Diary Dates
Please note that there will be no After School Club on the last day of each term.
November
- Monday 25th - Friday 29th: Book Fair
- Test Week in Years 3 - 5
- Monday 25th - Girls' Essex Cup Final
- Year 5 & 6 Boys' football
- Tuesday 26th - Year 4 Book Look 3.30pm - 3.45pm
- Wednesday 27th - Year 5/6 Dodgeball A Team 9am - 12pm
- Year 5/6 Dodgeball B Team 12.15pm - 3.30pm
- Friday 29th - Non-uniform day - bring a prize for the fayre
- Football Trials - 3T and 4SW
- Saturday 30th - FOWLS Christmas fayre
December
- Monday 2nd - Year 6 Christmas decoration morning
- Tuesday 3rd - Year 3 Book Look 3.30pm - 3.45pm
- Year 4 Christmas decoration morning
- Year 3 Book Look
- Year 6 Handball Competition
- Wednesday 4th - Year 5 Christmas decoration morning
- Coastal Schools 4B
- Singing at the Community Centre
- Thursday 5th - Year 3 Christmas decoration morning
- Santa Dash
- Football Trials - 3H & 4B
- Friday 6th - Christmas Food Collection for St. Vincent's
- Year 6 Santa Netball @ Alleyn Court
- Football Trials - 3S & 4C
- Monday 9th - Carol Concert rehearsal @ St. Margaret's
- Tuesday 10th - Carol Concert @ St. Margaret's 7pm
- Wednesday 11th - Christmas dinner and Christmas jumper day
- Year 6 Handball competition
- Thursday 12th - Late Book Look 6pm - 7pm
- Friday 13th - FOWLS Christmas Gift Sale
- Thursday 19th - last day of term - no After School Club
- non-uniform day
- Friday 20th - INSET
- Monday 22nd - 3rd January - Christmas Holidays
January
- Monday 6th - Spring Term begins
- Thursday 9th - Year 3/4 Sportshall Athletics
- Friday 10th - Year 5/6 Sportshall Athletics
- Monday 13th - Individual and sibling photographs
- Late Book Look 6pm - 7pm
- Tuesday 14th - Year 3/4 RSE Talk for parents @ 2.30pm
- Thursday 16th - Year 5RSE Talk for parents @ 2.30pm
- Friday 17th - Year 3 disco
- Monday 20th - Visit to The Natural History Museum (5F & 5K)
- Tuesday 21st - Visit to The Natural History Museum (5G & 5L)
- Year 6 RSE talk for parents @ 2.30pm
- Thursday 23rd - Young Shakespeare Company Year 6
- Monday 27th - Years 3/4 Boys' Football V Downhall
- Friday 24th - Year 3/4 Boys' Football Competition
- Tuesday 28th - Basketball B competition
- Friday 31st - Year 5/6 Hockey Festival
February
- Monday 3rd - Young Voices at the O2
- Tuesday 11th - Safer Internet Day
- Year 6 Girls' Netball League
- Wednesday 12th - Year 6 Cyber Security Workshop
- Thursday 13th - Late Book Look 6pm - 7pm
- Monday 17th - Friday 21st - Half Term
- Monday 24th - INSET Day
- Wednesday 26th - Year 6 Netball Competition
- Thursday 27th - Year 6 Netball Festival
- Friday 28th - Year 3/4 Girls' Football Competition
March
- Tuesday 4th - Southend Makes Music
- Wednesday 5th - General Knowledge Quiz Club Area Heat
- Friday 7th - Year 6 Dragonball Competition
- Wednesday 12th - Years 3-5 assessments until Friday 21st
- Year 4 Tag Rugby Competition
- Friday 21st - Comic Relief
- Monday 24th - Year 6 Mock Week
- Tuesday 25th - Year 6 Girls' Netball League
- Year 4 presentation @ 2pm (4B & 4C)
- Thursday 27th - Year 4 presentation @ 2pm (4E & 4SW)
- Friday 28th - Year 5/6 Aquathlon
April
- Tuesday 1st - Learning Conferences
- Wednesday 2nd - Cross Country Essex Finals
- Thursday 3rd - Learning Conferences
- Monday 7th - Monday 21st - Easter Holidays
- Thursday 24th - Year 5 Transition and Selection meeting
- Friday 25th - Year 3/4 Tennis Competition @ 9am
- Year 5/6 Tennis Competition @ 12.15pm
- Monday 28th - Year 5 Geography Field Trip
- Wednesday 30th - Year 3/4 Quad Kids
May
- Thursday 1st - Dance Festival @ Alleyn Court
- Wednesday 7th - Year 5/6 Quad Kids
- Monday 12th - Year 6 SATs Week
- Tuesday 20th - 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)
- Friday 23rd - Year 6 Rounders Festival
- Monday 26th - Friday 30th - Half Term
June
- Monday 2nd - INSET Day
- Wednesday 4th - Year 6 Cricket Competition (boys)
- Thursday 5th - Year 6 Cricket Competition (girls)
- Monday 9th - Wednesday 18th - Assessments in Years 3 - 5
- Monday 9th - Thursday 19th - Year 6 Bikeability
- Wednesday 11th - Borough Sports
- Monday 23rd - Friday 27th - Ilam Hall Residential and Southend Activity Week
July
- Tuesday 15th - Open Evening 5pm - 7pm
- Friday 18th - Annual School Reports
- Wednesday 23rd - Last day of term
Just in time for Christmas, we have the Scholastic Book Fair in school from Monday 25th November to Thursday 28th November. The children will be given an opportunity to browse the book fair during school time on Monday 25th. The Book Fair will also be open for parents to purchase books every day after school. Follow the signs which will take you to the fair – cash and payments via QR code can be made. For every book sold, the school is given credit to buy additional books to be used in classrooms – anything from reading books to dictionaries and atlases.
