Newsletter 20.12.2024
Newsletter 20.12.2024
Dear Parents and Carers,
As 2024 draws to a close I'd like to wish you all on behalf of the whole Lark Rise team a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your generosity in the form of gifts, cards and kind words both this Christmas time and over the year. Your words and support throughout the whole year mean the utmost to myself and the whole team. I hope that you are able to spend precious time with loved ones this Christmas and enjoy making memories. Christmas is not always an easy or happy time for everyone so please look after yourselves and your beautiful children. We have thoroughly enjoyed spending the week with them getting into the Christmas spirit and completing some of our units of work. They have all been truly fantastic and are now in need of a rest!
I look forward to seeing you all in 2025!
Mrs Romina Lang
Headteacher
Each week in our whole school assembly we celebrate children's attendance by playing a game of Attendopoly (based on Monopoly). The class with the highest attendance figure is rewarded with a class prize.
The winning class for the last couple of weeks was:
Week of 2nd December : Robins & Hawks classes with 100% attendance
Whole school attendance : 95.4%
Week of 9th December : Robins class with 100% attendance
Whole school attendance : 92.6%
Our whole school target attendance for this academic year across all classes is 97%.
Royal Albert Hall
On November 27th Lark Rise Academy, Lea Manor and Challney Girls school took off to the iconic Royal Albert Hall for a very memorable day at the Music for Youth Proms. Our students were all so excited to be involved in a special creative project and had spent several weeks beforehand preparing for the big event.
Once we arrived and got settled the children took part in some rehearsals with the other schools involved and a specialist orchestra with a conductor which was an incredible experience in itself. The children were very inspired being around such talented musicians in such an amazing and historical venue.
After a tea break and a brief trip to the Science museum it was time to perform. It was very moving to see the Students from our Chiltern schools sing together and the richness of the orchestra combined with the choir's harmonious voices made for a breath taking performance that left everyone in awe. It was heart warming to see the community spirit as friends and family cheered them on, filling the auditorium with love and support. The experience of performing in such a prestigious venue is something that I’m sure we will all remember for a lifetime. Lark Rise would like to thank Bella Ellis for all her support organising this event and making dreams come true.
We would like to remind all our families about the benefits of checking the eligibility of your child(ren) for Pupil Premium, benefits related free school meals, and the HAF (Holiday and Food Activity Programme). Please do take the time to read the following information carefully as you may be missing out by not having checked your child(ren's) eligibility for this.
All children in Reception Class and Years 1 and 2 are automatically eligible for a free school meal. However, your child may also be eligible for Pupil Premium (PP) for these school years and beyond. Schools receive extra funding to support children eligible for Pupil Premium but eligible children must be registered by parents for school to receive this. Schools can then use this funding to financially support activities where there is a cost to parents (eg. after school clubs, trips and visits and access to technology).
Additional benefits to your child(ren) being eligible and registered as PP are that they have entry into the Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF), and parents also receive supermarket vouchers. The HAF programme provides fun, free activities for children and young people aged 5 and upwards during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays. Every child who attends gets a free hot lunch and snacks. The programme is for children registered as PP.
If you are in receipt of benefits (see Qualifying benefits listed), and have not checked your child(ren's) eligibility for PP and benefits related free school meals, you can do this now by using the following link, or by calling 0300 300 8306.
www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/53/benefits/4/free_school_meals
Holidays in Term Time
As you are aware we are unable to authorise holidays during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances; this is in line with the Department for Education (DfE) guidance which we must follow. It is particularly important that children are NOT taken out of school during the months of May and June when national testing is undertaken.
The Department for Education (DfE) has made a number of changes to legislation and guidance related to school attendance that came into force on 19th August 2024.
Under the new national framework, all schools will be required to consider a fine when a child has missed 10 or more sessions (5 days) for unauthorised reasons.
From August 2024, the fine for school absences across the country will be £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days.
This rate is in line with inflation and is the first increase since 2012.
In the case of repeated fines, if a parent receives a second fine for the same child within any three-year period, this will be charged at the higher rate of £160.
