Newsletters

Newsletter - 20th November 2020

Dear Parents,

This morning's assembly spoke about the importance of using responsibility wisely, which tied in neatly with handing out the last of the Year 6 responsibilities. I was also pleased to be able to present a number of Year 6 pupils with certificates for their strong performance in the Primary Maths Challenge. Year 4 can also boast of a good week, mathematically - well done everyone.

This weekend we will see how our strong academic performance compares to other schools in the Sunday Times Parent Power List - an annual publication of top performing schools. Last year we were delighted to be ranked 15th, so I hope we have maintained our position this year. Do buy the paper on Sunday to see how well the teachers and children have done.

Faith Ambassadors

This week our Faith Ambassadors planted bulbs around our Invisible Tommy as part of the month of Remembrance. There is also some beautiful artwork displayed around the school along the theme of Remembrance.

Maths Superstars

We've had a strong week for maths across the school with results in for the Times Table Competition and the Primary Maths Challenge.

Mrs Skorupska was really pleased that so many people competed in the Times Table Challenge - "A big thank you to all of those who competed in the Times Table Competition for Maths Week England during last week. The Final results are in and Trans G came top in school after a very hard fought battle with Trans M in 2^nd and UTK in 3^rd. For individual scores Trans were again triumphant with Hailee in 1^st place with an amazing 22,222 points with Oscar in 2^nd and Tilak in 3^rd place. The secret of Times Table success is practise, practise and practise!"

Going for gold

In last week's newsletter we reported that Year 6 had taken part in The Primary Maths Challenge. We're pleased to report that the results are in and they're very impressive! There were 8 Gold, 5 Silver and 3 Bronze certificates awarded for some very high scores. We will find out in February how many of our children are invited to take part in the bonus round, but a very well done to everyone, Mrs Bowen is delighted.

Snack and Chat

This week has seen the first meeting of the Snack and Chat club in Year 4. The club meets at lunch time and is being trialled by Year 4 with a view to extending it out throughout the school. 2020 has been a challenging year and Snack and Chat, introduced by Miss Mehta, provides our pupils with the opportunity to come together to talk about any worries and anxieties they might have - or to just have fun.

The Love of Latin

The Year 6 children have had their first Latin lesson today.

A solid grounding in an ancient language provides a foundation for understanding how languages function and can provide particular insight into languages such as Spanish, French and Portuguese.

With Latin, the emphasis is less on conversational language and more about the study of the written language alongside developing an appreciation of classical civilisations.

With around 50 per cent of the English language stemming from Latin roots, there are rich opportunities for exploring etymology across many subject disciplines. For example, in science the term "vibrate" derives from the Latin "vibrare", which, of course, can help to clarify the meaning of the term "vibrato" in music. When we read a description of a “vibrant city” we might then conjure up an image of a place pulsating with energy and life.

The children have really embraced today’s lesson with enthusiasm, which brings to mind the Latin proverb “audentes fortuna iuvat” or more simply put, fortune favours the bold.

Walk For Sean

“While my heart beats, I have to do what I think I can do – and that is to help those that are less fortunate”
(Sean Devereux, 1964 – 1993)

Year 4 have been learning about Sean Devereux, a man who dedicated his adult life to educating and supporting children in Africa, specifically Liberia. Sean Devereux was assassinated in Somalia in 1993, whilst engaged on a UNICEF food distribution programmme, but his family continue to fundraise in his name. Next Friday 27th November, our pupils will be taking part in the Walk For Sean 2020 event. We will send a letter out via Parentmail with details of how to sponsor.

Date for your Diary: Wednesday 25th November 7:30pm - Protecting your Children Online - A Zoom meeting with Mrs Rafferty on Online Safety. Log on details available on the Parent Portal on the school website.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Yours sincerely,

Mr N Cheesman