Spring 2024 Term 1 Newsletter

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My Brilliant Place to be ME!&nbsp;has been created for the&nbsp;young people&nbsp;of Cornwall (but is here for young people everywhere!). It’s all about helping them&nbsp;learn to look after their wellbeing&nbsp;and&nbsp;feel good. Check it out on: www.headstartkernow.org.uk/brilliant-me

We know that many children find sleep routines tricky. We are pleased to be able to share the information below. The Schools Mental Health Support Team also provide lots of other support including workshops for: Anxiety; Behaviour as Communication; Resilience and Decider Skills. Contact www.headstartkernow.org,uk for further information.

In March, we are celebrating British Science Week. Each class has a different focus based on their termly plans but will be linking all our learning to the main Science week theme. The theme for Science Week this year is ‘Time’. Time is key to so many discoveries in science, technology, engineering and maths and as a theme offers a huge range of topics to delve into.&nbsp;There will be investigations galore and an extra exciting opportunity for each class to spend a day exploring and using microscopes which we have on loan from the British telescopic society. On Monday 11th March we would like all pupils to come to school dressed up to launch science week. This year’s dress up theme is ‘What does Science mean to you?’. This is purposefully open to allow your child/ren to be creative and individual to dress in anything they like linked to science. This could be animals, plants, insects, planets, astronauts, scientists – anything they can think of linked to Science and their Science learning both in and outside of school. There are so many possibilities, and we can’t wait to see everyone’s ideas and creations.

Music is a huge part of Mawgan-in-Pydar school as many of you know. Year 3 and 4 have had the pleasure this term of having Djembe drum lessons with Mrs Brock every Friday morning. They've learnt about the parts of the drum, the history of djembe drumming and then have learnt various rhythms and songs which they play both as a call and response or all together. They've learnt about the bass and the tone, about key vocabulary like 'Ostinato' and have practiced playing solos to fit within a 4 beat bar. The last few lessons they have begun to look at notation, looking specifically at the different lengths of notes. All pupils are thoroughly enjoying these lessons and look forward to Fridays. These will continue next half term with a concert to share with parents at the end of the sessions to show all of their brilliant new learning.

This term we took part in the annual Internet Safety Day on Tuesday 6th February. This special celebration, which takes place in February of each year, aims to raise awareness of a safer and better internet for all, and especially for children and young people. The theme this year was 'Inspiring Change'. Our children are growing up in a world of ever-changing technology. Whilst there are lots of positives with the use of technology, we cannot ignore the risks that can be associated. Internet safety is part of the National Curriculum Computing Programme of Study. Pupils are taught to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour and identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact. However, we do understand that much of our pupil's internet use occurs at home. Below are a list of useful websites, advice and resources that you may find useful when navigating the ever changing world presented by the internet. Thinkuknow Internet Matters National Online safety NSPCC Childnet CEOP We also highly recommend visiting Net Aware, produced by O2 and NSPCC - a guide for parents to 39 of the most popular sites, apps and games that young people use. Using reviews from adults and children, it helps parents decide if a site is right for their child, if it’s age appropriate and explores what risks they might encounter, enabling parents or professionals to help keep their children safe online.

This year we are delighted to be a part of the RSC Associate Schools programme again. This partnership between Hall For Cornwall, Treviglas Academy and the Royal Shakespeare Company goes from strength to strength year on year. This year our Year 5 and 6 pupils will benefit from this. Four of our brightest young talents have been chosen to benefit from development throughout the year - Kaia, Billy, Isla and Toby. They are attending three workshops exploring acting techniques. They will form part of a Young Ensemble group with pupils from other schools in a production of The Twelfth Night at Hall for Cornwall. All of our Year 5 and 6 pupils will also take part in this production later in the year, performing a scene. We will share more details nearer the time. To get into the spirit of Shakespeare, we are taking our Year 5 and 6 pupils to Treviglas next term to watch an edited version of Romeo and Juliet - we can't wait! We also have three pupils - Kaia, Orla and Lee taking part in the Treviglas production of Peter Pan's Neverland next half term. We are looking forward to seeing all of our Year 5 and 6 pupils perform on the big stage this Spring/Summer.

