Western Community Primary School
February 2021
Welcome
We are thrilled with the very high response to our home learning. The teachers are working incredibly hard to juggle teaching children in school whilst providing the very best education to those at home and keeping in touch via weekly Zoom meetings, telephone calls and messages on Seesaw and Tapestry. Everyone has risen to the challenge despite the incredibly difficult national restrictions placed upon us and each day we are inspired and motivated by the children's energy and enthusiasm for their learning. We know that this would not happen without the sacrifices made by families and would like to once again thank you for all that you have done. The staff very much appreciate your kind words and messages of thanks and support.
Even though this month has posed unique lock down challenges and we have faced seemingly endless grey sky days where the sun barely came out, the staff have endeavored to create positive moments and memories for our Western family, whether learning at home or attending school. Celebrating events such as Children's Mental Health Week, Fair Trade Fortnight and waking up to piles of snow certainly helped to lift spirits and keep things interesting!
March is set to be another fun-filled month with the continuation of Fair trade fortnight and new events such as Science week which coincides with the children's return to school, World Book Day and National Maths Day. There will be a significant focus on children's social and emotional well being as they readjust to school life and enjoy spending time with their classmates.
We hope you are all as excited as we are as all children return to school next week. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact school if you have any questions or worries. We're very happy to chat and are always keen to put your mind at rest if you have any concerns.
Remote Learning
If you are experiencing any difficulties accessing your child's home learning, either due to devices, internet access or problems logging in, please do not hesitate to contact school so we can support you with this. We are continually trying to improve our remote learning offer and our priority is to support children and families as much as possible. We have chosen Seesaw and Tapestry as the best platforms for remote learning because they can be accessed on a range of devices.
We do not want any family to be unable to access remote learning and for this to add additional stress or worry. During this lockdown we have been working hard to develop ways of supporting families with either digital devices or ways to access the internet. Here is a summary of what we are currently able to offer:
School iPads available to loan (a loan agreement must be signed) - limited number, priority will be given to pupils eligible for Pupil Premium. Wifi at home needed.
School laptops available to loan (a loan agreement must be signed) - limited number, priority will be given to pupils eligible for Pupil Premium. Wifi at home needed.
Wireless internet access via BT hotspots (dependant on address as must be near a hotspot)
SIM cards with 30G of data that can be used in any phone/device that takes SIM cards. This allows any phone to access data.
Additional mobile data for selected providers - EE / Sky / Smarty / Tesco Mobile / Three / Virgin Media / O2
Guidance on how to use XBox/Playstation as an internet device
If accessing the internet to complete remote learning is difficult in any way, please contact Mrs Duigan at school so we can work out how we can help and if one of these options will work for you and your family.
Nursery
Maths
We have been playing different maths games to help with our Number sense, subitising and counting skills. In this game, we spin the spinner, and add the corresponding number (1, 2 or 3) to our tens frames. We will continue to play lots of simple games like this throughout the year to help our maths and also to help us take turns and accept winning and losing!
Space
Forest & Fire Fridays!
Reception
Super Snow Fun
Blended Learning Display
Splendid Space
Year 1
Mr Middis, Mrs Larty and Mrs Lawson
Year 2
Plant Update
The Great Quest
Forest Ban
Year 3
Maths
Design Technology
Fairtrade Fortnight
Year 4
Literacy
In Literacy, we explored the third basic plot: quest, using the story of Little Red Riding Hood to navigate our enquiry.
We thought carefully about the features of a typical quest story and used our resourcefulness to explore the unfamiliar language in the text.
We had the opportunity to compare and contrast two traditional quest stories, thinking carefully about similarities and differences.
Having become experts in the ‘quest’, we were able to cleverly and creatively innovate certain features of Little Red Riding Hood to create an alternative quest story of our own.
The grown-ups were really impressed by the resilience shown by the children both in school and at home, and we thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories that the children created.
Science
In Science, we explored sound. We thought carefully about what creates a sound and how a sound is created.
We explored and investigated scientific vocabulary relating to sound; the children worked very hard on using this vocabulary when explaining and justifying their ideas.
We had the opportunity to explore different sounds using a variety of musical instruments and objects; we were particularly fascinated by the Boomwhackers and tuning forks.
We considered how we could soundproof a room so that the sound wasn’t so audible and thought carefully about the reasons for doing so.
Children's Mental Health Week
Year 5
Year 5 also had lots of fun keeping active when we went outside and enjoyed some sledging when it was snowing; this was also a good boost for our mental health as we know that exercise is great for our mood and keeps us fit.
Year 6
Eco Council February Update
Online Safety Update
Children always want to play the latest game and some of those will include games that are not age appropriate for your child. Games that are rated above your child's age will have content and graphics that has been deemed inappropriate for a child to view or play.
We have been informed that some children in school are discussing games they have been playing that are rated 18. They are using inappropriate language from the games, describing what they have been doing while playing and sharing this information with children who do not have access to content like this.
