We look forward to seeing you there!

We look forward to seeing you!

Junior Sports Stars February Holiday Camp: Please go onto the Junior Sports Stars website to book a place. A flyer is attached to this email. Spaces are still available. https://juniorsportstars.co.uk/sports-holiday-camps/ 

Children’s Mental Health Week: Starting on Monday 5th February, we will be holding different events across the week to encourage pupils to develop a positive approach to their wellbeing. We invite children to come to school on Friday 9th February dressed in clothes that they feel the most confident and comfortable in - the theme is ‘express yourself’ to allow children to come dressed as they wish.  Please can we ask for a voluntary donation of £1:00 for the charity Place2Be. 

Online Parent Workshop: On Tuesday 5th March, Mrs Holt will run a virtual session for parents at 5pm. She will explain the Personal, Social and Health curriculum and answer any questions you may have about our approach to teaching Personal Development.

Course for parents: If we have enough interest (a minimum of 10 parents) we can provide some free informative parenting advice delivered in a friendly and accessible way. The sessions would either be immediately after drop off, or before pick up and would last for 2.5 hours. It would be a 6 week course after the Easter holiday. The outline is as follows:

• How to make learning fun and how the importance of learning through play

• Enjoying books, reading together and why it's important

• What questions can you ask to check your child's understanding 

• Understand how schools teach spelling (phonics)

• Understand the different types of writing children learn in school

• To feel more confident discussing your child's progress at parents' evening

• Boundaries, routines and screen time

If you are interested, please email newislington@coopacademies.co.uk 

Survey on childcare: The Government is investing £289m nationally into expanding Wrap Around Childcare for working families of primary aged children.  Manchester has received funding to expand and establish provision from September 2024 where it is identified as required. The Council wants to work with schools, parents, the out of school sector and childcare providers to develop sustainable and accessible provision that meets the needs of working parents.  The first priority is to establish a clear baseline of what exists and where in the City and whether this is meeting the current and future needs of working families. Please help us by completing the parent/carer survey. The deadline for the surveys is 28th January 2024.

Parent survey: https://forms.office.com/e/bXD1PxqzPn

Online Safety Parent Workshop:  As shared last week, please find below the link to access the parent/carer session scheduled for Wednesday 31st January 2024 – 9.30am – 10.15am.  

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZWQyZjMwMjQtNGVhMy00NDEyLTg2ODItZDQ1OGNjM2FiMjcw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7B%22Tid%22%3A%22dcdb1ea5-3b10-49a2-bf8f-5fd59edcd762%22%2C%22Oid%22%3A%225772fa8f-9814-4199-aef2-9195804f833e%22%2C%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3Atrue%2C%22role%22%3A%22a%22%7D&btype=a&role=a
 

Attendees do not need to register, they simply click on the link at the above time to access the session.  Cameras and voice/audio will be switched off for all attendees.  Attendees can ask questions by typing in the Q&A box, but this will be explained during the session.

Attendance

Last week                                           This week

Whole school- 94.46%                     Whole School - 94.83%

Rec- 93.40%                                        Rec- 97.26%

Year 1- 93.22%                                   Year 1- 92.19%

Year 2- 94.07%                                   Year 2- 96.66%

Year 3- 94.00%                                   Year 3- 95.56%

Year 4- 96.35%                                    Year 4- 93.31%

Year 5- 94.77%                                   Year 5- 94.16%

Year 6- 95.75%                                   Year 6- 94.10% 

Winner Class- 4EB with 100%.       Class Winner- 99.30% RZI- Bumblebees

Events and key dates 

Friday 2nd February: Our choir and talented soloists will be performing at a major Trust event at Co-op Academy Belle Vue. They will shine brightly and impress all the guests! 

Monday 5th February: Children’s Mental Health Week. We will be planning and delivering different activities to promote positive mental health throughout the week.  

Monday 5th February: Visit to Central Library to meet an author - selected pupils throughout KS2

Tuesday 6th February: Safer Internet Day. We will send out resources for you to access to help you help your children stay safe online. 

Thursday 8th February: Fire Service to come in for a workshop with Year 2

Thursday 8th February: Time to Talk Coffee Morning for parents at 9am

Friday 9th February: Spelling Bee for 3 of our best Year 6 spellers - wish us luck!

Friday 9th February: ‘Express Yourself’ home clothes day. Come dressed in whatever makes you feel most confident! 

Friday 16th February: School finishes for the half term holiday

Monday 26th February: School opens for all pupils

Monday 26th February: Year 5 History / Drama workshops - please pay online via Arbor for this workshop

Tuesday 27th February: Year 3 FC to Manchester Museum. More details and payment options nearer the time. 

Thursday 29th February: Year 3 IPLR to Manchester Museum. More details and payment options nearer the time.  

Tuesday 5th March: Online parent workshop where you can find out about our Personal Development Curriculum. Log on at 5pm - joining details will be sent out nearer the time. 

Friday 8th March: World Book Day. More details will be sent out nearer the time, but it would be lovely for pupils to come dressed as an adjective! For example: 

Brave (dressed as a firefighter), Funny (dressed as a clown), Fierce (dressed as a lion), Scary (dressed as a monster), Sleepy (dressed in pyjamas), Excited (dressed as a puppy), Lively (dressed in multicolours)

Friday 8th March: Sign up online for a parents evening appointment

Tuesday 12th March: Book Fair in the hall after school each day this week. Come along to choose a book for your children from an excellent selection. The Book Fair will be open from 3:30 until 4:00 daily. More information will be sent out nearer the time. 

