The Easter Countdown
March 2024 Spring Term 2, Issue 3
'Deeply rooted in our community, growing together, we reach for the sky.'
'The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart.'
As we approach the end of term, this week promises to be our most bustling yet. Our year 6 pupils remain focused on their SATS preparation with early morning starts, whilst Thursday brings our Easter Service at the church. Additionally, we aim to wrap up this term's topics at an unprecedented pace! Adding to the excitement, students from Years 1 to 6 will embark on a journey to The Big Sing at St Edmundsbury Cathedral on Tuesday and we're all practicing the new songs with great gusto. There are now some limited parent seats at the cathedral so please contact Mrs Allman for further details if you would like to join us. To cap it all off we now have 8 new fish to take care of!
I wish you all a very restful and hopefully Spring- like Easter break.
Mrs B x
The Circus Is Coming to Bardwell!
We are anticipating an absolutely fantastic 1st week to our Summer Term with the arrival of Circus Ferrel. The children will be watching the Big Top rise on Monday 15th April on our Daisy Meadow and each class will be taking part in circus skills lessons throughout the week. The teachers are busily planning a circus filled curriculum and polishing up on their juggling skills! We'll be teaching lessons from the big top throughout the week and tickets will be on sale in school for the weekend performances. The children will have the opportunity to perform their newly acquired circus skills during the weekend shows. We'll keep you posted on times and details. Please be assured, there will be no lions!
Our Mini London Marathon
In keeping with our active outlook and inspired by Gary's endeavours, the whole school will be taking part in a Mini London Marathon - WC 29th April. Please look out for a letter from our House Captains and Eco Champions later in the week.
Lego funding
Please look out on Dojo for some strange holiday homework! We need families to spot disruption in the local area over the coming weeks. We need you to spot new houses being built, temporary traffic lights, or any road works that mean disruption for local people. We can then apply to these 'disruptive' companies for funding to support our Lego Tech fundraising. Engineering companies hold funds for social projects and if they're in our area we can apply directly to them for cash! Please also let us know if you or any family members work within the tech industries as we can tap directly into their social funds. Large companies often support STEM projects in local schools and we'd really like to help them spend their money!
Monday Mile
24.5 miles
Runners:
1ST - Chester Y5 13.00 minutes
2ND - Henley Y2 13.02 minutes
The brothers are in competition!
Change to lunch on last day of term
As a special treat and because it's (nearly) everyone's favourite, the lunch on Thursday 28th March will be fish and chips.
Welcome to Miss Wainwright
We are delighted that Miss Louise Wainwright will be joining us after Easter to become Ivy's new Class Teacher. Mr Boyd will continue to work within Ivy Class as well as working across the school to support learning. He'll also be very busy developing our outdoor learning provision, as the weather starts to warm. Lot's of very exciting projects are planned. Watch this space!
Swimming after Easter
Pupils in Y2 to Y6 will be taking part in swimming lessons at Bury St Edmunds Pool as part of their PE curriculum, throughout the Summer Term.
Lessons will take place on Thursdays and all children will need a swimming costume as well as a swim hat. The swimming organiser's guidance states, "Children must arrive on poolside suitably attired for swimming. Vertas School Swimming recommends that schools have a uniform for swimming that should require children to wear close fitting swimming costumes and swimming hats. Jewellery must not be worn or taken to the pool. Due to the nature of learning water safety, and the danger of eye injury that can be caused by collision, Vertas School Swimming recommends that goggles should not be worn. Instructors are not allowed to assist with the fitting or removal of swimming attire, loan spare hats or adjust goggles."
Therefore if your child is going to be wearing goggles, please ensure you have adjusted them to fit correctly and that your child can put them on and take them off unaided. The school takes no responsibility for any injury caused to the wearer from collision or incorrectly worn goggles.
We have a limited number of swimming hats in school, please let Mrs Allman know if you need one.
