Class Newsletter – Term 2

Mrs Tavendale / Mr Swan  – Primary 7T

Dear Parent/Carer,

I hope you find the following information useful.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

General Information:

We have had a busy start to term two and are working hard. We demonstrated our understanding of the importance of having a growth mind set and worked cooperatively to create a class assembly. We have also taken part in Rookie Rock stars, which was great fun and from that we are now learning about bullying and what we should do if we are experiencing it.

Please ensure red communication folders are sent back to school and remember to check these each day for letters and communication from the school.

You will be able to follow what we have been doing in class each week by looking at our class blog and Twitter. This can be accessed via the link on our class page on the school website.

Children should bring a reusable plastic bottle with water only (no dilute or flavoured water please) in it, to drink in class at appropriate times.

To allow us to embrace opportunities for outdoor learning, children should also come to school each day with an outdoor jacket and suitable clothing.

Homework will be given each Monday, to be completed and returned by the following Monday. This will normally consist of a spelling task, a reading task, maths or topic related. Tasks will be linked to class activities and will consolidate work that has been taught in class.

This year, our class will have PE on Monday and Tuesdays. PE kits should be brought in every Monday and should include a change of T-shirt, shorts or tracksuit bottoms and a stick or roll on deodorant (no spray deodorants please). We also have our art specialist, Mrs Barron, coming to teach us every Tuesday and music for the Christmas concerts has already begun with Mrs Pennie.

Positive Behaviour

To promote positive behaviour Primary 7 are using Class Dojo.  Please note we cannot access the messaging aspect of Class Dojo. Should you need to contact us please do so by telephone or in writing.

Golden time diaries are continuing to be used and provide a great opportunity for parents/ carers to celebrate positive behaviour with their child. These should be returned to school weekly.

Learning focus this term:

Primary 7s will be working together in cooperative learning groups on topic related work. This will encourage social skills and allow pupils the opportunity to work with others they wouldn’t normally work with.

Through our topic of The Victorians we will be learning about many aspects of Victorian life and compare and contrast to present day. Through this topic pupils will have the opportunity to take part in and organise a Victorian inspired Christmas Fayre.

Pupils will be learning to –

  • Develop research and note taking skills.
  • Compare and contrast the lives of Victorians to their own.
  • Sequence dates on a timeline
  • Develop an awareness of the impact the Victorians had on today’s society.
  • Work together to successfully organise a fayre.

Core Literacy:

  • I can write creatively applying my knowledge of structure, character and setting.
  • I can write in a persuasive style using language appropriate to task.
  • I can present information in a role play situation in an interesting and engaging way.
  • I can develop my reading skills through comprehension, reading out loud and working with a partner.

We will also continue to discuss and develop comprehension through reading a class novel.

Core Numeracy:

  • I can apply my knowledge of the four functions to solve multi-stage word problems.
  • I can demonstrate my knowledge of place value.
  • I can apply my knowledge of decimal fractions.
  • I can apply my knowledge of money skills including, profit and loss, budgeting, giving change and appropriate pricing.
  • I can continue to develop my mental agility skills.

Health and Wellbeing:

As a Health Promoting school we actively encourage and teach our children to make healthy choices, to enable then to become healthy, active and emotionally resilient young people of the future.

We are delighted to be able to continue to deliver 2 hours of PE a week as well as opportunities for children to be active in our fabulous grounds.

We will continue to discuss internet safety, bullying and personal hygiene in HWB and continuing to develop strategies for a growth mind set.

We would appreciate your support in promoting a healthy and balanced diet, both in your child’s morning snack and in their packed lunch.  We would discourage any type of fizzy juice in school or energy drinks.  Children are encouraged to bring in a water bottle, which they can use during class time and refill during the day.  There are water fountains situated throughout the school for daily use.

Please encourage your child to participate in the Active Sports Clubs that are on offer at lunchtimes and after school, as well as any school based clubs that take place throughout the year.  Keep looking in school bags for further information.

A reminder that all children who cycle or scooter to school must wear a safety helmet and ‘walk’ their bikes whilst in the playground. There are bike racks available.

Class Birthdays

We always celebrate if a member of the class has a birthday however we would request that birthday cakes are not brought into school to share with the class. In school, we have children with allergies who may be at risk from some ingredients. The cutting up and distributing of birthday cake also cuts into valuable learning time.

Playground toys:

We have a playground equipment for children to play with during lunchtime.  Please do not bring in your own toys – except for Golden Time on a Friday – so that we can be sure that all toys in the playground belong to the school.  Many thanks for your support.

Golden Time toys:

Children can bring a ‘toy’ to school on a Friday to play with during Golden Time. Please remember that the school cannot take responsibility for the safety of these toys and therefore we request that your child does not bring in expensive/ electronic items without your consent.  We appreciate your support with this matter.

Mobile Phones:

Children may bring a mobile phone to school however these will be stored in a locked classroom cupboard until home time and cannot be used during class time.