Tuesday 19th and Thursday 21st March: Parents Evening with a phone call option available. 

Monday 25th, Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th March: Learning Alongside sessions. More details to follow but this is a chance for you to come in and work alongside your children. 

Thursday 28th March: Last day of term. 

Young Musician of the Year: This year, several of our pupils auditioned for the Trust’s Young Musician of the Year. Lillian, Lee, Zoe, Arad, Alexey and Kai all sent in video recordings of their musical talents. Huge congratulations to Arad, Alexey and Kai who have got through to the SEMI-FINALS of the Trust’s Young Musician of the Year competition. What a phenomenal achievement - we are so proud of you. Best of luck, boys - we are right behind you. Go and shine brightly! 

Road Closures: Please be aware that there will be further roadworks and road closures in and around Redhill Street from Monday 22nd January. A web form will be available on the Council website – www.manchester.gov.uk/consultations to allow people to feed back any live issues, and to let the Council know how the measures are working. 

Course for parents: If we have enough interest (a minimum of 10 parents) we can provide some free informative parenting advice delivered in a friendly and accessible way. The sessions would either be immediately after drop off, or before pick up and would last for 2.5 hours. It would be a 6 week course after the Easter holiday. The outline is as follows:

• How to make learning fun and how the importance of learning through play

• Enjoying books, reading together and why it's important

• What questions can you ask to check your child's understanding 

• Understand how schools teach spelling (phonics)

• Understand the different types of writing children learn in school

• To feel more confident discussing your child's progress at parents' evening

• Boundaries, routines and screen time

If you are interested, please email newislington@coopacademies.co.uk 

Survey on childcare: The Government is investing £289m nationally into expanding Wrap Around Childcare for working families of primary aged children.  Manchester has received funding to expand and establish provision from September 2024 where it is identified as required. The Council wants to work with schools, parents, the out of school sector and childcare providers to develop sustainable and accessible provision that meets the needs of working parents.  The first priority is to establish a clear baseline of what exists and where in the City and whether this is meeting the current and future needs of working families. Please help us by completing the parent/carer survey. The deadline for the surveys is 28th January 2024.

Parent survey

https://forms.office.com/e/bXD1PxqzPn

Online Safety Parent Workshop: Please see attached an information poster about a Parent/Carer e-safety information session on Wednesday 31st January 2024 – 9.30am – 10.15am. Pop this date in your diary and we will send you the link to join nearer the time. 

Attendance

This week

Whole school- 94.46%

Rec- 93.40%

Year 1- 93.22%

Year 2- 94.07%

Year 3- 94.00%

Year 4- 96.35%

Year 5- 94.77%

Year 6- 95.75%

Winner Class- 4EB with 100%. The first class to get 100% for the full week!

Events and key dates 

Friday 2nd February: Our choir and talented soloists will be performing at a major Trust event at Co-op Academy Belle Vue. They will shine brightly and impress all the guests! 

Monday 5th February: Children’s Mental Health Week. We will be planning and delivering different activities to promote positive mental health throughout the week.  

Monday 5th February: Visit to Central Library to meet an author - selected pupils throughout KS2

Tuesday 6th February: Safer Internet Day. We will send out resources for you to access to help you help your children stay safe online. 

Thursday 8th February: Fire Service to come in for a workshop with Year 2

Thursday 8th February: Time to Talk Coffee Morning for parents at 9am

Friday 9th: Spelling Bee for 3 of our best Year 6 spellers - wish us luck!

Friday 16th February: School finishes for the half term holiday

Monday 26th February: School opens for all pupils

Monday 26th February: Year 5 History / Drama workshops - please pay online via Arbor for this workshop

Tuesday 27th February: Year 3 FC to Manchester Museum. More details and payment options nearer the time. 

Thursday 29th February: Year 3 IPLR to Manchester Museum. More details and payment options nearer the time.  

Friday 8th March: World Book Day. More details will be sent out nearer the time, but it would be lovely for pupils to come dressed as an adjective! For example: 

Brave (dressed as a firefighter), Funny (dressed as a clown), Fierce (dressed as a lion), Scary (dressed as a monster), Sleepy (dressed in pyjamas), Excited (dressed as a puppy), Lively (dressed in multicolours)

Friday 8th March: Sign up online for a parents evening appointment

Tuesday 12th March: Book Fair in the hall after school each day this week. Come along to choose a book for your children from an excellent selection. The Book Fair will be open from 3:30 until 4:00 daily. More information will be sent out nearer the time. 

Tuesday 13th and Thursday 19th March: Parents Evening with a phone call option available. 

Monday 25th, Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th March: Learning Alongside sessions. More details to follow but this is a chance for you to come in and work alongside your children. 

Thursday 28th March: Last day of term.

Come along to the school hall on Thursday 8th February at 9:00. 

Staffing: I hope that you will have read a letter from Ian Burchett, our Regional Director, letting you know that I will be leaving New Islington at Easter. I am incredibly proud of our staff team who work so hard, day in and day out, to make this school an amazing place; I know that the school will be in safe hands. The process of appointing a new Head Teacher is now underway with the aim to appoint a replacement by the February half term. This will give us half a term for a smooth hand-over before I finish in March.  

Wraparound Bookings: Please can all parents who want to book a place in our Wraparound Club ensure that they have booked and paid for this place. There are too many parents who do not book their child into the club. 

Online Safety: Please find attached a newsletter about online safety. 

Events and key dates 

Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th January: Health Screening for Reception pupils. 

Friday 2nd February: Our choir and talented soloists will be performing at a major Trust event at Co-op Academy Belle Vue. They will shine brightly and impress all the guests! 

