'Good Things Take Time'
Head of School Autumn 2 Newsletter 2018
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to you all! I hope the half term break provided a much-earned break?!
Our first half term seems to have whizzed by and already we find ourselves preparing for the Christmas festivities. But, before we do, let's take a brief look back on some of the successes from the Autumn Term 1...
Curriculum Beginnings
- Class 1 - 'Bears, Bear's Everywhere' created an ideal stimulus and class theme for the children as they enjoyed numerous practical opportunities. Bear hunts, Forest Schools 'Winnie the Pooh' houses, and a 'Teddy Bear's Picnic' were some of the wonderful events experienced;
- Class 2 - 'Why should we be respectful?' enabled the children to begin learning about the different representations 'Respect' can hold. This journey to becoming a metacognitive learner culminated with an end of half term school trip to Colchester Zoo;
- Class 3 - 'What did the Romans do for us?' enabled the children of Year 4 and 5 to become immersed in the historical aspect of the curriculum. Researching skills have been a major focus for this term as the children begin preparing for an end of term Roman Farmer's Market;
- Class 4 - 'Why are video games so addictive?' began with a memorable trip to Bawdsey Manor as the children of Year 6 got to experience a 5-day residential trip. Immersion back in the classroom involved using: the game Minecraft to engage the literacy curriculum; google classroom to learn how to 'flip the learning', Forest Schools to begin fashioning their own gaming product out of wood and Chromebook research skills to learn about key technological advancements since the 20th century.
This term has also seen an array of whole school events and wider curriculum opportunities, which have all contributed to the community spirit of Haughley, Crawford's:
- Collective Worship & Religious Education - we now enjoy bi-weekly 'Open the Book' and Pastor assemblies;
- Harvest Festival on 1st October;
- Grandparents' Assembly on 8th October;
- Raise the Flag for 'Trafalgar Day' on 19th October
New Systems
This term has seen us move to a new cashless system, School Money. We'd like to thank you all for your patience and support in what is NOT always a seamless transition. Despite a few teething issues, we are beginning to see its value and worth. Hence, please bear with us as we continue working on rolling this out.
Goodbyes
- Staff - We have goodbyes for two members of staff: Mrs. Cobbold and Mrs. Brett who worked for the school as TAs. We'd like to say thank you to them for their service with the school over the past few years and we wish them well for the future!
- PTFA - We would like to say farewell and thank you to Sarah Chukwu and Jess Boy for their continual commitment to the PTFA. Both have been hugely responsible for their countless successful PTFA events and they will be missed by many. Welcomes are also in order as Donna Mayhew and Anita Donovan join the already committed team. I'd also like to announce that Rhiannon Shave will be taking on the role of PTFA secretary whilst Anita Donovan will become the new Chair.
Moving forward, I'd already like to thank the new crop of PTFA members for sharing their commitment, dedication, and positivity; this is exactly what the school needs and I very much look forward to working with the team to enrich the children's future opportunities and experiences.
Please see our dedicated PTFA committee:
Rhiannon Shave - Secretary
Anita Donovan - Chair
Tawona Johnson - Member
Kate Miles - Member
Melissa Heyns - Member
Riky Roberts - Member
Carly Banthorp - Member
Donna Mayhew - Member
We could always do with new members so please don't hesitate to contact any of the team to get involved.
Moving Forward - I'd like to thank you all for your continuous support. As each day passes I feel the school and community become stronger and more united. There is much still on the horizon but I am always mindful: 'Good Things Take Time.'
Yours Sincerely,
Mr. Francksen
Autumn Term 1 - Learning in Action...
Bawdsey Manor - Year 6 Residential Trip
The new crop! Reception 2018
We're going on a Bear Hunt - Class 1
We're going on a Bear Hunt...
We're going to catch a big one...
What a beautiful day, we're not scared!
Class 1 get creative
Class 3 begin a Roman timeline
Year 6 gamers
Easy Fundraising
Easy fundraising
On the subject of Christmas and with Christmas shopping not too far away, this is a reminder or an introduction for some of the ongoing PTFA fundraising via your online shopping through easyfundraising.org.uk.
You access over 2,700 retailers through this website such as Amazon, Argos, ebay, Sports Direct and Asda. Tesco is also included so when you re-order school uniform please use this website so the school receives cashback. It's really easy to use and set-up.
Go to easyfundraising.org.uk first and create a user account, selecting Haughley Crawfords PTA as your good cause. You access your usual online retailer's website from the easyfundraising website and every time you shop the school will receive cashback. You don't pay any extra and the retailer's website is exactly the same as usual with the cashback benefits going to the school.
