Micklem Newsletter

Learning in Classrooms

In Nursery, the children have been learning about Space through stories such as Aliens Love Underpants and Whatever Next. They travelled in their space station and created big box rockets like little bear. They explored Alien Slime, Shape Rockets and worked together to make a junk model Alien.

This week, Year 1 has been learning about the Christmas story in RE, which links to their play rehearsals. They have learnt about Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, representing this in play, and have also focused on the gifts that Jesus was given, comparing them to those given to babies today.

They have also been looking at Christmas through the eyes of the Jolly Christmas Postman. The children have been writing lists to Santa, messages in cards, and a thank-you letter to characters from the story. During 'explore and learn' time, they have been decorating the classroom for Christmas, making Christmas trees and decorations, wrapping presents, and creating paper chains.

In the Sunshine Learning Community, the children have been learning about the Power of Respect and, this week, the Power of Friendship, exploring what being a good friend looks, sounds and feels like. In Understanding My World, they continued their topic on Our Wonderful World, learning about the seven continents and taking a closer look at Europe. Adding to the excitement, the Elf visited—and the children were delighted to find they had all been “turned into Elves” too!

Year 2 have been busy writing poems inspired by The Great Fire of London and the book Toby and the Great Fire of London. To present their work, the children created striking artwork by splattering paint onto black card, making a vivid backdrop for their fiery poems. The results were fantastic!

Year 4 have been channelling their creativity by designing their own dragons, inspired by the book How to Train a Dragon. After inventing their creatures, the children wrote detailed fact files describing their dragons’ features, abilities and personalities. They also used AI to generate images of their dragons, bringing their imaginative ideas to life in a new and exciting way. Take a look at Charlie's super work.

In Design and Technology, Year 5 have begun making their own moving toys using cam mechanisms. The children practised using saws safely to cut the wooden components and started constructing the main structure. They will continue their builds next week, ready to see their cam toys come to life!

Reception have been busy exploring shapes by constructing them out of lolly sticks and practising naming each one. They have also been strengthening their number skills using ladybirds and counters in a range of fun activities. In music, the children enjoyed an energetic chair-drumming session, keeping the beat to We Will Rock You and The Wellerman. It’s been a lively and creative week!

A special shout out to Hollie in Year 1 who received a letter and prize from the Mayor of Dacorum for taking part in her Christmas card competition. The Mayor wrote that she was really impressed with Hollie's 'imagination, effort and festive spirit'.

Experiences and Opportunities

Forest School

In Forest School with Year 5 and 6, the students enjoyed a creative and active session. This week, they started by colouring wooden cookies and then used them to construct a wreath, which will be displayed in the classroom.

Last week, the children completed an activity where they were in two teams for a fun teamwork challenge. In pairs, they had to keep a hoop pressed against their chests and navigate a course of cones without dropping it. It was a great combination of creativity, collaboration, and physical activity!

Year 5 Creative Writing Workshop at Laureate

Year 5 enjoyed an inspiring visit to Laureate Academy this week, taking part in a dynamic creative writing workshop. Pupils began by exploring different types of heroes—both fictional and real-life—and discussed what qualities make someone truly heroic. They then created their own hero characters, sketching their appearance before bringing them to life through writing. The session concluded with pupils crafting vivid descriptions of their hero’s dramatic arrival, using rich language and imaginative detail. It was a fantastic opportunity for our young writers to develop their creativity and storytelling skills!

Art Club

This week in Art Club, the children focused on observational drawing, using a real holly branch as their inspiration. They took their time studying the leaves and berries carefully, noticing all the tiny details before sketching.

Well done, Art Club — your concentration and creativity really shone through!

And good news… the Picasso pots are finally home this week! 🎨🌿

French "carte de voeux"

Our new link with a care home in France is off to a wonderful start! Children in Years 3, 4 and 5 created their own cartes de vœux—beautiful Christmas cards with colourful pictures on the front. Inside, they used their French skills to write simple sentences introducing themselves and sharing festive greetings.

