Reading at home

Reading is a fundamental skill which we as a school teach, support, promote at every opportunity. Looking through your children's reading journals last week was such a pleasure. At a glance, I could see the hard work, encouragement and interaction between parents, grandparents and carers and our children. Listening to your child read is one of the pleasures of teaching and parenting and it is clear the vast majority of parents believe so too. Making time for reading, in a world where time and technology pressures are many, is still so important and the benefits of the time you are investing is clear in school. Keep up the good work.

500 word competition

If you are a Radio 2 listener, you will be aware that the 500-word story competition has been announced. This is just a reminder that, running alongside this, is our own 500 word story competition to win The Purdy Trophy. I launched it last week in assembly and the theme, in its first year, is a letter.  We are keen that all our children have an opportunity to develop a passion for writing and have the chance to enter if they chose to. It is an exciting opportunity, which children will have the chance to complete over the forthcoming half-term holidays. Both myself and Mrs Tough will be talking to the teachers with some exciting ideas to support them in helping the children across school to make an entry.

It has been a cold and frosty week and I am mindful that parents and children are standing on the playground getting very cold! With that in mind, on very cold or rainy days children, this is a reminder that children are permitted to enter school at 8.45am, with the school day officially starting at 8.55am. Should you wish to speak to a member of staff on the day, please contact the school office and your child’s class teacher will endeavour to call you back at break time. If it is urgent, the school office will pass your message on straight away in the morning.

Thank you to all the children who took part in the auditions for our Y2 3,4,5  Spring musical: Pantastic. What a real joy it was. Such an array of talent in our school and children who have taken the time and effort to learn their lines. 

It was fantastic to welcome Leo back to school from Monkwearmouth - to join our judging panel. He spent Christmas starring in Peter Pan, so knows exactly what it takes. Making up the judging panel were Mrs Houston and Mrs Taylor. They have a very hard task indeed.

On a sporting note, a group of year 2 girls and boy took part in a cluster gymnastics tournament. The team came 3rd overall from 9 teams. Congratulations to all of them  for their achievements!

Safeguarding all our children and families is at the heart of the work of the school and keeping your children safe in the community is crucial. I would urge parents to continue to be mindful when driving on the main road near the entrance to the school and not to drive on the pavement where families are walking. Thank you for your continued support in this matter.

Finally, thank you for your continued positive feedback and have a lovely week

Mr Howe