Latest News
Keep up to date with all the news happening in school
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Weekly Update Friday 8th November
Fri 08 Nov 2024We had a sizzling start back to school with our assembly about Guy Fawkes. The children were amazed that the tradition of lighting a bonfire is over 400 years old, and only happens in the UK. We also discussed the fireworks code. If you would like to watch and find out more, please visit our learning links page:
Year R have started their Julia Donaldson themed project and their 'Room on a Broom' caves have been a huge hit! They have had a message left in their classroom each day and the children have been so excited to tell me all about it! Meanwhile, Year 1 have been amazing story innovators this week, changing the characters and the setting of a traditional tale. I enjoyed reading River's unicorn story today, crossing the unicorn bridge. What a superstar story teller! Year 2 'flew' to New Zealand in their classroom 'aeroplane'. They wrote fantastic information leaflets about the Bay of Plenty, for travelers to read about, using their persuasive writing. I really want to visit now, Year 2-thank you for your inspirational writing!
Staff and PTA have been getting ready for Christmas. Our Raffle tickets will go out soon to everyone, we have our disco next week. After that, our next big event is our Christmas shopping event, where children get to choose up to 6 gifts to buy for their family. Most of the presents have been bought, and we will need lots of helpers on the day too. In addition to this, we will need lots of wrapping paper, so we are putting our wrapping paper donation appeal out early-please send in any rolls, for this special shopping event. Next Friday we will also be having a special sweet stall at the end of the day, where the PTA will be in the turning circle. they accept card and cash, so please pop along!
On Friday 15th November, we will be celebrating 'Children in Need day' at school. Children can come to school in any clothes-fancy dress, face paint, play clothes-we are having a 'Come as you like' day. I may have a special way of travelling in...watch this space!
On Thursday 14th November we will be having one of our special curriculum days, where the whole school will be learning about the same subject. This time it is Math's turn to take centre stage. Mrs Moth, our Math lead, has a treat lined up for our whole school. Our theme is 'Bishops Waltham Record Breakers' with lots of creative mathematical challenges. Children will be taking part in a range of activities throughout the day working together in small groups, large groups and independently, using their mathematical knowledge to complete record breaking challenges. Have you got what it takes to be a BWIS Record Breaker??? Watch out for our display and photographs celebrating the wonderful world of mathematics next week.
Applications for Year R 2025, and Year 3 2025 are now OPEN until January 15th. Bishops Waltham Junior School is having an Open Event for parents on Wednesday 20th November at 1.15pm. If you are Year 2 parent, please check your inbox for the information about the event. We have parent showround dates for the whole of November, so if you know anyone who missed our open day and would like to look around, please let them know to telephone the school to book on a tour.
Lastly, our Attendance Policy has been updated and approved by our Governing Body in line with the new Government and Hampshire guidelines. You can find the policy and guidelines here:
Government Guidelines on Attendance August 2024
We use the Hampshire policy guidance for this, to reflect changes in the law. Headteachers have very little choice in the authorisation of exceptional leave, which is explained in more detail in these documents, and I know this upsets a lot of parents who want to take their children out of school for special trips and holidays. I can only describe coming to school regularly every day as a bit like walking up a flight of steps from the start of the year to the end of the year. If your child misses school you will stand still on the step whilst the rest of the class continue to step up. An odd day or two when ill, will be a small catch up. Lots of days away, will mean working harder to catch up and then keep up with the rest of the class. Good attendance habits stay with children for life, long after they have left us into adulthood and their chosen careers. If you have any queries about the policy, or new government guidelines, please do not hesitate to come and make an appointment to discuss them. Our office have also asked me to reiterate the importance of telephoning and informing us of school absence. We are spending a lot of time ringing parents who have not telephoned the reason why their child is not in school. Please telephone in every day of absence before 9.30am, so that we know your child is safe, and not missing. If we cannot telephone you, or speak to you, then our safeguarding procedures will often need to be followed.