Fines per parent will be capped to two fines within any three-year period. Once this limit has been reached, other action like a parenting order or prosecution will be considered.
Further information can be found in the DFE Parent Hub at the following weblink.
Please ensure that you notify the school (via the absence line on the school phone) if your child is absent from school for any reason. If we are not notified of the reason for a child's absence, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised and will count against overall school absences for the year, culminating in a fine if a child misses 10 or more sessions (5 days) of unauthorised absence.
Are you having a clear out?
The Inclusion team would be grateful to receive any donations of outgrown Christmas jumpers/t shirts after the Christmas holidays.
Also, if you are having a post-Christmas clear out, we would be grateful for donations of any (in complete condition) games, dart board and (child safe) darts and Playmobil for breakfast club.
Congratulations to Demi who was one of the winners of our local MP's Christmas card competition - her entry was included in the Christmas card sent by the MP to organisations across the Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard constituency, as well as to 10 Downing Street to the Prime Minister and to King Charles III in Buckingham Palace.
CBC Early Help Team
Support will be available for families over the festive period. All Children Centres across Central Bedfordshire will be open during the Christmas period (except Bank Holidays), with Family Workers available to talk to if families need any advice or support.
Dunstable Children's Centre telephone number 0300 3008104
Houghton Regis Children's Centre telephone number 0300 300 8115 or 0300 300 8129
Families can also contact The Access and Referral Team if they need support on 0300 300 8585.
No judgement, just kindness and a willingness to listen and help.
EYFS
Alannah
Alannah, we are so proud of how brave and resilient you have been this half term. Although Alannah has found coming to nursery a little tricky, she has continued to try hard to join in as best as possible and build positive relationships with the nursery adults and children; regularly chatting with us and telling us all about what she has been getting up to. Alannah’s confidence continues to grow and develop each day and this can be seen through her exploring the activities inside and outside of the classroom and wanting to always participate in ‘Show and Tell’. Well done Alannah - keep smiling!
Rex
It has been a pleasure to see Rex develop his confidence during the last term in nursery. Rex regularly enters the setting with a lovely smile; separating from his parents positively. It has been so pleasing to see Rex developing friendships and relationships with his peers and the nursery adults. We enjoy hearing Rex participate in class discussions and having the confidence to join in activities with increased enthusiasm. Keep up the great efforts!
Wyatt
Cole used to find coming into school a little tricky and struggled to join in the different activities. However over the past half term, Cole now comes into school without any tears, follows the classroom routines and thoroughly enjoys school life. We are all so proud of you. Keep being fantastic!
Dolly M
Dolly is a lovely, sweet, kind member of Robins class. She used to struggle coming into school and found it incredibly challenging and upsetting to leave her family each morning. Dolly would also miss her entire family throughout the day resulting in her feeling sad during her learning. This term, Dolly has made huge progress, now leaving her family with a smile. She is now so happy and excited to come into school each day, showing enthusiasm to learn. All of the staff in th Early Years are extremely proud of Dolly’s resilience.
Olivia F
Olivia is new to Lark Rise, starting Reception in September this year. She settled in beautifully, making friends and learning all about the rules and routines of the class and school. During the second half of the term, Olivia and her family moved house. For some, this could have been tricky however Olivia took this in her stride and carried on with her learning tasks and routines with ease. We are all proud of you Olivia! Well done!
Olivia H
Olivia is a wonderful member of Owls Class; friendly to others, completes her learning tasks well and always follows the classroom rules and routines without question. Prior to the Christmas plays, Olivia had some time off school as she was poorly. She came back to school in time for the dress rehearsals and the performances to parents and carers. Olivia recalled her lines, the songs and actions and performed beautifully. Well done Olivia!
KS1
Sara
Sara is what we describe as an unsung pupil, quietly going about her day whilst always trying her absolute best. Although not every aspect of learning comes easily for Sara, she always puts her best foot forward. This resilience is one of Sara's finest features. As a result, her handwriting has flourished in her time in Year Two and her maths reasoning is developing each and every day. Well done, Sara! Keep persevering!
