No. 288 - 3 February
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you to so many of our families who have sent messages of encouragement following Wednesday’s strike action. It was much appreciated, both by those who were striking and making a determined stand for better conditions in school, better pay for teachers and for recognition from the government that schools are underfunded, as well as by those who weren’t on strike. Our staff team’s positivity and commitment is such an important part of life at HTPD and I’m proud of the response that the school community made to this important national situation. I will of course let you know nearer the time about how future strike dates (Thursday 2nd March, Wednesday 15th March, Thursday 16th March) impact us.
Earlier in the week the Year 5 children went on a fantastic visit to Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium; they learnt so much about the solar system, as well as having the general public comment on their excellent behaviour and zest for learning! Science across the different year groups is one of my favourite aspects of our curriculum – on Monday, I enjoyed seeing how inspired and curious the children in Year 6 were as we looked at the inner workings of the heart. How wonderful to be able to share such inspiring topics as part of our broad curriculum. Do keep talking to the children about what they’re learning; getting them to retell what they know is a really important step to building these key facts and core knowledge into their long term memories. Remember the topic maps on our website, as well as the JTLYK pages will give you some great question prompts.
You’ll be interested to know that, together with governors and along with Bev Reed, our school business manager, I took part in a training day this week focused on safer recruiting. It was actually pretty grim to hear some serious case reviews of perpetrators (both staff and volunteers) who have evaded school’s safeguarding procedures, but we felt it provided an essential reminder to us all. We reflected on our own culture of vigilance within school, and I was reminded to invite all of you to take part in speaking up if ever you see anything that isn’t quite right. The NSPCC have recently launched a campaign, “Listen Up, Speak Up” (www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/listen-up-speak-up/) which has the same message. You might be interested to take a look at the materials; they are a quick guide to safeguarding and they remind us all to pass on any concerns, however unthinkable they may be. Please know that I am always available to speak to you about any safeguarding concerns that you may have; alternatively you can speak to any of our deputy safeguarding leads: Lucy Cray, Tom Everard, Lilja Helgadottir, Sheena Preston and Nick Walker. Next Tuesday, it’s safer internet day (www.saferinternetday.org/) and we’ll signpost you to some materials that will help you to keep your children safe online, as well as spending time in class helping communicate this important message. I’ll end with a sobering reminder about the incredible attraction that screens have from such a young age. I was speaking to a parent of a three year old who had never until recently played on a screen – such was the attraction that after only 10 minutes of play over a fortnight ago, he has been requesting more screen time every day since. Of course, screens are part of life these days, and they can have many positive benefits, but it’s good to be mindful that children need our help to learn how to make healthy choices about how to spend their time. Getting the balance right is so important for our children’s, and our own mental health.
With love,
Clare
Thought of the week: The Magic of Seeing. How can you make the world better? The power of positivity.
Infant
Bedtime Stories, Wednesday 8 February 5.15 – 6.00pm
We look forward to seeing you at Bedtime Stories next Wednesday. Children (in pyjamas or onesies) should be taken to their classrooms on arrival, and parents are invited to the hall where tea and coffee will be available. There will also be a short talk on supporting your child with reading. More details in FOPS section below.
Year R: Sportshall Athletics, Wednesday 8 February
A reminder for Year R parents to collect their children from Spectrum at 2.50pm, unless you have already let the office know that they need a lift back to school for PUPS. If your child does need a lift back, please bring in a named booster seat for them.
Dance Club with Beccy is cancelled on Wednesday.
Year 1: Sportshall Athletics, Thursday 9 February
Please collect your child from Spectrum at 2.50pm, unless you have already let the office know that they need a lift back to school for PUPS, Ballet or Football. These children will be returning to school by coach and will not need a booster seat.
Fluffy Friday, 10 February
Children can come to school in mufti (home clothes) next Friday, and we are requesting a £1 donation to help cover the cost of materials. Teachers will let the children know which activities they will be doing.
We are always glad to have some extra helpers for Fluffy activities, so please let the office know if you are able to help.
Lost: Emily (Oak Class) has lost her scarf which has a pink, white and green pattern.
Menu: Week 2 beginning 6 February.
There is a change to the menu next week – the roast dinner will now be on Tuesday, and sausages and mash on Wednesday
FOPS
Hi everyone,
We hope you’ve had a good week.
