Snowmen!

What lovely snowmen the Reception made today in their performance of The Sleepy Shepherd! If you haven't seen our nativity play yet, we hope to see you on either Wednesday or Thursday, both shows starting at 10.10am.

Hanukkah

On Wednesday Mr Farrington will be leading some activities about the Jewish Festival of Light. The children will be making a Happy Hanukkah card, cooking potato latkes, playing a game with a dreidel and will be learning the story behind the festival.

Divali

The children enjoyed our India day last Friday. The children learned about the importance water by cooking rice, washing pots and pans and saris and digging irrigation ditches. In the afternoon the children made music with Indian intruments, tasted Indian snacks, made diva lamps, played with Ramayana dolls and made some chalk stencil pictures. Finally, we made a Rangoli welcome pattern outside the door which we hope you have enjoyed!

POWSA Christmas fair this Friday afternoon!

We are desperate for volunteers to help at the fair this Friday! Please let us know if you can help at any time during the afternoon to help setup or after school for running a stall. There is a form on the white board by the school office or you could email us to let us know - powsa@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks - Jon

Divali and Hannukah

On Friday, Mr Farrington will be helping Reception learn about the Hindu Festival of Light, Divali.

Next week, Reception will be learning about Hannukah, the Jewish Festival of Light.

 

Indian water morning with Mr Farrington

On Friday Reception will be learning about the importance of water: for cooking, for washing, for growing vegetables. We shall be looking at photos of Indian people using water and doing some fun, practical activities which could be rather messy! So please send your child to school with a change of clothes and if your child does not have wellies in school, please send some in!

Nice to be back!

I’ve had a lovely first week back after my maternity leave. The children have actually remembered me (!?) and I’ve enjoyed visiting all classes, getting to know children who have since joined the school.

 Up to Christmas you will see me in school everyday (apart from Tuesday) and I will be working with all classes getting ready for The Prince of Wales School two Christmas performances!

 We are also holding Christmas Carols in the School Hall on Thursday 20^th December at 3pm, all are welcome. If you do play a musical instrument please bring along and join the parent/ staff group for the occasion!

 

My office is in the foyer so if you do wish to come and see me, please do!

 

Mrs Mewett (Deputy Head)

 

A plea to parents!

A plea to parents

On Thursday 20^th December at 3pm in the school hall the children invite you to join them to celebrate Christmas and sing carols. Last year it was very successful, particularly as the music was performed by our talented parents!

A couple of parents have offered their musical skills so far for this year; we have a pianist and a recorder player but would LOVE to have more parents playing. PLEASE share your talents and let Mrs Mewett know if you can come and play.

 

Thank you!

Just a reminder of how important it is that your child brings a bottle of water to school each day. Water is very important to the body and feeds our brains.

If your child needs to refill their bottle during the day they are able to do this at any time.

Please remember its not just when the suns out and its really hot,  your child needs to bring water to school each day

Thank you for your continued support

POWSA Christmas Fair

It's that time of year already. Here at POWSA HQ we are busy planning and organising this years annual festive family fun evening. So get out your diaries and calenders and put a BIG RED CIRCLE around Friday 7th December, after school onwards. There will be many an opportunity to play games, have your face painted, win at a tombola and buy those last minute gifts, along with your chance to win some amazing raffle prizes (more details to follow). Bring your friends and family for a fantastically fun afternoon, the chance to get in the festive mood and help raise money for our fantastic school.

Assembly DVD

Thank you to those of you that have requested an Assembly DVD these will be avaliable on Friday.

Before School

Please could you ask your children to stay off the grass when it is wet, the children are aware that they are not allowed on wet grass during the school day and we would like to encourage this before school .

Thankyou

The children all had a fantastic trip to the Dorchester Library we enjoyed a tour of the building and sat and listened to some great stories.

The children are all bringing home an envelope from the library if your child hasnt yet joined the library and you wish to do so all the information your need is there for you.

Christmas!!

Its getting near 'that' time of year again!!!

Please could you all save kitchen roll inners as we will be using them for our Christmas Decorations this year

Many thanks

Reception Team

LEARNING

Our learning next week in maths is investigations about snowmen involving buttons..... watch this space 

HELP..............

HELP...........

