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Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...
We have had a brilliant fortnight again. We will share some of our learning opportunities below, but it has included charity days, Remembrance Day, parent events and more. I know it is boring, but I cannot move on without discussing the weather! We had the first snow of the year, and it was so exciting! I love snow, and the joy and fun that it brings, but I definitely prefer it when I am at home and don't need to manage the safety of 200 children! Nevertheless, as we approach Christmas and experience more of these cold snaps, please ensure that your child dresses for the conditions. We will want them to experience the joys of winter, but we can only do that if they are dressed appropriately. Anyway, enough about the weather...let's talk about Christmas! Santa is dusting off his boots, the elves are putting finishing touches to presents and the reindeer are putting some extra gym sessions in their calendar. Of course at Micklem we have our own festivities coming up. Make sure you look at the upcoming dates section to get dates for things such as: Nativities, Carols Around the Tree, Christmas Jumper Day etc. This is a wonderful time of year - especially in primary schools. We look forward to sharing this with our whole school community in the coming weeks.
Have a fantastic weekend and STAY SAFE!
Experiences and Opportunities
Experiences and Opportunities
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day
On 11th November, Reception through to Year 6 came together for a Remembrance Assembly to pay our respects for those that have given their lives for our freedoms. We looked at how it linked to our core rule of Show Respect. We watched a short video that can be found here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/watch/poppies This supported the message of why we use the poppy as our sign of remembrance. We also discussed the use of different poppies and the meaning behind them. More information can be found here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/45975344 . Before observing a two minute silence, two children from Year 6 read 'In Flanders Fields' and presented a poppy wreath.
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.
Anti-Bullying Week
Anti-Bullying Week
During anti-bullying week we focussed on this year's theme 'Choose Respect' through assemblies, activities in class, and lessons. We thought about what respect means, how we show respect, and how to respectfully disagree with others - something that is often a challenge!
It was great to see the variety of Odd Socks on show on Tuesday 12th November to celebrate what makes us all unique.
Classes also participated in BBC Teach's live anti-bullying lesson on 12th November. To rewatch the programme at home, click on the picture opposite.
Year 2 Tower of London Trip
Year 2 Tower of London Trip
Year 2 had a great time visiting the Tower of London. We visited the White Tower and saw all of the suits of armour and climbed up and down 209 steps (we did count!), saw the Crown Jewels that were very heavily protected and we also saw the ravens!
We had a great workshop all about the Great Fire of London and learned all about where it started and why it spread so far- The Tower of London wasn't affected because it was made of stone. After a long day , we then had a very long journey back to school. We were all tired but we had a great time!
Children in Need
Children in Need
This year we took part in the Children in Need appeal on Friday 15th November 2024.
Children came into school wearing something yellow and spotty like Pudsey, or a superhero style!
We asked for a small donation to help with our fundraising and help make a difference to children’s lives. We are thrilled to announce that we raised £203.11 for Children In Need.
Thank you so much for your support and generosity!
Sports Events
Sports Events
Our Dance Club visited JFK to watch their Gym and Dance Display. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and even saw some former students of Micklem 'Aiming High' with their performances. It was a brilliant opportunity for them to see what they could achieve with hard work and dedication if they continue to develop their dance skills.
A group of children also attended a 'Can Do' Festival. An opportunity to experience a range of exciting sports off site in a new environment. Secondary School resources are always more fun and impressive when it comes to PE!
Celebrating Cultures Day
Celebrating Cultures Day
Our Celebrating Cultures Day took place on Friday 22nd November. On this day, our school community came together to celebrate the diverse cultures that make up our community. We encouraged children and staff to dress up in colourful and traditional attire representing their cultural heritage, by wearing colours of a regional or national flag that is important to them, or wearing clothes that show a community that they belong to such as Scouts or Brownies.
From 2.45pm, we welcomed families into our school hall to continue this celebration. This was an opportunity for them to host a stall and share something from their cultural heritage with our school community. We had a range of stalls sharing things from England, Scotland, Romania, Sri Lanka, Bulgaria and Austria.
Thank you for your contributions and for making our Celebrating Cultures Day successful. We love the diversity in our school and are so proud of our differences.
NO OUTSIDERS - All Different, All Welcome
Forest School
Forest School
Year 2 have been making their own houses out of sticks to recreate the streets from the fire of london. We will be setting them alight later in the term, alongside making bread and cooking it on the fire. (hopefully)
Alfie, our forest school helper was in charge of the dough.
