Spring 1

A Note from Mr Mitton

This first half term has been filled with excitement and a sense of purpose as we've worked together to settle into 2023. There are lots of highlights below and calendar updates available on the events section of Class Dojo. Wishing you a restful (and eventful) half term. Keep safe.

- Mr Mitton

Lunchtime Changes

Pleas read this letter outling information reagrding lunchtime changes.

Download Letter

Upcoming Events

A list of upcoming dates for planning purposes.

Please see Dojo for confirmed events and information.

Thank you

See Dates

Term Dates 2023 - 2024

We apologise for the delay in passing on the term dates for the 2023 - 2024 academic year. This was due to a delay caused by Mr Mitton's illness at the beginning of the year.

INSET DATES IN YELLOW are still to be confirmed as we are waiting on external providers of training to confirm availability, however, this should give you a good idea of the holiday dates in order to make bookings.

Please note that these dates different slightly from Hampshire County Council Dates.

Download Draft Dates

Important Information

Staffing Updates

We're saying goodbye to Mrs Staddon as she leaves our school to start on a new journey her future outside of Primary Education. We thank her for her time with us and wish her every success.

Mrs Marshall and Mrs Rimmer will be moving to Year 4 and have been working with Mrs Staddon to facilitate a strong handover of information.

Please contact Miss Light in the first instance if you have any questions or concerns as she is the senior leader with responsibility for KS2.

As many of you may already know, Mrs Spencer has been undergoing cancer treatment and not been in school for the last few months, and while she has been making progress, she is not yet fully recovered but is mentally fit and well.

She sends her warmest wishes to everyone and is looking forward to coming back to the school later this year, although we want to make sure her health is prioritised.

Gateway Trust Parent/Carer Workshop

Thank you to all those parents and carers who came to the first ever Gateway Trust workshop on Friday before the Express Afternoon. It was great to see so many of you there. I really appreciated your honesty and your feedback. Mr Mitton and I have met and discussed the feedback together, the outcome of which is available below.

Thanks again for taking the time to attend.

For those that were unable to make it this time, we’re going to offer a quick 30 minute feedback session before every Express Afternoon so once a half term. Look forward to seeing you there.

Thanks again to those that were able to attend. I really enjoyed meeting with you all.

Mrs Harrison-Jones

Download Feedback

Incase you missed updates from each week...

Week 1

This week was a joyous one, as the children enjoyed being back at school, playing with their friends and engaging in their learning. Mrs Cooper also settled well into Year 2.

Year 6 enjoyed their first (OWL) sessions of the year, where they had the opportunity to explore the local environment and learn about the local flora and fauna. Meanwhile, Year 3 were busy creating space creatures and Year 5 took on the role of photographers.

It was wonderful to see the students back in the classroom and making the most of their time at school.

Week 2

To start the week, Year 6 had a fantastic trip to the SeaCity Museum where they learned about the history and culture of the local area. The students were engaged and enthusiastic throughout the visit and we received great feedback from the museum staff.

Later in the week, Year 3 were treated to a visit from a STEM Ambassador who gave an engaging presentation on volcanoes. The students were fascinated by the topic and had many questions for the ambassador.

In another classroom, Year R had been treated to the opportunity to look after some African land snails and millipedes. This hands-on experience has allowed the children to learn about the care and responsibility involved in caring for living creatures.

Additionally, our Year 5/6 athletics team continued to excel, participating in another event at Testwood School. They performed exceptionally well and are now in second place in Pool 2.

Week 3

This week at our school has been filled with exciting activities and learning opportunities for all our pupils.

Year 2 took part in an Art workshop where they explored their creativity and honed their artistic skills.

Year 5 had the opportunity to dissect lilies, learning about the structure and functions of different parts of the flower.

Year 3 also had an engaging experience, as they designed and built their own race tracks.

Meanwhile, Year R had their first OWL session, where they explored the woodland and learned about the environment.

Week 4

This week, our youngest students in Year R have had a busy and educational experience, learning about the traditions and customs of Chinese New Year and also the importance of taking care of the world and recycling.

In Year 1, the students explored their engineering skills, while Year 3 learned about the life and work of the famous fossil hunter Mary Anning. Year 5 also had a productive week, producing fantastic art work. Additionally, Year 6 had a great time at their OWL session, where they had the opportunity to practice fire lighting and were responsible for keeping the fire going to heat water for hot chocolate.

