The Link Newsletter #55

Friday 1st March 2024

Dear Parents and Carers,

I would like to begin this newsletter by thanking parents for attending Parents’ Evening this week. The two evenings were exceptionally busy, this is incredibly encouraging showing that the home school partnership is stronger than ever. I know that for a very small number of families, it wasn’t possible to meet this week, however, we will be in contact with you to arrange alternative meetings either by phone or in person. I would also like to pass on my appreciation to the office team for facilitating 400+ appointments and to the teaching staff for their dedication to holding meetings with you.

In addition to Parents’ Evening this week, our Foundation children had a very enjoyable visit to Barleylands Farm in Billericay. Despite the rain, the children were able to encounter a range of animals, learn how they are cared for, what they are fed and their value to farmers and consumers. The children each made a pizza which they brought home to cook and eat with their families. Thank you to Miss Gibbons, Mrs Noverre, support staff and parent volunteers for supporting this trip.

CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

Miss Smullen organised and led a very successful week focussing on children's mental health. Miss Smullen encouraged children to think about things they are proud of, their strengths and making sure that all children have their voices heard. The theme for the week was "My Voice Matters".

We were inspired by a quote from Marcus Rashford:

"Finding your voice and purpose in life is one thing, but, very often, when it is time to use that voice and make a change, you will need a bit of teamwork to make things happen”

Thank you Miss Smullen.

COGNITIVE SCIENCE THEME WEEK

In the week before half term, children enjoyed a theme week learning about how our brains work and how we can adopt strategies to help us to learn more and remember more. Children in every year group took part in a series of activities each afternoon and made interesting discoveries about what goes on inside our brains. Thank you to Miss Marbe who orchestrated, planned and implemented the theme week for everyone to enjoy.

NEURODIVERSITY CELEBRATION WEEK, 18TH -24TH MARCH 2024

We are participating in our first Neurodiversity Celebration Week. This is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.  We are all different and that is wonderful. Some differences cannot be seen so, what we sometimes see as ‘naughty’ behaviour is not naughty at all! All brains work differently and how we feel and communicate is different too. With good communication and plenty of patience everyone can be embraced for their uniqueness. Many people in our community use neurodiversity as an umbrella term to describe alternative thinking styles such as Dyslexia, DCD (Dyspraxia), Dyscalculia, Autism and ADHD. But regardless of labels, neurodiversity is about recognising those who think differently. 

Class teachers will introduce children to videos and activities throughout the week, some of which are available on the neurodiversity website. The week will culminate in Victoria Jenkins, CEO and Designer of Unhidden clothing speaking to all the children in a very special assembly on Friday 22nd March. This will be to inspire and let all children know anything is possible.

Unhidden designs are a range of fashionable, adaptable clothing that caters to the needs of people with disabilities, of all ages. Clothes are colourful, stylish and can be worn by anybody. Please check out her website: www.unhidden.com.

Design a new school uniform competition!

During the week children will have the opportunity to design a new school uniform, in class, as part of a Design Technology lesson. You can help by encouraging your child to think about textures (how different textured fabrics make you feel when you wear them) and colours. Don’t forget to think about the tie and the school logo.

Victoria will choose a design from a shortlist of 14 (one shortlisted from each class). From the winning design a prototype will be made to display in school. Mr Furness will meet with the winner to discuss possible adaptations that could be made to the current uniform for the future.

We will also share reading books around the theme of inclusion, diversity and disabilities and the importance of making a difference to the way others view neurodiversity and disability.

Please join us on Thursday 21st March, in the Church, from 2pm for our SEND Coffee afternoon drop-in. We will have a range of books for you to look at, recommendations of ‘good reads’ for both parents/carers and children. We look forward to seeing you there.

We would also like you to donate cakes on Friday 22nd March so we can have a cake sale after school to celebrate Neurodiversity Week 2024. The proceeds from this sale will go towards installing a sensory wall for all children to enjoy as well as children who are neurodiverse.

If you would like to find out more about Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024, please visit their website:

https://www.neurodiversityweek.com

Thank you for your continued support.

