https://www.alexandraprimaryschool.co.uk 29th November Issue No. 5
Message from the Headteacher
No Pens Day Wednesday is one of my favourite events in the school calendar and this year didn't disappoint. There were discussions, debates, presentations and creative activities all across the school as well as our Inclusion Ambassadors ensuring no writing implements were being used in their role as pen police! Developing children's spoken language skills and vocabulary is so important for success at school and beyond, we include opportunities for speaking and listening activities across the curriculum everyday but No Pens Day is extra special.
As we get closer to the end of term, we are getting excited about our upcoming Winter Fair and musical showcases, please check the dates for your child's class. I also hope you will help us raise funds for the school by bringing an item for the tombola next Friday 6th December when pupils have a non-uniform day. Details of preferred items are on the posters on the gates but any food, drink or gift item is welcome. The children will be learning right up to the last day of term so I remind you that 'every day counts' and ensure holidays are taken out of term time only.
What's been happening this week?
No Pens Day - Wednesday 27th November 2024
This Wednesday, we had an exciting time taking part in No Pens Day! The initiative encouraged everyone to put down their pens and pencils and focus on activities that promote speaking, listening, and collaboration.
Our children engaged in a wide range of interactive and creative tasks designed to develop their communication skills in a fun way. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the day. A special mention goes to our Pen Police, who ensured that everyone stuck to the rules!
Thank you to everyone who supported and participated in making the day such a success!
Year 4 Design and Technology
Year 4 had a fantastic time during their Design Technology lesson on No Pens Day, where they got hands-on and built cars!
The children worked collaboratively, using their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and assemble their projects. It was a brilliant example of learning through doing, without the need for pens or pencils.
Well done, Year 4, for embracing the challenge and showing such enthusiasm and teamwork!
Year 2
For No Pens Day Wednesday, Year 2 got creative and learned to use Makaton to retell the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. They also explored shapes in a fun way by making 2D shapes with their bodies - here they are forming a triangle and a square!
Anti-Bullying Poster Competition
This week during the phase assembly, we celebrated the winners of our Anti-Bullying Poster Competition. The theme, Choose Respect, inspired many creative and thoughtful designs from our children. Congratulations to these winners for their outstanding posters!
Thank you to everyone who participated in helping us spread the message of respect and kindness.
Year 2 Trip to the Cinema
Year 2 had an exciting trip to the cinema to watch Migration. The film follows a family of ducks who leave the safety of their New England pond for an adventurous journey to Jamaica. Along the way, their plans take an unexpected turn when they find themselves lost in New York City.
This heartwarming story inspired the children as the ducks learned to embrace new experiences, make new friends, and achieve more than they ever imagined possible.
Spanish lessons
This week in Spanish, children had fun playing the game 'Who is Who?' with a partner or in small groups. They practised asking questions about hair and eye colour in Spanish to identify the correct character. This was a great way to develop language skills while having fun! There were also no pens involved 😊
Y6 Espana Class Assembly
Year 6 creatively showcased their learning this week in their assembly. Through a mix of art, drama and music, they demonstrated a deep understanding of their learning around WW2.
A big well done to Espana Class for their hard work!
Year 3 Forest School
Year 3 had an exciting time at Forest School this week!
The children explored the outdoors, engaged in teamwork activities, and developed their understanding of the natural environment. Forest School provides a fantastic opportunity for our children to build confidence, develop their creativity and enhance their problem-solving skills in a hands-on, outdoor setting.
These photos show the children trying to build a bridge over the shark-infested parachute pond and the children finding clay.
Bolivia Class Assembly
Bolivia Class showcased their learning about the Stone Age in their assembly today. Through engaging drama and music, the children brought this fascinating historical period to life.
Well done to all the children in Bolivia Class for their fantastic assembly!
Year 5 Trip to the Tower of London
Last week, Year 5 enjoyed an exciting trip to the historic Tower of London! The visit brought history to life as the children explored the iconic tower, learning about its fascinating past, including tales of kings, queens and prisoners.
Highlights of the day included seeing the Crown Jewels, discovering the stories of the famous ravens and walking through the medieval Tower. The visit was a wonderful opportunity to deepen their understanding of British history.