For those of you who enjoy fireworks and want to see more, another local school, Swanmore Primary, have a firework event this evening, and information about the event can be found on their social media page.
Wishing everybody a lovely weekend. Remember to wrap up warm!
Mrs Riches
Headteacher
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Book Fair!
Mon 04 Nov 2024
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Weekly Update Friday 25th October
Thu 24 Oct 2024All of our classes have started their next Learning Projects, and they are very excited about what is coming up. Year R have been learning about Stickman and using our lovely autumnal grounds. Year 1 are very busy writing scripts and learning how to make puppets for their traditional tales whilst developing their interdependence skills. Year 2 are looking forward to becoming geographers, developing competency in their geographical skills through their study of New Zealand. Remember to look at the learning leaflet and the vocabulary bookmark that has come home, in order to support your child's knowledge and oracy skills as they learn.
We loved our Spooky Friday Sweet Treats from our PTA today. Thank you to Claire and the gang for these! You can also support our PTA at the bonfire event running on the 2nd November at Hoe Road. We have a new date for our Crazy M disco on Friday 22nd November. Tickets will carry over to the new date. All money raised goes towards supporting the children in school, and can either be left as a donation, or a refund can be made via the PTA.
Year 2 have really been enjoying their lunchtime clubs this half term. Have a look at the clubs pages on our website. I wanted to celebrate our amazing painters who came to my painting club- their fantastic pumpkin paintings are at the end of this news-I can't wait to do more with you next half term! They are currently displayed in our entrance hall, if anyone would like to see them.
Just a reminder, that our Parent Teacher meetings are in the first week back after half term. Please book in using our online system.
Lastly we would like to congratulate Mrs Withers and her husband on the birth of their daughter, Arabella. Mum and baby are home and doing well. Congratulations to all and we cannot wait to meet her!
We hope wish everyone a lovely half term break.
Best wishes
Mrs Riches
Headteacher
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20 is plenty proposed plans
Thu 24 Oct 2024Earlier this year, the authority to apply for 20 MPH schemes (in areas that are currently 30 MPH) was delegated to Parish Councils (without funding).
BWPC have started to investigate the possibility of asking HCC to implement 20 MPH schemes in Bishops Waltham (funded by Bishops Waltham).
One of the areas that has been identified is the “school run” – Free St/Bank St/Lower Lane and Cricklemeed (please see attached a drawn map).
There are other areas such as Coppice Hill, but we are very much aware of issues on the roads leading to schools.
The first phase is consultation; therefore, other Parish Councill Members will be manning a drop in stand on the following dates:
- Friday 25th October 24 – High St near Kings Church 1000 – 1200 hours
- Friday 01st November 24 – Jubilee Hall Foyer (alongside the Country Market and Poppy Selling) 1000 – 1200 hours
- Friday 08th November 24 – Jubilee Hall Foyer (alongside the Country Market and Poppy Selling) 1000 – 1200 hours
Once the data is consolidated, the Parish Council will narrow it down to two or three areas and in the New Year, hold more surgeries to feed the data back to parishioners.
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CHILDREN EAT FREE OR FOR £1 OCTOBER HALF TERM
Tue 22 Oct 2024With the tightening of belts, due to the cost of living remaining high, every little helps. Below is a list of places that children can eat free, or for £1 during October half term. I hope some parents will find the list useful, when out and about with your families.
Where kids can eat free of for £1 during October half term
Angus Steakhouse
Children under eight can enjoy a complimentary Kids Menu meal when accompanied by a full-paying adult.
This offer is available every day between 12pm and 5pm.
Asda Café
Kids under the age of 16 can claim a café meal deal at Asda for £1.
The ‘Kids Eat for £1’ meal deals run in more than 205 Asda Café’s across the UK all year round, not just during the school holidays.
Kids under 16 can claim an Asda Café meal deal for £1 all year round.
Banana Tree
Kids eat free every Sunday at Banana Tree when you order one adult main course from the All Day menu.
Every kid's meal also comes with an activity pack!
