"Wherever there is change, and wherever there is uncertainty, there is opportunity..."

I would like to say a big thank you for your understanding this week, and I hope that you all keep safe and follow any new advice that we are given over the coming weeks. I have really missed seeing the children this week and I know that Miss Neves, Mrs Malley and I will really miss the children over the next few weeks. I will be uploading daily activities that you and your child can do at home to keep learning, whilst school is no longer open. Please keep visiting our class page to see the daily activities. Along with this, the Reception children are coming home with one book. We ask that you put any work from the directed activities and any extra activities that you think show off some of your home learning inside. We will be able to share these when we are back together as a class once again. Thank you!

I will also be uploading a list with your child’s login details for Purple mash, this is a great website and computer programme that we use across school. Please use this website to help develop your child’s IT skills.

Certificates:

This week we have two Roger Robins who have been very helpful and kind this week.

Co-operative Roger Robin Joseph for… your super effort to be kind and polite this week Joseph! Miss Neves has been so impressed by your kind words towards others. You have also been trying very hard in your learning and concentrating very carefully. We are so proud Joseph! Keep up the great work.

Co-operative Roger Robin Henry for… being so thoughtful around the classroom and always offering your help to others, including your teachers! You are such a polite boy Henry and are not only very helpful, but you have also made such a great learning partner during activities. Well done!

We hope that, during this very unusual time, you all keep healthy and happy.

All our love,

Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"Kindness is a gift that everyone can afford to give."

It was wonderful to see you all on Wednesday evening to discuss your child’s learning and progress so far this year. I would like to say a huge thank you for always being so open and trusting with your child’s learning in school. It really has such a positive impact on their happiness and progress!

Certificates

Keep improving Isabella insect Toby for… trying so hard each and every day Toby! It was fantastic to see you in PE this week. Your throwing and catching skills have improved so much! Seeing your beaming smile as you practised was just brilliant. Well done Toby, we are so proud of you and your hard work and effort.

Keep improving Isabella insect Louis for… working so hard to improve your reading and writing Louis. We are so impressed with your wonderful effort during Read Write Inc Louis. You are always so enthusiastic to have a go. It was wonderful to see your happiness on Thursday when you noticed that your handwriting had become much neater, particularly the tricky ‘s’ letter. Well done Louis!

At the end of last week, we received a lovely letter from Goldilocks, who sent us her story of the day she went into the three bears cottage. This week we have created a story map and the children have been busy working in pairs and little teams to create the most wonderful puppet shows! In RE we have listened to the story of Zacchaeus. The children were outraged at the start of the bible story, when they heard how greedy he was. We heard in the story that Jesus gave Zacchaeus His kindness, and Zacchaeus began to follow in Jesus’ footsteps by becoming a kind and generous man. I wonder if your child could retell you the story?

Thank you once again for supporting our almsgiving during Lent. This week we are going to try to make our beds each day for some money to add to our growing Cafod collection.

Phonics: This week we have been introduced to the new sound: ‘air-that’s not fair’.

Please continue to enjoy stories at home, your child’s reading book and hunting for tricky words and new sounds out and about.

Maths: This week we would like you to focus on the shapes: Triangles and rectangles. Where can you spot these shapes? How many sides and corners do they have?

PE: We can really spot the progress and confidence particularly in the children’s bouncing skills and side gallops! Please continue to practise throwing and catching using light objects.

We hope that you have a wonderful weekend, Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"It's very simple: Almsgiving is to love others. Fasting is to love yourself. Prayer is to love God. Lent is all about LOVE."

It has been another busy week this week in Reception. We used new instruments with Mrs Mallinson, made something very special with Mrs Curtis and have been busy helping Goldilocks. We found a lovely letter on Wednesday from Goldilocks who was so apologetic about eating Mrs Malley’s porridge. She wanted to put her mistake right and bought Reception some porridge to say sorry. This was a real relief for everybody in class, lots of us had been worried that Goldilocks was unkind and may come back to do something else mischievous. Goldilocks also left us her special story which we are now learning. At the end of the week we created a story map so that we can retell the story using the pictures to help us.

Certificates

Brave Timmy Turtle Charlotte for… becoming so brave and confident, particularly with your writing! Miss Neves and I were blown away with your writing in RE this week. You wrote a whole sentence with beautiful handwriting completely independently. You should feel so proud Charlotte, you have worked so hard!

Co-operative Roger Robin Tilly N for… being such a caring member of our class! You think about those around you with such empathy and kindness. During Read Write Inc you make such a super learning partner, praising and supporting their reading and effort. Thank you Tilly for being such a kind and loving friend towards others in our class, it is so wonderful to see!