Year 1 have been learning about the changes around them. We identified the trees we have in our Forest School then looked at how they have been falling from our canopy and changing colour.
Art Club Are At It Again!
Art Club Are At It Again!
After the incredible success of having their artwork displayed in the National Gallery over the summer holidays, I am thrilled to announce that a member of Art Club has won another award!
Bella, in Year 2, has won the Mayor of Dacorum 'Design a Christmas Card' competition 2024. Bella topped the 7 and under category and we will be receiving the Mayor into school to celebrate this achievement.
Community Action Dacorum, The Mayor's chosen charity for this year, will be selling packs of cards with the design on to raise money. This is the charity that we use for minibus travel to keep the costs of trips down wherever possible. If you would like to purchase the cards please contact mayors.secretary@dacorum.gov.uk mail to: mayors.secretary@dacorum.gov.uk
Congratulations to Bella, all other participants and Mrs Lopez and Miss Batchelor for another fantastic achievement!
Class Dojo
Class Dojo
This year, we have introduced Class Dojo. A way of celebrating individuals and classes that are following our school rules of:
Be Kind.
Show Respect.
Aim High.
Children will be able to receive one or two points for these core values from any member of staff. We will keep an eye on which individuals, classes and house groups are being the kindest, most respectful and ambitious over the year.
Blue House
534
Green House
462
Red House
466
Yellow House
387
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
No Pens Day 2024: Show and Tell
No Pens Day 2024: Show and Tell
No Pens Day is a nationwide event encouraging pupils to take part in activities that put the importance on talking, listening and interacting with classmates and teachers. This year No Pens Day is on Wednesday 27th November and we are asking every child to bring in something to SHOW AND TELL.
Speech and Language UK launched No Pens Day to spread the word about the importance of speaking and listening, and what it’s like to be one of the 1.9 million children struggling to talk and understand words. We are participating in No Pens Day to raise awareness; no donation is needed.
If you have concerns about your child's speech and language, or social communication skills, please see this week's SEND and Family Support section of our newsletter for further advice.
PTA Christmas Pyjama Day
PTA Christmas Pyjama Day
In exchange for children wearing their Christmas pyjamas or non-uniform on Friday 29th November, we are asking for donations to our school Christmas Fayre raffle and tombola.
Nursery, Reception and KS1 children to bring in Chocolates/ Sweets.
KS2 Children to bring in a bottle (shampoo, bubble bath, soft drinks or even alcohol!)
Alternatively, if you have any unwanted gifts or items that you feel would make good raffle prizes, these would be most appreciated.
Attendance
Attendance
Nursery
83%
Reception
95.3%
Year 1
96.3%
Year 2
96.3%
Year 3
92.7%
Year 4
97.2%
Year 5
92.7%
Year 6
92.9%
Congratulations to Year 4 for aiming high with their attendance this week. The class will receive bonus Class Dojo points for Aiming High!
Learning of the Week
Every week, we celebrate extraordinary learning from two children in each class. It may be that they have pushed passed an obstacle in their learning; worked on their presentation; thought about how to help others amongst other things.
Our Learning of the Week for the last fortnight goes to:
Reception Makayla has made great progress with her language skills
Eirinn has been an excellent role model.
Year 1 Rosa wrote a brilliant sentence using conjunctions to link ideas independently.
Angel had brilliant ideas in English and worked well independently.
Jake has shown a great attitude towards phonics this week.
Edward has worked really hard on his journal and wrote some great sentences.
Year 2 Isla was amazing on our school trip to the Tower of London.
Leia has been working hard on her green pen editing in English.
Lily has used dienes to subtract 2-digit numbers in maths.
Year 3 Tyler wrote a brilliant character description of Mildred Hubble from 'The Worst Witch'.
Jason has been showing great maths skills, deciding whether to add or subtract to find the final answer.
Daniel has shown sharing skills in maths and can make equal groups.
Emma has tried her best with new spellings and has improved her handwriting.
Year 4 Sofia always shows respect and is a fantastic role model, showing kindness to everyone
Sebatian has been aiming high and produced some wonderful creative writing
Harry has been aiming high with finding multiples of 3 and 6 and has levelled up on Reading Plus.
Emily-Rose has tried her hardest in maths and has even asked for additional work.
