One of the highlights for me this week was seeing a sea of bright and spotty pupils supporting Children in Need. I love how creative our families are with dress-up days and thank you for your continued support

It is always so wonderful to hear about exciting and engaging activities and events that the pupils have taken part in, and this week, Year 6 welcomed a visitor from Histrionics, who captivated our learners whilst talking about World War II. I’m not sure who was more excited – the pupils or Mrs Whitaker, who beamed from ear to ear when she relayed the day’s events to me.

We were pleased to welcome parents of our Year 4 learners into school this week to learn all about the Year 4 Multiplication Check, which became statutory a couple of years ago. Thank you to all of the parents who attended this event to find out how to support their child’s learning.

Polite reminder:

If your child requires a school meal, and has an appointment or will arrive at school after 9:30, this meal must be pre-ordered, please contact the office to do so. Thank you.

One again, I must remind parents about driving and parking respectfully when dropping off and collecting your children. As communicated previously, we are unable to ‘man’ the streets as we are busy safeguarding and teaching your children in school. We are now directing residents and other parents to the police with photos of any concerns. Thank you for your understanding.

Have a super weekend, and see you all next week.

Message from the PFA – thank you for supporting our Film Night, we hope the children enjoyed it!

Mrs Preston

Head of School

We have finally reached week 8 of a very long half term, and what a half term it has been.  

There have been many changes as we have introduced a new curriculum model for Geography, History, DT, Art and Science. It was wonderful to hear so many parents telling their child’s teacher at progress evening about how much their child is teaching them, and I look forward to chatting with pupils from each year group in November to see what they have remembered. 

This week, we held our Open Evening for children starting school in September 2024, which allowed new families to come and view what we have to offer. We had many visitors, and they were even greeted by two special guests – Marlowe and Sherlock (the wellbeing dogs), which went down a treat! 

When we return from the half term break, our Reception Phonics Workshop will be held on Tuesday 7 November between 15:30 and 16:00.  

Polite reminders and notices:  

• Juice is allowed in packed lunches, but water should be sent in bottles for the pupils to access in the classroom. Teachers have been asked to check this. Thank you. 

• We have had a case of headlice in Year 5. Please check your child’s hair and treat accordingly if you notice anything.  

• Parents are not permitted on site between 3:30 and 4 as the gates will be closed then. This does include whilst football clubs are practising on the fields. Thank you for your understanding.  

Operations - we are currently changing online payment providers as mentioned in correspondence to you recently. ParentPay will cease taking payments on Thursday 26 October at 2pm. After this time, payment can only be made via ArborPay. Please do this by logging into your parent account. 

Mrs Greenley, Operations Manager 

Safeguarding - there are lots of activities and events during the school holidays in Hull and the East Riding. You can find a full list of all special events and activities at local attractions and from local clubs and classes, both free and paid for to keep your little ones entertained during the school holidays. If you need childcare then there is also a list of the school holiday workshops, clubs and camps running locally here Hull and East Riding Mumbler 

PFA - the Monster Mash Disco will take place on Wednesday 8 November. Please refer to the previous communication for times and further details. 

Have a wonderful half term, and we look forward to welcoming you back on Monday 6 November.  

Mrs Preston

Head of School

We have had an incredibly busy week at Penshurst this week.  

Year 4 had a super time making pizzas (and an even better time eating them!). Pop over to our X (previously Twitter) posts to see what else we have been up to. @PenshurstSchool 

On Tuesday, our Girls Football Team took part in a tournament. Most of the 10 girls who competed had never played an actual game prior to this and conducted themselves brilliantly. Despite their incredibly hard work, we didn't win the tournament and were up against some tough competition. However, we did manage to finish in 6th place! Some fantastic solo runs and a couple of great goals from Clara (Y6) gave us a fighting chance. 

Our pupils had their annual flu vaccines and the medical team administering them would like me to pass on how awesome your children were – to the point where even EYFS and Year 1 pupils were able to give their address, month of birth and parents names. What superstars we have! 

Next week, please remember that we have Progress Evenings on Monday and Wednesday. 

I would like to give you advanced warning that after half term, Pupil of the Week will move to a Friday afternoon. We feel that this would be a wonderful way for the pupils to end their week, and less of an inconvenience for parents if they could simply take their children home afterwards. Thank you for your continued understanding and support of this wonderful celebration.  

Here is a recent article about the risks of children vaping that we thought would be useful for you to take a moment to read.

Some of the children are referring to "hit the blinker" referring to taking a hit for the longest amount of time that the battery will allow (before it blinks). 

Other children are purchasing vapes from the Tik Tok shop that look like marker pens, these have high levels of concentrated nicotine which cause a 'high' when inhaled.  

Children 'so addicted to vapes they can't last lesson without one' - as mother of teenager who died issues warning | UK News | Sky News 

Children 'so addicted to vapes they can't last lesson without one' - as mother of teenager who died issues warning  Headteacher Tony McCabe had the vape sensors fitted in the toilets at St Joseph's High School in Horwich, Bolton. He says a ban will go a long way to helping the problem - but students say it will push vaping underground.  news.sky.com

No Electric Scooters on site  

A polite reminder to advise that electric scooters are not allowed on the school site.  

