Molehill Primary Academy Newsletter

July 2021

Principal's Welcome

It was with great excitement and delight that on Saturday the 12th June we took delivery of our brand new Nursery Building! We are very impressed with the professional and expert way that our contractors have managed the demolition of older buildings; preparation of the site; and construction of our new building. They really have become a valued part of our community and the children have thoroughly enjoyed learning all about the construction.

Teachers, Learning Support Assistants and pupils have all worked tirelessly to make rapid gains in progress since our full return to the Academy. Pupils have thoroughly enjoyed acquiring a plethora of new knowledge and skills. We are all immensely proud of their achievements this academic year and we are incredibly lucky to have such wonderful staff body, both teaching and non-teaching.

From Safety Day, to Arts Week, we are thrilled that we have once again been able to organise and implement such a wide variety of innovative and meaningful learning opportunities this term. These events would not be possible without the resilience, selflessness and dedication of the team at Molehill Primary Academy.

We wish you and your family a wonderful Summer break and we look forward to September when we can welcome our new class of 'Little Moles' to the Academy for the first time!

Mrs Laura Smith
Principal

Name our Little Moles

We are delighted with the response to our 'Name our Little Moles' Facebook poll. The deadline for voting is the end of the day on 21st July!

Our new Nursery opens on the 6th September!

Parents are able to claim 15 free hours a week across 38 weeks in the year, with eligible working parents able to apply for up to 30 hours. You can find out how easy this process is here.

More information, including an application pack, can be found on our website.

PYP Inquiry

Kangaroo Class

This term, Kangaroo class have been looking at how we as human beings can influence and harm our environment and other living creatures . We have discussed the different food groups and have thought about how to stay and keep healthy. We also learnt how to care for our teeth and were shocked that too much sugar can result in unhealthy teeth. In addition to this, we have challenged ourselves to look after our environment. The children were excited to learn about 'Reusing, Recycling and Reducing'. Science week, has proven popular this week, as the children have loved investigating 'air pressure'. They have discovered how far their rockets travelled, measuring the distance and seeing if different sized bottles make the rocket travel further by compressing the air.

Wallaby Class

This term, Wallaby Class have have followed Lines of Inquiry based on the Central Idea of 'people's choices can harm and influence the environment, living things and habitats.' We have discussed how to keep healthy, and how to consider how to look after other living things in the environment. Wallaby Class have made connections between their experiences, and understood how humans can cause much of the damage in the natural world.

Leopard Class

This term, Leopard class's transdisciplinary theme is 'How we express ourselves', with a central idea about imagination. Inspired by the book Whatever Next, we used our imaginations to create junk model space vehicles. We also read the book Beautiful Oops and made our own Oops characters before creating stories about them. We especially enjoyed arts week, when we used our imaginations to make Pointillism paintings, landscape art inspired by Andy Goldsworthy and British wild animals made from clay.

Lion Class

Our transdisciplinary theme this term has been "Sharing the planet". The central idea was: People and animals live together in different ways. We have inquired into the roles in which animals play, as well as our responsibility for looking after them. We discussed our pets and what we need to do in order to look after them, and have compared their needs to those of wild animals. As part of Arts week, Lion Class learned about Pointillism and sculpture. We painted animal pictures using cotton buds to create the dot effect and clay to create sculptures of hedgehogs. During our outside learning time we enjoyed minibeast hunts using magnifying glasses and exploring the range of different habitats. The story, Greta and the giants provided us with an insight into the devastation of deforestation and how working together can have an impact on change. We created placards with the message 'Stop and listen' and had our own protest in the forest. Finally, we learned about plastic pollution and how damaging this is for our oceans. We highlighted this point by making fish out of bottle caps! Lion Class have continued to work hard on showing they have the learner attributes we strive for, particularly being knowledgeable and great thinkers.

Tiger Class

This term, Tiger class have been exploring the Transdisciplinary theme 'How we organise ourselves' and the central idea 'People use lots of skills that help with their jobs in the community'. The children started their inquiry by thinking about their learning community and the skills needed to be a successful learner. They were then lucky enough to be able to ask lots of different people about their jobs, focusing on the skill they need to do their job and how they help the community. The children particularly enjoyed interviewing Mrs Smith and learning lots about her career path and the things she loves about being the Principal of Molehill Primary Academy.