A New Library Space
Please join us in the Easter holiday for our very own DIY SOS – bring your overalls!
We are hoping for a team of parent/carer helpers that can help repaint the library area in the Hall. Please complete this Google Form if you are available. We had a poster up in the Bookworm Café during the World Book Day celebrations asking for help - thank you if you have signed up already, no need to complete the form if you did.
Y6 voicemail superstar
Our current voicemail greeting is voiced by Tommy, so if you get through to the message, that's who you'll hear.
Thanks Tommy!
Mrs Allman
Parent's Meetings
It's that time of year again. Class teachers will be seeking you out to make a 10 minute appointment to discuss your child's progress. Appointments will be both before and after the Easter Holidays and Class teachers will let you know when to book. If you are unlikely to see your child's class teacher (for example taxi users) please ring the office to make an appointment.
Trip sign-ups
If your child is in Y1 to Y6, thank you for siging them up to the Big Sing trip. If you didn't get round to it, Mrs Allman has been in contact to let you know that we have added them to the trip in order that they can take part.
Parents/guardians of Y3, Y4 and Y5 pupils have received information about the Intro to Physical Computing trip, again please log into Arbor to give your permission for this trip.
More chocolate needed! We have extended the date!
Donations needed before Wednesday please.
Have a cup of kindness on us
Our Kind Communicator cups adorning the front of school.
After School Club themes for Summer
Monday - Cooking
Tuesday - Games (board games and outdoor)
Wednesday - Coding
Thursday - Forest
As always, please provide a snack. Every club will start with the chance to play outside before starting the main activity.
We are seeking a proactive and enthusiastic Administration Assistant to work with Mrs Allman and the wider school team to use our administrative and financial systems, enabling the school to deliver and sustain educational excellence.
The role is part time and available for up to 8 hours per week, preferably worked over two mornings from 8.30am-12.30pm. The hours are negotiable for the right candidate but will not be less than 6 hours per week.
For an informal discussion, please contact Office Manager, Sarah Allman on 01359 250854, bardwell@tilian.org.uk
How to apply:
Completed application form to be returned FAO Sarah Allman, Office Manager, via email to bardwell@tilian.org.uk. We will acknowledge the receipt of all applications, please contact Mrs Allman if you do not receive this.
Please note that we will shortlist from information on the application form only, not in the covering letter or any CVs sent.
We regret that we are not able to contact any applicants that are not shortlisted for interview, so if you do not receive an invitation to interview, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Closing date: 9am, Friday 12th April
Interview date: Thursday 18th April
The selection process will consist of a friendly competency-based interview and a short practical task using Google Docs/Sheets or Microsoft Word/Excel.
For more information go to the Vacancies page on the school website.
PTA UPDATE….PTA UPDATE…PTA UPDATE….PTA UPDATE…
Gary's Marathon - Gary continues his training for his marathon - Have a look at this article in the EADT!
GO! GO! GO! Good Luck Gary and Kellie with your marathon running and raising money for some great causes!
If you would like to sponsor Gary and help raise funds for Bardwell School then please go to - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gary-newman-1
Congratulations to Amber for winning the T-shirt Design competition. This will be going to printers soon - watch out for the collage of all the amazing entries! Thank you everyone that entered for all your hard work and your amazing artwork - Bardwell are a talented lot!
We will keep you updated on Gary's training and his just giving total!
Easter Raffle - Please see the poster for further information. Raffle Tickets will be available on the last week of term in the playground and the draw will take place at the final assembly of the term (Date TBC) We would be grateful for any donations for this great Easter Bardwell event - these can be Easter themed goodies or gifts!
Swap Shop - has your child had a growth spurt over the holidays? Do you need a larger size? We are currently looking for 7-8 jumpers to swap. We currently have one size 9-10 ready to swap. All swaps are gratefully received!
Bardwell PTA AGM - Thank you to all those that attended the Bardwell PTA AGM. Please see the agenda attached for information. If you would like to discuss the meeting or see the meeting minutes please contact a member of the PTA for any further information. If you would like to become an active member of the PTA please get in touch all help is appreciated!
