Embedded Files
A Note from Mr Mitton
A Note from Mr Mitton
As Christmas approaches, I would like to take the opportunity to wish you and your family a relaxing break
There is a lot to look forward to in 2023 but for now, enjoy your time together.
- Mr Mitton
Not To Be Missed...
Not To Be Missed...
Staffing Updates
Staffing Updates
We're pleased to be able to welcome a new member to the team in January 2023 and have attached a letter with more details below.
Term Dates Download
Term Dates Download
Please see the term dates for the rest of the academic year. There are NO CHANGES for families, but a correction on a misprint for staff which needed to be amended has been added.
KS2 Results
KS2 Results
Please see the attached letter. We are all incredibly proud of the children, families and staff who contributed in every way to these results.
Future Dates Download
Future Dates Download
A list of upcoming dates for planning purposes. Please see Dojo for confirmed events and information.
Updates From The Gateway Trust
Updates From The Gateway Trust
Parent Workshop - 11 January 2023
Parent Workshop - 11 January 2023
I am delighted to invite you to our first ever Gateway Trust led parent workshop as families at Oakfield School. Whilst I know that you have lots of opportunities to meet with Mr Mitton and staff, I would like to offer the opportunity for you to find out more about The Gateway Trust, and how we can continue to support pupils, staff and families at Oakfield School.
Most importantly, I would also like the opportunity to enable you to feedback to us your views, thoughts, opinions, ideas and suggestions as to how we can work together to continue to make Oakfield an even better place for your children, our pupils.
In anticipation of the workshop, we will be sending out the Ofsted ‘parentview’ questionnaire in the first week in January 2023. I know that you have completed this a little while ago and would kindly ask for a few moments of your time to complete it in the hope that it can make the workshop even more beneficial.
This workshop will be an informal opportunity where I will share with you the vision and values of the Trust and how we currently work with Oakfield but then offer the opportunity for questions and open discussion. Both myself and Mr Mitton are really keen to ensure we are fully aware of the views of our families and hope that this further opportunity will be well supported and received.
Please can you ‘like’ the post on ‘dojo’ to express an interest in attending the event and in order for us to ensure that there are appropriate amounts of refreshments for you all!
I am really looking forward to meeting with you and listening to your views about our brilliant school.
With my very best wishes
Gwennan Harrison-Jones
Incase you missed updates from each week...
Incase you missed updates from each week...
Week 1
Week 1
What a great start to this half term! Year 6 dressed as evacuees, Year 3 had a Stone Age day and then made their own poppies and Year 2 have been exploring atlases. Year 5 wrote a class poem and Year R learnt about Diwali and bonfire night. Lots of the children enjoyed playing with the left overs from the tree cutting over the holidays, building tracks with the chippings and using logs as seats and paths.
We have been finalising our whole school and class events for this half term. Please see Dojo for the latest information. Events are also available to view on the school website. Go to ‘For Families’ / ‘Calendar’ and then ‘Click to View’. Please note Christmas Dinner day is on 14th December and you can order on Innovate now!
Week 2
Week 2
Monday was very exciting as we had a visit from British gold medal winning gymnast Kelly Simm. The whole school joined in with activities and then had an assembly with Kelly.
Also this week, Year 6 trip had a trip to Solent Sky, Year 4 had their first DT lesson and Year 2 acted out ‘Red Riding Hood’. Yesterday some of our Year 5 and 6 children took part in an athletics tournament at Testwood School and Year 3 tried different methods of cooking potatoes! The week has finished with our Remembrance events this morning. KS2 walked down to the memorial and KS1 had an assembly and observed a silence in school.
We have lots of activities planned for this half term so keep an eye on Dojo for more information. Next Wednesday evening is Bedtime Stories and Friday is Children in Need. Details about both events are on Dojo. Please note a parent has to stay in school during Bedtime Stories.
Week 3
Week 3
In this week, Year 5 made clay models, Year 2 did some still life painting and Year 4 learned about fruits in French. We held our Bedtime Stories event. Lots of children came back to school in the evening in their PJs to listen to a story, take part in an activity and have hot chocolate and a biscuit. It was also Children in Need day. The children look great in their spotty clothes. They enjoyed the bear game at lunchtime which was organised by the school council.