Monday 5th February: Children’s Mental Health Week. We will be planning and delivering different activities to promote positive mental health throughout the week.  

Tuesday 6th February: Safer Internet Day. We will send out resources for you to access to help you help your children stay safe online. 

Thursday 8th February: Fire Service to come in for a workshop with Year 2

Thursday 8th February: Time to Talk Coffee Morning for parents at 9am

Friday 9th: Spelling Bee for 3 of our best Year 6 spellers - wish us luck!

Friday 16th February: School finishes for the half term holiday

Monday 26th February: School opens for all pupils

Monday 26th February: Year 5 History / Drama workshops - please pay online via Arbor for this workshop

Tuesday 27th February: Year 3 FC to Manchester Museum. More details and payment options nearer the time. 

Thursday 29th February: Year 3 IPLR to Manchester Museum. More details and payment options nearer the time.  

Friday 8th March: World Book Day. More details will be sent out nearer the time, but it would be lovely for pupils to come dressed as an adjective! For example: 

Brave (dressed as a firefighter), Funny (dressed as a clown), Fierce (dressed as a lion), Scary (dressed as a monster), Sleepy (dressed in pyjamas), Excited (dressed as a puppy), Lively (dressed in multicolours)

Friday 8th March: Sign up online for a parents evening appointment

Tuesday 12th March: Book Fair in the hall after school each day this week. Come along to choose a book for your children from an excellent selection. The Book Fair will be open from 3:30 until 4:00 daily. More information will be sent out nearer the time. 

Tuesday 13th and Thursday 19th March: Parents Evening with a phone call option available. 

Monday 25th, Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th March: Learning Alongside sessions. More details to follow but this is a chance for you to come in and work alongside your children. 

Thursday 28th March: Last day of term. 

Happy New Year to all our families and the whole school community! Let’s hope that 2024 brings much happiness. On behalf of the staff, please can I thank you for your generous gifts at the end of last term. Gifts and thanks are never expected but always appreciated! 

Don’t forget, if you have any concerns about the learning needs or wellbeing of your children, we are here to support you and help them. 

Events and key dates

Monday 8th January: History/Drama Workshop for Year 2 pupils - Great Fire of London. Please pay via Arbor

Thursday 11th January: History/Drama Workshop for Year 4 pupils - The Romans. Please pay via Arbor

Friday 12th January: Year 6 Indoor Rowing Competition held here at school - please can all Year 6 come to school in their PE kits wearing trainers.

Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th January: Health Screening for Reception pupils. 

Monday 5th February: Children’s Mental Health Week. We will be planning and delivering different activities to promote positive mental health throughout the week.  

Following on from the Christmas break, it is important that you, as parents, also recognise the importance of looking after your own mental health. Please find attached a link to the NSPCC for some top tips on supporting your wellbeing. As always, we are here to support you as well as your children. 

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/mental-health-parenting/ 

Tuesday 6th February: Safer Internet Day. We will send out resources for you to access to help you help your children stay safe online. 

Tuesday 27th February: Year 3 FC to Manchester Museum. More details and payment options nearer the time. 

Thursday 29th February: Year 3 IPLR to Manchester Museum. More details and payment options nearer the time.  

Friday 8th March: World Book Day. More details will be sent out nearer the time, but it would be lovely for pupils to come dressed as an adjective! For example: 

Brave (dressed as a firefighter), Funny (dressed as a clown), Fierce (dressed as a lion), Scary (dressed as a monster), Sleepy (dressed in pyjamas), Excited (dressed as a puppy), Lively (dressed in multicolours)

Friday 8th March: Sign up online for a parents evening appointment

Tuesday 12th March: Book Fair in the hall after school each day this week. Come along to choose a book for your children from an excellent selection. The Book Fair will be open from 3:30 until 4:00 daily. More information will be sent out nearer the time. 

Tuesday 13th and Thursday 19th March: Parents Evening with a phone call option available. 

Monday 25th, Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th March: Learning Alongside sessions. More details to follow but this is a chance for you to come in and work alongside your children. 

Forest school

Our Forest School environment is too wet for full classes to access; it is a muddy bog due to the amount of rain. Reception pupils will continue attending in small groups every alternate Friday - however this will be postponed until the site dries up. Please keep an eye out on Tapestry and notices in the classroom windows.

Why Teach Self-Regulation?

Regulation is something everyone continually works on whether we are aware of it or not. We all encounter trying circumstances that can test our limits. If we can recognise when we are becoming less regulated, we are able to do something about it to manage our feelings and get ourselves to a healthy place. This comes more naturally for some, but for others it is a skill that needs more attention and practice. This is the goal of The Zones of Regulation​.

Sorting Our Emotions Into Four Zones

Feelings are complicated. They come in different sizes, intensities, and levels of energy that are unique within our brains and bodies. To make them easier to talk about, think about, and regulate, The Zones of Regulation organizes our feelings, states of alertness, and energy levels into four colored Zones – Blue, Green, Yellow, and Red. The simple, common language and visual structure of The Zones of Regulation helps make the complex skill of regulation more concrete for learners and those who support them. We learn to regulate our Zones to meet our goals and task demands, as well as support our overall well-being.

The BLUE ZONE describes low states of alertness and down feelings, such as when a person feels sad, tired, sick, hurt, lonely, or bored. Our energy is low and our body is moving slowly when we are in the Blue Zone.

