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Messages from the Principal, Miss Jarrett

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Dear Parents and Carers,

It's wonderful to see the sun shining brightly and feel the warmth of spring embracing us! The improving weather brings with it a sense of joy and rejuvenation, but let's not forget to prioritise safety amidst the excitement. Please take a moment to read the important information below:

Safety First: While we all relish the sunny days, it's crucial to ensure the safety of our children. Whether they're playing outdoors or enjoying activities under the sun, please remind them to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and be mindful of their surroundings. Let's make the most of this beautiful weather while keeping safety at the forefront of our minds.

Reception's Adventures at Odds Farm: Our Reception classes had an unforgettable experience during their recent visits to Odds Farm! Despite the unpredictable weather, our resilient Blackbird class didn't let the rain dampen their spirits. Meanwhile, Magpie and Robin classes had a delightful time basking in the sunshine. These outings not only fostered learning but also created lasting memories for our little ones.

Reminder: School Jewellery Policy: As a gentle reminder, our school maintains a strict no jewellery policy, with the exception of small stud earrings, easily removable for PE sessions and jewellery worn for religious practices. No other items of jewellery should be worn.  Thank you for your cooperation in adhering to this policy, as it ensures the safety and well-being of all our students.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in making our school a safe and enriching environment for our children. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Warm regards,

Miss Jarrett

Principal

SAFEGUARDING

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🌞 Summer Sun Safety Tips for Parents 🌞

As we embrace the warmth and sunshine of the warm spring and upcoming summer months, it's essential to prioritise safety to ensure our children can enjoy the season to the fullest. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

  1. Sunscreen Protection: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 to all exposed skin, including the face, neck, arms, and legs. This should be applied before school daily on sunny days, regardless of the temperature (UV rays can still be dangerous even on cloudy/colder days). 

  2. Cover Up: Dress your child in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.  Please do send your child in the school summer uniform and do not put them in too many layers - we will ask children to remove layers of clothing where there is a risk they might overheat.  Shorts / the summer dress are ideal (white shorts/leggings may be worn under the dress if required).  

  3. Stay Hydrated: Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water. Dehydration can occur more quickly in hot weather, so it's crucial to keep hydrated, even if your child doesn't feel thirsty. Please ensure they have a water bottle in school at all times. 

  4. Protective Accessories: Children must bring a hat to school.  The school uniform shop has a great option that covers the neck and ears.  Otherwise, we recommend wide-brimmed hats as these can offer added protection for the face, neck, and ears.

  5. Check the UV Index: Stay informed about the UV index in your area, and take appropriate precautions when it's high. The UV index indicates the strength of the sun's UV radiation and can help you gauge the level of protection needed.

  6. Be Sun Smart: Teach your child sun-safe habits, such as regularly applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when needed. By instilling these habits early on, you'll help them develop lifelong sun safety practices.

By following these tips, you can help protect your child from the sun's harmful rays while still enjoying all the fun and excitement that summer brings. Remember, sun safety is essential year-round, so make it a priority for your family's well-being.

If you have any concerns or questions about sun safety, don't hesitate to consult with your child's healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalised advice.

Stay safe and enjoy the sunny days ahead!

ONLINE SAFETY TIPS:

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Celebrating our Children!

Blackbirds enjoyed Odds Farm, despite the rain! 

Year 2 have been writing some wonderful stories, based on one of our favourite stories The Sea Saw by Tom Percival.  

And Kingfisher class engaged in a debate on Friday with the title "Weekends should be 3 days long".  They split into 2 groups, with one group presenting arguments "for" and the other "against".  Children on both sides had some compelling arguments, but when it came to voting at the end, almost everyone was in agreement that 3 day weekends would be great! 

Alizah: I think we should have 3 day weekends because we could have some fun and still do some learning. We could play outside and then have time for learning. 

Brielle: I don't want to have a 3-day weekend because I still want the Easter Holiday to go and see my Grandparents. 

Hadee: I don't want a 3 day weekend because we wouldn't learn for 1 day. 

Aleena: I would like a 3 day weekend because the teachers are tired and need another day. 

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Student Leadership

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Last week we were thrilled to welcome back Bookwagon to run our annual book fayre! They shared picture books, chapter books and graphic novels with the children, and then our school librarians chose a range of new books for the library. It was wonderful to see so many people after school coming along to purchase books - Thank you!

Their website is - www.bookwagon.co.uk if anyone missed out on buy a book. 

