Ixworth Church of England VC Primary School
Newsletter Number 9
Dear Parents/Carers
The IxworthIncredibles -This week saw the start of a new initiative across the school which will support the children in becoming effective learners. Every classroom has a recognition board known as In the Spotlight. For the children to get their name into the spotlight they need to be spotted demonstrating the learning focus for the week. This week we have been looking for children who are showing they are ready for learning. When your child has been recognised and their name added to the spotlight, they will receive an Incredible token to put in the class pot. At the end of every half term 2 tokens are selected at random per class and these children invited to afternoon tea with Mrs Clark, so the more Incredible tokens your child earns the greater chance of being selected.
Alongside this longer term incentive, we will continue our weekly celebration assemblies. Each teacher will select one child from each class who has gone above and beyond the learning focus expectation. They will be become an Ixworth Incredible. They will get whole school recognition through applause, their photo will be on display in our main reception area and they will be awarded an Ixworth Incredible silicon bracelet. The bracelets have been designed and are on order, so any children receiving the reward this week and next will be recognised by the whole school, have their photos taken and will be presented with the bracelet as soon as they arrive in school. We hope you will support us with the new initiative by giving gentle reminders in the morning or having tea time discussions about what the learning behaviour may look like. Next week’s learning behaviour will link to Anti -Bullying Week and will be “I show respect”.
Parents Consultations- The appointment sheets for next week’s meetings are looking very full, if you haven’t made an appointment yet please do so. Please remember to return your discussion sheets. I have been asked “what if I just want to find out how my child is doing?” That’s absolutely fine to write that on the form. Mr Berry and I look forward to seeing you all at the meetings.
Anti-Bullying Week- Keep your eyes open for information about this, which will be coming home on Monday.
Last call for volunteers for our Wonderful Work week (week beginning 27th November). Thank you to everyone who has volunteered already.I am hoping to draw together a suggested programme next week, so any further offers before next Wednesday would be very welcome,
Confused about how we teach Maths in school? Join us for a special workshop run by an International Trainer, teacher and consultant Liz Gibbs especially for parents. She will share how we teach children Maths in school and how you can support at home. The session will be on Wednesday 22nd November 5.15 – 6.45 pm in the School Hall.
Lunchtime equipment wish list – Mrs Clegg has put together a wish list of items she would like to enhance the children’s playtimes. She is asking for donations from parents, so if you have any of these items spare we would really appreciate anything you could donate:
Kitchen Equipment –saucepans and lids, baking trays, bun trays, colanders, cooling racks, large utensils, wooden spoons
Builders cement/Plastering trays
Plastic vehicles
Crayons
Sand timers
School Improvement Update
Mr McArthur, Mrs Clark and Mrs Carman-Jones carried out a Maths Learning Walk. This was the first of the year,we will keep you informed our next steps for improvement.
The Special Educational Needs work has continued this week with Mrs Lamb.
Thank you to the parents who joined Mr Berry and Mrs Carman-Jones for Parents' Forum on Wednesday. The main topic of discussion was homework. It was generally felt that there was inconsistency in the guidance and expectations between classes. We are now working on a new Homework Policy which will clarify what is expected in each year group. As soon as this has been discussed with staff and agreed by Governors we will inform you.
Don’t forget your odd socks for Monday when we will most certainly be ALL DIFFERENT! Please feel free to join in with us.
Friday 17th November, we will be wearing SPOTS for Children In Need (apart from year 5 and 6 as they will be on a school visit). The children will also be able to buy a Pudsey biscuit after school.
Best wishes
Andrew Berry and Louise Clark