February 2024 Newsletter

From early years to year six we look at developing a sense of number, fluency and problem solving.

The children created screen printed posters of something they feel strongly about!

We're thrilled to announce that on February 14th, Mrs. Woolley welcomed her beautiful baby girl into the world! They've named her Ophelia, and she arrived weighing a healthy 8lb 8oz. We're delighted to report that both mother and baby are doing well.

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.

 If you would like to find out more about our Maths programmes....

Mrs Bowen is our school maths lead and there is a wealth of information and resources on our school website. Why not take a look?

 Writing progression in story composition

In Key Stage 2 we learnt to create our own plots with a variety of devices such as flash back dialogue to move the narrative forward and build suspense.

Year 5 have learnt about the science of taste. They have chosen their own ingredients to use in a seasonal soup which they will evaluate in March.

Children have learnt a range of dance styles in January and February. They have used this knowledge to create a short dance routine using key components such as working in unison and cannon. 

"If I get stuck I try the "five Bs" - Use my brain, book, buddy, board or boss - Mr Parekh!"

Internet safety meeting - links from Giles

Many thanks to Giles our Aspire ICT lead for the really interesting discussion in school for internet safety. Below are the links to Giles' PowerPoint which includes many excellent links. Please take a look.

<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IhFCr2UVtsyK2pskoconXf0ir0F1uG8n/view">Internet Safety for Parents and Carers. Aspire.pdf - Google Drive</a>

We had an interesting debate about devices and if they are safe in children's bedrooms. The parents present had taken good steps to ensure internet access was being monitored and no tablets, game consoles and phones were permitted without adult supervision. We also discussed at what age a child should have access to a smart phone. It was felt it was a good asset at Secondary school but not necessary at Primary age. 

In key stage one we learn to orally tell stories, then write strong settings, character descriptions and stories with an introduction, middle and resolution.

We use stories we know well to help us structure our writing and adapt these stories.

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February 2024 Newsletter

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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 Monday 11th March - Friday 15th March -Swimming Yr 3 &amp; 4 Thursday 28th March 2024 3.15 finish Last day of Spring Term Friday 22nd March - Non School Uniform Day Monday 25th March - Walk to School Week Thursday 28th March - PTA Bingo in The School Hall Friday 29th March- Friday 12th April 2024 - Easter Holiday Monday 15th April 2024 - Start of Summer Term Thursday 18th &amp; Friday 19th April - Year 5 Aquarium Sleepover Monday 6th May 2024 - Bank Holiday Friday 24th May 2024 - Inset Day - School Closed to Students Monday 27th - Friday 31st May 2024 - Half Term Wednesday 12th June - Friday 14th June - Year 6 Stratford Residential Wednesday 24th July 2024 -1.30 finish Last day of Summer Term

February has gone in a flash and it is wonderful to see the signs of spring popping up all over our grounds. Although it is getting lighter, it is still very cold and wet so please ensure your child has adequate clothing and is wearing it to school, not carrying it. It was lovely to have so many parents share our reading session. It was a chance to ask questions about our approach and speak directly with staff. It is always good to speak with us, rather than use group chats, so staff can explain anything you are interested in knowing. We often receive many positive comments and teachers appreciate your support. We always aim to be open and accessible, so once again please raise any issues directly with staff. This newsletter is full of great pictures sharing some of our academic activities but also our wider curriculum. There has been a lovely smell of vegetable soup filling the corridor and I have seen some great art work this month, Best wishes, Ms Praed

Thank you to those parents and grandparents who came and shared stories with the children. It was lovely and we look forward to another session planned for next term.

The Aspire Connect 40 Relay Challenge is a trust-wide, team-focussed feat of endurance taking place this March in aid of Comic Relief Red Nose Day and Youth Sport Trust.&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aspireacademytrust.org/2644/aspire-connect-40-relay-challenge">here</a>&nbsp;to find out more! This is not just for the grown-ups. Aspire pupils will also be actively involved, fundraising for the two nominated charities through physical school-led activities either on the day the baton arrives on their doorstep, or on Red Nose Day itself, Friday 15th March.  You can follow the children's adventures via each Aspire academy's Facebook page. Mr Ferguson and Mrs Bowen are going to be cycling to St Mawes from Probus next Monday for our leg of the challenge. This is 15 miles of undulating (hilly) cycling and so we are going to be asking all of the children to complete 15 minutes of exercise in addition to PE lessons each day next week. We might be dancing, running, skipping or hopping for our 15 minutes but it’s going to be fun! All we ask is that you sponsor your child £1.50 for their achievements. If you have friends and family who would like to donate more, please send out the link below for them to be able to sponsor your child. On the final Friday, we will be completing a 15 minutes dance-a-thon in the hall and all the children will be able to show some of their moves that they have learnt during the week. It’s going to be a lot of fun and hopefully the children will enjoy moving that little bit more too! <a href="https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/2266/aspire-connect-40-relay-challenge/">Aspire Connect 40 Relay Challenge -&nbsp;GiveWheel</a>

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.

