After launching the Easter Egg Competition earlier this half term, we were inundated with so many amazing designs. It was wonderful to see the creativity from pupils across every class in school and how many unique ideas there were. We especially loved how many different types of media had been used across all the entries and how lots of art skills learned in class had been applied. Thank you for your support and a huge well done to everyone who entered; it was clear how much time and effort went into the designs and it was a very hard decision to pick the overall winner from each class. Well done everyone; an egg-cellent job!
Dear Parents and Carers,
I would like to congratulate all of our children for their hard work this term. They continue to impress me with their hard work and dedication to their learning. It is wonderful to see the sun shining, and I hope the Easter holidays are filled with more sunny days. The children and staff all deserve a restful break. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school after the holidays on Tuesday 22nd April.
Have a great Easter!
Mr Aggus
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Summer 1 Diary Dates - Year 3 - Year 4 - Year 5 - Year 6 - Online Safety
News Stories - Sports News - Inspiration Person - Competitions - Dinner Menu
Attendance - Golden Thank Yous - Achievements - House Points - PTA
Summer 1 Diary Dates
April
- Monday 7th - Monday 21st - Easter Holidays
- Monday 21st - Easter Monday
- Tuesday 22nd - Summer Term 1 begins
- Wednesday 23rd - Bikeability visiting Year 6
- Essex Tag Rugby Finals @ SRFC - Years 5 & 6
- Jim Smith Essex Cup Final - Years 5 & 6
- Year 6 'Respect' assembly
- Thursday 24th - Year 3 Visit to Old Leigh - 9am - 12pm
- Year 5 Chocolate Workshop (Session 1)
- Year 3/4 Swim Squad training
- Friday 25th - Year 5 Chocolate Workshop (Session 2)
- Year 3/4 Tennis Competition @ 9am
- Year 5/6 Tennis Competition @ 12.15pm
- Year 5/6 Swim Squad training
- Monday 28th - Year 5 Geography Field Trip to Belfairs Woods
- Tuesday 29th - Girls' Netball Competition
- Internet Safety Meeting for Parents @ 7pm
- Wednesday 30th - Year 3/4 Quad Kids
- Coastal Schools - 4B
May
- Thursday 1st - Dance Festival @ Alleyn Court
- Year 3/4 Swim Squad training
- Friday 2nd - Year 3/4 Boys' Southend Football Competition
- Year 5/6 Swim Squad training
- Wednesday 7th - Year 5/6 Quad Kids
- Thursday 8th - VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebrations
- Year 3/4 Swim Squad training
- Friday 9th - Year 5/6 Swim Squad training
- Monday 12th - Year 6 SATs Week
- No swimming all week
- 5K & 5F to fields
- 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
- Swimming Gala @ Garon Park
- Thursday 22nd - Year 3 Presentation @ 2pm (3T & 3H)
- Seesma Rehearsals @ Wesley Church
- Friday 23rd - Year 6 Rounders Festival
- Year 3 Presentation to shool
- Monday 26th - Friday 30th - Half Term
Year 3
As we come to the end of a long and busy week, we are so proud of how hard the children have worked during this term. It has been lovely to share the progress your child has made during our learning conferences this week and to see how proud the children were to share their learning successes. It's also important for them to understand the next steps in their learning and areas to target so we appreciate you supporting your children to achieve these.
In English this week, the children finished the final chapters of Beast Keeper and were able to show off their summarising skills when writing a postcard home to Demon. They noted all the key events on his journey to becoming beast keeper to the gods of Mount Olympus.
In Design Technology, the children completed their ambrosia carriers for their chosen god or goddess. They demonstrated great patience and dedication, and they should be very proud of their hard work.
In maths, the children revisited previous learning with a focus on fractions, creating posters to show their understanding. They also completed a test on the 3 and 4 times tables, with the results reflecting their continued effort and progress.
Wishing you all a wonderful and restful Easter break!
Reminders:
- On Thursday, 24th April (the first week back), we will be taking a walk down to Old Leigh. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather, with warm and suitable clothing and footwear. We will be back for lunch so lunchtime arrangements will be as normal.
- PE dates for the first half of Summer term are detailed below.
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
It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of the spring term already. The children have had a fun-filled, busy term where they have been fully immersed in their learning.
