Dear Parents and Carers

I wanted to start this newsletter by addressing some news. It has come to our attention that apparently the “Grinch has stolen Christmas” at Woodside. I can reassure parents and carers this is not the case! We have sent out a letter detailing all the fantastic activities and events we have planned for the festive season. We have everything from a musical production, singing performances, festive jumper day, an end of term celebration and more! We encourage parents and carers that if they have concerns, to please speak to the school leadership team in the first instance.

I also wanted to remind all adults of their use of appropriate language on school grounds. Unfortunately, we have had some adults who have sworn or used inappropriate tone to school staff. We will always challenge parents and carers who do not show the Woodside values and we encourage all members of our community to showcase and model our values at all times.

This week, we’ve had bikeability where some Year 5 and Year 6 children practiced and refined their cycling skills. Across the school, children have been engaged in assessments where teachers are using this to find out the successes and any gaps children may have in their learning.

Don’t forget, next Friday (24th November) is INSET day which means school is closed on this day to all pupils. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Iman Atwal

Headteacher

We expect pupils to maintain a high standard of attendance here at Woodside. We want all our pupils to be able to achieve their very best and in order to do this, they need to be in school as much as possible so they don't miss out on any learning. Everyday is a new learning opportunity!

Many food banks in London are part of the nationwide network overseen by the Trussell Trust. These food banks, which you can find in most London boroughs, operate via a referral system. A frontline professional from a local agency such as a children's centre, housing association, or your local Citizen's Advice Bureau will assess your situation and, if you're eligible, issue you with a voucher. You can then exchange this voucher at your nearest distribution centre for an emergency food parcel consisting of a minimum of three days' worth of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food. Other food banks don't require referrals — anyone in need can simply turn up and receive free food.

Follow the link for further information;  Food

You will be able to talk to a trained Citizens Advice Advisor who can help you address your crisis and provide support to maximise your income, assist you in navigating the benefits system and identify any additional grants that you could be entitled to. If appropriate, they’ll issue you with a food voucher to enable you to get an emergency food parcel from your local food bank.

Early Help Support

Find out about universal support in places such as children centres, and how to access additional support through the Early Help Family Solutions service using the following link; Early help support | Croydon Council 

Staff and pupils at Woodside recognised 'Anti-Bullying Week' by wearing Odd Socks!!

This representation is to remind us that even though we are all different we are all unique and serve the same purpose.

Have a look at some of the variety of socks.

Please note that this year, we are asking children to change in school. They should bring in their PE bags and keep them in school for the term and take them home at the end of the term. Thank you for supporting us with this.

All children need elastic fronted plimsolls for indoor/outdoor PE which are best kept in a drawstring bag on their cloak peg. Children will need black/blue shorts and a white t-shirt in their PE bag to wear for PE lessons. 

Nest

Children have been very busy this week, they have been continuing to build their fine and gross motor skills. They have been using a variety of construction materials to build, but have been especially enjoying using the Popoids to build family members, counting legs and arms, this enhances the children’s problem-solving and mathematics skills and language, going on to talk about who or what they have built. They have also been enjoying exploring with musical instruments, choosing an instrument independently, shaking, banging or tapping to hear the sounds and singing nursery rhymes along with the sounds. Children have been also making marks in the sand tray and some were talking about what they drew or what patterns they had made.

Reception

We have had a very exciting week, full of fantastic learning, enjoying a shape walk in our outdoor area, making binoculars with recycled materials to look around and creating a volcano.

In Literacy: We continue to read through the story, ‘Here We Are’. We focused on our planet earth and recognised that, ‘Earth has land and sea’.

Home Learning: Talk about different landscapes and what they look like, for example, the park with lots of leaves and mud and the beach with sand and the sea.

Phonics: This week, children have learnt some new digraphs, ‘qu, ch, zz and the single sound z’. We looked at words which have these phonemes, for example, buzz, zip, queen and chip. We have also been working hard with our spelling and writing. Our tricky words were, ‘go, no, to, into’.

Home Learning: Make a list of words which have the phonemes, ‘qu, ch, zz and the single sound z’.

In Maths: We have enjoyed learning about shapes in lots of different ways; going on shape walks, using shapes to make pictures, print painting and form with playdough. We also had to find Teddy, using clues and positional language.

Home Learning: Play positional games, placing things; on, under, in, behind, between

REMINDERS: Please return any reading books your child has taken home. Our libraries are looking very empty. 

WE NEED YOU!! Can you come in to read with the children or support them on a school trip? Do you have time to come in and talk to the children about your occupation and the job you do? Please let our team know if you are available to support and help us in class.

Well done to all the children who are engaging in their learning and remembering the Woodside rules.

The Reception Team

Primary Admissions

Is your child 4 years old before 31st August 2024?

We warmly invite you to join our school community. Mr Atwal would be delighted to show any prospective parents around the school; please make sure you sign up to join us for a school tour and to meet the team. 

Existing Nursery children will also need to apply for a Reception place.

There are a number of dates on which you can visit - use this form

or call the office to let us know when you will visit.

If your child was born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 you are now able to apply for them to join Woodside for a Reception place in September 2024. Applications for Reception next year should be made via the Local Authority. Information about the application process can be found HERE

Belongings and equipment

Please remember that children should not bring pencil cases, toys or other items to school - we cannot be held responsible if these items go missing or are damaged. Pencil cases are a distraction - we provide all necessary equipment for our students to use during lessons.

In line with our school policies, we ask that children do not wear smartwatches during school hours. This ensures a fair and uniform approach to the use of technology within the classroom setting. 

To avoid confusion and loss of personal items, please ensure your child's name is clearly written on all of their clothing. This includes uniforms, PE kit, jackets or coats, and any other items they may bring to school. This simple step greatly aids in the quick and accurate return of lost belongings. Please regularly check that your child is returning home with their own property.

Thank you for your support on these matters.

Collaboration matters   Excellence in everything   Community first   Equity for everyone   Continuous growth