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Six Elements - One Reading Superpower The evidence base shows there are 6 building elements which support a child to read for pleasure: Being read to regularly Having books at home and at school Having a choice in what to read Finding time to read Having trusted help to find a book Making reading FUN! These 6 elements shape and guide everything World Book Day does. To further promote reading for pleasure, children can come to school dressed in comfy clothing (pyjamas, joggers - anything comfortable) as we will be spending time snuggling down, listening to stories and reading. We would also like to run a second-hand book swap stall so we are asking each child to bring in a book (or two!) that they don't want anymore and would be happy to give away to another child. Each class will have the opportunity to choose a book donated by another child during the day. This way, everyone gets a new book for free! Pupils will also be given their WBD book voucher to spend in any bookshop.

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Spring 2024 Term 1 Newsletter

Dear Parents/Carers Welcome to our newsletter which provides a useful summary of all we've got up to at school and ensuring our parents/carers are kept fully informed of vital information and key calendar dates.

A very warm welcome to the first newsletter of 2024! Where has the first half term gone! In this term's newsletter, we hope to have captured some of the highlights and also to share some of the exciting term ahead.

Don't forget, our school website remains a first port-of-call for essential information on Mawgan-in-Pydar Primary School and we endeavour to keep this fully updated throughout the academic year. Finally, we operate an open door policy and always welcome parents to get in touch either by phone or email at hello@mawgan-in-pydar.org.uk so we can resolve any issues in a mutually agreeable manner together.

<a href="https://www.mawgan-in-pydar.org.uk/web/special_educational_needs_and_disabilities/75490">CLICK HERE</a>

Upcoming Activities/Events PTA Meeting Tuesday, 27th&nbsp;February at 2:15pm (all welcome) PTA Spring Breakfast (Wednesday, 27th&nbsp;March) Come along and support the PTA Spring Breakfast and enjoy a scrumptious cooked breakfast by Bridget.&nbsp; Book now to avoid disappointment! Easter Activity for Pupils (Thursday, 28th&nbsp;March) PTA led Easter egg hunt. Easter Bonnet competition. Spring Raffle Fantastic prizes are currently being gathered for the Spring Raffle.&nbsp; If you have any contacts for donations, please let any member of the PTA know. Second-hand School Uniform Clothing We hope to hold another second-hand school uniform shop next term.&nbsp; We always welcome donations of uniform clothing only, which can be left at the school gates at drop off or pick up times &nbsp;

"Tapestry keeps you in touch with your child’s day wherever you are"

Tapestry is an easy-to-use and secure online learning journal that helps staff and families across Aspire academies celebrate their children’s learning and development in Reception Class. As parents, the first day of handing over your child to the care of another can be an emotional time. As your child adjusts to experiences without you at their childminder, nursery, or school, parents continue to want to share in these times. Tapestry facilitates this by enabling a personal journal, or diary, to build over time. Photographs, videos and notes of special moments are not only recorded, but can be made available regularly and often immediately to you via your iPhone or Android App.

This term, the PTA held a Cheese &amp; Wine evening followed by the AGM.&nbsp; Thank you to those who came along and learnt more about the work of the PTA and how to get involved.&nbsp; The PTA&nbsp; plays an integral role in supporting additional activities, resources and trips for all pupils in our school.&nbsp; The following were re-elected: Chair:&nbsp; Patrick Lester Treasurer: Stuart Marsh Secretary: Catherine Godsell All parents/carers are welcome to attend PTA meetings to suggest ideas and volunteer to help.&nbsp; The more involved, the easier it is to provide the level of support that has been available to pupils in the past. Without this support, the cost to parents of the great range of activities and learning opportunities available will need to rise! &nbsp; You can get in touch with the PTA via email,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hello@mawgan-in-pydar.org.uk" style="color: black;">hello@mawgan-in-pydar.org.uk</a>&nbsp;or have a chat at school drop off/pick ups.

Reporting Absences If your child is going to be absent from school due to illness, then please inform the office before 9am in the morning, and let us know why your child is going to be absent, and when you expect them to return. You may either phone the office on 01637 860491 and leave a message or alternatively send an email to hello@mawgan-in-pydar.org.uk When reporting an absence, please leave a message on each day of your child's absence, telling us: - Your child's name -&nbsp;Class name/Year group - Why they are absent (Type of illness e.g sickness, migraine) - When you expect them to return

If you are concerned about the physical or mental welfare of a child or young person and you wish to speak to someone about it, you can contact the MARU (Multi-agency Referral Unit) on the following numbers: Monday to Friday, 9am - 6pm: 0300 123 1116 Evenings &amp; weekends: 01208 251300 Police (Non-emergency): 101 Internet Safety For more information on our eSafety, please click <a href="https://www.aspireacademytrust.org/1094/internet-safety">HERE</a>. Domestic Abuse advice - First Light: 0300 777 4777 Support in your area You can walk into a local BOOTS pharmacy and ask for&nbsp;‘ANI’&nbsp;( Say, “I’m asking for Annie”) or ask to access their&nbsp;‘Safe Spaces’&nbsp;where you will get support with domestic abuse. There will be a trained member of staff. You can also download and access the Bright Sky app safely. This will give you access to a directory of support agencies and help lines.

