Im doing it... I am DOING IT!

 Mrs Evans would like me to post the following:

Brake it Down!

Road Safety Week

As a school located on a main road - indeed as a school that shares its name with that very road we are incredibly aware of the need to talk about road safety.

This year we are drawing our pupils attention to Road Safety Week and sharing the messages and information raised by their campaign. 

Their resources for primary schoolchildren support the Let's Talk about SPEED theme of Road Safety Week and are suitable for children of different ages and abilities.

We're back!

Not that we ever went away.

It is just that the school's new filtering system is a little TOO keen and simply will not allow Blogger before 5.30pm. 

So what have you missed?

An inspirational figure

Well, Y2 went off to visit the statue of Squadron Leader Mahinder Singh Pujji DFC as part of their Time Travellers  topic. At the same time they commemorated Remembrance Day in paying their respects to all those who served alongside Britain in all conflicts. 

The Squadron leader also serves as an inspirational figure to our house captains.

Happy Diwali

The Festival of Lights

"Are you a uniform school... or are children allowed to wear what they like?"

On Monday I was conducting a tour of the school for new and prospective families. It was a big group and, as usual, our children were being their bright and smiley selves - utterly focussed on their work and eager to show the visitors what they were learning.

It simply had not occurred to me to explain that the reason why the majority of our community were dressed in bright colours was in celebration of Diwali.

I mean, that's just what we do here... isn't it? Embracing diversity is such a fundamental part of our school that we just take it for granted. 

I quickly explained - or rather a Y1 pupil who was eavesdropping did - then we made our way to the hall where Mrs Miah and a group of Y6 pupils were leading a very active Bhangra workshop. At this point, one of the children amongst the visitors joined in with the nearest group.

This was simply further proof of what we already know - our school is special, vibrant and welcoming.

A Word from our Sponsors

A warm welcome from the PTA

We would like to introduce ourselves and tell 
you some key information about the PTA and how you can help us!   

Why does the school have a PTA?

The main function of our PTA is to support the school by raising as much money as we can to enhance, enrich and improve learning experiences for the children. We also exist to bring the communities of school and home closer together because it makes sense for parents to be involved in the life of their chosen school.

When you support us, you are not only attending an event or giving up your time by volunteering, you are also making new friends, strengthening community and contributing to the overall success of the school.

There is no joining process and all parents/guardians are welcome! You can support as much as you like around your commitments. We all have something to give! The most important skills you can bring are enthusiasm and willingness.

The PTA is run by a committee who are all volunteers.

Introducing the Committee-

Chair	Hayley Walker-Climpson
Vice Chair	Nicola Flack
Treasurer	Stephanie Selvey
Secretary	VACANCY

 

We are also joined by some amazing Parents and Teachers that all contribute and support us with our fundraising!

The more interaction we have from parents, the more we are able to achieve!

If you are interested in joining the PTA, or would like further information. 

Please leave your contact details at the school office or you are able to contact the Chair of the PTA- Hayley Walker-Climpson hayleywc@hotmail.co.uk

Poppy Appeal 2023 and Clubs for New Term.

Poppy Appeal 

During this week Year 6 pupils have been selling poppies in school to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal 2023 which is organised by the Royal British Legion. This will continue when we return during the first week of next term 

If your child would like to purchase a poppy, please can they bring in their donation for the week beginning Monday 6^th November. 

Year 6 will continue to sell poppies up until Friday 10^th November or once they run out. 

Clubs for New Term

All clubs are now available to book for next term and should be live on Arbor from today.

Modern Technology

Does anybody remember Etcha a Sketch? 

For a certain generation it was the height of technology. With a twist of two knobs you could create a masterpiece like Van Gogh's Starry Night. 

I mean, look...

The truth is, reality never really matched the promise you saw on the product's box

So why am I taking you down a personal Memory Lane? 

I am presently sat flicking through the parent survey forms many of you completed during our recent parent's evening. The huge majority are very positive - we do appreciate your support and comments. Of course I am going to focus more on criticisms, that is the nature of my job.

A number of you have expressed concern about communications from school - the timings, the notifications and the range of different types. I do understand the points made.

Some of the issues centre on the Teachers4parents and Arbor apps. A bit like my childhood toy, neither of these bits of technology appear to be living up to the promise they gave. I think Arbor will improve as we all become familiar with its functions.

Teachers4parents however, appears to have a glitch...If you have the app then texts will only appear if you have notifications on (?) I don't have the app and texts from school just appear in the usual manner.

Strange... but not as strange as expecting a masterpiece 

Is one flu-free for winter?

Your child is invited to have a flu vaccination this winter.

