Byfleet Primary Newsletter
Ready - Respectful - Safe
Always Growing, Ready for Life
Twitter: @Byfleetprimary
Our annual National Football Week was another huge success this year - thanks to Miss Partridge for organising this fun event for everyone!
Well done to Year 6 for hosting a successful cake sale last week - a whopping £175 has been raised which will go towards keeping costs down for their 5-day residential to Bawdsey Manor in Suffolk in May!
Funds were raised for the NSPCC through our fun Maths Day held last week- see details below.
Year 5s 'Out of this world' Assembly was a huge success this morning. The Year 5's showcased their the learning from the autumn and spring term.
Don't forget to get your thinking hats on for your World Book Day ideas. See details below.
18 Year 6s had a brilliant time competing against other Surrey school in their Indoor Athletics competition last week.
It was lovely welcoming in you all to our termly Tray Day. We hope your child enjoyed sharing their learning with you. I'm sure you'll agree the tremendous improvements made, particularly in their maths and writing books! Well done everyone!
Do you love maths challenges? Don't forget to join the online Maths Family Challenge online for Year 5/6. See below.
Reception hit another milestone last week and attended their first 'off site' trip to Painshill Park. It was a wonderful trip and we're not surprised to hear the parents comment that their children fell asleep well before bedtime! A sign of a good day! See details below.
We are busy reviewing our playtime and lunchtime play provision and we're looking for more items so please see below for our wish list if you can help in any way, or contact Mr Bowman via the school office if you have something we might be able to use.
Don't forget to add us on Twitter (X)...
@Byfleetprimary
EPIC play at BPS
We have come up with a memorable name for our new playground provision...
E P I C (Enriching Play in Children)
We have loved watching the children be creative with the plethora of resources the play team have made available to them - old chairs, bed sheets, old plastic pipes, tyres and logs. We've seen some incredible dens and team building, which is lovely to see. It's a pleasure to see our children engage creatively in collaboration with their friends on the playground.
Our Friends of Byfleet are going to fundraise to help improve our EPIC provision, which kicks off with a BREAK THE RULES mufti day on a special day this year.... 29th February! After all, a leap year only comes around every 4 years!
We are currently looking at ways of improving the provision for our children at playtime. We are looking at building in opportunities for more purposeful play which foster imagination and creativity by enhancing the resources and spaces which we have available. We are on the hunt for lots and lots of different things including:
-Small world play (action figures, small characters etc) -Dressing up clothes
-Bed sheets/large blankets/duvet covers/old tents -Lengths of rope
-Pallets (no cracks or splits) -Plastic crates (supermarket type)
- Planks of wood/ drain pipes/ logs
If you have any of the above and you are willing to donate them to the school please leave them at the front office.
Reception visits Painshill Park
On Thursday 1st February, Reception Class had an exciting adventure to Painshill Park. It was our first ever school trip!
We hopped on board our coach, and set off for a day of fun, exploring & the great outdoors. Our morning was full of Gruffalo hunting, followed by an exciting activity using mud to make Gruffalo faces on the tree. The weather was so beautiful, we got to eat our lunch on the outside picnic tables followed by free-play in the mud/forest school areas. As a team, we worked together to build the most amazing den... it looked good enough to have a snooze! We finally made our way to the Crystal Grotto where we were amazed by all the shining crystals inside. Just look at those faces... they truly were amazed!
Being in the glorious sunshine & doing lots of walking meant we were exhausted by the end. I think we all slept well that night.
Thank you to the parent volunteers who came along with us, you really made the day extra special!
Year 1 - What is Pink? Poem
Year 1 have come up with a wonderful poem today - What is Pink? Poem.
Year 1 - Maths
Year 2
The children were especially excited by their Design Technology project this half term, and made some balloon buggies that they enjoyed testing out in the school hall.
Year 5 homework showcase!
One of this half term's homework activities was to make a fashion accessory using recycled material. We were blown away with the children's creativity, so to celebrate, we held a mini fashion show! We had watches, headphones, hair scrunchies, bags, scarves and hats + more!
Well done Year 5 for your excellent work and thank you to the Year 5 parents for your support with this (and your jeans/ clothes/boxes!)
Year 5 assembly
Year 5 have talent! Well done to Year 5 for their 'out of this world' assembly, showcasing the learning from the autumn and spring term. You spoke clearly, loudly and with confidence and should be really proud of yourselves! What a way to finish the half term - now to rest and relax!
