Newsletter Issue 8
ferncumbe friday
friday 21st December 2018
gabriel’s big break
Years 2-6 succeeded in putting on a series outstanding performances of ’Gabriel’s Big Break’ last week at the Village Hall. Year 6 led the way with their amazing acting skills, and Years 2-5 were equally impressive with their enthusiastic singing and entertaining dance moves! We were so proud of them all.
hey ewe!
Equally impressive were the wonderful performances of ‘Hey Ewe!’ that Reception and Year 1 put on this week. The children were confident, enthusiastic, and looked fabulous in their costumes. I’m sure you enjoyed the show as much as we all did!
Bringing learning to life in Honiley class!
This week Honiley Class have been extremely busy with lots of visitors. Firstly, we had a visit from the firefighters who burnt our class Tudor models that we had made to link with our ‘Great Fire of London’ topic. The children were excited to see how the wind blew the fire from house to house, which was similar to what happened in 1666. Then, on Thursday, we had a visit from a Titanic survivor who answered lots of the children’s questions and spoke about what it was like on the Titanic.
MIss Grubb
PRIMARY SCHOOL PERFORMANCE TABLES 2018
Last week saw the release of the national Primary School Performance Tables for 2018. Whilst the success of a school depends on so much more than a set of results, I thought it worth highlighting a few key areas.
In terms of the number of children achieving the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at the end of Key stage 2, Ferncumbe sits in the top 8% of the 240 primary schools across Warwickshire. Average progress measures in Reading, Writing and Maths for pupils from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 put our school comfortably in the top 25% in Warwickshire.
Further details can be found on our Website, which also provides a link to the national performance tables:
lunch menu - spring term 2019
Having run the new menu choices for over a term we are slightly revising our lunch menu options - you will have already been emailed about the changes. We are now able to offer a selection to the whole school (Reception through to Year 6), which will be a daily choice of the hot ‘Red’ option on the menu or a jacket potato with a variety of fillings. All children will also have access to bread and a salad bar.
Children who are vegetarian will be offered an alternative to the meat option (in addition to the jacket potato choice).
restorative justice meeting
Further to the email sent out to all parents last week, you are reminded of that on Tuesday 8th January 2019 Lynne Russell, our Restorative Justice trainer and expert, will give a brief overview to parents on the positive effect restorative practice can have on maintaining a harmonious learning environment in schools where pupils are able to self-regulate their own behaviour and learning. There will also be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.
theatre trips
A huge thank you to The Friends of Ferncumbe who funded the cost of the coaches to take all the children in school on their annual visit to the theatre. Key Stage 2 pupils thoroughly enjoyed a spectacular staging of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Birmingham Rep yesterday, while children in Reception and Key Stage 1 had a great time going to Warwick Arts Centre to see ‘Wilde Creatures’ last week.
shoebox collection
A hearfelt thanks for the shoeboxes which were filled by you and the children so thoughtfully and with such care, and subsequently donated to ‘Helping Hands’ - they truly were such a fantastic sight in our school hall! We know that they will be very much appreciated.
Warwickshire School Health & Wellbeing Service
Vision
Children may not always know that they have a vision problem. It is therefore recommended that children have regular eye tests. These should be carried out at least once every two years, even if there are no problems with their eyesight. These tests can be done at a high street opticians and are free for all children under 16 years old (and those under 19 years old in full-time education). You can speak to your child’s Optician if you have any concerns about your their vision.
The opportunity to discuss any health issues relating to your child is always available and the School Health and Wellbeing Service can be contacted on 03300 245 204.
May I take the opportunity of wishing all members of The Ferncumbe Family peace, joy and happiness this Christmas.
Staff look forward to welcoming your children back to school on Tuesday 8th January 2019.
Best wishes,
Tracey Webb, Deputy Headteacher