Friday News Archive

Golden Time

Can you help at Golden Time? Every Friday afternoon the children enjoy choosing from a range of activities, such as cooking, sewing, football and circus skills, for their Golden Time. Golden Time is a reward for hard work and good behaviour throughout the week and we try to offer different activities so there is something fun for everyone. We currently have a parent running a sports activity which many of our KS1 children enjoy. If you have a particular interest or skill and would be happy to run an activity, with or without a member of school staff, please speak to Mrs Jones, Ms Moriarty or Ms Bish.

Gardening Club

As spring approaches, so does Gardening Club! If you are a keen gardener, would you like to help with our weekly club to make growing a success? Some of the jobs include pruning trees and bushes, which we are finding hard to do. We are also hoping to extend our gardens so any skills would be greatly appreciated. Gardening club will be held after school every Monday, starting after half term. If you would like to help, please speak to Ms Purdy in Year 2 or Mrs Walker in the office.

Lucky Lock

To encourage more people to cycle and scoot to school, we now have the lucky lock! If you find the pink lock around your scooter or bike, come to the office and ask for the pick key. When you bring the lock to the office you can claim your prize. Well done and thank you to our Eco Warriors who are in charge of the lucky lock, and have also been working hard to record how many bikes and scooters were in school before the lucky lock. Hopefully we can increase the number of children cycling or scooting instead of coming by car!

Thanks also to Bike-it-Ben who has donated a balance bike to our Early Years children.

Free School Meals

If you think your child may be entitled to free school meals and you have not claimed for this, please do so. You may not want your child to have their meal every day, but once you have claimed you can order their meal whenever you like. Also, part of the school budget is calculated according to the number of children who are eligible for free school meals, so it is valuable for us to have a correct record of all our eligible families. Nursery children who attend morning and afternoon sessions can also claim free school meals.

You can apply online or request an application form from the office. To find out more or to see if you are eligible use the following web address:

http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/children-and-education/schools/free-school-meals 

Nursery Open Day

Our open day is 2^nd April from 3.30pm. If you, your family or friends are considering Nurseries for your children, please do come and have a look around.  If you are unable to come to the open day, appointments can be arranged through the school office.

On-Time Teds

This week’s Key Stage 1 winners are Reception and in Key Stage 2 the winners are Year 6.Well done to both classes for being on time for school!

Positive Parenting Programme (Triple P) Talks

The following Triple P talks will be held at Tarner Children’s Centre from 10-11.30am on the dates shown:

Saturday 1^st February  – The Power of Positive Parenting

Saturday 1^st March – Raising Confident, Competent Children

Saturday 5^th April – Helping Children to Deal with their Emotions

Everyone is welcome. No booking is required – just turn up. For more information call 01237 294108.

Half Term Break

We end for the half term break on Friday 14^th February and return on Tuesday 25^th February.

Wednesday Morning Football Club

The children enjoyed their early morning football club this week. Please could parents ensure their child is not left unaccompanied and that they stay with their child until the club leaders arrive and take over?

Year 5 Meet the Teacher

Ms Burrows has organised a meeting for year 5 parents on Monday 20^th January at 9.10 – 9.30. This is an opportunity to come and meet Ms Burrows and she will share with you the learning and expectations for the months ahead.

Jig-Saws Please

Do you have any (complete) unwanted jig-saw puzzles at home that you could donate to the Family Room’s new puzzle table? The learning mentors would like 50 to 500 piece puzzles please.

On-Time Teds

This week’s Key Stage 1 winners are Year 1and in Key Stage 2 the winners are Year 5.Well done to both classes for being on time for school!

Term Time Holidays

When requesting a holiday during term time (which I must encourage you not to do) please ensure that you identify clearly the exceptional circumstances leading to your request. I cannot authorise holidays during term time unless there are truly exceptional circumstances. Please put your request in writing (not an email). Thank you.

Good Luck Ms Lawrence

Ms Freya Lawrence is leaving us today for her maternity leave. Ms Lawrence works as a teaching assistant in year 5. Good luck Ms Lawrence.