Thank you for supporting your Bardwell PTA
New Menu
Term Dates 2024-25
Term dates for 2024-25 are now available - ask in the office for a hard copy. They are also available from the school website (scroll down for 2024-25).
Uniform labelling & checking
We have a family looking for a red Bardwell sweatshirt, age 5. Please check your laundry baskets/cupboards and bring it in if you have it.
Please continue to ensure that your child's name or initials remain readable in all items, so that we can reunite them.
Thank you.
Online Safety Newsletter
Parent Governor role
We have a space on our Governance committee for a parent governor. If you are interested in joining us to help support the school please contact Stef Inger, our current Chairperson, (singer@tilian.org.uk ) and register your interest. If you have any queries please don't hesitate to contact Stef or Mrs Boyd.
Household Support Fund 4 - White Goods Referrals
A short-term scheme to support households in need with essential white goods. This funding is being offered by Suffolk County Council via Suffolk Community Foundation. If you like to find out more please come and talk, in confidence, to Mrs. Allman or Mrs. Boyd.
Easter Holiday HAF timetable
Bury Spectrum Gymnastics Easter Holiday events
Here at Bury Spectrum Gymnastics Club we will be running our Easter Holiday programme.
We think many of your children will enjoy the activities, so we would be very grateful if you would be kind enough to share the attached flyer with your parents/pupils.
Our club is a non-for-profit community organization, not a business, so we reply on the kindness of our partners in the community to help us promote the sport we offer.
Please see the booking link below:
Holiday — Bury Spectrum Gymnastics (buryspectrumgymnasticsclub.co.uk)
If you require any further information, please do get in touch.
We thank you in advance for your support, best wishes,
The Bury Spectrum Gymnastics Team
BURY SPECTRUM GYMNASTICS CLUB
01284 700866
Schools Out Activities flyers
HAF Places
We are School’s Out Activities and operating from the South Lee Prep School during Easter for the HAF funding. We have 270 funded spaces for pupil premium children whereby they have the opportunity receive Ofsted 5* childcare during the holidays with a hot meal for FREE. I would appreciate if you could send out the HAF leaflet attached to your pupil premium parents so they are aware we are now in the local area. The funding will be back for Summer 2024 too.
Other Spaces
Additionally, I attach our interactive PDF for non-pupil premium parents/carers.
PTA School Fetes
Lastly, feel free to pass on this email (info@schoolsoutactivities.co.uk) to your PTA or teachers. We do outreach events as well as bringing inflatables to your fetes should you want it completely FREE of charge. If you need testimonials from other PTA’s, I can forward on their email addresses.
Sophie Caparn
BA Primary Education (QTS)
Early Years Manager
Email: info@schoolsoutactivities.co.uk
www.schoolsoutactivities.co.uk
Walsham Tennis
I am a level 3 Tennis Coach and also a keen tennis player, playing at county level. I currently coach a tennis programme at Walsham Le Willows Sports Club and am holding some fun and exciting tennis camps over the Easter Holidays.
These are great fun for children of all ages from 5 upwards and are adaptable to suit all abilities. We incorporate lots of different team games into the coaching, to help the children work as a team and gain confidence.
I will also be running classes for Juniors and Adults of all levels in the Summer Term. My details are on the flyer attached.
Giles
Daveytennis
Premier Sports holiday activities
We are really excited to be running holiday courses this Easter Holidays and wanted to inform you about the courses available closest to you. Thanks to funding from the department of education through West Suffolk Council families that qualify for FREE SCHOOL MEALS can book and attend totally free of charge and will also have a packed lunch supplied on each day of attendance.
As the UK’s number one provider of primary school sport and physical activities, we know how important staying active is to the health, well-being, and development of your children. Our Holiday Camps are designed to keep your children active throughout the school holidays, introduce them to new and exciting activities, and create a fun-filled experience that will stick with them for years to come.
