Information from First Steps

This week in First Steps we have continued to learn about our topic of opposites. We have created happy and sad face crafts and talked about what sort of things make ourselves and others feel happy and sad. We have also focused on sharing and really enjoyed a book called 'Sharing a Shell'. We have also become very interested in Yoga and Ballet which we will continue to explore each week. Well done to our new First Steps Children for settling very well and coming to school with such enthusiasm!

Information from Second Steps

This week it has been lovely to see Second Steps settle back into the class routine. They have been full of excitement and enthusiasm to begin our topic of Fairy Tales commencing with Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The children have enjoyed reading and listening to the story. We have started to develop our bear cottage for role play and extended learning. The children have focused on the letter and sound ‘K’ supported by phonic songs and games. The children thought of some words beginning with the letter such as ‘key’ and ‘kangaroo.’ They made a fantastic effort to form the letter and write the words in their workbooks too. The fairy tale theme continued throughout other subjects such as Music and Performing Arts where children acted out parts of the story and used the theme in cooking where children baked some oat bars.

During Maths, the children used their counting skills to add two groups using the big dominos and various objects, recording their answer on the white board.

Information from Reception

What a very cold and busy week Reception have had! We have enjoyed going outside and hearing the crunching of our feet when we were on the bark area. In Literacy, we have been reading the story of ‘Jack and the Bean Stalk’ and have completed some fabulous writing about what would be at the top of our magic bean stalk! During our Topic times this week, we have looked at the frog and butterfly life cycle. We have looked at the different stages and even made our own life cycle information sheet.

Information from Year 1

This term, our topic changes to a natural history based theme: Dinosaurs

Year 1 will be attempting to answer questions such as;

Did Dinosaurs sing?

Are there any dinosaurs alive today?

Which Dinosaur is the biggest or smallest?

In Science, we will look at and compare the properties of different materials and ask questions like;

Which material would make the best shelter? Why?

What does waterproof or transparent mean?

We have been practicing our times tables and it is important that Year 1 practice these skills at home for rapid recall.

We are learning the 10, 2, 5, 9 and 11x tables.

In Maths, we looked at doubles and near doubles.

In Literacy, we are exploring traditional tales and so far have looked closely at Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood. We are thinking about the way that stories have changed over time (the similarities and differences). This is a skill it would benefit the children to practice at home.

Information from Year 2

Year 2 have had a busy week. They have started their new history topic “The Great Fire of London” and are currently looking at fire safety over the last few hundred years. In Science, Year 2 are really beginning to understand the need for fair testing and making thoughtful predictions over the absorption of materials, then looking how to explain the results and make relevant conclusions.

Information from Year 3

Year 3 have worked hard this week. In Science, we have been investigating light and shadows and learnt that light travels in straight lines. We have made spinners to show that white light is made up of a number of colours and look forward exploring more predictions in the next few weeks. The games lesson on the all weather pitch was a real success and we are all looking forward to further improving our hockey skills over the next few weeks

Friends of Park Hill (FoPH)

I think it is very fair to say that all of our children benefit from a very close relationship between home and school. The various methods of communication we employ and the desire to continuously improve how we articulate the progress being made by the children is very much at the heart of strengthening this relationship. A perfect example of this was the Christmas Fayre which I am delighted to confirm raised £1,420. It is only right and proper that the very people who raised this significant amount of money, i.e. parents, staff and children meet to decide how to best utilise these funds. This will very much be the first item on the agenda of the Friends of Park Hill committee.

I am very conscious that the very word 'committee' can act as a deterrent when volunteering your valuable time! I would like to reassure you that the role of the FoPH is primarily a social one and exists to provide support to new families when they join us and to arrange social events to benefit the whole school community.

I would anticipate no more than two meetings each term, taking place at times convenient to suit busy diaries.

If the word 'committee' hasn't deterred you from forming the first FoPH I would be grateful if you might contact Mrs. Blower expressing your interest or to speak with me for further information.

Social Event - 3rd February

I am pleased to confirm that I now have a menu for the Wine Pairing Evening, 7.30pm, Friday 3rd February. It is very much intended as a relaxed and enjoyable evening, one where we can enjoy good food and good company. I am aware that we have not, as of yet, enjoyed a school wide social event and to celebrate the start of February/end of January! The menu, with wine carefully selected to suit each section, will be as follows -

Crawfish with harissa mayonnaise

Teriyaki salmon

Smoked chicken salad with avocado

Mini roast beef

Mini Pavlova with strawberries and chantilly cream

Mini rich chocolate brownies

Table with selection of cheese and antipasto

The wine menu is currently being designed. Once I receive the final selection I will write to you all again with the details.

The cost for the evening, including wine, food and 'expert' Charlotte Dean from Wined Up Here, who will guide us through the wine selection, will be £15. The emphasis will very much be placed on enjoying the company, food and wine, in that order. It promises to be a most enjoyable occasion.

I would ask that you complete this form to confirm your attendance -

Drop off and Collection Arrangements

The side gate is open each day from 8.00am-8.05am for early bird drop off. It will then be opened again from 8.15am-8.30am for drop off, and 3.30pm - 3.40pm for collection. Early bird drop off is for children only and you should leave your children with the member of staff on duty.

If you are running late, please inform Mrs Blower so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Breakfast Club

You are welcome to bring your children to breakfast club which opens its doors at 7.30am. £5 per session to be paid on the day.

Parking

Please help us maintain the very best relationships with our neighbours by not blocking or parking in their drives when dropping off or collecting your children.

Please do not park on the yellow chevrons directly in front of the school for the safety of all of our children.

Woodland School

Could I ask that you ensure that waterproof trousers and coats are brought into school on the relevant day (regardless of the forecast) so that we maximise our use of Richmond Park.

Don't forget, this weekend…

Sainsbury's Active Kids Vouchers - Collection box by the side gate.

Sign up to the Wine Pairing Social Event