Dear Parents and Carers,
It was wonderful to welcome so many of you to this week’s Year 4 presentation. The children delivered a captivating and informative session that showcased their recent discoveries in science lessons.
As we approach the end of the spring term, we look forward to seeing you next week at Learning Conferences when you will be able to see your child's work and meet with their class teacher.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Mr Aggus
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Spring 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 - Parent Council
Spring Term Dates
March
- Monday 31st - Friday 4th - Fun Swim Week
- Monday 31st - Year 5/6 Boys' Football v Greenways
April
- Tuesday 1st - Learning Conferences
- Year 3 Southend Diving Talent Programme
- Wednesday 2nd - Cross Country Essex Finals
- Coastal Schools - 4SW (missed from last term)
- Thursday 3rd - Learning Conferences
- Year 3/4 Swim Squad Training
- Friday 4th - Y5/6 Padel Competition @ Garon Park
- Team Challenge
- Year 5/6 Swim Squad Training
- Monday 7th - Monday 21st - Easter Holidays
Year 3
The sun has been shining and the children are full of the joys of spring. We cannot believe that next week will be the final week of the spring term!
As authors, the children have written the text to conclude their learning on the picture book, Journey. We have been very impressed with the standard of their narrative writing and control. The children have been working hard to explore a range of sentences including the use of subordinating conjunctions. It has been wonderful to read their exciting stories which includes a range of vocabulary as well as figurative language.
As readers, the children have used textual evidence from our layered reading book, Beast Keeper to investigate the ways that authors can show characters' emotions and behaviours. Developing their reading skills, the children have explored phrases and techniques that the author, Lucy Coats, used in order to show how Demon and Hera reacted to a situation in the story. The children shared their developed learning by using drama to act out the scene.
As mathematicians, the children have been consolidating and extending their subject knowledge of fractions.
The children have also been working incredibly hard to refine their running stitch. Their ambrosia bags are nearly finished and should be ready for Zeus by the end of term. The children have shown tremendous determination and persistence and we are extremely proud of them.
This week's Year 3 assembly was organised by our team captains; the children enjoyed checking their knowledge about their team mascot! Next week, the children are looking forward to undertaking their spring term team challenge!
Swimming
- 3M - Tuesday
- 3S - Wednesday
- 3H - Monday
- 3T - Wednesday
PE
- 3M - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Friday - Outdoor PE
- 3S - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 3H - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Friday - Outdoor PE
- 3T - Monday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
Year 4
As the week draws to a close, the children have been able to celebrate the success of their science-themed performances to parents, family members and to the rest of the school. Their presentations were both informative and entertaining and the children should be very proud of themselves, as we are of their performance.
In English, the children have studied the poem Daffodils by William Wordsworth. They have explored the meaning of the poem, examined the vocabulary and located examples of figurative language. They have also practised their choral skills by reading the poem as a class, whilst focusing on the rhythm and rhyme.
Within our Layered Reading lessons, the children examined the use of figurative language used within a particular chapter. They generated their own figurative language phrases and used their imagination to write a description of a magical moment.
The emphasis in maths has been about applying what they know about decimal numbers in the context of money. They have had to solve problems involving money as the focus. The children have used a variety of appropriate methods to solve a range of problems involving the four operations.
Roman mosaics have served as the inspiration for the children as artists. They have used an app to experiment with designs and patterns that they are applying to create a mosaic image.
Swimming
- 4B - Monday
- 4E - Friday
- 4SW - Monday
- 4C - Wednesday
PE
- 4B - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
- 4E - Monday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 4SW - Friday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 4C - Monday - Indoor PE - Thursday - Outdoor PE
Year 5
Year 5 has been buzzing with activity this week as we approach the end of term. Both children and teachers continue to work tirelessly.
In English, the children refined their writing by reimagining their layered reading text, The Great Wave. They crafted narratives with shocking problems and believable resolutions, using varied figurative and emotive language to captivate readers.
In maths, classes focused on telling time confidently on analogue and digital clocks, while others tackled converting units of time, calculating differences with number lines, and solving problems involving measurements. Regular practice at home will reinforce these essential life skills.
In science lessons, the children explored animal reproduction, covering how different groups reproduce and discussing the pros and cons of each method.
Our art lessons have also been inspired by the sea as the children experimented with line and texture for their homage to Hokusai’s Great Wave. Using paint, pastels, charcoal, ink pens, and crayons, they explored tactile and implied textures. The introduction of professional watercolour paper sparked excitement, and we eagerly await their final pieces.
Thank you to the parents volunteering for our field study on Monday, 28th April. If you’re available, there’s still time to join us.
Swimming
- 5K - Tuesday
- 5F - Thursday
- 5L - Tuesday
- 5G - Thursday
PE
- 5K - Friday - Indoor PE - Wednesday - Outdoor PE
- 5F- Friday - Indoor PE - Wednesday - Outdoor PE
- 5L - Thursday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 5G - Tuesday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
Year 6
Over the past week, Year 6 have demonstrated resilience and determination as they tackled their mock SATs papers. This important milestone has allowed them to identify key areas for development, setting the foundation for the weeks of revision ahead. Well done to all for their hard work and perseverance. In the coming weeks, targeted revision sessions will address any gaps in understanding, ensuring even greater progress as we move closer to the real assessments in May.
In their Connected Curriculum lessons, Year 6 have successfully completed their rainforest-themed electronic games, showcasing their creativity and technical skills. The project required pupils to integrate their understanding of circuits with imaginative game design, resulting in some truly innovative and engaging products. Well done to all pupils for their enthusiasm and problem-solving skills in this exciting project!