Hedgehog Class

During term 6, Hedgehog class have been exploring the transdisciplinary theme 'Who we are'. We have discussed what makes a good citizen and the role of global citizens in solving global problems. Hedgehog class particularly enjoyed the Line of Inquiry 'Similarities and differences between belief systems' where we learnt about Christianity and Islam, as these are the faiths followed by different children in our class. We discovered lots of similarities and differences including; prayers, places of worship and important figures in each religion. Our text this term has been 'The Boy at the Back of the Class' which we have used to make links to our Inquiry, whilst learning about refugees and migrants. Hedgehog class have written persuasive letters about refugees to both the Home Secretary and Her Majesty the Queen!

Badger Class

This term, Badger class have been exploring the transdisciplinary theme 'Who we are'. We carried out an inquiry into how refugees and migrants may develop communities and culture. We began by understanding what it is to be a citizen before comparing experiences of refugees and migrants. To end our inquiry, Badger class celebrated diversity within our class with a carnival after learning about the importance of Notting Hill Carnival in celebrating Jamaican culture and discouraging racism. Our guided reading text was The Boy at the Back of the Class which the class thoroughly enjoyed because it complimented our inquiry perfectly.

Fox Class

During this term's work on 'Who We Are' Fox Class investigated what makes a good citizen. The children used well known fairy tales as part of the inquiry and analysed the characters to make a judgement about them as 'good' or 'bad' citizens with surprising results! Through the book 'Boy at the Back of the Class' and the Windrush Generation, Fox Class explored intercultural connections and problems both locally and globally including those from the children's own experiences at home. The children then researched The Notting Hill Carnival and are planning their own Year 4 carnival as an end of year celebration. Finally, the children explored their role as global citizens and how everyone can contribute to solving global problems. In addition, they researched the work of United Nations to see how this organisation works on a global scale.

Falcon Class and Kestrel Class

This term, Falcon and Kestrel Class' transdisciplinary theme has been 'Sharing the Planet'. We have looked at the central idea of 'Peaceful resolution to conflict may improve people's lives'. We have explored why conflicts may begin, including the causes of some large past and present conflicts. We have also looked into how we can resolve conflict more peacefully and why this might be better for us all. This connected nicely with refugee week, where we were able to discuss how conflict can lead to refugees and we wrote letters encouraging more support for refugees.

Eagle Class

During our final term, Eagles have been inquiring into the transdisciplinary theme of ‘Who We Are’: their inquiry has focused on how events in peoples life may affect a growing sense of self. The learning journey has led them to investigate how intellectual, emotional, social and cultural changes are important for self development and growth. For year 6, the transition to secondary school is an important change that encompasses all of these changes and an understanding of its significant will help them continue to flourish and be successful in the future.

Arts Week 2021

During the week beginning 21st June, the children at Molehill Primary Academy found themselves immersed in a whole variety of arts activities ranging from environmental art out in the school grounds to making clay sculptures and even creating mixed media art in the style of David Hockney. The children at Molehill always amaze the staff with how talented they are and this year was no different. Some children in the upper school were even lucky enough to work with some secondary art teachers from The Hundred of Hoo Academy, benefiting greatly from their expertise. As part of this week, the children did themselves proud once again with the art work they produced for some of the local care homes which was gratefully received. We really do have some talented children at our school.

Safety Day

On the 24th June we spent the day learning how we keep safe in school, in our community and online. The children took part in a variety of activities throughout the day including a visit by two policemen from the Shepway Taskforce who spoke about the work of the community police. Years 5 and 6 were also lucky enough to be given a talk by the St Giles Trust who work in schools to teach young people about the dangers of carrying weapons and becoming involved in gangs.

Safety Day gave us the important opportunity to practise what to do if the fire alarm sounds. The children evacuated the building brilliantly and in record time which was a fantastic achievement.

Heroes against Homelessness

At Molehill Primary Academy we are proud to instill a sense of social and moral awareness of community issues within our own school community. As such on 17th June our pupils and teachers took part in Heroes Against Homelessness to raise funds for Porchlight, Kent’s local homelessness charity.

All children were invited to come to school in a Hero themed costume and we are delighted to say that we raised £186. This money will help rough sleepers and vulnerable people across Kent.