When in the Blue Zone we often need to rest and recharge to meet our goals. We can regulate by seeking (or co-regulate by offering) comfort, energizing, or resting. If we are feeling sick in the Blue Zone, we may need to rest. If we are feeling tired, we may need to energize (depending on the context). If we are feeling sad, we may need comfort. In all these situations, the common theme is noticing our lower energy and/or down feelings and options for managing them.

The GREEN ZONE describes a calm, alert state. We may be feeling happy, focused, content, peaceful, or calm in the Green Zone. The nervous system feels safe, organized, and connected in the Green Zone, helping us be primed to learn. However, we can learn in other Zones too.

When in the Green Zone we regulate by using tools and supports that keep us moving forward comfortably, helping us feel ready to go! In the Green Zone, we might regulate by choosing to eat a healthy snack, exercise, take a break, or pause for a mindful moment. These restorative actions help us proactively care for ourselves so we can move forward with ease.

The YELLOW ZONE describes when our energy is higher, and our internal state starts to elevate. Our emotions get a little stronger. We may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, confusion, nervousness, be overwhelmed, or have the wiggles, when in the Yellow Zone.

In the Yellow Zone we may need to take action to regulate to manage our energy and feelings as they get stronger. For example, if we are feeling energetic at the lunch table it helps to use caution and take a deep breath, so we do not spill something. If we are feeling nervous before our performance, we can slow down our racing thoughts and speech by using a mindfulness tool. When we are frustrated, and pause to take notice, we can decide to take a break to collect ourselves before we say something we regret.

The RED ZONE describes a state of extremely high energy and intense, very overwhelming feelings. We may be in an extremely heightened state of alertness, potentially triggering our fight, flight, freeze or flee protective response. We may feel elated, euphoric, angry, rage, devastated, out of control, panicked, or terrified when in the Red Zone.

When in the Red Zone we might need to pause and assess if we need to regulate and gain a sense of control of our strong feelings and high energy. For example, if we are feeling angry, it may help to pause and count to 10 before we act. If we are panicked, we can stop and use our self-talk to help us gain a sense of control of our thoughts in order to meet our goal. If we are elated, such as when a teammate scores the winning point, we might need to pause and take a big breath to regulate our impulse to run out on the field to celebrate if there is still time on the clock.

All the Zones are Okay

A core belief of The Zones of Regulation is that all the Zones are okay. We routinely experience several of the Zones within a day. It’s critically important that we don’t convey the message that the Green Zone is the only acceptable Zone to be in. Acknowledge, accept, and support these feelings, never make anyone feel like the Green Zone is the norm.

Please find below their presentation, plus additional useful information for families. 

Reception- 92.07% - well done - improved from last week

Year 1- 92.35%

Year 2- 94.25%

Year 3- 93.96%

Year 4 - 97.48% - well done - improved from last week

Year 5- 89.43%

Year 6- 94.61%- well done - improved from last week 

Best attendance this week is 4EB Winner- 98.72%

General notices

Miss Morris is getting married on 16th December! We wish her much happiness and joy on her special day, and going forward. She will change her name to Mrs Holt. If you see Miss Morris next week, pop in to give her congratulations! 

We say our fond farewells to Madame Flo. Madame Flo knows all our pupils from Reception through to Year 6 because of the part that she plays in our Forest School sessions. Madame Flo is always so kind, patient and encouraging. The children adore their forest school sessions because of the calm magic she brings. We will all miss her greatly and thank her for her dedication and hard work (in rain and shine) to ensure all our pupils gain so much from their time outside.  

The Co-op Academies Trust have provided every pupil in all of their schools with a Christmas Selection box. Our thanks go to the Central team who organised 19,500 boxes to be delivered to all 32 schools.

Toys and games: Please can parents check their child’s school bag and pockets for toys, games, trinkets, notebooks, handbags with little bits and bobs inside etc. These cause issues in the classroom and playground, cause friendship problems, anxiety and take attention away from teaching and learning. Thank you for your support. 

Events and key dates

Monday 11th November: Parent Forum at 2:30. Come along with questions and queries, as well as things you feel are going well. 

Tuesday 12th December: Reception Christmas carol concert. Families are most welcome. Please arrive in time for a 9:30 start. 

Wednesday 13th December: Key Stage One Carols and Readings. Families are most welcome. Please arrive in time for a 9:15 start.

Wednesday 13th December: Christmas Jumper Day - if your child has a festive jumper, they can wear it today. 

Wednesday 13th December: Christmas Dinner Day. We will provide a roast dinner for all of our pupils; no need to bring a packed lunch today.

Wednesday 13th December: Parties for Reception, Years 1,2, 4 & 5. (Party clothes / Christmas Jumper) 

Thursday 14th December: Music Concert. Parents of those performing are most welcome to attend. Please arrive in time for a 9:30 start. 

Friday 15th December: Parties for Year 3&6 (home clothes / party clothes)

Friday 15th December: Last day of term.

Wednesday 3rd January: School starts for all pupils.

Monday 8th January: History/Drama Workshop for Year 2 pupils - Great Fire of London. Please pay via Arbor

Thursday 11th January: History/Drama Workshop for Year 4 pupils - The Romans. Please pay via Arbor

Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th January: Screening for Reception pupils. 

Tuesday 27th February: Year 3 FC to Manchester Museum. More details and payment options nearer the time. 

Thursday 29th February: Year 3 IPLR to Manchester Museum. More details and payment options nearer the time.  

Forest school

Monday 11th December Year 4 Miss Ballentine

Friday 15th December Year 5 Mrs Lawson

Reception - alternate Fridays; please refer to the notices in classroom windows. 

