BPS Newsletter

Please report absences using the absences@byfleet.surrey.sch.uk email by no later than 9am.

This Week

Its has been another busy week here at Byfleet Primary School. Year 6 have braved the wind and rain to complete their Bikeability training, showing excellent awareness of road safety and  how to handle a bike safely. The instructors commented on how respectful the children were and how well they were able to follow instructions. In Reception the children have been learning about the celebration of Diwali including creating Rangoli patterns and practising their Henna hand art. Year 5 took part in a golf workshop and small competition, they adapted brilliantly to the changeable weather and showed an excellent attitude to their competitors and instructors.

It was a pleasure to welcome parents into the hall on Monday and Wednesday of this week and hear about the excellent start our children have made to the new academic year. Speaking to teachers and parents showed that there is a shared appreciation of how important working together is, in ensuring our children thrive both academically and socially.

Lastly I hope you have a fantastic half term break and we will see you back in school at 8:35am Monday 3rd November for a very busy second half to the Autumn Term.

Mr Bowman

What a busy and exciting two weeks we’ve had in Reception! We have been finishing off our autumn learning, exploring the wonderful changes we can see in nature at this time of year. The children enjoyed talking about the falling leaves, conkers, and animals getting ready for winter. We also talked about why hedgehogs are so important and how we can help them during the colder months, such as leaving safe spaces in our gardens and making sure they have plenty of food. As part of our creative work, everyone made a beautiful hedgehog picture, using a toilet roll to create spiky textures and warm autumn colours for the leaves — they look fantastic on our classroom display! 

We also spent lots of time learning about Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. We got creative by making temples, designing rangoli patterns, and decorating our hands with ‘henna’-style designs. The classroom was full of sparkle and colour as we also made bright diya lamps to take home and share with our families.

One of the highlights was trying out some Bollywood dancing — the children were brilliant at moving to the music and copying new dance steps with big smiles on their faces! We finished off our celebrations by tasting a Diwali-themed snack, which everyone agreed was very tasty.

It has been a joyful couple of weeks filled with creativity, learning, and celebration. We are so proud of how enthusiastic and curious the children have been. Well done, Reception — what a lovely way to end our autumn term learning!

Year 3 had a fantastic time learning about life in the Stone Age! We discovered that during the Neolithic period, people made clay pots by hand. To experience this for ourselves, we used the pinch pot method, shaping our pots from clay just as Stone Age people did. We then used simple tools to create beautiful patterns and designs. The children loved getting creative and seeing how people long ago made everyday items by hand!

In Year 2, we have been studying the art work of Heather Knight.  We have been inspired by the leaves around school and have produced a clay tile, using the slip and score method.  In our next lesson, we will be painting them in autumnal colours. 

Just to remind parents/carers that if they take their children out of school without authority for 5 or more days (which do not have to be consecutive), they will be liable to receive a penalty notice. The issue of a Penalty Notice will also be actioned where a pupil has incurred 10 or more unauthorised sessions during the preceding 10 school weeks. These also included 'lates' after the register has closed. 

**Changes to the National framework for Penalty Notices came into force for Penalty Notice Fines on 19th August 2024**

• First offence within a 3 year rolling period will incur a charge of £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days, Increasing to £160 per parent, per child if paid within 28 days.

• Second offence within a 3 year rolling period will incur a flat rate of £160 per parent, per child if paid within 28 days. 

• The third time an offence is committed within a 3 year rolling period for term time leave or irregular attendance the case will be presented straight to the Magistrates Court. 

Please view the letter from Surrey Inclusion Services and our Attendance Policy for further information.