Beefeater
Two kids under the age of 16 get a free breakfast at Beefeater with every adult breakfast purchased.
Bella Italia
Kids can eat for free at Bella Italia every Thursday.
While from Sunday to Wednesday, kids eat for £1 between 4pm and 6pm.
This offer includes three "delicious" courses and a drink.
The Bella Italia website says these meals are suitable for children aged between 2 and 11 years old.
Bill's
Kids eat for free all day at Bill's Restaurants across the UK this October half term.
Bill's Kids Eat Free offer is back from Monday, October 21 until Friday, November 1 (excluding Saturdays and Sundays).
Up to two kids' meals can be claimed when an adult orders any main dish (breakfast, lunch or dinner).
Brains pubs
On Wednesdays, kids eat for £1 at Brains pubs, according to Netmum.
Children can choose a main meal from the 'Little Dragons' menu when an adult buys a full-price main meal.
Brewdog
Children can enjoy Brewdog's "incredible" kids menu for free these school holidays.
The kid's menu includes everything from DIY pizzas to cheese toasties.
The offer is available from:
- October 26 to November 3 in England
- October 12 to October 20 in Scotland
This offer can only be claimed when you pre-book under KIDS EAT FREE.
Brewdog is among the places offering free kids meals this October half term.
Brewers Fayre
Two kids under the age of 16 get a free breakfast at Beefeater with every adult breakfast purchased.
Dobbie's
Children can enjoy a free breakfast at Dobbie's with an adult traditional or full breakfast.
You can also claim a free child’s hot meal or pick-n-mix lunch box with any adult main course.
This offer is available every day in Dobbie's restaurants across the UK and also includes a free children’s drink.
Dunelm
Kids get a free mini deal at any Pausa Café in Dunelm when you spend £4 or more.
This deal is available all day, every day, all year round.
Franco Manca
Children under 12 receive a free pizza for every full-priced adult main meal (in selected pizzerias).
This offer is also valid all year round.
Future Inns
At Future Inns, kids under 5 eat for free with any meal purchased by an adult (including breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Children under 12 years of age can also stay for free at Future Inns when sharing a room with a least one adult.
Children under 5 also get a free breakfast included as part of that deal.
Gordon Ramsay Restaurants
Children under 8 can enjoy a free meal from Gordon Ramsay Restaurants (GRR) this half term.
The little ones can choose a main from the Ramsay Kids Menu. Enjoy unforgettable family days without breaking the bank.
The GRR 'Kids Eat Free' offer is simple, the website explains: "For each adult dining from the A la Carte, a main course from the Ramsay Kids Menu is on us!"
Heathrow airport
Heathrow Airport is offering a kids eat free offer which will run this half term from October 28 to November 3.
When an adult chooses an item from the main menu at a participating restaurant your kids can eat for free.
You can see a list of the participating restaurants on the Heathrow Airport website.
Hungry Horse
Every Monday selected kids meals at Hungry Horse are available for £1, or larger meals for £1.50 with every full-paying adult.
Ikea
There is no specific half-term deal at IKEA, but kids can get a meal for 95p every day from 11am (offer lasts all year).
Las Iguanas
If you download the My Iguanas app you can claim a free niños meal every time you visit, not just during school holidays.
Morrisons
Children under the age of 16 can claim a free kids meal at participating Morrisons Cafés with any adult meal over £4.50.
Ok Diners
All day, every day a child under 10 years old can eat for free at OK Diners across the UK.
You must choose an meal from the children’s menu and the offer is only valid when an adult purchases a main course from the a la carte menu.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is offering a free kids buffet from October 14 to November 5 when you use the code word - SPOOKY.
This offer will be available every day from 3pm when you spend £10 on other food.
Pizza Hut says: "Unlimited pizza, pasta and salad all ready and waiting for you as soon as you walk through the door."
Kids also get a free ‘Little Monster’ filled activity pack.
