Non-uniform day this Friday – come in your
favourite sports clothes!
Gledhow Primary School
Newsletter no. 3
Week beginning 28th September 2015
Dear Parents / Carers
It is amazing that we are already in week 4 of the Autumn half term but, when we look back, so much seems to have been undertaken and achieved. Children throughout the Nursery and school have experienced so many new things and their confidence in their achievements is already showing. Last Friday, pupils in Years 2 and 6 enjoyed a thrilling day as they worked together to build imaginative and exciting dens on the school field. Everyone loved the whole experience. Barney, from Year 2, said that it was good to work with the older children and it was his best day!
Year 1 used their senses to enjoy fun food-tasting sessions in Science. Meanwhile Year 3 pupils are beginning to sound very continental following their French lessons with Madame Stables.
This term the Year 4 classes began learning to play the ukulele and, after just a few lessons, they are able to play two chords and sing along – all at the same time! We are looking forward to their inaugural performance at the Harvest Assembly next week.
Roundhay Park Tree Trail
Year 5 began their Geography studies by walking to Roundhay Park to follow the tree trail. This was hugely successful and the children had great time learning about and identifying twelve species. Our aim is for the children to become enthusiastic environmentalists!
The new National Curriculum strongly advocates in-depth learning about our environment; what is in it, how it functions and how to preserve it. Booklets with details about the trail are available from Tropical World.
Foundation News
The morning and afternoon Reception children combined this week and are enjoying making new friends with children from all three classes. At the time of writing we have had three lunchtimes with Nursery and Reception pupils and already children are feeling comfortable about the new routines. Nursery children enjoyed being introduced to the outdoor area and had a lovely time playing in the sunshine.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the families in our Reception classes who have so kindly donated many useful things to the Syrian Refugee crisis. It all began when we discovered an old tent in the shed, which we decided to donate. This then led to a wider appeal for help and we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our families. Many thanks to all who donated gifts.
Thanks also to Mrs Lak, who has arranged for the goods to be collected and transported to a local collection point. Our collection is now over, but should you still wish to donate, there are still several collection points open across the city.
The Foundation Team
Harvest Collection and Assemblies
This year we will be holding our Harvest Assemblies on Wednesday 7th October at the following times:
Years 2, 4 and 6 at 9.45 a.m.
Years 1, 3 and 5 at 10.45 a.m.
The assemblies are held in the school hall and you are invited to come along to join our celebrations.
As in previous years, we will be collecting tinned and dry goods to donate to St George’s Crypt. Please send your harvest gifts into school on Tuesday 6th October or by the beginning of school on the 7th so that we can add them our harvest display.
The Leeds & District Junior Schools’ Maths Challenge
The Annual Leeds & District Junior Schools' Maths Challenge is here again and last week all children in Year 6 participated in the Preliminary round. Everyone worked veryhard and the 4 successful candidates, who will be competing at the Grammar School at Leeds in a few weeks, are Ella Downham, Astrid Allison, Henry Firth (6EC) and Rosie Lewis (6KW).Well done!
Tours for Prospective Parents
We are running a series of tours of the school for parents of children who will be starting school in September 2016. If you know of anyone who may be interested in joining one, please let them know that visits can be booked through the school office.
School Milk
We have made arrangements with the UK’s leading school milk supplier, Cool Milk, to supply milk at a subsidised cost of just 19p per day to all children over 5. If your child is currently under 5 they are entitled to receive free milk at school, funded by the UK Government's Nursery Milk Scheme.
If you wish your child to receive milk please visit www.coolmilk.com as soon as possible and select "Register your child for milk here", then follow the on-screen instructions to register and pay where applicable OR ask the school office for a registration form - send your completed form to Cool Milk, and they will send you a payment request if you child is over 5.
A portion of fresh, chilled milk at mid-morning break provides protein, calcium and other vital nutrients, important for your child's growth and development. It's also a great way to bridge the gap between breakfast and lunch, re-hydrating your child and helping them to concentrate in class.
Should you have any queries regarding your child's registration or milk supply in general, please do not hesitate to contact Cool Milk directly at Vicky Dalton
Election of House Captains
First of all may we congratulate eight Year 6 children on becoming this year’s House Captains/Vice Captains! The hustings were very intense and the voting very close but in the end our successful candidates were clear winners. We look forward to them leading their House to many victories!
Griffin: Grace Griffin (Captain) Ben Easton (Vice-Captain)
Pegasus: Rosa Clifford (Captain) Niamh Carroll (Vice-Captain)
Phoenix: William Drinkall (Captain) Reuben Williams (Vice-Captain)
Dragon: Abby Dodds (Captain) David Caseldine (Vice-Captain)
Black History Month – Sportswear day this Friday!
The launch of our special month of celebration is this Friday. Children are invited to come to school in their favourite sportswear as we begin to learn about Black British pioneers in the world of sport. The proceeds from voluntary contributions (50p per child is suggested) raised will be divided between The Shamirah Grant Foundation and Samba percussion equipment.
Volunteering at School
We keep a register of volunteers to help out in school. If you would like to be included on the list, please complete a volunteer form - available from the office.
Oakwood Clock Feedback Survey
Following the restoration of Oakwood Clock, we have been asked to help with feedback to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The purpose is to gain local people’s views on the restoration and next steps for the area. If you would like to help with the survey, please follow the link below.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OakwoodClock5
Dates For Your Diary
Friday 2 October Non-uniform day – Wear something Sporty
Wednesday 7 October Harvest Assemblies Years 2, 4 and 6 at 9.45 a.m. and Years 1,3 and 5 at 10.45 a.m.
Friday 9 October Meet the PSA – afternoon tea for new parents from 2.15 to 3.10 p.m. in the annexe
Monday 12 October Meet the PSA – afternoon tea for new parents from 2.15 to 3.10 p.m. in the annexe
Wednesday 14 October World Maths Day
Monday 19 October Partnership Week begins
Wednesday 21 October Parents’ Evening
Thursday 22 October Parents’ Evening
Friday 23 October Year 1 and Year 2 Nasal Flu Immunisation at 9.15 a.m. - more info later
Friday 23 October School closes for the half term holiday at 3.10 p.m.
Monday 2 November School opens for the second half term at 8.50 a.m.
Saturday 28 November Ceili at St Edmunds’ Church Hall – more information later
Thursday 3 December PSA Discos – more information later
New items are underlined
Have a good week!
Stephen Archer, Joy Burrows, Sue McCann and Louise Cleveley