One of our school vision values, the one we have been celebrated this month has been KINDNESS. The school has been awash with kind children and our Golden Book has been bursting full of names of children demonstrating this critical value. Next month, we will be focusing on "RESPECT"-for ourselves, each other, property, different faiths and backgrounds, nature and animals.
SCHOOL REWARDS
We are extending our systems of rewards in school after a successful trial run last year. These include an extra 10 minutes play for the class who wins top attendance of the week. There will an end of year award in the form of a magical mystery day trip for exceptional children. The criteria for winning this award will be:
On attendance, this means that, over the year, a child has to have no more than 7 days absent from school for any reason. So, if a few days are taken off for a holiday then there are a few days off for illness, your child's attendance target set by the Department for Education has not been met. However, we have many children who easily meet their target every year so we are looking forward to the challenge of qualifying for a free golden ticket for this adventure.
EVERYBODY EVERY NIGHT
As a school we are very grateful to you to all: parents, grandparents and carers who insist on listening to children read every night. Our expectation is at least 6 signatures in the Reading Journal each week. Sometimes it's hard to get back into the routine but, by listening to children read whether they are in Year 1 or Year 6, makes an incredible difference as to how well they do in school. Believe me. Reading is fundamental to children understanding and accessing the curriculum. Each day I try to listen to a different group of children read. It is the one privilege of the job I have.
THE AMAZING IVAN JONES POEM AWARD
We have many aspiring poets in our school so I don't envy Ivan when he receives our entries for this year's competition. We have had a fantastic number of entries this year so have selected a few from each class for judging. The short listed poems will be on their way to Shropshire, next week. Year 2 popped into my office today to finish drafting their poems on kindness. It was fascinating eavesdropping on them as they compared notes on their work.
AND FINALLY
We have lots of creative children in our school, so inspired by MasterChef - I have challenged them to create their own, unique sausage. Yes, that's right. Invent a Sausage is a regional competition for primary school children to create a simple recipe for a new sausage, considering how ingredients combine. The winner receives £300 for their school, the winning sausage to be served as school dinner and 80 of their own sausages for home. Two other categories: healthiest sausage and funniest sausage will also win £100 for their school too. It's a chance to get in the kitchen, have a go, have fun - with instructions, measures - and build children's confidence too.