Weekly Update
What a busy half term we have had at BWIS. The classrooms have lovely displays of the children's learning on the walls and the children are very excited to talk to everybody about all the knowledge and skills they have learned.
Lunchtime Clubs
Year 2 have all attended the lunchtime clubs run by all the teachers. These clubs run for two terms and are free to attend. The teachers love getting to spend time with the children in their clubs, and it really is a lovely treat for Year 2.
Birdwatch
The Great Coastal Birdwatch is happening around the Solent this year. If you have a spare day and would like to take part, please visit their website to find out more. It is really easy to do-pick a spot and watch! The link below will tell you more
Newsletter Update
We were reflecting in the staffroom this week on how lovely it has been to be back to normal this year. We are very excited to be doing Christmas performances again and the dates for these are on the back of the end of month newsletter coming out today. We are going back to giving every child a paper copy of the newsletter, as well as posting it on our website, so that you can read it/pin it to fridge for date reminders.
Parking and Traffic
Despite lots of reminders this term, I have had several complaints about safety outside our school , from parents, due to parents parking/using the zigzags as a waiting zone. This is not safe for children trying to cross the road because children are unable to see the traffic when they have to step out between parked cars. I am surprised that any parent would hinder children's safety in this way, when they have small children themselves. I urge everyone to think about the children's safety before they stop their car on places that have been purposefully painted to stop accidents for children coming to and leaving our school. Parking at Hoe Road, Jubilee Hall and the Town Centre is free for the amount of time needed for drop off and pick up. Please use these areas to park and stride when possible. I will be passing your concerns over the local police, as it seems to be a situation that is worsening.
Attendance
You may have read that the government have increased measures on poor attendance in schools. Your child is classed as a 'Persistent Absentee' if their attendance has fallen below 90%, and studies have shown that children who miss this much school time, do not do as well in school over time, and their learning is greatly affected. With all the disruption to schooling over the past few years, it is more important than ever for children to regularly attend school-and parents to ensure this happens. We will be updating everyone on their child's attendance each half term, so you can see your child's attendance as a percentage and be aware of the impact any requested leaves of absence on this percentage.
PTA
Our PTA have been really busy organising events and their sweet shop and colouring competition have had a great response. We are developing a reflection area in our grounds-a space where we can meet as a class/ read stories and have some quiet time in a natural setting. We are also looking to include a sensory element into the learning space. Funds raised this year will be used to fund our normal annual treats and develop this special area. Your support is always greatly appreciated and thank you to all the members who are organising and running the events.
New Parent Walkrounds
We have organised a few New Parent walkarounds for parents who are applying for a school place for 2023. If you know of anyone who missed our open day and would like to look at our school, please encourage them to telephone our office to book on a walkround.
Lastly, we hope you all have some lovely family time this half term and look forward to seeing you in November. Our first day back is an INSET day where staff are receiving trainiing updates and we will see you on Tuesday 1st.
Best wishes
Mrs Riches