All games are rated, the ratings for all games are set by PEGI ( Pan European Game Information). PEGI is a great tool in helping you decide if a game is suitable for your child or not. Ratings range from 3 (appropriate for all ages) to 18 (adult only games that include very explicit content) For more information about the kinds of games your child should be accessing click here
You can find lots of help and advice to support you in having discussions with your child about appropriate games linked to their age. The links below will give ideas on how to start a conversation with your child, tackle issues around wanting to play games that are not appropriate for them and how much time they should spend online.
Omegle App
It has been brought to our attention a risk linked to the APP Omegle. As young people spend much more time online due to ongoing restrictions, there is an increased chance that they will come across these sites and be using them. Content from Omegle is now being shared by popular influencers which could encourage young people to visit this platform.
Omegle uses anonymous chat rooms where people can chat with strangers. People can communicate via instant messaging and video chat, some of these APPs use random matching to pair users (a bit like a dating app).
Young people are likely to use these chat rooms because they are fun, and they can find talking to strangers as a way of making new friends.
We’re aware of content from Omegle being shared widely across other platforms with trending hashtags, which could encourage young people to use the APP more. Young people do not see the risks of using these APPs and they do not always understand the risk involved in using them from people with malicious intentions.
You can find lots of information about Omegle from reliable sources here
https://nationalonlinesafety.com/guides/omegle
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/blog/what-omegle-key-things-parents-and-carers-need-know
Care, Guidance and Support Team Update
The Baby Equipment Loan Service & Toy Library
BELS are a local charity supporting families in North Tyneside. The toy library is open to all families living in North Tyneside. It contains fun educational toys and games for children from birth to 15 years of age. It only costs £6 a year and children can borrow two toys a month. The Project also provides essential baby and safety equipment to families on a low income or benefit living in North Tyneside. The Project is still open at this time via appointment only.
They can be found on Facebook @Baby Equipment Loan Service & Toy Library or families can call on 0191 263 5770.
The Baby Equipment Loan Service and Toy Library is based within Footprints Day Nursery and Children's Centre, North Road, Wallsend NE28 8RH
Toys can be loaned out
Everyday essentials for a new baby
Large items for your child
School Food Bank Donation
To help support the mental health and wellbeing of children during the pandemic, they have created three activity kits, tailored for children and young people up to 7, 11 and 16 years old.
You can find a copy of the well being activity kits for under 7s here
file:///C:/Users/grobson/Desktop/My%20documents%20from%20school%20PC/Thrive/Thrive-Wellbeing-toolkit-for-children-up-to-age-7.pdf
You can find a copy of the well being activity kits for under 11s here
file:///C:/Users/grobson/Desktop/My%20documents%20from%20school%20PC/Thrive/Thrive-Wellbeing-toolkit-for-children-up-to-age-11.pdf
You can find a copy of the well being activity kits for under 16s here
file:///C:/Users/grobson/Desktop/My%20documents%20from%20school%20PC/Thrive/Thrive-Wellbeing-toolkit-for-children-up-to-age-16-1.pdf
The Daily Mile - At Home
Instructions from the UK government are very clear – they are allowing us to take exercise outdoors, as long as we can keep a safe distance from others. Further government guidance on this can be found below. We all need to try to be physically active and The Daily Mile at Home can help almost everyone to do this. We believe that it will be useful for children, parents and carers in helping them to look after their physical and mental health.
- Children in more than 7,000 schools across the UK do The Daily Mile as it keeps them healthy and it’s fun, free and simple. Because it fits with the government’s coronavirus guidelines, you might like to try it at home.
- The Daily Mile at Home is 15 minutes of walking, jogging or running at your own pace from your own front door. You should only do it alone or with members of your household, avoiding crowds. Keep local .
Check out the daily mile website below to take part in the daily mile at home weekly challenges!
Children's Mental Health Week - 2021
Expressing yourself is about finding ways to share feelings, thoughts, or ideas, through creativity. It is about finding a way to show who you are, and how you see the world, that can help you feel good about yourself.
As parents and carers, you play an important role in your child’s mental health Here are some online links to help you and your child 'express yourself'!
https://www.livelifewell.org.uk/mental-wellbeing/
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/
We know now more than ever that looking after our children's mental health is extremely important and that the impact of COVID-19 has had a huge strain on our children's mental health. We want you to know that you are not alone, please take the time to also look after your OWN mental health and reach out to friends/loved ones if needed. Remember we are in this together! Check out our 'Wellness at Western' newsletter for further information and advice on how to look after your own mental health and wellbeing.
Western Foodbank and Cold Weather Payment Information
Western Community Primary School Foodbank :
We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Western families for their kind donations to our Western foodbank. During these unprecedented times, it is now more than ever that we need to continue to care for one another and we are grateful for all donations.In line with the UK government guidelines, we make sure all donations are cleaned and quarantined for 48 hours if needed. If you have any old uniforms, children's clothing, toiletries or food ( dry food only please) please continue to drop off your donations to the school office. Thank you.
We are in great need of boys and girls underwear at present - we would appreciate that if anyone could donate these items, they are donated as new, unopened and packaged so and we can assure it is given to those who need it the most.
For families who are in need of accessing our foodbank, please be assured that you can contact the school office or speak to a member of staff at any time for support. We treat all who access our foodbank with respect and all queries are treated as confidential. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are struggling. We are all in this together.
