Our new Daily Dash Challenge starts Monday.  We are going to run the distance of the 3 peaks and back, running from Shrewsbury, to Snowdonia (up & down), to Scafell Pike (up & down), to Ben Nevis (up & down) and back to Shrewsbury. The total miles we will run together are…

959 miles!!

This may take us a few weeks to complete and so we will keep going until the challenge is complete! Miss Lewis will have a UK map with the route marked on it.

We would love to see parents and carers joining in too.

The more runners that take part, the quicker we complete the challenge.

Dear Parents and Carers,

I’ve sat down to write this message and was surprised that it’s only the third week!  So much has happened already and school is very definitely in full swing.

Thank you to everyone who came along to enjoy or help out at the September Social – it was wonderful to see so many of you helping to grow our community and it a lot of fun chatting to you all as you dropped you £1 coins in my bucket.  We raised over £1100 for the school – THANK YOU!

We have our Careers Week coming up soon, and want to ask if you, or anyone you know, would like to come into school to talk a little about your day-to-day work; how you got into you line of work and what it’s like.  We have a wide range of interesting careers within our school community, and we’d love to have you in (even if you think your job is not that interesting!) to help inspire our children.

Have a lovely weekend

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

Trips, Clubs, School lunches and Breakfast and After School Clubs are now on Arbor.

You can now make payments via the app.

We still have places on Coleham Voices for Years 4,5 & 6

Please also check all your details are correct and make any amendments

Thank you

Dear Parents & Carers,

It suddenly feels like we’ve been back at school for weeks now that we are back into full-swing.  It’s been great to see so much already going on in all the classrooms this week – well done to all our Reception children this week for their first full-time week!  It’s not easy working hard at school all day for the first time!  In addition to that, they enjoyed their first assembly in the hall, and I was incredibly proud of the whole school for helping demonstrate excellent, polite behaviour in the hall.

This week has seen House Captain elections where the candidates spoke in front of their peers, showing great courage and perseverance.  Well done!  We are also busy electing the School Council and Eco Council, and children in year 4 – 6 are applying for a range of jobs across the school from Playground Friends to Dinner Hall Help.

We are proud to have also opened our first ever dedicated art gallery: The Townsend Art Gallery.  Our gallery is named for Judy Townsend – former mayoress, magistrate, former Coleham teacher and founder of the Belle Vue Arts Festival.  Regardless of whether you knew Judy, her passion for creative arts still has a massive impact on life at Coleham to this day.  It’s a wonderful opportunity for our whole community to share their creativity – watch this space for new exhibitions!  A huge thanks goes to Miss Heap and Miss Othen for organising and creating this wonderful space.

Hopefully we will see many of you tomorrow at our September Social – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm – where there will be plenty of entertainment and fun for the whole community.  It’s a really good opportunity for the whole school community (past, present and future) to get together.  If you haven’t yet managed to meet any of us or have a chat, please do come along and say hello.

Have a super weekend, everyone!

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

Tuesday 19th September

PSHE Parents Information Evening

Thursday 21st September

Yr 5 Purple Leaf Parents Information Session

Parents/Carers can park for free at St Julian’s Friars and Asda car parks each morning or evening for 30 minutes to help with drop off or school pick up.

Please contact the school office so we can issue you a parking pass from the council.

Thank you

To support Early Reading Year 1 use ‘Poetry Pandas’ going home bags to share a love of poems and rhymes at home.

Look out for the red reading bags that your child may bring home.

The Secret Bookcase is a very special bookcase, hidden in school, where all books have been signed by the author.  Each week members of year 5 and 6 are awarded the special honour of visiting the Secret Bookcase.

Please remember that Greyfriars Rd is closed to traffic between 8:30 – 9:00 in the mornings and 3:00 – 3:30 in the afternoons.  If you park outside school before the road closes, you must stay until the road is opened again.  Please inform other families members who may be collecting your children.  The School Street scheme is a legal intervention and so traffic wardens will issue fines if they are present.

You are able to get hold of a park and stride permit from the office, which allows you 30 mins free parking at these times in St Julian’s Car Park.

Dear Parents & Carers,

What a wonderful week we have had!  I have been looking forward to getting back into routines of school life after a relaxing (and eventful!) summer, and it’s always a great pleasure to see everyone’s smiling faces coming through the school gates.  I have been impressed, but not surprised, at how calm everyone has been at school this week – we have had a really nice, steady start to the school year.

A particular well done goes to our brand-new Reception children who have had the most fantastic start to their school lives.  Every morning I have seen the children independently enter the classrooms and it has been a joy to see them through the mornings listening well and working well together with each other – I think they are going to have a wonderful time!  Similarly, our new Year 6 children have been demonstrating their maturity by setting an excellent example to the rest of the school – well done!