Level 1 and 2 Cycle Training

Cycle training takes place at Preston Park and Hove Park on Monday 17^th February until Friday 21^st February. The sessions start at 10 am until lunchtime. The training is aimed at children from age 9 to 14. Places are limited and are on a first come first served basis. Please contact Emily Tester on 01273 293847 to book a place.

Half Term Break

We end for the half term break on Friday 14^th February and return on Tuesday 25^th February.

Welcome Back and Happy New Year to You All

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a restful break. The first week back has been great. It was a real pleasure to see the children bouncing through the door on Monday with happy smiling faces. They all settled quickly back into school and their learning. If you are new to the school I would like to extend a warm welcome to you from the Middle Street community. We have some new members of staff and they are: Ms Laura Burrows who is covering maternity leave. Ms Burrows is teaching year 5. Ms Nicky Reid is the temporary teaching assistant in year 3 while Ms Sayers is away. Ms Harli Scourfield is a working as a teaching assistant in year 4.

Time to Say a Fond Farewell to Mr Dyer

Mr Dyer has decided to leave the world of education and say goodbye to Middle Street. Mr Dyer will be leaving us at the end of this half term. We are very, very sad that he will be leaving us. He has been very much a special part of Middle Street having had links with the school for 30 years and worked in the school for 16 years. We will be having a get together for everyone to say thank you and celebrate the years Mr Dyer has worked at Middle Street. I shall let you know the date very soon.

Snakes Alive

Years 5 and 6 enjoyed a slithery experience when ‘Zoolab’ visited their classrooms with a selection of reptiles and other animals as part of their stunning learning journey start. The children learnt lots of facts and asked questions to help them with their learning journey. They also all had opportunities to touch the snakes and their slithery and spidery friends. How lovely!

Travels to India

Years 3 and 4 travelled to India yesterday. They went by plane, experienced passport control and customs. They then drove through the streets of Mumbai in a taxi arriving at a hotel in time to learn a Bollywood dance. The dance was filmed and the director was very impressed by their dance skills. Wow! The things Middle Street children get up to!

Year 5 Meet the Teacher

Ms Burrows has organised a meeting for year 5 parents on Monday 20^th January at 9.10 – 9.30. This is an opportunity to come and meet Ms Burrows and she will share with you the learning and expectations for the months ahead.

Jig-Saws Please

Do you have any (complete) unwanted jig-saw puzzles at home that you could donate to the Family Room’s new puzzle table? The mentors would like 50 to 500 piece puzzles please.

On-Time Teds

This week’s Key Stage 1 winners are Reception and in Key Stage 2 the winners are Year 6.Well done to both classes for being on time for school!

Good Communication

A reminder to everyone that you are always welcome in school to talk through any problems or worries you may have and you feel we should know about it. (We also like to hear about the good things too.) We are all here to help my door is always open as is Mr Smart’s and Mrs Jones’.

School Counsellor News

Our school counsellor Ruth Lazarus is expecting a baby in March. Mr Hugh Miller will be covering her maternity leave from after half term.

Donations of Cars Please

Nursery and reception are in need of Matchbox and other toy cars. If you have some at home that are no longer played with they would love them for their current learning journey. Please hand in any donations directly to nursery or reception or if you prefer the school office. Thanks.

Bike It News

Bike it Ben will be in school on Monday so bring your scooters and bikes in for a free check. There will be a special bike it day for reception and nursery on Wednesday 15^th January. So the younger children should bring their scooters and bikes in on that Wednesday for a free check.

Lost

Ruby from Year 6 has lost her very special converse trainers. They are new black with a ‘bubbly tops’. She left them at school on the day of the Christmas show but has since disappeared. Please check at home and if you find them please return them to the school office.
Ruby’s dad has also lost his black umbrella (full length not telescopic). He thinks he left it in school so if you spot it please bring to the office.

Half Term Break

We end for the half term break on Friday 14^th February and return on Tuesday 25^th February.

Christmas Shows

Well done to all our amazing and talented children for their performances in our spectacular shows. You looked fantastic, sounded amazing and beautiful singing too. All the staff at Middle Street are very proud of you all!

