Diary Dates

Term Dates

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have had a busy fortnight getting stuck into our curriculum across the school for the autumn term and focusing on lots of key areas that we know support the children in being happy and successful. Last week we shared with you some of our key documentation which support us to run the school effectively alongside you our parents and carers; Home School Agreement, Parents and Carers Involvement Policy and Chromebook Code of Conduct. Thank you if you have confirmed on the Google form that you have read these, if you haven't yet done this then please can you take a look as soon as possible; thank you for your support with this.

This week we have provided lots of enriching opportunities for our children across the school which we call 'magic moments'. These opportunities support the personal development of our children and bring the learning to life for them. Key Stage 2 have enjoyed a live author webinar from Katherine Rundell and as a result have been seeking out her books to read in our libraries alongside her new book, Impossible Creatures. Our Year 5s have been completing their Level 2 Bikeability certificate this week and have learnt important cycle safety skills equipping them to get out and about safely. Our Key Stage 1 children have enjoyed an afternoon being up close to a variety of animals which you might keep as pets learning more about them and how to care for them.

We finished the week as we started, by hearing some incredible speeches from lots of children who have put themselves forward to be selected for one of our leadership roles across the school. We have been bowled over by their efforts and the knowledge and skills they hope to bring to these positions. Thank you if you supported your child at home to put themselves forward. We are looking forward to reading their expressions of interest due in on Monday 23rd September.

For upcoming events and dates, please use the diary dates link at the top of this newsletter which will take you to our diary on our website. Don't forget to follow us on social media if you have a Facebook or X account (formally Twitter) to see photos and news about recent events in school.

Mrs Romina Lang

Headteacher

Lost Property & Naming Clothing

We have a HUGE amount of clothing already in the Lost Property box which at this early stage in the year is unbelievable. Unfortunately the vast majority of clothing is unnamed which means it cannot be returned to its rightful owner. We are well aware that school uniform is a costly item so we are concerned that children are unable to retrieve their items if they are unnamed. Please could you ensure that ALL items of clothing brought into school are clearly named.

Cycle to School Week

Next week (week commencing 23rd September), we will be taking part in Cycle to School week where children are encouraged to cycle or scoot to school.

Attendopoly

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 week was:

Week of 9th September : Owls, Robins & Hummingbirds classes with 100% attendance

Whole school attendance : 97%

Our whole school target attendance for this academic year across all classes is 97%.

India Fundraising

As our older children will be aware, Mrs Berry, a former member of staff, does a lot of fundraising work to support Khristiya Seva Niketan Hospital, the mission hospital that Mrs Berry and her husband visit annually to do charity work in Sarenga, West Bengal, India. Mrs Berry is currently in India and will be visiting Lark Rise early in January to tell us all about the work that she is doing. To further support Mr & Mrs Berry, we will be holding a non-uniform day on Friday 27th September. Please encourage your child/ren to come to school in non uniform in exchange for a donation of £1. Children can bring in their £1 on the day or alternatively, donations can be made to Mrs Berry's JustGiving Crowdfunding page

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/linda-berry-ksn-lra?utm_id=1&utm_term=VAZ3Qrqk2

All funds raised will go directly to a specific project decided by the hospital Last year Lark Rise were able to purchase a life saving portable ECR machine... what difference will this year's fundraising make? Watch this space!

Thank you in advance for your support.

Asda Cash Pots

Between 2nd September and 30th November 2024 – every time you shop with Asda using your Asda Rewards app, Asda will donate 0.5% of the value of your shop to your chosen primary school. Also, every time somebody opts-in to support Lark Rise, Asda will give an additional £1 to the school cashpot.

After School Clubs

If your child is booked into an after school club, they should be collected from the main entrance at 4.30pm. Unfortunately early collection is not possible as we do not always have members of staff available to collect the children from their activity between 3.30pm and 4.30pm due to other commitments after school.

School Photos

You should by now have received the proofs of your child's individual and sibling photos. Orders can be placed online or by returning the proof to school with the correct money. All orders need to be placed by Friday 27th September.

Community Library

For those new to Lark Rise, you may have noticed that we have a community library which is situated by the front door of School House. This is one for the adults! Please feel free to borrow or exchange a book to enjoy at home.

Artist of the half term

David Hockney

Music Hero of the half term

Elton John

Our music hero of the half term is Elton John and we will be learning the song "I'm still standing".

Short Tail Trail

Next weekend (27-29 September) is the Farewell Weekend for the Keech Hospice Short Tail Trail. It is an opportunity to see all of the sculptures, including Risey, in one place at Stockwood Park.

Tickets are available at

https://shorttailtrail.co.uk/events/farewell-event/

£5 for adults

£3 for under 16s

Under 5's are free

We would love to see photos if you go along.

Meal Changing

Please can you remind your child(ren) that once a school meal has been chosen for them via Parentmail, they should not be changing their choice. We are finding that children are opting for an alternative meal than the one parents have ordered for them. Please can you talk to your child when choosing meal options and remind them that they cannot change.

Ice Lollies

As part of our fundraising efforts, we will be selling ice lollies after school on a Friday afternoon this half term. These will be on sale at the main entrance at the end of the school day at a cost of £1 per lolly. They will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Request from Breakfast Club

Mrs Harling would be delighted to receive any donations of Happy Land style pirate figures or similar, small plastic animals, Duplo animals or figures, Playmobil sets etc for Breakfast Club and Wellbeing Club. We would also be interested in any good clean used blankets suitable for use outdoors (ie with a backing to protect from damp).