Take a look at our Holiday camp video to get a feel of what to expect:- https://youtu.be/NPYCiabAtlM?si=4FpakED_4PkWSuNm
Barrow Primary
Age range: 4*-12 yrs
Camp type: Multi Activity
Time: 9am-3:30pm
Price: FREE COURSE
Dates: Tues 2nd-Fri 5th April
Booking link:
https://eequ.org/experience/7258
Howard Academy
Age range: 4*-12 yrs
Camp type: Multi Activity
Time: 9am-3:30pm
Price: FREE COURSE
Dates: Tues 2nd-Fri 5th April
Booking link:
https://eequ.org/experience/7261
St Edmundsbury Primary
Age range: 4*-12 yrs
Camp type: Multi Activity
Time: 9am-3:30pm
Price: FREE COURSE
Dates: Mon 8th-Fri 12th April
Booking link:
Barrow Primary
Age range: 4*-12 yrs
Camp type: Multi Activity
Time: 9am-3:30pm
Price: FREE COURSE
Dates: Tues 9th-Fri 12th April
Booking link:
Please click the link below for an overview of the Premier West Suffolk venue booking options:
https://eequ.org/search-learning-experiences?q=West+Suffolk
Please do not hesitate to contact Owen Paynter at opaynter@premier-education.com if you have any questions.
Families Suffolk digital magazine
We're delighted to bring you the new March/April DIGITAL edition of Families Suffolk Magazine, full of articles, activities and great ideas for family fun as we head into spring and towards Easter!
Click on the link to read: https://bit.ly/FamiliesSuffolk_March_April24_Digital
There are some great giveaways up for grabs, including FIVE Sea Monkeys Mini Pet Activity Bundles, TEN 4 pack collectible Bloxies, and FIVE Natural History Museum Let's Learn Dinosaurs Activity Games.
Don't miss:
* FREE downloadable Easter Chick Cup activity
* Outdoor spring activities
* Top educational gaming options for kids
* Teach your kids Forest School skills
And more!
You can also pick up a FREE copy of our PRINT edition of the magazine at Waitrose stores in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds & Sudbury, any Suffolk Library or Children’s Hub or any Abbeycroft Leisure centre.
You can also read the new PRINT edition using the following link: https://bit.ly/FamiliesSuffolk_March_April24_Print
I hope you enjoy.
Kind regards
Stacey Phillips
Editor
Mrs Allman's reminders...
- Walking home unaccompanied form (Y5/6)
If you would like to give permission for your Y5 or Y6 child to leave the school unaccompanied at the end of the day (including after ASC sessions) please download and complete this form, or contact me to ask for a hard copy to be sent home with your child.
- Arbor contact details
Please take the time to check that all your details on Arbor are up-to-date. For example: Do we have the emergency contact details for at least two parents/guardians? Is/are your phone number(s) correct, including any work number? Is your doctor's surgery information still correct? You should be able to make changes via the Arbor website or app. If you have any problems, please don't hestitate to ask.
- Asthma medication & healthcare plans
I have recently contacted you if your child's healthcare plan or medication is out of date - it is so important that we have a plan that is 1yr old or less so that we can work with you to keep your child safe in school. Please ensure you speak to your medical practitioner ASAP to obtain an updated plan.
Diary Dates
The dates below have been set for the full academic year but are subject to change. Please keep an eye on the newsletter and your email for any date/time changes and for additional events.
We are matching with SCC term dates and PD days for the 2024-2025 academic year, please see our Term Dates page on the school website or ask in the office if you'd like a printed copy.
Spring Term (event, year group(s), day, date, time)
Easter Service in Church, All, Thursday, 28/03/24, 1.15pm
National offer day (primary), Pre-school, Tuesday, 16/04/24,
School photographs (Class & Whole School, children with photo permission only), 20/05/24. Please wear your colourful sweatshirt.
