8th February 2019

Dear families,

It is my pleasure to be writing to you at the end of a very busy week at Shacklewell. This week we have celebrated Safer Internet day and have been thinking carefully about our mental health as part of Children's Mental Health Week.

On 5th February, it was national Safer Internet day and we took the opportunity to reflect on how we use the internet. The children created posters, slogans and songs to remind them of how to be safe online and how to access the internet appropriately. We also held a parent workshop to help our community understand the risks of using the internet. We were very careful to ensure that the pupils understood that the internet is an incredibly positive space when used safely.

We also approached our learning in new and creative ways on Tuesday 5th February for our first ever 'Pens Down day'. The children were able to represent their learning in a variety of ways and it was clear to see that they found the experience hugely engaging.

During this half term we have demonstrating to the children how reading is important to their future.

As a school we have developed a deep love of reading, through whole class readers, redesigned reading corners and a new approach to sharing assemblies. Each class have been given a gift book to inspire them to try new texts.

Each member of the leadership team is leading a reading group to support more children to develop their reading skills. The teachers are creating reading recommendations and ideas for new books for the children. Children in Year 2 explored their local library and Mr. Russell has established a new reading rewards scheme which will culminate in a reading tea party with Mr. McGrath.

Please support us with this drive to develop our reading culture by treating your children to new books, visiting the library and talking to your children about what they are reading.

We passionately believe that children who read for pleasure are the most successful learners so it is imperative that this renewed focus in school becomes a whole community approach.

We have had another fantastic week of learning at Shacklewell. The children are coming towards the end of their topics in IPC and the work they have produced this week has been truly exceptional.

In Reception children have been learning about the importance of keeping a healthy diet by sorting different foods into healthy and unhealthy groups. Year 1 have been conducting their own scientific investigations into the best conditions for plant growth.

Year 2 have been making short videos about the importance of looking after our mental health through exercise, a healthy diet and good communication. In Year 3 the children have been learning about water treatment and have created presentations using a variety of different apps to explain the process.

Year 4 have made a 3D model of the digestive system using Playdough, as well as creating an illustrated journey of their favourite meal through the human body! Year 5 have been developing their computing skills by programming Spheros and learning about how the motors move the Spheros forwards.

In Year 6 the children have transformed into entrepreneurs for the week, creating their own bread-based start up company. After a lot of research, the children produced a business plan that surely would have impressed Lord Sugar himself!