25/02/2022

We’ve had a brilliant first week back in school. The Upper Junior children all thoroughly enjoyed caving on Tuesday, with all children trying something new. There were a few tricky bits to overcome but they all gave it their best and pushed themselves and we are really proud of how they encouraged and helped each other! Well done Y5 & 6.  
Our Gardening Club started on Tuesday after school, and we would like to say a huge thank you to Fia (Florence’s mum) for helping Mrs Mather run the club! They started off by potting some flower and vegetable seeds – we can’t wait to watch it all grow.
Rugby Club started after school on Thursday, there are still spaces available if anyone else would like to join. Please email and let Mrs Knapp know.  

Living with COVID-19 – following the Prime Minister’s latest announcement the DfE have shared their latest information:
From Thursday 24 February, the Government will remove the legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive test. Adults and children who test positive will continue to be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least 5 full days, and then continue to follow the guidance until they have received 2 negative test results on consecutive days. In addition, the Government will:

Although these are guidelines rather than legal requirements, we hope that parents will once again support school by following these guidelines to ensure that we are able to contain any outbreaks and that staff remain COVID free in order to provide the best education for your children.

Class Newsletters – please find attached a separate infant newsletter giving you specific information on the focus of studies for this term. 

Infants Hall Farm Trip – on Tuesday afternoon, all our infant children will be going to Hall Farm at Levens as part of a new outdoor learning provision provided by The Westmorland Show team. We feel very privileged to be invited along. We would like to thank all the parents who kindly volunteered transport for the trip. An information sheet is attached.

REMINDER: Speeding – as we are actively encouraging more parents and children to walk to school following the introduction of the WOW Walk to School programme, a couple of parents and local residents have commented on the speed in which some cars are travelling up and down the lane on the school drop off. Please can we remind all parents to drive sensibly up and down the lane, bearing in mind that there are very limited places to pass and you cannot easily see vehicles travelling in the opposite direction. You should also make sure to pass any pedestrians widely.

REMINDER: World Book Day – 2nd March 2022 – the children overwhelmingly voted to dress up as a book character on our book day so please come to school dressed as your favourite book character on Wednesday.
We also have lots of exciting activities taking place during the day and all children are welcome to bring a book from home to share with their friends. The junior children can bring a book they would like to read to a younger child. 

REMINDER: Bikeability Training – this Thursday and Friday all Y5 & 6s will be participating in Bikeability Training – please can parents ensure that bikes are roadworthy, using the ‘M’ checklist previously sent out.
Children should come to school dressed in appropriate outdoor clothing with their safety helmet and bicycle. Bike locks can also be brought to school to lock bikes on the rack or they can be kept inside the hall overnight.   

Hoodwinked – to coincide with their literacy topic, the Lower Juniors will be watching ‘Hoodwinked’ which is rated PG. Please let us know if you have any concerns.

Hot Chocolate & Toast – there were a number of children who still need to pay for hot chocolate and toast. It is £3.00 for the half term – please send children with money on Monday. Thank you.

Parent Help – Mrs Mather would like some parent help next Monday afternoon at 2.45pm to help clear the area where our yurt once stood, as long as the weather is suitable. Please come along if you’re able.

Lakes Books & Gifts – have left a selection of lovely new books and homeware, feel free to pop in and have a look on Monday, they’re on the table outside the office. He will be collecting on Monday afternoon.

PTFA News –
Movie Night – please respond by Monday if you would like your child/ren to attend. Please send payment in a named envelope. The PTFA reserve the right to cancel should there not be enough interest.
Mufti Day – 25th March – children can come to school in their own clothes in return for an item suitable for the hampers which will be drawn at our Bunny Drive.
Bunny Drive – we are hopeful to host the Bunny Drive in school on Wednesday 30th March 2022. More details to follow next week.

Coming up this half-term