Week 4
Week 4
We had a fun Monday! The children took part in activities in their classrooms in the morning then had the opportunity to watch the England match in the hall. It was rather noisy but they all had fun.
During the rest of the week, Year 3 mastered some tools at OWL, Year 4 have been studying maps and KS1 have been practising for the nativity.
Week 6
Week 6
It has been another busy week, starting with our lantern-making workshops on Monday. Year 5 have been designers, learning all about pneumatics, and Year 4 have made healthy snacks in DT. Some children from Years 5 and 6 have enjoyed taking part in an athletics event at Testwood School and lots of fun has been had at OWL.
Week 7
Week 7
This week has been yet another busy one! Year R walked to the postbox on a secret mission, Year 2 made advent wreaths and the whole school watched the pantomime Aladdin in the hall. Year R and 1 had afterschool campfires yesterday where they toasted marshmallows and drank hot chocolate. This afternoon KS1 are presenting their nativity to the school.
Academic Excellence
Academic Excellence
Poetry Writing
Poetry Writing
Congratulations to George Lailey and Penny Longland for winning the writing competition that was judged by Judith Houghton and an English Teacher.
Bedtime Stories
Bedtime Stories
Thank you to all the families who came to the bedtime story event! The staff and children really enjoyed their story session.
Congratulations to the lucky winners of a £5 voucher.
We only had four of the winning cups brought back to us so we have put all of the children who attended into a draw for the 5th one.
The lucky winner was Ava in Y3 😀
Library Visit
Library Visit
A group of children accompanied Miss Bray and Mrs Lailey to Totton library. They used their library skills to find both fiction and non-fiction books requested by Oakfield staff, while also choosing some that they thought other children might like to read.
Y1 - Geography
Y1 - Geography
As part of Year 1s Geography learning, the children went for a woodland walk. They were given a woodland check list and needed to keep their eyes peeled for things like moss, lichen, insects and birds.
The class talked about the difference between native and non-native trees.
Y2 - English
Y2 - English
In English Year 2 have been thinking more about the wolf in 'Little Red Riding Hood' .
The children have been reading facts and answering questions.
Y3 - History
Y3 - History
Year 3 have been finding out about the end of the Bronze Age. The children chose one of the theories and explained why they thought it was true. They really enjoyed presenting their arguments.
Y4 - DT
Y4 - DT
Year 4 had a great DT session! A variety of different healthy snacks were made, from fruit burgers and fruity flapjacks to lots of different flavoured smoothies. Some children loved theirs ... some children did not!
It was a very reflective and creative afternoon
Y5 - DT
Y5 - DT
Year 5 were designers, learning all about pneumatics. The children experimented with different ways compressed air could be used to move things. Their challenge was to make a talking Chinese dragon using a balloon, a box, tubing and either a bottle or a syringe.
Y6 - Music
Y6 - Music
Year 6 have explored different rhythms and pulses within music.
They learnt about rhythms and pulses then wrote different musical notes on a stave before using body percussion to perform music.
Finally, they used this understanding to compose a piece of music using different rhythms.
We used the video attached to help understand what each note meant.
Site & Grounds
Site & Grounds
Goodbye Trees
Goodbye Trees
🌲Timberrrrrrr - we’ve sadly said goodbye to two huge trees close to the building. As much as we love them, their roots have damaged the ground making it uneven and we want to avoid damaging the building or grounds anymore. The wood has been used in the grounds for forest school, discs and stools are made as well as the clippings and clippings used for the paths and planters so nothing wasted. We also planted lots of new trees in the forest area this year in preparation.
Canopy Installation
Canopy Installation
The Gateway Trust has continued to invest in the site and grounds and a brand new canopy to cover the Year R outdoor area is being made as we speak, ready for installation in April! As part of the project the tarmac will be removed and drainage installed to combat the water pooling on the paths. The tree roots are being removed and there is a lot of hidden work behind the scenes but we're excited to continue to development of the school and site to make it even better in all weathers!
