Friars Weekly Newsletter friday 19th July 2024

Coming up in this edition of the newsletter...

  • PTA Summer Fayre Total
  • Staff Goodbyes
  • A message from Ms. Taylor-Brown
  • Year 4 YMCA Songwriting Workshops
  • Friars Summer Reading Challenge Information

It’s the end of the year… ☹

Hopefully you have had the time to read my end of year letter from earlier in the week where I shared many things from 2023-24. It has been a superb year and one we will all look back on fondly.

Sadly, as you know there have already been some staff goodbyes this summer and we have more today. I mentioned a couple of weeks back that Mrs. Dyer, Ms. Taylor-Brown, Mrs. Glyde and Mrs. Gladdy would be leaving us today. Unfortunately, we are also bidding farewell to Mrs. Boulton and Mrs. Serowka who are also leaving Friars. Thank you to all of our departing staff members. We really appreciate all of your hard work and we wish them well for the future.

We are finishing the school year with one of the hottest days of the year so far. I do hope that we all have a lovely summer to enjoy. Please make the most of it and we will look forward to seeing almost everyone again in September. Of course, if you’re a pupil in Year 6 or a Year 6 parent/carer and we won’t be seeing you again, we wish you good luck. Thank you for your being part of our Friars Family!

Have a great summer! School. Is. Out.

Mr. McClay, Principal

A not-so-little message from Ms. Taylor-Brown

Well what a year it has been. Actually for me - what an 11 years it has been. I can’t actually believe I am leaving today. I am feeling such mixed emotions. I have been telling the children who keep asking why I am going, that it is important to take exciting opportunities when they come your way, to keep striving, to keep learning, but that does not make it any easier to leave a community who have simply become my family, who I see every day and who bring me so much joy and purpose. I have learned so much at Friars, and the connections I have made here will always stay with me.

Thank you for my cards, gifts, hugs and well wishes - I even had a video chat with a young lad I taught many moons ago and to be honest it made my day and of course made me cry for the zillionth time!

I have to say greeting you all on the gate every morning, having a little chat (which I am very good at) and just checking in - is such an important part of my day - and I am going to miss it more than you know.

So thank you Friars! You absolutely rock and I am so proud to have been a part of this amazing school - which we all know is far more than a school - it is as we always say “family”.

By the way. I am afraid I will be popping up throughout this newsletter - OPAL, singing, Outdoor Learning and the PTA - all such important parts of my job -and all handed over with great care so keep watching this space for more developments!

Much love to you all and a HUGE thank you, toodle pip,

Ms. Taylor-Brown

Diary Dates

September

  • Tuesday 3rd - INSET DAY
  • Wednesday 4th - First day back for children
  • Tuesday 10th - Nursery children return
  • New Nursery children Stay & Play
  • New Reception children Stay & Play
  • Wednesday 11th - Owls Half Day - AM
  • Robins Half Day - PM
  • Thursday 12th - Year 6 Height & Weight Check
  • Owls Half Day - AM
  • Robins Half Day - PM
  • Friday 13th - Reception 9am - 1.15pm
  • Monday 16th - Reception 1st Day
  • Tuesday 17th - Year 1 Curriculum Evening 5pm
  • Year 2 Curriculum Evening 5:30pm
  • Wednesday 18th - Year 3 Curriculum Evening 5pm
  • Year 5 Curriculum Evening 5:30pm
  • Thursday 19th - Year 4 Curriculum Evening 5:00pm
  • Year 6 Curriculum Evening 5:30pm
  • Saturday 21st - 11+ Selection Test

October

  • Tuesday 8th - Portico PE Festival
  • Monday 28th - Friday 1st November - October Half Term
"I love seeing my friends at Friars" Year 1 child

Nursery

Wow we have made it to the end of the academic year, which has been great. It has been a pleasure teaching all of the Nursery children and we wish those going into Reception the best of luck and of course look forward to our returning children coming back to us in September. This week has been just as busy! The children have enjoyed using the outdoor bricks and have created castles and different forms of transport with them. They have also enjoyed their last session over at the environmental garden where they completed a scavenger hunt alongside sorting out all the different colours found in nature.

