Dear Parents/Carers,
The sun came out again towards the end of this week, just in time for our VE Day celebration on Thursday afternoon. The children looked fantastic in red, white, and blue, and it was lovely to get together with the infants to mark the occasion. The playground was packed with the children and staff of both schools, and we were treated to poetry, dances, and songs. The infants even taught us how to do the Lambeth Walk! It was a great afternoon that allowed us to reinforce the historical significance of VE Day and highlight the sacrifices made by the war generation.
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Summer 1 Diary Dates - Year 3 - Year 4 - Year 5 - Year 6 - Online Safety
Sports News - Summer Term Inspirational Person - Dinner Menu - Attendance
Golden Thank Yous - Sports Awards - House Points - PTA - Parent Council - Community
Summer 1 Diary Dates
May
- Monday 12th - Year 6 SATs Week
- No swimming all week
- 5K & 5F to fields
- Tuesday 13th - Girls' football friendly @ Fairways
- Thursday 15th - Ilam Hall meeting for parents @ 7pm
- Friday 16th - Swim Squad training
- Monday 19th - Swim Squad Training
- Class Photos
- 5K & 5F to fields
- Tuesday 20th - Year 6 Field Study (Southend)
- Year 3 Presentation @ 2pm (3M & 3S)
- Wednesday 21st - Maths Quiz Club Area Heat
- Coastal Schools - 4E
- Swimming Gala @ Garon Park
- Thursday 22nd - Year 3 Presentation @ 2pm (3T & 3H)
- Seesma Rehearsals @ Wesley Church
- Selected digital leaders visit to Goodnotes HQ
- Friday 23rd - Year 6 Rounders Festival
- Monday 26th - Friday 30th - Half Term
Year 3
The weather has been a little cooler this week but this has not stopped the children participating in their learning with all the joys of spring!
In English, we have applied our knowledge of the features of a legend, to begin to plan our very own legend of Leigh-on Sea. Over the coming weeks, the children will be writing this whilst paying close attention to both the necessary structure and descriptive language required to make the legend impactful for their readers. In our Layered Reading lessons, we have continued to explore the history of London through our focus book, London Through Time. This time, we explored the nature of the first Neolithic settlement close to the Walbrook Stream, which although covered since the 1500s, still flows as part of the city’s drainage system. The children used their skimming and scanning skills to locate evidence in the text showing why this location was chosen for a settlement.
Maths lessons have moved on to geometry: revisiting 2D shapes and applying knowledge of mathematical vocabulary. They went on to drawing 2D shapes with accuracy. 3D shapes were also identified and constructed before taking our first steps into the concept of volume.
We have had a geographical focus in our Connected Curriculum lessons as we explored the course of the River Thames and how the course of any river can be divided into the upper, middle and lower courses. The children worked very hard on their diagrams which will continue to evolve next week.
Finally, the children have been busy bees (literally) as they explored how pollen is transported by flying insects from one flower to another. This was done with the help of some cheesy puffs which left an orange residue on the children’s fingers as they moved from paper flower to paper flower. They were then able to record and illustrate the pollination process.
As part of our PSHE curriculum, some children have been writing letters to themselves to remind them that if they believe in themselves, have self-respect and take care of themselves, then they can succeed at anything that they wish to.
Reminders:
- Please note that 3M and 3H will have outdoor PE on Wednesday instead of Thursday next week and will need to be wearing their PE kit.
- Please could all children (who have been advised that they need a costume for the Year 3 performance) have them in school for our dress rehearsals by Tuesday of next week (13th).
Letters sent home this week
Swimming
- 3M - Tuesday
- 3S - Wednesday
- 3H - Monday
- 3T - Wednesday
PE
- 3M - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 3S - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Friday - Outdoor PE
- 3H - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 3T - Monday - Indoor PE - Friday - Outdoor PE
Year 4
In English, the children have been thoroughly engrossed in the on-going lessons based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. From plans devised last week, they have re-written part of the story in role from Nick Bottom’s point of view. They have enhanced their reading skills through whole-class and paired reading and have made predictions about what they think a specific character will do next. Upon completing the book, they also formulated some ideas for a possible sequel to the story. They will use these ideas to plan and write their own sequel next week.
As mathematicians, some groups have solved problems involving metric units of measure and have practised reading measures using a variety of scales. Other groups have focused on decimals and have used their place value knowledge to compare and order or calculate with them.
Science this week involved making a functioning switch as part of an electrical circuit. After identifying the purpose of a switch, the children worked in groups to make a switch correctly using the provided resources. They tested this within a circuit. When a problem arose, they had to find solutions in order to make the bulb light up. They drew labelled diagrams to show their completed circuits.
As geographers, the children have discussed ways in which theme parks can harm the environment. They devised ways that theme parks could be made more environmentally friendly. Using these ideas, the children have explored how it would influence their theme park designs from our Hook Day.