Link your Child's doodle account to your email
Parents - don't forget to link your child's Doodle account to by creating a FREE parent account.
You'll be able to set your child challenges and track their improvements and progress.
A little bit about Doodle Doodle builds confidence and ability in maths by creating every child a personalised work programme tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. Using Doodle for just 10 minutes a day is proven to help children make three months of progress in just one month!
How to get started?
Click on the link below the Doodle Star to watch the video.
It's really simple!
Stars of the Week
Well done to the following children for being recognised for doing something brilliant this fortnight......
Reception Rainbow Ela Oliver
Year 1 Red Amaliia Lexi
Year 2 Orange Edward Ruby
Year 3 Yellow Taylor Sienna
Year 4 Green Faith Alex
Year 5 Indigo Evie-Su All of Y5!
Year 6 Violet Matthew M Daniel
Well done to these children for scoring the highest Doodle Stars in their class for the past two weeks!
Year 1 Red Greg
Year 2 Orange Holly May 174 Ryan 208
Year 3 Yellow Ezra 414 Oscar 438
Year 4 Green Hari 231 Faith 155
Year 5 Indigo Zach 138 Evie-Su 101
Year 6 Violet Johal 172 Katie 149
Oscar has the most Doodle stars, with 438 Doodle stars!!
Staff Celebrations
We always love to celebrate and share good news. There have been several staff who have been undertaking professional development studies around their day-jobs. We're very proud of everyone's efforts and hard work!
Well done to Mrs Sharkey-Yun for being awarded her Masters' Degree in Educational Leadership from Roehampton University. She enjoyed attending her graduation ceremony last week!
Miss Partridge is currently undertaking a National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL). Miss Partridge is also a Surrey writing moderator where she works across schools in Surrey to moderate and assess teachers' judgements in writing. Miss Partridge undertakes an annual 'exam' to qualify and sustain her writing moderator title.
Mrs Meyrick has just completed a National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL).
Mrs Wyatt is now qualified in using Drawing & Art Therapy, which will further help us support our children's wellbeing.
Mrs Sherlock has completed an Open University 'Reading for Pleasure': engaging young readers intense course, helping us to continue inspiring our children to develop healthy daily reading habits.
FAMILY Maths Home Challenge
We'd love to get as many of our families involved with our Midweek Maths series...from ExpertEd.
ExpertEdLive is a cross-sector partnership between leading universities, independent schools and MATs aiming to provide educational enrichment and opportunity which is accessible to all children.
This is for the whole family!
Mrs Meyrick would love it if you could tweet @byfleetprimary on Twitter (X) if you're taking part so we can give you a shout out.
Feb 28, 2024 07:00 PM
Mar 6, 2024 07:00 PM
Mar 13, 2024 07:00 PM
Mar 20, 2024 07:00 PM
Writing At Byfleet
All Year groups have been working incredibly hard on their writing so far this year. We are very proud and have noticed various improvements in the choice of vocabulary, use of grammar and punctuation as well as a great start to improving handwriting.
All Writing lessons are based on a high quality texts which, where possible are linked to The 3Ps curriculum and we have had a strong emphasis on writing for a purpose. We have developed a writing journey so all lessons in each year group follow the same sequence. Here are some examples of published work from each year group.
You can help your child with writing at home in many ways, more information can be found here.
Safer internet day
On Tuesday 6th February we joined schools across the country in collaborating with tech companies, businesses and government agencies to promote the importance of online safety through recognising Safer Internet Day. The day involved the children taking part in different activities to raise awareness of 'change' online and they also were lucky enough to be treated to an assembly led by our Digital Leaders.
National Football Week
What a week!
Every year group took part in out intra-house football competition with enthusiasm, enjoyment and respect! Each class played a football match to win points for their team to get an overall winner of Byfleet Primary School's National Football Week. We have to give a special mention to the Year 6 Sports Crew who kept the matches running smoothly, offering support to classes when needed, and being great sportspeople.
We also had a visit from ex-professional footballer, Andrew Johnson, on Friday 9th February. He spoke to each class and answered all their questions - we feel very lucky to hear inspiring words from someone who's represented their country before and very proud of our BPS children for asking great questions.
