Friday 25th October 2024

Dear Families,

Wow, I can’t believe it’s already the end of autumn term 1! It has truly been the most incredible half-term, with so much positive change; the atmosphere around school has been magical. Did you know that 'Winnie the Witch' even visited Temple Meadow this week to read a story to our Reception children!

We certainly haven’t slowed down as the half-term break approaches. Year 4 have been busy planting bulbs (more details below) and Year 6 has been learning how to ride bikes and take to the local roads!

As we close this half-term, we always take time to reflect on what we have achieved and think about areas for development. One of the key discussions over the past few weeks has been about our Positive Interactions Policy, specifically regarding Dojo rewards. Both staff and children have shared that waiting until the end of the term for a Dojo reward feels too long. So, after listening to their feedback, we’ve made an exciting change! Moving forward, Dojo rewards will now be given every fortnight, making them more immediate and meaningful for the children.

For those children who may not have achieved the Dojo reward, this change will also give them a more regular and frequent ‘fresh start’ to work toward earning their Dojos. Our updated Positive Interactions Policy will be available on the school website shortly after the half-term break. At the end of this half-term, all children will have their negative Dojos cleared and will start fresh when they return.

We encourage all families to access the Dojo App, where you can receive live updates and notifications whenever your child gains or loses a Dojo point. This helps you stay informed and involved in your child’s progress. If you don’t currently have access, please contact our School Office and a member of the team will be happy to assist you.

Wishing everyone a wonderful half-term break! We look forward to seeing everyone back, refreshed, on Monday 4th November 2024.

Bikeability

Some of our Year 6 children have been participating in Bikeability sessions this week! 🚲

These sessions are designed to teach essential cycling skills, boost confidence and promote safe cycling on roads. It's a fantastic opportunity for our Year 6 children to become more independent and learn valuable life skills.

The sessions will continue after half-term.

Let’s cheer them on as they get pedaling! 👏

Edina Trust Bulb Project

Year 4 children are currently taking part in the Edina Trust Bulb Project.

The project gives children the opportunity to be part of a real science investigation where they will contribute to the final result. This project is a long-running climate change investigation, involving around 175 primary schools across the UK each year.

The core project involves Daffodil and Crocus bulbs being planted in pots. Each child takes responsibility for their own pot. We will be uploading our weekly bulb measurements and weather recordings to the National Museum of Wales website. This week the children enjoyed planting their bulbs.

Family Engagement Evening

I’m sure many of you have already booked your appointment for our Parent Engagement Evening. Just a reminder that you make your appointment through SchoolCloud.

While you’re on-site, you’ll have the opportunity to taste samples of our school dinners and purchase refreshments. Some of our fabulous children will be selling tuck shop items and running a pre-loved book sale, so be sure to check it out!

Important new change for children’s birthdays and how we celebrate in school!

We understand that children are excited to celebrate their birthday in school and we want to help them to have a special day. We currently have a lot of children bringing sweets and chocolates to give out to their class.

Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly challenging for staff to manage the range of food items that come into school and we do have children with nut allergies and other dietary needs and preferences. For this reason and linked to Natasha’s Law we will no longer be accepting food items into school linked to individual’s birthdays.

We will however be allowing your child to come into school, on their birthday, or the Friday before their birthday (if a weekend of holiday), in their own clothes ( a non-uniform day). This will enable all children and staff to identify them and wish them a happy birthday. Their class will also sing Happy Birthday to them during the day.

Curriculum Champion

As you are aware, at the end of each term, we hold a celebration assembly where all children have previously received Maths, Reading, and Writing certificates. After listening to feedback from the children, we’ve learned that they don’t feel these certificates are particularly motivating, as everyone receives them regardless of attainment, progress, or effort.

To make these awards more meaningful and rewarding, we will now be asking each teacher to select one Reading, one Writing, and one Maths champion each term. These certificates will be awarded to children who have truly impressed their class teacher with their individual efforts, achievement, or progress.

We hope this change will encourage and motivate our children by recognising their hard work and personal accomplishments.

Just a reminder that we recently introduced our new ‘Glows’ so hopefully many of your children will have already received a special glow note home to celebrate something special they have done or achieved.

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