PTA Easter Bingo 28th March Eyes Down 18.30

Reception have made an amazing start to our 'Farm to Fork' topic and managed to rescue some veggies which had been frozen by evil pea! The pea was up to plenty of mischief and even took some numbers from our number line!

Answers in the next newsletter, or if you can't wait...ask Reception class!

The children complete a morning activity when arriving to school and have made a super effort in their independent writing of words to accompany the pictures on the screen. We have practiced our number formation and 'explorify' tasks to discuss what what we think a zoomed in image could be. Do you have any ideas about this one?

To finish our latest science topic- rocks and fossils, the children spent an afternoon testing soils to see which ones were the most absorbent. 

They carefully measured how much water was poured onto each soil, how much passed through into the cylinder below and then subtracted to find the difference. Fantastic science and maths all in one!

Reporting Absences for illness If your child is going to be absent from school due to illness, please inform the office before 9am on the day. You need to let us know what illness your child is absent with. You may either phone the office on 01726 882647 and leave a message or alternatively, send an email to <a href="mailto:hello@probusschool.org.uk">hello@probusschool.org.uk</a> When reporting an absence, please contact us each day of your child's absence.

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.

Willow Class are loving their new topic of ‘Spectacular Space’. We have been focusing on a booked called ‘Beegu’ in our Literacy lessons which we will continue to explore until Easter. We have been using our VIPERS skill of inference to pick clues from the text and the pictures. Our outcome for this unit of work will be to write a letter to keep Beegu at school.

Using inference to understand how a character is feeling.

We used our inference skills to find our how Beegu might have been feeling and why.

School lunches must be pre booked and this can be done daily, weekly, monthly or termly on <a href="http://www.parentpay.com">Parent Pay</a> 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://probus.eschools.co.uk/web/school_meals_-_aspens/335508/cHJldmlld3x8MjAyNC0wMy0wNiAxMTo0Njo0Nw%3D%3D">HERE</a>!

https://api.bookcreator.com/users/v2/TxvxsdqTsndZD9UZCXe4wZEyJtG2/books/oP3Rri3CRyK7SvS30NVnGQ/assets/ozF7oU0nT_SuaLIPiEUkyA.jpeg?width=712&height=367

 We are seeking to help every pupil enjoy their maths learning with our NCETM scheme, TTRock Stars and creative maths activities. It is a subject that requires regular practice but our pupils are reporting they find it interesting and are keen to engage with the scheme.

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.

Nursery did so well with the PE lesson in the hall matching colours and body parts

School Meals Please remember to order your child's school meal via your <a href="http://www.parentpay.com">Parent Pay</a> 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<a href="http://www.parentpay.com"> Parent Pay</a> 1 week in advance. We have limited places available each day so cannot guarantee your child a place if not pre-booked.

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.

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.

UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) warning - Measles

Following recent cases of Measles, The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) warns the virus can spread very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools.&nbsp;Measles can be a very serious disease, leading to ear and chest infections, fits, diarrhoea, and damage to the brain. Measles can kill.&nbsp;Measles usually starts with cold like symptoms followed by a rash. Children are at risk of measles if they haven’t had the recommended 2 doses of the MMR vaccination. For more information on Measles and the MMR vaccination please see the link:&nbsp;<a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nhs.uk%2Fconditions%2Fmeasles%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CLois.Senior%40probusschool.org.uk%7C65a935d4d9f548e146fb08dc1da5f655%7C199653adc1564a05bad3084c1a30b618%7C0%7C0%7C638417845889424569%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=bbrTSDZHAMHALCMK4ChiUS2YVHOq4KmTrMSu3ol1bnc%3D&amp;reserved=0" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Measles - NHS (www.nhs.uk)</a>

We have noticed some children are bringing large bottles of squash to school everyday. This is very detrimental to their teeth. Sugar substitutes are also encouraging the need for a sweet drink through out the day. The water bottles used through out the day must only contain water. If your child has a packed lunch a small cartoon of fruit juice is fine. to have at lunchtime only, with food.

We learnt that our intestines are 7.5m long! We used weetabix to mush up food with our 'teeth' with saliva (water) and put it through our intestines (tights) to see how the fluid gets squeezed out and faeces (poo) is made!

We looked at teeth in different animals to decide what diet they would have. We put eggs in different solutions to see the effect they would have on our teeth - can you believe squash was the worst?

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

School Administrator: Mrs Lois Senior Office hours 8.00am - 4.00pm (closed for lunch between 12.30 -1.00pm)

Address: Probus Primary School Ladock Road Probus Truro TR2 4LE Email: <a href="mailto:hello@probusschool.org.uk">hello@probusschool.org.uk</a> Phone: 01726 882647

Measures, shape, time, movement. Maths underpins our understanding of our world.

Hinduism… we have looked at karma and created a snakes and ladders game to represent this idea!

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