Headteacher’s Comments
Thank you to all the parents who turned up to the Coffee Mornings this week, your feedback was valuable and Mrs Cromwell, Mrs Ferris and I will be looking at your responses to help move the school forward. I hope you enjoyed your present and are using it to support your children at home.
Achievements
Well done to James Warner and Aleyna Gurbuz (Mrs Raddon’s Class) and Megan Best (Mrs Watson’s Class), Reece Vallance, Scarlett Warren, Rico Thomas, Alfie Tillbrook (Mrs Sach’s Class), Jack Hammond, Leighton Brooks, Tim Akpuda (Miss O’Riordan), Sam Cosford and Millie Eastwood (Miss Gibbs’ Class), Mert Ahmet, Jay Foster, Keely Harmer, Aaron Joseph, Rhiannon Scott, Ellie Speed, Ben Brooks, Lewis Clark (Miss Wood’s Class) who received Green Cards this week.
Attendance
Well done to Miss Biggs’s class who for a second week had the best attendance. Well done!
Gallery on Website
The gallery section on the school’s website has now been updated. The first pictures to have been posted are the entries to the Christmas Picture Competition from last term. Please check back regularly for updates.
Talk Homework
Please see over the page for information about Talk Homework.
Times Tables Club
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
By invitation | Speed Test | Years 4,5 and 6 | Years 4,5 and 6 | Year 3 |
Times Tables booklet
Children can purchase a copy of the school’s Times Table Booklet from the office for £1.50. The booklet explains how the school’s times table system works.
Maths Booklet
Alongside this newsletter you will receive a ‘Parents’ Calculation Handbook’. This is something that many of you have asked for, for a number of years now. I hope you find it useful and it helps to support your children at home with their maths. (For those parents who attended the coffee mornings this week, you would have already received a copy).
Dates for your Diary
Mon 4 February PTA Meeting (9am)
Fri 8 February Inter schools Cross Country
Thurs 14 February Valentines Disco Year 3 and 4 (3:30-5:00pm)
Thurs 14 February Valentines Disco Year 5 and 6 (5:30-7:00pm)
Thurs 14 February Break up from school (3:15pm)
Mon 25 February Return to school (8:45am)
Tues 19 March Pupil Progress Meetings (3:30- 6:00)
Thurs 21 March Pupil Progress Meetings (5:00- 7:30)
Sat 23 March Easter Raffle and Bingo
Thursday 28 March Break up from school (3:15pm)
Mon 15 April Return to school (8:45am)
Fri 3 May Inflatable Day
Mon 6 May May Bank Holiday (No School)
Wed 22 May Whole School Trip (Colchester Zoo) 8:30am-5:00pm
Thurs 23 May Break up from school (3:15pm)
Mon 3 June Return to school (8:45am)
Tues 9 July Bags2School Collection
Tues 23 July Break up from school (3:15pm)
Sat 28 September Autumn Fair
Talk Homework
Speaking and listening is important in helping children’s writing skills because ‘if they can’t say it, they can’t write it.’ This is why we have chosen to introduce ‘Talk Homework’.
Every Tuesday, the whole school will be given a discussion topic. A text message will be sent home with these details. Children and parents/guardians/family members are encouraged to find a quiet, family time that is free from distractions in which the Talk Homework will be discussed. We would suggest this discussion lasts about 10 minutes. It is important to encourage your child to elaborate on their opinions and responses by using the word ‘because’.
Back at school the following Friday of the same week, a Talk Lunch will take place where the children’s responses are discussed with teachers and other adults. As well as developing their communication skills, the pupils will benefit from listening and responding to a range of opinions, beliefs and experiences as well as being exposed to new vocabulary and ideas.
It is vital that we have support from parents/guardians by ensuring that these good quality discussions are taking place at home if it is to have a positive impact on your child’s progress.
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