Did you have a good Christmas?

Thank-you to everyone who engaged in our first ever Santa discussion on SWGfL Merlin, despite being very busy Father Christmas managed to reply to every child who wrote, sketched or filmed a message to him in the run up to Christmas. He would now like to know if you had a good Christmas? Father Christmas' new discussion on SWGfL Merlin reads: 'Ho Ho Ho! It has been a busy time but I am back safe in the North pole and the Elves have already started preparing for next Christmas. Did you have a good Christmas? Why not use this discussion board to tell others what I bought you in my sleigh and what you did over the Christmas holiday. Did you visit family? Did you play games? Did anyone see snow? I look forward to reading your replies!' Login to SWGfL Merlin now to join in. #

Prince of Wales School Calendar for 2012

The Prince of Wales School Calendars for 2012 have now arrived! Come and collect the calendars that you have pre-ordered at the School performances (in the main hall) or after school by the Office.  If you haven't managed to order one and you would like one, please come and speak to us as soon as possible.

Mrs Birbeck is back

Hello everyone.Good to be back at school today. I would like to say a big thank you to my team and jo borne who have done a fabulous job in my absence. A very Happy Christmas to you all.

Christmas Puddings - last chance!

Do you need a tasty pudding for Christmas? Hold off on that supermarket shop..... POWSA will be selling super tasty Plum puddings and Chocolate puddings from the 'Ulitmate Plum Pudding Company'. All proceeds will go directly to The Prince of Wales School. Buy them at the Christmas Performances on Tuesday 13th, Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th December 2011 in the main school hall.

POWSA Christmas Fair 2011

A big thank you to everyone that attended (and especially those that helped at)
the school fair. We had a great time and managed to raise a fantastic £721.55!

Fri 16th Dec - School Carols

This year we have decided to end the term with 'Carols in the School hall' as we tried out last year. This is a lovely opportunity for all children, staff and parents to squeeze in and sing together!



If you wish to join us then 2.45pm is the beginning of the Carols, please bear in mind that there might not be chairs due to numbers but we will gladly hand over a carol sheet and place words onto the screen!


Lastly, if you are a musician and would like to come and play along please let me know as we love the opportunity for children to see people playing instruments.


Many thanks,  Mrs Mewett

Song for Dorchester

As a school, we are keen to support the 'Song for Dorchester' project currently being run by the Mayor of Dorchester. One plan to do this is to send a tag cloud to the mayor with our thoughts in and we would love you to help us with this. To add to the tag cloud, simply click the 'Song for Dorchester - Contribute Now' button at the top of school website homepage. This should take you to a form where you can give us your one word that describes Dorchester. The more popular a word is, the bigger it will appear in the tag cloud. Before sending the tag cloud to the mayor, I will share this with you all through our whole school blog. Thank-you for your help in advance. Mr. Spracklen

“Ho Ho Ho!” - Father Christmas is now on SWGfL Merlin

Pupils can now join a discussion started by Father Christmas using SWGfL Merlin. To access the special Father Christmas page, log in to SWGfL Merlin and click the ‘Father Christmas comes to Merlin’ title. On this page you will find a Christmas countdown, Christmas games and even a ‘Santa Tracker’. At the very bottom of the page you will see  a ‘Father Christmas’ discussion board’. He has already posted his first question asking you: “What you are doing to prepare for Christmas? Have you put up your Christmas tree yet? Have you started your Christmas shopping? Have you written me a letter telling me what you want for Christmas?”. Log in now to join the discussion.

REMINDER - POWSA CHRISTMAS FAIR! (TONIGHT)

Just a short reminder to say that the POWSA Christmas Fair is tonight (Friday 2nd December, 2011). The Christmas Fair will take place in the school hall from 3.30pm until 6.00pm. Teas and cakes will be available from the pre-school stall from 3.00pm onwards. We hope to see you all their supporting POWSA (The Prince of Wales School Association) and their fundraising for the school. Mr. Spracklen

Christmas Games for all on SWGfL Merlin

The '12 Games of Christmas Game' is now available for all pupils to play through SWGfL Merlin. This features 12 educational games and activities for children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. The games have a value of £29.99 and we hope that you will enjoy playing them free through SWGfL Merlin. P.S - If you have forgotten your login details, please see Mrs. Dukes in the Library or Mr. Spracklen who will happily get you a fresh copy.