"So, if you’re looking for a fun family day out that won’t break the bank and will keep the kids entertained – look no further than Pizza Huts Half Term Kids Free Buffet," the Pizza Hut website adds.
Premier Inn
Two children under the age of 16 eat breakfast for free when an adult buys a Premier Inn Breakfast or a Meal Deal.
Preto
You can download a voucher from the Preto website and show it to a member of staff to claim a free meal for your child.
The voucher is valid every weekday from 4pm.
The offer is open to children up to 10 years old and it is a maximum of one child per one full paying adult.
Purezza
Children under the age of 10 get free pizza at Purezza (offer valid all year).
Sainsbury’s
Kids can enjoy a hot main meal or lunch bag for £1 with the purchase of an adult hot main meal from £5.20 in a Sainsbury's café
Available every day from 11:30 until close.
Sizzling pub & grill
The Kids Eat for £1 deal is available from 12pm during the school holidays.
The offer is available when you buy an adult main meal.
Table Table pubs
Two kids under the age of 16 get a free breakfast at Beefeater with every adult breakfast purchased.
Tesco
Kids can enjoy a free meal in Tesco Cafés with any adult purchase when you scan your Tesco Clubcard.
This offer will be available from:
- October 7 to 25 in Scotland
- October 21 to November 1 in England and Wales
- October 28 to November 1 in Northern Ireland
TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays is giving away a free kid's meal when you order an adult’s main.
This offer is available all day, every day including October Half Term, but you must be a Stripes Rewards Member.
The Butcher's Tap & Grill Marlow
Kids 12 years or under, accompanied by an adult can eat for free at any Butcher's Tap & Grill Marlow restaurant between 3pm and 5pm.
The Real Greek
Kids eat free every Sunday at The Real Greek when £10 is spent by an adult
Travelodge
Up to two children aged 15 or under can eat free for every full-paying adult.
Yo! Sushi
From October 14 to November 1 kids eat free all day in Yo! Sushi restaurants across the UK when dining with a full-paying adult (minimum £10 spend).
List taken from the Basingstoke Gazette
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PTA Sweet Sale
Mon 21 Oct 2024
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Weekly Update Friday 18th October
Fri 18 Oct 2024We had an unexpected end to the week today, and I would like to say thank you to all of the parents who were so understanding when picking their children up early today. Luckily emergency closures happen rarely in schools, and it always tests our procedures. We learned a lot from our first major power failure, and will reflect on today’s events. I would like to thank Mrs Palmer for coming to buy food with me, when the cookers lost power, and also thank all the kitchen and lunchtime staff who made lunches so quickly, enabling all children to be fed. what a feat that was! I would also like to thank Mrs Rawlings for getting a message out on the PTA Facebook page, and the parents who shared the information on their class WhatsApp groups. The teaching and office staff were fantastic helping too, especially when parents of siblings turned up a lot earlier than expected. Thank you everyone- what a team effort!
On a really positive note, the electricity is now back on. All systems seem to be working well and Clever Chefs have said that normal service should resume on Monday. Crazy M has sent through new dates and we will give you the date of the postponed PTA disco next week.
IIn other BWIS news, we are overjoyed to let you know we have been awarded the ‘Music Mark’ award in recognition of our music in school. We are absolutely delighted and would like to thank Mrs Moth, our Music Lead, and Georgina Carter, our Hampshire specialist teacher, for making music so much fun at BWIS. Well done!
Year 2 had a fantastic Great Fire of London Exhibition today, and the parents were amazed at how many facts our BWIS historians knew! Well done to our Year 2 children and staff!
Thank you again for all the harvest contributions this week. There was a write up on our latest news, and I just wanted to say again how proud I was of the whole school. The children were fantastic, and their teachers had made each part of it so much fun.
We have one more week in school before our half term break. At the end of half term BWJS will be having their grand firework display. It will be at Hoe Road Recreation Ground on Saturday 2nd November. Family Tickets are available to buy from their PTA via the school.
Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend.