The Pond
The Pond
OPTFA have been working hard to raise funds (thank you families!) and have been working closely with Alex Webster from Alex Webster Landscapes to design the new pond area.
Unfortunately, despite all the donations from local companies, free labour and even a donation from Councillor Penman... the project worth over £25,000 (as pictured to the left) is £4,000 short.
With even more support from The Gateway Trust, trustees agreed to a proposal to fund the difference and give the green light for this to go ahead!
Thank you to everyone involved in making this project come to life, especially to Kim from OPTFA who has championed it all.
New Internal Doors
New Internal Doors
The refurbishment continues indoors... no pun intended... with 27 new doors being fitted over Christmas as we bring up-to-code the internal fire protection and cosmetic updates following on from the fire alarm updates over the summer.
We'll be replacing the old doors that were painted grey a few years ago to match the wooden ones with glass panels.
Plans from the archive
Plans from the archive
We know that the path gets flooded when it rains heavily and it has been an ongoing problem for a while. We haven't shared updates about it as I get told off for writing too much, but so you know we've had to go back to HCC into the archives from 1966 to find the original drainage diagrams to find a solution, it isn't as simple as running the water into a sewer.... there are laws that prevent us from doing this....We're working on a solution as best we can.
Character Development
Character Development
Remembrance
Remembrance
It was a wonderful service at the memorial in Totton.
One of the benefits of being a small school is that we can take our entire key stage two every year.
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend and support us.
Children In Need
Children In Need
Thank you for a SPOTacular day. It was great to see everybody dressed in their spotty clothing in support of Children in Need. A massive thank you if you made a donation ⭐️
A special shout out to the school council who organised an assembly about Children in Need and led the throwing game at lunch today. They did a great job supporting each other and organising the day. 💪👏
Year R - Letter Posting
Year R - Letter Posting
Secret mission = complete! Year R walked to the postbox to send some special deliveries. Miss Ramsdale had never seen so much excitement posting a letter! The children were so respectful to members of the public.
After School Campfires
After School Campfires
Year R had a wonderful time at their afterschool campfire. T
here was singing, reading stories, drinking hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows.
Year 1 came back to school for a campfire.
They dressed in very warm clothes as it was such a cold night.
There was hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows over the fire.
Year 1 - Outdoor Fun
Year 1 - Outdoor Fun
In Year 1, the children don't mind the cold! They have been building boats and having hula hoop races in the garden
Year 2 - OWL
Year 2 - OWL
Year 2 had a great time at OWL! The children were using saws, baking in the mud kitchen and digging.
Year 3 - OWL
Year 3 - OWL
Year 3 worked very hard during OWL, using tools safely and learning how to clean and maintain them. Nearly all of the children have completed either stage 2 or 3 of the OWL progression of skills which includes using a bow saw and the hand drills.
Year 5 - OWL
Year 5 - OWL
Year 5 showed amazing resilience and collaboration during Owl. The children were determined to light and keep their mini-fires going for at least five minutes before safely extinguishing them. They discovered which different tinder and kindling worked best.
Year 6 - OWL
Year 6 - OWL
Year 6 had a great time at OWL! There was lots of fun in the mud plus time for crafting and using tools.
Sporting Achievements
Sporting Achievements
5/6 Athletics
5/6 Athletics
Amazing athletes 🏋️♀️
Our Year 5/6 athletes were brilliant at the Sportshall Athletic Competition.
They competed in a range of events:
- 1/2/3 lap race
- Shot put
- Speed bounce
- Long jump
- Triple jump
- Team relay
The team were very competitive up against some tough competition but equipped themselves brilliantly and made us very proud ⭐️
A huge shout out to Emma 🥇for winning her 1 lap race against 3 other schools and to Sid 💪for running twice in the team relay.
We are looking forward to the next round of matches after Christmas!
'Can Do' Festival
'Can Do' Festival
Year 5 & 6 children attended the ‘Can do’ festival at Totton Leisure Centre.
They played a range of sports such as:
- New age kurling
- Seated volleyball
- Goalball
- Assisted walking
- Boccia
It was great to see the team cooperating and encouraging each other, completing all the activities with a smile on their face 😀
Shoutout to Hallie who was selected by Testwood young leaders for her determination and support of her peers 🏅
The morning was made better when the children got to meet Paralympic gold medalist, Aaron Phipps, and were treated to a picnic in the park to end the morning.