We need your HELP

Please if you have any buttons you could spare we would very much appreiciate it as we will need them for our exciting learning next week 

Thank you

Dorford Church visit

On 5th December we will be visiting Dorford Church we will be leaving at 9.30am and back in time for lunch.

Details to follow 



Library Visit

On Thursday 22nd November we are going to the Library we will be travelling by coach and we will be back in time for lunch.

As we are travelling by coach and there is no road walking we will not be needing any parent helpers on this trip.

Thank you



 The children were very lucky today, we had a visit from the Dorset Fire and Rescue service.

The children really enjoyed the talk and enjoyed some role play dressing up as firemen and practicing 'Stop.Drop and Roll' please ask your children about this as we are sure they will be very excited about sharing what they have learnt.

Friday 16th November

Please can the children come to school dressed in something spotty!!

The children have been busy making biscuits and icing cakes to sell to all the Reception parents at the end of the day a bag of cakes and biscuits will be 50p so please bring some money with you. 

Thank you for your continued support.



Assembly

DONT FORGET ITS

RECEPTION CLASS ASSEMBLY TOMORROW

9.20am 

SEE YOU ALL THERE

Learning

In maths we have been learning about shape

In literacy we have been scribing a story in out Literacy groups

In DT we have made Teddy Bears using milk cartons and paper

In science we made porridge with Mrs Birbeck and looked at the changes

Our Junk Yard is great fun and we have some very creative children

During Music we have been making firework sounds

Assembly words

DONT FORGET ITS OUR ASSEMBLY ON FRIDAY 9.20 am

The children are bringing home words to learn for our assembly please help your child to learn them  in a nice loud confident voice as we are sure you will want to hear your child speaking in assembly.

If your child comes home with a black nose dont panic we have been practicing for our assembly..... all will be revealed

The children wont have to read the words just say them from memory

Thank you for your continued support.

Reading

Please continue to read with your child each night and log what they have been reading in the home school link book.

Thank you

Library Visit

Dont forget on 22nd of November we are taking the children to the Dorchester Library if you have not yet sent back the permission form please do so ASAP or if you need another letter please see a member of the team.

Many Thanks

Reception Team

Shoe Box Appeal

Can we say a BIG thank you for all the lovely things that have been brought into school for our Shoe Box Appeal. The children were shown a video clip showing them exactly what happens and the reasons beind the appeal. 

Thank You so much

Reception Team

Class Assembly

Just a reminder that our first Class Assembly will be on Friday 16th November at 9.20am.  We look forward to seeing many of you there.

Holiday!

We hope that you all have a safe and happy half-term and look forward to seeing you back at school on Monday 5th November.

Have fun and enjoy!

Handwriting

We have sent home the next two handwriting booklets.  These cover g  o  c   k   e   u   r. Please encourage your children to practice these as much as possible!  Thank you.

Tesco Trip

On Monday we had a really succesful trip to Tesco's.  We saw how the bread was made, how the jam was put in doughnuts, where the food was kept before it went on the shelves.  We all had a drink and a doughnut for snack which was yummy! 

We then all became checkout operators having a go at scanning the goods through the tills which was great fun.

We'd like to thank all the parents who volunteered to come with us as without your help we couldn't do these trips.

We would also like to thank Tesco for allowing the children to visit.

SCHOOL NURSE TOMORROW

The School Nurse will be running a drop in from 8:45am tomorrow morning (Monday 22nd October). Want to know more about what the School Nurse does please see this useful web link from Dorset HealthCare University NHS Trust: http://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/services/children-and-families/school-nursing-dorset.htm

Copy of the letter from Parents Evening re Tricky Words

Dear Parents.

Tricky words are words that cannot be sounded out and blended together. We teach the children that these are words that we just need to learn by sight. I suggest you put these words on the fridge and keep reading them. When you think they have got it, move the position of the words on the fridge or put them round the doors in the house.

You can also teach your child to write these words too. This is another good way to remember, as it involves “doing” and is a powerful tool for learning. Writing them will also contribute to their writing skills.

I always appreciate your help with these core skills of learning. It will help your child to progress further quicker with “parent power” behind them.

Could I also ask you to consider purchasing a cursive writing board, perhaps as a Christmas present. Although I send out booklets, really the children need continual practice at this difficult skill. Again it will help them to embed writing skills quicker, if they are confident about having ago at writing the letters. 