Bedtime Stories
As you may have seen in the ParentMail this week, next Wednesday, the school will be hosting a bedtime stories event between 5.15 – 6pm. If your children would like to attend, please bring them to school by 5.15pm - in pjs or onesies. The children will listen to a story or two and be served hot chocolate and a biscuit.
(If your child has any dietary requirements, please let the school office know so we can make sure to provide alternatives.) Please remember, this event is for Pewley children only but siblings are welcome to join their parents in the hall.
Pewley Sponsored Read
During the half term, we will be running our annual Sponsored Read. Children can be sponsored on minutes, pages or books read over the break. All money raised will go towards our new fundraising incentives – much needed air conditioning for the top floor classrooms and new playground equipment. We will send more details on this next week.
FOPS planning meeting
We now have an exciting schedule of events for the Spring and Summer term that we’d love to share with you! For anyone who would like to hear more or share any fundraising/ community building ideas that we could include in our plans, please join us on Tuesday 7th February at 8pm via Zoom. A link will be shared on the day for all those who’d like to join.
That’s it for this week -we hope to see lots of you at the Curry and Quiz evening tonight!
Have a great weekend 😊
Eleanor and Sally x
Dates for your diaries
- Quiz and Curry Night - Friday 3rd February
- FOPS planning meeting (Zoom) – Tuesday 7th February
- Bedtime stories at Pewley - Wednesday 8th February
- Sponsored Read – February Half Term
Junior
Dates for the diary
- Wednesday 8 February 2:30 pm – Y6 RSE Information Meeting for parents
- Friday 10 February - Fluffy Friday
- Half term – 13–17 February
Parents Evening
Meetings are on Tuesday 28 February and Thursday 2 March. Please look out for the ParentMail on Monday 6 February for more details.
Please remember there will be no teacher led after school clubs week of 27 February.
Data Sheets
If you still haven’t returned the Data sheet - please could we request you to do so latest by Monday 6 February.
Lunch – Week 2 menu for commencing 6 February.
- Please note there will be a slight change to the Friday menu – it will be Hot Dogs instead of Fish Fingers.
Sports Update
Holy Trinity fixtures and Clubs w/c 06/02/23
Tuesday 7 February - Y5 & Y6 Sportshall Athletics
The teams have been sent out on ParentMail. Please collect from HT at 4.30pm
Please arrive at school at 8am and go to the Chapel. The coach leaves at 8.20pm.
Thursday 9 February - Y5 & Y6 Cross Country
The teams have been sent out on ParentMail. Pick up is at Rydes Hill Common at 4.30pm.
HTSC News
NEW EVENT ALERT!
- We are very excited to announce that we will be holding a Quiz Night (for Adults!)
- Please save the date for 24th March!
- Details and pre-sale links to follow shortly.....
We have some great events planned for over the next few months for the children and parents/carers alike. We are looking forward to announcing these next week! Keep your eyes peeled….
Next HTSC Meetings:
- Social & HTSC Meeting on Wednesday 1st March at The March Hare pub at 7.30pm
Please feel free to come and share your ideas and get involved in helping raise funds for the school!
Other Notices
Spectrum Swimming Teachers – Spectrum are looking for swimming g teachers, please see the flyer below for more information.
Family Learning Courses - Please find below a flyer promoting February and March Family Learning online courses.
Home Start Charity – Please see the flyer below from Home Start, they are looking for volunteers to join them. Please note the training course commences on 15 March 2023.
The Flying Child peer support group for adult survivors of Child Sexual Abuse is a nonprofit organisation founded by an HTPD parent that has been awarded 100k National Lottery Community funding to widen their reach at The Flying Child Project - professional training shining a spotlight on Child Sexual Abuse; increasing visibility, recognition and understanding of child and adult survivors of CSA. With currently an estimated 11 million (1 in 6) adult survivors in the U.K., normalising speaking about an 'unspeakable' subject is one of their core aims, along with challenging societal attitudes that are responsible for so many survivors feeling ashamed, isolated, misunderstood and unable to speak out. With this funding, they are now able to provide support for adult survivors of CSA through peer support groups and creative spaces, both in the local area and online. For more information please visit www.theflyingchild.com or email admin@theflyingchild.com
