Month: October 2022

WEEKLY NEWS FOR FAMILIES 21.10.2022

Dear Parents and Carers,

what an amazing end to our first half term!

All of our ‘Class Charters’ have now been created and agreed. Each class has decided on the positive behaviours that they expect to see within their classroom and all of the children in the class have signed up to this.

Our Early Years children had the opportunity to share with their families their photos and work at our ‘6 Weeks In’ event. It was great to see the combination of ‘work’ and ‘play’. Thank you to the families that attended. If you were unable to attend, please see your child’s class teacher and they will arrange another time for you to see their books.

Thank you to all of the families who attended our Parent-Teacher Meetings this week. We hope that you found it helpful to meet a little bit later in the term this time. If you were unable to attend, your child’s class teacher will either phone you to catch up or will arrange an alternative meeting.

SATS INFORMATION MEETINGS

If you were unable to attend either of these meetings for children in Y2 or Y6, I have attached the presentations for you to read. They will also be available on our school website under the Information tab.

HALF TERM

We wish you a happy and healthy half term ready for an exciting start to our next half term on Monday 31st October. We have had a lot of illness in school recently and so the half term has is a welcome break to rest and recover! Please use the half term to also check for any ‘wiggly hair visitors’. We have had a reported case of ‘nits’. I have attached an information sheet about headlice for you.

HOOKS FOR LEARNING

I have attached the ‘hooks’ for the launch of the learning journeys for the next half term. The first day back in school after half term looks to be very exciting!

Have a fabulous half-term.

Take care

Kim Huggett

Key Stage 1 SATS information for parents and carers
HOOK FOR ARUNDEL, BODIAM & COWDRAY CLASSES AUTUMN 2
Key Stage 2 SATS information for parents and carers October 2022
HOOK FOR PEVENSEY, PORTCHESTER & SOUTHSEA CLASSES AUTUMN 2
Head Lice Information
HOOK FOR AMBERLEY, BRAMBER, CAMBER, HASTINGS & LEWES CLASSES AUTUMN 2

PHOTOS FOR THIS ACADEMIC YEAR CLARIFICATION

Dear Parents and Carers,

following numerous emails both to myself, the office and the photo company, I have spoken with the director of YELLOW this afternoon to work with them to resolve the issue of only having individual photos on offer.

I have worked with them and continue to respect their preferences whilst securing the best outcome possible regarding the photos.

The company still uphold their preference to only do individual photos in the autumn term.

The result is that there will be sibling photos in the spring term.

To clarify, there is no pressure to buy individual photos if you wish to only buy sibling photos (some parents had made it clear that they were with-holding their children from the individual photos).

The class photos will happen as usual in the summer term.

I understand that this arrangement may not suit everyone, but it is the solution that we will work with.

Kim Huggett

Weekly News For Families 14.10.22

Dear Parents and Carers,

It was lovely to see so many of you at our Time to Shine after school today. The children were very keen to share what they have been really proud of from this half term. I am sure the children will continue to be working just as hard during next week before the half term break.

October Prayer

Please find attached a copy of our October Prayer which we have been using during our times of worship this month. It reflects on the changes in the season which are now evident around us.

Food Bank Collection

On Thursday, our House Captains help load 12 large shopping bags full of your donations on to a van to be delivered to the Food Bank in Bognor Regis. Paul Dickson, the Deputy Manager of the Food Bank, was very grateful for our gifts.

EYFS 2023 Open Days

Earlier today, Miss Emery, Mr Hughes and I enjoyed meeting some families who are interested in sending their children to our school next year. It was lovely to hear lots of positive comments from them about the calm and purposeful atmosphere around the school. They were very impressed with the children’s focussed attitude to their learning. There is another Open Day tomorrow morning when we will be showing many more families around the school. Thank you to the Year 6 children who have volunteered their time to come along and help!

Premier Holiday Camps

Premier Education are running October Half Tern Holiday Camps (Monday-Friday 8:30am-4pm) for children in the local area. The closest one will be held at Barnham Community Hall. If you are interest in this, leaflets are available in the information rack at the school office.