Year 5 Sophia worked hard to plan a fair test and showed great scientific skills.
Harlie wrote a great quote as part of a newspaper article using speech and high-level vocabulary.
Lewis always supports his peers and tries his best in every lesson
Isaak always participates well in maths and puts in lots of effort with activities.
Year 6 Luka has made a great start to his suspense narrative set at Whitby Abbey. He has used some great metaphors!
Isla has made a great start to her suspense narrative set at Whitby Abbey. She has worked hard to look at her sentence openers.
Sunshine Room Lucas has been sharing with his friends this week.
Riley has shown kindness to others and has been aiming high in his learning.
Well done to everyone who worked so hard this week, it is fantastic to see so many positive learning experiences!
Pupil Leadership
School Council
Some members of the School Council have approached me with a proposal regarding future performances in the school. They have written a brief plan for me to consider and then will have the opportunity to share further details with me in the coming weeks.
House Captains
Our House Captains arranged a cake sale with Year 6 this week to raise funds for equipment for the playground. They have been passionate, focussed and determined in their attempts to support the school and raised a whopping £140 . Great job! Thank you to everyone who donated.
Letters
Please find all of our latest letters here: https://www.micklem.herts.sch.uk/letters/ . If you have any questions regarding anything coming up, do not hesitate to ask.
PTA
Christmas Pyjama/non-uniform day is on Friday 29th November in exchange for donations for our Christmas Fayre.
You may have already seen posters advertising our upcoming Christmas Fayre. Please make all bookings and payments through Arbor-School Shop.
Facebook page: Micklem Primary School PTA
Upcoming Dates
Upcoming Dates
26th November - Year 6 Duxford Imperial War Museum Trip
26th November - Year 5 Dodgeball Tournament
27th November - No Pens Day
28th November - Flu Vaccinations
29th November - PTA Christmas Pyjama Day
4th December - Care Home Christmas Party
12th December - Reception St. Albans Cathedral Trip
12th December - Christmas Fayre
16th December - EYFS Dress Rehearsal
17th December - EYFS Christmas Performance
17th December - KS1 Dress Rehearsal
18th December - KS1 Christmas Performance x 2
20th December - Carols Around the Tree
20th December Christmas Dinner Day
20th December - Christmas Jumper Day
20th December - School closes at 1:30pm
23rd December - 3rd January - Christmas Holidays
Good Shepherd Booking
Good Shepherd Booking
Good Shepherd Club - to book spaces at After School Club, please visit
SEND and Family Support
Delivering Specialist Provision Locally (DSPL)
Delivering Specialist Provision Locally (DSPL)
Click on the picture below to get your FREE ticket for Dacorum DSPL's SEND Information Fayre.
The Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer
The Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer
The Local Offer lets parents and young people know what special educational needs and disabilities services are available in Hertfordshire, and who can access them.
Over the next few newsletters we will be highlighting some of their different support pages. This week we are focusing on their Speech, Language and Communication page. This includes information on:
How do I know if my child has a speech and language or communication difficulty?
Talk to someone about your concerns
Things you can try at home to support your child's speech, language and communication
Support at school
Services your child or young person can be referrered to
Click on the link below to find out more about Speech Language and Communication support in Hertfordshire.
If you have concerns about your child's speech and language development, or think that they may have difficulties with social communication, you can start by talking through these with their class teacher, our SENCO Miss Palmer, or an external professional. It may be that there is nothing to worry about, but getting help early on is important if they do have needs.
You shouldn't feel nervous about raising your concerns - these teams are there to help you and are happy to talk to you about your child, however small your concern.
Contact the NHS' Speech and Language Therapy Service
Contact the NHS' Speech and Language Therapy Service
To contact the speech and language therapy service or to find out more about what they do:
Call: 01923 470 680, choose option 3, then option 1 for children not known to the service or option 2 for children known to the service
Email: hct.cyptherapies1@nhs.net
Twitter/X: @Herts_CYPT
Facebook: facebook.com/HertsCYPT
Advice line: 01923 470 680, choose option 3, then option 1 and leave a message.
Their advice line is a dedicated telephone number which parents, carers and professionals can call to speak to a therapist about a new referral or a child’s development. Please leave a message and a therapist will contact you. Calls are responded to by a therapist on weekdays.
Additional Advice Lines Available Through the Herts Local Offer:
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