They were an absolute credit to the school! Well done team 👏🏅
Kelly Simm
Kelly Simm
It was such an incredible experience! A visit from gold medal winner Kelly Simm, British gymnast.
With help from Kelly and Nerys, the sportivater, Oakfield enjoyed a mega workout combining of spotty dogs, mountain climbers, press ups and star jumps 💪 The children certainly worked up a sweat but took great pride in supporting and encouraging each other.
Once the children had recovered, Kelly hosted an assembly where she demonstrated her gymnastic ability, answered questions and even showed us her gold medal from the 2022 Commonwealth Games 🥇
It was a truly inspiring experience and hopefully will encourage the children to chase their dreams and be resilient.
Fantastic job, Team Oakfield🤸♀️💪🏅
World Cup Learning
World Cup Learning
Across school children spent the world cup morning to see if they could earn a ticket to watch the match.... here are Year R counting goals!
Attendance
Attendance
Working together to improve school attendance
Working together to improve school attendance
As you know, children with stronger attendance attain stronger academically in almost all cases.
We all have busy lives and have 'one of those days' when things don't go to plan, that is life. But we're talking about missing days off school for Birthdays or taking holiday during term time, repeated lateness due to sleeping in or emotional based school refusal.
This year we are working with local schools and championing the importance of attendance AND punctuality across Totton and surrounding areas in order to ensure that we all give a consistent message and response. Whilst we do things differently to our friends in other schools, we want to ensure we are consistent in highlighting every child's right to an education.
September 2022 saw the government release statutory guidance for schools, academy trusts and local authorities which sets out more clearly the responsibilities professionals have as well as that of parents/carers. This tells us that attendance is a national priority as well as a local one.
We've published all the information on the website and I will be continuing to promote attendance in order that we do better than other schools nationally as far as possible.
Thank you for continuing to work with us.
Mr Mitton
Family Support
Family Support
Community Pantry
Community Pantry
Miss Poole continues to support families with meal boxes that be reserved and collected from the community fridge by the office. Please contact Miss Poole if you're ever in need, no questions asked.
Family Workshops
Family Workshops
From Miss Poole's Dojo Post, 17 November 2022
Do you know what support is available at Oakfield?
Do you know how we could support you or your family?
Do you know what other services are out there for support?
If the answer is no, myself and Miss Bray will be holding another informal support meeting (including tea and biscuits 😋) to talk with you about the support that we can offer at Oakfield for you and your child, and places we can signpost you to, if needed.
This is not just for parents and carers who are currently looking for advice, support or help. This is for anyone who would like to know more information.
📝 Areas of support we will discuss include:
emotional
social
mental health
well-being
behaviour
safeguarding
undiagnosed support
support groups
additional needs, including difficulties with learning
food support
support groups
self and home help
toileting
sleeping
and more
Further Support Available
Further Support Available
Below is information that we have regarding places that families can go for support.
🔋 Help with energy costs - Local Citizens Advice services are supporting eligible households with the costs of gas, water and / or electricity bills. Households who qualify for support can contact their local Citizens Advice directly.
🥫 Help with Food Costs - There are 19 Community Pantries across Hampshire which provide food at a lower cost than supermarkets, in exchange for a small membership fee.
🍲Food Vouchers - Food vouchers will be available to households who receive council tax support, and households who receive housing benefit. These will be distributed by local district and borough councils in the coming months. Those who are eligible don’t need to do anything – they will be contacted by their local council.
🏠Housing Costs - Local district and borough councils can provide support for housing costs in exceptional circumstances. Residents are asked to contact their local council if they think they may be eligible for emergency support.
🍲 Food Vouchers - Libraries are giving out £15 food vouchers, please visit your local library to see if they still have some available
🔥 Warm Spaces - if you are struggling to heat your home this winter.