OLYMPIC TORCH HAND OVER

On Monday 28th November 2011, pupils from our school took the DASP Olympic Torch to Manor Park. Carrying banners proclaiming the Olympic values, we walked across town to deliver the Torch. As we passed Dorchester Middle School, we were cheered on by all the pupils who had come out of lesson to see us. On our walk we were accompanied by members of the Thomas Hardye Student Voice. A large number of Manor Park children welcomed us on our arrival and watched the handover of the Torch.

Information about reading!

We are asking all the children to choose individual books from the library with parents from a higher colour band. Watch out for information in your child's reading book bag! If you are not yet in the habit of helping your child to choose books from the library and support their reading at home, and would like advice and ideas, please contact Mr Farrington or one of the Reception team.
Can we ask you to make sure that your child brings a reading book bag into school every day? Your support is much appreciated!

The Reception Team with Jo Bourne will be ensuring that group reading and writing and the children's learning about phonics through Letters & Sounds will continue through our Olympic Dreams Week and as we start preparing for Christmas Concerts!

Mr Farrington will be spending most of the day on Wednesday 30th listening to Reception children reading.

Update from Mr Farrington

Unfortunately, Mrs Birbeck is recovering more slowly from her operation than she had hoped. I am pleased to be able to tell you that Jo Bourne is able to continue to come in for the rest of this week and next week. As an experienced supply teacher who works extensively in the Reception age group, I am confident that she is succeeding in continuing to help all the children to learn during Wendy's absence. I hope you have all had the opportunity to meet Jo and see that the children continue to be happy, settled and ready to learn.

DASP Olympic Torch Arrives

Today (23/11/11) we received the DASP Olympic torch which is making its way around all the schools in the Dorchester Area Schools Partnership. Today children from St Mary’s Dorchester shared with us some of their learning about the Olympics. On Monday (28/11/11) November some of our children will be making their way across town to Manor Park. We shall be working with some of their classes and passing on the work we have done in making our banners. All of this will be filmed by students from Thomas Hardye School. For more information on the torch relay visit the dedicated page on the DASP website: http://www.dasp.org.uk/daspolympictorch.htm. Mr. Spracklen

MARK NEWTON - PARALYMPIC MEDALIST VISITS

Today Mark Newton, former pupil of Maiden Castle School visited us. Mark competed at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics, winning a bronze medal in the 4 X 100m relay. Mark, who has cerebral palsy, led an assembly with Mr. Spracklen and unveiled a special piece of art work that the pupils in Year 2 have created. The work includes a picture of mark made of all the images of pupils in Year 2 using a mosaic effect. Mark inspired us to think about what we could become if we are determined enough. Following the assembly, Mark worked with unit roll and other pupils on a special PE session led by Mrs. Hibberd. Mark also visited each class and had a picture taken. We now all very inspired! Mr. Spracklen

Ofsted Parent View

As you know at the Prince of Wales First School we are always looking for feedback and encourage you to provide this in a variety of ways. Whether this is through face-to-face conversation, comments on our class blogs or through our annual parents questionnaire, we always welcome your feedback. Building on this, we would now encourage you to go online and express your views using the new ‘Parent View’ website from Ofsted. This 12-question survey will help other parents as they make important choices about their child’s education and provide Ofsted with information about our school that will help them inform their priorities for inspection. The questionnaire does not allow free text comments but invites responses to a series of closed questions. To express your view, please visit our school website now and click on the parent tab and look for the link to the Parent View website. Alternatively, visit: http://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/.

Jo Bourne

Unfortunately, Mrs Birbeck is still recovering from an operation, but is recovering well. We all send her our best wishes! We are welcoming Jo Bourne an Early Years specialist teacher this week to support the Reception team. I am sure parents will make sure she feels welcome!

Class assembly

We hope you all enjoyed the assembly, the children were so excited and we are sure you could see the excitement and enjoyment they got from performing to you.

Thank you for coming along it was lovely to see so many of you there.

If you would like a copy of the 'bear video' please can we ask for a named dvd and we will copy the video for you.