Cold Weather Payment Information:
Temperatures are freezing in many parts of the UK and are set to drop even lower as the week goes on.
Fuel use and bills are likely to rise, and with more people at home under lockdown, those bills could grow very steeply.
However, there is help on hand for people receiving benefits, in the form of Cold Weather Payments from the government.
Who are Cold Weather Payments for?
Cold Weather Payments are a government benefit top-up to help with fuel bills during times of exceptional cold weather.
These payments are not age-related. To qualify, you must already be eligible for one of five benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Job Seekers' Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Universal Credit - although there are certain exceptions
Each Cold Weather Payment is paid for a seven-day period and is worth £25.
The scheme covers the period between 1 November and 31 March each year.
Hospital stays can affect payments, while benefit offices also want to know if you've had a baby or if a child under five lives with you.
To see if you are eligible, please click on this link to the government website where you need to provide your postcode:
https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment/eligibility
The average temperature must be zero degrees Celsius - or less - for seven days in a row.
This temperature needs to be recorded by the weather station nearest to your postcode.
So far this year, there have been 58 cold weather triggers from the 95 weather stations in England Wales and Scotland, it is worth checking this out as in North Tyneside, we know it has been very very cold!!!
Reading Update
World Book Day is nearly here and we hope that you enjoy spending the day in your PJs, reading in a cosy spot.
In this newsletter we are focussing on 'Book Chat'. This is another name for the informal interactions that happen when you are reading with your child. These chats are crucial in developing children’s language, comprehension skills and in nurturing a love of reading.
Please take the time to explore these short films that model this 'Book Chat'.
Ben Harris (Teacher) reads One Fox by Kate Read for 5+
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKFdKs_2wJY
Richard Charlesworth (Teacher) reads A House that Once Was by Julia Fogliano and illus. by Lane Smith for 7+
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNqG-RlwrIM
Professor Teresa Cremin (The Open University) reads The Same Inside Poems about Empathy and Friendship, by Liz Brownlee, Matt Goodfellow and Roger Stevens for 9+
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O-N2g96yvo
Many thanks,
Mrs Howe
Parent Reading Survey
Kindest,
Mrs Howe
Values
In Spring 2, we are exploring the values of Empathy and Forgiveness. We have begun by exploring other synonyms for these words and thinking about when we might use them in our daily life.
We know that sometimes saying sorry isn’t easy as we need to admit that we did something wrong but that becomes the first step to making things better again. That doesn’t mean that someone needs to forgive us straight away but they may need time to think.
“Without forgiveness there is no future…if you can forgive, then you can move on and even help the person you are forgiving to become a better person”
Desmond Tutu
Showing forgiveness is acknowledging an apology from someone who might have done something to upset you. When we forgive others we are not saying we agree with what they have done but are helping ourselves to move on.
We will continue to develop our ideas and understanding through stories and pictures this term.
Free School Meals
If your circumstances have changed, you can check if you are eligible and apply using the online portal via the link below. Just select: 'How to apply', click ‘Apply for free school meals’, register or log in and just follow the instructions: https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/238/free-school-meals
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
School App - SchoolGateway
Our app allows us to message you and also enables you to reply directly to us. This makes communication between home and school much easier for families and school. As you know, we have now moved to a completely paperless communication system. All letters and school communications are now sent via the SchoolGateway app.
If you are new to school and haven't yet downloaded the app, please follow the steps below.
Downloading the App:
Please download School Gateway from your app store (Android and iPhone). Once you have downloaded the app, you will need to click "Sign Up". It will ask you to enter your email address and phone number. A pin is then sent to your phone, which you will use to activate your account.
OR
For those parents or carers without a smartphone, you can visit the website:
www.schoolgateway.com and click on ‘New User’. Enter your email address and mobile phone number and you’ll receive a text message with a PIN number. Use this PIN to log into School Gateway.
Trouble logging in? It might be because school doesn’t have your current email and mobile phone number on record. Please contact school and we’ll update the details on our system.
Please contact Mr Ashard on 0191 263 0202 or western.office@ntlp.org.uk if you have any problems getting started or have any questions regarding SchoolGateway.
Social Distancing on site
Families should use their appropriate designated gate (West Street/Rutland Road) and ensure that they leave school premises as quickly as possible after dropping children off. Please do not socialise with other families on school premises or congregate to chat around the gate areas on the street. Children should be supervised at all times and are not allowed to play on site before and after school e.g. on tyres, hill or yard. This is to ensure mixing is minimised and to keep numbers as low as possible on the yard. Please ensure you observe social distancing at all times. Only one adult will be allowed on the grounds to drop off or collect for each family. Please remember not to step on the cross-hatched grids outside classroom doors as they are there to ensure a safe distance between staff and families. Thank you for playing your part in keeping our school site as safe as it can be for our children, family members and staff.
School Term Dates 2020/21
Western Community Primary School
Email: western.office@ntlp.org.uk
Website: westerncommunityprimary.org.uk
Location: Rutland Road, Wallsend, UK
Phone: 0191 263 0202
Twitter: @westernprimary