Have a wonderful summer

Reception

We have enjoyed our last week together in Reception. We have made 3D puzzles with wooden bricks and drawn instructions for our friends to follow. On Wednesday, we visited our new classrooms and teachers and came back excited about next year. We have enjoyed clapping games and rhythmic songs, improving our coordination and cooperation skills.

Our first year at school has seen us all grow up so much. Remember those little dots performing their nativity play to you? Who would know those same children are now the confident ones you take home for the summer?! We’ve had visits, visitors, experiences and a whole lot of fun and we are so proud of them all. Have a lovely summer and we will see you all in September!

A huge thank you for all our gifts and cards. We are so grateful for all your support and appreciation this year. Happy Summer everyone!

Year 1

Can you believe that we are at the end of the year? It doesn’t feel that long ago the children started in Year 1 and now we have finished our journey. The children have learnt lots this year and we are proud of their progress. This week, they created their own version of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, created some super artwork and reflected on our favourite memories of the year. Have a relaxing summer break.

Year 2

Although it has been the last week in Key Stage 1 for our children, we have been very busy! Both classes enjoyed two afternoons of outdoor learning with Mr. Brady. We used collage, paint, crayon and pencil to create a piece of artwork using the stimulus of nature. Even though we had a little rain, it did not deter the children from searching out natural materials to enhance their work. We also enjoyed a campfire and the customary sing song – before tucking into some smores. The children certainly wanted more!

It has been very hard to say goodbye to your wonderful children today. It has been a real pleasure to be part of their learning journey. We hope you all enjoy a fabulous (hopefully sunny) summer holiday.

Mrs. Snow, Miss Gibbons, Miss Andrews and Mrs. Vermeulen😊

Year 3

Our final week together in Year 3 has been another busy one! Both classes enjoyed another transition session with their new Year 4 teachers and are now feeling confident and excited to move up the school.

We have been consolidating our English skills from across the year by designing and describing our very own monsters; some of the designs were hilarious! In maths, we have been practising our arithmetic skills through a range of investigations and games.

Year 3 were also treated to a sneak peek of the Year 6 leavers' assembly at the beginning of the week, which they very much enjoyed.

Thank you to all of our wonderful Year 3 pupils for their kindness and hard work this year – we will certainly miss you!

Year 4

Excitement has filled the air in the Year 4 classrooms this week!

On Monday the children were very excited to see the Year 6 leavers' assembly which gave them a whistle stop tour of life in Year 6. They were very excited to meet Mr. Lynes, Miss. Barrick and Mrs. Witt again on Wednesday and get to know them a little bit more and of course, they are very excited to have the summer holidays within grasping distance.

Even with all this, there was still learning to be had. The water cycle was covered in science and in maths, the children learnt about pentominoes and tangrams, both practically and virtually. In geography, the children were given an endless amount of money (metaphorically speaking) where they could design their own playground. The finished plans were just amazing.

Year 4 have been wonderful to teach this year. Thank you for your continued support throughout the year.

Year 5

What a wonderful last week! Where has the time gone?!

On Monday, we hosted a talent show in 5BW. The children showed off their musical talents, shared their trophies from home, told jokes displayed their creative skills through Lego. It was lovely to celebrate the student’s uniqueness.

The children also thought back on the past year with an activity on Tuesday. It was lovely to share their favourite moments and important memories.

Towards the end of the week, we watched Stormbreaker. This was our first layered reading that was much loved by the year group.

Besides all these activities and more, we just spent some lovely time together enjoying our last few days before the children move on to Year 6. The Year 5 staff have thoroughly enjoyed their time with the children this year and we wish them all the best of luck in Year 6. Keep up the hard work guys and pop back down to see us!

Letters sent home this week

Year 6

This week, we have brought our primary school time to a close. We celebrated our time here with a final assembly performance to our friends and family members; it was a wonderful occasion. We have enjoyed a film afternoon with pizza and snacks as well as an afternoon of water fun in the sun. We have enjoyed our last week together with friends before we head off to seconary school.