This coming weekend, the RSPB is hosting the Big Garden Birdwatch. We encourage all students and families to sign up and take part in this exciting event to learn about and observe the birds in your local area. You can sign up here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/

Week 5

At OWL (Outdoor Woodland Learning) , Year 1 and 4 had the opportunity to create bird feeders and learn about the different types of birds that visit their local environment.

In Geography, Year 2 students put their writing skills to the test, as they wrote non-chronological reports.

Meanwhile, Year R have been exploring mathematical concepts, such as mass and capacity.

Year 6 students have been preparing for their upcoming SATs, as they completed a set of practice papers to build their confidence and skills.

In Art, Year 5 students were exploring light and shadows, using chalk to create stunning pieces of work.

Week 6

The past week has been busy and educational for our children, as they took part in various activities and events.

During RE Week, Year 3 learned about the significance of Lent, while Year 2 explored the traditions and customs of Hanukkah.

Year 5 and 6 students were treated to a performance of "The Addams Family" at The Romsey School, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

Year R students spent time exploring the natural world, as they engaged in leaf printing and tree-rubbing activities at OWL.

We finished with a big celebration assembly too!

Happy Half term.

Look at us learning...

Year R - OWL

During their time at Outdoor Woodland Learning (OWL), Year R children demonstrated their teamwork skills as they worked together to create homes and shelters for woodland animals and birds. Their imagination and resourcefulness were evident as they constructed their shelters using natural materials found in the woodland.

The children were also able to express their thoughts and ideas with confidence, using fantastic vocabulary to describe the features of their shelters. For example, they explained how the sticks were used as bridges, how the leaves provided insulation and camouflage for hedgehogs, and how covers were used to keep the animals dry in the rain.

In addition to building shelters, the children also enjoyed cooking in the mud kitchen and went on a bug-hunting adventure. This hands-on learning experience allowed them to connect with nature and develop their creativity, problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Y1 - Maths

Year 1 learned about the properties of 3D shapes and what makes the special. They have also compared and contrasted different shapes, using language such as 'sphere', 'cube', 'cylinder', and 'cone'.

The children have shown a great understanding of these concepts and have been able to apply them in real-life situations, such as identifying 3D shapes in the environment around them. These activities have helped to develop their problem-solving skills and logical thinking, as well as reinforcing their understanding of basic mathematical concepts. It has been a fun and engaging way for the children to learn and they have made great progress in their understanding of 3D shapes.

Y2 - R.E.

As part of their Religious Education studies, Year 2 delved into the rich cultural tradition of Hanukkah. The children were introduced to the concept of the menorah and its significance in the celebration of Hanukkah. Through hands-on activities, the students had the opportunity to put their creative skills to the test by sculpting their own unique menorahs using clay and adding the finishing touch with candles. This exciting and engaging learning experience allowed the children to gain a deeper understanding of the Jewish faith and its customs. Overall, it was a fun and educational experience that the children thoroughly enjoyed.

Y3 - R.E.

The start of Lent is an important event for the Christian calendar and the children in Year 3 have been exploring this in their Religious Education lessons. They have been learning about the significance of Lent and the ways in which people observe this period of self-reflection and sacrifice. To kick off their learning, the children in Year 3 were treated to a delicious pancake treat, where they got to taste different toppings and enjoy the traditional sweet treat.

The Pancake Day event was not only a fun way to start the Lenten season, but also an opportunity for the children to learn about the different ways in which Lent is celebrated across the world. They got to explore the customs and traditions of Pancake Day and understand why it is a popular food choice during this time of year. The children were also encouraged to think about the meaning behind Lent and what they can do to observe this period in their own lives.

The Pancake Day event was a great success and the children in Year 3 enjoyed learning about Lent in a fun and interactive way. It was a great start to their Lenten journey and we hope that this experience will encourage them to continue learning about the significance of this special time in the Christian calendar.

Year 4 - OWL

It was a busy start to the sesion for Year 4 at OWL. The children kicked off their afternoon with a few minutes of quiet mindfulness, taking the time to focus on their breathing and be present in the moment. This was a great way to start the sessions and set the tone for the rest of their time at OWL.

Afterwards, they got straight to work building fantastic dens in small groups. The children showed excellent collaboration skills, working together to create some truly amazing structures. They used their creativity and imagination to build dens that were both sturdy and imaginative.

