October 2023 Newsletter

Reception have enjoyed sharing the story of Elmer and talking about how it is fun to be different. We explored some colour mixing to make some autumn colours from the story 'Elmer and the Windy Day' and cut out Elmer elephants to stick onto our paintings.

Year 1 have had an English focus, for their Outdoor Learning, last half term. We have discussed Autumnal changes that we could see in our outdoor space. To explore this, we have been looking at different adjectives and the class have collected natural materials that match each adjective. We shared and discussed these together. Based upon Lois Elhert's 'Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf' we made leaf monsters from the natural materials that we had found. We evaluated each other's work and shared what we thought each person had done well. To further our vocabulary, we have been thinking about the different textures of natural items, so we have become 'Woodland Explorers'. The children went on a scavenger hunt to seek natural objects that were 'bumpy, rough, jagged, smooth'. We created natural bookmarks from these items as well as writing their adjectives onto these too.

In Science, we have been learning about light. The children were very intrigued by the different shadows that they could create using a variety of transparent, translucent and opaque objects. We also made the classroom as dark as we could to experiment with changing the size of shadows.

We are really fortunate to have access to Sara Schofield, who works as a PSA across schools within the Roseland area. If you have any concerns about your child and would like some advice on any aspect of parenting or feel that you child would benefit from having a trusted adult to talk to, please contact school at hello@probusschool.org.uk and we can help you to access support that may be suitable.

In Year 5, we have been learning about mountains and mapping. The children had the chance to explore Bodmin Moor and learn how to orientate their maps to help them find locations on the OS map. Children were able to use the contours on their maps to find the most efficient route to a location. They learnt further about the sources of rivers and investigated the water of the area.

In year 6, we have started our science topic about light! This links to our art where we are looking at shadow puppets.

We explored artists and created pieces inspired by their techniques!

Road works - Please park at Hall and use Cullen View Gate only 6th - 8th November 2023

Between the 6th and 8th November Wilanet will be returning to continue laying utilities close to our main school entrance. The vehicles will be directly outside of our building and so we will use only the Cullen View entrance for entry and exit during these two days. Year 3 and 4 will be dismissed into the key stage one playground and will the clubs after school. To avoid a traffic build up in Cullen View please park at the village hall and walk to the gate. Thankyou in anticipation of your support with this.

Year 2 - Learning about storms and the sea! 

In preparation for our new topic, Cornish stories and historical rhymes, the children used senses boxes to explore the sea. They had to feel, smell and listen to different items linked to the sea. The children were very excited!

Grey polka dot border

We have loved working together to create something beautiful!

Paper stack border

Craft paper border

Don't forget to follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/ProbusSchool">TWITTER</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/probusschool">FACEBOOK</a>

Whole School Events Tuesday 7th&nbsp;November –&nbsp;Y4 trip to Royal Cornwall Museum Thursday 9th&nbsp;November&nbsp;– Open afternoon for new reception intake 2024 Wednesday 29th&nbsp;November -&nbsp;Y3 3 workshop with Pengelly Garden Centre Wednesday 6th&nbsp;December&nbsp;–Y6 Christmas Dodgeball – participants will be informed nearer the time. Friday 8th&nbsp;December –&nbsp;Christmas Jumper Day Tuesday 12th&nbsp;December&nbsp;– KS1 Nativity Wednesday13th&nbsp;December&nbsp;– Christmas dinner day Friday 15th&nbsp;December&nbsp;– Carols Tuesday 19th&nbsp;December&nbsp;– End of term 1.30pm Finish 2024 Advance Notice of Inset Days &amp; Holidays Thursday 4th January 2024 - INSET day for staff Friday 5th January 2024 - Pupils begin Spring term Friday 9th February 2024 - INSET day for staff, school closed to pupils Friday 24th May 2024 - INSET day for staff, school closed to pupils Monday 12th - Friday 16th February 2024 - Half Term Thursday 28th March 2024 3.15 finish Last day of Spring Term Friday 29th March- Friday 12th April 2024 - Easter Holiday Monday 15th April 2024 - Start of Summer Term Monday 6th May 2024 - Bank Holiday Monday 27th - Friday 31st May 2024 - Half Term Wednesday 24th July 2024 -1.30 finish Last day of Summer Term