Please look out for information in this newsletter about the upcoming September Social – it’s a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together at the start of the year and get to know everyone connected with this fantastic school.

Please also take a look at your children’s class pages on the website, where you will find a curriculum bulletin.  The bulletins on each class page has important information about what your children will be learning this term, PE dates and reminders.

As ever, please do get in touch if you have any concerns or need any questions answered.

Have a lovely weekend!

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

The School Office has been working really hard this week setting up payments so you can pay for school items on your Arbor App.

Clubs and trips have been set up.

We are still working on Breakfast Club and After School Club and School Lunches, these will be coming soon!

Our Early Years & KS1 Nativity and KS2 Christmas Performance Dates are all on the School Calendar!

There are performances for the parents of each year group but as always if you are unable to make that date, you may watch at one of the other performances.

From September we will be using Arbor for all school payments.

Thank you for signing up to the Arbor Parent App.

PARENTPAY WILL BE CLOSED 

Any credit/debit balances will be transferred over to Arbor and once we return to school we will be looking to set up school dinners, trips, clubs and wraparound payments on Arbor.

In the meantime, please do not worry about making any payments.

We will write to you again when we are up and running.  Please be patient and kind, there are bound to be a few teething issues as there are with anything new but we will of course resolve these for you as promptly as we can.

SCHOOL SHOES

With a new school year, school shoes are on the top of many people’s shopping lists.  If you have recently bought new shoes, please drop off your old ones (if they still have wear in them) at the Drop & Swap Trolley in the office foyer.

If you need a bigger size, please help yourself to anything at the Drop & Swap station.

Additionally, anyone who needs any support with school uniform, for any reason, please drop us an email or speak in confidence to a member of the office staff and we will be able to support you as best we can.

Attendance at Coleham School is excellent.  To further help support school and families, the 3-18 Education Trust have developed a new policy on attendance, which brings a couple of important changes to procedures for reporting absences.

• Absences should be communicated to school by 9:30am on each day of absence.
• Please avoid leaving a phone message; instead inform school of the absence, and the reason, via email at: absence@col.318education.co.uk
• The reason for the absence should be specific – please give some details as we cannot record generic reasons such as ‘ill’.
• Because school is required by law to account for the whereabouts of every child when school is open as soon as possible in the school day, the school office will call you if we have not been informed of the absence, or the reason is not detailed.

There are other changes, including reasons for granting term-time leave, and we will soon write to you about this separately.

SCHOOL STREET (Greyfriars Rd)

• Greyfriar’s Rd outside school remains CLOSED to traffic from 8:30-9:00am and 3:00-3:30pm. This provides a safer, cleaner environment for families to congregate and drop off/collect children at school.
• By law, when the road is closed, only residents’ vehicles and emergency vehicles are allowed to use the road for access purposes. Deliveries to the local businesses are usually timed, but their vehicles will be escorted along the road if needed.
• Please DO NOT park outside school before the road is closed unless you are able to wait for the road to reopen. Please make sure that anyone else dropping off or collecting your children (grandparents, family friends etc.) are aware of this.  School staff will be outside monitoring the road and may ask you to wait.
• The school office can provide passes allowing you 30 mins free at St Julian’s car park, and ASDA remains free.
• Please do not block Salter’s Lane for the sake of our neighbours.
• Please remind your children to be aware that vehicles may be moving in the road, despite the closure, and to never run out into the road assuming it is safe before looking.

ROAD WORKS (Longden Coleham)

You will be aware that there are significant road works being undertaken on Longden Coleham.  Traffic is only currently flowing towards Coleham Head, so please bear this in mind when planning your journey to school.

Parents are able to claim a free 30min pass for St Julian’s Car Park (across the Greyfriars Bridge) and are also able to park for free at ASDA.

Nothing has changed from last year for each year group, but your child will most likely be lining up before school in a different spot, and be collected from a different spot, than they were last year!

All children and families can enter through any gate of their choosing, but each year group has an allocated area for drop off and collection.  Please be aware that your children’s drop off point may be different to their collection point.

DROP OFF (8:40am – 8:50am)

EYFS: Children do not line up.  They are greeted at their class’ gate by their teachers and enter the classroom independently, supported by staff members in the same way as they did on taster days.  You can enter across the field or through the main entrance if you have a pushchair or cannot use the stairs.

Year 1: Children line up in their classes on the Key Stage 1 playground (adjacent to Longden Coleham) by the blue canopy.

Year 2: Children line up in their classes on the Key Stage 1 playground outside the Year 2 classrooms.

