The Willows News – Week 7 20.10.17

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Dear Parents/Carers What a great end of half-term surprise for our pupils: a visit from Tony Scholes, Mark Hughes, Jack Butland and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. I can’t imagine that I will be writing about a guest list of this calibre in the future (but then, I’m always hopeful). Yesterday, was a wonderful example of ‘Willows team spirit’ – the ‘above and beyond’ that our staff demonstrate to make our school a truly amazing place. As a consequence, school looked fabulous; the pupils’ behaviour was exemplary and I was exceptionally proud of everyone (I hope you’ve seen the video clips on The Sentinel website). Press coverage was at a national level and so I’ll be searching through The Times, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror and The Sun this weekend to see if I can capture any coverage of the event that took place in school. Earlier today, I received a ‘thank you’ e-mail from Tony Scholes and I was delighted to read his final comments which I feel honoured to share with you: ‘I was incredibly impressed with your school. It is clear the school has a positive learning ethos, but one which is backed up by a caring and supportive atmosphere. The children were a delight and a great credit to the school and their families. We look forward to working with you in the future!’ A special mention must be made to Miss Smalley who co-ordinated the whole event – thank you.

Mrs S Thursfield Headteacher

Attendance Whole school - 96.8% Reception KS1 KS2 RAF - 95.3% 1KM - 94% 2SS - 94.3% 3HP - 98.7% 5AA - 96.8% RSC - 94.8% 1SR - 97.3% 2TC - 99.3% 3BA - 96.7% 5AJ - 98.6% RJT - 91.7% 1ES - 98.7% 2LP - 96.3% 3CB - 97.4% 5TH - 90.3% 4KA - 98.6% 6HR - 99.3% 4JH - 98.7% 6PB - 98%

4LD - 96%

Vacancy for Midday Assistant Reading Champions Between 1-1.5 hours a day, £8.45 per hour Do you have some spare time? KS1 - All of our Y2 classes with 100% Would you like to support the children at lunchtime and have fun each! in the playground? Y3/4 - 4KA and 4JH both with 100%

If so contact Lisa Statham on Y5/6 - 5AA with 100% 01782 233280 or email [email protected] Well done to 2LP - 100% for 5 weeks For more details or an application form. running!

Stars of the Week

Well done to the following children who have been chosen by staff this week!

Nursery

Badgers: Olly Willock Foxes: Amber Richards Squirrels: Iris Dooley Hedgehogs: Oliver Brown

KS1 1ES: Abid Uddin 1KM: Reuben Carless 2SS: Claudia Robinson 2TC: Neve Welch 2LP: Halima Farakh KS1 Behaviour Shield: Jacob Welsh (2LP) KS2:

3HP: Ben Shevloff 3BA: Hollie Ward 3CB: Kayci Burton

4KA: Sarah Reekie 4JH: Jessica Gorry 4LD: Tyger Allport-Vyse 5AA: William Baggeley 5AJ: Ayla Kantav 5TH: Daniel Biddulph 6PB: Lily Ball 6HR: Maisie Salt

Homework Completing homework activities gives you an idea of the expectations of your children and it really helps reinforce learning that takes place in the classroom. We expect all of our children to complete their homework on a weekly basis - here are the class results for this week.

KS1 KS2 1KM - 97% 2SS - 86% 3HP - 90% 5AA - 90% 1SR - 86% 2TC - 93% 3BA - 86% 5AJ - 93%

1ES - 87% 2LP - 100% 3CB - 100% 5TH - 86% 4KA - 100% 6HR - 100% 4JH - 100% 6PB - 93% 4LD - 97%

Football News

Following the launch of PTFA social last week, we have had a steady flow of people registering. For those who have yet to register, we would love to have you on board. We want to establish an online PTFA community that will allow us to Yesterday our football team took part in a communicate our events and information and allow you to tournament at Powerleague. They came runners up in communicate with others and/or volunteer easily if you wish. their group - they won 2 games, drew 1 and lost 1. Links are on the PTFA Facebook page and on the School 6 goals were scored by the Captain Lucas Turner and website at the bottom of PTFA page. Click on the PTFA Social logo (via parents tab) and on recent emails from school. 3 by Oliver Palmer. This unfortunately didn't get them through to the quarter finals, but they did go on to If buy your Festive firework ticket(s) before November 20th, play in another group where they were great again. your ticket numbers will be entered into a draw and a number Elliott Malin got on to the score sheet with an will be randomly generated. The child or children connected to excellent penalty. the winning ticket will be able to start the firework display! Well done to all the boys involved.

Fundraising for Lucas’ Legacy

Alice Heath and a group of friends made cakes to

Well done yet again to Tilly Devaney and sell to KS2 children. Luke Glover for making and holding a We will let you know how sale of ‘mini buddies’ raising £23.00! much was raised on the next newsletter. You are superstars!

Is your child or young person waiting for support with the Dove Service?