Residential Y5/Y6 (returning on Friday), Y5/Y6, Wednesday, 22/05/24,
Summer Term (event, year group(s), day, date, time)
Swimming lessons, Y2-Y6, Day to be confirmed - children will need hat, goggles (if able to use unaided, see note above), swimming costume
SET Ixworth Y6 into Y7 Meet the Tutor evening, Y6, Thursday, 13/06/24, 4pm to 7pm
Sports Day , All, Friday, 14/06/24, 1.30pm
Sports Day reserve date (if weather is poor), All, Friday, 21/06/24, 1.30pm
Transition day 1 of 2 SET Ixworth, Y6, Tuesday, 25/6/24,
Transition day 2 of 2 SET Ixworth, Y6, Wednesday, 26/6/24,
Transition Day TCC Day 1 of 2 (and Parents' Evening), Y6, Wednesday, 10/07/24,
Transition Day TCC Day 2 of 2 (and Parents' Evening), Y6, Thursday, 11/07/24,
Leavers' Trip, Y6, Tuesday, 16/07/24,
Leavers' Service at Church , All, Thursday, 18/07/24, 1.15pm
Next academic year
School photographs (Individual & siblings, all pupils), 25/09/24. Please wear your colourful sweatshirt.
Minibus access to main gate
- the minibus has to drop off and pick up children at the gate entrance to meet a member of staff for handover
- in the morning they drop off between 8.30-8.35am and leave promptly at 8.35am
- in the afternoon, they may wait along School Lane, then pick up promptly at 3.30pm.
The taxi takes priority for access at the gate during these times, so we ask that all other families are aware of this and time their entrance to / exit from school accordingly.
The school premises open at 8.35am to all pupils.
We try to put a monthly update into the local parish newsletter, here is this month's online issue.
Bardwell Charities - financial aid
We have been asked by the trustees of the Bardwell Charities fund to encourage our local families to apply for financial support. They've said,
"There is money available whether for trips, music lessons, uniform or other need.
Please DO encourage parents/carers to apply."
You might, for example, wish to request some help with the Y5/Y6 residential, or with transport costs for HAF holiday programme activities. All you need to do is write a short email explaining:
- that you are resident in Bardwell
- what the need is and why it is important for your family/child.
Please note that, contrary to previous information, we have recently been informed by Bardwell Charities that this information only applies to Bardwell residents.
Send your email to bardwellcharities@btinternet.com
If you would like any help with your request, please ask Mrs Allman who is happy to help and will keep all information you share with her confidential.
To find out more, please visit our webpage at:
Parking near school
You may also park near the Church porch from where there is a footpath that comes out to School Lane next to the Windmill.
Please ensure that if you park along School Lane you do not block any driveways and avoid the residents' parking spaces at 25-43 School Lane (marked red below, parking in the green spaces is fine).
Bardwell Church - March 2024
- Sunday 31st - Easter Day Holy Communion Service, 10am
Please see the church website for other services and information.
GVTSSP Easter Holiday programme
Sports Camp 2-5 April 2024
Tuesday 2 April : 9.00am-12.00pm Skateboarding or Target games / 12.30-3.30pm Skateboarding & Bmx or Karate
Wednesday 3 April : 9.00am-12.00pm Ipswich Town Football or Gymnastics / 12.30-3.30pm Football or Dance or Parkour
Thursday 4 April : 9.00am-12.00pm Nerf and laser Tag / 12.30-3.30pm Nerf and laser Tag
Friday 5 April : 9.00am-12.00pm Inflatables / 12.30-3.30pm Inflatables
Ages: 5 – 13 yrs
Venue: Beyton, Thurston Sixth (IP30 9AA)
£12 per workshop
Kind regards
William Hopkin-Jones
Sports Partnership Manager
Gipping Valley and Thurston Sports Partnership
East Anglian Game & Country Fair
We are sharing this poster on behalf of the organiser.