Fabulous Finishes

Year 1 and 2 are holding their fabulous finish to their learning this term on Monday afternoon. Years 3 and 4 celebrated the end of their learning journey with a Royal Wedding in the hall this week on Wednesday. Years 3 and 4 parents are invited in to look at Learning Journey books on Wednesday afternoon next week. Years 5 and 6 are also holding their fabulous finish on Wednesday afternoon. It sounds like Wednesday is going to be a busy day!

On-Time Teds

This week’s Key Stage 1 winners are Year 1 and in Key Stage 2 the winners are Year 3.Well done to both classes for being on time for school!

Burning of the Clocks

The Burning of the Clocks procession takes place on Saturday 21^st December in the evening. The procession involving the carrying of lanterns to mark the Winter Solstice begins at 6.30 and ends on Madeira Drive with fireworks.

Threadworms Alert

We have had one or two cases of threadworms reported. Symptoms are an itchy bottom and disturbed sleep. If symptoms are severe they can cause a loss of appetite. Consult your pharmacist for more information or look on the NHS website for advice.

Lost

Tabby Spooner’s PE shorts are missing. She thinks someone has borrowed them. The shorts are clearly labelled with ‘Spooner’. Please check the label in your child’s shorts and return to Tabby or the school office if you find them.

Felix in Year 5 has mislaid his lunch box. It is patterned with red, blue and yellow and has his name written on it. Please return if you have accidently taken it home.

Found

A NatWest Visa debit card was handed in to us after the Christmas shows. Please ask at the office if you think it may be yours.

Antlers and Festive Jumpers

To celebrate the last day of term we would love everyone to where reindeer antlers and a Christmas jumper (if they have one). I can’t wait for that assembly!

Christmas Break

The term ends on Friday 20^th December for the Christmas break. Children return to school on Monday 6^th January.
Nursery opens on Tuesday 7^th January.

Festive Fayre

The Festive Fayre was amazing and very well attended. It had a fabulous festive vibe and even those who had been snowballed had a great time. We raised £1268 which will all go towards buying books for the school. Thank you to everyone who came along and joined in the festive fun and a massive thank you to all those parents and carers who organised the event for us and made sure we had a great time. Thank you to Santa who popped in and spent some time in our Santa’s grotto listening to all our wishes. The raffle was due to be drawn today but because of rehearsals for Christmas Show we have postponed assembly. The raffle will be drawn next week hopefully on Monday.

Choir at Brighton and Hove Christmas Carol Concert

Our school choir sang beautifully on Monday evening at the Brighton and Hove schools Christmas Concert. It is a very special event and a delight to hear over a 1000 children singing together. Mr Smart took the children along where they sat next to Mr Brazil who was with Downs Park School choir. Mr Brazil works at Downs Park School when he is not with us.

Typhoon Haiyan Appeal

You will see in the school entrance a display for the Typhoon Haiyan Appeal. You may make a donation to the appeal and write a wish on a leaf. When you have written your wish please pin it to the tree. There is lots of information on the board to help you decide what you may wish for the people of the Philippines.

Christmas Shows

Tickets are on sale until Tuesday. Mrs Walker has set up her box office in the school hall. Tickets can be purchased from 8.45 until 9.00. After 9 please ask at the school office Tickets are £2 each and initially only two per family per show are allocated. The additional tickets will be allocated on Wednesday morning. The infant performance of ‘Santa’s Snow Mobile’ is at 2.00 pm. The juniors are performing ‘Scrooge’ at 3.00 pm.

Reading Bugs and Reading Meeting

There’s a reading bugs volunteers meeting on Tuesday 10^th December and Reception parents reading meeting at 3.15 in the reception classroom.

School Christmas Dinner

Christmas dinner will be served on Wednesday 18^th December.

Christmas Cards

Our Christmas postbox is now operational and sparkling. It is located in the school entrance. Cards should be addressed correctly for speedy delivery. Please write the name and class of the recipient clearly on the front of the envelope.

Antlers and Festive Jumpers

To celebrate the last day of term we would love everyone to wear reindeer antlers and a Christmas jumper (if they have one). I can’t wait for that assembly!

Football News

Our team played well on a very large pitch against St John the Baptist. They lost 5 – 1 but played with great spirit! I know we keep losing but it is just a ploy to lull every other team into a false sense of security! We’ll show them in the end! The next game is today against Carden Primary. Good luck team!

