Castle Hill Primary School

Spring 2 Newsletter 2023

Mr Martin's Message

Dear Parents & friends of CHPS


Another term has passed and we are looking forward to moving into a busy Summer term after the Easter holidays. 


I would like to remind you that at CHPS we do have a strict uniform policy. I am concerned that the expected level of uniform standards have slipped recently with both school uniform and PE kit. We will be doing regular classroom checks across both schools and during assemblies next term. For all information visit our school website: School Uniform Information


At CHPS we have so many talented pupils, so please let us know of any out of school achievements e.g. music, theatre, sport or charity related, we'd love to hear all about it and mention them in assembly or the next newsletter!


Wishing you all a Happy Easter and as always thank you for your support and partnership.  


Regards

Mr Martin and The CHPS Team

Reminders

We Need Your Help - Donations Please!

Do you have any appropriate board games or card games you could donate to our new afterschool club/wet breaks? We're also looking to organise a 'loose playground' at Greenbank, so we would love any cardboard, tyres, wood, fabrics, sand, etc. Please email admin@chjs.net if you can help. Thank you.

CHPS Foodbank

Times are still difficult for lots of us, we wanted to remind you that Castle Hill has its own foodbank. If you require a food parcel please email foodbank@chjs.net confidentiality to request one. 

No School Crossing Patrol Officer

Unfortunately, HCC is still looking to recruit someone for the School Crossing Patrol vacancy. Therefore there is still no school crossing patrol on Winklebury Way. To find more details regarding the vacancy use this link - SCP Vacancy


Is my child too ill for school?

New guidance has been produced in collaboration with the NHS and partners to help parents and carers decide whether to send their child to school or nursery if they are feeling unwell. Please click on this link for more information - https://what0-18.nhs.uk/parentscarers/worried-your-child-unwell/child-unwell-ok-go-nurseryschool


Our CHPS community is supporting CHPS with the School Hardship Fund

We do understand that within our school community families are struggling financially. We would like to make you aware that we have access to some funding for certain situations to help those in need. We use the mufti-day donations and other school events to keep our school hardship fund topped up. If you would like to talk privately to a member of our team, please email admin@chjs.net.

Upcoming Events/Dates

Fri 31 Mar - Year 5&6 Passover Workshop (RD)

Fri 31 Mar - Whole School Mufti-Day

Mon 3 April - Fri 14 April - Easter Holidays (school is closed)

Mon 17 April - Year 3 Egyptian Day (RD)

Thurs 20 April - Year 3 Egyptian Day (GB)

Mon 1 May - Bank Holiday

Tues 2 May - Year R Wellington Country Park trip

Fri 5 May - King's Coronation Picnic (both)

Mon 8 May - King Charles III Coronation Day Bank Holiday

Tues 9 - Fri 12 May - Year 6 SATs Week (both)

Tues 9 May - SeaCity Museum Trip (RD)

Wed 10 May - SeaCity Museum Trip (GB)

Mon 15 - Thurs 18 May - Year 6 Bikeability (GB)

Mon 22 - Thurs 25 May - Year 6 Bikeability (RD)

Mon 29 May - Fri 2 June - Half Term

Mon 5 June - Inset Day (school is closed)

Tues 6 June - Class Photos (GB)

Wed 7 June - Class Photos (RD)

Thurs 8 June - Year 4 Swimming Lessons start (both)

Fri 9 June - FF Sock Shop Father's Day (GB)

Fri 16 June - FF Father's Day Sock Shop

Fri 16 June - GB Sports Day, Picnic, Summer Fayre

Tues 20 June - Whole School Mufti-Day

Fri 23 June - RD Sports Day, Picnic, Summer Fayre

Sat 1 July - Stubbington Open Day

Wed 5 July - Cranbourne New Parents Evening

Thurs 13 July - All Years Leavers Disco

Fri 14 July - Year 6 Leavers Assembly

Fri 21 July - Whole School Mufti-Day & Last Day of Summer Term


To view all the CHPS calendar and term dates see the links below:

View our website calendar

View our term dates

What has Been happening in School?

Early Years Quality Mark Award

We are delighted that Castle Hill Primary School Early Years has been awarded a Quality Mark for English and Mathematics. This is in recognition of our improving provision, practice, and performance in Year R which lasts for 2 years. The Quality Mark for Early Years promotes and supports the development of young children in their communication, language, and early mathematical skills. Such a positive start in their early years gives each child the 'bedrock' of a good education and sets them up with the skills they need for their adult lives.

To achieve the Quality Mark the Year R team was assessed against 10 'elements' by an external accredited assessor. These included reviewing learning needs and planning steps, providing safe, stimulating resources and equipment (indoor and outdoor), and the skill levels of our staff. 