Whole school- 94.06%

Reception- 87.88% 

Year 1- 93.33%

Year 2- 95.0% Well done - improved from last week

Year 3- 97.05% Well done - improved from last week

Year 4 - 97.15% 

Year 5- 94.3% F

Year 6- 94.44% 

Best attendance this week is 3IP/LR at 99.11%

General notices

Elfridges: Elfridges is a wonderful way for your children to choose, wrap and give a secret present for their mum, dad or grandparents. Last day to buy your tickets is today! 

Behaviour and Zones of Regulation Presentation: Following on from the parent workshop focussing on our behaviour policy and Zones of Regulation, held at 9am on Thursday 30th November, we are offering a virtual session on Monday 4th December at 5pm. 

Please join the Monday virtual session using this link:

Online (Virtual) parent workshop - behaviour policy and Zones of Regulation

Monday, 4 December · 5:00 – 6:00pm

Time zone: Europe/London

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qkg-bsop-xuv

Or dial: ‪(GB) +44 20 3956 0231‬ PIN: ‪980 913 812‬#

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/qkg-bsop-xuv?pin=7690974030446

Party invitations: Please can we politely request that parents hand out invitations / cards to parents discretely before or after school. Please do not hand it directly to the child. If you work full time and are never at school, please pass the invitations on to a friend to hand out. Please do not send invitations in with your child and ask them to hand them out, or ask our staff to do this for them. Many thanks for your cooperation. 

Toys and games: Please can parents check their child’s school bag and pockets for toys, games, trinkets, notebooks, handbags with little bits and bobs inside etc. These cause issues in the classroom and playground, cause friendship problems, anxiety and take attention away from teaching and learning. Thank you for your support. 

Events and key dates

Monday 4th December: An online version of the Behaviour / Zones of Regulation meeting 5pm. Joining details as above.

Tuesday 5th and Thursday 7th December: Parents evening for Year 6LB and Year 5CL. Book your appointment online via Arbor.

Thursday 7th November: Choir to perform at New Islington Medical Practice

Thursday 7th November: Elves come to school for the Elfridges event. 

Monday 11th November: Parent Forum at 2:30. Come along with questions and queries, as well as things you feel are going well. 

Tuesday 12th December: Reception Christmas Carol Concert. Families are most welcome. Please arrive in time for a 9:30 start. 

Wednesday 13th December: Key Stage One Carols and Readings. Families are most welcome. Please arrive in time for a 9:15 start.

Wednesday 13th December: Christmas Jumper Day - if your child has a festive jumper, they can wear it today. 

Wednesday 13th December: Christmas Dinner Day. We will provide a roast dinner for all of our pupils; no need to bring a packed lunch today.

Wednesday 13th December: Parties for Reception, Years 1,4 & 5. (Party clothes / Christmas Jumper) 

Thursday 14th December: Music Concert. Parents of those performing are most welcome to attend. Please arrive in time for a 9:30 start. 

Friday 15th December: Parties for Year 3&6 (home clothes / party clothes)

Friday 15th December: Last day of term.

Wednesday 3rd January: School start for all pupils.

Monday 8th January: History/Drama Workshop for Year 2 pupils - Great Fire of London. Please pay via Arbor

Thursday 11th January: History/Drama Workshop for Year 4 pupils - The Romans. Please pay via Arbor

Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th January: Screening for Reception pupils. 

Tuesday 27th February: Year 3 FC to Manchester Museum. More details and payment options nearer the time. 

Thursday 29th February: Year 3 IPLR to Manchester Museum. More details and payment options nearer the time.  

Forest school

Monday 4th December Year 4 Miss Morris

Friday 8th December Year 2 Mr Jackson

Monday 11th December Year 4 Miss Ballentine

Friday 15th December Year 5 Mrs Lawson

Reception - alternate Fridays; please refer to the notices in classroom windows.

The Sleep Charity offers a free helpline that is run by trained sleep advisors, many of whom are specialists in working with SEND. We can talk to young people directly, or parents (we can also talk to adults, including older people, about their sleep issues).

The helpline is open 5 times a week; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings 7-9pm, and Monday, Wednesday mornings, 9-11am. The number is 03303 530 541.

You can read more here: https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/national-sleep-helpline/

Overall: 95.87% (up on last week - second week in a row with improved attendance)

Year 6: 95.28% (up on last week - improvements second week in a row. Fantastic!)

Year 5: 95.03% (up on last week - keep this going!)

Year 4: 97.125% (up on last week - improvements second week in a row. Fantastic!)

Year 3: 95.24% (up on last week - keep this going!)

Year 2: 95.25% (up on last week - keep this going!)

Year 1: 95.25% (in line with last week)

EYFS: 97.01% (up on last week - improvements second week in a row. Fantastic!)

The overall winner this week is Rec NE with an overall attendance of 97.53%. 

Late arrivals: Over the last 5 mornings, we have had 69 pupils arriving after the start of lessons. Let's work together to reduce this rapidly. 

Coming up: Please refer to the school calendar and the News and Letters section of our website

https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/calendar/?calid=1&pid=7&viewid=1

https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/stories

20th: Health screening for EYFS and Year 6

21st: Year 4 Chocolatier experience - please pop onto Arbor to pay

23rd: Year 5&6 road safety drama / after school bike checks

https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=137

30th: Parent workshop on our behaviour approaches and Zones of Regulation

https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=142

Check out our new galleries: 

https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/gallery/?pid=59&gcatid=1

Advance notice: ELFRIDGES IS RETURNING TO NEW ISLINGTON......look out for information coming your way! 

