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New SEAL theme and statement 22nd February

This half term our SEAL theme is ‘Good to be me’ and our first statement is ‘I can do something that makes me proud.’  The recent Moortown’s Got Talent event was a great way to launch this theme with many children sharing their talents and feeling very proud!

Training day

Leeds City Council has just told us that Local Council Elections will be on Thursday 06 May.  Moortown Primary is used as a polling station so school will be closed on this day.

Each year, schools close for five days to allow staff to take part in whole-school training and development.  These training days enhance teachers’ individual skills and knowledge and also help the school to develop in key areas.

This is the fifth and last of the training days for Moortown Primary School this year.  (Three were held early in September 2009 and the fourth was in January.)

What a busy week!

The last week of term proved an extremely busy one for all of us at Moortown.

The second Moortown’s Got Talent competition took place on Thursday 11 February.  Well done to all who took part, especially to the winners, Tiraj, Pviter, Akash and Vikram, who impressed the judges with their drumming.  A big thanks must go to Miss Kieran who organised the event, and to all other staff who helped out.

Also in the week was the School Council election for 2010-11.  Last year’s councillors made some big decisions, including how the front of school should be improved and then later choosing the play equipment.  I’m sure the new councillors will do just as good a job.  The councillors are:

Thanks to all the parents who came along to the Homework Open Afternoon.  This was an opportunity for you to look at some of the terrific pieces of homework that our children produce.

Finally this week, we welcomed three students from York St John University in York who were here to see the great work we do around inclusion and cohesion.  They were very impressed by the work we do, with compliments about our supportive, welcoming and friendly approach and the pupil-teacher relationships.

Next half-term, a highlight to look out for is the Mental Maths Workshop, an opportunity for you to come along and find out more about what we do and a chance to learn more and support your child in Maths.  The workshop will be on Tuesday 09 March, 6.30 – 8.00pm.  Wine and snacks will be available.  Hope to see you there!

School dinners

After the half-term, we will offer once again some school meals which contain beef.

The decision to remove beef was taken a long time ago.  Mrs Taylor, leader for health at Moortown Primary, and Mr Roundtree have recently met with the school nutritionist for Leeds Catering, who provide our school meals.  We all agree that beef can be a valuable source of nutrition and are keen to offer this.

Vegetarian options and sandwiches are still available.

Our caretaker

After Mr Duffey sadly passed away in the Autumn term, we were without a caretaker for our school.

I’m pleased to tell you that from Monday 01 February, Mrs Paula Barton began a new job in school: Facilities Assistant, a job which involves much of what Mr Duffey used to do in looking after the school.  Mrs Barton is already a familiar face around school – she’s our cook!  You’ll see Mrs Barton around school at the start and end of the day.

Someone you’re less likely to see will be our new Maintenance Assistant.  This is Mr Nigel Barton (Mrs Barton’s husband) who will do any maintenance and repair jobs around school.  Mr Barton will work when needed, and this will often be after the school day.

You may be interested to know that the money collected following Mr Duffey’s death will be used to buy a bird box as he loved birds so much.  We continue to miss him around school.

SEAL statement 1st February

This week our statement is ‘I can give a compliment.’  Maybe you might give the compliment to one of your friends in your class, another child in school or one of the adults who you see around school.  It will make their day!

SEAL statement 25th January

Our SEAL statement for this week is ‘I can solve a problem with a friend.’

Look out for the Peaceful Problem Solving posters around school to help to solve any problems.  The poster will give suggestions for how to sort out the problem by talking about it with your friend.  All the calming down strategies you looked at last week might come in handy!

Haiti Earthquake

All of us are shocked and saddened by the dreadful stories and images from Haiti.  Delivered appropriately, at the right level, it’s important that such big stories are talked about in school.  In the Y1-2 topic Heroes, the teachers will spend some time thinking about how ordinary people can be heroes at times like these – UK firefighters going to Haiti to help, for example.  The Y3-4 topic Where in the World? is also a good way to discuss the issues and answer questions and concerns.  Y5-6 will also talk about the earthquake, though not specifically linked to any topic work.

Fundraising

On the next two Friday afternoons (22 and 29 January) from 3.00pm, we will be having a fund-raising sale in the hall.

We’ve been having a clear-out of books and will be selling lots of old but perfectly readable (and very enjoyable!) books.  Some parents have also suggested preparing food to sell which is a wonderful idea – your contributions will be very much appreciated, I’m sure.  Any food you prepare, please bring on the day. 

If you prefer to simply make a donation, you can do so by posting a contribution in an envelope marked ‘earthquake’ into our Postbox or direct to the Office staff.

Thank you.

Have you seen our Forums page?

Year 6 children have been the first to contribute to the new forums on the website. So far, there have been some comments about our recent Super Science day. Miss Kieran has also started a discussion about the Snowbound topic and homework.

Keep checking the Forums page (it’s in the green Join In section) for discussions from other classes.

SEAL statement 18th January

Our SEAL statement for this week is ‘I can keep calm and overcome feelings of anger.’

What strategy do you use to keep calm?  Do you do fist flowers, breathe deeply in and out or tell someone how you feel?  For some other ideas look at the calming down strategies on the keyrings around school.