Peas - Spiced Carrot Sponge
Wednesday - Roast Chicken with Roast Potatoes & Gravy - Macaroni & Cheese - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans or Cheese - Seasonal Greens - Vanilla Ice Cream
Thursday - Chicken Fajita Wrap - Vegetable Pasanda with Rice - Pasta with Roasted Tomato & Basil Sauce - Steamed Carrots - Maryland Cookie
Friday - Breaded Fish Fingers - Vegetable & Bean Chimichangas - Pasta with Cheese Sauce - Chips & Baked Beans - Chocolate & Courgette Sponge
Diary Dates
November
- Monday 20th - Year 5 & 6 visting the cinema
December
- Tuesday 5th - KS1 rehearsals at the Church
- Year 5 & 6 rehearsal at the Church
- Wednesday 6th - Flu Immunisations
- Year 3 Christingle
- Thursday 7th - Year 4 Christingle
- Wednesday 13th - KS1 Christmas Performance
- Thursday 14th - KS1 Christmas Performance
- Monday 18th - Year 5 & 6 Christmas service
- Tuesday 19th - Christmas dinner & Christmas Jumper day
- Thursday 21st December - Wednesday 3rd January - Christmas break
January 2024
- Thursday 4th - Children return to school