The British Country Show Suffolk
We are sharing this poster on behalf of the organisers.
Psychology in School Team - flyers
Please find attached two flyers for free virtual training sessions for parents. We would be grateful if you could send these out to the parents in your schools.
Supporting Young People's Menthal Health workshops flyer
Lois Mickleburgh [she/her]
Business Support Officer (WSI)
Inclusion Service
Children & Young People’s Directorate
Suffolk County Council
Active School Uniform - colourful polo shirts
Bardwell is an inclusive school where children are treated with equality and their individuality celebrated. Our school’s active uniform plays a key role in promoting pride, self-confidence, and a feeling of belonging. We strongly believe that this contributes to the children's well being, removing the additional pressures of deciding what to wear and the added stress of meeting the expectations of peers. In an ever increasing world of social pressure for young people, our uniform removes the points of difference between students and provides a greater focus on school based activities and learning. Therefore, in the interests of equality;
● Active uniforms should be worn at all times
● Spare clothes should be our active uniform NOT home clothes
● Hairstyles must not attract undue attention
● No make-up
● Piercings and jewellery should be discreet and safe to wear, e.g. single studs in ears.
Your child can wear any one of the six Cog colours (red, royal blue, navy blue, green, yellow, purple) as their polo shirt, OR a white one. These are the only acceptable colours for the polo shirt. Please note that the polo shirts do NOT need to have the Bardwell logo on but the sweatshirts MUST.
Colourful polo shirts are available in the school uniform ranges of all the major supermarkets. Logo'd polo shirts (white) and sweatshirts (all colours) are available only from our uniform supplier, Gooddies.
As always, children are also welcome to wear gingham dresses, in any of the six Cog colours, during any term.
Kiddle search engine
You may wish to consider setting Kiddle as your default browser on your home devices. They say:
Kiddle is a kid safe visual search engine. Kiddle returns results for each query in the order shown:
1. Safe sites and pages written specifically for kids. Handpicked and checked by Kiddle editors.
Typically, results 1-3.
2. Safe, trusted sites that are not written specifically for kids, but have content written in a simple way, easy for kids to understand. Handpicked and checked by Kiddle editors.
Typically, results 4-7.
3. Safe, famous sites that are written for adults, providing expert content, but are harder for kids to understand. Filtered by Google safe search.
Typically, results 8 onwards.
Since Kiddle results are either handpicked and checked by our editors or filtered by Google safe search, you know you get kid-oriented results without any explicit content. In case some bad words are present in a search query, our guard robot will block the search.
Is My Child Too Ill for School? - NHS advice
We are very keen to have children attending school if they are well enough. Please have a look at this NHS advice if you are unsure.
If your child is ill, you must phone into the school before 9am, giving a reason for the absence ('unwell' is not sufficient), leave a voicemail if you need to. Please do not email in for absence.
We recommend that you are familiar with the Tilian Attendance Policy.
SCC information for Cost of Living Support
Suffolk County Council has asked us to share with families their updated 'Cost Of Living Support' information.
Free School Meals - could you be eligible?
Your child may be eligible for free school meals throughout primary school. This could save you approximately £484 per year.
To check or apply online, visit: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/schools/school-meals-uniforms-and-trips/apply-for-free-school-meals/
Check if you're eligible
Your child will get free school meals if you receive any of the following:
Income Support
Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit but no element of Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenues & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
If you are supported under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after your employment finishes or after you start to work fewer hours per week
Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400 (£616.67 per month), as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods).
To check if your child is eligible, apply online for an immediate response or call 01473 260989.
We encourage you to apply, because the school receives additional funding (Pupil Premium) for all children on income-related Free School Meals.
About Us
Email: bardwell@tilian.org.uk
Website: https://www.bardwell.org.uk/
Location: School Lane, Bardwell, Bury Saint Edmunds IP31 1AD, UK
Phone: 01359 250854
Twitter: @BardwellPrimary