Year 3
On Wednesday, Year 3 enjoyed a magnificent visit to Barleylands Farm to learn more about their Stone Age topic. The visit began with an introduction into Stone Age cookery from the Neolithic period. The children ground einkorn wheat into flour using traditional and modern methods. They then went on to make dough and bake their bread which they were able to take home. The children then chopped fruit and vegetables to create a traditional stew. We all enjoyed trying the different flavours! After lunch, we were taken on a tractor ride and stopped to feed the sheep and goats. We were also able to view the highland cows descended from Aurochs. The last stop was an opportunity to view the fruits and vegetables grown in the poly tunnel and to learn about the methods used by the gatherers of the Paleolithic and Mesolithic Age. It was a very enjoyable trip and the children's behaviour was impeccable from start to finish. Thank you to the parents who gave up their time and joined us for the trip and to those who offered their support.
The children have also been working incredibly hard in class this week. They have completed their autumn assessments and have remained positive and determined throughout. The children should be incredibly proud of how they persevered in challenging moments.
REMINDER: Year 3/4 Boys' Football Trials: The children were asked if they would like to attend the Year 3/4 football trials last week. If your child has changed their mind and would now like a letter, please ask the office or Mr Markham. The Year 3/4 girls' football trials will take place after Christmas.
Letters sent home this week
Year 4
The week began with 4E's Coastal Schools visit where the children collected interesting items to create beautiful examples of beach art. As 4SW were not able to go due to the weather, we will ensure that they have an additional session in the spring term.
In maths, the children have continued their work on fractions and have identified and calculated equivalent fractions using a range of resources and strategies. Some children have begun to make links between fractions and decimals, focusing on tenths and hundredths in pictorial and numerical form. Some children have also begun to make links with percentages, applying their knowledge of equivalences when comparing fractions and decimals.
In English, the children have used the five-part story structure to plan their own science fiction stories. They have focused on using rich, descriptive vocabulary to introduce their characters and settings with a science-fiction theme.
As scientists, the children have investigated how sounds can be muffled. Using a sound source, they generated their own ideas about sound-proofing. A sound source was wrapped in different materials so the children could predict which would be the most effective at muffling sounds. They used a decibel reader app to collect their data before determining which were the best materials for sound proofing.
This week, 4SW have used the Lego WeDo to build and code a robot tomb-raider! The children enjoyed the challenge of getting a robot to detect objects in its path! As geographers, in 4B, the children have been developing their map skills whilst in 4E and 4C, they have researched The River Nile and its importance during ancient Egyptian times.
In PSHE, the focus has been on bullying and its impact. The children have explored the role of the witness when someone is being bullied. After hearing ‘Pauline’s Story’, they generated alternative endings to the story, where the bullying could have been avoided.
REMINDER: Year 3/4 Boys' Football Trials: The children were asked if they would like to attend the Year 3/4 football trials last week. If your child has changed their mind and would now like a letter, please ask the office or Mr Markham. The Year 3/4 girls' football trials will take place after Christmas.
Letters sent home this week
Year 5
In science lessons this week, the children were excited to design their own parachutes. Using prior knowledge, they were set the task of changing one variable such as chute material, canopy size or shape or length of strings. They tested how these changes affected the amount of air resistance and which parachute was the most effective at providing a safe landing.
In English lessons this week, we have been learning to identify problems and dilemmas within a story and the difference between a resolution and ending. Using our layered reading text, The Firework Maker’s Daughter, the children mapped out the story using a story mountain format. They went onto consider the main problems and resolutions within the story, which led to some interesting discussions. The children also considered how a story can end in different ways, and began to plan a new problem, resolution and ending for the original story which they will start to write next week.
