Parents' Area

Updates

Friday 22nd November, 2024

Support for Parents

Courses run by professionals for all parents and families in Shropshire

Wednesday 20th November, 2024

Spare Clothes Plea

Do you have any spare clothes for ages 4/5 and 5/6?

Our early years classes need spare trousers/skirts, pants and socks.

Any donations would be gratefully accepted!

Thank you

Wednesday 20th November, 2024

Young Voices Choir Club – Christmas Events

Dear Parents/Carers,

To round off the Autumn term, we have a few lovely Christmas events for the Choir children to take part in.  Here are the finer details:

Wednesday 4th December – Coleham Community Carol Singalong.

Young Voices Club will be leading the festive singing from 4.30 – 5.00pm. Christmas jumpers, Christmas hats, happy faces and beautiful voices! Meet in the hall at 4.30pm.  We hope to see lots of families coming along to join in a mass carol singing.  Refreshments will be on sale.

Tuesday 10th December – Singing at Hickory’s.

We will walk from school to Hickory’s after Young Voices club and meet parents/carers at the restaurant. Singing will commence at 5.30pm for about 20-25 minutes. Everyone welcome to have a drink in the bar area and watch our performance.  If you aren’t able to come along then please collect your child from Hickories at 6:00pm.

Friday 13th December – Concert at St. Alkmund’s Church SY1 1UL.

The Phoenix Singers of Shrewsbury have invited us to sing s few songs as part of their Christmas Celebrations. Phoenix Singers are one of Shrewsbury’s top choirs and we are very proud to be representing Coleham School at this concert. The concert will start at 6pm and last about an hour. Please can the children meet Mrs Porrett at the church at 5.15pm, wearing smart school uniform and a Christmas hat. The choir have generously allocated two free tickets per child and free admission for siblings. This will be a lovely festive occasion and a super experience for our young singers.

So we have an approximate idea of numbers, it would be hugely helpful if you could let us know which of these events your child is likely to participate in.

Please share this information with us using the following form:

Choir Parent Form

Wednesday 15th January- Young Voices Concert in Birmingham

Finally if you haven’t secured your tickets for the big Young Voices event on 15th January, please do so – the link is HERE:

Tickets cannot be purchased through school. The children will be travelling to and from Birmingham altogether – parents and carers will need to organise/share transport. There will not be an opportunity to collect your child from the venue, collection will be from school at approx. 10.30pm. More details in the new year. Please chat to Mrs Porrett at the end of club on a Tuesday if you have any questions.

Tuesday 19th November, 2024

School Photographer Cancelled

Unfortunately, due to the weather Active Photographic have had to cancel their visit to us on Wednesday.

We have re-booked for Thursday 5th December.

Thursday 14th November, 2024

WEDNESDAY Smart-Phone Free Information evening

Our Smartphone Free Information Evening takes place on Wednesday at 5.00pm in our School Hall.

We will be opening up the conversation for alternatives to Smart Phones for children and thinking about what parents can do to set boundaries at home and check their child is safely using devices.  We have guest speakers Deputy Headteacher Mr Tudor from The Priory School explaining the common e-safety issues Secondary School Teachers deal with and some parent speakers from The Smartphone Free Childhood movement to talk about their personal experiences.  It should be an interesting and enlightening session, informing you of the risks of social media and smart phones from new research and thinking about What age is the right age for my child to have a smartphone?

#informedchoicesforfamilies

Thursday 14th November, 2024

Rainbow Hamper Raffle Donations

The School Council’s Rainbow Hamper Raffle launches on Friday 15th November.

We would be so grateful if you are able to boost our school funds by purchasing some raffle tickets.  We are fundraising for new school IPADS. Last year we sold 1028 tickets!

To purchase tickets please enter here:

ONLINE RAFFLE LINK 

Please spread the word by sharing this link with relatives and friends.

Thursday 14th November, 2024

Rainbow Hamper Raffle 2024

The School Council are fundraising via our annual Christmas Hamper Raffle.  There will be 9 colourful hampers to win, packed full of Christmas treats and gifts.  We would be really grateful if children could help donate an item to go inside a hamper. The ‘colour’ themes for each year group are below with some ideas.