In English, the children have studied the wordless picture book, Window by Jeannie Baker. They identified the meaning within the story and how it evolved over time. They examined each of the pictures in detail. Using their inference skills, they explained what was happening within the images using noun, adjectival and prepositional phrases. They then used these phrases to write an acrostic poem.
In maths, the children began the week by continuing to solve a range of money problems using the four operations. They went onto focus on geometry when they identified, compared and classified different angles. They also plotted and identified co-ordinates on a grid and used these to draw sides to complete a given shape.
As artists, the children explored a range of different mosaics to give them inspiration. They demonstrated their creativity by generating their final design for their mosaic. We look forward to seeing and sharing some of the finished mosaics.
It was also 4SW’s turn to experience Coastal Schools on Wednesday, where they designed their own ‘pebble pet’ using pebbles they had found. The ‘homes’ they built for the ‘pebble pet’ to live were creatively constructed. As usual, the children enjoyed this experience a great deal.
Reminders:
- PE dates for the first half of Summer term are detailed below.
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
As we draw to the end of another term, we can hardly believe that the school year is already two thirds of the way through. It was such a pleasure to welcome so many of you to the Learning Conferences this week, and we were excited to celebrate all of the children’s successes with you since starting in Year 5. We also trust that you enjoyed the opportunity to look through the children’s work and to see their effort and progress.
We have spent some of this week reviewing papers from our recent assessments in English and maths. The children have reviewed a range of questions and considered how further marks could have been gained, allowing them to practise test techniques. The children have found this valuable, and we are sure these sessions will benefit them in future assessments.
In English lessons, we have resolved and ended our stories based upon our text The Great Wave. Writing an ending that solved the problem, tied up loose ends and demonstrated a change in a character or a belief, was a tall order. However, as always, the children took on the challenge and, using their knowledge of fables and morality tales, concluded their story with a moral. After looking at actual drafts of famous authors' work, the children then edited and improved parts of their story with a particular emphasis on cohesion.
Building on our previous work in science, the children were asked to compare the life-cycles of two different categories of animal, considering their similarities and differences and possible reasons for them.
The Great Wave was also present in our artwork. After several lessons developing their skills or sketching and composition, the children began to create their final image, deciding on the media they wanted to use to render their final image. Some wonderfully realistic homages to the original have started to take shape and we very much look forward to sharing their final artistic outcomes with you later this year.
Reminders:
- PE dates for the first half of Summer term are detailed below.
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
As one of the most busy half-terms imaginable comes to a close, we would like to congratulate the Year 6 pupils on their hard work and stamina during the previous weeks, particularly in light of their mock week and subsequent learning.
As mathematicians, they have continued to tackle some of the more challenging aspects of the curriculum, and in particular have tried to refine their problem-solving skills and recording further.
As writers, and as scientists, they have pulled together a myriad learning experiences in order to create a believable and imaginative report based on a fictitious creature. The pupils were challenged to write with authority and the correct level of formality.
As part of their indoor PE sessions, the children have also enjoyed performing a Bollywood-style dance.
We would like to wish both you and your children, a restful and enjoyable Easter break, and we look forward to seeing the pupils when they return, ready to take on the challenges of the summer term in Year 6, but also eager to enjoy the many highlights that accompany it.
Letters sent home this week
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
Instagram remains a go-to app for teens, with its endless stream of photos, videos, and stories keeping young users constantly connected. From influencer content to live broadcasts, the platform is packed with evolving features that can feel fun and engaging but can also raise some serious concerns around screen time, online pressures and exposure to inappropriate content.
On Tuesday 29th April, we would like to invite you to an online safety parent workshop at 7pm. In today's digital age, it is crucial to equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools to ensure our children's online experiences are safe and positive.
During this workshop, we will cover essential topics such as parental controls on games and apps and fostering open communication with your children about their online activities. We will be joined by Lisa Kenevan and Hollie Dance, who have put together a video and presentation that they would like to share with you as part of their 'Be Challenge Aware' programme.
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to create a safer online environment for our children.
News Stories
Sports News Stories
Cross-Country Essex Finals
Months of training and preparation paid off for the children who represented West Leigh in the cross-country Essex finals! The children were up against the best runners in Essex and powerful wind during their races. They fought for every position to help their teams achieve the best result possible. We are so proud of all the children and already can't wait for next year's cross-country! The team results are...
