Swifts SOAR this week!

It's been a busy first week back but the Swift class are back into action! They have shown lots of knowledge in their Topic sessions relating to coastlines, learnt lots about plants and how to keep them healthy in Science and began looking at beach huts in their DT session. 

They thoroughly enjoyed World Book Day where they got the chance to do a 'story swap' with the Owls class. It was fantastic to see both classes show their LOVE of reading! 

I think the highlight of their week though was today when they took part in the 'Smarties' investigation in their Maths session. We have been learning lots about statistics so this was a fun way to end the topic on it. 

Obviously, no Smarties went to waste! 😄

Enjoy Swifts!

World Book Day fun...

Kestrels and Kingfishers had a lovely afternoon sharing their favourite stories. There were lots of smiles and giggles and it was really wonderful seeing our oldest children sharing their love of reading with some of our youngest! A huge well done to both classes.

Falcons and Robins - World Book Day :)

What an amazing opportunity to share our love of reading between Falcons and Robins :) 

Both Year 6 and Year 1 loved it :) 

Supporting Ukraine - Message from Southampton City Council

 

Tuesday 1 March 2022 Supporting Ukraine Last night we lit the Clock Tower blue and yellow in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who are currently suffering from the military aggression of the Russian State.  The blue and yellow national flag of Ukraine is also now flying outside the Civic Centre and the Guildhall will be lit blue and yellow from tonight. Leader of the Council, Councillor Daniel Fitzhenry, said:  “We have all watched in horror these past few days at the awful situation in Ukraine, with the unprovoked attack on an independent democratic state. “Southampton City Council is reaching out to offer support to Ukrainian citizens and their families in the city, and to those with links to other nearby Eastern European states who may be affected by this unfolding crisis. "We also stand with the Russians who have made our city their home and those in Russia who are making their voices heard against their government. “At times like these the people of Southampton always come together to support fellow residents and we've had many requests from people wishing to donate and help. We’re signposting to the best ways to donate so please do check out our website and social media channels where we’ll be promoting and amplifying the great work that’s happening in our community to support the people of Ukraine. “We pray for peace and our thoughts, hopes and best wishes go to all innocent people unnecessarily caught up in this tragedy.” How you can help Many national and international aid organisations have set up appeals to help support and protect people caught up in this conflict. You can make a financial donation to places like the British Red Cross or UNICEF via their websites. The Home Office website details support for family members of British nationals in Ukraine, and Ukrainian nationals in Ukraine and the UK.  Locally the Polish Social Club are taking donations which will be sent to Medyka (on the Polish-Ukrainian border) from Southampton. They are asking for donations of:   Nappies & wet wipes, including nappies for elderly Dry sanitary products Thermal clothes, gloves Batteries, flashlights, candles Food for children – long term & dry Warm blankets, sleeping bags Painkillers and dressings Face masks & hand gels Dog/cat food They kindly ask for all donations to be in a box, which will be stored and displayed in the Polish Club before being sent over. Please donate at The Polish Social Club, 507 Portswood Road, SO17 2TH. Days and times vary – check on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PolskiKlubSouthampton  for the latest information.

Advice for parents about the current conflict in Ukraine

Children will be hearing and seeing things which may be upsetting and distressing and it is important that we support them if they become frightened or fearful. Bear in mind some of the information they may recieve may not even be verified.

If you feel it is appropriate for your child or circumstances, please use the advice below for parents on how to support children in dealing with the current conflict in the Ulkraine. A word of caution that the information has been provided to us by a range of third party sources so please check carefully before sharing with your own children that it is suitable and age appropriate.

Supporting your child if they see upsetting content online about what is happening in Ukraine (Childnet)
https://www.childnet.com/blog/supporting-your-child-with-upsetting-content/

We should not hide from children what is happening in Ukraine (Schools Week/Children's Commissioner)
https://schoolsweek.co.uk/we-should-not-hide-from-children-what-is-happening-in-ukraine/

How to talk to children about what’s happening in Ukraine and World War Three anxiety (Metro)

https://metro.co.uk/2022/02/24/how-to-talk-to-children-about-whats-happening-in-ukraine-16163133/

Help for teachers and families to talk to pupils about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and how to help them avoid misinformation (Department for Education)

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/02/25/help-for-teachers-and-families-to-talk-to-pupils-about-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-and-how-to-help-them-avoid-misinformation/

Information produced previously about war and international violence

How and when to talk to children about war, according to a parenting expert (Independent)
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/children-war-talk-russia-ukraine-b2023695.html

How to cope with traumatic news - an illustrated guide (ABC News, Australia)
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-23/illustrated-guide-coping-traumatic-news/5985104

Talking with Children About War and Violence in the World (Family Education, US)
https://www.familyeducation.com/life/wars/talking-children-about-war-violence-world

Tips for parents and caregivers on media coverage of traumatic events (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, US)
https://www.nctsn.org/resources/tips-parents-and-caregivers-media-coverage-traumatic-events

Time to Celebrate!

Kingfishers have thoroughly enjoyed their topic 'Time to Celebrate'.  They have worked incredibly hard and produced some amazing work.

We have thought about what a celebration is, why we have celebrations and how we show we are celebrating something.  The class have looked at birthdays, Christmas and New Year.  When learning about marriage, they found about about similarities and differences between weddings in different religions.  Our Kingfishers were very creative when using a variety of art materials to make bouquets.

When learning about Chinese New Year pupils enjoyed making lanters and acting out the Zodiac animal race.  They demonstrated their fantastic cutting skills when making their own animal masks.

They look part in a dragon dance in P.E. and thought about the instruments and how they were played in the accompaning music.  

The children liked playing in our Chinese restaurant, phoning in orders, take orders, preparing food, and attempting to use chop sticks!

When learning about Diwali the children made their own salt dough diya.  I think you would agree that they are fantastic.

Our Kingfishers also produced some beautiful Rangoli patterns.

What a busy but amazing half term.  We are so proud of you Kingfishers!

Information for parents on the vaccination programme

Please find below information on the vaccination programme for primary age pupils which has just been released by the DfE.

Information for parents of pupils aged 5 to 17 years old on the vaccination programme

Vaccinations help to increase protection against COVID-19, which is particularly important for those with underlying health conditions. Being vaccinated minimises the need for children and young people to have time off from school or college, and helps them to continue to carry out their hobbies, attend social events and live their lives to the full.

We have published some frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the vaccination programme including information on eligibility, accessibility and advice for parents of children at high risk from COVID-19. Please share these FAQs with parents, particularly those with children who are clinically vulnerable.

Guidance on how to book appointments for children aged 12 years and over is available on the NHS website. Further information on the vaccination of high risk children aged 5 to 11 years old is available in the guide for parents of children aged 5 to 11 years published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).