👪 Holiday activities and food programme - Will be providing more than 120 free schemes this Christmas for children who receive income-based free school meals during term time. Parents and carers wishing to find out what is on offer in their area should search the Family Information and Services Hub and contact their local providers directly to sign up to schemes.
https://fish.hants.gov.uk/kb5/hampshire/directory/advice.page?id=XRlTDNF8hhM
Administrative Updates
Administrative Updates
Policies
Policies
Updated Policies
Governors have approved changes to the following policies which are now published on our website.
https://sites.google.com/oakfield.hants.sch.uk/policies
- Feedback & Marking
- Screening, Searching & Confiscation
- SEND
- SEND Local Offer
- Forest School
- Maths
- Suspensions & Exclusions
We are also consulting on arrangements for admissions for 2024 with the main change being moving children of staff and those in nursery provision operated by The Gateway Trust given priority over children outside the school's catchment area.
Too Ill for School?
Too Ill for School?
We have been sent the link to the updated NHS site for parental advice about illness and school attendance. You can find it here: https://what0-18.nhs.uk/parentscarers/worried-your-child-unwell/child-unwell-ok-go-nurseryschool
As a reminder:
* if your child has sickness or diarrhoea they are required to be off school for 48 hours.
* if your child has a temperature at or above 38oC they will be sent home from school
We are very aware there are lots of cough and colds, ear infections and flu like symptoms around at the moment.
While we will always promote school attendance, if your child is too ill for school please keep them at home.
Safeguarding Reminders
Safeguarding Reminders
NSPCC
NSPCC
Children had a ‘Speak Out Stay Safe’ assembly and activities from the NSPCC. The classes talked about trusted adults and how sharing worries can help to keep safe. They also discussed places, people and things that help us to feel safe and happy.
Remember: we ALL have the right to speak out and stay safe.
Survey Feedback
Survey Feedback
Thank you to everyone who has already filled in the safeguarding survey, there is still time to do so but we're really pleased that almost all responses are overwhelmingly positive.
There were 2 families who said children are safe, but don't always feel comfortable telling staff and we wanted to do something about this straight away therefore we have made a digital 'Worry Monster'
We will share the full results of the survey soon, thank you for your wonderful comments (constructive feedback and praise).
Worry Monster
Worry Monster
We have created a virtual 'Worry Monster' where children can complete a short form to tell us about their worries digitally rather than in person.
When children submit the form, it goes directly to the safeguarding team and will be actioned from there.
We will introduce this to them formally over the next week but can be access via the 'Pupil Portal' at home too. Links to this are at the bottom of the school website for access from home.
Huggy Wuggy
Huggy Wuggy
We've been made aware of an isolated incident involving 'Huggy Wuggy' from the game 'Poppy Playtime'.
I posted last year about game and why something so innocent is not so innocent after all.
If children mention this or watch the character on Youtube please help to educate them it isn't appropriate.
It's frustrating that merchandise is available to purchase so freely for something so scary.
More information
https://saferschoolsni.co.uk/poppy-playtime-online-safety-review/
Sonic EXE Youtube
Sonic EXE Youtube
Sonic.EXE is an eldritch entity taking on the form of Sonic the Hedgehog that sends out a haunted game disc featuring the creature killing. It is not appropriate but viewable on Youtube.
Christmas!
Christmas!
Christmas Tree Choosing
Christmas Tree Choosing
Our School Ambassadors helped choose our Christmas Tree
Wreath Making
Wreath Making
For RE this half term Year 2 are learning about Christianity and the meaning of Christmas . The children started to learn about advent and what this means to Christmas. They made wreaths together as a class .
Nativity
Nativity
KS1 did a great job performing their nativity at Testwood Baptist Church. Due to Covid it was the first time they had performed to such a large audience and they did a fantastic job. We are very proud of them!
Christmas Dinner
Christmas Dinner
The whole school sat together for Christmas dinner, joined by some of our lovely volunteers. There was even time for a sing song to 'Last Christmas'
Pantomime Time
Pantomime Time
The whole school loved watching Aladdin. Thank you to M&M Productions for another fab show! And thanks to Mrs Price and Miss Harper from OPTFA for joining in with the dance-off.
Christingle
Christingle
The children made Christingles in class. The whole school then went to Testwood Baptist Church for the Christingle Service.
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