We will be celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 7th March. World Book Day provides a fantastic opportunity to focus on reading for pleasure, supporting children's autonomy in book choice, and embedding a habit of reading that brings a wide range of benefits. This year we will be focusing on the 6 elements of reading for pleasure. Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or their income. World Book Day defines Reading for Pleasure as: Feeling sense of satisfaction or pleasure by engaging with&nbsp;chosen reading material in their free time.

Who is your favourite author? What books do you like to read?

Congratulations again to all of our pupils who have taken part in sporting events this half term. The events we have taken part in are: <ul><li>KS2 indoor athletics</li><li>Y3/4 basketball</li><li>KS2 cross country</li></ul>There have been some amazing achievements during these events. All pupils have been brilliant ambassadors for our school, with members of the public commenting on their exemplary behaviour whilst off site and their team work and support for each other during the activities. Up coming events for next half term are: <ul><li>KS1 basketball</li><li>KS2 cross country</li><li>Y3/4 football festival</li></ul>We also have swimming straight after half term for our Y3 pupils and selected Y4-6 pupils. We are looking forward to seeing how much they boost their swimming progress! We are also really excited to let you know that Mrs Christopher will be running the London Marathon this year. She is busy training and we will all be cheering her on on Sunday 21st April - she is a great inspiration to our cross country runners!

Notifying change of circumstances Please tell us of any changes to you or your child's personal details (i.e name, address, telephone numbers, emergency contact&nbsp;details, medical&nbsp;details, email address or relationship change). Certain changes may be updated directly via the Arbor Parent Portal, however if you have any difficulty please email the school office at: hello@mawgan-in-pydar.org.uk or call 01637 860491.

This week, the Newquay male voice choir, Ol an Gwella joined us to sing some well known Cornish songs, including teaching us some verses in Kernewek (Cornish!). As always, they are a true inspiration to our pupils who thoroughly enjoy singing with them and putting Makaton to the range of traditional songs they sing. Some of the songs we sang were 'Cornwall my Home', 'Drunken Sailor', 'Trelawney', 'South Australia' and 'Harry's Song'. Pupils who want to, will be taking part in the annual St Piran's day celebrations again in Newquay this year, the first being on Friday 23rd February at The Hotel Victoria and then the St Piran's Parade through Newquay on Tuesday 5th March. Voice in a Million! On Wednesday 20th March, a quarter of our school, (yes a quarter...), will be travelling to London to take part in the prestigious Voice in a Million concert at Wembley Stadium. A group of 30+ pupils have been practising a range of songs since the beginning of this academic year in readiness for this amazing experience. MIP Choir will be joining school choirs from all over the country to be one diverse choir for one night only! We are so proud of our choir members!

Nearly 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging are thrown away by UK households every year, and just 12% is recycled in the UK. During Science Week, thousands of schools, households, community groups and businesses will be coming together to count their plastic waste. And we will be joining them. Almost a quarter of a million people took part in The Big Plastic Count in 2022. Together they revealed that almost two billion pieces of plastic packaging are being thrown away a week. This year we can help build even more evidence to convince UK ministers to lead the way at the global talks that could finally phase out plastic pollution for good. We will be collecting all plastic waste in school during science week. On the Friday we will show all classes how much single-use plastic we have used collectively over this week. Children will be prepared for this in the weeks ahead, ready to identify a more sustainable approach. Our ECO Council will lead the way throughout this project.

Google Classroom - Enhancing connections with learners from school, from home, or on the go.

Think of Google Classroom as your child’s digital link to learning. Teachers use Google Classroom to share resources, links and assignments with pupils during lessons at school across the curriculum. Years 1-6 teachers will use Google Classroom to share homework with students and parents. It is a great tool for keeping up to date with your child’s learning.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.mawgan-in-pydar.org.uk/web/pupil_premium/64329">CLICK HERE</a>

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