Newsletter26 November Newsletter

Dear Parents/Carers,

What a great day we had on Friday for Children in Need. It really was special. I was so proud of all of St Paul’s for their dancing at the end of the day and many thanks to Miss Magee for making this happen. It was a day that will stick in my memory for a long time and whilst the final count is continuing, we should be very close to if not exceeding £2000 raised. Well done to Mrs Brazier and the staff at St. Paul’s for all their hard work making it happen.

The Book Bus and the Reading Hut are taking shape with just the last-minute touches needed. We certainly intend to be open in January with a whole school reading event. Miss Atkinson will be in touch shortly with more information on what we have planned and how you can get involved. We are really pleased with how the whole area has turned out, and the children are very excited about starting to use all of the facilities.

Thank you for all your kind donations for today’s non-uniform day. Friends of ST. Paul’s will be busy creating the Hampers for the Christmas Raffle. Don’t forget to buy your raffle tickets. You’ve got to be in it to win it.

– Mr Thornton, Head Teacher

 

Religious value of the week

During Collective Worship we have explored stories from different faiths as part of Interfaith Week. The aim of Interfaith week is to increase awareness and understanding of different faiths and beliefs and celebrate diversity. Using stories to explore faith and belief has allowed our children to be introduced to new concepts or reinforce previously taught concepts in an imaginative yet engaging manner.

For example The Proudest Blue by lbtihaj Muhammad, is a wonderful book which explores a young Muslim girl wearing a hijab to school for the first time and the reactions she faces from others. Through the story we have been able to explore diversity and acceptance.

Religious value to be explored next is ‘Trust’.

‘My God is my strength in whom I trust.’
Psalm18.2

 

‘Star of the Week’ Awards

Last Friday’s assembly (19/11) awards were given to the following children: – Amia, Logan, Casey, Harry, Rydan, Stanley, Alice and Frankie.

At today’s assembly, the following children received their award:- Emmie, Mark, Lynne, Cameron, Aubrey, Thea, Sienna and Hannah.

 

Reading

With Christmas coming soon, many parents have asked if there are any books we would recommend for you to add to the Christmas lists. A really useful website is:
booksfortopics.com/gift-guides. They have book gift guides for each age range which you can use to help you choose appropriate stories for bed time or just in general! Books are great stocking fillings or send the gift guide to family and friends for ideas!

 

Attendance

Attendance up to the 25th November 2021 is 93.67%. The school target is 97%.

Could we please remind you that children must be in school by 8.55 am. School gates open at 8. 30 am and class doors open from 8.45am to 8.55 am for Reception through to Year 6.

Please ensure your children arrive on time for school. Increasingly more and more children are late into their classrooms and this impacts not only on your child’s learning, but all the other children in that class and the staff teaching the class.

Children who are late for the gate and come in via the Office, will be signed in on our inventory system and then that will go down as a late mark. If your child is more than 15 minutes late, then this is classed as an unauthorised absence from school and will impact on their attendance.

 

Staff Book Choice

My favourite book growing up would probably have to be Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling. This was one of the only books that I could read 1000 times over without getting bored. I loved how magical it is and the description within it allowed me to vividly imagine what life at Hogwarts would have been like! I loved the characters and fondly remember reading it with my mum when I was younger. It really helped to develop my love of reading. I would definitely recommend this book, as well as any of the other Harry Potter ones in the series!

 

Reception

Some of the children in Reception have been exploring forest school and learning the rules of forest school. They made dens and found some interesting wild life. We have been learning all about the Hindu festival of Diwali and made Diva’s as we learnt it is a celebration of light. We did lots of poppy art work wrote poppy poems and reflected on what the poppy represents.

 

Nursery

Last week in nursery we learnt all about Remembrance Day. To help us remember all the soldiers who died in the wars, we made poppies with paint and sponges.

 

Reception

Reception have started their Autumn 2 topic – celebrations. We have been learning all about why people celebrate bonfire night and have learnt all about Guy Fawkes.

We have made firework pictures and rockets using different materials.

 

Year 1

In Year 1 we have continued to explore our topic- ‘Who are our neighbours’ and are currently making comparisons between human and physical features of villages, towns, cities, rural and coastal areas. We have also looked at the type of housing in our local area and the jobs that people may have.