Thank you

Reception Team

Olympic Week

   Olympic dreams

During the next couple of weeks the children are going to be doing a range of creative activities one of these will be making an Olympic torch! for this we require each child to bring in a small plastic drinks bottle ( eg Volvic, Evian,not your childs school drinks bottle)

Thank you

Class Assembly

Reception Class Assembly

9.20

11.11.11

The children have worked really hard on their first school assembly we hope you can join us. 

Can you help? (Cheese Boxes - Year 2)

Can you help? Miss. Mertens in Year 2 is on the hunt for circular cheese boxes like the one pictured above. If you have any of these boxes we would be very grateful to receive them.

Discussion - What have you been up to this half-term?

A big thank you to Jack in Year 2 who started a discussion in the whole-school area of our SWGfL Merlin pages asking: 'What are you doing this holiday?'. Why not share with Jack and others what you have been up to this half-term through adding text, an image, a video or a sketch? We would all love to hear what people have been doing as well as see the pupils practising their SWGfL Merlin skills. Mr. Spracklen

WOW!!

Look at our class butterfly all the children have settled so well into school that everybody got to the blue which means they all get a piece of chocolate!

The children have to work hard all week and show the staff they can display the seven caterpillars

Caring, Confident, Courteous,Considerate, Conscientious,Communicative and Co-operative

Well done Reception Class

Teddy Bears!!

Please can we ask the children to bring to school week beginning 31st October a teddy bear, we will need to keep them in school for a little while so maybe not their most precious bear!!

Thank you

Half Term Already!!!

We are coming to the end of the first half term, on friday your child will bring home their P.E kit please make sure your child brings it back on the Monday we come back to school thank you .

The Reception team have really enjoyed getting to know your children and they have all settled really well.
Have a lovely week off and see you all back to school on the 31st October.

Parent Consulation Evenings

Thank you for coming in to see Mrs Birbeck and the Reception team it was nice to meet you all and we hope you found the meetings helpful and informative.
Please see a member of the team if you have any questions about your childs learning and if you feel you would like another appointment please see Mrs Birbeck who will be happy to talk to you .

POW on the BBC!

On Sunday 30th October at 6pm, BBC2 will showcase excellence in education when it broadcasts the 2011 UK Pearson Teaching Awards ceremony – held at the Palace Theatre, Cambridge Circus in London. As you may know, pupils from our school made a film at the end of last term about our school and it has since been made a finalist in the National Teaching Awards, ‘Film my School’ competition. Pupils and staff will be traveling up to London for the awards ceremony and will be joined by host Lenny Henry at the event. Other stars presenting awards include Minnie Driver, Al Murray, David Morrissey and Beverley Knight. More information on the competition and other finalists can be seen at: http://www.teachingawards.com/film_my_school

Autumn Weather

The weather is changing!!!
Please make sure your children bring a coat to school as quite often we still play outside when the weather is cold.

Junk Modeling

The children are really enjoying using their imagination and creating exciting models out of junk....
however we need your help
please could you send into school your empty cereal boxes, kitchen roll inners, egg boxes etc anything you think the children would enjoy using .
Thankyou Reception team

Home reading

Are you reading with your child at home?

Please make sure you change your childrens individual reading books as often as you can if you are not sure about the colour book your child should be reading please see Mrs Birbeck.

It is really important you read with your child everynight
Thankyou for your continued help

parents evening 18th and 19th October 2011

Please see the parent  information board for the times of reception parents evening, this is your chance to see Mrs Birbeck and the reception team and disscus your childs progress.

P.O.W.S.A Blog

P.O.W.S.A (The Prince of Wales School Association), now has it’s own section of the school website which includes a blog detailing all their latest news and events. To access the P.O.W.S.A page simply click the link labelled ‘POWSA’, at the top of any page within  the school website.

Harvest Festival reminder...

Just to remind all of our community that Harvest Festival is taking place this Friday (30^th Sept) in the school hall. KS 1 begins at 9.15am with produce sold afterwards. Then KS2 begins at 9.50am again with produce being sold afterwards. All produce for Harvest please take to the Servery in the morning; we will be awaiting you to begin placing onto our display areas.

