Newsletter 11.10.24

News

11th October 2024

It has been a busier than usual couple of weeks for the Alveston Team. Our teaching teams have been involved in lots of external training, learning new knowledge and skills or brushing up on previously taught subjects. The subjects have been varied including phonics, Protective Behaviours, English, Maths, Geography, Mental Health, data and first aid - all vital to ensure we are delivering the very best teaching and learning environment for our children. I have attended a few myself these last two weeks, refreshing knowledge and learning new.

It is good for all of us to do this, not only to enlighten us on the subject area, but also as a reminder of how it feels to learn. How it feels when you are just not ‘getting it’ or when you know the answer, but you are not confident to share it. At times like this it is good to reflect on the processes we have in school to elevate these feelings for children, to build their confidence in what they do know and to openly share when they don’t understand. When I was training to be a teacher, I remember a lecturer who encouraged contributions in a particularly painful way. In a lecture theatre of 200 students, a question would be posed and a giant fruit machine would appear on the screen. At the touch of a button, the dials whirled and as each came to a stop, a name would be revealed. It was terrifying! The outward sigh of relief from the 199 not chosen was audible and it proved a useful (if unintended) lesson of how not to put learners at ease.

At Alveston, we work hard to ensure our children are comfortable in their lessons, that they feel safe and each lesson is productive and positive for all. There are lots of teaching strategies in place to support this, such as ‘think, pair, share’ and learning partners. However sometimes, even with all the best strategies and intentions in place, it may miss the mark for one or two. We are delighted that both children and families share their feedback to ensure we are aware of any further support we can give. Every day truly is a school day and working together we can continue to ensure we are delivering the very best learning environment for our children. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful weekend,

Anne Clewley

Head Teacher


 

Stars of the Week!
 
Reception ~ Adam
Year 1 ~ Arthur
Year 2 ~ Florence
Year 3 ~ Cordelia
Year 4 ~ Jude
Year 5 ~ no one this week due to a school trip!
Year 6 ~ Cordelia
 
Congratulations to all of our Stars!
 
Team Cup Winners
 
Congratulations to this week's Team Point winners, Avon Blues! Well done to everyone who earned a team point this week.
May the Force Be With You!
 
Year 5 have been learning all about forces. They planned, carried out and evaluated an investigation to answer the question: does the size of a parachute affect the time it takes to fall to the ground? The children thoroughly enjoyed planning and making their parachutes and using scientific equipment such as scales and stop watches. Great learning from all!
WWII Correspondence
 
In Year 6, we have been writing 'truth versus fiction' postcards based on the novel Letters from the Lighthouse. In the book, the main character Olive writes a postcard home to tell her mother about her WWII evacuation experience. Year 6 had to think about whether Olive would write the truth, including all the bad things that had happened, or a fictional account so that her mother would not worry.
Bread Making!
 
This week, Reception class have been learning about making bread, inspired by the story The Little Red Hen. The children investigated the ingredients and equipment needed to make bread. They then discussed the steps to make bread in preparation for their turn. They all took it in turns to pour the ingredients, mix, kneed and round the dough into small rolls. Everyone was so excited to touch, smell and taste their own piece of bread. This has been a wonderful exploration for all children!
Let's Dance!
 
The children had an exciting assembly from SJ Dance Academy on Tuesday morning! 
 
Please see the flyer above for information regarding the different classes on offer. The sight of gold, sparkly pompoms got us all very excited and, if we are honest, a little bit jealous that we couldn't go to the classes ourselves!

Upcoming Friends Events!

The Friends of Alveston Primary are busy finalising details for their exciting upcoming events – make sure to add these to your calendars:

AGM – 24th October 2024
Crazy Hair Day – 25th October 2024
Odd Socks Day – 12th November 2024
Christmas Fayre – 6th December 2024
Christmas Fayre Bake Off & Sale – 6th December 2024

For all events, log on and register at:
https://www.pta-events.co.uk/friendsofalveston

More details will be released nearer the events!


 

Community Interest 
 
We post all community events and projects on our website under 'Our Community'. For more information about activities open to you, your family and your local community, please do check the pages regularly:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Last but not least, you can also find a list of Stratford Food Bank's "MOST WANTED" items right here. Please do take a look and help to support those in need in our local community.
General Reminders
 
Parking at Drop-Off and Pick-Up
We are so lucky at Alveston that the Football Club allow all our parents who drive to school to use their car park for drop-off and pick-up. This makes it safer for all our children. Please continue to use the Football Club car park. Please do not park on Knights Lane, Oak Road or any double-yellow lines for pick-up or drop-offs. Please also ensure that you do not stop or park within the zig-zag "Keep Clear" markings. This area is marked to keep the flow of traffic moving and to ensure the safety of all pedestrians.
 
Sickness and Absence
Please let the school office know each day your child is absent from school by calling 01789 293412, option 1, and leaving a message.  You may also email parents3002@welearn365.com. You do not need to contact us daily if your child is sick/vomits. Absences for sickness/vomiting will be recorded 48 hours from the end of the day your child was last sick (i.e. if sick on Sunday, come back on Wednesday; if Tuesday come back on Friday) nor for COVID absences.  

 

Medicines in School
We cannot accept medicines in school without a prescription label and a medical form completed by a parent or carer.  Please ask the school office for more information and/or a form via:

parents3002@welearn365.com.  


 

Important Dates to Remember  
 

Key dates for the Autumn term are HERE!  You can find information relating to term dates here and teacher-led clubs here

** Please note that our Christingle date has changed to 19th December (as per the email sent on 1st October via the eSchools app). As advanced warning, please note that our Easter service will be on Monday 7th April 2025 at 2.15pm in church.
 
 

Autumn Term (1)

 

 

 

 

 

21/10    

 

Half-Term Cup Assembly

24/10

 

Harvest Festival 2:15pm

24/10

 

FOA AGM

25/10

 

Crazy Hair Day

 

 

 

 

 

HALF-TERM 28th October – 1st November

 

 

 

Autumn Term (2)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

8/11, 15/11, 22/11, 29/11, 6/12, 13/12

 

 

Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks

 

 

11th November to 6th December

 

 

                          

5/11

 

Learning Time Together – Bible Stories (2:30pm)

7/11

 

Open Morning 9:30-11

11/11

 

Remembrance Service: Y2 & Y6 to visit War Memorial

12/11

 

Odd Socks Day

18/11

 

Open Morning 9:30-11

6/12

 

FOA Christmas Fayre/ Bake Off & Sale

10/12

 

Christmas Performances KS1 9-10am, KS2 10:30-11:30, Rec 2-3pm

11/12

 

Christmas Performances Rec 9-10am, KS1 10:30-11:30, KS2 2-3pm

16/12

 

Whole School Theatre Trip

17/12

 

Half-Term Cup Assembly

18/12

 

Christmas Lunch

19/12

 

**Christingle 2:15pm

20/12

 

Last day of term. Morning only - school closes at midday.

20/12 (pm)

 

INSET Afternoon (children not in school from midday)

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