Learning Together to Achieve our Best Stonesfield Primary School Friday 23rd October 2020
Dear parents and carers,
We have finally made it to the end of a brutally long half-term. I have been delighted by how smoothly the half- term has gone. Thank you for helping by adhering to our drop-off and collection arrangements, this will continue after half-term. After an initial flurry of illness, attendance across the school has been excellent. There have been frustrating issues with obtaining COVID-19 results quickly, but all results have returned negative, and I am pleased to say that I am not aware of any suspected or confirmed cases in our school community. As well as implementing our COVID-19 risk assessment to ensure the safety of our pupils and staff, and delivering our recovery curriculum to make up for learning lost during lockdown, staff have been working hard on our 2020-21 priorities to take the school from strength to strength.
Learning environments As well as celebrating fantastic learning (see our hall displays below) we have introduced ‘working walls’ in classrooms to share current learning in Maths and English. The aim is to increase children’s independence by having prompts to refer to rather than relying on an adult. Here is an example of an English working wall in Chestnut class. You can see the gathering of ideas through the writing process and a strong focus on vocabulary and sentence building.
Wellbeing and mental health This half-term the majority of pupils in Years 1-6 completed a mental health survey, the Wellbeing Compass. As a result of this survey a number of pupils have received 1:1 or small group support to improve their self-esteem, confidence and resilience. Our Senco, Mel Carruthers, and Dan Skidmore from Evolve have delivered these interventions and we have already seen noticeable results. The survey highlighted ‘Sleep’ as a potential concern and all children have learned about the importance of good bedtime routines. As well as our PE curriculum lessons and Daily Mile sessions Dan Skidmore has trained nine Year 6 pupils as Play Leaders to provide structured physical activities during lunchtimes. Staff have received training in Zones of Regulation (information shared last week) with a view to developing a common language across the school to help children recognise their feelings. Children can only learn when they are in the right frame of mind and it is important children have strategies to self-regulate and move to ‘the green zone’. In addition to this, Years 2, 3, 4 and 6 have enjoyed weekly Forest School sessions and all classes have had additional PSHE lessons to support transition after lockdown. 1
English Improving standards in Writing is a key priority this year. Teachers have had training to improve their modelling of writing to children by making the writing process explicit. Teachers are already using these techniques with excellent results. In her role as English Subject Leader, Mrs Brockall has spent time listening to children read and advising all staff on strategies to improve reading fluency across the school. We have also introduced a new Phonics Policy and are working hard to improve children’s early reading. Later in the year teachers will receive training to challenge more pupils to attain the greater depth standard in Writing.
Willow’s hall display Maths In her role as Maths Subject Leader, Mrs Merritt has delivered training this half-term to teachers on giving pupils more opportunities for reasoning and problem solving in Maths. Over the last couple of years we have focused heavily on mathematical fluency (number bonds, times tables etc). Now the majority of our pupils have quick recall of these facts, and strong calculation strategies, we can focus on applying this knowledge in a range of contexts and develop more sophisticated use of mathematical language. We believe that all children should have regular opportunities to reason and problem-solve, however we are also striving for more pupils to achieve the greater depth standard.
Chestnut’s hall display 2
Rowan’s hall display
For a more detailed look at our School Improvement Plan and to hear about our commitment in raising standards please join myself and governors on Wednesday 2nd December at 6pm for a virtual School Leadership Presentation with an opportunity to ask questions.
Have a great half-term and we look forward to seeing all our families on Monday 2nd November.
Ben Trevail
Google Classroom Library The children at Stonesfield love reading and have lots of great reading experience to share. Whilst we cannot visit the school library, or bring classes together for reading, we have decided to start a google classroom library. We thought it would be lovely to use the google classroom library to share book readings and book reviews across the whole school. In class we work on reading fluently by rehearsing extracts to make sure they are read with the optimal speed and expression. Over half term it would be fantastic if children practised reading a section of one of their favourite books and posted a recording of them performing it. They can submit the recording by responding to the ‘Book Readings’ assignment in the classwork section of the library classroom. If your child isn’t feeling brave enough to post a reading just yet, they could create a book review using the 'Book Review' assignment instead.
Parent Evenings You can now book your child’s parent evening slot on Parentmail, please ensure you do so before the deadline of 4th November. We will be using Zoom with strict 10 minute appointments. More details including links will be shared after half-term.