This is the writing target for mid June when assessments are sent to the government.

ELG: Children use their phonic knowledge to write words in ways which match their spoken sounds. They also write some tricky common words. They write simple sentences which can be read by themselves and others. Some words are spelt correctly and others are phonetically plausible.

This is a very high level of attainment and not all children will achieve this, however with your help we can do it together.

Thank you for your support.

Reading and phonically blending words also continues to be a high priority as well so please continue in this learning to. As you can see the two come together as one target by the end of the year.

Thank you for your support.

Wendy Birbeck

Reminder!

Please note that Friday 26th if a Staff Training Day so the school will be closed.

Sounds and Letters

So far this term we have been learning the following sounds:

s   a   t   p   i   n   g  o  c  k   ck

We are also going to be thinking about the following tricky words:

I    no    go    to     into

Please encourage your child to think about these sounds and words at every possible opportunity.  Thank you for your continued support.

Trip to Tesco

Don't forget that on Monday morning (22nd) we shall be walking to Tesco for what we hope will be a fantastic and informative trip!  The community manager came to tell us what we shall be seeing and it sounds great! 

Tesco's have asked us if they can use some photos of our trip on the Community Board and unless we hear otherwise we will assume that your child's image can be used for this purpose.

Thanks to all the parents who have volunteered to help us on the day, your help is greatly appreciated.

Outside Classroom

The children have been making the most of the weather between the rain by using our outside classroom.  You may have noticed the stack of milk crates and various pieces of guttering strewn about, the children have been constructing some wonderful structures out of this along with bits of wood and any other junk we can find.   They have been showing some great imaginative play, a few budding foremen we think!

Parents Evenings

Thank you to all the parents who came along to our first Parents Evenings in Reception.  We hope that you found it helpful and you now have an insight into what's happening in our classroom.

Thank you for all the positive comments and we are so pleased to hear that your children want to come into school even on a Saturday and Sunday! 

POWSA Blog - Non ICT Day

I have this little sister Lola, she is small and very funny.  Next Wednesday (the 24^th of October) will be a non-ICT day.  That means all the children, including Lola and all the teachers cannot use computers or other technology in school! There will be no blogging, no typing, no googling, no surfing. There will certainly be no interactive white boarding, no tweeting, no ipadding, no videoing and certainly no tomatoes! Lola is looking forward to catching out her teachers, if they use some ICT, they have to pay a 50p fine!  Hopefully all the children will help Lola and raise funds for the school. Thank you - Charlie (and the POWSA Committee) - PS donations to POWSA for school equipment will be welcomed (as always!!)

POWSA Blog - Book Fair!

Just a quick reminder that the scholastic book fair starts today.  The books are available to browse by both children and parents after school Wed-Mon and at the parents evening tonight. Why not stock up on a few Christmas presents, or introduce your kids to another fantastic author? Once our target has been reached, the school receive 60% of the profit back to spend on books for school.  This has proven a very profitable venture in the past and we hope to replicate the success again this year!

Class Assembly

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY..........

Dont miss our class assembly

Friday 16th November

9.20am

Farm Trip

Many thanks to the parents and grandparents that helped on the farm trip we had a fantastic trip.

Thank you

Learning

The children are learning the sounds

's  a  t  p  i  n'

blending simple cvc words such as

pin    pat   tap  etc

please help your child at home with this

Thank you 

Learning Journal

Friday 12th October

The childrens Learning Journal will be out in the classroom for you to look at and see how much work they have done and the progress they are making.

Could we ask that you only look at YOUR childs Learning Journal .

Thank you

Tescos!!

On the 22nd October we will be taking the children to Tescos (not to help Mrs Birbeck with her weekly shop!!!)

We are hoping to go behind the scenes of a supermarket so the children can see how the food just appears on the shelves!!

We will need alot of parent helpers on this day as we will be walking.

Please see a member of Reception Team if you can help

Thank you

Parent consultation times

Please see on the Parent Board outside the classroom the dates and times for the Parent Consultation evenings.

This is a time for you to come in and speak to
Mrs Birbeck and the Reception Team about your childs progress.

Thank you

Reception Team

Harvest Assembly

We hope you all enjoyed the Harvest Assembly this morning.

A big thank you for all the food that the children brought in .