As part of their work on statistics in maths lessons, the children were introduced to line graphs. After solving a range of data problems associated with line graphs, the children went onto interpreting information in tables.
In PSHE, the children have been learning how to evaluate digital content and make decisions about its reliability. They discussed ways of recognising fake websites, even though they might appear genuine, and the dangers of misinformation.
Letters sent home this week
Year 6
This week in English, the pupils have been inspired by our latest Brilliant Book: Otto - the autobiography of a teddy bear. The story of the central character links remarkably to our Connected Curriculum topic as the bear lives through the build up to the Second World War in Germany and throughout the challenging years of the war that followed. The children have subsequently created plans from the narrative in order to write a more formal biography of the character next week, incorporating much of their knowledge from our prior learning relating to the historical context. The story itself has been inspiring, especially when the children learned of the teddy bear’s experiences in the post-war years.
As scientists, the children have planned, carried out and reflected upon scientific data relating to shadows. During their learning, they were required to meticulously gather data, carefully consider variables, analyse results and offer explanations using their scientific knowledge.
In Connected Curriculum, they have begun constructing their puppets, and although they are at the very early stages of what is a significant process, they have demonstrated great enthusiasm to refine their skills.
Letters sent home this week
Online Safety
Managing money can be a difficult skill to master, even for adults. As such, it’s incredibly important for children and young people to learn all they can before they reach an age at which they’ll be responsible for their own finances. Teaching strategies for saving and responsible spending early on can be a huge help to youngsters, in a way that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
It can be tricky to know the best approach for teaching money management to children, however, especially in terms of giving them practical experience with this important life skill. This guide – made in collaboration with financial education app GoHenry – provides you with expert advice on how to educate children and young people on both spending and saving their cash.
Year 4 Dodgeball Competition
The Year 4 dodgeball team competed in the Southend competition on Wednesday. There was some fantastic dodging, ducking and diving on the courts and powerful throws. The team were grouped with four other schools with the winner of the group progressing further. West Leigh narrowly missed out on 1st place after defeat in their final match. The team were fantastic throughout the morning, increasing in confidence and skill with every game they played. Well done dodgeballers!
Year 5/6 Boys’ Southend Football Competition
What a wonderful feast of football we had on display last Friday at the annual Southend Year 5/6 Football tournament held at the Len Forge Stadium.
West Leigh began well, with a gritty 0-0 draw against Alleyn Court. The boys then rallied against Milton Hall, winning 1-0 and followed that match up with convincing wins against Fairways 2-0 and Edwards Hall 1-0.
We finished top of the group with 10 points and without conceding a goal-a great effort for the morning’s games!
We progressed to the Super 10s in the afternoon and began to play with real flair against some super-organised and well-disciplined teams. We were victorious over Our Lady of Lourdes, Chalkwell, Thorpedene and then went on to beat Leigh North St 1-0 in the last 10 seconds!
Next, we faced Earls Hall, and after a gruelling 12 minutes, came out victorious 1-0. So, we were set for the final.
Once again we met Leigh North Street, who only went through due to our results and beating other teams.
It was a hard- fought final and the boys were excellent in their play and approach to the game but, alas, we let in an unfortunate goal - the only goal we conceded all of the tournament!
However, it was an amazing feat to finish second in the borough and we qualified for the Essex finals which we will contest on Tuesday 26th November. Come on, West Leigh!
Inspirational Person
A huge thank you to all children who participated in last half term's Showbie challenge - we had so many inspiring entries!
This half term, we have focused on someone who has demonstrated integrity. We discussed the fact that it is very hard to find examples of people who have demonstrated true integrity - as by definition, they do the right thing when no-one is watching! However, we did look at the actions of James Doty, a very successful neurosurgeon and entrepreneur. James pledged a part of his fortune to charity - but was then hit by the 'dot com' crash. He lost all of his money - apart from the money he had promised to give away. Despite it leaving him with nothing, James still gave away his remaining fortune in order to benefit others.
The Showbie challenge for this half term is to choose one of the quotes about integrity on Showbie (or find your own!) and use it to produce a piece of artwork. This could be a drawing, painting or poster – or whatever else you decide to come up with!
Take a photo of your finished piece and upload it to the Showbie folder, or put it on Mrs London's desk.
Key Notices this Week
Christmas Dinner: If your child would like a Christmas dinner, please ensure that you return the order slip by Friday 29th November, at the latest.
West Leigh Avenue Gate: If the West Leigh Avenue gate becomes very busy in the morning, please remember that you are able to drop your children off at the School Street entrance through the Infant gate.
