I wore my coat; staying safe online and a book fair….
This week our Year 5 and 6 classes went to see the North Walsham High School production dress rehearsal for Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat. Somehow we seemed to know the words to the songs even when we couldn’t remember hearing them! The production was a great success and the classes thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you to all our parents who booked in to see teachers about their children’s progress. It was lovely to see so many of you in person again. We hope you got a chance to see all the hard work and effort the children have put in so far, it has been very impressive and we are so proud of them all. As soon as we have rearranged parents evening for Seacole Class, we will let you know.
During this week we have also had the PTFA book fair running and lots of fantastic books on offer. The children have enjoyed seeing what is available and their wish lists in some cases have been very long! Too many choices…..
As part of our commitment to support parents/carers and children to be more tech savvy and stay safe online, this week we are focussing on practical tips for managing gaming and device time:
Parenting often feels like endlessly saying no. In the world of Instagram our children would be making rafts and catching fish while playing happily with all their siblings and friends. In the real world, that’s not how it works. So what can we do?
Set limits BEFORE they start playing. For younger children use a kitchen timer or your phone and place it where they can see it. Practice coming off the game when the timer goes off. Be patient, if another minute means they can save their progress, save yourself some heartache and let them do it. For older children use a clock or timer on your phone and agree timescales with them.
How long can they play for? There is lots of information but no definitive answer to this. But it is about balance, just like you would not let them eat coco pops for every meal, let them have playtime outdoors, play with empty boxes while ignoring that hideously expensive gizmo you had to buy because they HAD to have it. Keep tech out of the bedroom, Phones, Games consoles etc and have a wind down period before bed that doesn’t include tv.
Try the Game before you let your child play it, or at the very least read the blurb that tells you what to expect. This is often right at the bottom of the screen and requires you to scroll endlessly down, but it’s worth it. Remember, once a child has seen something they cannot unsee it.
My friend is playing it sometimes parenting is about saying no, and explaining why. Keeping them safe and not exposing them to age inappropriate content is about balancing up the amount of time they will be restricted. If the average person probably lives until 80 then for 20% of your child’s life there will be some limitations to what they can do, and for 80% of their life it’s a free for all!! Tell them what you are doing and why and sometimes you have to just say no/not yet.
Each week we will focus on another element and these updates are always available to view. If there is anything you would like more info on please let Mrs Webster or the school office know.
Thank you to everyone who donated on Red Nose Day we raised a brilliant £80!
What’s on next week?
Some of our Year 5 children will be participating in Bikeability training Monday until Thursday. I am sure they will have lots of fun and we look forward to seeing their bike proficiency improve.
We will be watching a music performance in school. It’s a great opportunity for children to see live music being played and is guaranteed to be lots of fun. I am sure they will tell you all about it.
On Wednesday 29th we have two events in the afternoon! MJS Year 5 & 6 parents and carers are invited to a Mexican style buffet @ 2:30pm. MIS Year 1 & 2 parents and carers are invited to an assembly and art competition judging @ 2:45pm. We would love to see you there. Please arrive at the respective school main entrances to sign in.
Bruce Grove residential – If your child is attending please ensure you have completed the consent survey and made payment.
Swimming: please note that the Victory Swimming pool now requires all children to wear a hat in the pool. These can be purchased from School money for just £1.06!
Lego Vouchers – please can you hand in any Lego vouchers you have collected to the school office and please keep collecting!
Have a good week everyone.
Reminders/Dates for the Diary
Letters: Keeping children safe online & Pupil mobile phones
REMINDERS
Please note that normal school behaviour rules apply during after school activities. Parents will be notified of any concerns. Attendance at clubs is monitored and in the case of non attendance for 2 sessions or more your place may be revoked and a child on the waiting list offered the place.
Monday:
Tuesday: MJS Dodgeball After School Club; MIJS Gardening Club
Wednesday: MJS year 5 & 6 parents and carers are invited to a Mexican style buffet @ 2:30pm. MIS Year 1 & 2 parents and carers are invited to an assembly and art competition judging @ 2:45pm. Please arrive at the respective school main entrances to sign in.
Thursday: Class Photos in school; MJS Basketball After School Club; MIS Multi Sports After School Club;
Friday: Swimming – Seacole class (24 March to 26 May)