To finish off their time at OWL, the children enjoyed toasting marshmallows around the campfire. This was a fun and relaxing end to a busy day, and the children all enjoyed the experience of toasting marshmallows and chatting with their friends. Overall, it was a fantastic day of learning and fun for Year 4 at OWL.

Year 5 - P.E.

The PE session was not only a great workout for their bodies, but also for their minds as they had to problem solve and think creatively about how to overcome the different obstacles. They all showed great determination and teamwork.

By the end of the session, the children were beaming with pride at what they had achieved and were already asking when they could come back to the climbing wall again! This PE session was a fantastic example of how physical activity can be both fun and challenging, encouraging children to push themselves beyond their limits and grow in confidence.

Year 6 - Geography

From group presentations with informative slides to hands-on models showcasing the differences between the two oceans, Year 6 proved their understanding of the topic in a variety of creative ways. The children also discussed the challenges that both oceans face and how they are being addressed, from melting ice caps in the Arctic to plastic pollution in the Southern Ocean.

It was great to see the children take an active interest in our world's oceans and the impact we have on them. They were able to articulate the importance of protecting these vital environments and how we can all make a difference. Overall, the Geography lesson was a fantastic example of engaging, thought-provoking and impactful learning.

Site & Grounds

The Pond - Updates

OPTFA have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring to life a new pond area for our community. Our families have generously contributed funds, and we are grateful for their support.

We have been working closely with Alex Webster from Alex Webster Landscapes to design the perfect pond area, and despite receiving donations from local companies, free labour, and even a donation from Councillor Penman, the project is still £4,000 short. However, with the support of The Gateway Trust, the trustees have agreed to fund the difference, and the project is going ahead.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in making this project a reality, especially to Kim from the OPTFA, who has been the driving force behind this initiative. We are confident that the new pond area will be a fantastic addition to our community, and we can't wait for everyone to enjoy it.

New Flooring

We are excited to share an update about the school, and specifically, the area outside the Year R and Year 1 classrooms.

Over the half-term break, we will be installing new flooring in this area. This project is part of our ongoing efforts to improve the visual aesthetics of the school and provide a safe and modern learning environment for our children. The new flooring will not only enhance the look of the school but also provide a better more durable surface for children to use.

We're hoping the flooring will be completed by the end of the holidays, but we assure you that every effort will be made to minimise disruption should it not be, as the work will be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible.

We are confident that the new flooring will provide a comfortable and supportive environment for our students during their learning sessions, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have.

Personal Character Development

Clubs

We are pleased to announce the clubs for Spring 2, starting on 27th February and running for five weeks. All staff-run clubs will take place on Monday from 3:15pm to 4:15pm, while Zuko Sports clubs will take place on Tuesday from 3:15pm to 4:15pm. All pick-ups for Zuko Sports clubs will be from outside the hall doors.

We have a variety of free and paid clubs available, catering to different interests and ages. For our younger students, we have Singing games with Miss Ramsdale and Mrs Turner, Sports Club with Mr Cooke, Dance Club with Miss Light, and Cookery Club with Mrs Bundy for a fee of £3.50. For older students, we have Board Games Club with Mr Mitton, Sports Skills Club with Mrs Roue, Story and Craft Club with Mrs Marshall and Mrs Lailey for a fee of £2.50, and a Gardening and School Spruce Up Club with Mrs Isaac, but a parent/carer must attend too.

In addition, Zuko Sports is offering Football Club and Lego Club, both for all years at a cost of £10.

We encourage all students to participate in these clubs as they provide a great opportunity for students to develop new skills, make new friends, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.

Athletics

In our 2nd Sportshall league match at Testwood School, the Athletics team put in an outstanding effort to climb to 2nd place in Pool 2.

Special shoutouts include:

Emma: coming 1st in both her races and running twice in the relay
Ollie: a quick 2nd place in his race before heading off for football training
Ruby: mastering the triple jump technique of a hop, skip and a jump
Liam: helping his time despite carrying a slight injury
Sid: running twice in the relay and taking part in both jumping events: long jump and triple jump
Poppy: a mammoth shot put throw and being a super supportive team mate
Sam: showing determination and encouragement for all athletes who took part, helping his team to a brilliant 2nd in the relay

I was so proud of the team last night and the way they each supported each other and filled gaps despite being an athlete short!

Mr Cooke

Attendance

We're continuing to work hard to raise the profile and importance of school attendance. We're really pleased to have been awarded a certificate for our attendance.