Year 6 Enterprise Week/Extravaganza

On Wednesday 10th July, Year 6 held their ‘Extravaganza’. The children had been designing and creating games that would interest other children from across the school. Lots of discussion and planning went into the event and everyone had their roles to play in the lead up to the actual event.

With the wind behind them, setting up was a challenge but the Year 6 children quickly arranged their stalls and prepared to host their younger peers. Traditional games, such as ‘Tin Can Alley’ and ‘Hook a Duck’, were joined by more unusual games like ‘Welly Throwing’ and ‘Being a Drummer in a Band’. The children who attended thoroughly enjoyed their time and the Year 6 entrepreneurs were shattered by the end of the day.

The children managed to raise a considerable amount of money which was put towards their leavers' hoodies. Well done Year 6!

"I can't believe we created our own games - I want to do this for my job" Year 6 child

Computing

This week, many classes have completed e-safety lessons, ready for the school holidays.

Year 1 looked at communicating with people online, considering the importance of knowing who you are liaising with and being kind to children you chat to online.

Year 2 looked at different ways of communicating with people online and which types of technology they would use for different people.

Year 3 looked at how we can report any suspicious activity online and the importance of telling our adults at home if someone tries to communicate with us who we do not feel comfortable with. They created a mind-map on Word of ways to stay safe on games such as Roblox.

Year 5 looked at online identity and how someone’s online profile might not be quite who they say they are. They also considered the impact this could have on others.

Year 6 did a biodiversity investigation, logging the number of animals species and plant species they found on their Micro:bits after programming the code. The data collected will all be sent to the BBC as part of their National School survey.

Online Safety

"It was great to win my event at the Borough Sports - I felt so proud" - Year 5 pupil

PE & Sports

This week, in PE, classes have been bringing their team skills together and getting into larger games.

I've learnt so many new things but its different from normal school work because its 'life' things- Year 6 child

Outdoor Learning

Well this week Year 2 had the final week of the year for their outdoor learning. This year outdoor learning has been an area that I have been involved in and I would like to take this opportunity to send a massive thank you to our very own Ray Mears - aka Mr. Brady. We are so lucky not only to be able to offer outdoor learning - but to have someone teaching it who is so knowledgeable and passionate about learning outdoors.

When I first joined Friars in 2013, the garden was in a very poor state. One of the first things Mr. McClay wanted to do when he joined Friars was to bring the garden back to life. Before long, Mr. Brady had joined the team and the outdoor classroom was bought and built. Since then, Mr Brady has transformed the area and I absolutely love seeing the children using it and the awe and wonder on their faces when they discover a new pathway, animal home or a new plant in bloom!

Ms. Taylor-Brown

OPAL

My final OPAL week and I have spent the week beavering away pulling everything together in the most enormous file to hand over to my good friend Mrs. Halls who is ready to take over at the helm as we approach our final accreditation this Autumn.

I have of course managed to tear myself away from my desk to get out in to OPAL too this week and to be honest, the moment I see the children playing so happily - it just reminds me why OPAL is so important.

I have loved starting this project. The support from parents and staff but perhaps the thing that has touched me most is the childrens excitement, engagement, eagerness and love of all things OPAL.

So thank you everyone for the part you have played, donating, being a play ranger, or just making OPAL great!

Much love.

Ms. Taylor-Brown

(And when I do pop back in my new role, I will aim to pop back at lunchtimes to see you all having a wonderful time!)

A big thank you to Aaron in Year 5 for making me a PowerPoint presentation in his lunch break this week. I loved it and have printed out a copy to put on the wall of my new office!

Singing Assemblies

Well no singing assembly this week although it was wonderful to see Year 6 singing and loving it in their Yr6 show! the Key Stage 2 choir also sang at the beginning of today's Key Stage 2 Celebration Assembly.

As many of you will know I took on these assemblies over a year ago. We were at a meeting and me being me, I put my hand up and offered to take them. I thought I was just helping out really but in fact singing with my wonderful KS2 children has become a highlight of my week. Their passion for music, the joy it brings them and the feel when we all sing together just blows away the cobwebs and makes me feel on top of the world! We have sung so many songs over the time we have been having these assemblies together and I have tried to pass on my love of music and some fascinating pop facts along the way.