Dinner Menu
Week 3
Monday - Homemade Macaroni Cheese with Garlic Bread - Jacket Potato with a Choice of Baked Beans, Cheese, Tuna Mayonnaise - Wholemeal Wrap with Tuna Mayonnaise - Coleslaw and Salad bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Raspberry Mousse
Tuesday - Pork Meatballs in Tomato Gravy - Vegan Meatballs in Tomato Gravy - Jacket Potatoes with a Choice of Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonniase - Vegetable Rice, Green Beans and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Chocolate Cherry Cake
Wednesday - Chicken Nuggets - Vegetable Nuggets - Granary Baguette with Cheese - Curly Fries, Spaghetti Hoops and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Cornflake Cake
Thursday - Homemade Beef and Spaghetti Bolognaise - Vegetable and Quorn Bolognaise - Jacket Potato with a Cjoice of Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise - Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Biscuit
Friday - Cheese and Tomato Pizza with Tortilla Chips - Vegan Pizza with Tortilla Chips - Wholemeal Wrap with Salmon and Sweetcorn - Homemade Coleslaw and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruity Jelly
Don't forget to check out our new online bookshop here.
Swimming
Please ensure that your child has their full kit with them on swimming days as we will no longer be phoning home for forgotten kits.
Monday
- 3H
- 4B
- 4SW
Tuesday
- 3M
- 5L
- 5K
Wednesday
- 3S
- 4C
- 3T
Thursday
- 5G
- 5F
Friday
- 6D
- 6A
- 4E
- 6P
- 6W
PE Lessons
Please ensure that your child is wearing their full kit on PE days as we will no longer be phoning home for forgotten kits.
Second Half Term:
3M
- Indoor PE: Wednesday
- Outdoor PE: Friday
3S
- Indoor PE: Tuesday
- Outdoor PE: Thursday
3H
- Indoor PE: Tuesday
- Outdoor PE: Friday
3T
- Indoor PE: Monday
- Outdoor PE: Thursday
4B
- Indoor PE: Wednesday
- Outdoor PE: Thursday
4E
- Indoor PE: Monday
- Outdoor PE: Tuesday
4SW
- Indoor PE: Friday
- Outdoor PE: Tuesday
4C
- Indoor PE: Monday
- Outdoor PE: Thursday
5K
- Indoor PE: Friday
- Outdoor PE: Wednesday
5F
- Indoor PE: Friday
- Outdoor PE: Wednesday
5L
- Indoor PE: Thursday
- Outdoor PE: Monday
5G
- Indoor PE: Tuesday
- Outdoor PE: Monday
6D
- Indoor PE: Wednesday
- Outdoor PE: Monday
6A
- Indoor PE: Thursday
- Outdoor PE: Tuesday
6P
- Indoor PE: Thursday
- Outdoor PE: Monday
6W
- Indoor PE: Thursday
- Outdoor PE: Tuesday
Attendance
Congratulations to 3T for getting 100% attendance this week.
Well done to some of our girls who danced at the National Entertainment Awards at the Indigo O2 with their dance school, PS Dance, on Sunday.
After a very long day and an amazing performance, they received the golden buzzer which automatically qualifies them a place in next year's show. They were awarded a gold coin which invites them to perform in Las Vegas in 2026 so watch this space!
Messages from FOWLS
URGENT PLEA FOR HELP RE CHRISTMAS FAYRE
We are still short of volunteers for the Christmas Fayre 12-2pm. If you can help please speak to your class rep. or complete this form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczApbYEDdZWDVn5Z1lpMdXVpdtOdZMgmt0E_NDSJAYb4z2gg/viewform
Raffle tickets have been given out so please check school bags as there’s lots of wonderful prizes to win. If you’d like to be in with more of a chance to win, raffle books can be collected from the school office.
We are delighted that Father Christmas has agreed to send letters to the children of West Leigh Schools once again. The deadline is 1st December so don’t forget to send your request if you’d like Father Christmas to send your child a letter. http://bit.ly/northpolepost-wls
Have you booked your child to see Father Christmas and Mother Christmas at the Fayre? Book now to avoid disappointment.
ALSO PLEASE SEE THE WEST LEIGH FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS
Do you know about Friends of West Leigh Lotto? The draw takes place every month with CASH prizes whilst also raising funds for the schools. It’s super easy to sign up so if you fancy a chance to win a cash prize or would like to find out more contact Oanh Ly who runs our Lotto: fowlslott@gmail.com
ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY OF THE ABOVE, PLEASE EMAIL simontaylor7472@gmail.com
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 4E, 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.
Credits:
Created with images by epicraw - "Close up man hands holding champion golden trophy on transparent background Generative AI" • SecondSide - "Wow factor - words from wooden blocks with letters, extremely impressive or attractive, wow factor concept, gray background"