Well done everyone, it's amazing news...not only because we got a shiny certificate, but because it means children at Oakfield have a much better chance at achieving their best compared to those in other schools. It demonstrates a positive attitude to learning and parental support too.

Autumn Award

The first award is for being in the top 10% of similar schools nationally (this is schools of a similar size with similar proportions of different groups of children) in the autumn term.

Autumn Award

The second award is for being in the top 25% of schools nationally for attendance in the autumn term!

Here are 5 reasons attendance is important at Oakfield:

1 - Academic success: Regular attendance at school is directly linked to better academic performance. Pupils who attend school regularly are more likely to understand the material and keep up with their peers.

2 - Improved social skills: Attending school regularly helps children develop and maintain strong relationships with classmates and teachers, which is important for their social and emotional development.

3 - Better habits and routines: Regular attendance helps students develop good habits and routines, which can benefit them in many areas of their life.

4 - Personal growth and development: School provides students with opportunities to learn new skills, explore their interests, and discover their passions. Regular attendance can help children make the most of these opportunities and reach their full potential.

5 - Exposure to diverse perspectives: Attending school exposes pupils to diverse perspectives and helps them learn to appreciate and respect people who are different from themselves. This is important for their personal growth and development.

Pastoral & Family Support

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.

e.poole@oakfield.hants.sch.uk

P.A.C.E

P.A.C.E. (Parent, Carer and Professionals Events) engage families in understanding the needs and difficulties that young people can face.

The events help parents, carers and professionals who support or work with young people to gain more confidence and knowledge on managing issues or concerns they may have about their young person.

Workshops are run by experts in their field, such as youth organisations and Hampshire CAMHS.

Attendees can choose which sessions they would like to attend; select as many or as few as you would like. Please see the attachments for more information including dates, times and locations.

📆 Book your workshop space at:

Book Here

Additional Support

💻 Our school website is packed with information, links and places you can go for additional support in school and from outside agencies.

As some families who attended our Support Workshop will know, Miss Bray and I put together a document full of information and links to websites, contact details and referral forms that can be accessed by families at any time.

As well as attaching the presentation to this post, you can also find this, and other information, on the school website under the tab 'Help and Support' and then either 'SEN' or 'Family Support'.

➡️ SEN link -

https://www.oakfield.hants.sch.uk/help-support/sen

➡️ Family Support link -

https://www.oakfield.hants.sch.uk/help-support/family-support

Download Letter

Safeguarding & Staying Healthy

Safeguarding Survey Feedback

Thank you to the 46 families who responded to our recent safeguarding survey towards the end of last year. Your input and feedback are invaluable in our efforts to continue to sustain a safe and inclusive environment for all students at our school.

We understand that the topic of safety and in particular - bullying - can be a source of anxiety for many parents, and we want to assure you that we take the issue very seriously. We want to ensure that families can openly and easily report any instance of bullying directly to the senior team. As a direct result of the feedback received in this survey, you will shortly notice a new facility to report your concerns on our website.

We would like to assure you that our school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students. We have a dedicated team of staff and resources in place to support students who may be experiencing bullying, and we encourage any students or families who have concerns to come forward and speak with us.

The results of the survey have provided us with valuable information and insights that will help us to better understand and address any issues related to safeguarding in general within our school community and are pleased with the high levels of satisfaction in the school.

Thank you once again for your participation in the survey and for your continued support of our school. We are committed to working together to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

Miss Light

Download

🍏 Healthy Choices

We’re looking for your support in promoting healthy eating habits among our children. Specifically, I would like to request that you limit unhealthy snacks to Fridays as our treat day and provide healthier options for Monday through Thursday.

Research has shown that a balanced diet can have a positive impact on a child's academic performance, as well as their overall physical and mental well-being. By providing healthier snack options during the school week, we can help to ensure that our children are getting the nutrients they need to stay focused and energised throughout the day.

I understand that it can be difficult to find healthy snacks that are both convenient and appealing to children. However, there are many options available, such as fresh fruit, veggies, and yogurt. You can also try to make healthy snacks at home that are easy to pack and take on the go, like homemade granola bars, trail mix (no nuts), and smoothies.

As a nut-free school, it is imperative that you refrain from providing any products that contain nuts or are made from nut-based ingredients. This is crucial as we have students with allergies, and exposure to such products could have significant consequences.

