At Marden Primary Academy, we have high expectations for the attendance of our pupils. This is because we recognise that all absence is potentially detrimental to a child’s education. Missing school can damage children’s achievements, disrupt the school’s routines and affect other children’s learning. It can also leave children at risk of anti-social behaviour and youth crime. Above all, missing out on the opportunities provided in school can have a long-term effect on children’s chances in life.

In order for young people to gain maximum benefit from their time at school, and to maximise future life opportunities, it is imperative that young people attend every day, all day.

Fortnightly meetings will take place between the Principal, Inclusion Lead and Office Manager to identify those children at risk of persistent absence or other families requiring support in regards to attendance. Where necessary meetings will be held between the Inclusion Lead, Office Manager and parents/carers to identify barriers to attendance and to ensure their engagement with both school and any other external support if needed.

If attendance for these families does not improve, we will involve the Education Welfare Officer (EWO) from Kent County Council who will then join the meetings or will visit families at home.

A further step will then take place if necessary, between the academy, parents and with a Governor Panel, to reinforce the seriousness of persistent absence.

A polite reminder that the school day start at 8:45 and ends at 3:00. The school gates open at 8:30 and we expect all children to be on the school site, ready to learn by 8:45 at the latest. This is being monitored daily. Remember - Every second counts.

Please help... The PTA is holding their first annual meeting this Tuesday 28th September at 18.00 in the school hall and we would love to see as many of you as can make it.

We already have some exciting ideas for this school year including looking at whether we will be able to do something around bonfire night but we will not be able to do anything without you.

We would love to have all of your input and ideas and desperately need your help. If you can spare anytime at all we would love to see you on Tuesday even if it is only for a chat.

Kate Andrews - PTA Chair

Morrisons is giving away FREE gardening equipment to schools! With a MyMorrisons account, collect Grow Tokens when you shop online or in store and donate them to our school.

To take part, join MyMorrisons today and swipe each time you shop to collect Grow Tokens. One token for every £10 you spend between now and Sunday 24th October

For more information visit www.itsgoodtogrow.co.uk.

Billy thoroughly enjoys the learning process and this is demonstrated inside and outside. This week, Billy has supported his friends to explore and investigate materials while playing in the Mud Kitchen. Go Billy!

Jack has only started at Marden Primary Academy this week and he is already an important part of Team RM! Jack is following rules and he is always ready to learn. Keep it up Jack!

Josie has been a superstar all week! She has been incredibly helpful to her friends and the adults and tries her best at everything she does! Josie is also AMAZING at lunchtime, clearing her plate everyday and encouraging her friends to the same. Well done Josie!

Alex has been a fantastic ice detective this week! When Mrs Smith cheekily froze some numicon in ice, and we needed to get it out, Alex displayed fantastic learning behaviour to come up with a solution. Alex suggested we put the ice outside in the sun and set a timer for when to check on it. Keep up the inquisitiveness and great ideas Alex!

William for his superb work in phonics this week. He showed great independance in his writing and had some fantastic ideas!

Kai has shown a great desire to learn this week and wants to share his ideas with others in the class. He has shown improved confidence. Well done.

Verity is always keen to complete her learning to the best of her ability. She listens well and tries hard, taking new information in her stride. Well done Verity. You are a super learner!

Felix has been a great year 2 role model this week. He makes sensible contributions during talk partner work and his ability to work independently is excellent. Well done Felix!

You have worked so hard this week Alfie, and it has been really lovely to see you grow in confidence. You are giving everything we do your all and are already starting to see the positive results of this- well done!

What a great week you have had Josiah! You have pushed yourself in every piece of work you have done, and it has been great to see you contribute to our class discussions with great ideas. Brilliant work!

Amelia and Nalani have worked as a team to produce a well presented and informative Power Point all about the digestive system. They clearly presented their Power Point to the whole class and answered a range of questions confidently. Well done and keep up the great work.

Dilans has been a reflective mathematician this week. He has carefully considered his Place Value knowledge and has shown a good understanding of all areas covered. He has carefully considered his presentation and has set a good example for his peers..

Keep up the hard work Dilans.

Marco has not only worked incredibly hard in maths this week, he is presenting his work beautifully too. Well done, Marco.

Connie created a wonderful information text to show off her knowledge of a balanced diet.

Well done, Connie.

During our science lesson, Jack researched the human life cycle and then produced an informative and interesting report. He used brackets successfully and used images to support his writing.

During our initial inquiry, Betsy has researched both the Rights of a Child and Human RIghts. She has then produced an excellent poster to display her knowledge.

Lewis is an amazing individual to have in the class. He is always ready to answer questions and complete tasks. In all lessons, he aims to achieve the goal and work beyond the expectations. Well done Lewis, keep it up!

Within maths, Elliot has shown great determination to achieve the learning objectives. Elliot always supports his peers and helps them to complete the tasks. A great character and attribute to have in the class.

Elsie has produced some excellent pieces of maths work this week, working accurately and challenging herself in her learning. Elsie has regularly applied her maths knowledge to the problem solving activities in class and has done so accurately and has demonstrated risk-taking qualities.

Zosia produced an excellent non-chronological report this week, documenting her understanding of classification and the different groups vertebrates are classified into.