The Nest

As the weather improved, pupils from the Nest enjoyed engaging in outdoor learning through play!

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Music Updates

For those who have signed up to sing at The Hexagon, in June, tickets are now on sale.  Please see the poster for details. 

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ATTENDANCE

Well done to all parents/carers who continue to ensure their children attend school regularly.

This week Year 2 has the highest attendance of any year group across the school. Well done!!

The class winners in each year group can be seen below.

All attendance expectations can be found on our website.

Please do get in touch if you would like any support getting your child to school and on time.

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RECEPTION CLASS WINNER

Well done to Robin class who won the attendance trophy this week.

Keep it up!

YEAR 1 CLASS WINNER

Well done to Kingfisher class who won the attendance trophy this week with 95%.

Keep it up!

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YEAR 2 CLASS WINNER

Well done to Falcon class who won the attendance trophy this week with 97%.

Keep it up!

Mr Bowskill's plea to our Reception Classes

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Now the Summer is upon us, it is time for our Reception children (and parents) to be continuously targeting a full week in school. 

There are some of you that have  already managed this ( 33 children with attendance above the school target and 8 with 100% attendance) but we would like all children in school every day. 

I have made requests on Class Dojo, so I am now repeating my request in our Newsletter. 

I am looking for the 1st class in Reception to make it to 100% - that means everyone in school, every day. 

Upcoming Changes to our Attendance Procedure

Due to the Government's changes to their 'Improving Attendance' strategy, I wanted to give you advanced notice of some changes that will be made to all schools across the UK, including Phoenix Infants. Please note, these changes will not come into effect until September 2024. However, I wanted to keep you all informed, in advance. 

How will the changes affect you?

  • The expectation remains that all children need to be in school, every day
  • School's will now be able to issue more than 1 fixed penalty notice for absences (including holiday and unauthorised absences). The 2nd Fixed Penalty Notice will also increase from £80 per parent to £160 per parent.
  • Penalty Notices will be issued to each parent, per child. For example, 2 siblings absent for leave during term time would result in each parent receiving 2 separate fines - that means 4 x £80 = £320.
  • If there is a 3rd offence (and any further offence within 3 years) the case will be presented to the Magistrates Court.
  • If your child has 10 sessions of unauthorised absence in a 10 week period - Penalty Notices will be considered.

Our approach at Phoenix Infants will always be to work with families and your child's attendance. 

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Dates for your Diaries

Y2 Curriculum Celebration
2:30pm – 3:00pm
21
May
Baby and Toddler Parent Stay and Play
2:00pm – 3:00pm
22
May
Y1 Curriculum Celebration: Assemblies
9:00am – 9:30am
24
May
Half Term
All Day
From 27 May until 31 May
27
May
Children's First Day Back
All Day
03
June
Year 1: Read with someone you love
9:00am – 9:20am
04
June
Empathy Day
All Day
06
June
Year 2: Read with someone you love
9:00am – 9:20am
06
June
Reception: Read with someone you love
9:00am – 9:20am
07
June
Y2 visit to GJA to hear Ukuleles
10:00am – 11:00am
25
June
Baby and Toddler Parent Stay and Play
2:00pm – 3:00pm
26
June
Sports Day
All Day
28
June
Arts Week
All Day
From 01 Jul until 05 Jul
01
July
The Nest Boat Trip
All Day
08
July
Y2 Trip to the Beach
All Day
09
July

Community Notices:

https://curvevenue.uk/events/you-choose

You Choose – Every show is unique!

Based on the brilliant book by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt - Nonsense Room Productions (Shark in the Park and Hairy Maclary Shows) bring you an interactive musical show for all the family. But in this show – YOU CHOOSE what happens!

Using the picture book as inspiration and through a series of games and challenges each show will be unique with different characters, locations, costumes and much more every time!

'It’s all as entertainingly random as the book, particularly for those younger people in attendance. The manner in which they go about the choosing is joyous, inviting young volunteers from the audience to pick a character' David Pollock, The List

'Quite simply, it's fun, it's funny, it appears a simple format but is actually clever; it's a great family show' Anne Hamilton, Lothian Life

'There is plenty of choice and bundles of energy at Nonsense Room Productions’ adaptation of the children’s picture book, You Choose' Thom Dibdin, All Edinburgh Theatre

Age guidance 2 - 7 years.

£12 | £10 Under 16s
Family and Friends (4 people) £40

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Wishing you all a lovely weekend. 

TOGETHER WE SOAR!