Newsletters

July 2021

NEWSLETTER | JULY 2021

HEADTEACHER'S MESSAGE

We heard this week that the bubble system will hopefully be no more from September which is wonderful to hear. It is very important we get back to feeling like a 'whole community' as soon as possible. The bubble system has had its benefits as already stated before. However, it has also reduced the ability for friends in different year groups to interact with one another, and we look forward to moving on from this period.

Unfortunately, we have some pupils at home at the moment and I expect the proportion of schools in the same situation to rocket in the next week. It is frustrating at such an important time in the school year, and we look forward to the new system for isolation from August 16th.

This week we've had a mini-arts festival which was organised by Into Opera - the organisation we will be working with on an arts project over the next two years. The children thought the sessions were excellent and there was a lot of enjoyment across the school.

I was out with Year 3 at Holme Dunes on Monday and as it was lovely to get out enjoying our lovely county with the children. The benefit of trips like this is always clear to see and the children really benefit from 'bringing the curriculum to life'.

Lastly, the year 6 children have begun their performances of Bugsy Malone to parents and carers. There is something quite special about performing outside and massive praise goes to the staff and children involved.

Have a lovely weekend. I suspect punctuality may not be the best it's ever been on Monday morning! Please do not worry if they are slightly late - we'd rather they were in school!

Kind regards

Matt Walton, Headteacher

Year 6 - Bugsy Malone

Year 6 have begun their performances of Bugsy Malone, and we have unearthed some fantastic stars! It's wonderful to see all the year group involved and the children have absolutely loved the whole process and learnt their lines fantastically.

Into Opera Arts Festival

On Tuesday, we welcomed dancer Natasha Khamjani (Choreographer) into school to run some dance sessions for all the children. She really engaged them all and the feedback was very positive:

Rubie (Yr 6) - I enjoyed the session, especially when we got to make up new dances

Sophie (Yr 6) - I thought it was cool because it was enjoyable and everybody had fun

On Wednesday, Lizzie Jones, Opera Singer, performed for Year 3 & 4 as they ate their lunch as well as 'popping up' around the school surprising the children - some faces were a picture!

On Wednesday afternoon the children were also involved in some singing sessions outside with Patrick Barrett (Vocal Director). The children joined in superbly with the activities.

PE Days

Just a reminder that we are having two days next year when children will be asked to come into school in PE kit. We will be going back to a strict uniform and would ask that everyone reads the letter sent home recently. We hope the new logo navy t-shirt for PE will be on the Price & Buckland website shortly.

New Classes

You will see the new class details below. Every year we consider whether to keep classes the same or mix them up. If we decide to mix a year group, there will always be a good educational reason for doing so.

3W are moving to Mr Ingham (4I)

3F are moving to Mrs Pearce (4P)

4P are moving to Mr Brown (5B)

4I are moving to Mrs Heed/Mrs Harrison (5H)

5B are moving to Miss Watts (6W)

5H are moving to Mr Reeds (6R)

Extended Half-term, May 2022

Due to the double bank holiday falling in May half term next year, we are able to announce an extra day of school holiday. Along with the Infant School, we have chosen Friday, May 27th, 2022 which leads into the half-term week off.

Diary Dates - July

School Reports sent home

All Day

July

Big Sing

The Big Sing is a nationwide event run by the Music Hub. This year, the Norfolk Music Hub invited us to join the Virtual Big Sing. Children learnt 9 songs to sing for the event. It was great to hear singing around the school again, and the excitement for music and singing is slowly building in school after restrictions have allowed us to sing again. The event itself was excellent! Children watched 9 artists perform live via a live YouTube stream, and sang along with the songs. The children were excited to sing along with some famous faces; Nathan Evans, Professor Green and Becky Hill to name a few. There was a real buzz around school during and after the event which goes to show the positive impact singing can have on mental health. Singing and musical theatre club returns in September after an 18 month absence. I am excited to get singing again with the children.

Stephen Brown

Music Coordinator

Year 3 visit to Holme Dunes

Year 3 enjoyed a brilliant visit to Holme Dunes this week. They took part in a habitat trail, some environmental games and they created some beach art too. Here are a few comments about the trip:

Caleb: I enjoyed the habitat walk the most because I really like nature and animals.

Leo: I liked it when we saw a pigeon egg that had fallen from a tree.

Morgan: I enjoyed the nature trail because I enjoy learning all about it.

Ava-Mai: I enjoyed the games we played on the beach.

Homework Policy

Thank you for all the responses to the homework policy questionnaire. We had 45 responses.

86% felt that the right homework amount is set with 9% feeling there was too much and 5% feeling there is too little.

Maths (31 votes), Spelling (28 votes) and Reading (27 votes) were felt to be the main areas that parents feel homework should be set in. Homework supporting other areas like geography or science received 22 votes.

Most comments from parents & carers stated that they wouldn't want to see more homework than is set currently. However, some would like to see more and others would prefer more of a mixture of subjects to motivate the children whilst some are happy if it is just maths, reading and spelling.

Some feel homework should be optional whilst others feel it is important to build stamina before high school.

Please can we thank all parents and carers who responded. All comments are always taken on board and discussed. Homework does always polarise opinion of which everyone has valid points.

After taking this all into consideration, we will be carrying on with similar levels of homework as set previously. All year groups have regular reading and spelling expectations with a range of other tasks set weekly. We will finalise the policy and share it with you in early September. We do encourage all the children to do their homework and feel it is an important part of their education, but we also work closely with families and make adjustments where needed.

Year 4 - Sports Day Results

1st - Earth (821 points)

2nd - Water (763 points)

3rd - Air (742 points)

4th - Fire (663 points)