29th of April 2024
1st May 2024
Good Afternoon,
It has been an exciting few weeks of term, with some really brilliant things going on. It is a longer than usual newsletter this week because I have also included a reading update from Mrs. Coles, with news of a new resource where the children can digitally borrow books and audiobooks from the school library service. Please do check it out!
Burdock Room Update
Families have been voting with their blue tokens when they did their Tesco shop to help raise money to improve the room. In the Burdock Room we have managed to install a sensory bubble tube, gel floor tiles, mirrors, a sensory wall and a set of wobble stools. Children and staff have enjoyed the room during its first few days of use and for some children this additional facility has made a great impact already. Thank you to those of you who managed to put a blue token into the slot and make it happen.
Table Tennis
Something long overdue a mention is our new table tennis table! Lots of children have had great fun with this at lunchtimes, many trying this sport for the very first time. This table and kit was donated to us by WPA Healthcare, who deserve a big thank you from all of us. I would also like to thank Mr. Budd (one of our fantastic parents) who told us about the scheme and showed us how and where to apply.
Colour Run
The excitement is mounting for the first Clatford Colour Run and I have seen quite a few return slips in the office over the last few weeks. Please don’t forget to return yours if you are thinking of joining us for the event. Also, I know it said this on the letter, but if you are at all able to help on the day please contact the clatford PTA (or send a message to them via the school office) to let them know. We will definitely be needing a few more hands on deck to run the event.
School Council
One of our focus’ as a school over the next year is to improve playtimes for the children. As the boat has now been condemned, we are looking to redevelop the area with the help of the PTA, it seemed like a good time to get the school council involved for a fresh look at how we can make lunchtimes and playtimes in school more engaging. School Councillors have been talking about this with their classes and gathering ideas. We want to make lunchtimes a safe, engaging and fun time for all of the children.
Dates
Alongside the dates below I just want to draw your attention again to Sports Day on 5th July, which you are all invited to attend. Also, to the 2nd July where ALL children in KS2 will need to be dropped off and picked up from The Lights theatre for the KS2 production. We will send more information about these closer to the time, but I wanted to make sure you had them in your diaries. Year 6 parents should also note the leavers’ service on the 17th July as we would love for you to be able to join us at St. Peter’s Church.
Online Safety
There are lots of resources on our website to support with the online safety of the children, but I wanted to mention the NSPCC website to you this week. There is a list of frequently asked parent questions as well as what their suggestions would be in those cases.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/online-safety-blog/2023-03-24-faq/
Reading Update – A message from Mrs Coles
Thank you for continued support of reading at Clatford. Since World Book Day, we have had such a buzz about books and reading; it has been a joy to witness. I am also pleased to announce that we have now reached our target of 600 reading hours - well done everyone! A particular thank you to pupils who have added photos to their digital reading log; we have loved seeing the weird and wonderful places where you have been reading 🙂
To keep up the momentum around reading for pleasure, we have a number of updates:
- Soraapp.com
This is an amazing Hampshire Library Service learning platform, which your child will be able to use to access free ebooks and audiobooks. Children will receive a username and password this week (the same as for Spelling Shed, if they currently have access) and will be able to borrow 2 books at any one time. There are literally thousands of titles to choose from, including magazines, and we hope that the children will have fun finding their next read! See the attached guide for how to get started. Year R parents will receive their username and password on Tapestry.
- Book Club
Our wonderful Book Ambassadors are now holding a Book Club on Monday and Thursday lunchtimes. This is an opportunity for children to share books together in the library or to quietly read, if they would like to. Super job at championing reading!
- Book Recommendations
Following World Book Day, please find attached a list of book recommendations from across our school. The majority of titles can be found on :
Later in the term, we will be holding another book sale and our Book Ambassadors will deliver their first reading assembly. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Happy reading everyone!
From Mr. Kirk, Mrs. Coles and all of the Clatford Staff
Dates for your Diary
6th May: Bank Holiday
13th May: Year 5 Residential (2 nights)
13th May: Year 6 SATs week
14th May: YR Hillier’s Arboretum Trip
22nd May: Music Afternoon
7th June: Year 4 Camping
11th June: Y2 Living Rainforest Trip
19th June: Y6 Cathedral Visit
22nd June: Colour Run
25th June Class Photos
26th June: Y1 and Y4 Solar Farm Workshops
27th June: Y1 and Y4 Solar Farm Trips
28th June: Y1 Country Dancing
28th June: Y3 Kew Gardens Trip
1st July: KS2 Production, All KS2 children dropped off and picked up at the Lights
2nd July: Y6 Transition Day (Secondary Schools Visits to John Hanson, Winton and Harrow Way)
2nd July/3rd July: KS2 Production, evening performances
3rd July: Y5 Harrow Way Taster Day Trip
4th July: Y4 River Dip Trip
5th July: Sports Day (All parents welcome from 1pm)
7th July: Y6 Residential to Osmington Bay (3 nights)
10th July: Year 2 Gymnastics Festival (Date to be confirmed)
15th-16th July: Y6 Bikeability
17th July: Y6 Leavers Service 1:45pm, St. Peter’s Church (Y6 parents only)
23rd July: Last day of term
2nd September: INSET Day
3rd September: Children return to school and start in their new year groups.
4th October: INSET Day
28th October – 1st November: Autumn Half-Term
2nd December: INSET Day
23rd December – 3rd January: Christmas Holiday
6th January: INSET Day
17th February – 21st of February: Spring Half Term
7th April – 21st April: Easter Holiday
23rd May: INSET Day
26th May – 30th May: Summer Half Term
23rd July – 2nd September: Summer Holiday