Letters sent home this week
Swimming
- 4B - Monday
- 4E - Friday
- 4SW - Monday
- 4C - Wednesday
PE
- 4B - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 4E - Monday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 4SW - Friday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 4C - Monday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
Year 5
The fresher weather and a longer weekend seem to have invigorated the children of Year 5. In maths lessons, we have been reviewing the children’s understanding of addition and subtraction, including calculating with larger numbers and solving multi-step problems involving both operations. In some classes, adding decimals, including money, was also practised, with a particular focus on correct layout.
In English lessons, our super, new and exciting book, Dragon Mountain by Katie and Kevin Tsang, has been introduced as our next layered reading book. The children were thrilled to be the first Year 5 classes to benefit from this new text and we are sure it will become a firm favourite with its fascinating characters and a plot full of twists and turns. In our first lesson, the children discussed their impressions of the characters and using the blurb, front cover and the first chapter, made predictions as to what they thought might happen in the story. These were put into sealed envelopes to be revealed in later lessons. We have also completed a comprehension to help support their reading fluency and understanding and introduced our next English topic: writing explanations. These will link to our previous layered reading book and relate to space.
The children visited our giant timeline to develop their understanding of the Mayans and chronology. They discovered that whilst the Mayan’s were at the height of their civilisation in the United Kingdom, the Anglo-Saxons had successfully colonised the south and west of the country. They also looked at the human and physical geography of the Americas with particular focus on Central America, locating the ancient cities of the Maya. They used their knowledge of settlements to express an opinion of why and where they settled so that the civilisation was able to survive and thrive.
On Thursday, we joined together with the rest of the country to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. In maths lessons, the children learnt how to correctly draw the union flag and learnt something about the history behind its formation. Listening to the rousing speeches of Churchill and other leaders inspired them to consider if they were a team captain, (a possibility for all next year) how they would rally their team to win the house cup. In the afternoon, we joined with the entire school plus the infants, to remember and celebrate with songs and dances from this past era and enjoy some sweet treats.
Letters sent home this week
Swimming
- 5K - Tuesday
- 5F - Thursday
- 5L - Tuesday
- 5G - Thursday
PE
- 5K - Friday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 5F- Friday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 5L - Thursday - Indoor PE - Wednesday - Outdoor PE
- 5G - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Wednesday- Outdoor PE
Year 6
In Connected Curriculum, as a part of their independent study, the pupils have been gathering focused research relating to their chosen location. They have identified some of the most significant aspects relating to their location in order to find more detailed and specific information. They have begun to piece together their findings in their own knowledge organiser about their chosen area of study.
The Year 6 pupils have also continued to work hard in English and maths, finalising the last few elements of the revision process. We are certain that, based on their hard work and effort, they will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and capabilities in the SATs tests that they face next week.
As scientists, the learning has progressed further with links being made between the important role of both the heart and the lungs and how they work collaboratively as a part of the circulatory system. Conceptionally, this is a challenging topic to grasp and understand; however, they have worked with great focus and effort to acquire the relevant knowledge.
Swimming
- All Classes - Friday
PE
- 6D - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 6A - Thursday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 6P - Thursday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 6W - Thursday - Indoor PE - Monday- Outdoor PE
Online Safety
From using them for communication, work, shopping and entertainment, devices such as smartphones, laptops and the rest are now deeply ingrained into modern society. Small wonder, then, that young people – who’ve grown up surrounded by such gadgets – can sometimes struggle to put them down, switch them off or keep themselves occupied without them.
While limiting our screen time may require a great deal of restraint, the effort can be rewarded with significant benefits to our physical and mental health. Our guide has simple tips for helping to manage the amount of screen time in your household – encouraging the whole family to spend more quality time together and live in the moment.
Sports News Stories
Year 3/4 Football
On Friday 2nd, the Year 3/4 boys' football team competed in the Southend football competition at Len Forge. The sun was shining and the boys had plenty of games to play - 16 matches! Each match was six minutes one way and the boys did not waste a single second, with strong attacking play and solid defensive work, along with brilliant saves from the goal keeper. The boys demonstrated spectacular skills, fantastic team work and outstanding resilience throughout the competition. The team lost four, drew three and won nine matches. They did a brilliant job, showing great sportsmanship and respect to all and were a credit to the school.
Year 5/6 Quad Kids
Well done to the athletes who competed in Quad Kids this week! The children finished in 4th place in the competition, which was made up of eighteen schools. The children demonstrated excellent throwing and jumping, ensuring that they fought for every centimetre possible. We were so proud of the determination shown in the 600m event - they gave it their all, right to the finish line to earn 4th place for West Leigh. Well done to all the athletes who took part - not only for their sporting excellence but for the support shown to one another throughout the event. You did the school proud!
Summer Term Inspirational Person
This half term's inspirational person is Katie Stagliano, who founded the charity Katie's Krops at a young age. Her work all started with a school project - growing a cabbage! She managed to grow an enormous cabbage which she donated to feed the homeless. When she realised that her cabbage had helped provide meals to 275 people, she started to wonder what a whole garden might do. After setting up a garden in her school, Katie's project grew until she had young people across America creating their own gardens and donating the produce. Her empathy, compassion and selflessness have inspired us all!
