Head of School update

“Do you think this one has a happy ending?…”

This week sees the culmination of weeks worth of viewing the most amazing pictures of children and staff alike with the end of our Extreme reading competition.  We would like to extend an enormous thank you to everyone who participated and very much hope you enjoy the pictures – we will be sending them out on facebook – and you may even see them in the press!  The overall winning picture was the one above, you cannot help but smile when you see it!

We had some fantastic news regarding the PTFA book fair that parents supported over the last couple of weeks. Total Takings – £710.80 which gives the school a WHOPPING £366.48 to spend on books. Thank you so much for your support.

This week’s tech and online safety info focuses on ways that gaming can support positive outcomes in children and young people.

Easter holidays are upon us: we know that over the next couple of weeks children will enjoy some time gaming. But its not all doom and gloom.  We know that over 70% of primary aged children use games on a regular basis and if they are enjoyed in moderation gaming can promote creativity and problem solving.

The feel good factor: Gaming is popular with all age groups and is a great way of rewarding behaviour. Succeeding in a game or contest releases feel good hormones that make us feel happy or excited. Just be mindful that this should not be the only way that children feel good.

Encouraging inventiveness: creativity is a huge part of a number of games encouraging participants to make intricate structures and the only thing stopping us is our imagination.  If children create something amazing get them to recreate it in a drawing or model to show friends and family – a good way of moving them off the screen when they are finished but prolonging the feel good element of the task.

Keep it balanced: take the time to explore educational apps and games for yourself.  We often think of gaming just being about shooting or action gaming but there are thousands of apps and games that cover everything from supporting reading; tackling anxiety and age appropriate fun puzzling. For younger players these can be helpful in exploring things safely and having fun in an environment that is safe. This holiday go and have a look for yourself and introduce a new app or game to your child.

Check out the National Online Safety Website for updated information on this and lots of other apps and games.

If there is anything you would like more info on please let Mrs Webster or the school office know.

Reminder: if you have received a free school meals letter and application and are in receipt of any of the benefits listed in the letter then please complete the application form, return it to the office in the new term and we will do the rest. If your child already receives school meals then you do not need to do anything. Letters will continue to go out in the new term.

New Pupil Accident/Injury in School Report letter has been sent to all parents (28/03/23) please check your email and contact the office with any questions.

School Dinners –  Please note that when booking for the following week the cut off for ordering lunches is Sunday at 12pm 

This week we had some of our year 5’s complete their bikeability training and they did so well even when the weather was not particularly nice to them! All of them passed and we are very proud of them all.

On Wednesday we held a parent event for year 5 and 6 the Festival of Gracias.  Parents were welcomed in by 2 Mexican characters shaking maracas – and treated to a feast in class. The children all did very well and the parents all seemed to enjoy their tacos!

All that remains is to wish you all a very lovely Easter break. We return back to school on Monday 17 April.

Reminders/Dates for the Diary

Letters: Path Closure from 12 April

REMINDERS

Monday:  Music After school club MIS

Tuesday:  MJS Dodgeball After School Club; MIJS Gardening Club

Wednesday:

Thursday: MJS Basketball After School Club; MIS Multi Sports After School Club; 

Friday:  Swimming – Seacole class (24 March to 26 May)