Year 3/4 Classes at the Novium Museum

Last Friday night, the children in Pevensey Class had a brilliant time at their Sleepover at the Novium Museum, in Chichester. They were praised for their kindness, manners and exceedlingly high levels of collaboration with each other. It is Southsea Class’ turn to enjoy their Sleepover this evening, so we wish them a fantastic time as well.

Wishing you all a good weekend – whatever you are up to.

Take care

Kim Huggett

PRAYER FOR OCTOBER 2022

Incident in Barnham Park-behind Tesco

Dear Parents and Carers,

we have just been made aware of the following information from St Philip Howard Catholic High School-

It has been reported to us that one of our students was approached by a man at the local park in Barnham. The police have been informed.

If your child walks to and from school by themselves, please remind them about keeping safe whilst on their journey.

Kind regards

Kim Huggett

Weekly News for Families – 07.10.22

Dear Parents and Carers,
Firstly, thank you very much for all the Harvest donations for the Bognor Regis Foodbank that have been brought into school.  We have invited the Food Bank to come and collect the large number of bags of food.  Thank you also to all of you who joined us for our Harvest Celebrations in St. Mary’s Church.
Year 6 Volunteers Needed
We are holding our open days for the September 2023 EYFS intake on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th October.  We are looking forward to showing lots of families around and we are looking some help from Year 6 children to lead the tours of the school.  If your child is in Year 6 and is willing to offer their help on the Saturday morning between 9:15am and 12:15pm, please let us know through the office2@yaptonschool.org email address.  There may even be a ‘sweet treat’ as an offer of thanks….!
House Teams Celebrations
As you know, the children are members of one of four houses in school: St. Andrew, St. David, St. George and St. Patrick.  Within these groups, the children will be able to recognise and celebrate the Saints’ Days, which will involve a small tea party with some food from the different nations:
  • St. Andrew’s Day is on Wednesday 30th November – the children in this house will be able to wear blue
  • St. David’s Day is on Wednesday 1st March – the children in this house will be able to wear yellow
  • St. Patrick’s Day is on Friday 17th March – the children in this house will be able to green
  • St. George’s Day is on Sunday 23rd April – the children will be able to wear red on Monday 24th April
Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 SATS Information Meetings
Just a reminder about these workshops where you will find out more about the end of Key Stage 1 and 2 SATS which take place in the Summer Term:
  • Tuesday 11th October (9:00am/2:45pm) – Key Stage 2 SATS (Year 6)
  • Thursday 13th October (9:00am/2:45pm) – Key Stage 1 SATS (Year 2)
These meetings will last half an hour.  If you would like to attend, please fill in the form on that was sent out on 5th October.  If you unable to attend these meetings, information from them will be sent out on ParentMail.
EYFS Six Weeks In
We are very much looking forward to welcoming parents and carers of children in EYFS  to the Six Weeks In morning starting at 9am on Wednesday 19th October.  No sign-up is necessary – please just come along.
Time To Shine
Please come into your children’s classrooms after school next Friday where you will be able to get a flavour of what the children have been learning this half term.  The children will be choosing the three pieces of work they are most proud of from the last few weeks.
Year 6 Bikeability
The Bikeability training sessions for the Year 6 children will take place during the week beginning Monday 6th February.  All the children in Year 6 who are taking part will need to bring their bike into school on the Monday.  Then they will receive a 2-hour intensive session (1instructor:2 children) which will be timetabled during the rest of the week.  Further details of this important opportunity will be sent out nearer the time.
Secondary School Applications
Lots of our Year 6 children have been visiting the different secondary schools in the local area over the past couple of weeks.  A quick reminder the online applications for Year 7 place for September 2023 must be submitted by Monday 31st October.  Late applications do go to the bottom of the pile.
Parent-Teacher Progress Meetings
Thank you to all of those of you who have already made your appointment to discuss your child’s progress with their teacher in a couple of week’s time. Don’t forget the online booking window through ParentMail closes next Monday morning.  Make sure you have booked your appointment to avoid being chased by the teachers!
 
