World Book Day off to a great start!!!

The children are having a fabulous day with their book-based learning!

Photos below show Year 6 artwork based on Skellig, Y4 maths based on the book How Many Jelly Beans?, Y3 creating their own Super Villains, Y2 drawing their own Paper Dolls, Y1 science based on the book Tiddler.

All children who brought in a ticket have swapped their book for another that is new to them. They loved having such a wider choice of books. Thank you for your kind donations.

 

Big Walk & Wheel

Newdale will be taking part in the Big Walk & Wheel, the UK’s biggest inter-school walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling to school competition between Monday 11th March – Friday 22nd March.

As part of the competition we will be collating each day the total of children who have travelled to school either walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling

Where possible, please encourage children to travel to school either by, walk, wheel, scoot or cycle between the above dates. The higher our scores the better, schools will be entered into a daily prize draw for rewards including equipment and accessories if over 15% of pupils walk, use a wheelchair, scoot or cycle on that day of the challenge.

Link attached with details about the competition.

Good luck everyone!

Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel 2024

 

Health & Safety governors update

The Health & Safety Governors met last week and focussed on many important agenda items including the quality of our wraparound care offer, site security and staff training. It was lovely to talk to children who often attend Breakfast club and Afterschool club. They enjoy attending these clubs and could talk confidently about what they get to eat and the range of activities on offer.

Governors were reassured that the site is continually monitored for safety. Governors enjoyed reading comments from parents following the recent site security survey.

Very often, during this committee Governors spot check staff to check levels of understanding linked to safeguarding. They questioned a teaching assistant this time and were impressed with the confidence of the staff member when it came to answering a range of questions.

Geography in Miss Buckingham’s Class

The children were amazing at learning the compass points this week. We discussed that we always have to find North on our compass, and learnt rhymes to help us remember the four points.

We went outside with our own compasses and drew what we could see under each direction! We were brilliant geographers!

The children loved making their compasses and asked me if they could make another at home – those who wanted to have bought home a template today!

(Write the compass points on – N,E,S,W. Orientate the compass to face North. Open the flaps and draw what you can see in each direction)

Have a lovely weekend,

Miss Buckingham and Mrs Goodwin

Curriculum Governors Involvement Update

During the Curriculum committee this week, Governors reviewed the art curriculum offer across the school and enjoyed listening to the children share their artistic ideas and sketch books. Governors were impressed with their enthusiasm for this subject and the clear enjoyment they link to art trips out of school. Governors recognised that the subject leader had a robust knowledge of his subject and was instrumental in supporting staff in the delivery of this curriculum area.

Governors also focused on the curriculum offer for pupil premium and SEND children across year 1 and 2. It was reassuring for Governors to hear and see that teachers are skilfully adapting the learning to meet the children’s specific needs.

Drop in session from the Healthy child team

Please see below the invite to an informal chat session on all things health related and dietary needs for early years with the Healthy child team from the local hub. This is a great drop in session for any support or guidance needed.
Parents with small babies and toddlers are welcome too, there will be a safe area for them to play if needed and room for prams.

Therapy Dog Visit

Next week, Year 1 are extremely lucky to have Puppy and Friends Academy coming into school to teach them how to care for a dog. The visit will take place on Wednesday 28th February in the morning and will be in our classroom. They will be bringing an accredited therapy dog with them (a super friendly, calm golden retriever).

The children will not need to bring anything different with them, and will still come to school in their uniform.

Please can you let us know through your child’s reading diary if your child is scared of dogs or has any sensitivities to their fur.

Thanks, Year 1 Team

Prices | Puppy & Friends

BeSMART Cup Prize – Miss Buckingham’s Class

Today, Miss Buckingham’s class will be celebrating their BeSMART Cup win. The children can bring in a toy with them today! We can’t wait to celebrate with you this afternoon.

Miss Buckingham’s Class have had an exciting end to the term!

Wow, another half term has passed and we have been so busy!

WE ARE THE BeSMART CUP WINNERS! Watch this space for information about our treat!

This week, we have made snail sculptures with clay and have painted them too – they look amazing and we can’t wait to bring them home to show you :)

We have had a Great Fire of London workshop where we did some brilliant acting and wowed our visitors with our knowledge.

We even wrote diary entries as Samuel Pepys – did you know he buried his cheese and wine?!?

We developed our BeeBot skills and confidently programmed them to move around an Enchanted Forest!

We finished our half term with some valentines day and pancake day crafts, as well as made some delicious bread which we were very proud of.

Have a wonderful holiday with plenty of rest, ready for another busy term!

Love from Miss Buckingham and Mrs Goodwin

Finance & Personnel Governors Committee

Governors scrutinised the ‘work life balance audit’ and were pleased with the very positive level of responses. Governors took great pleasure in knowing that having such a positive, dedicated staffing team, ensures the children’s needs are being met. Governors understood the pressures around the school and nursery budgets and contributed to the discussions for future spending. Governors listened to a presentation by the Assistant SENDco and was reassured that detailed planning, communication, and next steps continue to be carefully considered.