Lent: Well done to all of the children for trying so hard to raise money for Cafod this week at home. It has been wonderful to hear from the children how they have been busy keeping their bedrooms tidy.  A huge thank you to you all for supporting this at home. I am sure that by the end of lent we will have raised a lot of money for Cafod.

This week our lent almsgiving is to help after tea by washing the plates. You could earn 20p per plate you wash, or 50p each day that you help.

Phonics: This week we have been introduced to the new sound: ‘or-shut the door’.

Please continue to enjoy stories at home, your child’s reading book and hunting for tricky words and new sounds out and about.

Maths: We have focused on the numbers 6-8. Most of us are able to recognise these numbers, but this is definitely something to keep practising. The children have been busy counting out amounts and spotting things that make them think about these numbers. We looked at the colours in the rainbow and some of the children noticed that there are 7 colours in the rainbow! We decided that we would learn the rainbow song to remind us.

PE: We have focused continued to practise our, bouncing and catching skills. We have also been practising our over arm throwing by playing a game called splat the rat. I wonder if your child could teach you how to play this game at home? Do they remember their aiming arm?

World Book Day: If you have not managed to get to our book fair just yet do not worry, it will still be here on Monday afterschool at 3:35.

We hope that you have a wonderful weekend, Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"The season of Lent"

The children have returned to school with a spring in their step, which is great because our learning has been jam-packed, I know that many of them are certainly in need of a rest this weekend.

Certificates

Concentrating Cooper crab Rory for... wonderful concentration during your maths learning. You have such an interest in numbers and we love hearing you making connections between them, such as, “10 is two more than 8.” Your enthusiasm is just delightful. You are a joy to teach Rory, well done!

Creative Kiki Chameleon Chloe for… being such a creative thinker! The detail that you put into each and every piece of artwork is just amazing! I know that Mrs Curtis would agree. You concentrate so carefully and this shows in your reading and writing too. You should be so proud of your hard and consistent effort Chloe! You are an absolute delight to teach. Well done!

Tuesday made for such an exciting day! So many of the children came bouncing into school to tell Miss Neves and I all about the pancakes that they either, had for breakfast, or would be having later that day. This excitement carried on until the time came for the children to make their own pancakes in class. We used all of our senses as we made and ate these delicious treats. I have been so impressed with the children’s listening and memory skills. Each one of them engaged wonderfully during our discussions as we made pancakes. By the end of the day, they all knew the importance of this day as a Catholic, and were proudly calling the day Shrove Tuesday. 

On Wednesday we went to church for Ash Wednesday and, once again, the children behaved beautifully as they sat quietly and prayerfully with their Year 6 partners. They were fascinated to find out that the ash put on their forehead was made from palm leaves!

RE: This week has marked the start of Lent. We have decided to create a class Lent box and we hope to fill this box with money, which we will give to CAFOD at the end of Lent. Each week I will be setting the children a special challenge to earn money at home by carrying out helpful acts around the house.

This week I want the children to have a go at tidying their bedrooms. They could earn some money for the initial tidy and then a little extra for every day that they manage to keep it tidy. Please bring in the money they earn next Thursday. Good luck Reception!

Phonics: This week we have been introduced to the new sound: ‘ar-start the car’.

Please continue to enjoy stories at home, your child’s reading book and hunting for tricky words and new sounds out and about.

Maths: We have focused on the number 1-5. Looking at each number as a whole  and how they are made up by other numbers, parts. For example we have been saying, “5 is the whole number. It is made up of a part of 1 and a part of 4.”

PE: We have focused our attention towards the skills, bouncing catching. The children have been building up their skills using two hands and moving to 1 hand to bounce/dribble a large ball. Please practise this skill at home.

World Book Day: This year we will be holding a Book Fair after school taking place on Thursday 5th, Friday 6th and Monday 9th March. We will NOT be dressing up for World Book Day. This is something that we do as a school every 2 years so that it does not become too much work sourcing costumes each year. We will still focus on stories throughout this day, including stories from the Gospels.

We hope that you have a wonderful weekend, Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"Rest is as important as working hard."

Thank you to those of you who brought your sponsor money in on Friday! The children had such a great day; taking part in a challenging exercise session and extra PE time with Mr Nay. We also listened to Craig McCann, who shared his sporting story, leaving the children feeling inspired to reach for their dreams. The children are now even more enthused about sports and PE!

Earlier in the week, the children took part in Safer Internet Day. Many of them recognised that we use the internet when using a phone, IPad and some watches but they were shocked to hear that even doorbells can use the internet too! Reception are very aware of how to be safe when using equipment that connects to the internet and many explained how they use the internet safely at home. Well done Reception.

In phonics this week we have been learning the alternative (short) oo sound as in book, cook, shook.

Please support you child in identifying this sound in words along with the long oo sound.

In maths this week we have been looking at tricky teen numbers. Using ten frames the children are gaining a greater understanding that teen numbers are 1 lot of 10 and then some more ones. Please practise over the half term recognising the numbers to 20.