Dear Parents, This month has been one of great Halloween excitement and winter fun. Many thanks to the PTA and staff for the excellent disco and please note the Bonfire Bingo is this Friday in the village hall. Key stage two had an exciting fieldwork adventure on Bodmin Moor and many thanks to all the staff and Aspire team involved. We were blessed with excellent weather. We hope the parents evenings were informative and we will soon be sending a parental questionnaire for feedback on a variety of topics. Teachers are always available to discuss concerns, either at the end of the day or send an email to hello@probusschool.org.uk Kind regards Ms Praed

Music Lessons If your child wishes to play a musical instrument, then please sign them up via the <a href="https://www.cmst.co.uk">Cornwall Music Service Trust </a>website. We currently have violin and guitar lessons going on during the week, but will help to get other instrumental teachers into school if your child would like to learn a different instrument.

Reporting Absences for illness 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 01726 882647 and leave a message or alternatively, send an email to hello@probusschool.org.uk When reporting an absence, please leave a message on each day of your child's absence, telling us: - Your child's name -Year group - Why they are absent (Type of illness e.g sickness, migraine) - When you expect them to return.

Lateness Pupils are expected to enter via the gates between 8.35-8.45 with their friends to class. If you are delayed please bring your child to reception and explain the reason for late arrival. Being on time supports your child's learning, allows them have a calm entry into school and means all pupils can commence lessons together.

School lunches must be pre booked and this can be done daily, weekly, monthly or termly on Parent Pay and cost £2.65. You still need to pre book if your child is entitled to a free meal. If your child is unable to attend school, please make sure you have unbooked your child's meal by 8 am - you may still be charged if you don't unbook it. If your child is in Year R, 1 or 2 they are entitled to Universal Free school Meals. If you think you may be entitled to Free School Meals click <a href="https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/schools-and-education/schools-and-colleges/school-meals/">HERE </a>to check your eligibility and make an application.

For more information, and to see the latest menu, visit our website <a href="https://www.probusschool.org.uk/web/school_dinners/335508">HERE</a>!

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Persistent absence and requests for absence authorisation. It is vital pupils attend school regularly and we will always seek to support families who request help with attendance. Please be aware attendance is monitored closely and persistent absence and prolonged absence could result in a financial penalty. If we are concerned about a child's absence you will receive a call from the class teacher or senior leadership team. Persistence absence will be addressed by the Head of School and the Education Welfare Officer.

What do I need to do if I need to ask for leave of absence for my child? Since September 2013, changes to Government regulations and guidance means that we can no longer authorise leave of absence for the sole purpose of a holiday (except in exceptional circumstances.) Parents must fill in a form that is available on our website, or from the office, at least a month before the planned leave.

School Meals Please remember to order your child's school meal via your Parent Pay account even if your child is in receipt of free school meals. Please contact Mrs Senior in the school office if you need any assistance with Parent Pay.

Water bottles As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, we want to ensure all children are able to access water during the day. Please ensure they have a named water-bottle in school daily, which contains plain, un-carbonated water.

Wraparound Care A polite reminder that you need to pre-book your child into wraparound care via Parent Pay. We have limited places available each day so cannot guarantee your child a place if not pre-booked. More information <a href="https://www.probusschool.org.uk/web/kids_club/335490">HERE</a>.

Lost Property Please remember to name ALL items for your child - clothing, lunch boxes, drinks bottles. There is a box in main reception area if you wish to check for missing items.

Bonfire Bingo Friday 3rd November Probus Village hall Eyes down 18.30 A bar is available! Please note all children must be accompanied by parents

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 If you are searching for support and are worried about this being tracked by an abuser in the home, please use a&nbsp;private or incognito tab&nbsp;when browsing as this&nbsp;will not save on your search history. Domestic Abuse advise - First Light: 0300 777 4777 Support in your area You can walk into a local BOOTS pharmacy and ask for&nbsp;‘ANNIE’&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.

Well done to the intrepid high fives netball team who worked well to improve their play at the netball tournament. We achieved fourth place and won two matches.

<a href="https://www.probusschool.org.uk/web/home/4387">www.probusschool.org.uk</a>

Address: Probus Primary School Ladock Road Probus Truro TR2 4LE School Administrator Mrs Senior: <a href="mailto:hello@probusschool.org.uk">hello@probusschool.org.uk</a> Phone: 01726 882647 Office hours 8.00am - 4.00pm (Closed for Lunch 12.30-1.00)