It was a lovely assembly and the children worked hard and we hope you agree that Reception stole the show!!!!

School Website

Dear Parents

We have set up some links on our school website for your children to access at home.

To do this:

• Log on to the school website
• Look for the yellow box marked Pupil Links
• Click on the box for Reception
• Pick one of the boxes, eg Games, Maths, Literacy
• And have fun!!!!

Thank you for supporting your childs learning

Reception Team

Travel to school forms

To those parents who have not yet returned the 'travel to school forms'

The information is important to us and we do need the forms back , if you are not sure if you have returned the form please see Miss Bates in the office.

Thank you

Harvest Assembly

Dont forget our Harvest Assembly

9.10am in the Hall

Hope to see you there

Farm Trip

Please dont forget our farm trip tommorow.

The children will need wellies, rain coat drink and snack in a bag to carry on their back.

We will be back in time for lunch

Fingers crossed for no rain!!!!!

Health Care Plans

Please could you return all completed Health Care Plans for your child to the Office

Many Thanks
Mrs Hibberd

wow

Our WOW board is starting to look fab thankyou to those of you that have brought your WOW moments in.

KEEP THEM COMING!!!

WOW!

Dont forget your WOW moments. These are moments that you have had at home.  They can be anything, from tasting curry for the first time, swimming, riding a bike without stabilisers, to running the fun run. You can find these WOW moments on the board in reception. Please ask us!!

We haven't had any yet!!!

Farm Trip

On the 3rd October the Reception children will be visiting Maiden Castle Farm we will be going just after registration and back in time for lunch, the children will be eating their snack at the farm.

Please make sure your children have a waterproof coat and wellies for this trip.

If you are able to help on the morning please see a member of the Reception Team

The school has a formal protocol for parents to adhere to on school trips, for the childrens safety. If you are helping on a school trip please ensure that you are in school with your child by 9am in order to hear this information

Thank you

Echo

Dear Parents

On Tuesday 25th September the Echo will be taking a class photo for the New Reception class.

FANTASTIC NEWS!

I am delighted to confirm that our school film 'Running Blind' has been
selected to be screened at the Co-operative Film Festival 2012.
Congratulations! The organisers of the Film Festival are currently in the
process of creating a programme for the festival and a letter confirming the
date and time of our screening (Thursday 1st November or Friday 2nd November)
will follow in due course. For more information about the Co-operative Film
Festival 2012 please visit: http://www.co-operative.coop/filmfestival/About-the-Festival/.
For more information about 'Running Blind' see our previous Blog post at: http://pow-office.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/film-premiere-big-success.html
and to watch the film click here: http://pow-office.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/our-paralympic-inspired-film-watch-it.html

Did you miss Friday morning?

 

Did you miss our parent information session on Friday morning? If so, you can watch the whole talk now below or direct on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3R2WPv2Fhc&feature=youtu.be. We hope you find the below useful.

Listen back to our pupils on Wessex FM!

Every morning this week Wessex FM are playing clips from pupils at the Prince of Wales First School as part of their Breakfast Show feature 'School Report'. This is currently going out each morning on Wessex FM at 6.30am and 8.30am (after the news). If you have missed the first two days, you can now listen back at: http://www.wessexfm.com/school-report.php. For more information about the pupils visit to Wessex FM, check out the Digital Leader Blog at: http://www.dl-pow.blogspot.co.uk/

Healthy Snack

Please ensure your child has a healthy snack, fruit is avaliable each day. Mr Farrington would prefer children to have fresh fruit rather than snacks that come in wrappers.

Thank you for your continued support

Year 4 and Reception Buddies

The Reception children have all got a Year 4 child as a buddy this really helps the children feel more confident at break times and they sit together during assembly. Im sure your child has mentioned this as they do find it quite exciting. If your child cannot remember their buddies name please ask as we have got a list in class.

Medication

If your child has been ill and on medication but well enough to be at school please see a member of  the team who will ask you to fill out a pink medicine form this is really important as we would not be able to give your child medicine with correct information .

Medication such as calpol has to be prescibed by the doctor and have the original box and labeling.

Thankyou

Tool kits

In your childs tray there is a clear wallet with writing and number aids please can these stay in the trays as we will be using them daily and its important the children have them to hand.