Very best wishes
Mrs Riches
Headteacher
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EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSURE
Fri 18 Oct 2024This morning our power reduced to parts of the school, including the kitchen. We rushed to a supermarket to buy packed lunch items, in order to still cover 160 dinners, and stay open. The situation has changed rapidly, and we have no power at all, which compromises the security and safety of our children. We are still feeding the children but parents will need to make an earlier collection of 1pm.
We have been told that the power will be out until after 4pm, so we will also have to postpone the disco.
We have been unable to log in to any of our system to send an email, and we are really sorry that due to the juniors putting a message out successfully first, parents have heard this from a variety of sources, other than us. We apologise profusely for this. Claire Rawlings, our PTA chair has helped us put a message on their Facebook page, and hopefully many of you will see this too.
We are really sorry for any confusion caused.
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Harvest Festival
Tue 15 Oct 2024We had a special time at St Peter's Church today, giving thanks at our Harvest Festival. We were welcomed by Reverend Hunt, and the church looked beautiful, decked out in autumnal flowers. For many of our children, it was the first time they had visited the church, and they were full of awe and wonder.
Our service was lovely. We had gorgeous singing (thank you to our music lead Mrs Moth), and each year group participated with a different performance of dancing, story telling and poetry recital. Our Year 1 and 2 children had made Harvest Prayers, which we joined in with (even thanking the wriggly worms who make the soil good to grow in), and Reverend Hunt also talked about giving thanks and being generous in life.
We would like to say a big thank you to all the children who were beautifully behaved, the parents and carers who helped us to walk down, and to all the teachers and staff who have worked so hard in a short time to enable the children to participate. It really was a special memory that our children will take with them long after they have left us.
The Meonstoke foodbank were vey grateful for all the donations made. We have a foodbank box in our reception area, if you would like to give food more regularly.
Warmest wishes
Mrs Riches
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Weekly Update Friday 11th October
Fri 11 Oct 2024This week Year 1 had their 'Brilliant Bodies' Science led learning outcome. They shared all of their learning with their parents in a fantastic science workshop. They really enjoyed sharing their learning with all who came. Thank you to Mrs Moth, our Year 1 leader, and Miss Whitehead and Miss Daniels-King for such a great outcome.
Year 2 have been really busy learning about the Great Fire of London, in their history led project. They are getting ready for their Great Fire Exhibition next week. Their paintings and interpretations of what happened have been fantastic.
Year R have been looking for signs of Autumn around our school, an have been amazed at the colours of the leaves we have. We are so lucky to have our lovely grounds, where we can walk and see Autumn all around us.
Our PTA are still looking for class reps, who will be responsible for spreading the word of events through the Class Media Groups. Please contact the school office if you would like to become one. The first event is on Friday 18th October, where Year 1 and 2 children can buy a ticket for our after school disco.
We have waterbottles and headlice combs available to purchase from the school office. Please pop along if you would like to purchase any of theses items. All hairstyles where the hair is touching shoulders or longer, needs to be tied back to discourage the spread of headlice. Hair accessories should be kept small and in school colours only-keep the sequins and glitter for the best and the lovely places they go to when not in school.
On behalf of the governors, I would like to welcome our new parent governor, Dr Steven Vidovic to our Governing Body Board. Congratulations Steven, and we look forward to working with you.
Our Harvest Festival is next Tuesday, and we would welcome all contributions towards the foodbank. Please bring contributions in on Tuesday morning. This event is for children only, and we thank all volunteers who have offered to walk to the church.
We will be having our individual photographs on Wednesday 16th October. Our photographer, Nikky, takes a really great photograph. She has family slots in the evening, if you would like a special family shot for yourselves or as a Christmas present for your family. Please call the office to book, if you would like one.
Lastly, look up at the sky this weekend! Some members of staff took some beautiful photographs of the Northern Lights last night. They were visible around 9.20pm, but this time can change. I'm hoping to see them too, and love looking at people's pictures of them, so if you catch them, send them in.
Have a great weekend!
Mrs Riches