"Receiving the award was a very proud moment for us as a team. A lot of hard work, commitment, and dedication was required to prove ourselves worthy of this award and I underwent a rigorous interview process where we were cross-examined to ensure that we have thorough evidence to support each of the 10 elements. The process was daunting but also a welcomed experience that gave me the opportunity to really consider our practice and the progress we have made over recent years. We are confident with what we do. Our children are happy, engaged, and motivated to learn but external validation was welcomed".- Mrs. Cook (Head of Year R).

High Five For First Aid

Squirrels class had a wonderful time learning all about first aid. The amazing Carl from High Five for First Aid came into school and taught us vital skills that we might have to use one day. The children participated in fun activities, they took part in a race, put on bandages, and did CPR on our pretend dummies. The children were so well-behaved and showed lots of respect for Carl. "I had such fun teaching them and thought they were so well-behaved!" Carl. 


Thank you High Five for First Aid! 


If you would like to follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1staidcrew/

Golden Broom

Miss Scarles and Miss Mould's classes really enjoyed their popcorn and movie treat for being overall Greenbank winners last term.

Congratulations to all the classes who have won the Golden Broom this half term. The site teams were very impressed with how much your classrooms had improved. Keep up the good work everyone! 

Week 27 February 2023:
Year 5 Miss Vickery (GB)

Week 6 March 2023:
Year 5 Miss Scarr (GB) and Year R Ladybirds (RD)

Week 13 March 2023:
Year 3 Miss Edwards (GB) and Year 4 Miss Goulden/Mrs. Barlow

Bird Boxes

We are again live streaming two bird boxes at Rooksdown and Greenbank. We are able to capture some amazing footage which can be viewed on our school YouTube channel - https://castlehillprimary.net/school-life/bird-boxes

We are experiencing intermittent issues with the Greenbank camera so please check back if it is not live!

Sports Reports & Team Photos

Girls Football Basingstoke Finals

After qualifying from the league format, our fantastic girls kicked off the term with a quarter-final victory against St Bedes school. In a commanding 6-2 win, the girls qualified for the finals day at the Vyne where they would take place against Park View in the semi-final.

After some end-to-end action in the semi’s, it finished 0-0 and went to penalties. This is where a heroic performance from our amazing goalkeeper Chi, saw us through to the final after she made two penalty saves. Into the final, we went and another gripping game went to penalties after another 0-0 result. This time there was heartbreak as the girls sadly lost on penalties with Oakley taking the victory and becoming Basingstoke champions.

Girls Football County Finals

After their amazing success in our Basingstoke competition, the girls qualified as one of only two teams to go and represent the Basingstoke schools in the Hampshire Girls County finals. On final’s day, the girls went down to Stoneham Lane, Football Centre in Southampton. They competed in the morning and the afternoon fixtures took them into the Championship, where they made it all the way to the semi-finals before losing 1-0. The girls have been unbelievable on this journey so far and we are so proud of them!

KS1 Football Festival

A selected team of Year 1s & 2s attended a football festival, designed to encourage sporting competition and exposure in an enjoyable environment. Our team was amazing and they represented our school with all the morale and attitude we wanted to see. They were competitive and resilient and showed fantastic sportsmanship and empathy towards other teams. Although a noncompetitive event, the children managed to achieve 6 wins and 2 draws in the 9 games they played! 

Mixed Tag Rugby

The Tag Rugby team played their final set of matches at Kempshott Junior school with three teams vying for the top spot. Our boys and girls saved their best performance of the season winning all three matches to secure the League Championship. Congratulations Mylo, Maddy, Olivia, Freya, Dominic, Harrison, Callum, and Osborne! 

Girls Tag Rugby

The girls nervously arrived to play in the Basingstoke Girls Tag Rugby tournament in Oakley last week. Most of the girls had only played ‘Tag’ in PE and Friday Fun. However, they all demonstrated fantastic skills and teamwork which led them to win all their matches to top their group. A loss to a strong Oakley team did not dampen their spirits as they celebrated being runners-up! Well done girls! - Maddy, Olivia, Maggie, Freya, Raya, Daisy, Rocealle, and Annie.

Netball

After a busy few weeks of games and training, the Year 6 Netball team at Rooksdown qualified for the Bee Netball Finals at Russell Howard Park. We took part in the tournament on Tuesday 22nd of March against 12 other schools. This was a new experience for most of our Year 6's as a lot of them had not competed in a Netball tournament with the school before! The children were extremely excited to take part and proud of themselves for getting this far. We achieved 8th place out of the 12 schools that took part. The team showed great sportsmanship and resilience against the other schools - well done Castle Hill! We'd like to thank the parents and Mr. Martin for coming to spectate and showing us their support for the afternoon - it really helped to boost the energy! We look forward to arranging some more games against the local schools during the Spring and Summer term.

gIRLS FOOTBALL TEAM

ks1 FOOTBALL TEAM

Mixed tag rugby

Girls Tag rugby

netball team

Easter Holiday Camps / Clubs

Community Events

We are lucky to be located in two districts of Basingstoke with a busy and vibrant community spirit with lots of events and clubs to explore! Please explore the handouts below and contact the school if you have an event you wish to advertise here in the future!