In Art we have been exploring primary and secondary colours and how to add shade and tint and how it can change the mood and effect of the picture. We will also this week be looking at the artist Piet Mondrian who is a very famous artist that only uses primary colours in his work.

We are excited to announce that we have begun work on our new Christmas nativity ‘I’m Gonna Shine!’ Listen out for the lovely songs at home!

 

Year 2

In year 2 this week we have been learning all about money in Maths. We have learned all the names of the coins and notes we can get in the UK and used some problem solving skills to add up different amounts and show a value with different combinations of coins too. Our topic this half term is all about Geography of the UK and we have learned facts about England and Scotland’s patron saints, national animal, foods, cultural traditions and capital cities. We have also looked at human and physical features of the country and we are going to do this for Wales and Northern Ireland too! In Science, we explored the school grounds for microhabitats and discovered why mini-beasts like to live there, thinking about the life processes. Wow, what a week in year 2! We have also started learning our songs for the upcoming Nativity so you may hear us singing away and dancing in the lead up to our performance

 

Year 3

So far this half term, year 3 have been looking at forces and magnets during Science. They have completed different experiments to see what is magnetic and what isn’t and to see if different magnets are different strengths. During music the children have been learning how to play the glockenspiel, and how different keys play different notes. All of the children thoroughly enjoy their French lessons and the last week have been learning how to say different colour names.

 

Year4

So far this half term, year 4 have got off to a flying start with their Topic: What if you had to choose Athens or Sparta? These last couple of weeks we have looked in depth at the life of the Athenians and Spartans, debating which city state we would have preferred to live based on the education, jobs and rights of the citizens. We have also learnt about the beginnings of democracy and how that has fed into modern society as one of our British values. We continue to read (and thoroughly enjoy!) Who Let The Gods Out by Maz Evans. Perhaps a Christmas present for your child could be the books that continue to follow Elliot’s journey after this first story?!

 

Year 5

In year 5 we have continued to develop our knowledge and understanding of the Vikings. We have looked at where the Vikings came from and why they left Scandinavia. In addition, we have identified places in England that they raided and why. Over the last few weeks, we have been looking at the text Arthur and the golden rope. The pupils have had the chance to get to know the text really well and produce story maps of Arthur’s journey. They have then used this information to create newspaper articles about the events

 

Year6

Year 6 are having ‘fun’ getting stuck into fractions. We are learning how to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers. In topic, we are learning about the different types of governments around the world and thinking about issues which people in Nuneaton and England are concerned about – we will be writing to our local MP. We will also learn about elections, political parties and manifestos. Our RE work involves us interpreting Jesus’ parables. In science we getting all ‘charged up’ about investigating circuits.

Looking forward to Christmas, we will be preparing for our virtual performance of ‘Brian The Christmas Tree’: learning lines, practising songs, and making props and costumes.

 

Fire Safety Competition

Good news to report! Several of our pupils took part in Warwickshire Fire and Safety Service’s fire safety calendar competition and we are pleased to announce that we had two winners from within school. Their work will be included in the calendar and posted online. Well done to Theo, Ella & Felicity for their winning entries and everyone else for taking part.

 

Plea from St Paul’s Church

Could you volunteer once a month or more at the thriving stay ft play sessions. Held at St Paul’s Church on a Thursday morning, it is term time only. Interested volunteers should contact Sue West on 02476 395 490.

 

Outside Equipment/ Areas

Please can you ensure that children do not play/climb on any of the outside equipment out of school hours. Also can you please ensure children do not play in our newly refurbished woodland areas, Forest School AS THIS IS NOT A PLAY AREA. Should there be an accident, school will not be liable, it will be parental responsibility.

 

School Photographs

Photographs were taken on Wednesday. Your child would have come home with an ID Card, this will allow you to go on to the website of Aperture and view your child’s photo, order and pay for prints. Photographs will be delivered into school before Christmas. If your child was absent from school, the catch-up date is in January and you will be notified.

 

Parking Outside Of School

Please see below a letter we have received from a local councillor. Please can we remind
parents/carers to be considerate when parking up to collect your child.

