Get Ready for a World Book Day Book Swap Adventure!

After the amazing success of last year’s Book Swap Day, we’re bringing it back!

On Thursday 5th March, we’ll be running another second‑hand Book Swap Shop to celebrate World Book Day.

 How it works:
Children can bring in a book they’ve finished with (in good condition, please!) and swap it for another book. It’s a brilliant way to discover exciting books and share favourites with friends.

 Got spare books at home?
If you have any extra books you’d like to donate, we would be hugely grateful. Every extra book helps to ensure lots of children can take part.

If your child is taking part, please can they bring their old book/books into school on World Book Day on Thursday 5th March.

Children will swap books at their allotted time during the school day.

 Let’s make this World Book Day full of stories, surprises, and lots of happy readers!

 

 

Year 2 Nature Walk

We have rescheduled our Spring Nature Walk for this Friday 27th February.

Please send children in with waterproof coats and spare shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy. We will be searching high and low for signs of Spring and microhabitats.

If any parents, carers or grandparents are available to come along too, please can you let your child’s teacher know or contact us on newdale.year2team@taw.org.uk

Helpers would be needed 9:10am – 11am.

World Book Day – Stories that Add Up

On Thursday 5th March, the children at Newdale will be celebrating World Book Day, alongside NSPCC Number Day.

Children will enjoy a range of fun activities that combine the magic of stories with the power of numbers. They can:

  • Take part in maths-themed reading challenges
  • Solve story-based puzzles and problems
  • Explore books that bring maths to life

Dress-Up Theme:
Children are welcome to dress as their favourite book character or get creative with a maths-inspired costume (numbers, shapes, patterns – let their imagination run wild).

Finance and Personnel Governor Involvement

The Finance and Personnel Governors met on 9th February. They listened to a data update from the assessment lead and then focused in particular on Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) eligible pupil data. They were reassured that PPG children have a strong focus this year through targeted interventions and pastoral support.

The Governors examined this year’s budget closely, along with the year‑end predictions for next year. They discussed the ongoing pressures created by the high number of pupils with complex needs and the impact this continues to have on the budget.

They also reviewed the proposed staffing structure for next year and were satisfied that it reflects what the school can afford while remaining aligned with the needs of the school.

Curriculum Governor Involvement

The Curriculum Governors met on 3rd February. The Child in Care Lead Teacher began by giving a detailed overview of the current situation in school and the extensive work taking place to support children who have experience of the care system. Governors then spoke sensitively with a child from this group and were pleased to hear that he feels safe and very well supported in school.

They also spoke with five other children and were reassured that they were receiving the support they needed to achieve and thrive.

The Governors received an update from a member of the Maths team and look forward to following up on several actions over the next few meetings.

Finally, the Governors reviewed performance data comparisons and were pleased to see that Newdale ranked highly in terms of the percentage of pupils achieving expected standards. Absence levels were also very favourable.

Y2 Art lesson this week

Y2 children will be using printing ink during their art lesson on Wednesday afternoon. It is very sticky and stains so could children please bring in a spare top that they do not mind potentially ruining to cover their uniforms. They could also bring an apron if they have one. Thank you.

Red Nose Day – Friday 20th March 2026

Newdale will once again be taking part in Red Nose Day on Friday 20th March 2026.

Children are invited to dress down for the day and wear red if they wish.

Details on how to donate will be shared closer to the date.

Please see link below regarding how to purchase a red nose.

The Red Nose | Comic Relief

Please note that school will not be selling red noses.

 

Thank you

Y2 Newdale Cup treat

The children’s Newdale Cup treat will be watching the BFG on Friday. It is a PG film so if you do not want your child to watch it, please let the class teacher know.

Thank you

Year 2 team