If you are bringing in cakes, etc for the Harvest Café please take this to the classrooms; we will then collect this later on in the day when the hall is prepared for the afternoon. Harvest Café is open to parents, friends from 2.30pm and will close at 4pm, this is so hopefully pre-school children and parents can come over and join us. Children will be able to buy two cakes and a drink for 20p.

We very much look forward to seeing you, thank you for your help and support.

Mrs Mewett

change of date to farm visit

There has been a change of plan to our farm visit

THE FARM TRIP IS NOW 28TH SEPTEMBER

thankyou

Scooters!

Its lovely to see the children riding their scooters to school but could we ask please that they are kept in the bike rack outside Year 3.
Thankyou

Welcome

Welcome to Reception
The children have settled really well and all seem to be enjoying school they are a lovely class of children .
On Wednesday 21st September  we will be going to visit Maiden Castle Farm we will be leaving in the morning as soon as we can after registration .
Please make sure the children have a pair of named wellies thankyou.
We will need lots of help if you can spare the time for the morning please see a member of the reception team we appreciate your help.

SUMMER HOLIDAY NEWS!

Well done to Mr. MacBean and Mrs. Howell who are the first to respond to our discussion on SWGfL Merlin asking what has been your highlight of the summer holidays. Log on to SWGfL Merlin now by clicking the logo on our school website (www.princeofwales.dorset.sch.uk).

New SWGfL Merlin!

SWGfL Merlin has received a big update and now looks very different with lots of new features and extra functionality. Over the coming weeks Mr. Spracklen will be working hard to prepare our VLE (virtual learning environment) for the new academic year. In the meantime, why not log on to SWGfL Merlin in the usual way and check out what’s new? As one suggestion why not have a go on the V-Me editor which now includes new items like a space suit (see picture) or a pirate costume. To access the V-Me editor simply click the ‘Home’ tab followed by the ‘My Account’ button on the left hand side. For pupils in Years 3 and 4 (or 4 and 5 depending on how you now see yourself) click the ‘My Place’ tab to see you e-portfolio instantly. While you are on it why not update your blog with your latest holiday news? More ideas to follow, Mr. Spracklen.

Open afternoon

Monday 18th July – 2.30pm – 4.30pm


Just a reminder of this opportunity!

In the School hall will be a gallery of all the children’s work compiled through their work this week in school ‘Gambia week’. Also you are more than welcome to visit your current child’s class and look at their work and join in with this session. At 3.30pm you will then be able to go along and meet your child’s new teacher and discuss with them any questions that may have arisen.

We look forward to seeing you Monday!

What do you think of Merlin?

How do you use it? What are your favourite tools? Are you batty about blogs?  Wild about wikis? Or dotty about discussions? As a pupil you are invited to tell SWGfL Merlin what you think of Merlin and in return for taking part they will put our school forward to win one of three amazing prizes! A year subscription to I am Learning for your school, the Merlin Team in your school for a day and a stunning digital photo frame. To take part in the survey please Click here. (You will need to sign in with your Merlin username and password).

Echo Vouchers - DEADLINE

Please check your draws, pockets and bags for any remaining ‘Dorset Echo School Build Challenge’ tokens. The last day our school office can accept tokens is Monday (11/07/11). See previous message: 'The Prince of Wales First School are finalists in the Dorset Echo's 'School Build Challenge' which has a top prize of £3000. To win we need as many people as possible to collect vouchers on behalf of our school. The winning school will be chosen by the highest number of votes per pupil attending the school - this means that every single vote counts. Tokens will be printed in the Dorset Echo every day until 9th July 2011 with the aim being to collect as many tokens as possible. Every batch of tokens must be counted and the number of tokens and your chosen school (The Prince of Wales First School) must be clearly marked on the envelope. Tokens can be given to us at school through the office or sent to the Dorset Echo at School Build Challenge, Dorset Echo, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD. All tokens must be received by the closing date of 11th July 2011. To win this prize we will really need to go for it and urge you to ask your neighbours, work colleagues, family and friends to save their tokens for our school. For what we would spend the prize fund on please see Mr. Farrington's thoughts as expressed in the Dorset Echo earlier this month - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/9050042.__6k_up_for_grabs_in_Echo_competition/ Thank-you for your continued support, Mr. Spracklen'

Art Competition

It's reading week.

