Friday 3rd May
Headteacher's Update
I would like to thank all of the parents who completed our 2024 parent Survey, just before Easter. the results are in and we have some really valuable feedback on what we're getting right and how we can improve further. The full survey will be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the Full Governing Body and will help shape our next Federation Improvement Plan.
You can see the results here:
We were delighted that the proportions of parents expressing satisfaction (Strongly Agree & Agree) have shown a strong increase since the last time we ran the survey. Based on this feedback we will continue to work to improve the information you receive on your child's progress and how you can support them at home.
You told us that you were pleased with the friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff at both schools, that you liked the quality of teaching and wanted us to continue to focus on learning in the outdoors. You also said that you want to see better continuity of staffing at the Infants school and a greater range of after-school clubs. I will continue to report back to parents on the progress we are making with our Improvement planning.
Attendance Update
Attendance is vitally important to your child’s education and time at school. Showing your child the importance of attending school every day not only helps your child to settle quickly when starting school but helps them to keep and maintain friendships and enjoy the school environment.
As a Federation we aim to have our overall attendance of 96% or higher and appreciate your efforts in supporting us with this. Here is an update on our attendance rates for the year to date:
Class | Attendance |
Hedgehogs | 95.9% |
Badgers | 94.5% |
Owls | 94.8% |
Otters | 96.1% |
Hazel | 96.5% |
Rowan | 96.3% |
Ash | 96.7% |
Beech | 96.9% |
Oak | 95.7% |
Introducing the Young Journalists
The Young Journalists are a new role at Woolton Hill Junior School. Four Year Six girls have been chosen to represent the school: Jemima (the one who loves art), Emily (the one obsessed with Bob the Minion), Sophia (the weird one but in a good way) and Ella (the crazy one).
In the Autumn they will be taken over by six different pupils: Addie, Charlotte, Darcey, Holly, Nina and Zara. Each fortnight the reporters will publish articles profiling the great team of staff that we have in the Federation (see their first below).
Soon they will write about exciting stories that come up over the remaining year. Once they get back, they will write a piece about Calshot. They will also tell you about SATs week and the (as yet) unknown Year Six Production.
Written by The Young Journalists
Meet the Team: Ms McMillan
Ms McMillan is an Upper School teaching assistant in Beech Class. She enjoys teaching Maths and English and loves teaching algebra.
Her favourite colours are purple and red; the Caribbean and Norway would be the first places she would LOVE to visit.
We asked her which sandwich filling she would be and she answered "Marmite comes to mind! Also, cheese, yeah cheese because it’s not too sweet and also you can get strong cheese."
She described her perfect Sunday as: "A cooked breakfast, a lovely woodland hike, playing with my kids in the garden, a roast diner with my in-laws because my mother in-law makes the best roast dinners and then watching a film with my family." We asked Ms McMillan what animal she would be and she said, "I would be a house cat because they get fed, nap all day and gets lots of attention’.
We hope you enjoyed learning about Ms McMillan.
Written by The Young Journalists
Letting Our Light Shine
We have more fantastic pupils achievements to recognise and celebrate this week.
Last weekend Emily joined her friends at Netball Stars in a friendly tournament hosted by the Hatch Warren Tigers. 46 teams took part across 3 age groups, with Emily and her friends reaching the final of the Under-11’s. The team played brilliantly throughout and fought back from 4-0 down but didn’t quite have enough time and had to settle for runners up. An amazing achievement in their first proper matches! They were all rightly proud of their achievement.
Charlotte & Amelie from Beech class are both currently rehearsing a production of Bugsy Malone, which will be staged at the Corn Exchange in June. It promises to be a fantastic show and we look forward to hearing how it goes. If families are interested in picking up tickets, then here are the details. We wish our talented actors the best of luck.
Behaviour Support Coffee Morning
Many parents from across the Federation joined the Primary Behaviour Support (PBS) workshop evening last term and found it really helpful. Zoe Perks from PBS will be visiting the Junior School next Wednesday morning (8th May) to hold an informal coffee morning with parents who wish to attend.
This is a chance to chat to others parents, meet our new Family Support team (Mrs Fritz and Mrs Hawkins) at school and seek advice about behaviour. Zoe has a wealth of knowledge and lots of practical tips to support parents with managing anxiety and behaviour at home.
This can range from concerns about your child's anxiety or difficulties with behaviour at home.
Any parent can attend this informal coffee morning. Please try to sign up to the event via this link:
Parents can drop in at 8:45am/9am and do not need to attend the whole time.
Reminders
Monday is a Bank Holiday - we hope you enjoy the long weekend and we will see the children back in school at 8.45am on Tuesday 7th May.
Children must not bring any medicines into school, this includes Calpol and throat lozenges. If your child requires medicine during the school day an adult must hand this into the school office and complete a form.
Please don't send food containing nuts, sesame or kiwi fruit to school due to children with allergies on site.
Our last INSET day for this year will take place on Friday 14th June. Next year's INSET dates will be published before half term.
Half Term Activity
Star Awards
The following children received Star Awards this week! They should all be really proud, well done!
26th April: Ben R, Niamh J, Alex S, Jack G, Harry D, Ashley M, Noah L, Caden H, Martin M-B, Bertie J, Evie C, Rohan R, Samuel A and Barnaby W.
3rd May: Oliver B, Noah P, Sebi H, Brody C, Holly S, Martha M, Nel M, Charlotte B, Andrii M, Adelaide F, Noah L, Jack D, Max N and Max E.
Hot Chocolate
26th April: Ryan H, Ollie B, Eloise D, Sophia C and Finley L.
3rd May: Etta B-N, Elodie H, Jack B, Bertie J and Nell W
Life Learning
Self-Regulation
26th April: Etta B-N, Brody C, Barney B, Amelie R and Nell W.
3rd May: Alice M, Daisy L, Jemima R, Amarea W and Rohan R
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