Year 6 Athletics
Some of our Year 6s attended an Indoor Athletics event at Guildford Spectrum on Wednesday 31st January where they represented our school in an admirable way. Each child tried their best in every acitvity, even if they felt unsure and showed excellent sportsmanship. It was amazing to see how they worked as a team and they should be really proud of themselves!
General Knowledge Quiz Club
On 31st January, the general knowledge quiz club team competed in one of the National General Knowledge Quiz Club heats.
There were questions about films, spelling, music, artists and geography to name just a few. After six difficult rounds and competing against over 200 children, our team finished in a very respectable 50th place!
Well done Charlotte, Kurt, Hari and Amelie for your super quizzing!
Science Quiz Club
After competing in the National Science Quiz Club semi-finals on 17th January, where they finished an excellent 15th out of 42 teams against over 100 children, we had a very exciting email last week.
As one of the highest scoring teams, we have been invited to the National Science Quiz Club online finals in July!
What an amazing achievement! Well done Daniel, Lilly, Ethan and Jack!
Stationery Appeal
Key Stage 2 children were requested to please bring their own pencil cases in from September, with: HB pencil, black pen (Pilot Frixion rollerball are idea), yellow highlighter, rubber, sharpener, ruler, Pritt glue stick). Please label these with your child's name.
If you can please ensure that your child has the necessary items in their pencil cases.
We will provide additional resources like felt tips, pencils, spare highlighters and pens etc. just in case.
Year Reception and KS 1 do not need to bring in their own resources. We will provide these.
Attendance & Punctuality
We have hit the half way mark for the year and our overall attendance is 96.15%. Well done for helping us keep to our target of 96%!
Persistent Absence & Lates:
We have 8 families who have received Attendance letters, as their attendance is below 90% (persistent absence).
We have 4 families who have received Late Punctuality letters, as they continue to arrive late for school (after 8.45).
Thank you to our families who work hard to ensure their children arrive on time, organised and ready to learn by 8.45.
This helps your child start their day settled and in the right frame of mind to learn.
It is important that our families of our youngest children in Year R and Year 1 keep an eye on their child's attendance as both classes are lower than the average.
Monthly Attendance winners:
September 98.85% Year 2
October 99.34% Year 2
November 97.91% Year 2
December 98.12% Year 4
January 97.17% Year 6
Excellent job Year 6! They had the highest attendance in January.
Enjoy sitting on the benches in assembly as your reward!
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.
Currently the amount payable under a penalty notice is £60.00 per parent/carer per child if paid within 21 days. Thereafter the amount increases to £120.00 if paid between 21 and 28 days. If the penalty notice remains unpaid after 28 days, the Local Authority will consider a prosecution in the Magistrates Court. Please note that penalty notices are issued per parent/carer per child so a family of two parents and two children will receive 4 penalty notices.
Please view our Attendance Policy here for further information.
NSPPC Maths Day fundraiser
Last Friday we enjoyed dressing up as numbers and having some more fun with numbers outside of our maths lessons. There were some brilliant costumes and some excellent activities. We also managed to use numbers to do some mind reading! Have a go at this trick someone at home.
Think of a number
Pick a whole number between 1 and 10.
Add 2.
Multiply by 2.
Subtract 2.
Divide by 2.
Subtract your original number.
Everyone’s final answer will be 1
Mental Health Week
This week we have been thinking about the theme 'My Voice Matters' as part of mental health week. We held an assembly on the topic, and have been thinking as a class of ideas we would like to suggest for the school. These ideas will be give to the school council who will then consider which ones we can implement.
Ms Wyatt has also been running Mental Health Week lunchtime clubs, with poster making and yoga sessions.
World book day - wooden spoon book character
Looking for a half term creative activity?
This year we'd like children (and adults!) to get creative and decorate a wooden spoon as a book character. These will be judged on World Book Day and the winners will receive a brand new book and lots of house points!
Step 1: Take a wooden spoon and think about the character you wish to create. ...
Step 2: Choose a colour to paint your spoon if required and allow to dry.
Step 3: Add facial features to the spoon using stickers or wiggle eyes, or by drawing them on with a permanent pen.
Here are some ideas and you can also find many more on the internet!
We are excited to see your wooden spoons!
february's 'read to your knee challenge!'
READ TO YOUR KNEE CHALLENGE!
Here's a little challenge for you over the half term holiday and for the month of February - Read to you knee! Keep a record of the books you have read and then put them in a pile at the end of the month. Do they reach your knee? Please send photos in via Google Classroom!
world book day- come dressed as a word!
