Happy new year and welcome back. It's been a cold and icy start, but it's lovely to see everyone again and get back into routine.
Getting back into routine can be tricky for some children (and some adults). As a parent myself, I know how challenging mornings can be. What helps one child may not help another, but sometimes you find an adjustment makes the world of difference. We are here to help if you need some extra support.
Here are some things that some parents have found helpful:
- Getting to school a bit earlier so that they can have a little downtown before lessons- being late increases anxiety; it can be daunting walking into class after lessons have started.
- Arranging to meet a friend to walk in with.
- If getting ready is a challenge, could you set the alarms a bit earlier or change the order of morning tasks? Some children need food and drink first before they can think of getting uniform on and cleaning your teeth (like those of us who need a cuppa before we can consider morning chores). Others may be motivated by food to get dressed and washed. Having a bit of extra time can help the morning to feel less rushed, give some downtime or chance to read together. An outdoor loving child with energy to burn may appreciate a walk to school. If you live out of town, you could park up the road- avoiding the morning parking chaos- and walk/ scooter to school.
- A good breakfast to put them in the right frame of mind. Again this can be both a motivator and can help stabilise mood. The children I chatted to listed pancakes and waffles with fruit, marmite on buttery toast, cheese and ham croissants, egg sandwiches, granola with banana chips, yoghurt and honey, bacon sandwich and peanut butter on toast as their favourites.
- Visual timetables. Talking about what's coming up for the day can help children feel mentally prepared.
- Now and next boards. Sometimes thinking about all the steps to getting ready is over whelming. You can simplify this by writing/ drawing what we do first and next. For example, First get out of bed then clean your teeth.
- Try to prepare things like checking their timetable, packing bags and laying out clothes the night before. In the morning, focus on the one thing they need to do next as you work your way through the timetable, rather than thinking about a big goal like ‘getting to school’.
Look after yourself. Challenging mornings can take their toll on you!
SEND Focus- Sensory Circuits
Participation in a short sensory motor circuit is a great way both to energise and settle children into the school day.
The aim is to focus concentration in readiness for the day’s learning. The circuit also encourages the development of the child’s sensory processing skills. Many children can benefit from attending a Sensory Circuit, even for a short period of time.
Poetry Slam- KS2 27th January
Number Day
This year we are celebrating Number Day on the 7th February 2025. We are inviting children to dress as a number for the day. This could be a TTRS rockstar, a Numbot Robot, A character from number blocks or dressing as a digit.
Number Day is to celebrate Maths and to help raise funds for the NSPCC. We are asking for a donation of £1 to dress up and there will be a cake sale after school at 3:20pm in Kestrels class to raise some more money.
More information on Number Day can be found on the NSPCC website for you to see what happens to any donations given.
We are looking forward to our number filled day!
11+ Information
The selection procedure will be conducted by the Lincolnshire Consortium Grammar Schools (LCGS) and not by the Local Authority. The LCGS use Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning & Spatial Awareness tests that are specifically produced for the LCGS by GL Assessment (GLA).
Please note that the same tests are used in all Lincolnshire Consortium Grammar Schools and therefore may be taken only once in the school year in preparation for application to any of the Schools in the Lincolnshire Consortium.
There will be two tests, both at the beginning of Year 6, and these tests will be administered by the grammar schools. Please note that the same tests are used in all Lincolnshire Consortium Grammar Schools and therefore may be taken only once in the school year, in preparation for application to any of the grammar schools in the LCGS. The Verbal Reasoning test will take place on Saturday 13 September 2025 and the Non-Verbal Reasoning and Spatial Awareness test will take place on Saturday 20 September 2025. Students need to attend both test days.
The King’s School and KGGS are pleased to announce that we have partnered with Atom Learning to give free access to resources for those students who are Pupil Premium. All children who are eligible for Pupil Premium (not just those considering grammar school) will be given access to Atom Home (normally £575.90 a year).
Any other information:
- Please see terms and conditions for Wraparound (information sent by MCAS)
- Clubs are available to book from 6pm tonight until 12 noon Friday- refer to letter sent. We have opened Reading Club to Reception class but will consider opening other clubs on a case by case basis after half term.
- Meals need booking by the Tuesday before the following week
- Please send clothing appropriate for weather. We had lots of missing coats today in below freezing conditions.
Credits:
Created with images by geargodz - "Happy New Year Fireworks celebrating over Pattaya beach" • takasu - "ビジネスイメージ―朝九時の時計とこの日のやることリスト" • subinpumsom - "black panther shot close up with black background" • sommai - "vegetables and fruits on white background" • Valerii Evlakhov - "Old clock and calendar page"