Friday 7th February 2025
Headteacher's Update
Schools have a dual responsibility when it comes to online safety: to ensure the school's online procedures keep children and young people safe, and to teach them about online safety, in and outside of school.
We use an IWF (Internet Web Filtering) compliant filter system that carefully monitors all internet usage. Staff select age appropriate websites for pupils to access and we force 'safe search' on Google. We foster an environment in which children are encouraged to ask any questions and participate in an ongoing conversation about the benefits and risks of the online world.
Mobile phones - do you know the risks?
We know that children having access to a smartphone can expose children to risks including:
• Viewing inappropriate content
• Excessive screen time/use, which in turn can affect their mental health and sleep pattern.
• Contact from inappropriate people/grooming
• Cyberbullying
• Spending money on in-app purchases/scams
Watch this video (for parents) to learn more about the impact of mobile phone usage in children.
I would also like to add a 'well done' to the eco-warriors who have recently planted trees across the Junior school site.
Children's Mental Health Week
Our newly appointed MH ambassadors brought everyone together on Monday to launch Mental Health Week. They made an amazing power point raising awareness of the issues and how the children can support their own and others mental health. They offered top tips for activities the children could carry out at home if they needed coping strategies.
Their biggest message was to pay compliments to each other, use kind words to “fill someone’s bucket” with positivity. They also encouraged pupils to wear a scarf on to school today to show awareness and support. The ambassadors have also provided a Top Tip for home - "Set yourself a new realistic challenge, Can you read a book in a week? Learn a new skill such as baking or drawing."
Reminders
A few reminders this week. Sometime parents ask member of staff to complete paperwork ahead of outside assessments and medical appointments. We will always help when we can, but ask that at least two weeks notice is provided for us to be able to respond.
It is great to see pupils with lots of fruit in their lunches, but we advise parents to cut grapes in half to avoid the risk of choking. This is especially helpful for infant pupils. Also a reminder of no kiwi fruit at the junior school please.
We ask parents not to let their children play on the gym equipment, trim trail or den building areas before or after school.
Foodbank Donations
Spread some food love on Friday 14th February: School Councillors would really like you to please bring in food donations on Thursday or Friday next week for our next food bank collection. We hope to make a big collection of items for the West Berkshire food bank and help people in our community struggling with food poverty.
Year 6 SATS Information Meeting
Competition Update
More success for Woolton Hill to report on this week. A group of pupils from Year 5 attended a 'Maths Challenge' competition at St. Gabriels. Of the 27 schools represented our team came joint 2nd! Well done to the children.
A WHJS team also attended a Speed Stacking tournament, last night at Park House. Another brilliant performance - they came 3rd. Congratulations!
I would like to thank the staff and parents who supported these events.
INSET
A reminder that school is closed on Monday 24th February for INSET training. School will re-open on Tuesday 25th February after half term.
Author Event
School Uniform
Letting Their Light Shine
Henry is part of the Craven Hunt Pony Club and has represented the them, competing in triathlon events (throw, swim and cross country run) in 2024.
He was recently won the 'Endeavor Award'. Here he is being presented with his trophy by the Brazilian Olympic event rider Rafael Losano.
Local Production
Star Awards
The following children received Star Awards this week! They should all be really proud, well done!
31st January: Lily J. Jacques M-C, Ollie B, Leo A, Isa S, Lacey-mai H, Freddie P, Bertie J, Harley H, Harry D, Ben R and Charlotte B.
7th February: Stephen R, Rosie A, Francesca T, Elodie H, Henry R, Harry T, Rose H, Nina H, Harper D and Bertie J
Hot Chocolate
31st January: Georgie W, Thea S, Torin H and William A
7th February: Aiden F, Lottie C, Lilliana F and Tyler W
Life Learning
Boundaries
31st January: Thomas H, Francesca T, Seb L and Rose H
7th February: Grace B, Niah P, Torin H and Sofiia P
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