Spotlight Young Carers Network

Click on the link below to find out more about what Spotlight UK does to support young people and families in the area as well as promote our new Young Carers Networking Programme.

The aim of the Young Carers Network is to bring young carers together through fun events, give young people a voice, and offer support to them and their families.

https://www.castlehillprimary.net/news/2023-02-22-young-carers-network

Ramadan Children Craft Sessions

Free Girls/Ladies Cricket Taster

FREE Online Courses For Parents This Summer

For more information visit Learning in Libraries - https://shop.hants.gov.uk/collections/learning-in-libraries


In other News.....

What an amazing night at the Fundraising Friends Snowball Disco @ Greenbank! Thank you everyone for your support and to all the volunteers, we definitely couldn't run these events without you!  We raised an amazing £766 and we sold out of EVERYTHING.

Don't forget about the Greenbank Fundraising Friends next event.....The Sock Shop! On the 9th June the children can sign up to choose a fun pair of socks for a special male figure in their life. 

The charge is £2.50 and pre-orders need to be placed via the PTA website by 8th June - https://www.pta-events.co.uk/gbff 

James T (Year 4 Rooksdown), has won an award for his incredible piano playing at the Basingstoke Music Festival that was held at QMC a few weeks ago. He came 1st in the 8 year old category. He then shared some of his piano playing in celebration assembly.  

Aanya C (Year 6 Rooksdown) participated in the Basingstoke Music and Arts Festival. She entered the beginner woodwind section and played the flute. I came 1st place in her category and received a certificate (see photo).


Zulal O (Year 6 Rooksdown) also entered and won first place overall in the flute.

IMG_0630 (1).MOV

Alice (Year 2 Rooksdown) has been working incredibly hard composing a story based on the book 'The Lion and the Mouse'. She has been focusing this term on drawing on her reading to inform her storytelling and has definetly achieved this. We are all very impressed and can't wait to hear what her next stories will be!

Our next collection date for both sites is Friday 16th June. Please drop off any donations in the morning as we don't have space to store bags. Here is what they can accept: https://bag2school.com/what-we-collect

Thank you!

For new starters only, Skoolkit will be holding a 10% discount week in the Basingstoke Store from Saturday 22nd – Friday 28th of July, where all items listed below will be subject to a 10% discount for this time only. For the new 2023 Price List visit - Skoolkit Price List 2023

London TKD Martial Arts came into our school assemblies this week and handed out flyers for a new afterschool club starting after Easter. For more information visit - https://www.castlehillprimary.net/news/2023-03-28-martial-arts-school-club

My Clothing company guarantees no price increases on the uniform in 2023. Click the link and type 'Castle Hill Primary' school in the search bar to shop for branded and non branded uniform - https://myclothing.com/

Fundraising Friends

Thank you to Fundraising Friends Greenbank for organising The Glass Duck company to come into school. The children loved making their glass creations for Mother's Day and also raised £386 for the school. See below just a few of the children's creations.

Easter Disco

What a great disco to end the term! The children loved dancing, playing games and they especially loved the tuck shop. There were so many shapes being thrown across the dance floor, even Mr Martin and Ms Wilmouth joined in!  Thank you to our wonderful friends for organising such a popular event. Thank you to the teachers for making the disco possible and a huge thank you to our DJ Mr Crawford. 

Thank you to you for allowing your child to attend and raising crucial funds for our wonderful school. We look forward to more fundraising friends events! Keep your eyes peeled. 


eSafety

eSafety Presentation for Parents

We are hosting another of our parent coffee mornings in May and will be hosting an eSafety Presentation by Mr Smith, the Computing / Online Safety Lead for Castle Hill. 

As part of the presentation, we want to make sure we cover the topics that our parents are interested in so if you have a specific question you would like to be covered during the presentation, please complete the form.

We will share the presentation on our website after the event for those who cannot attend so please feel free to ask a question even if you will not be attending the event. 

Thanks

Mr Smith

Trips & Workshops

We have been planning some exciting trips and workshops across all year groups this academic year. These trips are planned to complement and reinforce learning on key curriculum topics. We are aware of the financial challenges that everyone is facing at the moment and so to help with budgeting have set an annual maximum figure of £40 per child, and where possible lower than this. 

Trip amounts are calculated assuming that every child takes part and makes a contribution to ensure we have raised sufficient funds. Please note, that should there be insufficient voluntary contributions the school reserves the right to cancel or postpone the trip or workshop. 

We hope that this is helpful for your financial planning. We are looking forward to some exciting experiences. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries. 

Year 4 Butser Farm Trip

On the trip to Butser Farm, Year 4 had the opportunity to tour the Anglo Saxon roundhouses and the Viking Longhouse. We were also able to do some archaeology where we dug up some Viking artefacts. We practised our sewing skills by sewing our initials in Anglo-Saxon runes and we also made some chalk carvings.

Our School

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