Book Bags

Please make sure you child brings their book bag to school each day we will soon be starting group reading with the children and it is important they have their book bag each time we read.

Many thanks

Collecting Your child from school

If anyone other than the parent or main carer is to collect the child from school, the parents must inform staff in order that this information can be recorded on the white board in the classroom. This might include a relative, friend or because the child is attending an after school club. At the end of the school day the white board will be read and adhered to and the classroom door will be opened. The staff member should ensure that the parent/carer is visible within the Reception waiting area and the child can then be sent to that person.

If your circumstances change during the day please contact the office and inform them who will be collecting your child from school, they will pass the information to a member of the Reception team.

Thankyou

WE LOVE A GOOD COMMENT!

We love it when we log in and see that a comment has been made on our blogs! It shows you are reading them and encourages all of us to write more! All comments made on the class blogs, through the school website, can also be read out to the classes during carpet time...which the children love! To make a comment simply click the blog title on the school website and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Fill in the comment box with your comment and sign in with one of several account options or just add your comment as a guest by selecting ‘name/url’. To publish your comment, click ‘publish’. Any questions, please see Mr. Spracklen.

'Running Blind' to be shown in ICCI 360 Cinema

We are excited to announce that our Paralympic inspired film 'Running Blind' will be shown tomorrow (05/09/12) from 3-4.30pm as well as on Saturday (08/09/12) and Sunday (09/09/12) in the ICCI 360 Cinema in Weymouth. The ICCI 360 Cinema is part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad and more information about the cinema can be found at this link - http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/icci360.

Further information about our film can be seen below:

We have made our own animated film to celebrate a year of Paralympic activities in our school and we are now really proud to share it with the world! Inspired by blind footballer David Clark and ex-pupil and former Paralympic medallist Mark Newton, we have created Running Blind a Paralympic story with an agricultural twist featuring an angry bull, a Dorset farmer and the Team GB Paralympic training camp at Maiden Castle. Children across the school worked with a team of artists to write, draw, animate, voice and direct the three minute film which is being screened during London 2012 Paralympic Games. Blind goalscorer David Clarke faces the challenge of his life as he prepares for the Games. Players are baffled when a lost match ball is mysteriously heard moving around the pre-games venue at Maiden Castle.

With the help of other Paralympians, sharp-eyed schoolchildren help solve the riddle but getting that ball back takes all of the blind striker’s extraordinary skills. Project producer and drama therapist Sharon Hayden said the children had come up with some wonderful story ideas. “Through drama sessions and working with our scriptwriting mentor, they have produced a great story - and done it justice with some lovely drawing and animation. “We are incredibly grateful to funders First Light and West Dorset District Council who have given these children the opportunity to make something which will be seen by thousands of people.”

Assistant head Gary Spracklen said the experience had been one that would live with the children forever. “The team of artists from our production partner Nisbet Media have done a wonderful job and involved the whole school in this project. It has been extraordinary to see the different elements of the film come together.”

Running Blind is funded by the Lottery through the BFI's First Light initiative.

Film:

Making of film:  

September 2012

Welcome!!
Mrs Birbeck and the Reception team would like to welcome you to the start of your time here at The Prince of Wales School, we have lots of exciting things planned and look forward to meeting the children again.
The School day starts at 8.45am and finishes at 3.30pm

FILM PREMIERE TONIGHT!

The Prince of Wales First School invites you to a film premiere: Running Blind at Dorchester Middle School on Thursday July 19th 2012 at 6pm. Please let the school office know if you are able to attend - phone 01305 257121 or email: office@princeofwales.dorset.sch.uk. Light refreshments will be served by POWSA. Dress: smart or smart casual. (No school uniform)

Film Premiere this Thursday

The Prince of Wales First School invites you to a film premiere: Running Blind
at Dorchester Middle School on Thursday July 19th 2012 at 6pm. Please let the
school office know if you are able to attend - phone 01305 257121 or email:
office@princeofwales.dorset.sch.uk. Light refreshments will be served by POWSA.
Dress: smart or smart casual.

