Signs of Spring Competition
We had some fabulous entries for the Signs of Spring photography competition; thank you so much to everyone who took part. It was lovely to see your photos and the things you all found to show that Spring has Sprung!
Everyone who entered will get a certificate and small prize for taking part and we have chosen a winner from each age group: winners will be announced in assembly at the end of the week. These people will have their picture entered into the final Gosforth Schools' Trust competition next week, between all eleven schools.
Drop Off and Pick Up Arrangements
Please can we remind you that school starts at 8:40am and the gates are locked at 8:45am so lessons can start on time. All children should be in school before this time. We have an increasing number of children who regularly arrive late without an appropriate reason. The Family Support Advisor will be contacting anyone who is repeatedly late to see what help can be offered to improve punctuality.
We also have parents who frequently ask to collect their children early, especially at the end of the week. This interrupts learning and, whenever possible, should be avoided. If your child has a medical appointment requiring early collection, please bring the medical evidence to the office so it can be authorised.
Finally, if your child's usual pick up arrangements change and they are being collected by someone else please notify the class teacher or school office. We cannot let children go with a different adult, even if they are known to the family, without prior permission.
Children's Cancer Run
Just a reminder that Sunday 19th May is the Children's Cancer Run at the Gosforth Racecourse; it is still not too late to register.
T-shirts and race numbers will be delivered to school early in May, for those who register very soon. The day is a huge amount of fun, as well as raising funds for a very worthwhile charity. You do not need to be a runner! You can register to join us by clicking on the link below, remember to say you are running with Regent Farm First School!
The Regent Farm time slot to run is Midday, we will meet at the school meeting point at about 11:30am. Parents and carers are responsible for their children at all times during the run. Adults can accompany their children without paying for entry, but will not be eligible for a medal or goody bag at the end unless registered. There will be members of staff there to cheer you all on!
Goodbye
As some of you already know, Miss Appleby will be leaving after the May Bank Holiday. She has been given a wonderful opportunity to develop her dance skills in America before coming back to England and continuing to develop her local dance school: we are very proud of her.
Miss Appleby is an absolute delight, everyday she comes to work with the biggest smile and most positive attitude; the children and staff adore her and she will be a huge miss. I have known her since I taught her in Primary School and she lit up the classroom even then! I am sure she will keep in touch with everyone and we wish her all the very best in this new adventure. For the rest of this year Mrs Talbot, who is already known to the children and works across Early Years, will be increasing her role in nursery.
From September we will be welcoming Mrs Turner to the nursery team. Many of you will know her as a parent and former governor of Regent Farm. She has years of experience working in Early Years settings and I am sure will be an asset to the fabulous staff we already have in our school.
Important Messages
- Please can we remind you to name all clothing and items which come in to school. We have a huge amount of lost property and it is very difficult to return items without names on. We will display all the current lost property outside school in the next few weeks, please take any items your child may have lost. Anything which is remaining will be donated to charity.
- If your child has been offered a reception place for September 2024, please do not forget to accept this offer through the council's online portal.
Curriculum Information
Early Years
Nursery have sped straight into their new topic all about transport. They have become mechanics, fixing, mending and cleaning their very own cars, whilst looking at staying safe on the road. In our next busy week the children became Gardeners, helping Little Digger to plant and grow our very own produce. The children were very brave and even tried some new vegetables! Next, they had to put their scientific skills to the test when they were helping Mr Duck, they had to push and pull to get the truck out of the muck. In the coming weeks nursery will be embarking on several journeys on a magic train and even travelling the world on Emma Janes Aeroplane.
This term in Reception, the children have been busy creating some brand new inventions inspired by Izzy Gizmo. They have made umbrella hats, tidy up machines and even an invention to keep our oceans clean and safe! They have also opened their 'Woodshop' area and have been exploring the tools and how to use them safely.
Key Stage 1
Year 1 have been thinking about what inventors are. Mr Laidler must have heard about this as he came to the children with a list of problems around school, including lost jumpers and smelly toilets! We became inventors to try to fix some of these problems, writing explanations of how they would work. In History they are thinking about the local inventor George Stephenson. In the next few weeks Year 1 will learn more about his life and inventions and will conclude the topic with a trip to his museum.
Year 2 are thinking about the question, 'Can an idea change the world?' The children have looked at Leonardo Da Vinci and his contributions to the world of engineering. They will then look at how his ideas have evolved into modern inventions. In Maths, the children have been looking at measures, thinking about how we can measure length, height, capacity and will be moving onto measuring mass next. In English, they have been enjoying the story of Wendel's Workshop, plotting their own story mountains to create an alternative ending.
Key Stage 2
In Year 3 this month, the children have had an exciting time exploring the future of technology! Craig at Nissan paid the classes a visit, sharing fascinating insights into the future of car travel. They dove into the world of robotics, spending mornings mastering voice and drawing commands to control robots. The classes are looking forward to a visit from STEM robotics to build their very own robots and as the half term draws near, they're gearing up for an exciting project: crafting a mechanical robot arm out of wood.
Year 4 have had a great start to the term. They have started our History topic on the Victorians and learned a lot about coalmining in Victorian times when the History Bloke came to visit! They have also just finished the text, The Boy at the Back of the Class and are very excited about our visit to the theatre to watch it later this week!
Dates for Half Term
- Thursday 2nd May - Year 4 Theatre Trip
- Monday 6th May - School Closed Bank Holiday
- Monday 13th May - Year 3 STEM Robotics Workshop
- Thursday 16th May - Year 1 trip to George Stephenson Museum
- Sunday 19th May - Children's Cancer Run
- Wednesday 22nd May - Bug Workshop for Nursery
- Wednesday 24th May until Friday 24th May - Year 4 Residential to Hawkhirst
School Breaks Up for Half Term – Friday 24th May at 3:15pm
Monday 3rd June - School Closed for Training Day