Start of Day

Children coming to school alone should aim to arrive at school just before 8.45 so that they do not have long to wait in the playground before the doors open. Parents bringing children to school should stay with them until the doors open. When waiting with your child please make sure they are with you and safe, remembering their road safety rules and the playground school rules. There is no adult supervision before 8.45 in the playgrounds.

On-Time Teds

This week’s Key Stage 1 winners are Year 1 and in Key Stage 2 the winners are Years 5 and 6. Well done to all three classes for being on time for school!

Christmas Break

The term ends on Friday 20^th December for the Christmas break. Children return to school on Monday 6^th January. Nursery opens on Tuesday 7^th January

Maths Workshops

Thank you to everyone who came along and joined us for the maths workshop afternoon on Wednesday. I hope the sessions you joined in gave you a better understanding of how the children are learning the four operations. I am sure you will agree with me the children were amazing. The children I worked with explained their learning with confidence and certainly did not hold back in challenging me! Each Key Stage 2 class took part and Mrs Howell our maths lead made sure everything went smoothly. Thank you to Mrs Howell for organising the workshops and to all the teachers and Mrs McGeachin in the Quiet room who shared the work she does in helping children catch up with their maths skills.

Choir at Brighton and Hove Christmas Carol Concert

The Middle St choir will be performing alongside other Brighton and Hove schools at the Brighton Centre on Monday evening from 7.00 – 9.00. It is always a very special evening and quite amazing when over 1000 children are all singing together.

Christmas Shows

Tickets are available for the Middle Street Christmas Shows on Monday 2^nd December. Tickets are £2 each and initially only two per family per show are allocated. More should be available later. A letter was sent home yesterday with more details so if it didn’t arrive home please ask for a copy at the office. Please note the timings of the shows have changed slightly from those I originally wrote about in previous Friday News.

Festive Fayre

We are all feeling very excited about the PTA Festive Fayre which takes place next Wednesday 4^th December. The Fayre begins at 3.15. We have a wonderful afternoon lined up for you with tea and cake, Christmas crafts, festive photo booth, Tiny Tim’s tombola, a chance to throw custard pies and ‘snowballs’ at staff members, winter BBQ, mulled wine, Santa’s grotto, a live singer and much, much more. 100% of everything you see on stalls has been donated by local businesses and Middle Street families. Every penny raised will go toward the goal of buying 500 books for the school library. We are still accepting donations of wine, gifts, sweets/chocolates (no nuts please) and adult novels for a second hand book stall.

Typhoon Haiyan Appeal

Christina Williams says thank you to everyone who bought cakes from her stall this week. Christina is raising money to send to a village in the Philippines who suffered badly in the recent Typhone. Christina will have another stall at the Festive Fayre. So please support her and her fundraising quest by buying one of her delicious cakes.

Teaching Assistant Celebration Day

Each TA was awarded a learning superstars award in assembly this morning.  To say a little thank you for everything they do in school and in their free time to support the children in our school. At Middle Street we have amazing and very talented TAs. I believe we are one of few schools where TAs were actually mentioned in an Ofsted report. Thank you TAs you do a brilliant job and we really could not manage without you!

Football News

Middle Street played St Bernadette’s primary last Friday. Sadly we lost 7 – 1 but the team played well and worked hard against a very good team. The next match is today versus St John the Baptist Primary. Good luck team!

On-Time Teds

This week’s Key Stage 1 winners are Year 1 and in Key Stage 2 the winners are Year 5. Well done to both classes for being on time for school!

Governors Meeting

The full governing body are meeting on Tuesday 3^rd December for this term’s meeting. We now have a governor’s page on our website and on there you will find profiles and photographs of some of our governors. The section is not complete yet, but will be very soon.

School Meal News

The school kitchen is now able to offer Halal meat products. If you would like to take up this option for your child’s school dinner please ask at the school office for the appropriate dietary form.

Please could I also urge you to apply for free school meals if you are eligible. You can do this online. At www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/onlinefreeschoolmeals It helps the school financially if all those eligible for  free school meals apply even if they do not have school dinners.