Certificates

Concentrating Cooper Crab Ciaran for... really focusing carefully on your reading Ciaran! You have made masses of progress and are now able to blend sounds together to read short stories. We are so proud of you and your wonderful determination. Well done Ciaran! Keep up this great effort.

Concentrating Cooper Crab Hudson for… being such a determined and focused little learner! You have made huge progress and continue to make everybody who works alongside you so proud! Keep up this wonderful effort towards learning and you will only keep improving and achieving new skills. Well done Hudson!

Today we break up for the February half term, how time flies! We look forward to seeing you all again on Monday 24th February, refreshed and ready for the second half of the Spring term.

Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday."

We have continued our story focus, ‘The Queen’s Hat’ by beginning to learn a poem. Would you believe that we received another letter from the Queen? This time thanking Reception for their hard work and help in trying to find her favourite hat. You will be very pleased to hear that Her Majesty’s hat has been found! To celebrate, one of the Queen’s royal subjects has written a poem all about the Queen’s favourite hat. Next week, we will continue to learn this poem. Hopefully you have found a copy of this in your learning log so that you can practise at home.

In maths, we have focused our learning on ‘subitizing’. This is where children use their awareness of numbers to five to identify how many of something there is, without needing to count each object one by one. Please follow this link to a fun and energetic subitize song. The gentleman in the video is American and therefore pronounces the word subitize differently, the children have rather enjoyed hearing his accent!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yyz_OycV4A&safe=active

During PE, we have continued to practise pencil rolls, which the children are becoming much more skilled at! We have also continued to practise our throwing and catching skills, now using smaller balls for added difficulty. It is great to see how enthusiastic the children are towards PE, I can certainly see that they have lots of practise at home!

In RE we have continued to hear all about the miracles that Jesus performed. This week we heard all about the wedding at Cana and how Jesus performed a miracle during this celebration, by turning water into wine. We thought about when we go to mass and we watch Father Peter doing this too, just like Jesus had done. The children have loved learning all about weddings and why they are such a special sacrament.

In phonics this week we have been learning the new sound:

oo—at the zoo

Please practise saying, reading and writing this new sound. Thank you.

Certificates

Enthusiastic Bobby bee Hugo for... being so enthusiastic towards your learning! Each day you are so alert and ready to learn Hugo. You have developed great listening skills and are becoming a role model for those around you. Each day you are so enthusiastic during your Read Write Inc activities, which is really helping you to develop these skills. Keep up the great effort Hugo, well done!

Concentrating Cooper crab Joseph for... becoming much more focused during activities. This week you really saw just how much your concentration can improve your work, particularly when writing. It is lovely to see this improvement Joseph! It was also wonderful to hear you celebrating others during PE, you were really supportive towards others when practising their throwing and catching skills. Well done Joseph.

Next week: We have Craig McCann, a Paralympic fencer and cyclist, visiting our school on Thursday. Craig will be chatting to the children about his achievements in a whole school assembly, but will also be setting the children little challenges to complete throughout the day. Please don't forget to keep collecting those sponsors. On this day, the children can come to school wearing any uniform they may wear for out of school clubs or sporting activities - for example dance classes, football etc. However, we do ask that the children are comfortable in their uniforms and that they are suitable for school, as they will be exercising in them throughout the day. Normal school trainers should be worn. If you are unsure or your child does not have any uniform from an out of school activity, the children can wear their school tracksuits.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend, Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

As always, it’s been a busy week in Reception. We have been busy in our new reading groups working hard on our blending and segmenting skills. Most of the children have become quite confident with blending words containing 3 sounds. We have also written back to the Queen regarding her hat. The children have spotted many interesting looking hats all around the local area and wanted to let Her Majesty know the possible places she might find it. 

In maths, we have focused on how the number 5 is made up. It is wonderful to see and hear the children so comfortable and confident to play around with numbers, they are able to see numbers 1-5 in so many different ways. This will really help them as they continue their maths learning throughout the school.

During our PE this week, we have introduced two types of rolls, an egg roll and a pencil roll. Maybe your child could demonstrate how to do these two types of rolls to you at home.

In RE we have been learning about the different miracles that Jesus performed. This week we focused on the story of the paralysed man and the children reflected on who now helps us when we are poorly. Our home corner has become a hospital, with the children having so much fun being doctors and nurses, looking after the patients who need their help.

In phonics this week we have been learning the new sound:

ow-blow the snow

Please practise saying, reading and writing this new sound. Thank you.

Certificates

Enthusiastic Bobby bee Charlotte for … being such an enthusiastic reader! We are so impressed with your wonderful enthusiasm towards reading Charlotte!  Already, you have made fantastic progress because of your continued hard work and enjoyment of stories. You have read so many books which is something to feel very proud of! Well done Charlotte!