Notices
- Data Collection 2018 - in September data collection forms were sent out via google forms. WE ARE STILL TRYING TO CHASE PARENTS WHO HAVE NOT COMPLETED THESE! Please complete the link below because we urgently need all the correct details to safeguard your child(ren).
- Gate for school clubs - please be aware, from 3.20pm, the back gate is closed therefore access to the school, for after-school club pick-ups, will be via the front gate.
- Uniform - please can I remind everyone that school uniform is to be worn consistently, especially school shoes, and it is important that children are encouraged to look after their belongings. The school does not adopt a lost-property system, therefore belongings are to be checked daily. Those without the correct footwear (unless notified) will be issued with plimsoles to wear.
- Bikes and scooters - we have now moved the bike and scooter rack to the front garden for easier access. Please, can I ask all parents, carers, family, and children that NO biking or scootering takes place within the school grounds?!
- Drop-off and pick-up arrangements - we are still using the back gate for drop-off and pick-up arrangements; please can I just remind you that staff has to close the gate at 8.45 sharp (as they are required in school immediately) therefore the front of the school will need to be used after this time. If any of your pick-up details have changed please inform the school office immediately.
- Lunch boxes - please can I ask that the children's lunch boxes are regularly checked and taken home at weekends and during holiday times. We have been experiencing lots of left behind items, in particular, lunch boxes, where stale and rotten food is present in the school.
WELLBEING
I am therefore pleased to announce that, just before the end of the last term, both the staff and I met with Ceri Renouf (Primary Mental Health Worker) to discuss how we can better advise, share information and support your children.
Below, I have attached several links, which provide guidance and support with numerous facets of mental health. The first link included provides specific details about the Suffolk Emotional Wellbeing Hub. This is a new service, which enables anyone to make referrals about children of concern. This could and would likely include children that may be suffering from anxiety, stress or who may be experiencing obsessive behaviours.
As part of the Wellbeing Hub, parents and members of the community will also have the opportunity to learn more via a range of webinar courses.
Moving forward, as a school, we will be meeting with Ceri to discuss our children and the support that they may benefit from.
Finally, I am delighted to inform you that, for our first parents' evening of the term (Tuesday 20th November 3.30-5.30 pm), Ceri will be present and available to speak with anyone who wishes to find out, first hand, what this service can provide.
Safeguarding Guidance/ Updates
Diary Dates
Friday 9th November - Remembrance Day School Event
Monday 5th November - Church Assembly
Monday 12th November - Reception Open Morning (9.00-10.15 am)
Tuesday 20th November - Parents' Evening Early (3.30-5.30 pm)
Tuesday 27th November - Parents' Evening Late (5.30 - 7.30 pm)
Monday 3rd December - Church Assembly
Tuesday 4th December - School Dentist Visit
Monday 10th December - Class 3 Guitar Concert - TBC
Thursday 13th December - Nativity AM - TBC
Friday 14th December - Nativity PM - TBC
Tuesday 18th December - Last Day of Term for School Children
Wednesday 19th - Staff PD Day
Remembrance 2018 - 100 YEARS!
Remembrance Church Assembly
Parents, carers, and members of the community, we invite you to our whole school Remembrance Assembly where we will celebrate and commemorate together, 100 years since the end of WW1.
Friday, Nov 9, 2018, 11:00 AM
Haughley, Stowmarket IP14 3QZ, UK
PTFA
Update from your PTFA
It is our intention to provide regular updates here going forward on our upcoming events, projects and what those fantastic funds raised from your support are being spent on!
We are certainly busy towards the end of the year and more information on various events will follow, however, coming up we have the following;
- Remembrance assembly - Here judging and displaying of all entrants to the poppy craft will take place. Don't forget it's only 50p to enter and these need to be handed to the school office (clearly named) by Wednesday 7th November.
- Haughley lights switch on - Friday 7th December 5.30pm onwards (tree switch on at 7 pm) There will be the opportunity for children to sing with the Haughley choir at 5.35pm. Don't forget to save those jam jars for the sweet jambola!
- Christmas dinner and Christmas jumper day- TBC - we may have a surprise visitor...watch this space!
- Christmas decoration competition- The PTFA will be running a free to enter decoration competition, with a small thank you gift for each entrant and the winner being presented with a small prize at the Nativity after (being judged by Revd Brin).
- Nativity - The PTFA will be serving, tea and cakes and selling tickets to the ever-popular Christmas raffle amongst other things. Thursday 13th December - Nativity AM - TBC
Friday 14th December - Nativity PM - TBC.
We look forward to seeing you then and thank you for your continued support.
Your PTFA
About Us
Email: admin@crawfordsprimary.suffolk.sch.uk
Website: http://crawfords.schools.uk.com/
Location: Haughley, Stowmarket IP14 3QZ, UK
Phone: 01449 673253
Twitter: @CrawfordsPSchl