We will be celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 7th March. This year we are inviting children to come 'dressed as a word' so we can take part in a vocabulary parade!
Firstly…the words do not need to be tricky at all, e.g. if a child came as the word purple, they could come dressed in clothes all of that colour.
Colours would be an easy one to do! Just literally wear clothes in that colour and that’s your word!
Here’s some other ideas:
Fluorescent / neon – come dressed in brightly coloured clothes!
Celebration – come dressed in party clothes, wearing balloons and streamers
Condiment – print out and stick photos of sauce / mustard/salt/pepper on you
Illuminate – come wearing fairy lights!
Festive – come wearing Christmas decorations!
Eco-system (rainforest) or habitat wear brown and green and stick paper leaves on yourself
Blizzard – come dressed all in white
Military/Camouflage – come dressed in khaki colours or camouflage
Blustery – come dressed in winter woollies with hat scarf and gloves
Blossom – come wearing all different bright flower colours and stick real or artificial flowers on
Emotion – plain to shirt with emoji pictures printed out and stuck on, or stickers
Anonymous – print out and stick a big question mark on yourself or draw one with felt tips on to a t shirt
Happy/overjoyed / ecstatic – come dressed in brightly coloured happy clothes and a sign on saying HAPPY or write happy on in felt tip
Aquarium – draw fish on a t shirt and wear with leggings
Creepy – make little spiders out of pipe cleaners or tissue paper and stick them on your clothes
Botanical – stick leaves all over you and wear green clothes
Aerodynamic – turn a piece of paper into a cone hat, like the top of a rocket and attach with elastic to make you look like a rocket
Creative – come covered in pencils, pens, paper clips, post it notes or other stationery
Activist – bring a placard/sign made out of paper about a cause you feel passionate about!
Weekend – come wearing your downtime clothes!
Buoyant / floatation – wear your shorts and t shirts with your armbands or rubber ring
Perplexed / confused – draw lots of little question marks all over you!
Produce/groceries/greengrocer – come carrying a box or bag of fruit/ veg
Comfy - come wearing your pyjamas and slippers
There are lots more ideas and inspiration online if you google ‘vocabulary parade’ and look at Google images or Pinterest! Thanks in advance for getting involved! ☺
Inclusion
Spring Term Workshop / Coffee Afternoon
PLEASE SAVE THE DATE!
For our Spring Term Coffee Morning, we will be holding a workshop for parents on Anxiety in children. This will be led by a practitioner from the Primary Mental Health team.
Anxiety is something that effects lots of children (and adults!), whether it is anxiety around tests, starting secondary school, the transition in to school in the morning or worries about any aspect of life - it is quite a ususal emotion to experience! This workshop will give you ideas and strategies you can use with your child when they are feeling anxious.
This term we have decivded to hold a 'coffee afternoon', and the workshop will start at 2pm, so you can attend and then collect your child.
When: 2pm, Thursday 29th February
Where: Byfleet Primary School
Please use this link to let us know if you are planning to attend so we can set up for the correct number of people.
Anxiety Workshop
Free Online Parent/Carer Workshops
YMCA East Surrey’s Community Wellbeing Team invites you to attend these free online workshops for parents/carers. These workshops are suitable for parents/carers with children aged 8+.
The Community Wellbeing team will provide you with information and key strategies to support your child. There will also be time for you to ask any questions that you have via the online chat function.
Talking to your child and supporting them to cope with worries
Wednesday 14 February 2024 | 18:30-19:30
Wednesday 17 April 2024 | 18:30-19:30
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | 18:30-19:30
Wednesday 18 September 2024 | 18:30-19:30
Wednesday 13 November 2024 | 18:30-19:30
Book your free place for Talking to your child and supporting them to cope with worries
Understanding, expressing and managing emotions
Wednesday 17 January 2024 | 18:30-19:30
Wednesday 13 March 2024 | 18:30-19:30
Wednesday 15 May 2024 | 18:30-19:30
Wednesday 17 July 2024 | 18:30-19:30
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | 18:30-19:30
Book your free place for Understanding, expressing and managing emotions
If you have any questions about these events, please email: communitywellbeingteam@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk
Supporting your child with the transition from Primary to Secondary school
Join YMCA East Surrey’s Community Wellbeing Team for these informative and supportive online workshops about the transition from Primary to Secondary school and how you can support your child. There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions. These workshops are suitable for parents and carers with children in school Years 5-7.