Flu can be an unpleasant illness and can cause serious complications. Having the flu vaccine protects your child and your family and friends, by preventing the spread of flu. It’s recommended to have the vaccine every year as the type of flu can vary each winter. 

The vaccination is a quick and painless spray up the nose. There is no charge for the vaccine. 

 

The School-aged Immunisation Service will be visiting school on 30/11/2023

Please discuss this immunisation with your child and complete the online form at before midnight on 24/11/2023 to tell us if your child is getting the vaccine or not.

https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/service/immunisation-team/

Please submit either a YES consent or a NO consent as we will continue to invite your child to be vaccinated unless we hear from you. This may mean that one of our team calls you to obtain verbal consent over the phone. 

 

If we are unable to vaccinate your child at school you will receive an email with a link to our online clinic booking site where you can book an immunisation appointment.

Love

The NHS

The school will be sending you a more detailed letter via email.

#EVERYDAYCOUNTS

Is it too early to establish a tradition?

I seem to be turning up each Friday in a 'Friday shirt'. If you have seen me on either of the school gates at the start or the end of the school day, you will know what I mean. The children certainly do.

Why? Well mainly to remind myself that it IS Friday. At this point in my position as acting Head of School, all the days seem to blur into one. I feel I need to be able to remind myself that we have managed to get to the end of the week.

Friday is also a day of celebration, for KS2 it is Golden Hand Assembly and for KS1 Superstar Assembly. I can not begin to convey the joy and delight that is shared by all our children in showing appreciation for their teachers and their peers. Whilst some children are lucky enough to receive a certificate, a sticker and a firm handshake, all of us are able to feel the atmosphere of a supportive and caring community.

Friday is also the day that we look at attendance figures. As a school, we are looking to achieve over 96% attendance. Most of our children DO attend every day and in order to recognise that, I have introduced two new awards - The Attendosaurus in KS1 and the House Attendance Trophy in KS2. While the KS2 trophy will be based on average attendance, the KS1 award will recognise improvements in attendance.

So well done to the YELLOWS this week and to 1TB who are pictured below. 

The smell of bacon as I fasten up my laces...

 ..is my favourite line from any primary school assembly song. ('Autumn Days', Mr Nouri)

Unfortunately it won't be part of this year's Harvest Festival on Friday 13^th October. 

I'm only Acting Head after all.

As usual, as part of our Harvest Festival celebration, we will be collecting donations for the Gravesend Foodbank. 

DONATE FOOD 

https://gravesham.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/ 

Thank you for your support to help the local people in need in our community, particularly in these uncertain times.  Your generosity is of vital importance to Gravesham Foodbank and we are hugely grateful for your commitment.  

The foodbank relies on your goodwill and support. 

Over 90% of the food distributed by foodbanks in The Trussel Trust network is donated by the public – that’s why your food donations are absolutely vital to our ability to give everyone referred to us a balanced and nutritious three day supply of food. 

We would be grateful if children could bring in donations from Monday 9^th October  

Thank you in advance.  

They're back!

But not before a viisit to Barcelona football club museum.

Then it was time to head home!

Can't wait hear about your adventures. Welcome back.

Port’Aventura World!

 So our adventurers in Spain are at a theme park

Big smiles in every photo

¡Otro día increíble en España!

Update from Mrs Evans:

After riding the Barcelona metro, it was time to take in the architecture of La Sagrada Família. We stopped off to have a delicious lunch, followed by a traditional flamenco show in Las Ramblas. 

We finished the day with a visit to the beach (and a little souvenir shopping on the way back)!

Just need to add that reports I am getting suggests that all the trust now knows how wonderful WRPS students are.

SO proud!

Barcelona update 😊

 Dear Parents and Carers. 

The children (and adults) continue to have an amazing time in Barcelona.  The children are behaving brilliantly and are really enjoying getting to know this city. No major dramas - but a few have found it a challenge to go to sleep straight away - given all of the excitement of the day!!!  They have all been a credit to their schools and to the family too. 

We are so sorry that you have not been able to access regular photos and updates through the link that was provided. The travel company we used have been unable to resolve their technical issues - which is frustrating for us as well as you.  We thought we had a great photo sharing service as part of our package, and we have been really let 

When we get home, I will be asking all adults on the trip, to share their photos, and I will set up a special sharing page, so you have access to all the photos we have taken. 

In the meantime, Tuesday is theme park day. Wish us luck!!! More photos to follow. 

Garry Ratcliffe 

CEO, The Golden Thread Alliance.

Meanwhile... In Barcelona

We currently have 7 pupils (and Mrs Evans) in Barcelona on a trust trip.

Jealousy won't allow me to say any more than they are having a great time