  We will be reading the book Handa's Surprise and its sister book "So long Songolo "this coming week 4th July. Can't believe how fast this year has wizzed by.
 I am hoping to link this book to our learning about the Gambia and Fatou and this will also lead nicely into next week where the whole school theme is the Gambia. Lets hope for some nice sunny hot weather to go with this wonderful theme. I will be trying to help the children understand also, that we live in a multicultural Britain. This is tricky living in Dorset with its lack of different ethenticies and failths. They may well come home with some questions. Be ready to answer!! Our aim  in school is to help children understand that the way we look, and the beliefs  that we hold  may be different to someones elses, but that we are not different in the way we feel and think  and behave.

The children did so well with sports day and it has taken a lot of effort on Mrs Roberts  and Mrs Howells part to get the children into the practise of running relay style and working as a team. All the children did realyy well and I hope you forgive the helping hand in places. They showed real competence and excellence in their skills.

Week beginning 27th June

This coming week is keeping healthy, healthy living, national sports week, and switch off week.
This means the children will be learning about  road safety, sun safety,  healthy food and our bodies, and  keep fit activities. We will also be having the coast guard, school nurse and dental  health in to give presentations.
If you have any books that will help us with this, please bring them in.

Have a happy healthy week!

Comments Please

We have all been working hard on updating our Blogs at The Prince of Wales First School and have slowly been building momentum with this method of communication. We would now encourage you all to comment on our blog posts to support our work and encourage your child's class teacher and/or year team to keep blogging! To add a comment to any post simply click on the blog title which will load the chosen blog from www.blogspot.com.Next, click the 'comment' button below the post and enter your comment. You will need one of the supported accounts to post your comment, e.g. 'Google' and all comments will be moderated for content. Thank-you all for your continued support, Mr.
Spracklen

Reception

June 2oth

Thank you for helping your children to learn their words for assembly. They all did very well.

This week we are beginning to topic of The Gambia and learning about a litlle girl called Fatou  and her family and location.
I am sure ir will promote more discussions on families and far trade.

£3000 challenge! HELP NEEDED

The Prince of Wales First School are finalists in the Dorset Echo's 'School Build Challenge' which has a top prize of £3000. To win we need as many people as possible to collect vouchers on behalf of our school. The winning school will be chosen by the highest number of votes per pupil attending the school - this means that every single vote counts. Tokens will be printed in the Dorset Echo every day until 9th July 2011 with the aim being to collect as many tokens as possible. Every batch of tokens must be counted and the number of tokens and your chosen school (The Prince of Wales First School) must be clearly marked on the envelope. Tokens can be given to us at school through the office or sent to the Dorset Echo at School Build Challenge, Dorset Echo, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD. All tokens must be received by the closing date of 11th July 2011. To win this prize we will really need to go for it and urge you to ask your neighbours, work colleagues, family and friends to save their tokens for our school. For what we would spend the prize fund on please see Mr. Farrington's thoughts as expressed in the Dorset Echo earlier this month - http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/9050042.__6k_up_for_grabs_in_Echo_competition/ Thank-you for your continued support, Mr. Spracklen

Exclusive Interview with World Champion

Lamb Cam has gained an exclusive interview with 5 time World Champion sheep shearer David Fagan. David Fagan is the world’s most successful shearer. He has set 10 world records and won the New Zealand Golden Shears contest a record 16 times. David has additionally won 5 world titles, 6 world team titles and 16 national titles. In total, David Fagan has won more than 600 open titles worldwide since 1983. Click Lamb Cam to see the exclusive interview now.

Monkey World.

  Dear parents we had a great time at monkey world and all the children were well behaved. We didnt manage to exchange any for the chimpanzee kind!. Un less you know better of course......
While at Monkey world one of the children dropped their coat we think. However we have not been been able to find it. Please could you check that you do not have it hidden away in a rucksack somewhere. Thank you. It is pink with a picture of Fifi on it.