Focused Cooper crab Joshua for … concentrating carefully during your group phonics time. I have been so impressed with your focus during our activities, you are certainly learning how to manage your distractions.  Well done Josh! Keep up this great effort, I can already see such an improvement in your reading.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend, Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"You can't use up creativity, the more you use the more you have ."

This week we have been focused on our special story book, ‘The Queen’s Hat’. Would you believe that Her Royal Highness has written a letter to Reception? She was visiting St Annes when she lost her hat again! So, she wrote to the children to ask them if they had seen her hat. Many of them are sure they have seen it, with some of our children certain that a crown was spotted on their way home from school. Hopefully we can help the Queen and find her hat!

Certificates

Co-operative Roger Robin Amelia for… making such a great learning partner! I have loved watching and listening to you on the carpet with your partner.  It is just delightful to watch you share your ideas with others and celebrate your friends learning too.  Thank you Amelia, your care and love towards others helps to make our classroom a caring place.

Concentrating Cooper Crab Logan for… concentrating so carefully in your learning. We have been so impressed with you recently Logan. You are so focused and determined to achieve your latest targets. Your reading skills are improving daily and you are now reading longer words and red tricky words! A huge well done Logan, keep up the great effort!

In maths, we have been thinking deeply about how numbers are made up. The children are becoming more confident playing with numbers and exploring how they are made up. Together, we looked deeper at the number 5 and came up with many ways that it can be made. Hudson had a very interesting way of making 5, by having 1 and 2 and 1 and 1. We loved this idea and it sparked many new ways that 5 could be made up. Well done Reception, you thought very creatively, just like Kiki Chameleon!

During our RE learning we have been reflecting on times when we have felt poorly and how it feels to be looked after when we are not feeling very well. The children were very reflective and understood that they can help others to feel better through their actions too.

In phonics this week we have been learning the new sounds:

ay-may I play? / ee-what can you see? / igh-fly high

These are our long vowel sounds, please practise saying, reading and writing these sounds. Thank you.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend, Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"Tell me and I'll forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I will learn."

Well our second week back after the Christmas holidays has certainly flown by! We have introduced the children to the two new virtues that we are focusing on throughout school this term, “curious” and “active”. The children had many curious questions about God’s world, and it was lovely to hear their ideas when trying to answer their friends’ thoughts. After, we thought about God’s beautiful world and the children were shocked to discover the many ways in which humans are damaging it. Reception were so shocked and upset by this they are trying hard to help God’s world, demonstrating just what active learners they already are! Reception are trying very hard to recycle and not to waste water. These are two things we thought we could improve in our classroom.

Certificates

Concentrating Cooper crab Henry… For always concentrating carefully each day in school. You manage to connect your ideas from previous learning to help you during new challenges. We are also delighted to see your growth in confidence. You are now much more vocal and happy to take part in fun games, singing and dancing. This is great to see Henry. keep it up.  

Enthusiastic Bobby bee Jacob…For gaining great confidence when taking part in new challenges. It is so wonderful to see your confidence and happiness to have  a go at new challenges. I remember when you first started Reception, you were a little hesitant to take part and share your ideas. You have certainly overcome this and now, seeing your smile and hearing your laughter is just magical. Well done Jacob.

 We have also been very impressed with the children and their reading skills this week. Many of them have achieved one or more of their reading targets that are on their bookmarks. Next week we will be teaching new sounds alongside small reading groups and Read Write Inc. Read Write Inc is the reading scheme which we follow in the infants. It helps the children to gain confidence reading and writing, through short interesting stories. We are also sending home the next set of High Frequency words. Thank you to showing such interest in teaching these to your child, it is really having a great impact on their reading.

In PE we have continued to practise our jumping skills whilst also improving our side gallop. This is quiet tricky as it requires good coordination using their legs. Please practise this way of travelling at home.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend, Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been."

It was absolutely wonderful to welcome the children back into school on Monday morning. It was lovely to hear that everybody enjoyed a fantastic  time over the Christmas holidays with their families! The children have all written thank you cards to Father Christmas because they are still so delighted with their Christmas gifts. Miss Neves and I can really see that’s lots of them have been busy practising their letter formation over the holidays! 

Certificates

Creative Kiki Chameleon Grace for... being brave and using your own imagination and ideas. It was wonderful to see your confidence grow when making a robot with Miss Neves. You came up with so many ideas of ways to create a special robot and all of your friends have had great fun trying to name him. Well done Grace.

Creative Kiki Chameleon William for… thinking of such great ideas and questions during our discussions and learning. You are such a delightful boy, who looks at the world with such excitement and imagination. It is always so wonderful to see and hear you as you work with others with such kindness, co-operation and imagination. Well Done William.