A big thank you to our talented Year 3, 4 and 5 pupils—your thoughtful cards are sure to bring a smile to someone’s face this Christmas! 🎄✨

Year 2 Multi-skills Trip

Year 2 had a fantastic time at their Multi-Skills trip, taking part in a variety of fun and challenging activities. They practised speed stacking cups, tested their aim by throwing beanbags into hoops, dribbled footballs carefully around cones, and even tried their hand at kurling. The children showed great determination, enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the day, enjoying the chance to develop new skills and have fun with their friends.

Celebrating Success

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

183

Green House

214

Red House

201

Yellow House

196

Biggest Increase In Correct Answers:

1st - Vincenzo, Year 2

2nd - Theo D, Year 2

3rd - Finlay, Year 2

Biggest Improvement In Accuracy:

1st - Aaliyah, Year 4

2nd - Archie, Year 3

3rd - Laney, Year 6

Attendance

Nursery

76.1%

Reception

95.4%

Year 1

94.6%

Year 2

94.4%

Year 3

91%

Year 4

90.4%

Year 5

97%

Year 6

94.4%

Congratulations to Year 5 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 that has taken place in classes. 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 from Friday 21st November and Friday 5th December goes to:

Reception

Ellie – Ellie showed wonderful confidence on stage and delivered her lines clearly.
Edwin – Edwin spoke his lines with great confidence and really shone on stage.
AJ – AJ impressed us with how confidently he delivered his lines during the performance.
Maya – Maya produced amazing independent writing in English; fantastic effort and creativity.
Raven – Raven confidently said her lines on stage and performed brilliantly.
Amaya – Amaya listened carefully and said her lines beautifully on stage.

Year 1

Teddy - Teddy has been working really hard on his writing and has been independently writing sentences using his knowledge of phonics.
Johnny - Johnny has been very enthusiastic during Maths this week. He could give me an addition number sentence and explain how he knew the answer.
Juno - Juno is a fantastic role model in class. She is a good listener and is always helping both adults and children.
Eirinn - Eirinn has been trying hard with her work this week. She listens on the carpet and is willing to put her hand up to answer questions and give her opinion. She is really trying hard with her writing.

Year 2

Everyone - All of year 2 did really well at the multi-skills event this morning. They all tried their best and were resilient, even when they found some of the activities a bit tricky.
Eliza - This week in English we have been really impressed with how hard Eliza has been trying with her writing. She has written a lovely poem and shown resilience while doing this.
Yevin - This week, Yevin has written an amazing Haiku Poem inspired by the Great fire of London and our story Toby and the great fire of London.

Year 3

Dominic - Dominic was fantastic in Maths Fluency today. He was able to write four separate subtraction equations using the same three numbers!
Mya - Mya produced lovely writing this week, forming the majority of her letters correctly and using capital letters at the start of her sentences.
Harry G - Harry has shown great perseverance this week when learning what an array is and how we draw one.
Harry C - Well done to Harry this week who is trying his best to form his letters correctly, consistently. He is trying his best and that's all we ask!

Year 4

Rex - Rex has been trying hard to identify his different emotions and regulate how he is feeling. In addition to this, he has been working SO hard on his handwriting this week.
Alfie - Alfie tried hard in English this week. He put himself in the role of Hiccup and was able to say how he would be feeling.
Charlie - Charlie has written an incredible fact file about his dragon. He even made it festive! He worked hard to think of a theme and link the different sections to the theme.
Emberly - Emberly has been trying hard in her afternoon lessons. She has been using resources to help her in French, sharing great ideas about Romans in History and being a great friend to her classmates.

Year 5

Emily-Rose - Emily-Rose has made lots of effort this week with her English. She is making effort to correctly punctuate her sentences and has been editing her writing well.
Samuel - Samuel has been working really hard in Maths lessons. He has made lots of progress with fractions and is putting his hand up more during the input.
Samar - Samar is making great progress with her learning. She is putting her hand up more in lessons and is much more confident with her reading, writing and maths. Well done Samar!
Maisie - Maisie has made so much effort with her handwriting over the last few weeks. She is now joining up and is keeping it a clear, legible size. Well done Maisie - I love reading your super ideas!

