Newsletters

Half Term Newsletter

Thursday 25^th May 2017

Dear Parents,

I hope you are all ready for the half term break and that we have some sunshine to enjoy. I would like to share news of events during this half term with you.

Staffing

I am pleased to tell you that Mrs Smallwood returned to work this half term as a part time teacher in class 2. She will continue to share the class with Miss Higson until we break up for the summer holiday.

Class News

Nursery Pupils have been having fun dressing up a pirates and digging for treasure this half term. They have made some super treasure maps.

Reception The children visited Hesketh Farm as part of their topic about animals. They had a wonderful day playing with the animals and having lots of fun on the tractors. They also visited our local library at Compton Road and chose some books to bring back.

Year One Children have been doing lots of writing and storytelling from the book Rosie’s Walk, which they have really enjoyed. They have also been planting tomatoes and potatoes in the allotment and growing cress from seeds.

Year Two The pupils tried really hard in their recent assessments and have been busy learning about mini beasts. They enjoyed a trip to Thwaite Mill this week to learn more about them.

Year Three  Children have enjoyed learning about Mexico and the food, clothes and lives of people who live there. They shared a lovely assembly this week about teeth.

Year Four Children have designed some super T. shirts which they have sewn logos onto. They have also adopted a polar bear as part of their topic about the environment.

Year Five  Children have been learning about Brazil and made some colourful headdresses. They have written some brilliant fact files about the animals of the Amazonian rainforest.

Year Six  Pupils had a great session with educational psychologists before their SATs to encourage them to be calm.  Their attitude was excellent during the tests and they have started rehearsals for their summer production of Matilda.  Last week the children attended a theatre production about refugees at Bridge Community Church. It was very interesting and created a lot of discussion.  They have enjoyed a fabulous trip to Robinwood this week where they learned to climb, abseil, canoe, problem solve and to do archery.             

Clubs

Football Club The football team finished 1st in their league group this year and we were very proud of all their efforts. Thanks to Mr Robertson and his volunteers for their enthusiasm. The boys will also be taking part in the LACON (Leeds African Cup of Nations) football tournament on Friday afternoon along with other local schools. We wish them good luck.

Cubs and Beavers  I am pleased to tell you that Cubs and Beavers will begin again in September. I will send a letter out about this when the children come back after the summer holiday.  I know that they are really keen to have more parent helpers. If you are able to spare any time on a Tuesday from 5pm please contact school.

Minster Choir Mr Dewhirst, the new director of music at Leeds Minster, will be starting a choir in school in September. It will be for pupils in year 4, 5 and 6 and will be at school one day each week. I will give children letters about this when we return in September     

Other News

Lent Fundraising Many thanks to everyone who sent money in the money box houses during Lent to support the Railway Children charity, who help homeless children and Water Aid who work around the world. I am delighted to tell you that £400 was raised and this was shared between the two charities.  

Internet Safety We have recently been told about some websites that could be very harmful for children:

_{Blue Whale, Lovoo and Woozworld}  

Please ensure you know which sites your child is visiting and talk to them about the risks involved.

Uniform Uniform is available to buy from the school office before the summer holiday and will be available on the first day back at school in September.

School dinner money From September the price of school lunches will go up to £11.00 per week for pupils in key stage two.

Parent’s Group Mrs Swailes’ group continues to meet on a Wednesday afternoon from 1.30pm in the community room and have had sessions about homework, behaviour, computer learning and much more.

Yr1 Phonics Meeting It was good to see parents joining Mrs Fletcher to find out about the phonics teaching and testing that has been going on in class 1. I hope you found the sessions helpful.

Wednesday Worship I am delighted that Canon Sam Corley, the Rector at Leeds Minster, continues to lead Wednesday Worship. We will let you know when our next Wednesday Worship will be.

SIAMs Inspection We have recently had our SIAMs inspection in school. This looks closely at collective worship, the teaching of religious education and the distinctiveness and effectiveness of our church school. I am delighted that the school received an Outstanding judgement from the inspector. The full written report is on our school website.

Rotary We are really pleased that our volunteers from Headingley Rotary Club continue to help with gardening, library and hearing children read. Mr Hafseth, Mr and Mrs Pinches and Mr Bates have been a tremendous help to us in school this half term and I know the children have really benefitted from their help and enthusiasm. We were delighted to receive a gift of £50 towards plants for the garden from Rotary this term and really appreciate their ongoing generosity.

Gold Award

All children who receive certificates each week will have their picture displayed in the entrance hall. Their achievements are also recorded in the gold book. Do feel free to come in and look at the achiever’s notice board. Below is a list of achievers for this half term

Key Stage One

Key Stage Two  

Forthcoming Events

These events will be coming up over the next half term and you will receive more information about them nearer the time

I hope you have a wonderful half term and look forward to seeing you back at school on Monday 5th June.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs E.J.Holliday

Headteacher