Chestnut class In Forest school Chestnut class have been trying to make a fire using Stone Age tools and techniques. Here is a picture of Rowan using a piece of flint and stone to try to get a spark. It was hard work!
Oak class Oak class have loved playing in the autumn leaves!
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Willow class A big thank you to Willow class for being fantastic this term. They are making great progress and have been doing some amazing writing this week. Here are some of our fantastic descriptions of Mr Twit.
Karmani’s writing:
Orin’s writing
Rowan class We have had another very busy week in Rowan class. For our class reward for such a great term, we made Caribbean inspired fruit kebabs. We tried papaya, mango, watermelon and passion fruit. We also watched Floella Benjamin's 'Coming to England'. We designed our own Caribbean Islands in maths and then used co-ordinates to play Battleships. By Martha and Tyler
Year 5 Brass
We have been reading music, getting used to notes and thinking about rhythm. We have learnt how to assemble our brass instruments and blow into the mouth-piece which can be a bit tricky. We have played a few pieces of music. I really enjoyed listening to Mr Gray play the theme tune from Star Wars. By Henry
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Forest School Next half-term there are some changes to our Forest School sessions. On Tuesdays years 3 and 4 are swapping their sessions so Year 4 will go in the mornings and Year 3 in the afternoons. We have decided to offer Year 1 and Year 2 alternating half-terms, so Year 1 children will go every Friday morning next half-term. Year 6 children will continue to go on Friday afternoons. It’s an absolute pleasure to observe children during Forest School sessions; children blossom, and we see another side of their personalities. We have noticed the benefits to children of having the opportunity to attend Forest School year on year as they progress through the school: children attend with a purpose and their creativity and passions shine through. Being outside and at one with nature is so great for our wellbeing and mental health; this week children have been relaxing in our newly created leaf-tubs – who needs an expensive spa treatment?!
Thank you to those of you who have generously volunteered your time this half-term. Forest School cannot go ahead with support so please sign up using the doodle polls below if you can. Hot chocolate and smiles provided free.
Year 4 Forest School Poll (Tuesday mornings) Year 3 Forest School Poll (Tuesday afternoons)
Year 1 Forest School Poll (Friday mornings) Year 6 Forest School Poll (Friday afternoons)
There are some safeguarding requirements to volunteer in school. If you sign up then please read part 1 of Keeping Children Safe in Education, and the school’s updated Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. On your first visit, when signing in you will be asked to sign to declare that these documents have been read and responsibilities have been understood. The school will complete a DBS check for regular volunteers.
French KS1 lessons We are delighted to be teaming up with La Jolie Ronde to offer French lessons to children in years 1 and 2. These lessons have been requested by parents and will start after half-term on Monday 2nd November. There will be a voluntary contribution of £2.50 per week to help cover the costs. This payment option is now set up on parent mail.
Christmas Lunch – Thursday 17th December School Christmas Lunch with all the trimmings will be on Thursday 17th December. If your child does not usually have a school lunch on a Thursday and would like to have a Christmas lunch, please complete, and return the slip below with payment by 4th December. The cost is £2.30. Please note Early years and KS1 children do not need to make payment.
PE lessons A polite reminder to please send children to school in appropriate PE kit on PE days. They are not non-uniform days! Plain white t-shirt and a plain tracksuit please (or school jumper / fleece).
School Lunch Statements Statements have been sent home for those parents owing money. Please can you ensure full payment is made promptly. Paying for Lunches on Parent mail: 1. Log onto Parent mail 2. Click Message Feed 3. Select “Payments” 4. Select “Go to Shop” 5. Select “Childs School Meal” 6. Choose meal quantity 7. Select “Pay Now” 8. Click on “Checkout” 9. Choose payment method 5
10. Confirm Payment 11. Input card details 12. Select “Pay Now”
Wild Club Term 2 - Year 3 - 6 Wild Club starts again after half term on Tuesdays from 3rd November to 1st December inclusive (5 weeks). The cost will be £40.00. Children must come appropriately dressed to be outdoors whatever the weather, and if possible, bring a head torch. If you need any help with warm weather clothing, please ask. Please complete the form below and return along with payment to school office, 12 places max.
Multi Skills Sports Club – Year 3 – 6 We will be running a Multi Skills Sports Club led by a sports coach from Oxford United in the Community. This club will be on Wednesdays from 4th November until 16th December from 3.15pm to 4.15pm. Please sign and return slip below.