Reception-Any thing Gold/Yellow (ideas include Crayola, M&Ms, Ferrero Rocher, white wine)

Year 1-Anything Pink (Rose wine, Marshmallows, Mr Kipling, Percy Pigs, Scented candle)

Year 2- Anything Red (Wine, Maltesers, KitKats, Christmas treats & decorations)

Year 3- Anything Orange (Mini Chedders, Fudge, Jacob Crackers, Shower Gel)

Year 4- Anything Green (Pringles, Matchmakers, Mint chocolates, Bubble bath)

Year 5- Anything Blue (Haribo, Roses, Milky Way, Jaffa Cakes)

Year 6-Purple (Heroes, Dairy Milk, Chocolate Fingers, Lavender toiletries)

You can be as inventive as you like and include any sweet or savoury snacks, drinks, toiletries, Christmas decorations, toys and books.

Children may start taking donations into class and give them to their School Councillor or Class Teacher.  We will be collecting these throughout November.  Thank you in advance!

Thursday 14th November, 2024

Book for our Christmas Movie Night

Need a couple of hours to go Christmas Shopping?

We can help with our Christmas Movie Night for EYFS, Yr 1, 2 & 3 pupils!

Children should stay after school and be collected at 5.30pm.

Tickets cost £5 available on Arbor (No charge to our children eligible for Free School Meals)

Thursday 14th November, 2024

EYFS Christmas Theatre Visit-Tuesday 17th December

We have arranged for EYFS to visit Theatre Severn on Tuesday 17th December  to see an afternoon performance of “The Owl who came for Christmas”, based on the book by John Hay and Garry Parsons.

They will be setting off around 1.15pm and will return to school around 3.50 to 4pm, depending on the traffic at that time of day.

The cost of the trip is £16.25, including transport costs and tickets.  Payment for this trip should be made via your child’s Arbor account prior to the date of the trip.

Thursday 14th November, 2024

Swedish Menu Wednesday 11th December

Thursday 14th November, 2024

Thanksgiving Menu Wednesday 20th November

Wednesday 13th November, 2024

House Christmas Card Competition

All children are invited to take part in a Christmas Card Competition.

Help us create our very own Coleham School Christmas Cards to send to local businesses and organisations that help us during the year!

Winners…The winning design for each house will be professionally printed and delivered by pupils to local businesses from the school.  The winner from each house will also have some cards to take home and with family/friends.  House points will be awarded for all entries so we hope to see lots of designs.

How to enter….The design needs to be completed on A4 paper (landscape or portrait using any art supplies) and needs to have the child’s name, class and house on the back. Entries can be handed to any house captain who will collect these or can be put in the post box by the hall.

The deadline...Entries need to be handed in by next Friday 22nd November.

 

Thursday 7th November, 2024

Coming soon Coleham Christmas Mingle

Our first Christmas Event! Something social for staff, parents, friends and members of the community!

Come and enjoy food and drink from the best Shropshire Suppliers.  Have a mingle, a bite to eat and you can also purchase Christmas wine and gin gift packs on special offer.

Tickets are available on Arbor and entry includes raffle entry to win a Christmas hamper.

Wednesday 6th November, 2024

Next Week: Anti-bullying Week

Anti-Bullying Week 2024 organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance takes place from Monday 11th – Friday 15th November, with the theme: Choose Respect. This subject will be covered in the classrooms.  Odd Socks Day is taking place on Tuesday, with adults and children being encouraged to wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique.

 

 

Monday 4th November, 2024

Staff Conference 2024

A fantastic day for our staff at The 3-18 Education Trust Conference!

There were over 15 workshops to choose from and some brilliant minds to help us reflect on topics such as Inclusive leadership and the PACE approach Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity & Empathy strategies to help children engage in learning.  Dr Dan Cumber explained using positive relationships to heal and support trauma and attachment needs in children.  Lots of great takeaways for us to grow and improve as individuals and a team!

Keynote speaker Jaz from The Apprentice told us about the interactions she had faced at school from everyday heroes  to help her defy the odds and push through the barriers placed on her.

She made us laugh, cry and motivated us to be 10% braver and believe in our own stories so we can make a difference to children’s lives.

#cpdforallstaff #belonging #unleashingpotentialtogether

Monday 4th November, 2024

Online Safety Newsletter & Event

Please read this month’s E-safety Newsletter

Online Safety Newsletter Primary November 2024

Also, don’t forget our Smartphone Free Information Evening where we will be opening up the conversation for alternatives to Smart Phones for children and thinking about what parents can do to set boundaries at home and check their child is safely using devices.  We have guest speakers Deputy Headteacher Mr Tudor from The Priory School explaining the common e-safety issues their Teachers deal with and some parent speakers from The Smartphone Free Childhood movement.  It should be an interesting and enlightening session, informing you of the risks of social media and smart phones from new research and thinking about What age is the right age for my child to have a smartphone?

#informedchoicesforfamilies

Wednesday 23rd October, 2024

NEW YEAR 2 TRIP – Enginuity, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust

Dear Parents/Carers,

Year 2 Trip – CANCELLED Visit to Van Gogh Immersive Art Exhibition and The Central Mosque & Islamic Centre, Leicester

Thank you for your patience whilst we have been trying to reschedule the trip to Leicester which should have taken place in September.  Unfortunately, it has not been possible to schedule a time when both the Van Gogh Immersive Exhibition and The Central Mosque in Leicester are able to host us, so we have made the decision to change our trip plans.   Please see details below with regards to our revised trip.

NEW YEAR 2 TRIP – Enginuity, Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust

This trip will take place on Monday 18th November 2024, it links in with our curriculum for the half term ahead, specifically Science, Design and Technology and English.  We will be leaving school at 9.00am and returning around 2.45pm, traffic permitting.

Children should wear their school uniform for this trip and bring along a waterproof coat for possible cold/inclement weather.  No spending money is required.

As Year 2 pupils are provided with free school meals as part of the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme, a packed lunch will be provided for all pupils. Please click on the link below to select from the various menu options available. All packed lunches come with a piece of fruit and a bottle of water. If we haven’t received a completed packed lunch order form for your child by 2.30pm Thursday 14th November, we will assume that your child will be bringing one from home.

https://forms.office.com/e/qPwFf1HN6s

Including travel, the cost of the trip to Enginuity is £14.00, however there will be no charge for those families who paid for the trip to Leicester.  We will take the funds for this trip from what you have already paid to the school and the remaining £10.00 of credit will carry over to a forthcoming trip we are in the process of organising for the Spring term.  For any families who did not pay for the Leicester trip, please complete payment for the trip to Enginuity via Arbor.

Kind Regards,

The school Office

Wednesday 23rd October, 2024

Young Voices 2025 – Tickets

We are all enjoying singing the songs in preparation for the Young Voices performance on Weds 15th Jan 2025.

Invitation to Parents area

This is the platform where tickets can be purchased for the performance. Tickets will not be available through Arbor/School Office. You will need to use this link to book tickets.

https://yvmusicroom.com/auth/parent/register-referral?code=NjkxNi8xNzI5NjcyOTM5

Venue tickets sell quickly, so it’s wise to buy these as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. It’s no problem if you decide not to attend the concert as we will be transporting the children to and from Birmingham and will be altogether as one group for the day and evening. T-shirts are available to purchase of you wish but this is not compulsory as a plain white T-shirt with usual school uniform will be sufficient.  From this platform, you’ll also find the song videos, dance videos etc for your child to practice at home.

More details will follow in the new year about clothing, food and timings for the day itself.

Forthcoming dates for Autumn 2

We are at that time of year where there are several singing based events that Young Voices Club are involved with.  Here is a list of dates for your diaries for next half term.

  • Community Carol Singing at School: Wednesday 4th December 4.30pm
  • Christmas Singing at Hickorys: date and time tbc
  • Concert at St Alkmund’s Church: Friday 13th December 6.00pm
  • A Christmas Carol (Drama Club Performances) during the School day: Thursday 19th and Friday 20th December
Wednesday 23rd October, 2024

NSPCC’s Speak Out; Stay Safe Programme

Dear Parent/Carer

NSPCC’s Speak out. Stay safe. programme

I am pleased to inform you that we are participating in the NSPCC’s Speak out. Stay safe. Programme this term. Speak out. Stay safe. is a programme for children aged 5-11 which aims to help children understand abuse in all its forms and to recognise the signs of abuse. Children are taught to speak out if they are worried, either to a safe adult or Childline.

This child friendly programme is aligned with the curriculum and consists of age appropriate virtual assemblies and supporting classroom based activities which we have reviewed, alongside NSPCC volunteer led face to face workshops for children aged 6-7 and 9-11.  The content is delivered in an engaging and interactive way with the help of the NSPCC mascot Buddy.

