Whole School

Newsletters

NEWSLETTER, Summer Term 1

Friday 19^th April 2024

Dear Parents and Carers,

I would like to extend a warm welcome back after the Easter break. I hope you managed to enjoy some relaxing family time. The children have returned rested and ready for an exciting term ahead.

Changes to Class Newsletters: In response to feedback from parents and carers, you will see today that we have changed the way we communicate class newsletters so that they are as succinct as possible and can be read easily through Parentmail. Y1 through to Y6 will now send a newsletter containing curriculum updates, reminders and diary dates at the start of each half term. KS1 newsletters will no longer be sent weekly, but Reception will continue to send weekly letters containing lots of information on the learning taking place in the Reception base. Additional communication to go out at the end of each half term to celebrate children’s work and achievements is under review.

PTA: We are delighted with the KS2 classroom carpets which were fitted over the Easter break and generously funded by the PTA. Not only do they look great, they absorb distracting noise in class also, so it helps concentration. We are moving closer to having a truly calm and therapeutic environment to benefit all our pupils and staff, but there is some way to go yet!

Updated Behaviour Policy: You will have hopefully seen the updated Behaviour Policy sent earlier this week. Today we have had our well done assemblies presenting the first ever ‘Proud to be Purple’ certificates! The children are really motivated by the changes and we have had some great feedback from parents and carers.

Swimming Gala: Yesterday’s swimming gala was a fantastic success and a great start to the summer term. Pupils in Y4, Y5 and Y6 all participated, either competing or assisting at the event held at the John Charles Sports Centre, and were a credit to themselves. A massive thank you to Mr Rowney who organised the event. Thanks also go to our brilliant PTA who funded the coaches for the event and thank you to parents and carers who were able to spectate.

Book Fair: Thank you so much to everyone who supported the Book Fair before Easter. This raised nearly £500 for us to spend on books in school. We have used this money to buy whole class sets of class readers for Year 4 and Year 5. These are a valuable resource for us and we plan to continue to build these sets for other year groups.

Welcome and Goodbye: At the end of last term we said goodbye to Polly Lambert, one of our KS2 Teaching Assistants, as she left to embark on a new role. On behalf of staff, governors and pupils we wish Miss Lambert the very best of luck for the future.

We were delighted to welcome back Jess Hudson to the KS1 support team at the end of last term. Jess is a highly experienced Teaching Assistant who is supporting in Y1 currently.

Polling Day: On Thursday 2^nd May the school bungalow will be used as a polling station. School will remain open to pupils and Leeds City Council will provide security for the school site while members of the public have access.

Sun Safe: As the weather becomes warmer during this term, please can I remind parents and carers to ensure their child is equipped with the following, which should be named:

• Sunscreen – younger pupils should have the all-day sunscreen applied by you at home in the
• Sun hat
• Water bottle – this is especially important throughout the school year as children need to keep hydrated.

Support our No Nuts Policy: Please do not allow your child to bring into school items of food containing nuts or traces of nut due to a number of pupils with nut allergies. Thank you.

Please be reminded that KS2 children are permitted to bring in a piece of fruit or vegetable to eat during morning break, which is in line with what is provided for Reception and KS1 pupils. Sugary snacks, pastries, biscuits and crisps are not permitted.

Uniform: The PTA continue to provide pre-loved school uniform so there is the opportunity for pupils to be clothed in a more affordable way. For brand new items, Whittaker’s in Farsley and PC Sports in Yeadon are both providers for Newlaithes’ uniform. The Uniform Policy can be found on the school website, where you will see school’s commitment to try and keep the uniform cost as low as possible for parents and carers.

Please be reminded that our school uniform requires pupils to wear black shoes or black trainers. Please keep this in mind when you buy footwear for school. Please also be reminded that as the weather becomes warmer, socks are to be worn as part of the school uniform, as well as sandals or footwear with fastening straps. Due to health and safety reasons, flip flop type sandals can be hazardous and are not appropriate school uniform items. There is the option to wear a purple and white gingham summer dress during the warmer weather.

Extra-Curricular Activities: As ever, we are trying to provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities to benefit our children. This term the following clubs will be taking place:

There are still activities run by external organisations at a cost: Little Cherries and private instrumental lessons. For more details please contact the school office.

Parking: We repeatedly ask for your support to keep our children safe by parking considerately around school and the local neighbourhood. Please ensure you are parking in an appropriate safe place when dropping children off or collecting, even if it means walking a little bit further. We have a PCSO and traffic warden who will routinely check parking at school drop off and collection times on Victoria Crescent and the nearby roads. Please be reminded that fines will be issued on the spot for inappropriate parking. If you see inconsiderate parking, please report it to outernorthwest@westyorkshire.police.uk

Good luck to all the runners at this year’s London Marathon, which include some of our very own staff members and parents. I am sure your hard work will pay off. Enjoy the day!

Yours sincerely,

Joanne Blacoe

Headteacher

Dates for Your Diary:

Other letters to parents

Curriculum drivers launch for parents

Whole school letter re chicken pox shingles and measles April 2022