Newsletters

We believe that our children should have the aspiration and opportunity to ‘Live life in all its fullness’ and ‘Shine like stars in the sky’.
Spotlights from Learning…
 
In Rocket Class this week, the EYFS children have been developing their mark making skills by drawing lines and circles, as well as some copying of names.  Can your child show you what they have been doing?
The Year One children have been introduced to 'alien' words (also known as pseudo words) in Phonics.  Segmenting alien words is an important skill, to make sure they are accurately identifying graphemes in words and saying the correct phoneme.  Maybe you could have some fun at home by making up your own alien words?  Remember they should be nonsense and have no meaning!
 
In Comet Class, we have been working really hard in role as Lion to write a postcard back to friends/family in the grasslands about our adventures in Paris.  This has been a chance to ‘sheep track’ the features of a postcard as well as show off all that we have learned about this great city and, in particular, the Eiffel Tower.  Whilst Miss Mandelson was over at Kirkby Malzeard, Mrs Cornforth worked with Comets earlier in the week to design the front of their postcards.  It was such a treat to find some very impressive artwork on the teacher’s desk on her return!
 
This week in Asteroid Class, we have been looking at the Moai sculptures on Easter Island. We will - over the next few weeks - be creating 3D modroc sculptures of our interpretation of these impressive structures. If you have any old newspaper, please can we use it to pad out our wire base/frame? We have also be writing our own version of The River and are enjoying looking at each stanza and creating metaphors round treasure, arts and crafts and movement. Which metaphor would you use to show the features of a river?
 
 
WORD OF THE WEEK
Our next word to explore is:  The children are encouraged to find out what the word means and perhaps use it in a sentence or explore its etymology.  Their efforts are then displayed in the hall.  Although aimed more at the KS2 children, everyone is welcome to join in.
 
Remember to look out for more details of our learning for the term ahead on our class pages on the school website.
 
Reminders…
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY
School will be closed on Monday 4^th May for the Bank Holiday.  Wishing you a lovely long weekend, happy Star Wars Day and ‘May the fourth be with you!’

LEARN TO RIDE
Reception children should have brought a consent form home for 'Learn to Ride'.  This form needs to be returned by Wednesday 6^th May with the session running the next day.

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
Just a reminder that the school photographer will email photos directly to parents once he has them ready.  He has advised that this could take a couple of weeks.

Coming up…
NATIONAL CHILD MEASUREMENT SCHEME
Our colleagues from health will be in school next Thursday to measure and weigh children in Reception and Year 6.  Please see prior communication for more details.

SATS WEEK
Our Year 6 children are busy preparing for their SATs assessments which will take place during the week commencing 11^th May.

ROUNDERS
On Tuesday 12th May, Sporting Influence will be running another super session with KS1 before break and KS2 after the Year 6 have finished their Reading SATs. Please can KS1, Years 3-5 come in PE kits? Year 6 will get changed after their assessment. Water bottles and sun cream are advised. Many thanks.

JAM MESSY CHURCH
Just a heads up that this term our JAM Messy Church sessions will take place on Monday 18^th May and Tuesday 23^rd June from 3.30-5pm.  More details to follow nearer the time.

SPORTS DAY
Families are warmly invited to join us on the afternoon of Tuesday 19^th May from 1.15 onwards for our annual Sports Day (weather permitting!).  Save the date and we’ll send more details in due course.
 
News from the wider community
NEWS FROM THE BENEFICE
See below for all the latest from the parishes in our community:  
RESOURCES FOR THE GAMBIA
Some of you may know Linda Greensit, who lives in our village, and that she and her husband have links with schools in The Gambia.  Linda is currently collecting resources to send out for children and young people there and would be grateful for any donations of children’s books, sandals or sanitary towels.  You can either drop them to Linda directly or pop them into school for us to pass on.
 
LEEDS UNITED SOCCER SCHOOL
Our May Soccer Schools are the ideal way to keep young players active, smiling, and learning during the school break. A full day of football fun, skill-building, new friends, and unforgettable memories; all delivered by our professional Leeds United Foundation coaches.
Whether your child is already football-mad or just starting out, our sessions are designed to help every young player grow in confidence, technique, and love for the game.
Book Now: https://tickets.leedsunited.com/en-gb/categories/soccer-schools
Thank you,
Soccer Schools
E:Soccer.Schools@leedsunited.com
RIPON CRICKET CLUB GIRLS’ CAMP
Ripon Cricket Club are hosting a 2-day camp during half term for girls aged 8-11. At £10 a day it is a fantastic opportunity for girls within the Ripon area to try cricket for the first time or spend their time playing a sport they enjoy.   
Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing Updates
ROAD SAFETY AND PARKING
The cul-de-sac seems to be getting very busy with traffic at school run times recently.  With multiple vehicles vying for space and sometimes even parking on pavements, we are worried for the safety of our children.  Please could we politely suggest that consideration (where possible) is given to parking at the village hall car park and enjoying the few minutes it takes to walk up to school, especially now that we are experiencing warmer sunny days.  Many thanks for your support in helping us to keep your children safe.  It is much appreciated.

ONLINE SAFETY FOR UNDER FIVES
Research is showing that more and more very young children are using technology and going online.  Please click on the link below for information and support to safeguard children’s health and wellbeing:
Keeping under fives safe online | Childnet