The children have been introduced to their new story focus, ‘The Queen’s hat’. They all absolutely loved the story and found it very comical at the end. It was lovely to hear some of the children share their own experiences of London and the exciting places they had visited.

Within maths we have been thinking about time and ordering the days of the week. Alongside this, we have really focused on using the vocabulary: yesterday, today and tomorrow. To help us, we have learnt a few days of the week songs to help our memory with this.

In PE we are currently really focusing on the two skills: jumping and hopping. Why not set a challenge: How many hops/jumps can you do in a row?

At the end of the week we celebrated mass and once again, Reception behaved beautifully in God’s house. They walked to church with their Year 6 partner, and seeing their delight and happiness throughout their time in church was just beautiful to see.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend,

Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"This is Christmas: Not the presents, not the carols, but the humble heart that receives the wondrous gift of Christ."

Miss Neves and I would like to say a huge thank you for your wonderful support throughout our first term in school. Your generosity towards our fundraising has blown us away! With the money raised from our Christmas cards we have managed to buy a water pump for a family and also a protective net. Thank you so much!

We have ended the term on such a high, from watching our junior friends in their Christmas concert, to enjoying our first Christmas party day. Today, the children watched as their teachers put on the annual Christmas panto…. Snow White. The children seemed to love it, especially getting up for a boogie!

Certificates

Enthusiastic Bobby bee Tommy for... always being so enthusiastic! You are absolutely delightful Tommy, you are full with excitement  towards learning and when taking part in new activities. This enthusiasm spreads to those around you who become excited too. You have made so many wonderful relationships in school and this is partly down to your happy nature and caring self. Well done!

Cooperative Roger robin Daisy for.. Always caring for others. Each day in school you go out of your way to help those around. You always volunteer to help when you see someone struggling which is just beautiful to watch. You have also gained a greater awareness of the wider world, and you show such concern and empathy when you hear about people or issues that need help. Well done Daisy!

During the Christmas holidays we do not give specific homework tasks. This is the most special time of the year, time which should be spent together, as a family, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

We wish you all a very happy and Holy Christmas and we are very much looking forward to seeing you all, on Monday 6th January, to hear all about your celebrations.

Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"The magic of Christmas is not in the presents, but in His presence."

With our Nativity all over for this year, we were able to watch our Year 1 and 2 friends perform their Christmas Nativity on Tuesday. We absolutely loved it and Reception were so happy and proud of their friends!

In class, we received an unusual telephone which had a red and green hat and some elf-like boots. When the phone finally rang for the first time, our suspicions were right... it was the elves. The elves explained that they are so busy at the moment, they needed some help from Reception… and Reception were desperate to help the elves. First, we needed to help the elves to write their Christmas lists and once we had done this, we then needed to help with their shopping list. The elves have certainly kept us busy this week!

Certificates

Enthusiastic Bobby bee Rory for... Your wonderful enthusiasm and excitement, you are a delight Rory. You have also been very focused this week. I was so impressed with the Cafod card that you made after watching how far some children have to walk to get clean water. Well done Rory!

Enthusiastic Bobby bee Seth for… Being such an enthusiastic member of our class Seth! You were desperate to help the elves this week after they rang our class. This enthusiasm is something that Miss Neves and I notice each and every day, and it is this enthusiasm that has had such a great impact on your achievements this term in school. Well done Seth!

Phonics

This weeks focus word is ‘go’. Please practise reading and writing this word as it is one of our High Frequency words, that we aim for our Reception children to be able to read, by sight, at the end of Reception. Thank you.

Silly Socks and Christmas jumper day

If you forgot to bring in your £1 on Friday, please bring this in on Monday so that we are able to send the money off to Brian House.

Christmas Cards

Please bring in your CAFOD donations before Wednesday next week so that we are able to sit down as a class and choose what World gifts we will buy. Thank you.

Christmas party

On Thursday we have our infant Christmas party. Your child can come into school wearing their favourite party clothes (just make sure they have shoes that are suitable for play times outside). As a treat, the children are allowed to bring in one still drink and one snack, such as; juice or a milkshake, a chocolate bar, biscuit bar or crisps.

We hope that you all have a wonderful weekend together as a family.

Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"Jesus is the Gift that perfectly fits the size of every heart."

Where to begin? A huge well done to all of our children! They were all fantastic! The way that they helped one another, spoke their lines and sang so beautifully, was just amazing. We are all so proud of them. Thank you for all of your support by practising lines at home to make sure they were ready to share the story of Jesus’ birth.

Certificates

Co-operative Roger Robin Tilly for… Being such a thoughtful and caring young girl. You spend so much of your time making beautiful pictures and gifts for your friends and for our worship area. Your love for Jesus Christ is so special, and you use this to follow in his footsteps with your beautiful behaviour. Well done Tilly!