School Christmas Dinner

Christmas dinner will be served on Wednesday 18^th December.

Christmas Cards

Our Christmas postbox will be operational from Monday 2^nd December. It is located in the school entrance. Cards should be addressed correctly for speedy delivery. Please write the name and class of the recipient clearly on the front of the envelope.

Christmas Break

The term ends on Friday 20^th December for the Christmas break. Children return to school on Monday 6^th January.

Blue Friday

We dressed in blue today to mark anti-bullying week. The slogan for the week has been: ‘the future is ours, safe and fun connected’. Throughout the week children have been working on team games, working with others activities and special golden time activities. Hove museum loaned a box of blue artifacts to the school which has been used by the younger children to explore and talk about bullying issues.OTG

Book Fair

There will be a book fair in school from Monday 25^th – Thursday 28^th November. Do come along between 3.05 and 3.45 and do a bit of Christmas shopping. We get 100% commission which is all spent on new books for our library and book corners.

PTA Festive Fayre

Date for you diary: PTA Festive Fayre – Wednesday 4 December after school. Come and enjoy Christmas crafts, winter BBQ, tombola, games and much much more. Including of course Santa’s Grotto! It’s all in a great cause – this year we’re raising money for 500+ books for the school library.
We need your donations for the fayre to the school office of: wine, unwanted, unused gifts, sweets/chocolates (no nuts please).
Mrs McGeachen would like donations of good quality and good condition second hand novels for a stall she will be running at the Fayre. All proceeds will go towards buying new books for the school.

E Safety

A message from Annie-Mae’s mum, year 2: a colleague has just written a book called  ‘From One Parent to Another’ offering tips for parents to help keep their family safe in the digital world. Please go to http://www.avg.com/ebooks/one-parent-to-another#.UoyV18TIYkE to get the free download.  It’s brand new and is a hands-on practical guide and discussion of the challenges parents of all ages are facing in today’s digital world.  Especially useful for those parents thinking of buying internet connected devices for presents over the next few weeks!

Anti Bullying Junction Box

You may have noticed the junction box against the school wall in Middle Street which has been decorated to raise awareness of on-line bullying. A group of children aged 12 – 14 were supported by Safety Net staff in exploring the impact of online bullying and why someone might become an online bully. The children created some key messages, tips and strategies and with help of artist Daryl Bennett they designed images to bring the messages to life.

Maths Workshops

Parents are invited to come to school for the afternoon on Wednesday 27^th November to attend a maths workshop. This is an opportunity for you to be shown, by the children, the calculation strategies they learn throughout KS2. You will receive a letter with further information about this afternoon.

Middle Street Football

Our football team played really well this week against St Margaret’s Primary. They were defeated by 6 – 2 games but were pleased with how they had played. The next match is tonight against St Bernadettes primary. Good luck team! Next week they will play against St John the Baptist primary.

Typhoon Haiyan Appeal

Please come and join Christina Williams and Christian and Charlie on Tuesday 26^th November in the afternoon for a ‘bake sale’. The bake sale will take place in the school foyer to raise funds for families in the Philippines affected by the recent devastating typhoon. Your generosity and donations will be very much appreciated by  those families and will help with providing life saving aid and the rebuilding of homes for those who have lost everything.

Volunteer for Nursery

Mrs Denyer is hoping there is a parent or carer who would like to regularly volunteer to help in our nursery on a Thursday and Friday. Do let the office know if you would like to do this. Mrs Denyer would love to hear from you.

Free School Meals

If you are eligible for free school meals could I encourage you to take a few minutes to sign up for them. Please do so even if you don’t take up the offer of a school dinner. The number of free school meals directly affects our budget and, as we are finding the school budget very uncomfortably tight, every little helps. So please help if you can by carrying out this small task. The online link is: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/onlinefreeschoolmeals

Teaching Assistant Celebration Day

Next Friday is the time to show your appreciation of the teaching assistants here at Middle Street. You will be aware of all their hard work in supporting our children with their learning and their happiness and well-being. In addition TAs carry out many other tasks often in their own time to make Middle Street the fabulous school it is. At the moment there is the suggestion in the world of education that TAs are not necessary and have little impact on outcomes for our young people. We know that is not true so please show your support by taking the time to say a simple thank you to our wonderful TAs next Friday (or on any day you wish). I really do not know what we would do without them!