- Year 3 girls - 2nd
- Year 3 boys - 2nd
- Year 4 girls - 4th
- Year 4 boys - 2nd
- Year 5 girls - 2nd
- Year 5 boys - 2nd
- Year 6 boys - 2nd
Year 5/6 Football v Greenways
Victory in the final league game of the season! West Leigh came from behind to win 4-1 against Greenways to make it an unbeaten campaign in the league this year. It has been an impressive run of three wins and one draw this season. The team now have an anxious wait for the scores of other matches to find out if they have finished in 1st or 2nd in division one…
Aquathlon
On Friday 28th March, twelve children from Year 5 and 6 took on the SPSSA Aquathlon, where they competed in a timed 100m swim, followed by 1km run which they started based on their time from the swim. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams put in incredible effort on the swim and continued to show their determination and strength out on the run to overtake fellow athletes, especially on the sprint finish, earning the teams more points. Both teams showed great encouragement throughout to their teammates and fantastic sportsmanship to the other schools taking part.
Two members of the girls’ team managed to secure 2nd and 3rd place as individuals and the team finished 1st. The boys’ team managed to secure themselves 2nd place. With these results, the whole West Leigh team finished 1st overall: an absolutely fantastic achievement for the whole team, who did incredibly in what is the hardest sporting competition of the year. Well done team West Leigh!
Inspirational Person - Ann Makosinski
This half term, we have been learning how empathy can lead to innovation! Ann Makosinski was only fifteen years old when her friend told her she had failed a grade at school because she did not have electricity at home and she could not study as a result. Ann was determined to find a solution to the problem, and to help her friend - and she did! She invented a special torch called the Hollow Flashlight - a torch that uses body heat in order to work. Ann's empathy didn't end there - she is now working to ensure that Hollow Flashlights are available for free to everyone in the world who cannot afford electricity.
This half term's Showbie challenge is to consider a problem that exists in the world today. It might be a big problem, or it could be something for someone that you know, like Ann.
Invent something that will help to solve that problem! Draw a picture of your invention and label it, explaining what it will do and how it will help.
Children can upload their entries to the 'Inspirational People' folder on Showbie.
Dinner Menu
Week 1
Monday - Bank Holiday
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
Golden Thank Yous
This week, we awarded a golden thank-you to 34 children who demonstrated empathy, responsibility or integrity in some way.
Achievements
Emily’s Litter-Pick Effort
This week, Emily decided to make a difference by picking up litter on her walk to school. She ended up collecting quite a surprising amount! Well done, Emily for showing a responsible attitude towards the local environment.
Sports Awards
The award for Most Improved goes to Harper Cobb in 3S for demonstrating perseverance to improve her chest push score.
The Sports Performer award goes to The Entire Aquathlon Squad for a fantastic team performance combining both swimming and running to win the Southend aquathlon competition
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
- Friday 6th - Careers Day
- Monday 9th - Wednesday 18th - Assessments in Years 3 - 5
- Monday 9th - Seesma Concert - 7pm - 9.30pm
- Monday 9th - Thursday 19th - Year 6 Bikeability
- Wednesday 11th - Borough Sports
- Thursday 12th - Year 4 Transition and Mersea Meeting for Parents @ 7pm
- Saturday 14th - Summer Fayre
- Monday 16th - Parent Council Meeting @ 4.30pm
- Tuesday 17th - Year 3 Tours and Induction Meeting
- Monday 23rd - Friday 27th - Ilam Hall Residential and Southend Activity Week (Year 6)
- 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
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).
- Thursday 3rd - Friday 4th - Year 3 Residential to Danbury
- Friday 4th - Year 6-7 Transition Day
- General Knowledge Quiz Club Finals @ Oxford University
- Monday 7th - Sports Day
- 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
- Wednesday 23rd - Last day of term - no After School Club
Credits:
Created with images by Christy Thompson - "make a date" • Pixel-Shot - "Female hands with newspapers on color background" • Kaspars Grinvalds - "Tablet with sports news website on stack of newspapers. All contents are made up." • Maximilien - "Gift Illustration with Confetti: Giveaway, prize Concept " • 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"