Western Community Primary School
January 2020
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to children, families, governors and staff! The Autumn term was full of fantastic learning - it was brilliant to see children getting stuck into their new units 'Rags to Riches' and 'Overcoming the Monster'. There were also many exciting activities and events for our children and staff including some great visitors in school and trips out of school. We have much to look forward to in 2020 as children embark on their new unit of learning 'The Quest'. Children are looking forward to some exciting residential visits to Kingswood (Y4), York (Y5) and London (Y6) and of course our much anticipated KS2 summer show. Please keep checking the Annual Calendar for key dates.
Parent/Carer Partnership
It has been lovely to have so many family members in school last term for Reading Meetings, Mastery Maths Family Sessions, Western University, Dance and Proud Assemblies, E-Safety Assemblies and sessions for families, Parents' Evening and Booklook, Christmas performances, Christmas Family Lunch, Christmas Crafts and Christmas Songs on the Yard were enjoyed by all. We very much look forward to embracing 2020 to continue this great partnership! All key dates for future events can be found on our annual calendar.
Friends of Western
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Friends of Western team for their dedication and hard work. They have organised some wonderful events so far this academic year such as the Autumn Disco and the Christmas Raffle which were both a huge success and the funds raised will go a long way to support the experiences for Western children. The small FOW team are friendly and welcoming and they are always looking for new members. If you are interested in getting involved they are meeting this Thursday (16th Jan) at 3:45 pm in the Community Room, next to the main office. Ipads will be provided to keep children busy during the meeting. Alternatively you can contact Mr Middis, Community Engagement Leader or Mrs Jenkins, FOW Chairperson via the school office to share any ideas you have.
Warburtons
Nissan - VEX Robotics competition
Road Safety/Parking
School Uniform
We are all working hard to make sure that we follow the uniform policy which can be found in the parents section on our website. Wearing school uniform helps overcome the worry about "fitting in" with fashions and keeping up with other children. Thank you for supporting us in making sure your child is wearing the correct uniform items.
Community Clothing Scheme on Wallsend High Street has a free bank of good condition Western uniform. We also have a vast amount of good condition uniform available in school should you require any additional items. Mrs Robson, our learning mentor, can be contacted via the school office and she is always happy to help.
Valuables
School cannot accept responsibility for valuables brought in by children, if something is expensive or too precious to be lost, please leave it at home. No toys or balls should be brought into school at any time.
Credit Union Savers
Many children are still saving small amounts regularly with the Credit Union. If you would like your child to join please collect a form from Mrs Hodgetts at the school office. The Credit Union Savers is open at 8 am each Wednesday morning in the Community Room (next to the school office).
Pastoral Support at Western
At Western, each and every child is important to us and want all children to feel safe, special, appreciated and valued in the building. Some children face many challenges, which means that some of their social and emotional needs may be greater than those of others. By using The Thrive Approach, we will help support and guide the children in our care to allow them to develop emotionally and distinguish between their feelings to help them manage these appropriately.
The school is very proud of its dedicated pastoral team that is able to offer support to both children and families with behaviour, special needs, attendance and emotional stability.
We aim to:
· Provide a safe and calm environment for children to develop their skills.
· Provide alternative support for children who are experiencing emotional, social or behavioural difficulties.
· Help children to manage their feelings and develop skills to enjoy and participate in school life.
· Enable children to take pride in their achievements and enhance self-esteem.
· Use positive approaches to manage all behaviours.
What is Thrive?
Thrive is a therapeutic approach to help support children with their emotional and social development.
The Thrive approach offers practical strategies and techniques and is built around online assessments which identify children’s emotional development and provides action plans for their individual needs.
Research has shown that how we behave is linked to how we feel and our emotions are linked to how we learn. By teaching children to recognise and notice these feelings and emotions it can help with their development and learning.
Children sometimes need some extra support with their emotional growth and this can be temporary or over a longer period of time.
Thrive promotes their emotional and social growth by building positive relationships between a child and their peers and helps them explore and understand their feelings through various activities.
Why might my child attend a Thrive session?
Many children experience difficulties during their time at school. These may include:
· Finding it difficult to manage their strong feelings
· Finding it hard to settle in the classroom
· Friendship difficulties
· Getting into trouble at playtime
· Not knowing who to turn to when feelings are too big to manage on their own
These situations can lead to many different feelings which may seem overwhelming at times. They might include: anger, frustration, sadness, loneliness, confusion or anxiety.
All these feelings are very normal and happen to a lot of children. The Thrive sessions are designed to help children learn to manage their feelings and teach them strategies that will help promote their learning at school.
What will happen in a Thrive session?
The session may be on an individual basis or as part of a small group of children. During each session there will be an activity which may include:
· Role play and puppet work
· Sand play
· Movement and relaxation
· Story telling
· Games
· Circle games
· Arts and crafts
· Cooking and preparing food
More information
For more information about the Thrive approach see the website: www.thriveapproach.co.uk or contact either Mrs R Orr, Care, Guidance and Support Leader and Thrive Practitioner or Mrs G Robson, Learning Mentor and Thrive Practitioner via the school office.
Mrs Rachel Orr
Thrive Practitioner
Mrs Gemma Robson
Thrive Practitioner
Online Safety
Contact Us
Email: western.office@ntlp.org.uk
Website: westerncommunityprimary.org.uk
Location: Rutland Road, Wallsend, UK
Phone: 0191 200 7250
Twitter: @WesternPrimary