‘I am the local County councillor for the area and I’ve just had a call with a resident regarding the perennial problem of parking around school. Mrs N lives on a cul-de-sac on Wyclif Way, close to the school. She is a frail, elderly, disabled person who has carers in each morning. She has a drive at her property, but due to inconsiderate parking by those dropping off at school, this is routinely blocked and the parking is in fact so bad that the carers cannot get their vehicles into the cul-de-sac at all. This is quite obviously a concern, should emergency vehicles require access.

I appreciate this is a difficult issue to resolve, but can I ask you to reiterate to parents the need for considerate parking in the area and the impact this has on residents. I will also let our local police SNT officers know, so perhaps they can conduct parking checks in the mornings in this area. I appreciate the school’s help in promoting this message.’

– Cllr Mandy Tromans, Borough ft County Councillor – Galley Common

 

Sports

Footgolf Competition Last Friday some year 5 and 6 pupils took part in a Footgolf competition at the Pingles and came 2nd, they competed against other schools in the area and had a brilliant time.

Bethany – ‘I was much better at it than I thought I would be. Some of the holes I got in 2 shots!!!’
Evie-Mae – ‘I liked the fact that we could practice first, as it gave me a better idea of the course and how hard to kick.’
Lainey – ‘I impressed myself with how well I did. I liked the fact it was more about taking part than winning.’
Jude – ‘I enjoyed the challenge of the variety of holes, some were far harder than others. I’d like to go back to the Pingles and challenge my family to a round of Footgolf.’
Bobby – ‘I enjoyed representing the school and I tried my hardest to beat Jude!’

 

Indoor Rowing Competition

This year we participated in the School Games Indoor Rowing competition for the first time. We competed against 6 other schools and were delighted to come 2nd overall. The children were amazing and gave everything they had got to do their very best.

Bella – ‘It was exhausting, weirdly harder at the start than the end. It really helped having friends cheering you on.’
Millie – ‘I was determined to at least match my friend’s distance – we all smashed over 310 metres in a minute and a half!’
A – ‘The relay was a fun challenge. Everyone was screaming and cheering and the change- over bits were frantic. In 4 minutes we managed to row 2078 metres and that included the change-over!’
A – ‘We all felt happy, surprised and proud to come 2nd and win a medal!’
Ella – ‘My favourite bit was the victory disco on the mini-bus back!’

 

Dodgeball

On Monday the 22nd November we attended a dodgeball event at Queen Elizabeth School. It was organised by School Games and was superbly run by the Sports Leaders from QE. We had a great time playing against schools from the local area. All schools were judged against the School Games values of: teamwork, respect and honesty and we were delighted that we came 1 st.

Isabel: ‘I really enjoyed playing as part of a team.’ Alessia: ‘I learned that being honest and working as part of a team was really important to be successful. ‘
Mirsat: ‘The event helped me to realise the importance of rules in sport and I enjoyed it as it was something that I had never done before.’
Marino: ‘It gave me the opportunity to show respect to my teammates and the opposition. I enjoyed it more than anything in my life and I never thought I’d get a gold medal!’
Emma: ‘I never realised how much fun dodgeball is! I’d like to play again!’
Evelyn: ‘I was so happy to be chosen for the event and I loved it. When they said we had won I couldn’t believe it!’
Lexi: ‘I enjoyed taking part in sport with my friends, I now want to try different sports and see what’s out there.’

 

Sports Club Update

This week the children have been looking at the different skills that each chosen sport requires and practicing those skills.

Multi Sports – The children focused on catching and throwing.
Football – There was a focus on passing and moving with the football but with defenders making the drills slightly more difficult.
Hockey – The focus was on longer passing around the pitch and picking out players in space.
Handball – Game based scenarios where skills learnt previously are put into the game environment. Basketball – Using the various basketball hoops, the children were practicing different types of shooting techniques, the free throw and lay-up shots.
Dodgeball – Making sure that you are aware of your surroundings so that you do not get hit by the ball. Focusing on looking forward, not turning you back, dodging and weaving.
Children who have stood out this week are;
Multi sports – Leightan – For helping others understand the games.
Football – Mason – Determination and not giving up when losing the ball.
Hockey – Phoebe – For adapting to hockey after starting later in the term.
Handball – Jesse – For good movement around the court.
Basketball – Ethan H- For working hard and believing in himself.
Dodgeball – Evan – Good use of tactics and evading the ball.
Football – Ethan C – Composure on the ball and taking control of the game.