The children are really enjoying talking about what they learnt at Monkey World, and writing and painting pictures. It prompted a discussion on being kind, deforestation, the need for trees, creation God and the big bang theory!. By which time I was ready for home. If you know I might explain the big bang theory simply, I would be pleased for your help! They just amaze me.
Our last class assembly is at 9.20am on June 17th
Thank you.

Royal Wedding DVD Deadline

Just a quick note to say that the last day for accepting orders for the POWSA Royal Wedding DVD is Friday 27th May (3.45pm) - after this time we will be unable to accept any additional orders. If you have mislayed your original form and would like an addtional copy please see the Office Team who will be happy to help you. Mr. Spracklen

We have been working very hard this term, consolidating a lot of skills that we have been learning over the course of this year. I am very pleased with all  the hard work that you as parents and the children have put into their learning.
Please continue to work on tricky words and spelling some of  them as this is also becoming a part of their writing skills. Don't forget to keep reading. More recently we are beginning to count up to 100  in 1's 2's 5's and 10's. We are very interested in how  numbers grow and have been looking at
1,000000000000.

We had a great day with our royal wedding and if you dont have dvd copy it is a must see. It it is an event that I will long remember.
Thank you for your continued support.As usual don't hesitate  to talk to me or the team should you feel it is neccessary.

POW Garden Allotments (Pre school field)

Can those parents and families who placed their names on the previous list and who still want a allotment plot please enter their names on the board outside of school and tick if they would be prepared to assist with the development and running of a plot holders group. We don’t know how many plots we will have yet so they will be offered on a first come basis. Successful applicants will be contacted via the details held in the school office.

POWSA: Royal Film Premiere

POWSA invites you to a preview of the Prince of Wales School Royal Wedding DVD on Tuesday 17th May 2011 at 15.45 in the school hall. Reception, Years 1, 2 & 3 were all involved in their own Royal Wedding on Thursday 28/4/11. This celebration was filmed and combined with features from the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to create a unique DVD.   We would love you to come with your children to the preview as above in the school hall.  Orders will be taken on the night for you to purchase your own copy if you would like (these will cost £4).  -A lovely souvenir to commemorate this special occasion!  The DVD lasts approx 40 minutes and refreshments will be available.  All welcome, parents / adults need to be responsible for their children.

OUR SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!

Our school needs you to check your bags, wallets, handbags, purses, etc for missing Tesco schools vouchers! Vouchers collected in previous years have exceeded 20,000 and have helped us to obtain some exciting resources. This year we are lower than ever so we are issuing this appeal to find the missing vouchers! Please collect as many vouchers as you can and do not be afraid to ask your friends, neighbours, work colleagues for their vouchers as well. Many people who do not have children simply discard these vouchers and we could make valuable use of them. Collecting boxes are by the school office. Please bring in your vouchers on or before 01/06/11.

Royal Wedding Fever!

Royal Wedding Fever has spread through the classes at The Prince of Wales First School this week with pupils learning all about the significance of marriage and the history of the Royal Family. Children in Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 will be marking the special occassion with their own 'Wedding Ceremony' on Thursday 28th April, 2011. The service will be conducted in the school hall with a full bridal party with all guests dressed in formal attire. Following the service a reception will be held complete with speeches and a disco!

Easter Greetings!

We wish all our parents and pupils a happy Easter, if you would like to share your Easter greetings with others then you can now do this through SWGfL Merlin. To do this, login to Merlin and click the 'send your Easter greeting' text - you can then add a note for all to see. We hope you enjoy doing this and that you have a wonderful break - we will see everyone back at school for the start of the summer term on Tuesday 26th April.

Red Nose Day 2011

A big thank you to everyone who baked cakes and purchased them on Red Nose Day. Staff and pupils had a fantastic day helping to raise money for Comic Relief. We are pleased to announce the total amount raised is: £225.28. Well done Prince of Wales!!

WE ARE COLLECTING

Sainsburys and Tescos have launched their annual voucher collecting scheme, we are participating in both of these schemes. Vouchers collected in previous years have helped us to obtain some exciting resources. Please collect as many vouchers as you can and do not be afraid to ask your friends, neighbours, work colleagues for their vouchers as well. Many people who do not have children simply discard these vouchers and we could make valuable use of them. Collecting boxes are by the school office.

Home Learning with SWGfL Merlin?