Year 6

Jessica - Towards the end of this week, Jessica has really been trying to aim high and show respect. She has been focussing more in lessons, putting her hand up to answer questions and being the best version of herself. I hope this new Jessica is here to stay!
Olivia - Olivia is always doing the right thing. She is patient with her peers, always trying her best and consistently shows respect. This week she has tried really hard when writing a poem in the role of a character from our book. Olivia thank you for being you!

Sunshine Learning Community

Riley - For demonstrating a mature attitude towards changes in the daily routine. Well done Riley!
Savannah - For settling into the Sunshine Learning Community really well and having a positive and can do attitude towards learning! - Well done!
James S - For settling into the Sunshine Learning Community really well and always having a big smile on your face!

Well done to everyone who worked so hard this fortnight, it is fantastic to see so many positive learning experiences!

Pupil Leadership

School Council

Each class has now chosen two school councillors to represent them on the School Council. These pupils will share their classmates’ ideas, help make decisions, and take part in projects to improve our school. We’re proud of everyone who put themselves forward and look forward to seeing the great work our new councillors will do this year!

Reception - Rayn and Jules

Year 1 - Maya and Johnny

Year 2 - Finlay and Alessya

Year 3 - Bella and Scarlett

Year 4 - Harleigh and Poppi

Year 5 - Harry and Char

Year 6 - Liam and Archie

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.

Upcoming Dates

Monday 15th December - Elfridges Christmas Market

Rec & KS1 - 2.30pm - 3.15pm
KS2 - 3.15pm - 4.00pm

Tuesday 16th December 9:15-10:15 - Nursery and Reception Christmas Performance

Wednesday 17th December 9:15-10:15 - KS1 Christmas Performance

Wednesday 17th December 17:00-18:00 - KS1 Christmas Performance

Friday 19th December - Christmas Squares winner drawn for each class

Friday 19th December - Christmas Jumper and Christmas Lunch Day

Friday 19th December 9:00-10:00 - Carols around the tree and PTA Christmas raffle

PTA

To secure your child's place at the Elfridges Christmas Market please go to Arbor - School Shop - Elfridges Christmas Market. The cost is £3 per child and they may also bring spending money to buy gifts from the pop up market stalls.

Christmas Squares are on sale now in classrooms at a cost of £1 per square.

Please remember to return any sold or unsold raffle tickets as well as money to the office. If you would like to purchase any more tickets then please let the office know.

School Car Park & Morning Drop off

We would like to remind parents and carers that the school car park is not for dropping off or picking up children at any time. Also, please can we ask that families use the main gate, which is open from 8:45 – 8:55 am to drop off their child. We’ve noticed more children being brought through the car park gate, even when they arrive on time, which can create delays as our office staff need to respond to the bell each time. Thank you for helping us keep arrival times smooth and safe by using the main gate.

May we please also remind parents and carers that you are not permitted to use the car park of the flats by the school at any time

SEND and Family Support

Although a joyous time for many, Christmas comes with its challenges. For every piece of tinsel on the tree there’s a tantrum to be had and the heightened emotion of the festive season can bring sad memories to mind when families have lost someone.

Whatever difficulties your family are navigating, you’re not the only ones finding things tricky. Bitesize Parents' Toolkit has spoken to parents across the country about their experiences and what tips they have to help others get through the festive season.

Click on the image to visit the Bitesize Parents Toolkit and find out more.

Click on this image to read Twinkl Parents' blog about supporting your child with SEND over the festive period.

The Hertfordshire SEND Local Offer

The Hertfordshire SEND 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 Services for Mental health and Wellbeing. This includes:

Their resource area which includes practical strategies and tips which might help you to support your child at home
The Just Talk website
Links and advice on how to speak to your child's GP, Health Visitor, School Nurse or Children's Wellbeing Practitioner
Information on support that may be accessible through school such as counselling or the mental health support team.
Help for children who aren't attending school regularly
Mental Health Services Directory

Click on the link below to find out more about Services for Mental health and Wellbeing in Hertfordshire.

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