Maximus
Maximus has been working so hard this term. He has shown us that he has an outstanding focus and determination built within him. He has shown us that he is capable of independence in the classroom - especially during his phonics lessons. He has been putting his hand up in class and trying his very best to answer questions to show off his learning. Maximus is naturally creative but it has been a joy to watch him shine in other areas of his learning. Keep it up Maximus. It really has been amazing to see you grow so much during your first term in KS1. We are all so proud of you!
Isabella
Everyone who has had the absolute pleasure of getting to know Isabella will know what a shining star she is. No matter what may be going on in her life, Isabella is full of determination to always do her best and be the very best that she can be. She is an incredibly kind and considerate friend and student, always helping others and making sure her nearest and dearest are okay. She has gone through a lot of changes throughout her time in Key Stage One and has developed such a beautiful resilience, taking things in her stride. Well done Isabella we are all so proud of the wonderful person you are!
Caleb
The transition from Reception to Key Stage One was initially a bit of a challenge to Caleb but through his determination and ability to rely on his friends, he has been able to settle into the new key stage beautifully. He has shown a great strength in his resolve and ability to adapt to new situations. He is becoming more independent in his learning and is able to face challenges head on. He is such a valued member of Penguins Class and has really channelled his energy into being the best that he can be. We are so so so proud of you Caleb and the resilience that you have shown, we know it hasn’t been the easiest transition for you but you are doing amazing! Keep up the good work!
Trixie
Trixie, we are all so proud of you for how well you are settling into life in key stage one. We know sometimes all the changes make you feel a little less brave but we can see your resilience growing day by day; brilliant! A highlight this term was seeing you perform in our keystage nativity- something I know you have found tricky before but you sang so beautifully and made us all smile. Keep going lovely; we know you can do it!
Wren
Wren, I love teaching you as you always try your best and make such lovely contributions in class. It could almost seem like everything comes so easy to you but I know sometimes you can worry a little about things. Despite this, you still always push through and never give up on tasks that may feel challenging which is why I think you’re a remarkable resilient roo and such a lovely role model in Hummingbirds Class. We all loved seeing you as a star in our Key stage production this term - full of confidence and shining just like you should.
LKS2
Mike
Mike is such a wonderful, kind and hardworking boy who never fails to impress with his attitude to learning. His confidence has grown since entering LKS2 as he has continued to build his friendships within the class and settle in. Mike loves to challenge himself; his determination within his learning, and resilience to pursue and find an answer is fantastic. He will often go above and beyond, delving deeper within his learning and is not afraid to ask excellent questions to help his understanding. Well done Mike - great work!
Precious
Precious brings so much joy into Macaws classroom and enters every day with a big smile. She has worked so hard this year and continues to impress all of her teachers; I am particularly impressed with how hard she is working in English and on her handwriting! Whilst Precious can find some of her work tricky, she always perseveres and will put all of her effort in to complete her work and try her best. Not only is she working well independently, but she is a great team player who encourages her classmates to try their best too. Great work Precious!
Benjamin P
Benjamin was very apprehensive when we first started going to our weekly swimming lessons down at the Leisure Centre. As the weeks have gone on it has been amazing to see his resilience and confidence. He now gets into the water happily each week and his hard work and effort have been noticed not only by Mrs Shilvock but also by the swimming instructor. Benjamin, I am so very proud of you … keep being amazing!
Saweinya
Saweniya is such a wonderful member of Red Kites Class. She only joined our school last year and it has been so wonderful to see her developing special friendships and also confidence in her own ability. Saweniya will always put 100% effort into all of her learning and shows such resilience when she is completing her work. She is working so hard on her writing and producing some fantastic work. I know that with her continued determination and enthusiasm she is going to continue to improve. Very well done Saweniya, I am very proud of you.
