Safer Internet Day
Today is Safer Internet Day.
As part of our learning about internet safety, we are reading Digiduck, a story about friendship and online safety, in our whole class guided reading.
Did Digiduck make the right decision? Why?
The book also includes some key advice for parents. Further information on online safety is available from our website.
Parents’ evenings
Thank you to everyone who came to the parents’ evening appointments over the last couple of days.
It was great to celebrate your child’s successes and suggest some ways to support their learning at home.
If there is anything you would like to discuss further, please let us know.
School Council elections
It’s time for children to consider if they would like to stand for election for our new School Council. With two representatives from each class, chosen democratically by their peers, all children at Moortown Primary are encouraged to take an active part in pupil voice.
Elections for our new school council will take place next Thursday 09 February with our polling station and ballot boxes at the ready. Candidates will have the opportunity to give their election speech to their class on Wednesday 08 February.
What makes a good school councillor has been considered by our current school council.
‘Communicating with others – pupils and adults.’
‘Having good listening skills to know what to contribute in meetings.’
‘Thinking of realistic ideas to suggest in meetings.’
‘Considering other people’s views even if you don’t agree with them.’
If your child would like to stand, please could you help them to prepare a speech.
Hints for their speech include:
What skills and abilities would a good school councillor have?
What are they particularly good at that would help them to be a great school councillor?
What do they think would make the school better? What could they do that people would really like?
Think of things that are realistic, maybe that they could do themselves, rather than having to ask other people to do?
Good luck to all children who decide to stand in the elections.
If you choose not to stand in the election then you should consider the importance of voting.
Viking homework
Year 4 has been invaded!
Following a creative homework, I can research the Vikings, the children have once again shown that they can come up with some fabulous ideas. From life-like longboats to quizzical quizzes, Year 4 have shown they have the lot! We even had a Viking tune played by one of the children. Here are just some of the examples which are on display in the classroom:
Marble run fun!
As part of our Time Travel – Entertainment topic, we’re designing, making and selling some fabulous marble runs. Working in groups of three, we put our heads together to create a plan for how we could construct a marble run out of wood. We had to think about how we could keep it simple enough to make, but complicated enough to be fun to play.
When our designs were finished, we decided to make prototypes out of Lego. This meant that we could figure out where our ideas were too complicated and what sort of measures of wood we’d need to cut. We all found it really helpful to make these prototypes and now we’re prepared to get the saws out and create in wood!
Testing times
Forgive the pun… When we say ‘testing times’, we’re not talking about Trump or any other tricky ‘T’ word. Instead, we’re talking about the tests children in Year 2 (the end of Key Stage 1) and Year 6 (the end of Key Stage 2) will do in May.
For children in Year 6, the tests are in the week beginning 08 May. For children in Year 2, the tests – which we often call ‘special work’ – don’t need to be on specific days, but will be around the same time.
To help familiarise yourself with the tests, check out these videos:
Upcoming elections
Our current school councillors recently held their final meeting as we prepare to elect our new School Council.
This year’s election date is Thursday 09 February.
Children from every class, including Reception, are encouraged to prepare a speech to present to their class as part of the election process. Our whole school homework before the election date (03 February) will give children the chance to plan their speech.
Thank you to our existing school council who have been involved with many decisions and discussions throughout the year.
They are welcome to stand again at the elections.
Reading for pleasure
In Year 4 we are promoting reading for pleasure. The children are given the opportunity to bring in books from home for themselves and others to enjoy.
In the classroom we have a wide variety of reading materials for the children to enjoy, such as newspapers, comics, atlases, dictionaries, thesauruses, historical, geographical, scientific, religious and many more.
The calm, relaxing atmosphere during these sessions shows that the children are engaging in reading and enjoying the variety of texts.
Group reading with an adult also happens during this time. Each group read and are questioned by the adult. Target pages are set weekly.
Here are a few snapshots of one of our sessions.
Even reading in a Tardis!
Class assembly
Don’t forget our class assembly is on Wednesday 01 February at 2.40pm.
See you there!
Spring/Summer term menu
The new school dinner menu, from our school meals provider, Catering Leeds, will be introduced after half term and this will continue for the rest of the school year.
As well as on our website, the three week cyclical menu is also displayed on our dining room window for you to discuss with your child/children. Have a look for the weeks ahead to make your child aware of what the daily meals are. If you would like a printed copy, please ask at the office.
School meals continue to be free for Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. If your child is in Key Stage 2, please check for eligibility for free school meals. (It’s important to check for eligibility for younger children, too, because school receives additional funding for each child who is eligible for a free meal, even when they’re free in Reception and Year 1 and Year 2!)
If your child would like to start having school dinners, please inform the office. A combination of packed lunches and school dinners is also available.
Children are consulted on school meals through our regular School Council meetings. Feedback may also be given by speaking to an adult in school or completing a suggestions/comments slip and posting it in their class SEAL box.
Thank you to parents who also raise questions and give feedback. We can then ensure this is passed on to the kitchen staff.
