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Penshurst Primary School

Weekly Blog

On this page you will find a weekly blog from Mrs Preston, Head of School.

October 2023

Archive

  • WEEK 8 - Thursday 26 October 2023

    Published 26/10/23

    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

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  • WEEK 7 - Friday 20 October 2023

    Published 20/10/23

    This week, we held the first of our progress evenings and it was so lovely to welcome so many of you to our school, and see you leaving with smiles on your faces. By the end of the second night, I was starving after hearing about all of the families that were going to McDonalds to celebrate! If you haven’t managed to attend a session with your child’s class teacher to discuss your child’s education, please note that they will be arranging telephone calls with you. Additionally, if you haven’t completed the questionnaire yet, please do so here. 

    I have been informed that a very small minority of parents have been cycling down the path and around the school site. Please note that bikes and scooters are not to be ridden on the site, and we work hard to instil this rule into our learners for the health and safety of all stakeholders. I am sure you join us in wanting to set a good example. Please note that you will be approached and asked to dismount by a member of staff. Thank you. 

    Next week, we will hold our Open Event for children starting Reception year in September 2024. This event will be held on Wednesday 25 October and will start with a welcome in the main hall by our lovely EYFS leaders, and will move into the Reception area for you to have a good look around.  

    See you next week for the final week before half term. Reminder that the school is closed on Friday 27 October for staff training. I hope you have a super weekend. 

    Mrs Preston

    Head of School

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  • WEEK 6 - Friday 13 October 2023

    Published 13/10/23

    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

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  • WEEK 5 - Friday 6 October 2023

    Published 06/10/23

    This Thursday, it was wonderful to see our pupils looking pristine and smiley as they entered the school ready for their photos being taken. Marlowe and Sherlock decided that they wanted a piece of the action, and here are the out-takes to make you smile! It must be tiring being this photogenic! 

     

    Next week, our Year 5/6 girls will be attending a football event at Wolfreton. We wish them all lots of luck! 

    Other notices: 

    We are excited to inform you that our progress evenings will be taking place on Monday 16 and Wednesday 18 October. The link to book these appointments has been sent and will become live at 6pm on Monday 9 October. Thank you. 

    We have noticed that after school, there are a number of pupils, and occasionally families, staying on the school site until after clubs. For safeguarding purposes, we will be vacating the playgrounds at 15:30 and closing the gates until 16:00 when clubs are released. Thank you for your cooperation. 

    Please ensure your child brings their PE kit in on a Monday and takes it home on a Friday. We have an increase in the number of pupils who are not bringing it in and PE is a legal requirement. Thank you for supporting us to maintain the health of your child. 

    Have a wonderful weekend and see you next week! 

    Mrs Preston

    Head of School

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