Monday 10th December

Christmas Play

Welcome to our blog. By now your child should have their play costume in school ready for the two performances this week. The first one is Tuesday morning at 9.30am and the other being Wednesday evening at 7pm. Please remember that the children can come into school by 6.30pm on Wednesday evening. Please do not come before as the doors will not be open. It is tradition that the children need to be in school before half past ten on the Thursday morning. If parents need to be in work then the teachers will be in school at normal time.

The children performed a dress rehearsal on Friday afternoon to all the Infant children. They did very well and hope to improve even more before the real shows. The children have worked really hard and we are really looking forward to their final performances.

Homework and keeping reading


As the last few weeks come upon us there will be no homework as things are getting really busy for everybody. We would really appreciate you still hearing your child read every day as we will be assessing their reading age in January. Please remember that being able to read opens doors to all areas of life and the curriculum. We have found very recently that being able to read fluently can really improve a child's numeracy.

M.E.N.

All the choir and the children from 5 / 6 enjoyed their experience last week at the MEN arena which was a chance of a life time for everyone to participate in such a large number of 8000 children singing together. All the staff commented on the exemplary behaviour by all the children from our school.

Theatre company visit


On Wednesday afternoon a theatre company are coming into school to perform Jack and the Beanstalk. Thank you to everyone who has sent it their contribution towards the cost.


Christmas Fayre


The Christmas Fayre was very well attended despite the torrential downpour we had. There were lots of activities and stalls and we thank everyone who helped organise the event. There was a wonderful Christmas atmosphere and a real sense of community spirit.

Lateness


We have noticed quite a few children across the school coming in late in the morning. The bell rings at 8.45am. The children are then registered as soon as they are in class. Some children are missing the start of valuable learning such as a guided reading sessions. We would really appreciate your help in getting the children into school on time.


Carol Service


It is our annual Carol Service on Friday 21st December, led by Years 5/6. This year, it will take place up at St. Joseph’s Church at 10am. The children will arrive at school as usual at 8.45am and will walk up to church for the service. Please ensure that any permission slips are returned as soon as possible, as we will be unable to take children out of school without them. As I am sure you will appreciate, we will need lots of volunteers to help walk our children up, so please do let any member of the team know if you will be able to help us with this. It is sure to be a lovely occasion, where we can all take time out from the hectic preparations and reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.


Christingle Kits


These are on sale in school for 50p. This year’s Christingle service takes place on 19th December at 7.00pm at St.Joseph’s.

Christmas Activities

http://www.btinternet.com/~tony.poulter/xmas/xmastlinks.htm - a super site with lots of festive links!

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/calendar/ - lots of different activities to try out.


http://www.akidsheart.com/holidays/christms/chgames.htm

http://www.themouseclub.co.uk/flash/mouseclub.html

http://www.mape.org.uk/ChristmasCrackers/

http://www.northpole.com/ - the old favourite is back!!

http://www.rockfordsrockopera.com/ - a site that has nothing to do with Christmas but is a fantastic source of fun: Rockford's Rock Opera is a FREE unique multi-media musical story, for children and adults. It features Rockford the Dog from Battersea Dogs Home and his adventures on the Island of Infinity, a bizarre world of extinct creatures, amazing music, colourful soundscapes, enchanting illustrations and lovingly animated videos.

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Games/ - and here's just lots of games to enjoy playing.

It's that creative time of year with lots of glitter and paper strewn across floors and we'll be no different! We will be doing lots of crafting this week so if you could send your child in with any cardboard tubes (not toilet rolls) that would be fantastic.

And finally a letter will be coming out later on this week about the Year 3/4 Christmas party in the last week so do keep an eye out for it.

Have a safe and happy week.

We look forward to seeing you all at the performances of 'A CREEPY CRAWLY CHRISTMAS'.

Take care.

The Year 3/4 team

xxx