Indiana
Times tables can be tricky but once you start to spot a pattern, it really helps you with learning these facts! Indiana is proof of this and she has worked incredibly hard with Miss Clark to spot the patterns in time tables. Mrs Waterman has finally found someone who loves rolling their 11s as much as she does! Indiana’s use of strategies has led to improved confidence and improved stats on Times Tables Rock Stars - Indiana’s hard work and resilience is really beginning to pay off! We are so proud of you Indiana. Well done!
Kiaan
Kiaan demonstrates resilience and hard work, alongside a ‘can do’ attitude in every task he approaches. He always gives his very best to each and every lesson; even if the learning is new and unfamiliar. Kiaan soaks up all the learning opportunities on offer to him. This has never been more evident than in the way he has approached his swimming lessons this term. From feeling apprehensive in September to the confident swimmer we see in December, the progress he has made has been incredible! From being unsure and daunted to now being able to swim widths and put his head under water with confidence, Kiaan is proof that you can achieve absolutely anything with the right attitude. Well done, we are all very proud of you.
UKS2
Samuel S
Samuel moved to a different maths group this half term as his teachers thought he could rise to a new challenge. On a few occasions, Samuel has been faced with the challenge of not remembering a new process straight away. Perhaps there are trickier calculations than he is used to or maybe there’s lots of steps to remember. However, on every occasion, Samuel has not become disheartened and has tried, tried and tried again until he feels confident in a new area of mathematics, stretching his ability and becoming a true ‘maths master’!
Xavi
Xavi has been extremely determined in his maths work this half term. He has been particularly resilient with a topic that some children (and adults) see as their nemesis: long division! Xavi has shown in lessons, and extra maths sessions, that he is determined to master long division and he has even been creating his own WIKI boxes in his planner in his spare time! Xavi - long division is no match for you!
Poppy B
I am so proud of the resilience Poppy has shown this term as she has navigated her way through some tricky experiences. Although she has sometimes found it difficult to come to school, when she is here, she is producing incredible work. A descriptive write of Narnia, a portal story, phenomenal maths reasoning, the list goes on! What is even more amazing about Poppy is that it doesn’t matter what kind of day Poppy is having, she has an amazing ability to sense any sadness in the class and is the first person to offer help and support. You are a resilient, kind-hearted and talented person Poppy!
Joseph
Having a week off school because you’re poorly can seem like an even longer time when you return! Joseph has shown tremendous resilience in his ability to complete some outstanding pieces of work even though he missed a lot of the learning. Your creativity with writing is so impressive Joseph and the resilience you showed with creating your portal story was wonderful. I hope you always remember how amazing you are even when things are difficult because as we all said when you were away, we really miss Joseph being here!
Ada
Ada has made a fantastic transition from Year 4 to Upper Key Stage Two and has settled in really well understanding all the routines and expectations. I know this can be tricky for her at times but I am so proud of the way in which she has coped with all the changes. Not only has she coped, but she has excelled in her learning, always showing commitment and resilience to everything she does. Well done for all your hard work and being brave when you’ve needed to be.
Millie
Millie: what a great half-term you’ve had! Not only do you bring sunshine to the class with your general attitude, but you have shown resilience and determination in all your learning. Particularly impressive has been the way in which you have tackled many of the newer maths concepts you have been challenged with this half-term. You have not given up but tried to master these concepts, practising again and again. This is such a great quality and I know you will do so well by applying this kind of perseverance in all the learning you come across.
The following children have consistently demonstrated good behaviour choices during the first half of the Autumn term:
EYFS : Hanna Rynkevic & Tymek Worobec
KS1 : Hanna-Khezia Danso, Lilly Dean & Kaylan Dawe
LKS2 : Ethan Palinski, Callan Martin-Farnhill & Karlok Aw
UKS2 : Annabel Vickery, Beau Bland & Ayana Ahmed
Writing to be proud of (Year R)
ESOL
(English for Speakers of other languages)
Classes are being offered FREE by the Dunstable Children's Centre beginning 10.2.24. The first session will be an assessment to determine the adults' levels of English before placing them at the right Level.
Please contact the Children's Centre for more information on DunstableChildrensCentres@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk