Headteacher Message

Dear Parents & Carers,

Here we are at the end of the Autumn Term and the end of 2023.  Autumn Term is always a long, tiring term, but there’s always an awful lot happening!  Take a look through all the news stories on our website and see how much has been going on!

We’ve had a fun week with our staff Christmas video premiere on Monday, Christmas Parade on Tuesday, Panto on Wednesday, Christmas lunch yesterday and the Macbeth Performance today, our final day of term.  Everyone is tired and ready for a break and I hope everyone is feeling like they have achieved something this term.

I hope that all of you have a relaxing holiday and enjoy your Christmas.  I’ll look forward to seeing everyone back in January for a great start to the New Year, where we’ll have lots more planned, including this year’s first Quiz Night on Friday 26th January!

Thank you to everyone who has completed the survey – it is still open over the holidays so please feel free to add your comments.

Don’t forget: we start back on Wednesday 3rd January. 

Have a wonderful break,

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

Thank you!

THANK YOU so much for supporting our Rainbow Raffle!!

You have helped raise £950 for school!!  We are using this to update some of our phonics book band books that the children take home.

Learning to read is so important and we are always refreshing and updating our books in the classroom.

We are always happy to accept your pre-loved books too, just pop them in the foyer and we will find a home for them 🙂

Shropshire Half Marathon

You are now able to sign up your children for the Shropshire Half Marathon event 2024.

Shropshire Half Marathon Letter

Last year 150 pupils took part and we are giving you plenty of notice to sign up.

There is 6 weeks to sign up on Arbor before the deadline closes and children start running their weekly miles in school.

 

WEDNESDAY 13th DECEMBER

The whole school will be going to Theatre Severn to watch Jack and The Beanstalk Pantomime.

This trip costs £17.25.  We hope that everybody can contribute in some way, you can select the amount you wish to pay on Arbor. Thank you for your support.

FRIDAY 15th DECEMBER

Miss Armstrong and the Year 5/6 Drama Club are performing Macbeth to their families in the school hall. The performance starts at 1.45pm.

The Coleham Voices are singing at St Alkmunds Church at 6:00pm.

Today is our last day in school as we break up for Christmas and we wish you all a happy and healthy holiday with your loved ones.

TUESDAY 12th DECEMBER

Surprise Christmas Parade

Our Christmas Parade will take place in the school grounds at 2:00pm.  We will be pulling out all the stops for this to create magical memories for us all.  The children won’t know why they are outside or what they are waiting for as they are positioned around the grounds waiting for a cast of special characters.

Parents/Carers are invited to watch at the pavement railings.

Please keep this a secret from your children, we won’t be talking about this in school so mums the word!

We would be really grateful if you are able to support us and donate £2.50 per child via Arbor towards the costs.

The Flu Clinic will also be taking place on this day.

THURSDAY 14th DECEMBER

Christmas Lunch

We will have a longer lunch on Thursday so staff and children can all eat their Christmas dinner together.

Christmas Lunch costs £2.40 (free to EYFS, Yr 1, Yr 2 pupils and those eligible for Free School Meals)

Payments can be made/topped up on your child’s meal account in Arbor.

MONDAY 11th DECEMBER

We’ll be starting the week with some CHRISTMAS JOY!

At 9:15am the Staff Christmas video will be launched in a whole school assembly!! We are so exited to see it and share with you all!

In the afternoon EYFS will be having a special visitor from The Farm on Wheels with a bunch of Nativity Animals coming to visit.  Payment for this visit is £4.50 via Arbor.

Headteacher Message

Wow – what a week!

It has been absolutely amazing to see all the Nativity performances this week.  It’s such a wonderful privilege to see all the children in this amazing school showcase their talents to you all over the course of the week, and to see their smiles as they perform.  The singing has been OUT OF THIS WORLD and has lifted everyone’s spirits ready for Christmas.  A huge, huge thank you goes out to all the staff who have contributed to getting the shows put together.  A special thanks to our wonderful Mrs Porrett who just oozes enthusiasm for all things musical.  Mrs Porrett even took our ‘Coleham Voices’ choir to a gig at Hickory’s this week – we are very lucky!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the parent survey over the past two weeks.  We will compile all the information and be in touch in the New Year about the outcomes.

Next week is the final week of term for 2023, and we have a lot of fun in store, including the whole-school trip to the pantomime, our Values Cups in each year group, and the all-important House Cup winners!

Have a super weekend, everyone!

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

Last Week in School

The last week in school will be full of fun and festivities.  Here’s what we have planned:

MONDAY 11th DECEMBER

Our absolute favourite, staff have had lots of fun singing, dancing and dressing up and now its time to launch our Coleham Christmas Video!

EYFS will be having a special visitor from The Farm on Wheels with the Nativity Animals coming to visit.  Payment is £4.50 via Arbor.

TUESDAY 12th DECEMBER

Flu Clinic will be taking place for all pupils in school.

Our Christmas Parade will take place in the school grounds at 2:00pm.  We last did this in 2020 during Covid when it was the only way for us to come together in our bubbles.  We will be pulling out all the stops for this to create magical memories that will last a lifetime and Parents/Carers are invited to watch at the pavement railings.

We have 2 small requests:

1. Please keep this a secret from your children, we won’t be talking about this in school so mums the word!

2.  This will be a magical experience but it is an expensive event for us to fund.

We would be really grateful if you are able to support us and donate £2.50 per child via Arbor towards the costs.

WEDNESDAY 13th DECEMBER

The whole school will be going to Theatre Severn to watch Jack and The Beanstalk Pantomime. 

THURSDAY 14th DECEMBER

It’s our Christmas Lunch Day and Non- Uniform Day.  Children may wear Christmassy clothes, party clothes or any clothes they like!  Meals cost £2.40 via Arbor.

FRIDAY 15th DECEMBER

Last day in school.  After School Care Club runs as normal.

Miss Armstrong and the Year 5/6 Drama Club are performing Macbeth to their families. The performance starts at 1.45pm.

The Coleham Voices are singing at St Alkmunds Church at 6:00pm.

Saturday Carol Singing

The Belle Vue Festival Committee and local residents will be coming together on Saturday 2nd December for their annual carol singing.

Join them at Greyfriars Bridge outside The Allotment store if you would like to join in-all of our families are welcome.

Profits will be split between The Ark and Shropshire Supports Refugees.

Books to Ukraine

One of our parents is collecting donations to be driven over to The Ukraine on 10th December.  English is now an essential second language in Ukraine but there is a lack of practical resources. They are looking for donations of reading books.  If you would like to help this cause please drop off any children’s books in Reception.

Thank you

Headteacher Message

Dear Parents & Carers,

Another busy week at school!  We’ve had visits out; parents in to Year 4; maths challenges; cricket and have decorated the school for Christmas to name a few things!  The staff and children have done a brilliant job creating wonderful decorations for the school and it feels all magical and lovely walking through the corridors.

Next week we have the EYFS/KS1 and KS2 Nativities (details and times are below).  Rev. Fi and her team at Holy Trinity Church have been so generous hosting us again this year and I would ask that everyone attending put something in the collection pot.  The Church are kindly paying the large bill for having the heating on for us all week, and we’d like to help them out with that as much as possible.

I’m really excited to see both shows as they are always a highlight of the year.

Please remember to complete the surveys below if you haven’t already.  The more comments we receive, the more we are able to know about what to improve and what we need to celebrate.

Stay warm, everyone, and have a lovely weekend!

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

Christmas Lunch

Our Christmas Lunch takes place on Thursday 14th December.

As always , this will be a NON-UNIFORM DAY so children may wear Christmas clothes, party clothes or any clothes they wish to wear.

Kitchen Job Available

We have a permanent Job in the school kitchen available.  Please spread the word to anybody local that might be interested.

What’s involved?  Serving dinners with a smile and loading the dishwasher after service.

Please email Chef Manager Mel or phone the school on 01743 362668  if you are interested.

An enhanced DBS check is required as part of recruitment.

Our Christmas Events

Performances at Holy Trinity Church

  • Monday(04/12/23) 1330-1430: KS1 Performance for EYFS parents
  • Tuesday(05/12/23) 1000-1100: KS1 Performance for Year 1 parents
  • Tuesday(05/12/23) 1330-1430:  KS1 Performance for Year 2 parents
  • Thursday(07/12/23) 1000-1130: KS2 Performance for Year 3 parents
  • Thursday(07/12/23) 1330-1500: KS2 Performance for Year 4 parents
  • Friday(08/12/23) 1000-1130: KS2 Performance for Year 5 parents
  • Friday(08/12/23) 1330-1500: KS2 Performance for Year 6 parents

Monday 11th December–EYFS Nativity Animals Visit

Payment £4.50

Tuesday 12th December– 2:00pm Christmas Surprise Parade

Payment £2.50

Wednesday 13th December – Pantomime Trip

Payment £17.25

Thursday 14th December – Christmas Lunch

Friday 15th December-Last Day in School

Coleham Voices Choir Trips

MONDAY

It is a day when we show that it’s okay to be different and to stand up against bullying and discrimination.

 

Sports Fixtures

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to explain how the PE sports fixtures work within our school and to keep you informed about our approach to inclusivity and participation.

At Coleham, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive school, fostering an environment where every child has the opportunity to take part in various sporting events. Unlike having traditional, fixed, school teams, we aim to give all children a chance to participate in different sports throughout the year.

We actively book our school onto a variety of events across the year: both competitive competitions and enjoyable festivals. When selecting participants for these events, we consider each child’s performance in PE classes and identify specific skills in which they excel. It may be that some children are selected more than others.  This is fair because some children show particular aptitude for sport and need to be able to shine.  That said, it would not be fair to exclude those that show less aptitude, but have enthusiasm and ambition.

Therefore, we run a hybrid system whereby everyone has the opportunity to take part, but those with particular aptitude may be selected more often.  It is important to note that regular attendance to sporting clubs inside or outside of school does not increase anybody’s chances of being selected.

Because it is clear that there are many enthusiastic children at Coleham who want to represent the school in sporting events, we facilitate that by tracking each fixture and the children involved.  This allows us to monitor all events and make sure that as many children as possible are selected and, if not selected, please be assured that their time will come. During their time in Year 6, every child is guaranteed at least one, if not more, fixtures.  We actively engage in events for younger years, where we select participants based on their particular talents for competitive events and their consistent efforts and enthusiasm for festivals.  Furthermore, to ensure that we cater for our large numbers of pupils we organise specialist coaching sessions that run in school time for year groups such as Cricket and Tennis.  With the 2024 Olympics approaching, we are planning our own festival and hosting exciting visitors that everyone can benefit from.

At Coleham, we believe that sport is for everyone, and our aim is to provide a balanced and fair opportunity for every child to engage in sports activities, and I appreciate your understanding and support in this matter.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you for your cooperation and ongoing support.

Many thanks,

Miss C Lewis

Year 4 Teacher & PE Co-ordinator

 

 

Headteacher Message

Dear Parents & Carers,

I have had a lovely week hearing lots of Christmassy singing coming through wall in my office!  I’m really looking forward to our Nativities this year which are happening the week after next!

A huge congratulations to our Sports Leaders in Year 6 who have been working incredibly hard to achieve their Sports Leadership qualifications.  They have been working with Year 1 children and have demonstrated excellent leadership qualities.  Well done!

Next week is anti-bullying week and we are having an odd-sock day on Monday 27th.  There will be lots of PSHE activities throughout the school to help the children understand what bullying is, how to spot it and what we can all do to make sure people are kinder to each other.

Please also remember that our parent survey is open and we rally value your feedback – if you have any serious concerns about anything, please contact us directly.

And finally, we are still receiving reports from our neighbours in Slater’s Lane of inconsiderate parking blocking private driveways and parking on double yellow lines.  There is adequate parking available to everyone at St Julian’s Friar’s using the free Park & Stride option, so please do use that option if you are driving to school.  The Council has been contacted on behalf of the residents so there may be traffic warden patrols in the future.

Have a lovely weekend!

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

Christmas Raffle Reminder

The School Council announced our Rainbow Hamper Raffle to the children in assembly today.

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, Jammy Dodgers, Xmas socks, baubles)

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

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 take donations into class and give them to their School Councillor or Class Teacher.  We will be collecting these throughout November.

Tickets cost £1.  You may purchase tickets here!

BUY TICKETS

Headteacher Message

Dear Parents & Carers,

It’s been another great week at school this week, and we have enjoyed lots of fun activities: Year 6 netball; a group of children representing the school with their beautiful singing and a visit to Years 1, 3 and 5 from the Dogs’ Trust.  The stand out has be EYFS Nursery Rhyme Week with a focus on a different rhyme each day with some fantastic visitors and trips arranged to bring it to our life.  Our very own ‘Grand Old Duke of York’ has put together a film showcasing the highlights! 

I have also had the pleasure of reading through many of your children’s books and it has been wonderful to see so much excellent work happening throughout the school!

Christmas is approaching faster than we can imagine, and all the classes are busy getting their Nativity performances ready: I’ve already had a sneak preview of Mrs Porrett’s singing assembly practice!  All our Christmas Events are arranged with details here.  Both the EYFS/KS1 and KS2 Nativities promise to be a real treat.

Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

International Day

Dear Parents/Carers,

On Tuesday 16th January we will be hosting our International Day and celebrating different countries and cultures around the world and diversity within our school community.

What will the day involve?

NON UNIFORM – It will be a non-uniform day. Your child is invited to come dressed in the colours of any flag or cultural dress of their choice.  We do not expect you to buy a costume, you could wear a flag or get creative using face paints, decorate a plain t-shirt with felt tips or wear an international sports kit.

SINGING ASSEMBLY-During our singing assemblies on Tuesday (KS1) and Wednesday (KS2) Mrs Porrett will be singing International songs with the children.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES – In the afternoon classes will be choosing a country to learn about.  Your child might listen to music, speak the language, do some map work, learn some history or look at the day in the life of a child from that country.