I think everytime I hear “Roar” I will just remember the electricity in the hall and running outside as we all roared together - even being heard from the bus stop!

Thank you parents, children and staff for getting involved- guess I am back to singing along now!

SYMCA All In Music x Music On Sea - 'Make A Band!' Workshop

Last week, pupils in Years 3 and 4 at Friars were buzzing with creativity during songwriting workshops funded by Music-on-Sea and led by the talented team at Southend YMCA’s ‘All in Music’ team. Each 30-minute session saw children decide on a theme, brainstorming ideas and crafting catchy lyrics together. Guided by professional musicians, they decided on notes for the melody and penned a collaborative song.

The pupils then practised their masterpieces before huddling around the microphone to record their songs. The magic didn't stop there! The YMCA team edited the tracks, adding instrumental backdrops, before sending them back to the school for everyone to enjoy and share.

This musical extravaganza coincided with Careers Week, providing the pupils with an inspiring glimpse into the world of a professional musician. Who knows, these budding artists at Friars may just be the chart-toppers of tomorrow!

Friars Summer Reading Challenge

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Dinner Menu

Week 1

Wednesday - Roast Chicken with roast Potatoes & Gravy - Squash & Lentil Lasagna- Baked Jackets with Baked Beans - Tuna Sweetcorn Baguettes - Cheese Sandwich - Seasonal Greens & Cauliflower - Cherry Cornflake Cake

Thursday - Mild Chicken & Vegetable Curry with Steamed Rice - Vegan bEAN Chilli with Steamed Rice - Pasta & Tomato Sauce - Tuna Mayonnaise Sandwich - Cheese Salad Wrap - Broccoli & Carrots - Chocolate & Pear Sponge

Friday - Breaded Fish Fingers with Chips & ketchup - Vegan Goujons with Chips & Ketchup - Baked Jackets with grated Cheese - Ham Sandwich - Egg Mayo Baguette - Peas & Baked Beans - Banana Flapjack

Freshly Baked Bread - Carrot & Beetroot or Wholemeal Bread.

PTA

Just a massive thank you to everyone for your support this year. It really has been an absolutely amazing year for the PTA! The work continues next year- so please get involved in anyway you can...

(and from me Ms. Taylor-Brown) can I just say this PTA are amazing and blow me away with every event! I have loved working with you all x

Celebration Assembly

The links for our Celebration Assemblies can be found below.

19th July 2024

28th June 2024

21st June 2024

14th June 2024

Attendance

In our assemblies today we not only discussed attendance for the week but also the term as well as the whole year.

This week’s attendance winners in Key Stage 1 were 2G! Well done 2G. In Key Stage 2 it was a win for 6L! A nice way to finish the Year 6 children’s time at Friars.

We gave out lots of attendance badges to children with 100% ‘perfect’ attendance or 97%+ attendance for this summer term. The children are welcome to wear these when we return in autumn!

Finally, for the year the best attendance in the school was shared between 1MV and 2G. In third place, only 0.1% behind was 4D… so close 4D!

Please help us to improve our school attendance in 2024-25. This year it was lower than where it needs to be and we know that attendance helps achievement. Thank you.

You will remember that the autumn term was led very much by Caernarfon until Windsor took over the lead in the new year. Since then, our red team has led the way but recently the yellows have closed the gap. Stormont and last year’s winners Stirling were a little off the pace and looked unlikely to catch up… but there was still an outside chance for them…

Well, here we are at the end of the year and we are pleased to announce that this year’s winner of the Friars Cup is… Windsor!!! A huge congratulations to our reds who will have their name etched onto the trophy.

For Windsor to go from fourth in 2022-23 to first in 2023-24 is an excellent achievement, proving what a great team they are. This does also suggest lots of hope for Stirling for next year. Stirling remember were last year’s winners! Good luck to all of our teams for 2024-25!

The final totals...

Community

In July we are hoping to host some career events for our children. We are looking for parents/carers/family members or friends who would like to come and talk to our children about ut their jobs. Think you can help or know someone who can? Please drop me a line etaylorbrown@fps.porticoacademytrust.co.uk

01702 294837 - office@fps.porticoacademytrust.co.uk