We are hosting Monthly Family Events every 2nd Thursday across North Staffs:

Date Time Location 9th Nov 2017 4-5.30pm Staffs Moorlands Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent ST8 6DT 14th Dec 2017 4-5.30pm Butt Lane Community Centre, Kidsgrove, ST7 1DG

Benefits of attending Receive a private assessment for your child to learn more about our services The chance to meet and chat with other families experiencing similar difficulties

Please call or email to book a place Aged 7-11 years? Waiting for support with the Dove Service?

Why not give our Support groups a go? Day Tuesdays Times 4.30-5.30pm Location Sandyford Fire Station, Marlborough Way, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5ED Dates 31st Oct (taster session), 7th Nov, 28th Nov, 5th Dec & 12th Dec 2017

Run by professional counsellors Using fun and creative activities to explore and offer support Chance to talk, make friends with and gain support from other young people

Safe, welcoming and reassuring environment Please call or email to book a place Can’t make this group….the next groups will begin in the New Year Stokies Stride Out Stoke-on-Trent Walking Festival Sunday 15 to Sunday 29 October 2017

Join us over two weeks this autumn for more than 80 free, fun and friendly guided walks, all led by experienced walk leaders. There’s something for everyone in this year’s festival; whatever your age, ability or interests. All our walks can be found at www.stoke.gov.uk/events or visitstoke.co.uk Or get in touch at: [email protected]

Burslem Park Story Walk and Little Library Van - Monday 23 October Level: Easy Start Time: 10am Length: 1 hr Location: Burslem Park, Moorland Road, Burslem ST6 1EA – meet at the Bandstand Join professional story teller Alan Barrett, as he embellishes this beautiful, newly refurbished park with his weird and wonderful stories. Suitable for children of all ages. The Little Library Van will also be parked at the start and finish point of the walk, giving plenty of time to visit and read. Stoke-on-Trent City Council Wheelchair accessible, Children welcome with an adult, Pushchair accessible, Dogs allowed on a lead, Toilets available

Wildplay with Trails - Monday 23 October Level: Leisurely Start Time: 1.30pm Length: 2 hrs (drop-in activity) Location: Whitfield Valley Nature Reserve Car Park, Ford Green Road, Smallthorne ST6 1NG

Play outdoors with all the family, with activities such as den building, bug hunting, playing on the slackline and more. Please come dressed for the weather - don't forget your wellies (or sturdy shoes), a coat and a drink. Wildlife Trust, Children in Need Wheelchair accessible, Children welcome with an adult, Pushchair accessible, Dogs allowed on a lead, Toilets available

Hanley Park Story Walk - Monday 23 October Level: Easy Start Time: 2pm Length: 1 hr Location: Hanley Park, Cleveland Road, Shelton ST1 4DX – meet at the bandstand

Join professional story teller, Alan Barrett, as he explores the park and tells his weird and wonderful stories. Suitable for children of all ages. Stoke-on-Trent City Council Wheelchair accessible, Children welcome with an adult, Pushchair

Nordic Walking - Tuesday 24 October Level: Easy Start Time: 10.00am Length: 2 hours Location: Westport Lake Café, Westport Lake Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 4RZ Come along to a fun walk where you’ll learn how to use walking poles in a relaxed Nordic Walking session. Nordic Walking enhances ordinary walking, making something we learn to do as babies twice as effective. Not suitable for wheelchair users

Get Wild in Hem Heath Woods – Wednesday 25 October Level: Leisurely Start Time: 10am and 1.30 pm Length: 2 hrs 30 mins Location: Hem Heath Nature Reserve, Longton Road, Trentham ST4 8FR – Meet on the car park Are you aged between 8-13 years? Then come with us on a woodland adventure and GetWild. We’ll explore the woods, build dens and light a campfire. Ask your parents to drop you off at the car park at 10am and we’ll return after our adventure at 12.30pm for them to pick you up again. Don’t forget to wear warm layers and a pair of sturdy shoes or wellies as we’ll be outdoors, and bring a drink and some snacks. To book your place, visit www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Children in Need Children welcome, Pushchair accessible, walking shoes/boots recommended

Bear Hunt - Thursday 26 October Level: Leisurely Start Time: 1.30pm Length: 2 hrs Location: Queen's Park, Queen's Park Avenue, Longton ST3 4AU – meet by the playground

We’re going on a bear hunt to find the secret bear! Take part in craft activities, make bear dens and a enjoy story adventure. Feel free to bring your teddies along. Please come dressed for the weather - don't forget your wellies (or sturdy shoes), a coat and a drink. Plac- es are limited so please email [email protected]. Wildlife Trust, Children in Need Children welcome with an adult, Pushchair accessible, Dogs allowed on a lead, Toilets available

Histrionics Walk back in time Make a present of the past - Friday 27 October Level: Easy Start Time: 1pm and 3pm Length: 45 mins Location: Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke ST4 1HH "Follow madcap Victorian historian Baskerville Oldface on an exciting, interactive theatre walk through time. Get up and get involved with stories from history as the past is vividly brought to life in 60 minutes or less! Top hats and bonnets optional..." Stoke-on-Trent City Council Wheelchair accessible, Pushchair accessible, Children welcome with an adult

