News from EBPS 26th April 2024

Dear parents and carers, 

It has been another lovely week in school and we are seeing the vast majority of children respond really positively to our Excellence in Everything initiative to show our school values and our school rules of being “Ready, Respectful and Safe” at all times. Where children’s behaviour falls short of our expectations, there is always a follow-up and natural consequences and coaching conversations occur, with after school coaching programmes involving parents also initiated as needed. Where a child’s behaviour falls short of our high expectations, we will work with the child and family to help improve this.  

Year Two Great Fire of London Day 

Last Friday saw a very successful history “wow” day for Year Two to launch their Great Fire of London day. The children were engrossed in their history learning all morning and really benefitted from the visit from the fire brigade. Thanks to the Y2 team and Miss Bartholomew for leading the day and to the three parents who came with the fire engine: Mr Atkins, Mr Stone and Mr Davies. 

Reading 

Well done to Harry in Y5 and Arlo in Y1 for winning the individual reading prizes this week. Well done to Poppy class in KS2 and in KS1 it was a draw with Crocus and Bluebell classes jointly having the highest number of children who read five times at home. Well done to the winners! 

New build/ extension 

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the removal of the KS1 mobile scheduled for the Easter holidays was delayed. The main contractor has been appointed and is a company called Lindum who have lots of experience managing school new-builds and extensions. Lindum have met us and discussed their planned timeline and we will be working closely with them to ensure the safety of all children and families whilst the building work is underway. The plan (which is dependent on lots of other companies and utility providers), is that the mobile will be removed and the new staff car park on the field will start to be developed in May. This is phase one of the build and is due to be completed by the end of August. Phase 2 (the extension giving us the five new classrooms in a link building) is due to commence in mid-July. 

Nearer the end of the summer term, we will advise you of the revised doors in use and slight changes to drop-off and pick-up arrangements for September as a result of the building work.  

Online safety and screen time 

I would like to draw to the attention of all parents and carers the importance of monitoring your child’s screen time and the viewing / games they can access. Like all schools, we are seeing an increase in the number of children coming to school having watched inappropriate content and recreating this in their behaviour and in their play. There is a campaign to ban smartphones for all children under 16 which is gaining traction and which you may wish to read more about. The benefits from countries and schools who have smartphones bans for children are very clear and the results are very positive on children’s mental health and well-being. 

Please ensure you are aware of what your child is viewing / doing online and for how long. Have clear screen-time rules and boundaries for your house and implement them; you will be the bad guy but this is the right and responsible thing to do to help your child’s mental health in the long-run! See attached an online safety sheet regarding online shopping platforms. 

May Fayre 

A reminder that next Friday, 3rd May, is a whole school mufti day. Children are invited to wear their own clothes in exchange for a donation of an item towards the PTA’s May Fayre. See attached poster. The May Fayre is on Friday 24th May, after school on the Key Stage Two playground. This is a great fundraiser for the PTA and we really appreciate your support. All donations made next Friday will be used as prizes on the tombola or various stalls.  

The raffle this year will include 10 tickets to each of two music concerts at Delapre (James Arthur and “Let’s Rock”) which we have been donated in exchange for displaying their posters on our fence!  

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. 

Miss Lally 

Letters home this week 

Shoe box request – Y4 only 

Archery competition – Selected KS2 pupils only 

Excellence in everything – Y2 – Y4 only 

Change of PE day – Tulip class only 

Caythorpe medicines – Caythorpe attendees only 

EY library visits 

Internet and phones not working 

Y1 parents’ phonics session reminder 

Attachments 

Online safety – shopping apps 

PTA May Fayre mufti day flyer