Horbury Bridge CE J&I Academy
Living by our Christian Values: Together in Faith, Hope and Love
18th December: Newsletter 14
As you will see, we have had a very busy last few weeks of term. My thanks and appreciation go to the staff who have worked so hard throughout the term to adapt all our usual practices, help the children adjust to new circumstances and keep everyone as safe as possible. Despite current restrictions, they have kept the fun of Christmas in school for the children.
Thank you also to you; our parents and families. You continue to be so supportive of all we do, which has helped us so much this term.
We hope that however you are spending it, you manage to have a happy, healthy Christmas and we look forward to seeing everyone again in the New Year.
Christingle Service
Our annual Christingle Service in aid of the Children's Society, reminded us there is always hope, even during dark times in life. Thank you to everyone who made a donation to support this work.
Although we were in separate classrooms, as a school family, we lit our candles to share the light of Jesus together and remember the message of hope. Thank you to the Class 3 girls whose beautiful singing accompanied our reflection time.
The service also included a lovely re-telling of the Nativity by Foundation Stage. They all did so well and we are very proud of them all!
Click here to see the recording of our Christingle Service: Christingle
Christmas
Visit from Santa
Even Wakefield being in Tier 3, did not stop Santa from paying us a special, covid-safe visit! Click the class links below to see all the photos
Christmas Dinner
Turkey, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets and Christmas tree shaped ice cream were on the menu for Wednesday's Christmas dinner. Everyone agreed it was delicious!
The Catering Team did a fantastic job, especially given the challenges they have in working at the moment.
Christmas Performances
Class 1, 2 and 3 have all recorded Christmas music to share with you, as have children learning to play instruments.
Links to all our performances have been emailed today and can also be seen by clicking here:
(Class 1, 2, 3 music, dance and instrumentalists)
Foundation Stage Nativity (from Christingle Service)
Class Activities
Our final week has been extremely exciting in all classes.
We all enjoyed a Christmas Party dinner amongst other exciting activities.
Foundation have very busy making christmas stockings, party hats and turtle dove tree decorations. Reception have also made an individual Christmas cake to take home.
Class 2 have enjoyed making geometric snowmen, solving cryptic Christmas puzzles and creating secret codes for their friends to send messages.
Class 1 enjoyed a video meeting with James Mayhew, the author of the Katie books we have been reading. It was really interesting listening to him to tell us about the books he has written and illustrated. He even drew a dinosaur for us! They also made reindeer tree decorations and enjoyed a fun Polar Express Day!
Class 3 developed their sewing skills, making sock monkeys. They were very proud of their final masterpieces.
Other News
On Call Contact Tracing
We are 'on call' for contact tracing at the start of the Christmas holidays. If your child is presenting with symptoms or waiting for a test outcome up to 48 hours after we close (by 3.30pm on Sunday 20th) please contact school through the office email enquiries@horburybridgeacademy.co.uk as we will need to stay in touch with you until a test outcome is known.
Change to INSET Days
Due to the availability of external trainers booked for our staff training days, we will now be closed for INSET on Thursday 11th February, as well as Friday 12th February. This date is instead of the previously published date Monday 7th June.
INSET days will now be: Thur 11th Feb, Fri 12th Feb, Fri 28th May and Mon 26th July.
Reports
Autumn reports have been sent out this week via email. If you have not received this, please let us know.
50 Things To Do Before You Are 5
The Wakefield '50 Things To Do Before You are 5' app can be downloaded at both google and apple stores. Click here for info
Here are some of the ideas on their calendar for Jan-March
Wakefield Mumbler
Wakefield Mumbler is a hyper-local listings website for parents in Wakefield District; to make parents’ lives easier and allow them to access the huge number of events and activities happening in the Wakefield area for children. As well as the website there is a supportive and caring facebook group where parents share recommendations and general parenting questions & queries.
If you're looking for an event, day out or Christmassy things to do with your kids at home check out the Christmas pages on the Wakefield Mumbler website!
https://wakefield.mumbler.co.uk/school-holidays/christmas-holidays/
Calendar Jan-March 2021 (2).pdfAchievements
Headteacher's Award
This week, 3 children have been recommended to me as having made significant achievements and development:
Leah (Class 2): Having a brilliant attitude to learning this week. All the adults in school have noticed such a big difference and are so proud of her for making the right choices.
Max (Reception): Becoming more confident in himself. He has joined in with lots of activities and contributed to circle times.
Pippa (Nursery): Always trying hard to look and listen, being 'super smart' at carpet time.
Well done to them all.
Important Dates
Term Dates
Term Dates 2020.docx