In science, Year 6 have been designing their own fictional animals, incorporating their understanding of adaptations, biomes, and the need for survival. Once again, creativity and imagination have been at the forefront, with pupils producing some truly unique and well-thought-out creatures. This hands-on approach has deepened their appreciation of how animals evolve to thrive in different environments.
Letters sent home this week
Swimming
- All Classes - Friday
PE
- 6D - Wednesday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 6A - Thursday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
- 6P - Thursday - Indoor PE - Monday - Outdoor PE
- 6W - Thursday - Indoor PE - Tuesday - Outdoor PE
Online Safety
Live streaming is now a major part of children’s entertainment, evolving from gamers sharing screens into a booming industry with diverse personalities. While watching streamers can be entertaining, it comes with no small number of risks for children, such as misinformation, negative influences, and inappropriate content. With over 2.5 million viewers on Twitch – the current most popular streaming platform – at any one time, this guide highlights the potential dangers associated with watching live streams and the importance of staying informed.
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
Public Speaking Competition
On Tuesday, twelve children from Years 5 and 6 took part in a public speaking competition held at Thorpe Hall School. Each team, consisting of a captain, chairperson, speaker, and questioner, presented engaging speeches on various topics of interest, such as the necessity for prospective pet owners to pass a test, the inclusion of first aid in the primary curriculum, and the importance of good manners.
The children delivered their speeches with impressive passion and confidence, showcasing their abilities in their respective roles.
The competition brought great success for Year 5, with both teams winning their categories and one earning the title of overall year group winner. Additionally, individual children achieved recognition in their categories. Their exceptional efforts have set them on a promising path, and it seems likely that some may even pursue careers in debating in the future.
Baking Club
This week in Baking Club, the children made some fantastic cheesecake Easter eggs that would make an excellent Easter gift! We have shared the recipe here in case anyone would like to have a go at making them at home. Let Mrs London know if you do - she would love to see photos!
Easter Egg Cheesecake
Ingredients
- large Easter egg 230g, split in half
- 150 g gluten-free digestive biscuits
- 70 g butter melted
- 250 g mascarpone or full-fat cream cheese
- 70 g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 150 ml double cream
- 150 g mini eggs crushed + extra for decoration
Instructions
- Break the Easter egg perfectly in half – using a hot knife (with a grown-up's help) can make this easier.
- In a large mixing bowl, crush the biscuits using a rolling pin or food processor and mix in the melted butter.
- Carefully press half of the biscuit mixture into the base of each half of the egg and chill briefly.
- In another large mixing bowl, mix together the cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla to combine.
- Add in double cream and mix for 1-2 minutes until thick and smooth – don’t overmix or it will split. Fold in the crushed mini eggs.
- Spoon the mixture into the eggs, smooth it over and decorate with more mini crushed eggs.
- Chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours, or enjoy immediately if you're impatient!
Sports News Stories
Year 3/4 Boys' Football v Fairways
The Year 3/4 boys' football team competed in a friendly match against Fairways on Thursday. This was great preparation for the Southend tournament in May. After conceding an early goal, the team fought back to win 5-1. With it being the first time the team had played together, it was great to see the children grow in confidence throughout the game.
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.
Competitions
Easter Art Competition
This Easter, we would like to invite all children to take part in a creative art competition by decorating an Easter egg (using the template emailed home). We encourage the children to be as creative as possible and cannot wait to see what they come up with!
Prizes will be awarded to each class as well as a prize for every child taking part. Entries will need to be brought to school by Monday 31st March.
Dinner Menu
Week 3
Monday - Homemade Creamy cheese 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 Sausage - Vegan Sausage -Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese or Tuna Mayonnaise - Oven Baked Chips, Sweetcorn and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Lemon Drizzle Cake
Wednesday - Mrs Maddin’s Chicken, Ham, Leek and Mushroom Pie - Cheese, Onion and Potato Pie - Granary Baguette with Tuna Mayonnaise - Mashed Potatoes, Garden Peas and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruity Shortbread
Thursday - Homemade Beef and Spaghetti Bolognaise - Vegetable and Quorn Spaghetti Bolognaise - Jacket Potato with Baked Beans, Cheese and Tuna Mayonnaise - Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruit Sponge
Friday - 100% Fish Fingers - Vegetable Fingers - Wholemeal Wrap with Salmon and Sweetcorn - Saute Potatoes, Baked Beans and Salad Bar - Fresh Fruit, Yoghurt or Fruity Jelly
Don't forget to check out our new online bookshop here.
Golden Thank Yous
This week, we awarded a golden thank-you to 17 children who demonstrated empathy, responsibility or integrity in some way.
Achievements
Primrose's First Gymnastics Competition
We're excited to share that Primrose Fox in 3T took part in her very first gymnastics competition at the Croydon Rhythmic Competition on Sunday. Despite feeling nervous, she performed beautifully to Un Poco Loco from the Coco movie soundtrack. Scoring 14.35 out of 18, she proudly placed 5th in her class! Primrose had such a great time and can’t wait to compete again. Well done, Primrose!
House Points
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
April
- Monday 21st - Easter Monday
- Tuesday 22nd - Summer Term 1
- Wednesday 23rd - Bikeability visiting Year 6
- Thursday 24th - Year 3 Visit to Old Leigh - 9am - 12pm
- Year 5 Transition and Selection meeting (for current Year 4 parents) 7.30pm - 8.30pm
- 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
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
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 " • Natalia Klenova - "Easter composition on grey concrete backgrount" • Brian Jackson - "Calendar appointment"