 

Everything for Christmas

• Wednesday 8th December – Christmas Dinner Day
• Thursday 9th December – Digital pantomime (Years 1-5 within school time)
• 1st, 3rd, 9th & 13th December – Year 6 visit to the Belgrade Theatre to see a Pantomime (within school time)
• Friday 10th December – Christmas Jumper day
• Tuesday 14th December – Magician – Nursery/Reception (within school time)

 

Christmas Productions: Live Performances

Friday 10th December – Nursery – Christmas Singalong Extravaganza – 10 am or 2 pm

Monday 13th December – Reception – A Child Is Born

10 am Class Oak: Parents/Carers of Class Oak only
2 pm Class Bay: Parents/Carers of Class Bay only

Tuesday 14th December – Year 1 – I’m Gonna Shine
9.30 am Class Hazel: Parents/Carers of Class Hazel only
2 pm Class Ash: Parents/Carers of Class Ash only

Wednesday 15th December – Year 2 – I’m Gonna Shine
9.30 am Class Willow: Parents/Carers of Class Willow only
2 pm Class Maple: Parents/Carers of Class Maple only

Seats will be socially distanced in the hall for approximately 60 parents/carers for each performance, therefore please ensure only 2 adults per child attend and PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU ONLY ATTEND THE PERFORMANCE FOR YOUR CHILD’S CLASS. Unfortunately, due to circumstances and space, we cannot allow any younger siblings into the performances. Please wear a mask in school and take a lateral flow test that morning – thank you.

Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 – There will be no live performance, productions will be recorded and sent via Class Dojo.

 

Christmas Disco

On Thursday 16th December we will be holding a Christmas Disco in school for your children at the following times :

• Years 1 &: 2: 3 – 4pm (children can come into school ‘dress to impress’ in their disco clothes)
• Years 3 ft 4: 4.30pm – 5.30pm • Years 5 &: 6: 6pm – 7pm
• Admission £1 (payable on entry and includes a drink and a packet of crisps). Children can also buy 2 glow sticks for 50p and have a glitter tattoo for 50p.

 

Santa’s Grotto

Children have the opportunity to visit Santa. We would appreciate if you could visit on the following days:

Reception and siblings: Wednesday 8th December – 3.15 – 4.30pm
Years 1, 2 and siblings:  Thursday 9th December – 3.15 – 4.30pm
Nursery, Year 5 &: 6 and siblings: Friday 10th December – 3.15 – 4.30pm

At a cost of £1.50 (payable to the Elves on entry and includes a gift from Santa)

 

Christmas Raffle

Sadly, we had to cancel our Christmas Fayre, but you have all kindly been donating items towards the hampers, which are being made up for the raffle – this will take place within the next 2 weeks. Friends of St Paul’s would like to thank those parents/carers who have helped with the wrapping up of gifts.

 

Accident Reporting

The school continues to use an on-line system for the recording of accidents and parents will receive an e-mail notification of any minor accident such as a small bump, cut or graze. When our first aiders consider the injury may require further medical care by a GP or Hospital or is a head injury, then our policy is to call the priority contact by telephone. Please ensure the school has all up to date phone numbers and an email address.

 

School Dinners

The new menu from Educaterers is now up and running and proving very popular. Meals Cost £2.25 per day and remember if your child is in Foundation or KS1 they are free. Menus are available on the School website and from the office.

 

Absence

Could we remind parents that all Illness’s need to be reported/updated daily. This can be via text or answerphone message.

As per Public Health England guidelines, if your child has sickness, Diarrhoea or both, they must remain off school for 48hrs from the last episode.

You must complete a holiday request form if you wish to take your child out of school during term time, available from the school office.