Please see more information about the importance of regular attendance here:

https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=141 

This week our attendance at our school has been:

Overall: 95.7% (up on last week)

Year 6: 94.82% (up on last week - well done, keep this going!)

Year 5: 94.99% (down on last week)

Year 4: 97.12% (up on last week - well done, keep this going!)

Year 3: 95.02% (down on last week)

Year 2: 94.73% (down on last week)

Year 1: 95.95% (up on last week - well done, keep this going!)

EYFS: 97.04% (up on last week - well done, keep this going!)

The overall winner this week is Year 4JM with an overall attendance of 97.53%. 

Lateness: We have a real focus on the number of pupils who arrive late; too many children arrive at school after 9am. 

All children need to arrive at school by 8:45, so they are waiting at the classroom doors to come in at 8:50. Anyone not sitting down in class at 9am is marked as being late. We track the number of minutes late each day. This quickly adds up. Some pupils are so late that they get an Unauthorised Absence register code which could result in a penalty notice being issued.  

Competition time: We ran a competition to celebrate Black History Month. Check out the amazing entries; please admire the beautiful entry from our Year 2 pupil, Elissa. Congratulations, Elissa! 

https://www.coopacademies.co.uk/saluting-our-sisters-this-black-history-month

Anti-bullying week: Through our teaching and our assemblies, we will be shining a spotlight on the negative effects of bullying. Please read more here:

https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=143

Children in Need: On Friday 17th November, pupils can come to school dressed in yellow, wearing spots, or odd-socks. Please read more here:

https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=144

Don't forget, to show we stand up to bullying, you could also wear odd socks!

A donation of £1:00 would be appreciated. 

Come to school on Friday 17th November wearing odd-socks, to show that we stand together against bullying! 

We are very excited to be launching ‘Zones of Regulation’ across the school from November 2023.  We hope that this will help our children to learn how to recognise and manage their difficult emotions in a safe way. 

What is ‘Zones of Regulation’ Intervention?   

Zones of Regulation is an internationally-renowned intervention which helps children to manage difficult emotions, known as ‘self-regulation’. Self-regulation can go by many names such as ‘self-control’, ‘impulse management’ and ‘self management’.  Self-regulation is best described as the best state of alertness for a situation.  For example, when your child takes part in a sports game, they would need to have a higher state of alertness than when, for example, they were working in a library. From time to time, all of us (including adults) find it hard to manage strong feelings such as worry, anger, restlessness, fear or tiredness, and this stops us from getting on with our day effectively. 

Children who feel these emotions often find it hard to learn and concentrate in school.  Zones of Regulation aims to teach children strategies to help them cope with these feelings so they can get back to feeling calm and ready to learn. These coping strategies are called ‘self-regulation’. At Co-op academy New Islington, we are launching Zones of Regulation throughout the whole school.  We want to teach all of our children good coping and regulation strategies so they can help themselves when they experience anxiety and stress. 

In the classroom, sometimes children panic when faced with a tricky learning problem or challenge. By teaching them how to recognise, validate and cope with these feelings, we might make them better at tackling learning challenges and build better resilience so they don’t give up so easily when faced with difficulty.  We want our children to grow into successful teenagers, then adults.  Teaching the children at a young age about managing their feelings will support them in later life so that they don’t turn to negative coping strategies which affect their mental and physical wellbeing.  

We aim to help children to: 

• Recognise when they are in the different Zones and learn how to change or stay in the Zone they are in. 

• Increase their emotional vocabulary so they can explain how they are feeling.

• Recognise when other people are in different Zones, thus developing better empathy. 

• Develop an insight into what might make them move into the different Zones.

• Understand that emotions, sensory experiences such as lack of sleep or hunger and their environment might influence which Zone they are in. 

• Develop problem-solving skills and resilience 

• Identify a range of calming and alerting strategies that support them (known as their personal ‘toolkit’.)  

What are the different Zones? 

Blue Zone: low level of arousal; not ready to learn; sad, sick, tired, bored, moving slowly. 

Green Zone: calm state of alertness; optimal level to learn; happy, calm, feeling okay, focused. 

Yellow Zone: heightened state of alertness; elevated emotions; some control; frustrated, worried, silly/wiggly, excited, loss of some control. 

Red Zone: heightened state of alertness and intense emotions; not an optimal level for learning; out of control; mad/angry, terrified, yelling/hitting, elated, out of control.    

We will teach the children that everyone experiences all of the Zones, and validate their feelings. The Red and Yellow Zones are not ‘bad’ or ‘naughty’ Zones. All of the Zones are expected at one time or another.  We will show them that the Blue Zone, for example, is helpful when you are trying to fall asleep. 

How will my child learn about Zones of Regulation?

We will be introducing the Zones through discrete teaching lessons and through our PSHE curriculum.  We will also be using the Zones language as part of daily school life so all staff will be referring to them, not just their class teacher. Some children might prefer not to use the ‘Zones language’ but label the emotions directly – this is fine and encouraged! Each classroom will have a Zones display and children will be encouraged to use this display interactively. They will check in twice a day during register time, using the Zones as a way of identifying and communicating how they feel. 

How can you help your child use The Zones of Regulation at home? 

• Identify your own feelings using Zones language in front of your child (e.g.: I’m frustrated. I think I am in the Yellow Zone.”) 

• Talk about what tool you will use to be in the appropriate Zone (e.g.: “I need to take four deep breaths to help get me back to the Green Zone.”) 

• At times, wonder which Zone your child is in. Or, discuss which Zone a character in a film / book might be in. (e.g.: “You look sleepy. Are you in the Blue Zone?”)