Parents and carers are asked to let school know if their child may have experienced anything (in the past or happening now) which may mean they need extra support before, during or after taking part in this programme.

If you would like to know more about the Speak out. Stay safe. programme visit www.nspcc.org.uk/speakout.

Feedback survey for pupils aged 7-11

The NSPCC would like to gather feedback from pupils aged between 7-11 about the Speak out. Stay safe. programme to gauge their learning. This will be voluntary and children can still take part in the programme if they don’t take part in the survey.

  • All survey questions are multiple choice and focussed on the programme.
  • The survey is anonymous and confidential. However, if in the process of completing the survey, a teacher becomes concerned for a pupil’s welfare (g., through something a pupil says) we will follow our school’s safeguarding procedures.
  • If you do not want your child to take part in the survey, sign the slip below and return it to your child’s class teacher.
  • If you have agreed that your child can take part in the survey but your child changes their mind on the day, that is also okay.

 

Additional NSPCC resources for families to help keep children safe

The NSPCC have shared some important information below on wider NSPCC resources and support to help keep children safe.

 

Parent/Carer support

Take a look at information, support, advice and activities from NSPCC for parent and carers.

www.nspcc.org.uk/parents

 Activities to extend learning at home

Take part in games and activities at home to help children learn about speaking out and staying safe.

www.nspcc.org.uk/activities

 

 

Online Safety Hub

For information on a range of different online safety topics including gaming, social media, sharing images, parental controls and more.

www.nspcc.org.uk/onlinesafety

 

 Childline – under 12’s

Childline have an accessible website with advice, support, games and activities. Children can change the language, enlarge text and also listen to the content.

www.childline.org.uk/buddy (5-7)

www.childline.org.uk/kids (7-11)

 
Talk PANTS with your children

Talk PANTS is a simple conversation to help keep children safe from sexual abuse. From P through to S, each letter of PANTS provides simple but important messages. Download the free resources at www.nspcc.org.uk/pants.

 

 

I hope you find this information about the NSPCC and the Speak out. Stay safe. programme helpful. Please do contact me if you have any further questions.

 

Yours sincerely,

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

—————————————————————————————–

Parent/carer SURVEY withdrawal form for children aged 7-11 only

I do not consent to (Name of pupil) ________________________ participating in the completion of the NSPCC Pupil Survey following the delivery of the Speak out. Stay safe. Programme.

Signed (Parent/Carer)   :______________________ Date: __________

Wednesday 23rd October, 2024

Staffing News: Miss Melville Maternity

Dear Parents and Carers

I am writing to share some important news regarding the wonderful Miss Melville. As many of you may know, Miss Melville is expecting a new addition to her family and will be going on maternity leave starting next month (Monday 18th November).  She will be holding her parent and carer consultations, as normal, on the 13th and 14th November. We are all thrilled for her and wish her the very best during this exciting time.

In her absence, we are pleased to welcome Mrs. Vernon, who will be taking over Miss Melville’s class until the end of the academic year. Mrs. Vernon has been working in EYFS for the past few weeks and has already begun getting to know the children. She has spent the past few weeks in familiarising herself with the children and the curriculum, and we are confident that she will continue to provide the same high standard of education and care that Miss Melville has always delivered.

We understand that transitions can be challenging, but we want to reassure you that your children are in excellent hands. Mrs. Vernon is a great addition to the team and brings a warm, nurturing approach to teaching. She is committed to ensuring a smooth and positive transition for all the children.

We are grateful for your continued support and understanding during this period of change. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support both you and your children through this transition.

Thank you for your cooperation and trust.

Yours sincerely

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

Monday 21st October, 2024

Year 6 Residential Trip – 2nd to 4th June 2025

We are very excited to announce that we have organised a residential trip for our Year 6 pupils for June 2025 at The Pioneer Centre, Cleobury Mortimer.  Children will leave school on the morning of Monday 2nd  June (the first day after the May half term break) and return in time for normal end of day collection time on Wednesday 4th June.

We are great advocates of the benefits a residential trip can give to those pupils who attend. These include:

  • team building skills, co-operation and respect (through a series of safe but challenging activities);
  • developing greater independence;
  • learning new skills and taking part in new and enriching experiences;
  • discovering more about themselves and their capabilities and becoming more motivated as individuals; and
  • (last but not least) having fun!

