Dear Parents and Carers,
As we reach the end of our final week of this first half-term, it is a great opportunity to reflect on what a successful start to the academic year it has been. We are particularly proud that this success has been recognised and validated by external visitors to our school.
This week, RISE visited our school to explore our writing provision across the school. They were highly impressed by the way our children embody our PRIDE values in their learning. In particular, they commented on pupils' determination, enthusiasm and positive attitudes towards their work, which were evident across the school.
We also welcomed our CEO and Vice CEO, who visited to review our reading provision. They recognised the strength of our whole-school approach to reading, validating the high-quality opportunities we provide for all pupils to develop as confident and enthusiastic readers. They were particularly impressed by pupils' engagement with reading, the consistency of practice across the school and the clear culture of reading that has been established.
These visits reflect the hard work of our staff, the support of our families and, most importantly, the wonderful learning behaviours of our children. Thank you for your continued support, and we hope you all have a lovely half-term.
Fidget Toys
As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe school environment, we would like to remind parents and carers that children are not to bring their own fidget toys into school.
We have recently received a further safety alert from the Local Authority regarding fidget toys that have been found to contain harmful substances, including asbestos. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all pupils, any child who requires a fidget toy to support their learning will be provided with one by the school.
We would be grateful for your support in ensuring that personal fidget toys are left at home. Please note that any fidget toys brought into school will be kept by the class teacher and returned directly to parents or carers at the end of the school day.
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your child's class teacher.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for all children.
Just 15 minutes of Reading a Day Makes a Huge Difference
Research consistently shows that children who regularly read at home achieve better outcomes at school. It is linked to higher attainment, stronger vocabulary, better writing skills and greater academic success across the curriculum.
A child who reads at home for 15 minutes per day will encounter around 1.35 million words each year.
This is why a small daily habit of reading at home can make such a difference to your child's learning! Every page turned helps children develop the vocabulary, knowledge and reading stamina they need to succeed across the curriculum.
Uniform Policy Reminders
We would like to remind parents and carers of our uniform expectations. Please note that children should not attend school wearing make-up, false nails, acrylic nails, or nail extensions. These items are not part of our school uniform and can present health and safety concerns during learning, play and physical activities.
If you have any questions about our uniform policy, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.
Winter Weather
As the weather becomes colder and winter approaches, please ensure that your child comes to school wearing a warm, waterproof coat, as they will continue to spend time outdoors throughout the day.
As an OPAL school, children continue to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities during the colder months, including access to our forest area. To help them enjoy these experiences comfortably, please ensure that they have suitable outdoor footwear. These shoes or boots should be waterproof and can be left in school, allowing children to change into them before outdoor sessions.
Year 6 Residential Meeting
A reminder for parents and carers of children attending the residential visit from 9th December to 11th December that a Residential Information Meeting will be held on Thursday 5th November at 4.30pm.
This meeting will provide important information about the visit and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Please arrive via the main entrance. We look forward to seeing you there.
Be Bright Be Seen
As the clocks go back, many children will be travelling to or from school throughout the winter months in the dark. Therefore, it is important that children dress accordingly for these conditions – Be Bright Be Seen.
We all know the benefits of active travel for health and wellbeing, for the environment, and for reducing pollution around the school, but we want everyone to be safe whilst doing this.
Here are some handy tips of what you can do this Autumn to help keep your child safe:
AWARDS
This week's attendance winners are class Tolkien 99.23%.
This week's reading winners are class Pullman 93%.
This week's maths winners are class Pearce 69%.
This week's PRIDE winners are Aethelflaed.
Thank you for your continued support, and we hope you all have a relaxing half-term.
Mrs Harridence & The Wilnecote Team