On-Time Teds

This week’s Key Stage 1 winners are Year 1 and in Key Stage 2 the winners are Year 6. Well done to both classes for being on time for school!

Christmas Break

The term ends on Friday 20^th December for the Christmas break. Children return to school on Monday 6^th January.

Anti-Bullying Week

Next week is Anti-Bullying Week. The focus is ‘The Future is Ours, Safe, Fun and Connected.’ Throughout the week the children will be taught co-operative skills through ‘Working With Others’ activities and through playing team games. We will also be talking about e-safety. Next Friday we will all wear blue to raise awareness of bullying and to show our commitment to working together to stop bullying.

If you are interested in knowing more about the anti-bullying campaign you can visit www.antibullyingweek.co.uk

Fire Engine Visit

The Nursery had an exciting and informative visit from the Fire Brigade yesterday. The children enjoyed exploring the Fire Engine and learnt about fire safety. Our Reception children are looking forward to experiencing this next week.

Maths Specialist

Year 4 was very lucky to have an expert maths teacher teach a special maths lesson today. A number of teachers from other schools came to watch the lesson.

Maths Workshops

Parents are invited to come to school for the afternoon on Wednesday the 27^th of November to attend a maths workshop. This is an opportunity for you to be shown, by the children, the calculation strategies they learn throughout Key Stage 2. You will receive a letter with further information about this afternoon.

Football Matches

We have 2 football matches next week. On Tuesday Middle Street play against St Margaret’s and on Friday we are playing St Bernadette’s.

Good luck team!

Book Fair

There will be a book fair in school from Monday the 25^th to Thursday the 28^th of November.

On-Time Teds

This week’s Key Stage 1 winners are Year 1 and Reception and in Key Stage 2 the winners are Year 5. Well done to both classes for being on time for school!

Christmas Shows

Our Christmas Shows take place on Thursday the 12^th of December at the Sallis Benny theatre. The performance times will be different to previous years and will not be as written in the Friday News last week. Both performances will be in the afternoon so do make sure you have the date in your diary. We will confirm the times of the shows next week.

Christmas Break

The term ends on Friday the 20^th of December for the Christmas break. Children return to school on Monday the 6^th of January.

Diwali Celebrations

Middle Street children celebrated Diwali yesterday. We were very lucky to have a group of parents who organised the day for us and provided food and lots of activities to celebrate this special occasion. The parents of Prian, Hannah and Kian planned and organised the day for us and were helped by a group of volunteers; Finley’s mum, Cole’s mum and Daisy’s mum. There was special delicious food, welcoming  Rangoli patterns created, Mehndi hand patterns and Indian clothes to wear. It all looked amazing. Thank you so much to all the parents for the wonderful day. You are what makes Middle Street such a fabulous school and community to be a part of!

MP Enjoys School Dinner

Caroline Lucas M.P joined children for lunch yesterday as part of National School Meals week. Caroline enjoyed one of our delicious school lunches and chatted to the children. You can see the photos in today’s Argus.

Eliot’s Poem

Eliot in Year 5 wrote a poem in school last year and entered into the Ledbury Poetry Competition. I am delighted to say that he was recommended in his age range. Well done Eliot! The poem is printed at the end of the Friday News for you to read. The website link for the competition is http://www.poetry-festival.co.uk/poetry-competition.html

Learning Superstars

We have changed our celebration certificates which we award in Fridays assembly. The certificates are now ‘Learning Superstar Awards’. The children in the class make suggestions to the teacher as to who should receive an award and why. The teacher makes the final decision and the awards are still a surprise to the children when they are read out in assembly. The focus is very much on learning and the language used is language for learning. So the awards will be for example for concentration, perseverance, rising to a challenge, overcoming a difficulty etc. You will be hearing more from the school in the future on the work we are doing around language for learning and how you can help at home in developing your child’s ability to evaluate and reflect on their learning and the development of a growth mindset. If you are interested in doing a bit of reading you might like to read: ‘Mindset’ by Carol Dweck.