The challenge for this half term can be found on Showbie - don't forget that there are prizes available! Children should design a garden or allotment that could be used to grow crops to feed people who do not have enough money to buy food. They can upload their design to Showbie or hand it in to Mrs London.
Dinner Menu
Week 1
Monday - Homemade sausage tomato and vegetable wholemeal pasta - Jacket Potato (with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise) - Granary Baguette with Cheese - Sweetcorn, Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Cocktail
Tuesday - Pork Meatballs in Tomato Sauce - Quorn Meatballs in Tomato Sauce - Jacket Potato (with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise) Pasta, Sweetcorn and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruity Flapjack
Wednesday - Traditional Roast Chicken in Gravy - Quorn in Vegetable Gravy - Granary Baguette with Tuna Mayonnaise - Roast Potatoes, Yorkshire Pudding, Carrots, Green Beans and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Banana Cake
Thursday - 100% Beef Burger in a Bun - Vegetable Burger in a Bun - Wholemeal Wrap with Egg Mayonnaise and Tortilla Chips - Baby Potatoes, Homemade Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Carrot Cake
Friday - 100% Fish Fingers - Vegetable Fingers - Wholemeal Wrap with Salmon and Sweetcorn - Potatoes Cubes, Baked Beans and Salad Bar - Fresh fruit, Yoghurt or Ice Cream Sponge
Don't forget to check out our new online bookshop here.
Messages from FOWLS
Parent Council
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 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
We've created a dedicated space on our website to share flyers for local events and community support. Click the link below to explore what's happening in our area.
Summer Term Diary Dates
June
- Monday 2nd - INSET Day
- Wednesday 4th - Year 6 Cricket Competition (boys)
- Thursday 5th - School Council Visit to Houses of Parliament
- Year 6 Cricket Competition (girls)
- Danbury Meeting for Year 3 Parents @ 2.30pm
- Meeting for Year 4 parents re: transition and Mersea residential
- Friday 6th - Careers Day
- Monday 9th - Wednesday 18th - Assessments in Years 3 - 5
- Monday 9th - Seesma rehearsal from 11.30am
- Seesma Concert - 7pm - 9.30pm
- Monday 9th - Thursday 19th - Year 6 Bikeability
- Assessment Week for Years 3 - 5
- Tuesday 10th - Coastal Schools - 4C
- Wednesday 11th - Borough Sports
- Thursday 12th - Coastal Schools - 4SW
- Year 3 water safety assembly
- Significant Male Sale
- Friday 13th - non-uniform day for summer fayre
- Saturday 14th - Summer Fayre
- Monday 16th - Thursday 19th - Bikeability - Year 6
- Assessment week for Years 3 - 5
- WHSG Taster Day for Year 4 girls
- Parent Council Meeting @ 4.30pm
- Friday 20th - Sponsor Day for Havens Hospices
- Monday 23rd - Friday 27th - Ilam Hall Residential and Southend Activity Week (Year 6)
- No swimming all week
- Tuesday 24th - Super Sports - Track
- Year 6 Induction King John and The Deanes Schools
- Wednesday 25th - Super Sports - Field
- Year 6 Induction King John and The Deanes Schools
- Thursday 26th - Year 3 Field Study @ Leigh Beach
- Year 4 Quidditch Event
July
Please note that there will be no After School Club on Tuesday 15th July due to Open Evening . There will also be no After School Club on the last day of term (Wednesday 23rd July).
- Tuesday 1st - King John induction morning - Year 6
- Wednesday 2nd - Year 5 IndiRock visit
- Thursday 3rd - Friday 4th - Year 3 Residential to Danbury
- Friday 4th - Year 6-7 Transition Day
- General Knowledge Quiz Club Finals @ Oxford University
- Boys' Choir singing with Music Man Project
- Monday 7th - Sports Day - no swimming
- Tuesday 8th - Sports Stacks Event - Year 3
- Thursday 10th - Meet the Teacher morning (Years 3 - 5)
- Monday 14th - Friday 18th - Fun Swim Week
- Tuesday 15th - Open Evening 5pm - 7pm - no After School Club
- Friday 18th - Annual School Reports
- Monday 21st - Year 6 Swimming Gala
- Tuesday 22nd - Year 6 Leavers' performance to parents
- Wednesday 23rd - Last day of term - no After School Club
Credits:
Created with images by Christy Thompson - "make a date" • Kaspars Grinvalds - "Tablet with sports news website on stack of newspapers. All contents are made up." • Creative Stocker - "Golden trophy held by a hand isolated on transparent background, 3D metallic award PNG download for sports, competition, success, achievement, victory, pride, leadership, championship, and celebration" • Brian Jackson - "Calendar appointment"