Last year Porchlight’s rough sleeper team provided intensive support to 649 people living on the streets of Kent. Porchlight’s free helpline received 27,447 calls and they supported 728 people into safe accommodation. Children dressed as some of their favourite comic book superheros but it was also a chance to recognise our own modern day Covid heroes so others came as Doctors, Nurses, Bus drivers. Refuse collectors, Supermarket workers and we even had a couple of vaccinators!

Refugee Week

During Refugee Week, the whole school explored what it meant to be a refugee. Through our assembly children shared what important things they would pack if they had to leave their home suddenly. Children demonstrated great maturity and empathy towards people that have found themselves in this desperate situation.

Each class also carried out one of the 'simple acts' on the refugee week website. Classes read books, shared stories and created posters and bunting. For some classes, this week became an integral part of their inquiry before comparing the experiences of a refugee with that of a migrant. Both children and teachers have enjoyed celebrating the contribution that refugees have made within our communities.

talented children at our school.

Crest Awards

Last week, children in KS1 and KS2 were presented with badges and certificates for their amazing enthusiasm while participating in the CREST Awards scheme from the British Science Association. The children have taken part in a whole variety of investigations set within real life contexts from forensics to tree management. They have developed strong inquiry skills throughout and shown themselves to be potential scientists of the future.

Alice in Wonderland - Royal Opera House

Both Badger and Fox class explored Alice in Wonderland through movement and dance this term. Inspired by the ballet, the children learnt motifs for the different characters and put together an amazing performance. The programme, Create and Dance, with the Royal Opera House provides the children with the opportunity to go out of their comfort zone and move in ways they didn’t know they could. Even the most reactant dancers found a character that they enjoyed portraying.

Children and adults alike engaged with this project with passion and enthusiasm. All of the children received certificates for their hard work in being ring the characters to life through dance.

Pupil Celebrations

Our Pupils celebrated everything they love about Molehill in a special film.

QUIK_20210523_172700.mp4

Warm Welcome

To staff that are joining us, I formally welcome you on behalf of all members of the Molehill community!

Miss M Carrington

Hello everyone, my name is Miss Carrington and I am super excited to be joining the Molehill team this September! I will be teaching in Reception and look forward to being a part of our new pupils' first year in school. I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable summer in preparation for an exciting year ahead.

Ms J Higgins

Hello my name is Judi Higgins and I am looking forward to joining the Molehill team in September. You will find me in the nursery helping the children grow and learn just who they are and what wonderful things they can achieve.

Miss S Griffin

Hello! My name is Miss Griffin, and I am the new teacher at Molehill Primary Academy in Hedgehog class. In my family we call them hedge-ee-pigs which is going to get very confusing! I completed my teacher training at Canterbury Christ Church University, specialising in Mathematics. The teaching of Mathematics is a passion of mine, that I am thrilled to bring to the school and eager to explore further in my career.

I have always wanted to be a teacher, having been inspired by my own mum, who runs a nursery. I believe there to be no job more rewarding, than the teaching of children as I get to watch a group of completely unique individuals grow and thrive every year. I promise to look after your children and help them to grow and succeed. I will nurture their passions, friendships and young minds and create a safe space where they can be themselves. I cannot wait for September when I can meet my new class and embark on this next adventure.

Fond Farewells

To the staff who are leaving this summer, I would like to express our sincere thanks for your hard work and dedication throughout your time with us. We wish you every success as you embark on the next chapters of your life and I know you will take with you fond memories from working at Molehill.

Mrs C Maskell

After six years of working together as a team, we are really sad to see Mrs Maskell leave this year to continue her teaching adventure in a new school. In that time, we have been through many highs, but also some sad and challenging times together. Mrs Maskell is kind and caring, and will go to great lengths for the children and the people she works with. We wish her happiness and success in her new teaching role, knowing that she takes with her a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Mrs H Vaughan

Mrs Vaughan has worked at Molehill for many years and had many roles around the school. She has supported children both in the classroom and on the playground as well as been an integral part of our Breakfast Club. This year, in particular, Mrs Vaughan has played a vital part in supporting children of Badger class through the book bands after such a disruptive 2020. Some children have moved up a whopping seven book bands thanks to her commitment and encouragement. At the end of this year however, Mrs Vaughan is leaving us for what she describes as her 'dream job' in another school. We wish her all the best and would like to take this opportunity to thank her for all the kindness and dedication she has shown for Molehill during her time with us.