Year 3: Children line up in their classes on the lower Key Stage 2 playground (playground adjacent to the car park) in front of the kitchen.

Year 4: Children line up in their classes outside the front of school to the right of the main entrance (towards Longden Coleham)

Year 5: Children line up in their classes on the Key Stage 2 lower playground where the picnic benches are located.

Year 6: Children line up in their classes outside the front of school to the left of the main entrance (towards Belle Vue)

COLLECTION

Please note the time of collection for your child’s year group.

EYFS (3:10pm): Children are released to their known adults on the playground outside the EYFS classes.

Year 1 (3:10pm): Children are released to their known adults on the Key Stage 1 playground by the blue canopy.

Year 2 (3:10pm): Children are released to known adults on the Key Stage 2 playground.  This playground is on the other side of the school hall from where they are dropped off in the mornings.

Year 3 (3:20pm): Children are released to known adults on the Key Stage 1 playground from the yellow brick wall.

Year 4 (3:20pm): Children are released to known adults on the lower Key Stage 2 playground from the yellow brick kitchen wall.

Year 5 (3:20pm): Children are released to known adults on the upper Key Stage 2 playground (netball court) from the green fence.

Year 6 (3:20pm): Year 6 children may walk home alone – we will in due course send out a forms link to collect parental consent for this.   Those being collected will be released from the upper Key Stage 2 playground (netball court).

Please make sure that children are collected by a known adult.  We cannot release children to persons under the age of 18.  If you are unsure, please speak to the school office.

School reopens for the Autumn Term on Tuesday 5th September for all children.  Nothing has changed from last year for each year group, but it is worth reminding yourselves of the various times gates are open and closed.

TIMINGS

Our school day is from 8:50am to 3:10pm (for EYFS and Years 1 & 2), and 8:50am to 3:20pm (for Years 3 to 6).

• 7:45am: Breakfast Club Arrival Time for those with spaces.
• 8:30am: Greyfriars Rd is closed to traffic.  Please do not attempt to drive past the cones or drop off at the cones.  If you are parked before the road is closed, you will need to wait until 9:00am when the road is reopened to leave.
• 8:30am: The corner gate (opposite the butcher’s) will be open at 8:30am for the Daily Dash ONLY.  Children must be supervised during the daily Dash.
• 8:40am: The remaining gates will be opened at 8:40am for drop off.  Children will be supervised by members of staff from 8:40am.  There is no need to stay beyond 8:40am, but you are more than welcome if you wish to wait.
• 8:50am: Teachers will bring their classes into the school building at 8:50am.  Please ensure that your child is dropped off by 8:50am as this is when our day begins.  Please be aware of the continuing road closure (School Street scheme) outside school.
• 8:55am: The school gates will begin to be closed.  If you arrive late (after your class has gone inside) you must enter through the main entrance through the office.  Children are able to sign in themselves with staff assistance.
• 9:00am: Greyfriars Rd is reopened to traffic.

Mrs Hilbert is outside the main front doors each morning if you have any enquiries for the School Office team.

• 3:00pm: Greyfriars Rd is closed for the end of the school day and school gates are opened.
• 3:10pm: EYFS, Years 1 & 2 are released.
• 3:20pm: Year 3 to 6 are released.
• 3:30pm: Greyfriars Rd is reopened to traffic and school gates are locked for the safety of after school clubs.
• 4:30pm, 5:00pm and 5:30pm onwards are pick up times for After School Club.  Children must be collected by 5:45pm.

Please clear the school site a soon as you are able so we can safely lock up.  After school clubs need to have the site secure for their safety.

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope that you are all having a lovely summer break and are enjoying the last few days of the holiday.

We are really looking forward to welcoming the children back to school next week and have been working hard getting the classrooms ready for the children.  Hopefully everyone is very excited about starting in their new classes and we extend a special welcome to all our new EYFS children and their families, especially those families joining the Coleham School community for the first time.

This newsletter has some important information and reminders for the start of term about: school day timings; drop off and collection locations; the school street scheme; drop & swap; new attendance procedures and PE days.  Please take some time to have a read through and remind yourself of anything you need.

I and the whole school staff look forward seeing you all and welcoming you back to school on Tuesday 5th September.

Have a great rest of the week!

Yours sincerely,

Tom Larkham

Headteacher

PE Days for each year group are as follows:

EYFS: Thursdays and Fridays

Year 1: Tuesdays and Thursdays

Year 2: Tuesday and Thursdays

Year 3 (Turtles): Tuesdays and Thursdays

Year 3 (Starfish): Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Year 4: Mondays and Wednesdays

Year 5: Wednesdays and Fridays

Year 6: Mondays and Fridays

These days are listed on the school website in the classroom pages.