Olympic Torchbearer Visits

We had a special visit from Olympic Torchbearer - Wendy Pittendrigh on Tuesday 10th July. Wendy ran with the torch on the first day of the torch procession in Penzance, Cornwall. Some classes have been collecting donations for the photos taken with Wendy and the Olympic Torch. Apologies for telling some of you that the charity Wendy raises money for is Breast Cancer Care when it is actually Cancer Research UK/Race for Life. The link for Wendy's JustGiving page where donations can be made is https://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/wendypittendrigh You can read all about why Wendy was nominated to carry the torch by clicking this link: http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=wendy-pittendrigh-7622/. Mr. Spracklen

Circus!

Come to the Circus on SATURDAY 21ST JULY 2012 at Frome Valley First School, Crossways. The performance starts at 2pm until 4pm, but the fun starts at 12 noon for FOR BOUNCY CASTLE, FACE PAINTING, REFRESHMENTS, BBQ, JUGGLER, CIRCUS SKILLS & SILENT AUCTION TICKETS ONLY £7 (AGE 2 AND UNDER FREE) Available from the Prince of Wales School Office or from Fiona Staddon.

Olympic Rings Video

Many thanks for supporting our Olympics Colours Day! Despite a bit of drizzle, we made a great film of all the classes making the Olympic Rings. To watch this video, click the blog title on the school website and press the play button.

FINAL Reminder - School Competition

Just a quick reminder that Mr. Farrington, Miss. Johnson and Mr. Spracklen would like to see some fantastic examples of ‘Home Learning’ captured in a photograph. We are thinking art projects, work on Mathletics, spelling practice, visits to museums, reading, having a discussion on SWGfL Merlin, doing some research and much more! The opportunities are endless and special attention will be given to those entries that think creatively. As a prize we hope to feature the best images on a newly designed home learning booklet that all pupils will be using in September. Therefore, by submitting your photographs to the competition you are agreeing that they can be used for this purpose. All competition entries should be sent by email to the school office (office@princeofwales.dorset.sch.uk) no later than 3.30pm on Friday 6^th July, 2012. Any questions please see Mr. Spracklen or Miss. Johnson. Thank you for your continued support, Mr. Spracklen

Reminder - Home Learning Competition!

Just a quick reminder that Mr. Farrington, Miss. Johnson and Mr. Spracklen would like to see some fantastic examples of ‘Home Learning’ captured in a photograph. We are thinking art projects, work on Mathletics, spelling practice, visits to museums, reading, having a discussion on SWGfL Merlin, doing some research and much more! The opportunities are endless and special attention will be given to those entries that think creatively. As a prize we hope to feature the best images on a newly designed home learning booklet that all pupils will be using in September. Therefore, by submitting your photographs to the competition you are agreeing that they can be used for this purpose. All competition entries should be sent by email to the school office (office@princeofwales.dorset.sch.uk) no later than 3.30pm on Friday 6^th July, 2012. Any questions please see Mr. Spracklen or Miss. Johnson. Thank you for your continued support, Mr. Spracklen

What did you think of our Soirée?

A big well done to all our performers who did the school proud last night in our annual Summer Musical Soirée! If you missed it, we had Recorders, Guitars, Violins, Drums, a Cello, a Saxophone, a Mystery Guest plus so much more! We also had a group of World Famous Performers (also known as the Prince of Wales School Staff Choir). We would love to know what you thought of the Summer Musical Soirée and welcome your comments using this blog. Simply click the blog title (on the school website) - scroll to the bottom of the page and add text in the field which says: 'Post a comment'. Choose your account type or alternatively click name/url. To publish your post click 'Publish'.

 

I would like to say a thank-you to everyone who helped to make the evening such a success. Special thanks must go to: Miss. Broodle, Mrs. Staddon, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Bernard, Mr. Creee, Mr. Thornton, Mrs. Hopkins and Dorchester Middle School for hosting. Mr. Spracklen

Reminder - Musical Soirèe

A quick reminder that the Prince of Wales Musical Soirèe is going to be taking place on Tuesday 12th June at 6pm in the Dorchester Middle School hall. Doors open at 5.45pm for a Drinks Reception that will include canapés created by each class as part of our Food for Life work. The purpose of the celebration is for all children to gain experience in performing in front of an audience and see the progress our children are making musically as they progress through the school and beyond. If you would like to join us for the celebration please speak to a member of the Office Team. Mr. Spracklen

Spare Bunting?