Individual Photographs

The school photographer will be in on Friday 15^th November to take photographs of individual children and family groups. Don’t forget to wear your best clothes and brush your hair!

Christmas Shows

Our Christmas Shows take place on Thursday 12^th December at the Sallis Benny theatre. The infants’ performance is at 1.15 and the juniors’ takes place at 2.15. So do make sure you have the date in your diary.

On-Time Teds

This week’s Key Stage 1 winners are Year 1 and in Key Stage 2 the winners are Year 6. Both classes had zero late marks! Well done to both classes for being on time for school!

Government Changes to SEN

Do you want to know more about the proposed changes to special needs in schools? Are you confused by the various terms and want to know more? Well help is at hand as you are warmly invited to a workshop on 14^th November at the Brighthelm Centre at 10.00 till 2.00. Staff from the Local Health and Social Care and Amaze will explain more about the proposed changes and answer you questions. Lunch is provided. Email: debbie@amazebrighton.org.uk

Or phone the Amaze helpline on 01273 772289.

Christmas Break

The term ends on Friday 20^th December for the Christmas break. Children return to school on Monday 6^th January.

Eliot’s Poem

Black

Black is a panther.

Black is ashes from a fire

and blackberries you find when trying to hide,

Black is darkness and silence after a choir.

Black is a cave
with a sound that was never there.

Black is a demon
that will give a scare.

Black is a feeling

that you get when you’re confused or scared.

Like when your
enemy suddenly cared.

School Gates

We have spoken with the children in assembly today about punctuality and making sure they get to school in good time for the start of the day. The majority of children are always punctual but there are a few children who are late on a regular basis. The children know they should be in class before 9.00 am to avoid a late mark. To enable us to monitor punctuality anyone arriving at 9 or after must come through the main gate in Boyces Street and go straight to the school office before going to class.  The small gate in middle Street will close at 8.55 and the main gate in Boyces Street will close at 9.00. At the end of term those children who have been on time for school throughout the term are awarded a certificate and are put into a draw to win a prize.

Knight Visits Years 3 and 4

Children in years 3 and 4 were surprised to find a Knight walking into their classroom this afternoon. The Knight told us he was visiting to respond to the advert the children had produced. The advert asked for knights to apply to help the children find their escaped dragon.

Family Seal

We are delighted to announce that after half term we will be offering parents and carers another opportunity to learn more about Family SEAL. The aim of Family SEAL is to help us to get to know you better and to work with you in developing children’s social and emotional skills. The sessions run on Wednesday afternoons and last for 6 weeks. The course is open to parents and carers of children from years 1,2 and 3. The sessions are split into two sections. The first is for the adults which involves discussions and activities. The second half involves the children joining their parents and carers for more activities. Mr Owers and Mr Meadows run the sessions. An introductory session for interested parents and carers to find out more is being held on Wednesday 6^th November at 2.15 in the Family room.

Silly Dressing Up Day

Pay a £1 and wear something wild and wacky to school on the last day of half term (Thursday 24^th October). Be as imaginative and as colourful as you can. The money raised will go towards buying some new playtime games and equipment such as a new hockey set, foam balls for football and new champ balls.

Diwali Celebration

The whole school will be holding a Diwali day on 7^th November. The day has been planned with some excellent help and support by parents of children in Year 3.

Silly Knit!

I’m afraid I was misinformed last week re: Katrina’s crocheted Mr Gove appearing on Have I Got News for You. I watched the programme and the woolly Mr Gove didn’t appear. Maybe it will appear in a future programme.

PTA Halloween Disco

The PTA are running a Halloween disco for all the children on Wednesday 23^rd October 3.30 till 4.30. Tickets and payment will be on entry. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No large groups of children with one adult please. We must insist for the safety and happiness of all children (and the adults) that parents and carers take full responsibility for the behaviour of the children in their care.

On-Time Teds

This week’s Key Stage 1 winners are Year 1 and in Key Stage 2 the winners are Year 5. Well done to both classes for being on time for school!

Autumn Half Term Break

We break for the autumn half term on Thursday 24^th October and return to school on Tuesday 5^th November.