Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
We would all like to welcome Joseph our new crossing patrol who started on Thursday. Please take the time to walk a little further to use the crossing.
We have had some questions around 'FitBit' style watches in school. Currently we allow all types of watches, except SMART ones, in school which must be taken off for PE lessons.
Next Week
Monday
Indoor Athletics at Oaklands College
Friday
Yr3 Class Assembly
Learning Behaviour Champions
Reception: Millie for Challenge
Year 1: Roman for Stickability and Olivia for Challenge.
Year 2: Thomas for Stickability.
Year 3: Lexie for Challenge.
Year 4: Thomas for Challenge and Aidan for Communication.
Year 5: Ashlee and Ruby for Challenge and Reflection
Year 6: Peter and Loris for Reflection.
STAR READERS
Year 5 are Star Readers again this week with 86% of the class reading more than 3 times a week. It is disappointing and worrying that there are classes less than 50%. It is really important that your children read at least 4 times in a week. You can also help by being a role model and taking the time to read yourselves.
This Week's Reminders
Reading is an essential skill. Make it enjoyable by finding a quiet moment and sharing a book.
Emotional health is important to everyone. Get your children to show you how to relax.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Remember your 5 a day to stay fit and healthy.
Driving carefully and thoughtfully around the car park and village ensures everyone is safe.
Half Term Activities
St Mark's are running a Holiday Club for two days in February half term for anyone in reception up to year 6. It will have all the fun, games and activities that their summer holiday clubs have. It is the same amount of time as the summer holiday club but just compressed into two action packed days. Check out the link for more info and how to book https://stmarkscolneyheath.churchsuite.co.uk/events/4z3rlfjs
Apex Football have a camp on the Friday.
St Albans+ have a number of activities which you will need to book on early. See our Patent Page on the website for details.
Nursery applications are now open. Under the new system you need to either download an application form from the website or come in to the school office. If you need a place or know someone who does please ensure all applications are in by the 16th February. There are also still places on our Stay and Play Open Day tomorrow from 9.30am.
We are pleased to inform you that a new road crossing patrol should start sometime next week. I am sure you will all make him feel welcome. Hopefully now all drivers will stop and wait as we have had a number of near misses over the past few weeks.
This week's reminders:
Parking across driveways is very distressing for our local people.
Printing out or reading the new eSafety Newsletter is highly recommended. (on our Safeguarding webpage)
Paying for dinners, trips, PTA events, 200 Club and uniform using Gateway is easy and convenient.
Learning Behaviour Champions
Year 1: Aura in Reflection
Year 2: Albany in Stickability
Year 3: Franke in Reflection, Tegan in Stickability and Samuel in Challenge
Year 4: Liam and Austin in Creativity
Year 5: Edan in Challenge and Creativity, Izzy in Challenge and Stickability
This week's Star Reader class is YEAR 5 with 77% closely followed Year 6 with 71%. Well done everyone who managed to be a Star Reader this week.
Star Readers are calculated on the number of children in each class who have read consistently that week.
Half Term Activities
St Mark's are running a Holiday Club for two days in February half term for anyone in Reception up to Year 6. It will have all the fun, games and activities that their summer holiday clubs have. It is the same amount of time as the summer holiday club but just compressed into two action packed days. Check out the link for more info and how to book https://stmarkscolneyheath.churchsuite.co.uk/events/4z3rlfjs
Apex are running a one day football camp on Friday 16th February. Details at www.apex360.co.uk
There are also activities organised by St Albans+ (link also on our website)
This week the children have begun work around MindUp, which is a programme of lessons to support their emotional health.
It is designed to help children to:
Over the coming terms we will be providing you with ideas and strategies to use at home.
Class Assemblies (9am)
Friday 26th January Year 4
Friday 2nd February Year 3
Friday 9th February Year 5
Friday 23rd February Year 2
Friday 2nd March Year 1
Friday 9th March Reception
Friday 16th March Year 6
(Due it being such a short term Nursery will have a class assembly after the Easter holiday)
Next Week
Thursday
Special Menu Fun Day: Red: Chicken burger Green: Spicy bean burger No Yellow option
PTA
We urgently need someone to take over Pamper Evening organisation. This event usually takes place in May. Please contact the school office or PTA officers if you can help.
This Week's Reminders
Remember in order to have a school dinner you need to be in credit. (check on School Gateway)
Ring school first thing if your child won't be in. (currently use the number 827085)
Recycle at home and get everyone involved.
Reserve time every day to spend together as a family.
Happy New Year to you all.
As always we have a full calendar this term with many exciting activities planned for the children.
This term, as part of our emotional health plan, the children will be focussing on mindfulness using the MindUp program. In the summer term we will be offering a parent session so you can understand how to use it at home.
Events This Term
Internet Safety Day Tuesday 6th February. (www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2018)
Book Week from Monday 12th March
Spring Fair Friday 23rd March
This Week's Reminders
Read with and to your child every day if possible.
Respect our children and school community by turning off engines whilst in the car park.
Refrain from using electronic gadgets for a specific time at home every day. Make time to talk.
Remember to leave enough time to get to school.
Social Media Emotional Pressures
I am sure you have all seen the news about the recent report of the pressures of social media on our children. The report mentions the effects of social media on eight to 12-year-olds claiming many children were over-dependent on "likes" and comments for social validation. Remember our website helps by providing you with advice and links.