Mrs V Jones

We would like to thank Mrs Jones for her hard work and dedication teaching Leopard class during her time at Molehill. She has provided Leopards with some creative and exciting learning opportunities, often inspired by her love of books. We know all the children she has taught have enjoyed experiencing her wonderful storytelling and passion for reading. In the words of Winnie the Pooh - "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard". You will be missed, Mrs Jones and wish you well in your new school.

Mrs A Lange

Mrs Lange has been much loved by all the children that she has worked with. During her time at Molehill, she has helped many children to learn the skill of sign language and we have all enjoyed her teaching us signs for various songs we have learnt for special occasions.

The support Mrs Lange has given our hearing impaired children has been instrumental in helping them to succeed. We will all miss Mrs Lange being part of our school community and wish her well in the future.

Reconnect

Reconnect is uniting the Kent community as we emerge from the Covid pandemic. They want our children and young people to reconnect with friends and family, get ahead in their learning and future employment, and be physically and mentally healthy. It’s a year of exciting and varied opportunities, new and old, for children, young people and their families to become involved in.

Find out more here: Reconnect Leaflet

Attendance

Attendance at school is vitally important especially as the children have missed so much education this year. Unfortunately, many children have been affected by illness since our return which has had an impact on our overall attendance.

In the next term we will be heading towards our end of year celebration for all the children who have above 96% attendance. There is still time for your child to be included in this by attending school every day.

If your child needs to be absent from school FOR ANY REASON please contact the school as soon as possible on the 1^st day of absence, clearly stating the reason for absence. If you are unable to do this, please reply to the text or email sent to you. As a final resort please send a note to school with your child on their return to school.

Tel: 01622 751729

Email: contactus@molehillprimaryacademy.org.uk

Text: 07860054135

Your School Lottery

Thank you to all the parents and staff who contribute to Your School Lottery every week. As a school we really appreciate the funds we receive from this especially in the last 2 years when other restrictions have been in place regarding fundraising.

Also, thank you to the many weekly winners who have donated their ‘large’ winning to the school. If you would like to join the School Lottery please log into: www.yourschoollottery.co.uk and select Molehill. You will then have a chance to win a school weekly prize, termly additional prizes and be entered into the £50,000 national draw.

Thank you

National Online Safety

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the great free resources The National Online Safety website offers parents. Staff have been using the site for the most up to date training and the school has achieved its accreditation. The last year has seen us all spend longer on the internet and its paramount that we all work together to keep our children safe online. Please take time to sign into their website using the following link.

To create your account please follow the instructions. When you are set up you will be able to set ‘Parent/Carer’ as your user type. This website is a fantastic source of information as well as short courses to update your online knowledge. Please find attached an information sheet on Remote Education 10 top tips for remote learning and also Online Content 10 tips to keep your child safe online for parents/carers which are just two of the many guides you will have access to when you sign up.

FREE Online Safety App for Parents & Educators 📱

National Online Safety are excited to launch their FREE mobile app, giving you access to instant information

For Apple : https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/national-online-safety/id1530342372

For Android : National Online Safety - Apps on Google Play

Uniform

Thank you to all parents who make sure children attend the Academy wearing full school uniform.

Please be reminded of our Uniform Expectations below:

Dark grey (NOT black) trousers (NOT leggings or jeans) or pinafore/ skirt*
White polo shirt – plain – no logos or writing
Academy navy blue sweatshirt with logo (available from the Academy Office)
Black shoes – heel to be no higher than 1.5cm
White socks – girls
Grey socks – boys
Grey tights
Hair- all hair for boys and girls longer than the shoulder will be tied up with a plain band.

Molehill Primary Academy PE kit:

Plain white T-shirt – no logos, writing or pictures
Blue shorts
Suitable sports trainers – not fashion trainers
Dark blue tracksuit (outdoor wear for winter)

We have a Facebook Page!

Our Facebook is changing. Please make sure to join our new page as soon as possible and before the 12th February so that you can continue to receive key information from this forum. Like our page and follow us here:

Molehill Primary Academy on Facebook

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