• Engaging your child in discussion around Zones when they are in the Red Zone is unlikely to be effective. You need to be discussing the different Zones and tools they can use when they are more regulated / calm. Teach your child which tools they can use. (eg: “It’s time for bed. Let’s read a book together in the comfy chair to get you in the Blue Zone.”) 

• Regular Check-ins. “How are you feeling now?”  and “How can you get back to Green?” It is important to remember to show the children how you use tools to get back to the green zones. You might say “I am going to make myself a cup of tea and do some breathing exercises because I am in the blue zone” and afterwards tell your child how using those tools helped you get back to the green zone. 

• Share how their behaviour is affecting your Zone. For example, if they are in the Green Zone, you could comment that their behaviour is also helping you feel happy / go into the Green Zone. 

• Put up and reference the Zones visuals and tools in your home. Praise and encourage your child when they share which Zone they are in.    

Tips for practising Zones of Regulation 

• Know yourself and how you react in difficult situations before dealing with your child’s behaviours. 

• Know your child’s sensory threshold. We all process sensory information differently and it impacts our reactivity to situations. 

• Know your child’s triggers. 

• Be consistent in managing your child’s behaviour and use the same language you use at home. 

• Empathise with your child and validate what they are feeling. 

• Have clear boundaries/routines and always follow through. 

• Do not deal with an angry, upset child when you are not yet calm yourself. 

• Discuss strategies for the next time when you are in a similar situation. 

• Remember to ask your child how their choices made you feel (empathy). 

• Praise your child for using strategies. 

• Encourage your child to take a sensory break to help regulate their bodies. 

• Create a ‘calm’ box full of things which help to keep your child calm and alert. 

Co-op Academy New Islington wants all children to have the best possible attendance at school to enable each and every child to reach their full potential. 

There is a strong link between good school attendance and achieving good results for children. Children who frequently miss school may fall behind in their work which may affect their future prospects.

Good school attendance also shows High Schools that a young person is reliable, more likely to achieve well and play a positive role in their community.

Young people who are frequently absent from school are more likely to become involved in, or be a victim of crime and anti-social behaviour.

We want to work closely with our families to support you to achieve the best possible outcomes for your children.

Parents and carers have a duty to ensure their child has a suitable education by regular attendance at school. Parental support is critical in ensuring that children achieve in education.

What the Law Says

Parents have a legal responsibility for ensuring that children of compulsory school age receive a full-time education ‘suitable to their age, ability, aptitude and any special education needs that they may have either by regular attendance at school or otherwise’. Section 7 Education Act 1996.

Parents whose children are on a school register and fail to ensure the regular school attendance of their children, may be guilty of an offence under Section 444 or 444 (1A) of the Education Act 1996. The council may issue a Penalty Notice or take other statutory action through the courts to secure regular school attendance.

Legal Interventions

Penalty Notice

A penalty notice is used as an early intervention and is an alternative to prosecution under Section 444 of the Education Act for irregular school attendance which is not authorised by the school.

The school may request a penalty notice and one will be issued by the council if the request meets the criteria in the Code of Conduct. There is no right of appeal against the issuing of a penalty notice.

Parents may discharge their potential liability for this absence period by paying the penalty notice. Failure to pay the penalty notice may result in prosecution in the magistrate’s court under Section 444 of the Education Act 1996.

A penalty notice is issued after 10 unauthorised absences during any half-term period. The penalty notice is £60 per child per adult. 

Prosecution

The offence under Section 444 (1) of the Education Act 1996 carries a maximum fine of £1000 and the council will also seek to recover costs.

The more serious offence under Section 444 (1) (a) has a range of sentencing options for the court to impose on each responsible parent, including:

• Fine of up to £2,500

• Community based sentence

• Three months imprisonment

• Subject  to a Parenting Order – can be additional to other sentences

• Costs may be awarded to the council

Types of absence

Unauthorised absence – this is when children are absent from school without the authority of the head teacher. Below is a list of some of the reasons where absence from school may not be authorised;

• Birthday treat

• Day trip

• Shopping or visit to hairdresser

• Over-sleeping

• Taking a long week-end

• Taking the rest of the day off, before or after a dental or medical appointment

• Family celebration

Authorised absence – There are very few reasons why absence may be authorised and in all cases you must inform your child’s school and explain the reasons why your child is absent.

If you need to take your child out of school during term time for exceptional circumstances, then you must contact your child’s school who will inform you of the procedure.

Only the head teacher can authorise absence and may request further evidence to support this.

Tips for good school attendance

• Good habits start early in life, so even before your child starts school, establish good routines, such as reading before bedtime and going to bed on time. 

• If your child is off school, you must let the school know why and tell them when they can expect your child back. 

• Make all appointments for the doctor, dentist, optician etc after school hours or during the school holidays where possible. 

• Take an active interest in your child’s school work and offer support with homework.

• Make sure your child understands the importance of regular school attendance.

• Don’t let your child stay off school for a minor ailment.

• Take all holidays during the school holiday period.

https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/calendar/?calid=1&pid=7&viewid=1

New events added: Year 5 Peter and the Wolf concert, Year 4 Chocolatier workshop. 

Attendance: As always, we track our attendance and the number of pupils who arrive late. Every minute and every day counts; progress and academic outcomes are affected by poor attendance.

Please see more information about the importance of regular attendance here:

https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=141 

This week our attendance at our school has been:

Overall: 95.3%

Year 6: 92.5%

Year 5: 95.6%

Year 4: 96.2%

Year 3: 97.0%

Year 2: 96.8%

Year 1: 93.7%

EYFS: 95.0%

The class with the best overall attendance this week is Year 3IP/LR with an overall attendance for the week of 98.9%

Thank you: Our disco was a huge success - many thanks to the Disco Committee of enthusiastic parents! We raised a whopping £618 which completes our classroom Book Nook project. Each class will have a set of beautiful age-appropriate books to read. 