As the Diamond Jubilee celebrations officially come to an end, we would love to accept your spare bunting that you may now be taking down. We hope to use the bunting as part of our Musical Soiree at Dorchester Middle School on Tuesday 12th June, 2012. Any spare bunting can be given to Mr. Spracklen or Mrs. Webb a.s.a.p.

POWSA biggest Raffle ever!

POWSA biggest Raffle ever - prizes are as follows (and more to follow!!!)  Make sure you buy some raffle tickets, ready for the Summer Fair this Saturday 11am - 2pm: A set of Golf Clubs, Sunday lunch for 2 adults and up to 3 children at Moonfleet Manor Hotel, Poundbury Cycles - complimentary bike service, Bonjour! Cafe - £10 voucher, Dorset Wine - £5 Voucher, Cafe on the Green - Cream Tea voucher, Olives et al - voucher, 2 x Miniature Clocks, A Treasure Trail, Brand New Shoulder Bag from Peacocks, 4x complimentary tickets Weymouth Sealife Park, 1x complimentary family ticket Abbotsbury Swannery, 2x complimentary family ticket Lulworth Castle and Park, 1x complimentary family ticket Pecorama, Jordan & Jordan collapsible camping colander, On the Table £10 gift voucher

Dodgesons - Pair of tough Gardening gloves, Wise Owl Toys - Colour your own Puzzles, Pure - Back, Neck & Shoulder massage, Tesco - Liquor Chocolates, Step toes - bag, Seven Springs Studio – Family Portrait Voucher and makeover Photography Voucher.

Facebook

It has come to my attention that some pupils in school have Facebook accounts. May I take this opportunity to remind you that the terms and conditions of using Facebook state that the user must be 13 years or over (Article 4.5). If your child does have an account then they have already broken the terms of the site and have lied about their age. As a school we will be contacting Facebook to get your child's account removed. Although we now have a school Facebook account for parental communication, we want to make it very clear that this is an adult site that is not suitable for children. Mr. Farrington

CHANGE OF DATE - Reception Sports Morning

Please note a change of day for the Reception Class Sports morning to Wednesday 11th July at 11.00am.

Dorchester Carnival

This years carnival has no theme, so we have chosen a theme for the Prince of Wales School as the Olympics!  A great chance to dress up as an Olympic athlete!  The carnival is on Saturday the 16th June.  If you would like to be involved, to help or further information, please contact Mrs Bernard or Mrs Scott.

Confident Caterpillars

In the next 2 weeks we will be thinking about being confident caterpillars in our PSE time.
This can be a difficult word to understand and relate to oursleves. I will be talking about what confidence means? What words describe it? How do we behave when we feel confident? How do I feel when I am not feeling confident?  
Thorny issues when you are 4 and 5 years old!!

Ultimately I would like the children to come away from this mini theme with an idea of  an  "I can do  attitude". "Mistakes are ok they help me learn attitude" and an  "I can ask for help attitude"
Perhaps you can come up with some words or pictures to bring in.
I have great  one of a cat staring into a mirror and seeing a lion.
What does your child think confidence is all about? How do they feel confident? Or not?
Start the debate in your house today!
Here's a thought.          Life isn't about finding yourself.
                                     Life is about creating yourself.
Mrs Birbeck

REMINDER - Tesco Vouchers

Our school needs your help to collect 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 looking to set a school record and collect more vouchers than ever before! Please try to 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 01/06/12.

Mr. Butcher's Off Today!

FROM MR. BUTCHER'S BLOG - Today we set off. Meeting up at Heathrow later for the flight to Dheli in India, then onto Khatmandu Nepal arriving Friday. Saturday we fly to Pakhara and start the trek after a long drive. READ MORE NOW - Simply follow the link on the school homepage or follow @powsiteman on Twitter.

POWSA FAIR DATE

A NOTE FROM THE POWSA BLOG - This years Summer Fair will be on the 26th May between 11am and 2pm.  Please come and join in!  If you would like to help, there is a form on the POWSA noticeboard (opposite the Office).

Settings Change

Our blog settings have been changed to improve the use of blogs throughout the school. You can now add a comment to a blog post without being required to sign in. Why not have a go at this now by clicking this blog title and navigating and clicking on the text which says, 'comments'. Comments are an excellent way we can have positive feedback on the work we are all doing in school and you are all doing through home learning. Mr. Spracklen

Did you miss this morning?