Focused Cooper Crab Rose for… Always concentrating so carefully during our learning. Your effort and hard work shows in all of the wonderful work that you do. It was lovely to see you on the stage with so much confidence during our Nativity. Well done Rose!

Phonics

This weeks focus word is no. Please practise reading and writing this word, as it is one of our High Frequency words that we aim for our Reception children to be able to read, by sight, at the end of Reception. Thank you. 

Silly Sock and Christmas jumper day

On Friday 13th December we are asking children and teachers to wear their best Christmas jumper and silly socks. This is because Year 6 would like to raise £1,000 for Brian House. Please bring £1 to school on this day to help Year 6 reach their target. Thank you.

Christmas Cards

At our school we decided many years ago to save/collect the money that we would spend on Christmas cards to buy a special world gift off Cafod’s website. Last year in Reception we were able to buy a watering pump to help a family in Africa have safe water to drink.

Nativity DVD

If you are wanting to buy a DVD of our Nativity, please return your form with the money ASAP. We will be sending off the amount of copies to the company soon, so please don’t miss out.

We hope that you all have a wonderful weekend together as a family.

Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"Be kind whenever possible..."

With our Nativity not long away, we have been busy rehearsing! The children were so excited to practise on the big stage, and they are itching to wear their costumes. We cannot wait to show you the children’s hard work. The children are performing their Nativity for Jesus and I am sure that you will see how much they love Him throughout their performance.

Certificates

Roger Robin Ciaran for.. being so caring towards others Ciaran. You always think of others and, when seeing someone upset, you are one of the first to give them a hug and to help them to feel happy again. Thank you Ciaran, for your kind actions and words, these always help to make our classroom a happy and caring place.

Cooper Crab Lily for… trying so hard this week to stay focused! We are so impressed with you Lily, you have grown so much during these past few weeks and seeing your improved self-control is wonderful! Your concentration has shone and really shows in your learning. Keep up this brilliant effort Lily!

Phonics

We have now learnt all of our initial sounds, and we are currently focusing on blending these sounds together to hear or read words. This skill is improving by the day, and the children have really worked hard to recognise the green and red words that were sent home earlier in the term. Please continue to practise reading and handwriting at home.

Nativity parts

Please continue to practise parts at home. Most of the children know when to say their lines but not everyone. This is the last weekend before our Nativity so we really need to make sure that everybody knows their line, can say it loudly and is able to add gestures where appropriate. Thank you for your co-operation.

Silly Sock and Christmas jumper day

On Friday 13th December we are asking children and teachers to wear their best Christmas jumper and silly socks. This is because Year 6 would like to raise £1,000 for Brian House. Please bring £1 to school on this day to help Year 6 reach their target. Thank you. 

We hope that you all have a wonderful weekend together as a family.

Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"One kind word can change someone's entire day."

To start the week, the children were so excited to have their first time of the big stage! We began our Nativity practise by saying our speaking parts in the hall, using our loud, strong voices. I think we are in for a real treat this year! Throughout the week, we have also met with our Nursery friends for singing practise, which again, has sounded absolutely wonderful. The children are singing with such enthusiasm! Inside the classroom we have been kept very busy. We received a letter from the police regarding the big, bad, wolf. Thankfully, they have managed to capture him, however, when they have spent time talking to him, it is clear that he is still not sorry for what he did to the three little pigs. After having received this letter, the children decided that they would get busy to work and have made brilliant invitations for the wolf. We are hoping he might visit us so that we can help teach him how to be kind to others. 

Certificates

Co-operative Louis for… thinking carefully and helping those around you Louis. We have really noticed an improvement in your self control. This is fantastic to see, particularly during your learning and when playing with your friends. Well done Louis, we are so proud of you.

Focused Lorenzo for … concentrating so carefully this week! We have been very impressed with how carefully you have been listening during our class discussions. Miss Neves and I have really noticed your effort towards being focused and could not be more proud of you! Well done Lorenzo.

Phonics

This week we have learnt the sounds:

qu, x, ng and nk . Please practise saying, hearing, reading and writing these sounds. Next week we will focus on the high frequency word, ‘to’. How many times can you find this word in your favourite story book?

Maths

We have focused our vocabulary and have been exploring weight. We have been using balancing scales to compare the weight of objects. Our new maths vocabulary is: heavy, heavier, heaviest, light, lighter, lightest, same as, equal.

RE

We have been exploring our gifts from God. And how we can use our gifts to help others, particularly when somebody is feeling upset. We listened to the story of a little boy who was feeling rather grumpy. Reception thought of many wonderful ways they could cheer him up and help him to feel special.

Nativity parts

Thank you for spending time at home practising your Nativity parts, please continue to do so as next week Nativity practise will rev up as we prepare for our performances the following week.