Can your child share with you some work they have been doing within SWGfL Merlin recently? Perhaps they have written an article for Merlin Times our Online School Newspaper or have created some work in PurpleMash? Alternatively, they may have explored EducationCity.com or Mathletics? Why not spend some time at the computer with them and see what wonderful resources lie behind the login screen of SWGfL Merlin.

Welcome back

Welcome back to a new half term.

The children are settling down nicely again and there is some good learning happening.
In sounds and letters we are tackling sh ch th ng these are very tricky sounds as some sound so similar and form at the front of the mouth. Please practice these at home and find words that begin or end with these sounds. When I teach th I always say stick your tongue out and be a clown!

We are also working hard on cursive writing as discussed at parents evening please keep this up.

I have set the children a chellenege to find cube and cuboid shapes in the environment. These could be buildings, the park, or food boxes in Tesco. I have asked  them to take pictures of these shapes  to bring in or post on merlin. Please help us with this project. Thank you.

Parentmail

Thank you for those of you who have already returned the Parentmail forms. We would really like to get as many parents as possible onto this new system, so if you don’t have an email address, but you do have a mobile number then please still complete the form. This new system has promised us a quicker and more efficient way to communicate with you,saving time and resources. If you have mislaid your form, we have spares in the school office, just ask.

Week Beginning 15th February.

   Dear parents,

Next week is our final week before half term. We have a trainning day on Friday 18th. Next week we will be finishing our project on Chinese New Year  and Chinese culture. The children have been very inspired by the idea of different languages and different writing and you could further explore this at home.
After half term we will be exploring the world of  underground fossils and dinosaurs. The children will be visiting  the County museum on the morning of March 15th where we will be, making our own fossils, tooth hunting, going on a dinosaur dig, and hearing fossil stories. 

Has your child got a real interest in anything in the world around them? Let me know and we will try and explore it.

We are short of some group reading books. Please can you check that you have returned all group reading books to us. Thank you.
Have a good half term.

Safer Internet Day 2011

Safer Internet Day is on 8th February 2011 and we encourage you all to consider the importance of e-safety with your children through talking to them about how they use the Internet. A range of excellent materials for children and parents on the subject of e-safety can be found at http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/. Why not use this time to listen again to last years e-safety radio show through our school website, click the 'Safety' button at the top of our school website.

Week beginning 7th February.

  Hello everyone.
We  seem to have come to the end of a week of lots of bugs and children off school. Hopefully everyone will be back fit and ready for a new week, although lots of the children are very tired as they approach the end of their first half term in school.
Last week we did last of learning about Fairtrade and I was impressed by the things that children had remembered from Pre-school. Look on our fairtrade display to see some impressive answers to questions about Fairtrade. The children were using  white hat thinking( facts and information gathering) to answer some of the questions.
This week and into next week our learning is through a topic on Chinese New Year. If you have any dressing up clothes or spare chopsticks pots spoons  etc, we would appreciate them and will return them when we are finished. Thank you. I hope we will be making some chinese food to!
If you are able to come in and support children reading individually I would be very grateful. Also supporting small groups to practise letter writing skills would be good.Otherwise just a few minutes in the morning sharpening pencils is so useful.Thank you.
Finally, please keep up reading with your children, taking individual stripy books form the library.It would help us if you could record what you are reading in the green reading records. Thank you. Don't forget to return group reading books, this is so important for the next child getting the books. It might be your child who does not get a book because they have not been returned.

The new Year.

            Welcome to the New Year. My apologies that I have not updated the blogg, unfortunately my family breavement has meant a little delay. I hope you are all well.

The children are beginning to settle into school again and getting to grips with attending all day, at present by Friday they are very tired.

This week we are looking people from other cultures as Mr Farrington makes a guest appearence to talk about India and Deed come to share about where food comes from.

We have reaching  the end of the alphabet learning our sounds and we will be walking on y z qu. Then moving onto ch sh th.

At our recent reading meeting I asked that you would continue to help your children learn tricky words and to continue to help your children with blending cvc words.

If you are able to come into school to help us, we would welcome your help, particularly on Wednesday and Friday mornings when we group read. But other times would be good too.


Our class assembly is on 1st April. not the 1st of March.