Dear Parents and Carers,

With only one more week to go in the half term, it was lovely to see so many families enjoying this afternoon’s Time To Shine.

Next week is Children’s Mental Health Week. This year’s theme is ‘My Voice Matters.’ With this in mind, at the the beginning of this week, Monday’s Worship was a little bit different this week. We used the time to meet in our Community Circles where we explored two questions: ‘Is my voice heard?‘ and ‘How do I know?’ Within their house groups, the children were able to share lots of ways in which they know their voice is heard at school. Attached is a record of the responses that were recoded by each of our House Captains. We pride ourselves on saying we are a ‘talking school.’ In the Old Testament of the Bible, it is written: ‘Cry aloud; do not hold back. Lift up your voice like a trumpet,’ (Isaiah 58:1). It is even more pleasing to see the children recognise the importance of making sure everyone’s voice is heard – without the need of any shouting!

February Prayer

A new month sees a new school prayer. Thank you to Brooke, Elliot, Alicia, Megan, Lilyana, Zack, Laura and Bella for their contributions to our school prayer for February, which is attached for yourto share at home if you wish.

Year 6 Bikeability

36 of our Year 6 children have completed their Level 1 and Level 2 Bikeability Training this week. Once again, we have had lots of positive feedback from the instructors about the behaviour and manners of children in our school. Everyone who took part now have the knowledge to ride their bikes safely on the road. Here are a few reflections from the children:

• I liked riding on the road and learning how to ride safely.

• I liked it because I had never ridden my bike on the road before.

• Pulling out of the junctions willed me with adrenaline!

  Exciting Reading News

  When we come back to school after the half term break, it won’t be long before it will be World Book Day, which is on Thursday 7th March. Miss Hook, our English Lead, has already been working hard to prepare how we will be celebrating the day at school. Instead of coming to school in different costumes, everyone is will be invited to come to school in their pyjamas as we will be exploring why having a good bedtime story is such a brilliant idea. Please see the attachment for further details.

  In the few days leading up to World Book Day, we will be hosting a Book Fair in school. Miss Hook writes:

  The Book Fair is coming to Yapton C of E Primary School! It will be arriving on Tuesday 27th February and will be here until Monday 4th March. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to come and buy some new books to enjoy at home and earn some rewards for us to buy new books for our school.

  Come by straight after school from 3:15pm onwards in our school library and support our school whilst getting your hands on the best new children’s books! There will be lots of books to choose from to buy, including a selection of books that will be priced at under £5. You will also have the chance to spend your World Book Day token at the book fair if you would like to.

  At the book fair, it will be possible to pay in cash or online via a QR code. Please see the attached leaflet for more information about some of the exciting books that will be available!

  Thank you Miss Hook for all the thought and preparation which has gone into these two brilliant upcoming events.

  Free Courses

  Attached are two flyers giving details about two free courses which are available to parents and carers. One focuses on Maths skill s and the second one focuses on developing these skills to support budgeting.

  Girl Guiding

  There is another attachment advertising the Girl Guiding opportunities in the village.

  Advice regarding Measles

  You may have seen on the recent news there are increasing cases of Measles in different parts of the country. Fortunately, we haven’t seen any cases at our school. However, we have been asked by the local authority to share some important information. This link provides information from the NHS regarding the symptoms of measles and what to do if there is a suspected case.

Have a lovely weekend. Don’t forget it the children will completing their Inter-House Geography Challenges on Monday!

Take care

Chris Hughes

Deputy Headteacher