Dear Parents,
Our summer term has started well. The children have embraced our new topic on Australia. Our English writing is based on film clips from The Rabbit proof Fence- a story of three Aboriginal girls’ 900 mile journey across Australia to return home. This is a unit recommended for year 5/6 by Oak academy. However, the whole film is PG. I have asked that the children seek your permission before watching it at home as it deals with some sensitive issues.
Our last piece of writing was based on The The Window by Jeannie Baker – a picture book without words that shows the change in environment from guess where- Australia! Year 5 and year 6 did some ‘voice-overs’ to the book that I thought you may enjoy hearing. Listen out for your child’s voice- I hope you are as impressed as I am at their reading aloud. There is a slight pause between slides so be patient.
Year 5 The window by Jeannie Baker
Year 6 The window by Jeannie Baker
Our children have also embraced the challenge set on World Book Day to read 4 books by four different authors linked to the World Book Day free books . Rosie, Jake, Eden and Evan have met the challenge. Chloe, Martha and Harriet have read all six suggestions- well done girls! Many children are on their fourth book keen to meet the challenge by May half term. Reading a variety of authors has a big impact on children’s writing so keep reading!
The children are also enjoying our additional PE session with Chris Jew each Friday afternoon. The focus is on cricket skills, and even I am attempting some over arm bowling.
Our NSPCC Rock Star day was a great success. Blue Class got competitive, as ever, to win the competitions on Times Table Rockstar; Ellis Brown is phenomenally fast achieving an outstanding score! The competitions were accompanied by Rock music blasting out and I was amazed how many children know all the words to The Queen songs.
Year 6 parents and children, I know you are keen to hear about the residential at The Pioneer Centre. Even though we have a pencilled in booking, the advice from government is still not to book a residential trip. Our insurance currently does not cover cancellation because of Covid and that makes us very hesitant to book an expensive trip of this kind. I am almost as disappointed as the children but we are planning as many exciting events as we can for our year 6 children after half term.
We are looking forward to catching up with you all next week at our parent/ teacher consultations. We also look forward to the time when we are able to see you again in person, and invite you into our school.
Yours
Mrs Benson and Mrs Bernasconi.
