Celebrating our pupils: 

The following pupils have shown a real understanding of the Ways of Being this week: Beth, Thomas, Agyness and Oswin. George and Ellie, Tommy and Nisha, Mikey, Kanico, Caroline and Clotilde, Donell and Olivia

Music appreciation: 

This week we listened to the beautiful sound made by the Mbira, an instrument from Zimbabwe, Africa. We listened to the first female Mbira player who has gone on to become world famous – Stella Chiweshe. 

Careers Related Learning / World Book Day:

Calling all authors, illustrators or publishers! Are you free and willing to come in on Wolrd Book Day (March 2nd) to talk about your job? Please email newislington@coopacademies.co.uk if you can help us.

 

Mystery Readers:

We are introducing Mystery Readers to New Islington – it’s a top secret role!

We have invited parents and carers of children in Reception, Year 1 & 2 to become a Mystery Reader – this is when you sign up to bring in your favourite children’s book and read it to your child’s class. You will then talk to the children about why it’s your favourite book, as well as take questions about the book……but the deal is that your child and all the other children in the class must never know who is due into the classroom!

Please complete the letter that has been sent home to volunteer your services.

Safer Internet Day – February 7th

This event is celebrated every year in early February. Safer Internet Day 2023 will be on the 7th of February. So what is the theme of Safer Internet Day 2023?

This year, the theme is ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online.’

The internet plays a huge part in the lives of young people today, with many playing games, posting on social media, and/or using video sharing platforms. It can be used positively, helping young people learn new skills, express themselves creatively, and strengthen social bonds. However, the use of many popular online platforms has also been linked to low self-esteem and anxiety. They also come with a set of safeguarding risks, including the pressure to participate in dangerous challenges to cyber-bullying.

It’s very important to provide young people with a safe space where they can share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences about life online. This can help educators and parents alike to promote wellbeing and to better understand the specific safeguarding risks affecting the young people in their care.

Please see the links below (in the days and dates section) to help you have conversations with your children about keeping safe online.

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Key dates: 

The following list gives an outline of the term’s events. They are not set in stone! New additions or alterations will be in bold. Greater details will be given as appropriate nearer the time.

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Monday 6 February – Week B

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Monday 6th February – Children’s Mental Health Week 2023 will take place from 6-12 February 2023. This year’s theme is Let’s Connect. Let’s Connect is about making meaningful connections for all, during Children’s Mental Health Week – and beyond. For Children’s Mental Health Week 2023, we’re encouraging people to connect with others in healthy, rewarding, and meaningful ways. 

Watch this video to learn more about the theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb8SDnS-M_M 

Run by the charity Place2Be, this link contains a range of free resources, hints and tips for families: https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/families/

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Tuesday 7th February – Safer Internet Day – Let’s work together to help guide your children into safe choices when online.

Here are some resources that you might find interesting:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-cmo-commentary-on-screen-time-and-social-media-map-of-reviews

https://mailchi.mp/internetmatters/safer-internet-day-2023-parents?e=031655732e

https://www.saferinternetday.org/resources

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

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Wednesday 8th February – Time to Talk Day

Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Happening every year, it’s a day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives. We know the more conversations we have, the better life is for everyone. Talking about mental health isn’t always easy, but a conversation has the power to change lives. 

Come along for tea, coffee, cake and a time to unwind and chat with other parents. Open to all parents at 9am on Wednesday 8th  February.

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Monday 13 February – Week A 

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Wednesday 15th February – Parent and Child Challenge Event from 1:30.

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Friday 17 February – Finish for half term

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Monday 27th February –  Week B 

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Monday 27th February – Term starts for all pupils

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Thursday 2nd March – World Book Day. If they wish, pupils are welcome to come to school dressed up as their favourite book character (no football strips). Please bring the book along too.

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Friday 3rd March – Our choir has been invited to perform at a celebratory event at the Science and Industry Museum.

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Monday 6 March – Week A

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Monday 6 March – Book Fair this week – more details to follow

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Monday 13 March – Week B 

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Friday 17th March: Our Year 5 and 6 pupils will take part in a live-link session with scientist and author Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock. This will be an inspiring session, seeing a successful black woman scientist working at the top of her game. Please share this link with your children (whatever their age) to inspire them and encourage them to dream big.