Friday 5 January 2024
Headteacher's Update
Happy New Year to all of our children and families. The pupils have made an excellent start to the term.
At the end of last term we said 'goodbye' to Mrs Allchurch, after a fantastic term working as a TA in Hedgehogs class. We would like to thank her for all her hard work. Although she will be greatly missed by pupils and staff alike; Mrs Allchurch has done lots of temporary work for us over the years and I hope we will be able to welcome her back to St Thomas' again. This week, Mrs Jules Marsh has joined our team as the permanent Teaching Assistant in Hedgehogs - welcome Mrs Marsh!
Outdoor Learning Update
Exciting news for outdoor learning in 2024...we are working hard to further develop the space on the Junior site for Outdoor Learning for all children across the Federation. These pictures give you a taste of what we are planning:
Keep an eye out in the Newsletter and through the Friends communications for more details over the next few months as the Friends are supporting this project via fund raising.
The recent Friends Disco was a great start to the fund raising and it was wonderful to see some many children attend and show off their dance moves! You can help this project by supporting the Friends and joining up as a member or helper at events. The more members they have the more events they can run for children and the more funds we can raise for this project to enhance our children's wellbeing and their outdoor learning skills.
Following the success of our first Federation Outdoor Learning Day we have another planned for Thursday 8th February. We want all children in the Federation to always have wellies in school so they can easily access outdoor learning opportunities even in wintery weather! Please ensure to send your child in with their named wellies (that are to remain in school all year), we hope all children will have wellies in school by the end of January please.
We also want to start collecting items to support Outdoor Learning activities - if you can donate cardboard egg boxes or individual small yoghurt pots, please send into the school office.
Science Dome
To support the children's Geography topic this term, about Hot and Cold places, we have arranged for the Science Dome to visit school to give each Year 1/2 class a live, interactive planetarium show. We hope this opportunity will spark their enthusiasm for the topic and support their learning in Geography. The Science Dome will be set up in the Junior school hall (due to space!) and Badgers, Owls and Otters class will visit throughout the morning and experience a class session in the Science Dome led by their expert presenters.
In order for the children to have these experiences we have to ask for a voluntary contribution of £5 per child which can be made via your child's SCO Pay account, cash or cheque (payable to HCC).
P.A.C.E. (Parent, Carer and Professionals Events)
Sign up for a free event to help families better understand the needs and difficulties that young people can face and how to manage potential issues/concerns they have about their young person.
These events engage families in understanding the needs and difficulties that young people can face. The events help parents and carers to gain more confidence and knowledge about how to manage potential issues or concerns they may have about their young person. Workshops are run by experts in their field, such as youth organisations, Hampshire CAMHS and Autism Hampshire.
There are information stands available, which provide relevant information on the numerous organisations and charities that provide support for families in Hampshire.
Book your place here
Parent Forum
Star Awards
The following children received Star Awards this week! They should all be really proud, well done!
Amy Larcombe
Jack Toley
Artie Ellis
Toby Preston
Fred Pocock
Theo Hall
Louis Sims
Life Learning
Boundaries
Daisy Butler
Poppy Radbourne
Bethany Russell