We hope that you all have a wonderful weekend together as a family.

Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"Every child is a different kind of flower and altogether make this world a beautiful garden."

This week began with Remembrance day. Reception made poppies and shared them with one another. We watched a short video about Remembrance day and why people all over the country participate in 2 minutes silence. The children had clearly understood the importance of this day, as each one of them remained so still and respectful during the two minutes silence. It was such a special moment to see all of the children, so young, yet so full of understanding and self-control.

Certificates

Bobby Bee Hugo for… being so enthusiastic towards our learning. It is lovely to see and hear you during our Nativity singing with such gusto. You are also such a helpful friend towards others because of your smiley nature, and because of this you are always surrounded by friends. Thank you Hugo, it is a delight to have you as a part of our Reception family.

Bobby Bee Toby for… always being so enthusiastic towards your learning, even when you have been feeling under the weather this week. You are always so focused and show great determination, these are all such important learning skills. Toby, you most certainly have  a growth mindset, I cannot wait to see what you achieve this year!

Phonics

This week we have been learning our ‘High Frequency Words’: These are; is, it, in, at, and, to, the, no, go, I.

I have given each child their own pack of these words. The idea being to use these frequently at home. The aim of this is for each child to be able to recognise the words by sight. With High Frequency words, the children need to over read them to be able to recognise these words by sight, not sounding out. This later helps to build fluency when reading as the children don't need to sound out these words, they just remember the pattern/ sequence of letters and the word they make.

This week we have learnt the sounds:

th, z and ch . Please practise saying, hearing, reading ad writing these sounds.

PE

This week our skill has been: Throwing and catching

The children have had great fun practising their throwing and catching skills using balloons. I have included a balloon for each of you to continue practising at home.

Maths

This week we have focused our vocabulary and have been exploring width. Our new maths vocabulary is: wide, wider, widest, narrow, narrower, narrowest.

RE

We have been thinking carefully about kindness, what it looks like and why we behave this way to others. We have shared times when we have been kind, and when others have been kind to us and how his felt. I wonder what kindness you can spot at home this week.

Nativity parts

It is that exciting time of year once again… Christmas! Hopefully, you have found your child’s Nativity part as these came home this week. Next week we will begin practising so please, please, please, prioritise learning these parts. Remember to talk about the line before, so that they know when to speak. Thank you!

Reminder

On Thursday 21st November we have our annual Curriculum Evening. This is always such a brilliant night! It is the perfect opportunity to discover a little more about your child’s learning journey in school. This year our focus is Maths! And we have many fun and exciting activities at the ready for you to have a go at. Please come along to see how exciting Maths is!

We hope that you all have a wonderful weekend together as a family.

Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

“The world was hers for the reading.” – Betty Smith

It has been another lovely week, although, we have been on high a alert for a big bad wolf. We received a letter on Monday from the Three Little Pigs, they were very concerned and wrote a letter to Reception. They wanted to let us know that the big, bad wolf is missing and could be near to school. The Three Little Pigs wrote a great description to tell us what he looks like and Reception have made wanted posters, which we are putting up around our school, just in case he is spotted. We will keep you informed…

Certificates

Concentrating Cooper Crab Teddy for... Improving your concentration skills so much. We are SO impressed with you and how much you have already grown this year. You now take part in class discussions brilliantly and follow all classroom rules, and even encourage others too. A huge well done Teddy, we are so proud of you!

Curious Clara Clownfish Gus for... Always being such a curious learner. You have been so enthusiastic to help the 3 Little Pigs find the big, bad wolf and have been making sure that our classroom is safe! We have also noticed how focused you have been which is brilliant. Keep up the great work.

Phonics

It has been lovely to hear so many positive comments about your child’s reading. Reception are so enthusiastic and concentrate so carefully during their Phonic lessons.

This week we have learnt the sounds:

j, v, y. Please practise saying, hearing, reading ad writing these sounds.

PE

This week our skill has been:

Side galloping

The children have really improved their side gallops. Please practise these at home.

Maths

This week we have focused our vocabulary and have been exploring heights. Our new maths vocabulary is: Tall, taller, tallest and short, shorter, shortest. Again, it has been lovely to hear you share how your child is already using this vocabulary at home!

We hope that you all have a wonderful weekend together as a family.

Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"Forget your troubles and dance."

Welcome back everybody, the children have come back refreshed and full of enthusiasm. Danceathon was such a success and any of the initial nerves were soon banished as all of the children danced all day long with huge smiles! At the end of the school day all of the classes went out onto the playground to dance the Cha cha cha. It was fantastic!

We have also started our new story focus, the traditional tale, ‘The Three Little Pigs’. On Thursday we found hay, sticks and bricks and the children concluded that the only possible explanation could be that the three little pigs had been into our classroom. Next week we will be exploring the story further, creating story maps and actions to help us to retell the story.