LUNCHTIME-We will have a special theme menu lunch on this day.

ADD MENU

KS2 SPANISH LESSONS – I will be turning into Flamenco Flora this week so instead of teaching French, I will be giving Years 3 to 6 a Spanish taster session in full Spanish costume!

PARENT GUESTS – We would love to host parent visitors in the classroom so you and your child can share your experiences from a different culture, country or travels.  You might like to bring some photos, traditional clothes or objects to talk about.  Please chat to your child’s teacher at the end of the day or contact Mrs Jasper in the school office to arrange a visit.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD MARKET- We invite children to bring food from another country into school to share at our after school event.  We will set up tasting tables with each year group’s contributions and we invite you and your children to pop into the school hall after school to sample some tasters.  Please enter from the OUTSIDE HALL DOORS at the back of school.

Some guidance for the food event:

So we can easily display the food for the event we have allocated each Year Group the following countries:

EYFS-

Yr 1-

Yr 2 –

Yr 3 –

Yr 4-

Yr 5-

Yr 6-

-If you would like to bring in a food, try to stick to the countries assigned to your year groups, of course if there is a cultural dish closer to your heart you are welcome to bring that in.

-Homemade and shop bought foods are welcome.  We would be grateful if you can cut up your offering into small pieces for tasters and wrap up on a paper plate.  Please label any special containers with your child’s name and class that you would like returned.

-At the event, please remember food is kindly donated by families so school are not able to confirm ingredients or allergens.  As it is an after school event, you MUST be responsible for your child and what they eat if attending.

-Teachers will display the food handed into them, on year group tables and be on hand to help you with tasters.

We look forward to your support and hope this will be a fun and enriching day for all involved.

Yours sincerely,

Chloë Jones

Foreign Languages Coordinator

Remembrance Service

Well done to the School Council for selling Poppy Appeal merchandise during break times this week and raising money for The Royal British Legion to support members of The Armed Forces.

The School Council attended a Remembrance Service held at the War Graves, Longden Road Cemetery.  We met up with The Priory School to represent young people in Shropshire.  The children represented our school so well, remembering the soldiers that have given their lives in active duty all over the world and exploring the different nationality of soldiers laid to rest at the War Graves.  Great work School Council!

Headteacher Message

Dear parents and carers,

Welcome back to the second half of the Autumn Term!  We’ve had a good first week back and have gotten straight into things, hitting the ground running.  Hopefully you have all had a positive parents’ and carers’ evening appointment this week: it’s always nice to see everyone in and around the school on these evenings to chat about how your children are getting on.  If you were unable to attend, or were unable to make an appointment, please do get in touch.  Teachers will be contacting those who were not able to make appointments this week to make sure you don’t go without.

A huge well done must go to Mrs Porrett for all she does with  music here at Coleham: it is such an important part of our curriculum, and her efforts have been recognised by being one of the very few schools to receive the ‘Music Mark’ for 2023-24, showing Coleham’s dedication and commitment to high-quality music education.  Well done, Mrs P!

We’ve also had our School Council busy selling poppies to raise money for this year’s poppy appeal.  Thank you to those children who have put in their time to raise money for such an important cause.

Finally, we have been asked again by our neighbours about considerate parking outside the school.  Please make sure that Salter’s Lane is not blocked by improper parking, and especially not blocking residents’ driveways and/or access on Thursdays as it is their bin collection day.  Please make use of the parking scheme available at St Julian’s Friars.

Have a lovely weekend!

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

EYFS Nursery Rhyme Week

Next Week Badgers & Foxes will be participating in Nursery Rhyme Week.

There are some really exciting activities and visitors each day, a dress up day and Rhyme Sessions that parents/carers are invited too.  Please click the link above to read all about it.

We kindly ask that parents contribute the amount of £10 per child.

It’s going to be so much FUN!

 

Lunchathon

Before we broke up for half term, we hosted our Lunchathon Menu using the children’s winning ideas for main courses and deserts.  It was lovely to see the children having an input to the menu design.

We announced the House Points in Assembly today.  Well done to everyone involved and to the children for supporting their House Lunch.

House Competition Results

Greyfriars-1st 100pts

Quarry- 2nd 75 pts

Quarry & Darwin- Joint 3rd Place 50 pts each

Daily Dash Challenge

Congratulations on completing the Ben Nevis challenge! Running a total of 574 miles is an incredible achievement, and it’s wonderful to see the dedication and effort from everyone who participated in the daily dash. We’ll look to starting a new challenge next term as a great way to keep the momentum going and continue promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Well done to all the participants for their hard work and determination!