Wishing Pevensey Class a fabulous Sleepover at the Novium Museum in Chichester this evening.
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care
Kim Huggett

Flu Vaccinations – Wednesday 12th October

Hello, 
Just a reminder that the Flu Vaccinations will be taking place in the hall on Wednesday next week (12th October). 
This means that the hall will be out of action all day. 
Parents have been sent all the information via ParentMail with regards to giving consent for their child to receive the vaccination. 
I anticipate that they will start with Year R and then work their way up to Year 6. 
There are also the Year 6 Height and Weight checks on Tuesday 11th October. Mrs Browning has kindly given up her room for these so they will be taking place in the FLM room.
Kind regards, 
Katy Lawson

Weekly Family News 30.09.22

Dear Parents and Carers,
As we are now already over half way through the half term. I thought it would be a great opportunity to share some of the children’s thoughts about their learning from our different classes:
“We are learning about roots and flowers.  It’s some Science.” – Reggie in Amberley Class.
“I have been learning about one more and one less in Maths.  In my choosing time, I have been using counters to help me add.” – Bella in Camber Class
“We have been doing gymnastics, jumping, balancing and rolls.  Also, we were practicing to be birds flying looking down on our houses.” – Thea in Lewes Class.
“I have enjoyed our RE and learning about Jesus.  The stories help us to choose to be kind.” – Peyton in Bramber Class.
“I like the book called ‘Journey’ we have been using in English.  I think I can improve my Times Tables Rock Stars and Maths Skills.” – Olivia in Hastings Class.
“I’ve enjoyed learning about the Romans because it’s cool that they were actually here in this country.” – Tilly in Pevensey Class.
“We have found some ideas about adverts for our next Learning Journey.  The persuasive language and words they used are inspiring.” – Alex in Portchester Class.
“I have enjoyed our Guided Reading lessons on ‘Escape from Pompeii’ because it is based on a real story and I think it is really fascinating.” – Oscar in Southsea Class.
“I am enjoying Maths because I get the chance to work with different people in a different class.” – Brooke in Arundel Class.
“I’ve liked learning about the Normans because I really enjoy learning about old things.” – Joshua in Bodiam Class.
“It’s important to learn more about the Royal Family at the moment as Queen Elizabeth II has just died.  We are enjoying choosing and finding out about a member of the Royal Family so we can write our biographies.” – Teresa in Cowdray Class.
As you can see there has been a real variety of learning going on.  Mr Hughes and myself have been showing different visitors around the school over the past couple of weeks and we have been thrilled to hear their positive comments about the children’s behaviour and attitude towards their learning.   
It was also lovely to see so many children enjoying the Book Swap on Tuesday.  Thank you Miss Hook for organising this.  There will be a Book Swap event every half term.  Look out for the date for the next one…!
 
Key Dates
There are a few key dates we would like to remind you about:
Tuesday 11th October – Year 6 Height and weight checks.
Wednesday 12th October – Flu vaccinations for all children.
Information regarding both of these have already been sent out on ParentMail which includes details of how to withdraw your child from these, should you wish.
Monday 17th October – School Photograph Day.  Children will have individual photographs taken.  Family groups will also be taken.  Full school uniform (no PE kits) will need to be worn.
 
Medical Appointments
If your child has a medical appointment during the school day, please can you send proof of this to the school office.  Either a photograph, screenshot or copy of the appointment should be sent to office@yaptonschool.org
 
Parent-Teacher Progress Meetings
You have the chance to discuss the progress in your child’s learning during the week beginning Monday 17th October.  Appointments will need to be made on ParentMail from 9am on Monday 3rd October.  This booking window will close at 9am on Monday 10th October.
 
Young Voices
The children in the Key Stage 2 Choir have started to learn the songs for the Young Voices concert with a huge amount of enthusiasm.  The children will be performing at the O2 Arena in London on Monday 16th January.  Mr Hughes will send out information regarding tickets for this event in the near future.
 
Food Bank Donations
Lastly, thank you to those of you who have made a donation to the Harvest Food Bank collection.  Further donations can be brought to the school office next week.  Don’t forget our Harvest Thanksgiving and Celebration Services are at St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday 4th October: EYFS and Key Stage 1 at 9:30am; Key Stage 2 at 10:30am.
 
Have a lovely weekend.
Take care
Kim Huggett