The Pioneer Centre is a relatively new purpose-built activity venue, with excellent modern facilities, designed to meet the diverse needs of both staff and children alike, and we have stayed there on a number of occasions now. Each occasion has been very successful and, as such, we plan to take our Year 6 pupils there again in the Summer term.

The centre provides a “home from home” atmosphere and offers a wide range of exciting activities, with experienced and qualified staff on hand at all times. To find out more about the Centre’s facilities and to see a plan of the site, please visit their website at  https://activity-centres.naycacuk.co.uk/pioneer-centre/

The cost of the excursion is £245.00 per child, including transport, food, accommodation, supervised activities and equipment. We recognise that this is a large sum of money so have broken it down into four instalments of £61.25. We would be grateful if you could pay the first instalment by 31st December, sooner if possible, and the remainder of the trip balance by Wednesday 30th April 2025. Of course, if you wish to pay this sooner that would also be appreciated.

If you are worried about making full payment by the given deadline, please do come and talk to me or contact the office: we can extend the payment schedule to give you more time to cover the cost.

If your child is worried about any aspect of the residential trip, please do not worry as class teachers have plenty of time to prepare the children.

This trip will be an amazing, once in a life-time, experience for our pupils and we hope very much that all our Year 6 pupils will attend. If, however, your child WILL NOT be attending the trip, please do let the class teacher know as soon as possible.

 

Friday 18th October, 2024

Year 6 Careers Week!

For Careers Week, year 6 pupils had a visit from Korrey, who restores classic super cars for his job. Korrey talked about the different aspects of his job, the skills he needs and his path into his career. Year 6 asked lots of questions about the cars and got to look at different tools and parts of engines for Ferraris and Lamborghinis!

Elephants also had a visit from The Sugar Cart Cakes! The children loved hearing about how the business started and how it has grown over several years. Year 6 learnt about the processes to make these wonderful cakes and the time involved. Their favourite part was definitely getting to sample some delicious cup cakes!

Year 6 are very grateful for the visitors sharing their time to talk about their careers.

Thursday 17th October, 2024

Clubs for Autumn 2

Our Club Schedule for next half term is out with some great new clubs!

Clubs will be released on Monday at 6:00pm

Take a look here:

New Clubs include:

Mrs Renshaw’s Sewing Club which will be for Year 5 pupils on Mondays and they will be making outfits ready for the Year 5 Eco Fashion Show taking place in February 2025!

Coding Club is back with Mr Cooper on Wednesdays and Mrs Wade Music Club has a robots theme.

Thursday 17th October, 2024

Coming Soon!

You may have seen on the news about the grassroots movement ‘Smartphone Free Childhood’ who are on a mission to keep children smartphone free until they are aged 14.

It isn’t our intention to push this message but we feel it is an opportune time to open up discussions with parents about the benefits and risks of smart phones so that we are all more educated, taking tips from each other, learning about boundaries and rules that work for others so we can make informed choices about what we want for our children growing up.  It’s all about personal choice and sharing our experiences.

Smartphne Free

 

Thursday 17th October, 2024

Diwali Workshop for Yr 1,3 & 5 pupils

Dear Parents/Carers,

As part of our religious education, we have arranged for Year 1, 3 and 5 pupils to take part in a Diwali Workshop at school on Monday 18th November. The children will learn the origin and significance of India’s biggest and most important festival of the year, Diwali (also known as The Festival of Light), and how it is celebrated by Hindus. The workshop will include the children singing, dancing and dressing up in traditional Indian clothing.

As we have no other way of funding the workshop, we would be extremely grateful if parents could contribute £3.80 per child towards its cost. Payment is to be made via your child’s Arbor account prior to the date of the workshop please.

Kind regards,

Mrs Mukhopadhyay

RE lead

Thursday 17th October, 2024

Farm on Wheels Visit to EYFS

As part of Nursery Rhyme Week we have arranged a special visit.  Our friends from Farm on Wheels will be visiting on Wednesday 13th November and bringing farm animals to help us with Old Macdonald had a farm.

In order to cover the cost of this event, we kindly ask that parents contribute the amount of £4.50 per child.  Payment is to be made via your child’s Arbor account prior to the day.

We will be celebrating Nursery Rhymes all week in school.