I hope you all had an enjoyable Easter holiday.

I can hardly believe that the Summer term is with us, this year seems to be flying by!

TRANSITION AND TRANSFER

Although we are coming to the end of this school year we are also looking to the future and preparing the children for the next steps of their learning journeys. We have worked closely with colleagues to prepare a programme of activities to prepare the Year Two children for transfer to the Junior School.

This term the children in the Nursery, Reception and Year One will undertake activities and visits to smooth their transition to the next phase of their learning. An exciting time for all!

BEHAVIOUR - Magpie Magic

Our aim is for our children to learn to be responsible for their own behaviour and to this end we have always negotiated codes of behaviour together. The majority of the children have responded well to this approach and behaviour at our school is generally good. However there are some children who need more support to keep to the codes of behaviour and to understand that there are consequences for repeatedly breaking the rules.

Therefore we have created a new system, Magpie Magic, whereby good behaviour is rewarded and children understand the consequences of poor behaviour. Our assemblies and circle times have centred on revisiting codes of behaviour or Golden Rules, discussing the consequences for breaking those rules and explaining how to earn a Magpie Gem. I’m sure you have noticed the huge tree in the library! This is central to our behaviour policy. The children now earn gems and Golden Time - a session within the week where they can select activities - by keeping the classroom and playground codes. Children who repeatedly break the Golden Rules miss an agreed amount of Golden Time; those who earn 15 gems are awarded a special ‘I’m a gem’ sticker to hang from the Magpie tree.

We have also introduced yellow cards for repeated poor playground behaviour; again the consequence is either loss of or reduced Golden Time.

We are in the early stages of implementing this behaviour strategy which seems to be working well. Hopefully this will enlighten you when your children talk to you about magpies, gems and Golden Rules!

HEALTHY SCHOOLS

In response to this Government Initiative Miss Dowley is leading our work on promoting healthy life styles. Watch this space for further details as our plan of action is put into place.

We have already received a Gold Award from Cool Milk at School Ltd in recognition of the 66% of our children who drink milk at school. WELL DONE!

Only 14% more would have given us the Platinum Award.

Please be aware that the fruit in school is not intended to be the only fruit children eat in the school day. You are welcome to provide fruit in lunch boxes or as an alternative to that provided.

THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

I’m sure that you will agree that at 15 years old our school is in excellent condition and provides a good quality environment for us all to learn in. To maintain this high standard we have a rolling programme of redecoration and have now also begun a plan of refurbishment. The carpet in Blue Unit has been replaced and has brightened and refreshed the whole area.

The Yellow Unit team are working on developing an outside learning area to make provision similar to Blue Unit. Many, many thanks to ‘The Friends’ for funding this project.

We are currently investigating providing shade in the playground.

MOON WALK

Over the past weeks Ms Crossland, Miss Ward, Miss Dowley, Miss Swarbrick and Mrs Marshall have been in serious training to complete the Moon Walk to raise money for Breast Cancer charities. I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing them the best of luck!

FLEECES NOW IN STOCK

We now have fleeces for sale that are perfect for this time of year.

REMINDERS

Please make sure that the children have their PE kits at school and a pair of plimsolls that fit as some PE lessons will now be taught outside.

As the weather improves and children begin to wear their summer uniforms please ensure that shoes are suitable for school. Flat sandals with closed toes and heels are appropriate, flip flops are not!

Please do not allow your children to use the activity trail or boat before and after school. We are not insured against any accidents outside of the school hours.

The school doors open at 8.40a.m please do not leave your children unsupervised in the playground before this time.

ACTING DEPUTY HEADTEACHER

I am delighted that the Governors have agreed to the temporary appointment of an Acting Deputy Headteacher. We have decided to offer this super professional development opportunity to Fiona Dowley and Nik Hedges. Miss Dowley will take up the role for this term and Mr Hedges for the Autumn term should we still be awaiting the appointment of a Headteacher.

AM Collins

What’s On This Term

May
Wed 3rd Drop-In Wed 10th Krazy Kats Theatre to Y1 Thurs 11th Friends Circus Event 6-8pm Fri 12th Oriel High School Fair 1-3pm Fri 19th Miss Swarbrick’s class assembly Mon 22nd-Fri 26th National Walk to School Week Thurs 25th Y2 to visit Junior School Mon 29th - 6th June Half Term
June
Mon 5th INSET day Tues 6th Friends Committee Meeting 7.30pm Wed 14th Drop-In Fri 16th Midsummer Madness Wed 21st Y2 and Y3 disco at the Junior School 5.30-7pm Fri 23rd Mr Hedges class assembly Thurs 29th Music in the Square - Y2 Wed 30th Mrs Ayres/Mrs Jenkins class assembly
July
Wed 5th Drop-In Thurs 6th Fun Sports 1.30pm Fri 7th Annual reports to parents Wed 12th Drop-In Wed 12th Consultation evening (late) Thurs 13th Consultation evening (early) Tues 18th YR visit to Ladyland Farm Wed 19th Summer concert Thurs 20th Summer concert Fri 21st Summer concert Mon 24th Y2 Leavers Assembly Tues 25th End of Term