Autumn Term – Stingray Parent Newsletter
‘Growing and learning together with God’
Dear Parents,
It has been lovely to welcome a new class of Stingrays back to school this term. We all hope you had a lovely, relaxing summer and that the children are well rested and ready for another hard working and exciting year of growing and learning together. We have certainly been impressed with their behaviour and attitude to learning so far.
Communications
We all hope that everything continues to run smoothly this year but would stress that, if you do have any problems or concerns, you share these with one of us as soon as possible. Mornings are always busy but, if it is urgent, we will of course find time to deal with the issues. Otherwise, please contact the office via e mail, who will forward on your messages, or use the home learning email, so that we can either respond by email, telephone, or arrange a meeting to discuss your concern in more detail. Keep an eye on the school newsletters to find out what we have been learning about each week. We will also be updating the Stingrays Class page on the website a couple of times each term with news and photos of our learning journey, as well as sharing news via the school newsletter each term.
Homework
Termly projects
Project homework will continue to be set whereby children can choose from a variety of themes which projects they would like to complete; these will be shared with the class and children will receive feedback. Details about our ‘Water, Water Everywhere’ project options will be sent out on Friday 22nd September and we look forward to sharing all the fantastic activities they complete at home. The presentation of this work to the rest of the class is an invaluable part of their learning experience and all the children develop their self-confidence and speaking skills as part of the process.
Spellings, Times Tables and Maths Key Skills
All children have Spelling/Maths Shed and Times Table Rock Stars log-ins which they should be using regularly to keep practising key skills.
- On Mondays, we will be checking that the children have done at least 20 minutes per week practise on their times tables. Times tables booklets are available for any children who do not have access to the internet. The children are tested weekly on their times tables.
- On Tuesdays, we will be checking that children have accessed Spelling Shed for a minimum of three times a week. Spelling practise sheets will also be available in school if children do not have internet access at home.
- On Fridays, we will check that the children have read at least three times per week.
Family group points will be given to those children who complete their homework, as well as additional recognition for those who read consistently over the term.
Reading – Children should be encouraged to read nightly and where possible to an adult, even if they are a fluent reader. This could include your child just talking to you about what they’ve read, what they are enjoying etc. Children are asked to show in their reading record that they have read at least 3 x each week. They will be rewarded in school when they have shown this in their diary. The children should bring their books and reading records to school daily, as they are given regular opportunities to read independently and where appropriate, to an adult.
Water bottles and snacks
Please remember to send your child in with a named water bottle (not squash) which they can keep in the classroom. This can be re-filled during the day. If children are bringing in snacks for break time, please remember this should be healthy food like a piece of fruit or fresh vegetables.
Curriculum
Our main topic ‘Water, Water, Everywhere’ is a Science and Geography based topic focusing on materials and their changing states. We will be learning all about the journey of a river in geography as well as developing our understanding of the importance of rivers in the development of settlements. In Science we will be looking at the properties of solids, liquids and gases focusing particularly on the water cycle and how materials can change state. We will then go on to look at famous scientists and inventors. Most of our English work will be based on books set with a ‘watery theme’ and these will be the inspiration for our writing. We will look at the artist Katsushika Hokusai and use his artwork for to help us develop our sketching and painting skills.
In RE we will be learning about Christianity, considering what Christians learn from the Creation story and going on to think about what kind of world Jesus wanted. Our SCARF PHSE will focus on Rights and Responsibilities and My Relationships; we will also have weekly Circle Time sessions to support the children in developing positive self-esteem and interactions. In French we will be improving our pronunciation skills, as well as learning about musical instruments and how to order things in a cafe.
PE Kit
PE days this term will usually be on Tuesdays and Fridays. Your child’s kit needs to be brought into school every Monday and taken home every Friday to be washed. Please make sure that they have navy blue shorts, t-shirt, trainers and appropriate clothing for going outside (navy tracksuit bottoms, sweatshirt etc.). Please remember to label all PE kit, school tops, jumpers and trainers/shoes. This is also important for all uniform and coats. Until October half term, the children will be participating in Forest School, so please make sure they bring in appropriate clothing - long trousers, long sleeved top, coat, change of footwear.
Rewards and certificates
We have really high expectations for our pupils and their hard work and excellent behaviour is rewarded weekly. Children are given family group points for good work, effort and behaviour and a range of certificates depending on how many they’ve achieved in total. They have also already earned some marbles in our ‘class reward’ jar which is helping Steve the Stingray on his journey around the water cycle. When he returns to the sea we get a reward!
Attendance
Good attendance is vital for success, so please bear in mind that if your child is well enough to potter about at home then they are probably well enough to be in school. As long as they always work hard and join in with enthusiasm, then they will have personal success.
Finally, the organisation of the week is as follows:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday – Mrs Churchill
Thursday and Friday – Mrs Ejiogu
We are looking forward to the new term with its many opportunities to learn together.
Kathryn Churchill, Jo Ejiogu – Class Teachers
Stacey Palmer and Liz Lyons – Stingrays’ TAs