Coming up: Parents are invited to a presentation on our behaviour policy and our new approach to emotional regulation - Zones of Regulation. This will be really informative for everyone. The presentation is on Thursday 30th November. Please arrive promptly at 9:00. 

Please see the attached PDF for more information or click this link: 

https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=142

Forest school dates: https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=139

Our Reception classes go on Friday mornings. 

To the staff team who have worked so hard to give your children an excellent start to the new academic year.

To our families for your generous donations to the Manchester Central Foodbank.

To our families who attended our Reading Presentation (presentation attached below) and our Learning Alongside workshops - we hope that you enjoyed your time in school with us! 

A few important updates and dates for your diary. 

Take part in the two Co-op Academies Trust competitions for Black History Month - celebrating our sisters. https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=130

A second Flu Vaccination session will take place on Wednesday 29th November, to catch up with those children who missed the first visit. We will be given more forms, and these can be collected after half-term. We will send out more information after the holiday.  

Save the date - Thursday 30th November at 9am - parent workshop of behaviour and zones of regulation. More details to follow, but this will be an informative and enlightening session for all our families. 

Poppies will be on sale from Monday 6th November. 

Christmas Holiday Camps - these will be running for the week beginning 18th December if there are enough bookings. Please email your interest as soon as possible to: info@juniorsportstars.co.uk 

We will join the 'Children in Need' fundraising event on Friday 17th November. Look out for more details nearer the time. 

Parents' Evening is fast approaching. You will be able to book your appointment via the Arbor app. You will need to click the 'Guardian Consultation' button. The appointments will be available to book from Monday 30th October. Year 6LB and Year 5CL will have a later date for parents' evening due to staffing changes - your new dates are 5th and 7th December and you will be able to book one week beforehand. 

If you are eligible for the holiday food vouchers, please check your email to access this funding. 

A few reminders:

Attendance: Congratulations to those pupils who have a 100% attendance record! You deserve your certificates!

After half-term, we will increase our monitoring of late arrivals - there are too many pupils arriving after lessons have started. Please make a concerted effort to get to school by 8:45, ready for the doors to open at 8:50.

From now on, each week, we will be rewarding classes which have the highest overall attendance and also the classes which have the fewest late arrivals. 

Going forward, no holidays during term time will be authorised and fines will be issued after 5 days of unauthorised absences.

And finally, we wish everyone in our school community a happy and restful holiday.

See you all back at school on Tuesday 31st October

Monday 16th October through to Thursday 19th October

The body and mind represent two of our greatest assets. A healthy lifestyle can optimise the body; but how do you optimise your mind? Are you managing yourself around people and situations in the way that you want to? Why do we sometimes get overwhelmed with emotions, or have thoughts, feelings or do things that we later regret? 

This session uses neuroscience and The Chimp Model, our powerful mind management model, to offer explanations for these questions and to help you develop personal insights and practical approaches to optimise the performance of your mind. 

This session will help you to: 

• Explore how the mind works through The Chimp Model
• Gain insight into your own unique mind
• Understand how to develop emotional skills
• Apply emotional skills to manage your behaviours, thinking and emotions 

Session Structure: 

This session is highly practical and engaging. Participants are introduced to relatable neuroscience through The Chimp Model with each individual exploring and identifying their unique Chimp, Human and what they have stored in their Computers. We explore how this insight impacts our professional and personal lives, in particular around managing emotions. Participants will also learn skills and techniques for managing their unique Chimp – which can have a huge impact on happiness, confidence and success. 

By the end of this session, participants will know how to: 

• Explain the structure and functioning of the mind, through The Chimp Model
• Develop personal insight and skills for optimising their mind
• Form plans to better manage behaviours, thinking and emotions 

The sessions will run from 3:40 to 4:40 on Friday 6th October and repeated on Friday 10th November. It's a better session without children attending. 

Term dates and events - we don't want you to miss anything: Please click the following link to keep fully up-to-date with events and activities at school; new items are added regularly. Click on each link to read further details. 

https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/calendar/?calid=1&pid=7&viewid=1

Coming up - check the School Calendar - Here are some quick links

Learn alongside workshops for parents: https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=127

Reading workshops for parents: https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=134

Mental health and well-being workshops for parents: https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=133

World Mental Health Day: https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=135

Supporting Manchester Central Foodbank: https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=136

Winter bike health checks: https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=137

Competition time: Check out this link to read about a competition to celebrate Manchester's heroines.

https://www.newislington.coopacademies.co.uk/news/?pid=59&nid=2&storyid=130

Disco time: We are holding our annual fancy dress disco on Friday 20th October. Come along for some fun and dancing!

Pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 - 6:00 to 6:45 (doors open at 5:50)

Key Stage Two pupils - 7:00 to 7:45 (doors open at 6:50)

£2:00 cash on the door; bring extra 50ps for really cool Halloween tattoos and snap wristbands!

Forest School - as the weather changes, it's really important that all children come to school dressed appropriately. Black jogging bottoms, a warm black hoodie, trainers or wellies are essential, along with a waterproof and warm coat. 

As a reminder, here are the dates for class sessions: 

09/10/23 Miss Ballentine's class

13/10/23 Miss Harris' class

16/10/23 Miss Morris' class

20/10/23 Miss Peeks/Ritchie's class