It was an enriching and inspiring experience that our Year 5s will remember for years to come!
Exciting Science Workshop for Years 3 and 4!
Last week, Years 3 and 4 took part in a hands-on science workshop that brought their learning to life! Year 3 explored the topic of Light, participating in experiments and activities to deepen their understanding of how light behaves and interacts with the world around us. Year 4 investigated States of Matter, discovering the unique properties of solids, liquids and gases through engaging and interactive tasks.
Each session was thoughtfully designed to ensure every child had the opportunity to fully enjoy and engage with these enriching science experiences. You can see from the photos below that our children had great fun.
Art Club
Art Club got creative this week, designing and crafting their own stunning snowflakes. Using intricate patterns, they carefully cut shapes into folded paper. For an added effect, part of each snowflake was mounted on black sugar paper. The rest will be hung in their windows to decorate their homes over Christmas.
Year 1's Paddington Topic
Cuba Class had a fantastic time making marmalade sandwiches as part of our Paddington topic! The children enjoyed the hands-on activity and then wrote detailed instructions on how to make the perfect marmalade sandwich. A fun and tasty way to enhance their writing skills! 🍊🥪
Subject monitoring: Writing review
Throughout the Autumn Term, I have been reviewing how we teach Writing at Alexandra. It’s been a great opportunity to look at a variety of written work from across the school and has helped me to consider how we continue to support our children to make even more progress. We will be introducing new schemes for spelling, grammar and handwriting, which are essential building blocks for children learning to speak, write, and listen. Having sound knowledge of grammar helps your child to communicate their thoughts and feelings, and encourages them to choose the right language for any situation.
Alison Lampert
Writing Lead
Supporting your child at home
Thank you to all the parents who joined us for our recent workshop on supporting your child in maths. It was a great opportunity to enjoy a coffee together and learn how to use simple resources at home to support your child's learning. A special thank you to Mrs Kennedy, our dedicated Maths Lead, for leading the session and sharing valuable insights with us.
Mrs Kennedy shared some useful websites with parents which are listed below:
White Rose Education
https://whiteroseeducation.com/parent-pupil-resources/maths/free-downloads
TT Rockstars
BBC Bitesize
Parenting Course
We are excited to invite you to a Parenting Course focused on supporting your child’s emotional regulation. This course aims to provide practical strategies and guidance to help you support your child’s emotional well-being and build a positive home environment. The course will be led by our Mental Health Practitioner, Rebecca Ansa-Otu.
Details of the Course:
Start Date: Thursday 28th Dec
Duration: Every week for 5 weeks
Time: 9:00-10:00
Location: Our School House
This course is designed to be interactive and supportive, offering an opportunity to learn, share experiences, and ask questions in a friendly setting.
If you are interested in attending, please come along and join us next Thursday.
Attendance
At the end of last week, the whole school attendance for Years 1-6 was 93.20% - this is below our target of 96%
Well done to the following class for having the best Attendance:
UKS2 –Puerto Rico 96.28%
EVERY DAY COUNTS Primary School Attendance
Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Children learn new things at school every day –missing school puts them at a disadvantage.
Reminder to all parents
As we approach the holidays it is important to remember that family holidays during term time are not approved and count as unauthorised; request term-time leave with a form from the office.
What's on
Dental Hygiene workshops KS1 & 2 - Week beginning 2nd December
Nursery Christmas music sharing - Friday 6th Nursery (am) 11:00am (30hrs & pm) 2.30pm
Last Yr 6 swimming session - Tuesday 10th December
Chickenshed Theatre Trip Yrs 3 – 6 - Wednesday 11th December (pm)
Panto in A Day; Cinderella R -Y2 - Wednesday 11th December (pm)
Winter Fair - Thursday 12th December, at 3:30 pm
Reception Christmas show - Friday 13th Dec, at 9 am
LKS2 Christmas show (Yr 3 & 4) - Friday 13th December , at 2 pm
Christmas Dinner & Jumper Day - Tuesday 19th December
UKS2 Christmas show (Yr 5 & 6) - Thursday 19th December, 2 pm
KS1 Xmas show - Friday 20th December, at 9 am
End of Term Children Finish - Friday 20th December at 1:30 pm
Information for parents from our School Nurse