I know that Mrs Mills (SENCO) and the SEND team with input from a group of parents have worked hard to make sure this week is meaningful and recognises our individual uniqueness. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far towards this exciting week.

HOPES AND HIGHLIGHTS COMPETITION WINNERS

The School Council judged all of the entries before half term and the winners were announced in the celebration assembly. One winner from each phase group was chosen.

In Foundation, Aleeza from Fox Class.

In Year 1/2, Ridhima from Hedgehog Class.

In Year 3/4, Oliver from Squirrel Class.

In Year 5/6, Clara from Hawk Class.

Congratulations to all our winners and also to everyone who took part in the competition.

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS

Cross-country

Back in January, children at St John’s competed in the first Cross-Country competition of the year. It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm for running amongst our children. As a team we achieved some medaled positions which all contributed to our team achievement. Well done to all of our runners. Our next cross-country competition takes place on 17th March and over the coming week we will be assessing which children will represent our school in this event.

Football

On Wednesday 28th February, St John’s football team played a home match against the football team at Hereward Primary School. I am pleased to report that our team continued to show great confidence in their abilities and won the match 6-0. Well done team and thank you Rob!

MAIN GATES

Please ensure children refrain from pushing against or holding open the gate. The gate’s design means that there is a force applied to make sure the gate closes against the magnetic lock and this can cause a potential risk for small hands and fingers. Similarly, a number of children are pressing the buttons on the intercom and keypad to try to open the gate and are also watching adults type in the code. For the interests of everyone’s safety please ensure that your child is not in close proximity to the gate entrance. Changing the gate code is an added cost to the school.

PLAY IN THE PARK IN BUCKHURST HILL AND LOUGHTON

FREE Easter family fun brought to you by Epping Forest District Council. All totally free of charge thanks to the support of local Town and Parish Councils.

For children aged 5-12, Play in the Park is all about playing games and having fun outdoors. No need to book, just drop in at any time. The Play in the Park team will bring a range of sports equipment including bikes and arts & crafts resources for children and their parents/carers to enjoy together*. The team will be there to help organise activities and games. At some sessions we will have Dr Bike offering FREE Bike Health Checks so don’t forget to take your bikes along.

Roding Valley Recreation Ground, Spider Park Field, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 6BX
Wednesday 3 April 13:30 – 15:30

Hornbeam Road Recreation Ground. (Near Newton Court). Buckhurst Hill. IG9 6JT
Wednesday 10 April 13:30 – 15:30

Roding Valley Recreation Ground (near Tennis Courts), 194 Roding Rd, Loughton IG10 3BS
Friday 5 April 10:00 – 12:00

Jessel Green, Jessel Drive Loughton, IG10 2EQ
Friday 12 April 10:00 – 12:00

Other sessions are available across the district, details can be found at: https://eppingforestdc.bookinglive.com/

GET INTO TEACHING WITH THE WEST ESSEX SCITT

Are you interested in training to become a Primary School Teacher?

We have Initial Teacher Training vacancies now to start training from September 2024. We are looking for people who have a degree, a passion for education and teaching and want to inspire young people to fulfil their potential.

We would be very interested to hear from you if you are thinking of becoming a teacher, or know someone who is. Come to our coffee morning at St. John’s CE Primary School (IG9 5RX) on 14th March at 11am and talk to us about our teacher training programme.

This is not a drop in event so please book your place now by emailing vsmullen@efspt.org

We welcome the opportunity to meet and talk to you about the exciting teacher training opportunities available. Susan Marbe, the West Essex SCITT Director can be contacted at smarbe@efspt.org or please call one of our team on 02085042934 option 6. We can also provide you with support and guidance on your DfE APPLY application form

For any further information on what becoming a teacher might involve more generally, you can visit http://www.westessexscitt.co.uk/ or https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/

You can find and apply for our Initial Teacher Training courses via DfE FIND

...AND FINALLY...

Here are some photos from recent trips and events including Fox Class assembly, celebration assemblies and more...