Spooky Walk - Friday 27 October

Level: Easy Start Time: 6.30pm Length: 1 hr Location: Green Door Hub, Westport Lake, Westport Lake Road, Longport ST6 4RZ Join our spooky walk around parts of Westport Lake and keep an eye out for the ghosts! Green Door, Stoke-on-Trent City Council Dogs not allowed, Bring a torch

Wildplay with Trails - Friday 27 October Level: Easy Start Time: 1.30pm Length: 2 hrs (drop-in activity) Location: Queen's Park, Queen's Park Avenue, Longton ST3 4AU – meet by the playground

Play outdoors with all the family, with activities such as den building, bug hunting, playing on the slackline and more. Please come dressed for the weather - don't forget your wellies (or sturdy shoes), a coat and a drink.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Children in Need Children welcome with an adult, Pushchair accessible, Dogs allowed on a lead, Toilets available

Burslem Treasure Trail - Saturday 28 October Level: Easy Start Time: 12 noon Length: 2.6 miles, 2 hrs 30 mins Location: Car park at the top of Woodbank Street, opposite Wycliffe Street, Burslem ST6 3JY

Where are the witch’s riches? Molly Leigh, alleged to be a witch, was buried in St John’s churchyard in Burslem in 1746. Can you locate the secret hiding place of the treasure that paid for poor Molly’s grave?

Please note, this is a self-led trail with support on-hand if needed. Participants will be met at the start and each group will be provided with a free Treasure Trail booklet. Places are strictly limited – to book email [email protected]

Stoke-on-Trent City Council Car park charges apply, Children welcome with an adult, Pushchair accessible, Dogs allowed on a lead, Toilets available

Diary Dates for October

Friday 20th BREAK UP FOR HALF TERM HOLIDAY

Monday 30th SCHOOL OPENS FOR CHILDREN Tuesday 31st Y3 visit to Poole’s Cavern Y1 Walk to Spode

Diary Dates for November Wednesday 1st 4JH Dance Day, performance to parents at 2.30pm Y1 Walk to Spode Friday 3rd Academy Photographs (individual and with siblings) Monday 6th 4KA Dance Day, performance to parents at 2.30pm Tuesday 7th 5AA Dance Day, performance to parents at 2.30pm Wednesday 8th 4LD Dance Day, performance to parents at 2.30pm Thursday 9th Parent Consultations 1-8pm Friday 10th Non-uniform day (wrapped present donations for PTFA Christmas Fayre) Monday 13th SCHOOL CLOSED FOR TEACHER TRAINING DAY Tuesday 14th School reopens for children 5AJ Dance Day, performance to parents at 2.30pm Wednesday 15th 5TH Dance Day, performance to parents at 2.30pm Friday 17th Non-uniform day (chocolate donations for PTFA Christmas Fayre) Monday 27th 3HP Class Assembly for parents at 9.15am Songbirds Concert (letters to follow) Tuesday 28th 3CB Class Assembly for parents at 9.15am Wednesday 29th 3BA Class Assembly for parents at 9.15am Thursday 30th PTFA Fireworks and Christmas Fayre at 6pm

Diary Dates for December Friday 1st SCHOOL CLOSED FOR TEACHER TRAINING DAY Tuesday 5th Reception Nativity performance to parents 1.45pm Nursery visit to Bridgemere Wednesday 6th Reception Nativity performance to parents 9.30am Tea with Santa (time tbc) Thursday 7th Nursery visit to Bridgemere Tea with Santa (time tbc) Monday 11th KS2 Christingle Services (times tba) Tuesday 12th Reception visit to Cannock Chase Christmas dinner for Nursery and KS2 children Wednesday 13th Nursery ‘Jolly Jingles’ Christmas songs for parents 9.30am Christmas dinner for Reception, Y1 and Y2 children Y1 Nativity performance to parents 6pm Thursday 14th Y1 Nativity performance to parents 9.30am Monday 18th Y2 Carol Concert for parents 2.15pm Tuesday 19th KS2 discos a.m BREAK UP FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

Diary Dates for January 2018

Wednesday 3rd SCHOOL OPENS FOR CHILDREN Thursday 18th ‘Busy fingers’ Nursery parent workshop 9.15-10.15am Tuesday 23rd Y5 visit to New Vic Theatre Wednesday 24th Y5 visit to New Vic Theatre Thursday 25th Y5 visit to New Vic Theatre Young Voices (information to follow)

Parking Issues We continue to be concerned about the parking issues that are being experienced at the beginning and end of each school day. Your feedback on parental questionnaires and on the Facebook page are much appreciated in giving us this information. This term our School Council and Eco Council are going to be working on projects to promote safe parking and driving. The ongoing issues have been discussed many times with the Governing Board and actions have been taken previously. However, this week it was decided that it is time to pass all concerns and complaints directly to the local MP, Gareth Snell. Therefore can we kindly ask that you send your experiences, concerns and complaints to the contact details below. We want to work together for a resolution that keeps our children and families safe. Thank you for your support with this campaign, we really want to bombard Gareth and by sending messages to him we could prevent a tragic accident occurring. Please help us out!

Email: [email protected] Ceramics House, Garth Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 2AB Tel: 01782 272897