If you were unable to attend this mornings parent information session you can now view the video of the session online. To view the video please visit the school website and click on the parent tab at the top of the page. Next click the Reception button on the right hand side, a link is then given to the video. The video should play on the school website if you have QuickTime installed, alternatively you can download a copy to play in various formats. We would welcome your feedback on this new way of sharing this information. Comments can be made directly to me or through writing a comment on the class blog, simply click the blog title on the school website. Mr. Spracklen

Mr. Spracklen’s Digital Leaders

A big THANK YOU to all pupils who applied to become one of Mr. Spracklen’s Digital Leaders! There was a huge response and it was very difficult to pick just one child from each class. I have have now decided who will represent each class and have written to each pupil offering them positions as Digital Leaders and inviting them to our first meeting. May I thank everyone again who applied and encourage those pupils that were not successful this time to apply again in the future and attend one of our I.C.T lunchtime clubs which currently include Augmented Reality Club on a Monday lunchtime with me, Mr. Spracklen and Maths I.C.T Club on a Friday lunchtime with Miss. Johnson.

Welcome back!

Welcome back after the Easter holidays, we hope you have all had a good Easter and looking forward to the exciting things Reception has planned for the next term.

Our topics this term will be Spring and Dinosaurs which we know the childen will enjoy.

Please make sure the children bring to school everyday their Book Bag we have reading each day so its important they have their books daily.

Also please remember a drink and healthy snack fruit is supplied daily if your child would prefer this.

If you would like your child to have milk at morning break please see Miss Bates in the office who can arrange this for you.

One final reminder as the warmer weather approaches us please make sure your child has a sun hat and bottle of water also suncream.
(hats are avaliable to buy from the school office)

Welcome Back
Reception Team

Tarpaulins Needed

Do you have a spare tarpaulin that you could let Year 2 borrow? We will be using them for a large art based project we have planned in the coming weeks. Any large tarpaulin in any colour would be very gratefully received. We promise to look after your tarpaulin and return it to you when we have finished our project. Please pass your named tarpaulin to Mr. Spracklen or Mrs. Webb in Year. 2 if you have one who will take good care of it. Many thanks in advance.

OUR SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!

Our school needs your help to collect 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 looking to set a school record and
collect more vouchers than ever before! Please try to 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 01/06/12.

warmer weather

With the warmer weather approaching us please can we ask that your child brings to school everyday a bottle of water and a sun hat Thankyou

Easter

Wow Easter holidays already, the time is going so fast!!
We have had a really good term learning lots of exciting stuff.
The children had a great time at the Museum and we were so lucky with the weather for our farm trip.
We are back to school on 16th April and our topic will be 'Spring' and 'Dinosaurs'
When out and about over the holidays please talk to your child about the change in season and the things that are happening around us.

DONT FORGET.....
Reception Class Assembly 9.20 THUSDAY 29th March

Last Chance - Digital Leaders Application

Mr. Spracklen is welcoming children to apply for the role of 'Digital Leaders' within school. If you wish to apply, you will need to fill out a short online form (available now on SWGfL Merlin - see picture) before 7.00pm on 30/03/12. Children from Reception to Year 4 are encouraged to apply with the aim of appointing a child from each class to the 'Digital Leaders' team! The form will ask you why you should be considered for this role and we will be looking for original responses that come from the children. Below the responsibilities of a 'Digital Leader' are listed:

Website/Blogs/Online:

Write blog posts for your class and comment on other blogs across the school
Helping staff to upload pictures/videos to their blog

ICT Clubs:
Plan and lead ICT club at lunchtimes for Years R/1 and 2/3 (1 day each)
Possibly lead an after-school ICT club

Other
Change photographs on the TV screen in the reception

Organise competitions e.g. a drawing competition in Purple Mash

Possibly attend events and other schools to share ICT learning

Attend after-school training for staff and parents - with your parents' permission of course!

Trialling new software as required

Mr. Spracklen Recommends

Mr. Spracklen recommends: http://neave.com/bouncy-balls/ as an excellent site to 'play' with at home. This small activity is a fun and exciting way to introduce your children to the 'control and monitoring' element of I.C.T. Can your child make the bouncy balls move with their mouse? Can they make them jump with their voice? Comments on this activity are encoruaged.