BPS Newsletter

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

This Week

It has been a wonderfully busy week following the May Bank Holiday. Swimming lessons began first thing on Tuesday, and we extend our sincere thanks to Mr Hagen for his tireless work in preparing the pool so that lessons could start on time. He asked me earlier on in the week to never ask him to go to the swimming pool maintenance room again as it was giving him nightmares, I explained that I could not guarantee that, however the children have been reporting bath-like temperatures in the pool, so it had all been worth while! 

Our lovely Year 2 pupils enjoyed a fantastic trip to RHS Wisley, where they were able to deepen their understanding of their science topic on plants. Meanwhile, our enthusiastic Year 3 class proudly welcomed parents and carers to their assembly on Wednesday, sharing an engaging presentation on the important issue of plastic pollution.

Looking ahead, information for Summer 2 Clubs has now been shared with parents and carers. Families are invited to sign up for one or more of our exciting club opportunities. Bookings will go live at 2pm on Monday 11th May.   Our annual family picinic is just around the corner, on Thursday 21st May at 12:15pm and we welcome everyone to a hopefully summer filled afternoon by celebrating the National Year of Reading.

Next week is a big week for our amazing Year 6 Class, as they prepare to sit their end of Key Stage 2 SATs. We are immensely proud of them and the work they have put in so far. They have been relentless with their drive and effort in getting themselves ready for the first formal exams they will sit in their education, brilliantly supported by our fantastic Year 6 Teaching Team. We wish them the very best of luck next week.

Wishing you a lovely weekend

Mr Bowman

Over the past two weeks in Reception, the children have been busy exploring a range of exciting topics and developing new skills. Last week, our learning focused on materials and their properties. The children investigated different objects, discussing whether they were hard or soft, rough or smooth, and waterproof or absorbent. They enjoyed hands-on activities where they could sort and test materials, building their curiosity about the world around them. In maths, we have been practising addition, using practical resources and number games to help build confidence and understanding.

This week, our topic has shifted to learning about the Royal Family. The children have been finding out who our King is and why he is important. They have taken part in a variety of creative, royal-themed activities. These have included building castles using construction materials and junk modelling, which encouraged teamwork and imagination. In maths, we linked our learning to a royal tea party, using addition and subtraction cards to solve simple problems. The children also created their own family trees, helping them understand relationships and connections. We also wrote a letter to the King, asking him a question—we are very excited and hope we might receive a reply!

We have also been making the most of the warmer weather, spending more time outdoors and observing the changes in plants as they grow and flourish.

Year 2 spent a wonderful day at Wisley on Tuesday this week.  The trip was to support our science work on plants.  We spent time with our guide, who showed us some of the different ways that plants reproduce as well as getting the chance to plant our own nasturtium seed, which we have taken home to care for.  I wonder who will grow the largest plant?

After lunch, we were able to explore some of the beautiful gardens and spend time sketching one of Wisley's miniature bonsai trees.  Luckily, the weather was kind to us, and it was lovely hearing the children speak so knowledgably about the plants, birds and fish that we saw!  A big thank you to the adults who came with us and to Mr Hagan for driving us there.  Being able to use the minibus rather than a coach, meant that the cost of the trip fell from £22 per child to £5.25.

Year 3 delivered a fantastic class assembly this week all about plastic pollution and the impact it is having on our planet. The children spoke confidently and enthusiastically as they shared important facts about how plastic waste is harming oceans, wildlife, and the environment.  It was lovely to hear them putting across their message through song too, which they sang beautifully.

It was wonderful to see the children encouraging everyone to think about simple changes we can make, such as recycling more, reducing single-use plastics, and helping to keep our world clean and safe for future generations. 

A huge well done to all of Year 3 for producing such an informative and inspiring assembly. 

In Science this term, Year 3 are exploring forces and magnets. Last lesson, the class went outside to investigate how forces can cause familiar objects to change speed, direction, or shape. With the warmer weather, Year 3 are also enjoying more opportunities to take their learning outdoors. 

As part of our Design and Technology unit of work this term, we have been learning about Mayan Gods. Year 4 have designed their own Mayan mask on a template, used modroc to create an armature of the mask and finally painted their mask in bright, bold colours to represent different Mayan Gods. 

To make the most of the fantastic weather we have had and to utilise our outdoor classroom. Year 4 read a few chapters of 'The Boy At The Back Of The Class' outside. 

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. 

Our next coffee morning has been confirmed around the theme of 'masking'. This can be attended by any parent/ carer, whether your child has a diagnosis or not. Masking is when your child presents differently in school compared to home and how children are deemed to be holding it together in school and then releasing their emotions when they are at home. It will be hosted by a member of the outreach team from Freemantles School. 

When - Wednesday 24th June at 9.00am

Where - at school

Please complete the short form to express your interest in attending this workshop - Masking workshop

We are asking for parents/ carers for information about what you would like to see in future from our Inclusion/ SEN coffee mornings/ workshops. Please complete this short form to help us plan for the future. You can complete this form whether or not your child is identifed as being on the SEN register. Parent/ carer form for future sessions Please note this form will close on Friday 15th May. Thank you in advance for your help with this.