Celebrating our pupils:
Alacko and Destiny, Mariam, Alma and Levi. Hannah and Ophelia, Eloise and Victoria Y, George and Reuben, Erin, Charlie and Abdullah, Bubesh and Gabriel, Eva and Frankie, Arya and Tymek
Congratulations also to Jon and Dareen for reaching the ONE MILLION WORD COUNT. Great reading!
Music appreciation:
This week the children were able to play traditional instruments from Brazil – what a treat! Capoeira is a dance style from Brazil using an ancient African one-string instrument, the Berimbau. Children played the Berimbau, Caxixi – shakers and the Pandeiro (a type of tambourine) along with clapping, singing and some amazing dance moves – in Capoeira style! Everyone had so much fun!
Dogs on site:
No dogs are allowed to be brought onto the school premises unless they are carried in the arms of an adult at all times. If you cannot carry your dog because they are too big, then please leave your dog tied up outside the school grounds as you would if you were going to the shops. Thank you for your cooperation.
Time Keeping:
We are increasingly concerned about the number of families who are arriving late for school every morning. A late arrival disrupts the learning of the other children and puts your child at a social, emotional and academic disadvantage. It is essential that everyone arrives at school at 8:45 ready for the children to go into class as the doors open at 8:50. Please leave enough time to make allowances for the usual issues of traffic, road works and problems of parking.
From Monday 30th, the parent /carer of every pupil arriving after 9:02 will have to sign in on our InVentry system. This will unfortunately cause you even more delays, but we need to track and monitor the children who arrive late.
Mystery Readers:
We would like to introduce Mystery Readers to New Islington – it’s a top secret role!
We invite 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.
Industrial Action – Wednesday 1st February
As a reminder: Teachers across the UK have voted in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay; but this only involves members of one of several trade unions. To be clear, this is not a dispute about the operation of our academy. This strike action will only be taken by members of teaching staff; support staff will not be taking industrial action. Years 2, 3 and 4 will be closed to pupils on this day.
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.
Safe snacks:
Please do not send your child in with grapes as their snack. Unless always cut into quarters, they present a serious choking risk.
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.
Monday 30 January – Week A
Wednesday 1st February – Industrial Action – Years 2, 3 and 4 closed to pupils.
Monday 6 February – Week B
Monday 6th February – Children’s Mental Health Week – Look out for more details
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/
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.
Monday 13 February – Week A
Wednesday 15th February – Parent and Child Challenge Event from 1:30. Limited places available – please complete the Google Form sent out.
Friday 17 February – Finish for half term
Monday 27th February – Week B
Monday 27th February – Term starts for all pupils
Thursday 2nd March – World Book Day – more details to follow
Friday 3rd March – Our choir has been invited to perform at a concert at the Science and Industry Museum.
Monday 6 March – Week A
Monday 6 March – Book Fair this week – more details to follow
Week B – Monday 13 March
Week A – Monday 20 March
Wednesday 22nd March – Parent Forum at 2:30. Come along to ask any questions you might have about school.
Monday 27 March – Week B
Tuesday 28 March – Parents Evening (phone calls an option)
We will operate a new electronic sign-up system. We will send out log-on details well ahead of time to ensure everyone can access the booking system.
Thursday 30 March – Parents Evening (phone calls an option)
We will operate a new electronic sign-up system. We will send out log-on details well ahead of time to ensure everyone can access the booking system.
Friday 31st March – Finish for the Easter holidays
Monday 17 April – Week A
Monday 17th April – Pupils back in school
Monday 24th April – Week B
Monday 1st May – Week A
Monday 1st May – School closed (Bank Holiday)
Monday 8th May – Week B
Monday 8th May – School closed (King’s Coronation)
Tuesday 9th May – Year 6 SATS tests begin
Forest School
Children should come to school on Forest School days in the appropriate clothing and footwear. As the winter approaches, a warm waterproof coat is essential as the children go out in any weather.
Please refer to letters previously sent home or ask your child’s teacher for clarification.
Monday
- 30/1/23 – 4AO
- 6/2/23 – 2AO
- 13/2/23 – 6CH
Friday
- 3/2/23 – 1HL
- 10/2/23 – 5IP
- 17/2/23 – TBC
Reception ZI Fridays week A
Reception NE Fridays week B
Safeguarding concerns should be directed to Karen Reveley who is our Designated Safeguarding Lead (karen.reveley@coopacademies.co.uk) or to Tabitha Smith (tabitha.smith@coopacademies.co.uk) who is our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Outside of school hours, phone 999 with urgent welfare concerns, or call Advice and Guidance on 0161 234 5001.