As always, Children will wear their PE Kit to school on PE Days.

Please note that these days are subject to change.  If the days change, your child’s teachers will be in touch via Class Dojo.

ParentPay will be closing and payments and communications will be made via Arbor from September 2023.

We will transfer any ParentPay credit/debit balances to Arbor.

Please do not worry about making payment for School Meals at this time or during the holidays.  Your child will still be able to receive a school meal when we return in September and payment can be made later when the system is up and running.  To have a school meal, your child simply lets their Class Teacher know if they would like a dinner or packed lunch during the morning register.

We know that Arbor is a really great system for schools and parents but there may be a few teething issues during the first few weeks-please bear with us!  The office staff will resolve any administration enquiries promptly but our absolute priority during the first week is making sure that children and families return to school happy and comfortable.

Miss Harris has done a fantastic job being Deputy Headteacher for 2 days a week this year and she moves back into classroom next year as Badgers Class Teacher and EYFS Leader.  We are very pleased to announce that alongside these roles, Miss Harris will also be Assistant Headteacher at Coleham School supporting Mr Larkham and Miss Turner.  Congratulations Miss Harris!

Monday 17th July-Transition Afternoon in new classes

Tuesday 18th July

EYFS Mad Hatters Tea Party

Yr 3 Egyptian Day

Wednesday 19th July-Ms Jones Celebration Day

Thursday 20th July- Yr 6 Leavers Party

Friday 21st July- Last Day of School

Dear Parents/Carers,

Our penultimate week of the summer term has been another active one with lots going on around school.

On Tuesday, the children in Years 3, 4 and 5 enjoyed watching and taking part in The School Food Roadshow, arranged by our Caterers Academy.  The interactive show saw two teachers (Mrs Munns and Miss Jones) in a cook off, while the children voted on their favourite.  Great fun was had by all and we hope to see them back in school again next year.

In addition, a number of trips have gone out this week.  Year 2 enjoyed a trip to the Shrewsbury Museum and Year 5 enjoyed shelter building at Nesscliffe.  Our Year 3 children also enjoyed performing their recorders to their parents this week.  They have thoroughly enjoyed their music lessons with Mrs Porrett this year and performed beautifully for their parents this week.

This afternoon, we watched the Year 6 Leavers Assembly which was a special performance for year 6 staff and families, every single child shone!    Earlier in the week, the Year 6 children received their SATs results and I cannot tell you how proud I am of each and every child in the year group.  They have all worked incredibly hard to achieve their potential but, more importantly, they are genuinely lovely young people and we will miss them very much next year.

We are all looking forward to next week, our final week of the summer term.  We have lots planned, including another transition session for the children on Monday, allowing each class to meet their new teachers once again.

I hope that you all have a lovely weekend.

Kind regards,

Claire Jones

Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers,

The week started with our usual transition day, where all our children visited their new classrooms and met their new teachers.  Many of our Year 6 children also visited their new secondary schools.  Overall, the day was a huge success and we have another transition afternoon planned before the end of term to ensure that the children get to know their new teacher and feel excited about joining their new class next year.

On Tuesday night, we also hosted our annual Showcase Concert and this year the children were incredible.  The Year 5 choir wowed us with a number of songs while many of our children showcased their talents playing instruments from the violin to the drums.  A huge thank you to Mrs Porrett and Mrs Hilbert for organising this lovely event.

Sport has been high on the agenda this week at Coleham and the Year ¾ children thoroughly enjoyed their sports day on Wednesday afternoon – thank you to all of you who attended, we hope that you enjoyed the event.  I was especially impressed to see so many of you taking part in the parent race – I hope there weren’t any strained muscles!

Last night, Coleham took a team to the Area Athletics, competing in various track and field events against 12 local schools.  I am delighted to announce that Coleham came 2^nd overall!  What an achievement!  A fantastic evening of athletics and I am told that the children worked hard, were wonderful role models and exhibited excellent behaviour.  A huge thank you to Miss Lewis for organising this events and accompanying the children to the event.

Next week, we have lots to look forward to including the Year 6 Leavers Assembly.  I hope that you all have a relaxing weekend.

Kind regards,

Claire Jones

Headteacher

Monday 10th July

School Reports issued

Cricket Coaching Sessions for whole school-PE kits please

Tuesday 11th July

Swimming Yr 6 Giraffes

Wednesday 12th July

Yr 5 Nesscliffe Trip

Swimming Yr 6 Elephants

Yr 3 Recorder Concert

September Social Planning Meeting

Friday 14th July

Yr 6 Leavers Assembly