A message from the Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

It is always lovely to get positive feedback about our children, especially from people who work in lots of schools. This week we have had some notable comments. 

On Tuesday we had a visit Becky from the Dogs Trust, who came to deliver workshops about Dog Safety. After her visit, she emailed and said I just wanted to email to thank you, your colleagues and your pupils for making my workshops with you so enjoyable - the pupils were such a pleasure to talk to and the staff were so friendly and welcoming.” Unfortunately we have had some staff illness this week and consequently, we have had some short term teachers working in school. One of these teachers said “What a lovely school: your children are so polite and well behaved. It’s not the same everywhere!”  On Thursday the Open the Book Team came to lead assembly and one of them said “We always love coming to The Ridge. The children come into assembly beautifully and listen so well; they contribute some great ideas and really enjoy taking part in the stories!

We should all be very proud of our children.

Kind regards

Mrs D Hudson

Headteacher

Uniform Swap-Shop

Thank you to those of you who have contributed uniform for our Uniform Swap Shop. Further donations of clean, tidy items of uniform which still have plenty of life in them would be very welcome.

School Census Day

Thank you for your support with the uptake of Universal Free School Meals yesterday. The overwhelming majority of children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 ordered a meal, which is great news for our school budget. Thank you.

Football Cards

Every so often we see a craze emerging (who can forget Beyblades!) and currently we have a number of children who are collecting the Panini Premier League cards. This is lovely and helps create bonds between children who want to discuss their collections and swap cards. However the downside is that they can cause a distraction from learning, children get upset when they get lost or damaged and there is potential for falling out over perceived unfair swaps.

We want to foster the children’s enjoyment and so up until half term (initially) we will offer a session in the library each Monday lunchtime, where the children can bring in their albums to look at with other collectors and swap cards under Mrs Hudson’s supervision. Please remind your children, that a Monday is the only day when they should have their cards in school and they should remain in their backpack until they take them out at lunchtime.

Attendance and Punctuality - Anxiety

Some children worry deeply about all sorts of things which may seem minor to us as adults. There are many aspects of the school day that may cause anxiety for some children, such as separation from parents/carers, social interaction with other children and staff, and stress about their learning, sometimes caused by striving for perfection. Many children can mask their worries at school but then let them all out at home.

Some children may try to avoid school in an attempt to reduce their anxiety, at least in the short-term. Vague symptoms such as headaches and tummy-aches are also common in children with anxiety, and may contribute to their absence from school.

Our PSHE programme, growth mindset work and pastoral support from staff are often all that is needed to get children through some bumpy times, however some children may need more help, for example from the school nurse. Please speak to your child’s teacher if you have concerns – no matter is too small and often and early conversation can help small worries turning into something more significant.

This Weeks attendance 

Whole School - 96.76%

Reception - 98.00%

Year 1 – 94.67%

Year 2 – 96.67%

Year 3 – 97.86%

Year 4 – 99.00%

Year 5 – 96.21%

Year 6 – 95.00%

Well done Year 4!

Safeguarding - Place2Be: Parenting Smart

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Mrs Hudson is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and any concerns should be shared with her or the Deputy Safeguarding Leads – Mrs Hadley and Miss Beddoes.

Smartwatches

Whilst we encourage children to wear a conventional watch, please can we remind you that smart watches must not be worn in school.

Developing Our School Outdoor Learning Environment

We are pleased to report that there are a number of projects on the cards to further develop our school’s outdoor learning environment. Mr Rowley is currently renovating part of the Kindergarten Outdoor area, which has been out of use while it is made safe. When completed this will provide further opportunities for running, climbing and jumping to enhance the children’s gross motor skills.

Later in the spring, we are hoping to begin development of the Bungalow Garden to create an area where children can grow their own fruit and vegetables.  We have already had an offer of support from a parent who can access some materials from their employer’s community fund but would welcome any other such offer or ideas. We would also welcome and offers of help with the design of the garden, horticultural interest or expertise or willingness to pick up a spade and be part of a working party to carry out ‘the build’ (raised beds etc.). Please let Mrs Davenport know if you are willing to get involved. Thank you.

What's Happening Week Commencing 23rd January 2023

Tuesday • Year 4 Whole Class Clarinet Lesson
Wednesday • Year 5 and 6 Athletics
Thursday • Choir (Key Stage 2)
• Girls football team - Fixtures and Training
Friday • Year 4 Swimming

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