Friday 10th November
Headteacher's Update
Anti-Bullying Week 2023 is coordinated in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. This year it has the theme 'Make A Noise About Bullying' and will take place from Monday 13th to Friday 17th November. The week will begin with an Odd Socks Day on Monday 13th November, where adults and children will be asked to wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.
Over the course of the week the children will take part in a variety of activities and lessons that will teach them all about the importance of speaking up about bullying and understanding the importance of valuing each other’s differences.
The Anti – Bullying alliance have a very important message that they want to spread this year:
“It is vital that we talk about Bullying as all too often, we are silent when we see bullying take place, silent about the hurt bullying causes, and silent when we hear bullying dismissed as ‘just banter’.
It doesn't have to be this way. Of course, we won’t like everyone and we don’t always agree, but we can choose respect and unity. This Anti-Bullying Week let’s come together to have discussions about what bullying means to us, how banter can turn into something more hurtful, and what we can do to stop bullying. Together, we can make a difference and take a stand against bullying. From the playground to Parliament, and from our phones to our homes, let’s make a noise about bullying".
Children in Need
On Friday 17th November we will be supporting Children in Need by having a non-uniform day. Everyone is welcome to wear something colourful, yellow, spotty or all of these on the day. (No sports kit please and sensible footwear). The School Council are busy organising some fun activities for everyone to get involved with throughout the day. A suggested donation of £1 per child will be collected by the School Council and donated to this very important charity. Thank you for your support.
Life Learning Parent Workshop
Just as children need to learn things like reading and mathematics, so too do they need support, direction and modelling of the social, emotional and behavioural aspects of learning and development. we do this through our 'Life learning' Curriculum. Do come along to our Parent Workshop on Thursday 16th November at 5pm to find out all about this important part of your child's education and get some tips on how you can support this at home. Bk your place here;
Primary Behaviour Support Coffee Morning
Are you struggling with behaviour at home? Is your child anxious or worried starting back to school? Do you need support and advice to help manage these challenges at home?
Many parents joined the Primary Behaviour Support (PBS) workshop evening last term and found it really helpful.
Zoe Perks from PBS will be visiting the Junior School on Wednesday 22 November 8.45am to 10.15am to hold an informal coffee morning with parents who wish to attend. This is a chance to chat to others parents, meet our new Family Support team (Mrs Fritz and Mrs Hawkins) at school and seek advice about behaviour. Zoe has a wealth of knowledge and lots of practical tips to support parents with managing anxiety and behaviour at home. This can range from concerns about your child's anxiety or difficulties with behaviour at home.
Any parent can attend this informal coffee morning. Parents can drop in at 8:45am/9am and do not need to attend the whole time.
Sign up here:
Christmas Dates
We have a packed programme of events taking place across the Federation in the run up to Christmas. Here are the dates for your diary:
Mon 4th Dec 2pm | Nativity Dress Rehearsal |
Mon 4th Dec 5pm | Junior Musical Extravaganza |
Tues 5th Dec 2pm | Infant Nativity Performance to Parents |
Weds 6th Dec 5pm | Infant Nativity Performance to Parents |
Mon 11th Dec 9.30am | Christmas Church Service - pupils only |
Mon 11th Dec 5pm | Lower KS2 Carol Concert to Parents |
Tues 12th Dec | Junior Christmas Jumper and Lunch Day |
Weds 13th Dec | Infant Christmas Jumper & Lunch day |
Thurs 14th Dec | Junior Whole School Pantomime at the Watermill Theatre |
Infant Nativity Play
We are delighted that our Nativity Play is again hosted at St Thomas' Church and will feature all of our pupils. Tickets for the play are limited strictly to two per family in total due to space in the Church. It is important that you only book two tickets in total so as each parent has the opportunity to watch the Nativity. Please follow the link below and select the performance you wish to come to and book your tickets. Each child is expected to be at both performances. Any questions regarding costumes please speak to your child's teacher.
Please click on these links to book:
Water Bottles
It is important that every pupil brings a named drinks bottle to school each day. We are unable to provide paper cups for pupils. Please can the children bring in their bottles pre-filled with water. Other drinks such as squash are not permitted.
Open Mornings
Does your child start school in September 2024? Do you know someone who is looking for a Year R or Year 3 place for next year? Come along to our open morning to meet staff and children and to see our brilliant school in action.
Weds 29th November @ 9am
Register for any of these dates at this link:
Year R September 2024 Applications for applying for Year R spaces opened on 1st November. Please visit Hampshire Admissions online to complete your application.
Church Hall Car Park
Woolton Hill Pre-School will be returning to the Church Hall on Monday 13th November and its staff and parents of the children who attend the Pre-School will be using the car park from that date. There are also other hirers who use the smaller rooms throughout the week and require adjacent car parking. Therefore, from Monday 13th November can we please ask that you do not park in the Church Hall Car Park at drop off or pick up. We appreciate your co-operation with this matter.
School Crossing Patrol
We have a vacancy for a new school crossing patrol warden, following the departure of Denise Peacock from the role.
Headteacher Surgeries
A reminder that we have our first headteacher surgeries coming up in November.
Modelled on the idea of an 'MPs' Surgery, this is an opportunity to meet with me without an appointment. You can raise any matter that is concerning you and I will do my best to help.
A Christmas Carol
Mr Davies is starring as Ebenezer Scrooge in a Christmas Production of 'A Christmas Carol' at The Central Studio in Basingstoke; 14 - 16th December. Spread the festive cheer with your friends and family and be transported to the heart-warming and magical world of Victorian London as this timeless tale is brought to life on stage.
Mr Davies is very excited to have the opportunity to play the miserly old man who learns the joy and warmth of the Christmas season. If you would like to come along, tickets are available via this link.
Paul Davies
Executive Headteacher
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