Today we went to church, our first time as a class! The children were beautifully behaved and sang the hymns we have learnt in class wonderfully.

Certificates

Seth for... always being so enthusiastic towards learning! Your excitement really rubs off on those around you and this means you are always surrounded by others. You are also very curious, you think carefully and wonder about how things work. Keep being curious and enthusiasm Seth, it is just wonderful to be around!

Tilly N for... Always concentrating so carefully. You are such a determined little girl with such a desire to succeed. You concentrate so hard during our learning challenges. It is so lovely to hear you chanting, “Concentrate Cooper” as you spur yourself and others on. You really do encourage your friends with such kindness and love. Well done Tilly!

Phonics

This week we have learnt the sounds:

L, h, sh and r. The ‘sh’ is made up of two ‘special friends’. When they are together in a word they no longer make their initial sounds ‘s’ or ‘h’, they make the new sound ‘sh’. I wonder if you can spot our new sounds in any words this week…

RE

We have been thinking carefully about our families this week and how special they are to us. We explored the similarities and differences between many different family structures. The children understand that we all belong to one big family, God’s family!

Reminder

Reading books should be in your child’s school bag each day. We change all of he children’s reading books on a Thursday. However, if your child has read their book a few times, shows good understanding and is able to tell the story or read the story fluently, please let either myself or Miss Neves know when dropping your child off and we can change their book that day.

We hope that you all have a wonderful weekend together as a family.

Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

Happy Half term everybody!

Although we have had a short week, we have certainly packed in a lot! We were kept busy on Monday, making special harvest biscuits ready for our harvest celebration. On Tuesday we joined together with our friends from Year 1, 2 and Nursery, for our harvest celebration. We listened to Year 2 beautifully read a gospel story, Year 1 shared a special poem and  Nursery danced away to the harvest festival song. It was such a nice way to celebrate! Today, we have been looking at how to use electrical equipment safely and  what we should do if we are ever unsure, when using an IPad, IPhone or computer game.

We have had the most wonderful first half term in school. The children are all settled and have made delightful friendships with one another. We hope that you all enjoy the next week, spending time together as a family and resting up ready for our next exciting half term together. 

Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley

"If you can dream it, you can do it..."

It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of our first half term together in reception. The children have settled in brilliantly. It is always so wonderful to see their self belief and, “I can” attitude grow during their first term. They have gained greater independence and some of the difficult tasks, such as putting their coats on or getting changed from PE, are now becoming much easier!

Certificates

Enthusiastic Bobby Bee WILLIAM for… Your brightness, smile and enthusiasm. You are an absolute delight William. You have the most wonderful manners which every adult who spends time in reception notices. Well done William, you have had the most positive start to you school life, I cannot wait to watch you as you grow and achieve new skills.

Brave Tommy Turtle BETH for… Gaining so much confidence over these first few weeks in school. It is lovely to hear your voice during larger group discussions, this is something that was quite scary at first. Well done Beth! Keep believing in yourself, I know that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.

Our Phonic sounds this week are:

This week we have spent time focusing on blending (putting sounds together, p-a-t: pat) and segmenting (cat: c-a-t) words. We have also reinforced our learning of previous sounds and have focused on the sounds u and b. Please practise saying and hearing these sounds at the start, middle and end of words. We have also provided the sound cards to help you to practise forming these letters.

Maths

This week we have increased our understanding of the number 3 and the children are great at explaining how the number 3 is made up of; 2 and 1, or 1 and 2, or 1 and 1 and 1. Next week we will be focusing on 2d shapes and how these shapes link with our numbers.

RE

In RE this week we have been discovering all about how we pray the Rosary, using Rosary beads to help us. As you know we are collecting toiletries for a local food bank as we prepare for our Harvest celebration in school. Thank you so much to all of those who have already donated items! Please make sure that all donations are in school by Monday. Thank you for your support.

(Some item ideas: deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap etc)

Reminder: Next week on Wednesday 16th October we have our school photograph day. Please make sure that your child is dressed is full school uniform (not PE uniform). Thank you.

Danceathon

On the first Tuesday back after the half term holidays, we are holding our annual Danceathon. On this morning, the children should arrive at school around 8:15 ready to dance the day away. Everybody meets outside on the school playground for a whole school outdoor dance! We have so much fun on this day and all money raised will go towards updating our schools trim trail… which Reception are very excited about! Thank you once again for supporting our school events.

 Winning house teams: Well done Harcourt and Marsden. Your teams have managed to collect the most learning tokens this half term. Remember to wear your own clothes (Wearing their house colour if possible) on Tuesday next week!

We hope that you all have a wonderful weekend together as a family.

Miss Bassett, Miss Neves and Mrs Malley