 

ParentPay

Could we remind Parents/Carers that when paying via ParentPay, please can you not pay via Bank Transfer, as this process takes up to 15 days and your account will remain ‘Pending’ Please pay via “Visa/Debit” or “Other Method.”

 

Twitter

For up to date photos, links and information on what your children are doing and learning at St. Paul’s every day, follow us at: twitter.com

 

Cold Weather

Please be reminded that children need to be sent to school with coats now that the weather is getting colder. As well as Lunch and Break times children still continue to have outdoor P.E.

 

Free School Meals

Pupils in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are automatically eligible for a free school dinner under the Universal Free School Meals initiative launched by the government a few years ago but some parents may not realise that unless you apply for Free School Meals through the Local Authority, the school will receive additional funding that can help support your child.

Whether your child is in receipt of a universal school dinner (Reception, Year 1 or Year 2) or in Nursery, Years 3-6, if you are in receipt of any of the below benefits, please phone free schools meals on 01926 359189.

• income support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• income-related employment and support allowance (ESA)
• guarantee element of state pension credit
• Universal Credit (with an annual income of less than £7,400)
• Both income-based and contribution-based JSA/ESA if you receive the same amount for both. You should also qualify if you receive both, but the income-based amount is greater, but not if the contribution-based amount is greater.
• Families who are awarded Child Tax Credit and have an annual income assessed by HMRC to be no more than £16,190, providing there is no entitlement to Working Tax Credit (unless in respect of a 4-week ‘run-on’).

When eligibility has been confirmed by the school, you will receive a £25.00 uniform voucher per child.

 

Dates for your Diary 2021 – 2022

• Wednesday 8th December : School Christmas Dinner
• Friday 10th December : Christmas Jumper day
• Friday 10th December : Nursery – ‘Christmas Sing Along Extravaganza’
• Monday 13th December : Class Oak – ‘A Child Is Born’ – 10 am
• Monday 13th December: Class Bay – ‘A Child Is Born’ – 2 pm
• Tuesday 14th December: Class Hazel – ‘I’m Gonna Shine’ – 9.30 am
• Tuesday 14th December : Class Ash – ‘I’m Gonna Shine’ – 2 pm
• Tuesday 14th December: Class Bay Christmas Sing for Grandparents at The Piv 10 am
• Wednesday 15th December: Family Day, Class Oak (9-10.30 am)
• Wednesday 15th December : Family Day, Class Bay (1-2.30 pm)
• Wednesday 15th December: Class Willow – ‘I’m Gonna Shine’ – 9.30 am
• Wednesday 15th December : Class Maple – ‘I’m Gonna Shine’ – 2 pm
• Thursday 16th December : Class Oak Christmas Sing for Grandparents at The Piv 10 am
• Thursday 16th December: Family Day, Nursery ( 9-10.30 am)
• Thursday 16th December: Christmas Discos (Year 1 – Year 6)
• Friday 17th December: Children at Church : AM – KS2 & PM – EYFS/KS1
• Friday 17th December: Toy Day
• Friday 17th December : School breaks up for Christmas
• Monday 20th December – Monday Jrd January : Christmas Holiday
• Tuesday 4th January : Inset Day • Wednesday 5th January : School Re-opens
• Friday 18th February : School breaks up for Half Term
• Monday 21st February – Friday 25th February : Half Term
• Monday 28th February : School Re-opens
• Monday 4th April – Wednesday 6th April : Year 4 PGL Residential Trip
• Thursday 7th April : School breaks up for Easter
• Friday 8th April : Inset Day
• Monday 11th April – Friday 22nd April : Easter Holiday
• Monday 25th April : School Re-opens
• Monday 2nd May : Bank Holiday
• Monday 9th May – Wednesday 11th May: Year 5 Castleton Residential Trip
• Friday 13th May – Monday 16th May: Year 6 Manor Adventure Residential Trip
• Friday 27th May – School breaks up for Half Term
• Monday 30th May – Friday 3rd June : Half Term
• Monday 6th June : School Re-opens
• Wednesday 6th July : Induction Day
• Wednesday 20th July : Break up for Summer Holidays
• Thursday 2pt July : Inset Day
• Friday 22nd July : Queen’s Jubilee (extra day given to schools)