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | 18:30 – 19:30
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | 18:30 – 19:30
Wednesday 3 July 2024 | 18:30 – 19:30
Book your free place for Supporting your child with the transition to Secondary school
If you have any questions about these events, please email: communitywellbeingteam@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk
remembering Mrs Cooper
Eteach Vacancies
EEEA Trust has the following vacancies, which can be found on Eteach.
Byfleet Primary School KT14 7AL
Finance Assistant Eteach ID 1399963
The Cambridge Primary School GU11 2BY
School Business Manager Eteach ID 1402005
Westfield Primary School GU22 9PR
School Business Manager Eteach ID 1397717
London TKD After School Club
Taekwondo lessons are available via our externally run club London TKD on Mondays from 3:20pm to 4:20pm in the school hall. Bookings can be made via their website : www.london-tkd.co.uk/get-started.
Colour Kids Club After SChool Club
Ulitmate Coaching Half Term Camps
Here are the links to Ultimate Coaching's half term camps coming up in February 2024:
Monday 12th February (Football) https://ultimate-coaching.classforkids.io/camp/325
Tuesday 13th February (Multi Sports) https://ultimate-coaching.classforkids.io/camp/326
Ulitmate Coaching AFter school Club
Barracudas - February Half term
Home start surrey - Volunteers Needed
Class Assemblies
Class Assemblies for 23/24 will take place on the dates below from 8.55 - 9.20 in the main hall. Please come along and see what your child has been learning about.
Friday 8th March - Year 2 Friday 22nd March - Year 4
Friday 17th May - Year 1 Friday 21st June - Reception
Diary Dates
New dates in red
Friday 9th February End of Spring 1 3.15pm
Monday 19th February Spelling Bee Competition Starts
Wednesday 21st February Yehudi Menuhin Music School visits BPS!
Monday 26th February Year 2 Roman Day
Thursday 29th February EPIC provision fundraiser: Break the Rules Mufti day
Thursday 29th February 2pm Parent Workshop - Anxiety
Wednesday 6th March Year 5 Theatre visit @ Fullbrook
Thursday 7th March World Book Day
Friday 15th March Red Nose Day
Monday 18th March Ducklings arrive in Reception!!!!! 🦆
Tuesday 19th March Parents' Evening 2.30 - 5.30
Wednesday 20th March Rock Steady Parent/school Concert
Wednesday 20th March Voice in a Million Choir @ Wembley
Thursday 21st March Parents' Evening 3 - 6pm
Friday 22nd March Easter D I S C O 🎵
Monday 25th March Mental Health Week and Autism Awareness
Wednesday 27th March Spring House Point Mufti Day Winners & End of term 1pm
Thursday 28th March INSET 3
Monday 15th April Summer Term starts
Thursday 25th April Year 2 Wisley Trip
Tuesday 30th April Year 3 Primary Music Festival - Dorking Halls
Tuesday 7th May Class Photographs (please come in school uniform)
Wednesday 8th May Year 5 Theatre Trip
Sunday 19th May to Wednesday 22nd May Year 6 Residential Trip
Thursday 23rd May Annual Family Picnic
Friday 24th May INSET 4
Monday 3rd June Swimming starts (Year R - Year 4 only)
Wednesday 19th June Year 5 Fullbrook Half Day am (timings tbc)
Thursday 27th June Year 6 SEND Fullbrook Transition Day (timings tbc)
Monday 1st July Year 6 Fullbrook Transition Day Full Day (timings tbc)
Tuesday 2nd July Year 6 Transition day to Secondary schools
Wednesday 3rd July Meet the new teacher/TA day
Thursday 4th July Recept & KS 1 Sports Day (contingency 11th July)
Friday 5th July KS 2 Sports Day (contingency 12th July) & Reports sent out
Monday 8th July Tray Day 3.15 - 4.15
Wednesday 17th July Rock Steady Parent/school Concert
Friday 19th July Summer House Point Mufti Day Winners
Friday 19th July End of Year Celebration Assembly
Saturday 20th July Byfleet Parish Day
Monday 22nd July Year 6 Leavers' Assembly & End of term 1pm
Tuesday 23rd July INSET 5
To view our 2023/24 term dates, please click here.
To view our 2024/25 term dates, please click here.