Community News:
The Chippy Larder Inspired by Marcus Rashford, The Chippy Larder would like to help with food provision over half term (and likely over Christmas holidays) to those families who may find it a struggle without the free school meals voucher scheme. Food has been sourced to provide for 100 families to collect early next week.
There is no eligibility criteria although it is aimed at families who would normally receive free school meals.
If you would like to be included please contact:
Phone: 07890 394297 Email: [email protected]
Stonesfield Village Hall - Covid Safe Halloween Trail We are organising a Halloween trail around the village to provide some fun for the children in a safe socially distanced way. We are asking that any houses that would like to celebrate Halloween to please contact us, so that we can put the address on a map and also allocate you a clue to be displayed outside of your house that can be clearly seen by children taking part in the treasure hunt.
You may give out treats safely if you want to, there are loads of Covid safe ways to do this online.
Children will be able to get a map for £2 and follow the trail collecting the clues which will lead them to a gazebo of scary surprises and a prize for completed maps. Charges are to cover costs of prizes and treats.
Please contact [email protected] to let us know if you would like to have your address put on the map and be willing to display a clue. Maps will be available from Stonesfield Sports and Social Club.
Have a safe fun and happy Halloween and Half Term Holiday.
Royal British Legion Poppies Due to Covid restrictions, the usual door to door sales of poppies cannot take place this year which is devastating for the Charity as it is their main source of income. However, there will be a British Legion stall set up outside the village shop on Saturday, 31st October from 8.00am, which, alongside the sale of poppies and poppy pins, there will be cakes and savouries to buy and a raffle for a fabulously decorated Halloween cake! If you would like to contribute something sweet or savoury to the stall, it would be very much appreciated – please bring along your goodies to the stall on the morning of the 31st, anytime from 8.00am. Thank you, Stonesfield British Legion Volunteers.
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Half Term Fun with The Hedgehog Club Woodland Holiday Club October half term at Cogges Farm, Witney Tuesday 27th October 9.30am until 3pm A drop off activity club for children aged 5-11years. A full day of outdoor activities. Activities during the day will include den building, bug hunting, whittling, foraging, campfire cooking, natural craft activities and some spooky Halloween fun. Hot chocolate, squash and homemade biscuits will be provided. As well as some campfire snacks. Cost is £35 per child for season ticket holders. £37 for non-season ticket holders. Only 15 places available.
Hedgehog Club Halloween Activity Day at Hailey Community Wood from 9.30am -3.00pm. 28th October 2020. Come and spend a day outdoors playing, building, and exploring. We will be building dens, bug hunting, natural craft activities, using tools and knives and lighting fires. There will also be some Halloween potion making, broomstick racing and pumpkin carving. Hot drinks, squash, homemade biscuits, and campfire snacks available all day. Open to 5-11-year olds. It costs £35 per child. Numbers are limited to 15 places only.
Booking will open on Friday 23rd October at 5pm and will be through The Hedgehog Club website www.thehedgehogclub.co.uk Places sell out fast so you will need to be quick!
School diary Monday 3rd November Term 2 starts w/b 9th November Parents evenings Please book on Parentmail
Wed 2nd December School Leadership Presentation Virtual presentation from Mr Trevail and governors on our school improvement priorities. Thursday 3rd December Nasal Flu Immunisation Whole School
Thursday 17th December Christmas Lunch
Friday 18th December Last day of Term 2 School finishes at 1.30pm
Club permission forms are on next page.
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I give permission for my child ………………………………………………to attend Wild Club Year 3 - 6 Tuesday from 3rd November to 1st December 3.15-5.00pm.
Signed by parent/carer: …………………….……………….…… Date: …………………..…...….
At the end of the afternoon: My child has permission to go home alone
I will collect my child
Medical conditions and allergies ………………………………………………
Parent/carer contact number …………………………………………………..
Second contact and tel number …………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
My child will go home with …………………………………..………………… (name of adult)
I enclose payment of ………………… (£8 per session)
------I give permission for my child …………………………………………to attend Sports Club – Year 3 – 6 Wednesday
Signed by parent/carer: …………………….……………….…… Date: ……….…. Contact No. …………….
At the end of the afternoon: My child has permission to go home alone
I will collect my child
My child will go home with …………………………………..………… (name of adult)
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Christmas Lunch Thursday 17th December
Child’s name______Class ______
Meat option______Veg option______
PAYMENT £2.30 (Cheques payable to: OCC)
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