Here is some guidance from the police website: 

Advice on e-scooter usage | Police.uk (www.police.uk) 

What is an e-scooter? 

Electrical scooters (also known as e-scooters) come under the category of “powered transporters”; this covers a range of personal transport devices which are powered by a motor. 

E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Which means the rules that apply to motor vehicles, also apply to e-scooters including the need to have a licence, insurance and tax. 

It's not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters, which means it's illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces. If you're using a private e-scooter you risk the vehicle being seized under S.165 Road Traffic Act 1988 for no insurance.  

If you cause serious harm to another person whilst riding an e-scooter the incident will be investigated in the same way it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car. 

Have a wonderful (supposedly sunny) weekend and we look forward to seeing you next week. 

Mrs Preston

Head of School

Our sporty pupils have got off to a fantastic start this year; just this week, one particularly speedy Year 6 girl, Clara, made it through to the cross country finals (finishing 3rd in her heat), which are to be held at Cottingham High School. A massive well done to all who took part, and best of luck to Clara for the next round. 

Next week (Tuesday 3rd), our Year 5/6 footballers take part in a match at Wolfreton. Best of luck to all playing. Having covered the Year 5 football club (in heels, badly) this week, I am confident that our team have the skills to smash it! 

In other news, next week (Thursday 5th) your child will be having their individual school photographs taken. Please ensure they are wearing the correct uniform and their widest smiles! 

Polite reminder: if someone else is collecting your child, please, whenever possible, inform the office or your child’s teacher before 12 noon so that these messages are passed on and you are not inconvenienced by having to wait. Thank you. 

Prevent and Countering Extremism in Young People  

Advice and Guidance for Parents and Carers 

Any child could be susceptible to extremist narratives. 

There are some factors that may make some children more susceptible than others. 

Extremist groups tap into young people's insecurities and claim to offer answers and promise a sense of identity that young people often seek.  

As part of their recruitment strategy, extremist groups also work to undermine the authority of parents and guardians. This is often done online whilst the children are playing games.  

Please find attached further information regarding this here. 

The weeks are speeding by! Have (another) fantastic weekend and see you next week for the next instalment! 

Mrs Preston

Head of School

I cannot believe that we are at the end of week 2 already. Before we know it, Christmas will be upon us! 

This week, Year 4 completed their statutory swimming lessons at Haltemprice. I have heard many wonderful success stories and am delighted that once again, the pupils are able to learn how to keep themselves safe near or in water – such and important, valuable skill. 

Next week, our wonderful Reception pupils will take part in their sorting ceremony, in which they will be assigned to their new school houses. This is such a gorgeous event and I hope that all attendees have a fabulous time! 

Attendance for last week: 

Rec - 96.4,      Y1 - 92.8      Y2 - 97.2       Y3 - 98.3        Y4 - 94.3     Y5 - 96.1      Y6 - 93.6 

Well done to year 3 who are the winners of an extra break time next week!  

New behaviour System  
You may have noticed that we have started a new three-step behaviour system as follows: 

1. Warn – Amber:  If a child displays low-level behaviours, they are given a verbal warning with a five minute restorative discussion on what they can do to fix their behaviours.   

2. Consequence – Yellow card: If a behaviour continues, or the behaviour is deemed to be at a higher level, the child will receive a Yellow Card (consequence) and a 15 minute reflection time. The class teacher will contact the parent and email will be sent to notify them.  

3. Remove – Red card: For higher level behaviours, a Red Card classroom removal is issued. At this point a child will complete their learning in a different classroom for the remainder of the morning or afternoon session. Additionally, they will lose the rest of their free time for that day. The class teacher will contact the parent and email will be sent to notify them.  

 Thank you for all your support ensuring that the children have settled into school amazingly.  

Also next week, Mr Hutchinson is holding the Y5 and 6 football trials. Again, good luck to those taking part. 

Safety notices: 

The School Streets scheme is still in enforcement along Seagran and Winthorpe Road. We are regularly receiving complaints from residents that parents are parking illegally during the restricted times along these streets. As I am sure you can appreciate, it is very difficult for school staff to man these as we are busy inside the building safeguarding and teaching your children. Therefore, the East Riding Council have requested that the police do spot-checks on these streets, which may result in a fine if you are parking illegally. Please observe the signs at the entrance to the streets and familiarise yourselves with the times. So far, we have been unsuccessful in recruiting parent volunteers to man this scheme. We would still welcome any support that you can give to make the streets safer for our pupils. If you feel that you would be able to support even one morning or afternoon session per week then please get in touch with the school office. Thank you. 

A polite reminder that cycling or scooting is forbidden on the school grounds as this is a safety concern. We politely request that all pedestrians are also aware of small children around them, particularly when running in bad weather, as it has been brought to my attention that a pupil was knocked over last week. Thank you for your continued support.  

I have no idea whether I should wish you fun in the sun or the rain this weekend, because the good old forecast changes every time I look. Whatever you are doing, have a super weekend.  

Mrs Preston

Head of School