I appreciate your support in this important initiative. Together, we can help our children to develop healthy habits that will benefit them for the rest of their lives as well as developing the understanding that treats are welcomed in moderation.

Here is a link to a resources which you may find helpful when preparing lunch boxes at home:

Mr Mitton

Visit Site

From The Office...

Healthier Together

We have been asked to share the attached poster with you by the NHS. It gives you information on an App they are promoting to help support you with knowing if your child is too unwell for school.

While we will always promote school attendance, however if your child is unwell and likely to be contagious please do not send them to school.

As a reminder:

We will send home any child with a temperature at or above 38oC
We require children to be off school for 48 hours from the last bout of any sickness and diarrhoea.
We can only administer prescribed medication, this needs to be in the labelled boxes and there is a form to complete.
If we feel your child needs liquid paracetamol or Piration during the school day we will always get your verbal consent first by phoning you or another emergency contact.

Please support us this winter to all stay healthy by encouraging your child to wash their hands regularly and teaching them how to blow their nose.

Mrs Lailey

Website: Healthier Together

Conjunctivitis

We wanted to bring to your attention an ongoing issue with Conjunctivitis in our school. It appears that this is not just a local issue, but a wider problem affecting many schools at present.

According to NHS guidance, children can attend school as long as they are not feeling unwell. The treatment for Conjunctivitis is with eye drops that can be obtained from a pharmacy. However, as these drops are not prescribed, we are unable to administer them in school. During the first two days of the infection, children will need to use these drops every two hours. Therefore, we would recommend keeping your child at home during this time.

Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can cause discomfort and pain, although it is not usually serious. We are taking steps to promote good hand hygiene among our students and encourage them to avoid touching their eyes and face. We would appreciate your support in communicating this message to your child at home as well.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding in helping us prevent the spread of Conjunctivitis in our school.

Looking Ahead....

Upcoming Draft Dates

We wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with an update on the upcoming events and activities taking place in school over the next few weeks.

Week 21:

On Tuesday, 21 February, Year 2 will be going on a trip to Lepe.
Parent Meetings will take place on Wednesday, 22 February and Friday, 24 February. These will be for all year groups (R-6).
On Wednesday, 22 February, the Brockenhurst Girls Football team will be playing.

Week 22:

The staff meeting on Tuesday, 28 February will include Feedback from Subject Leaders and New Boards.
On Wednesday, 1 March, there will be a Year 3 Class Assembly, and Year 5 will be going on a visit to Asda.

Week 23:

Girls Football (AM) and Boys Football (PM) will take place on Tuesday, 7 March.
On Wednesday, 8 March, there will be a Year 2 Class Assembly.
Athletics will take place on Thursday, 9 March from 4pm to 6pm at Testwood.
On Friday, 10 March, the whole school will be participating in the Holi colour throw.

Week 24:

Assessment Week will take place from Monday, 13 March.
The Mothers' Day Gift Room will be open on Tuesday, 14 March and Wednesday, 15 March from 9am to 11am.
On Wednesday, 15 March, there will be a Year 1 Class Assembly.
Mother's Day Breakfast will take place on Friday, 17 March.

Week 25:

On Wednesday, 22 March, there will be a Year R Class Assembly.
On Friday, 24 March, there will be a Science Fair and GMAT Workshop.

Week 26:

On Monday, 27 March, Year 3 will be going on a trip to Southampton for Urban Pioneers.
Phonics Screening Workshop will take place on Tuesday, 28 March for Year 1.
Mrs Angel's Music Assembly will take place on Wednesday, 29 March.
On Wednesday, 29 March, Year R will be going on a trip to the City Farm and the Boys Football team will be playing at Brockenhurst College.
Testwood Lakes will take place on Thursday, 30 March for Year 4.

Please note that the above dates and activities are subject to change, and we will keep you informed of any updates. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Science Fair

We are excited to announce the upcoming Oakfield Science Fair on Friday, 24th March. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their scientific thinking and learning.

During an assembly, the children were introduced to the science fair and encouraged to ask and test questions through hands-on experimentation. For example, they could test if longer paper planes fly further than shorter ones, explore the best way to keep ice cold, or investigate whether people can taste food if they can’t see it. The possibilities are endless and we can't wait to see what brilliant ideas our students come up with.

Another option is for students to showcase their science learning through posters, models, or presentations. They could create their own solar system, draw a poster to show how flowers grow, or invent a magnet game and explain how it works.

On Friday, 24 March, students will need to bring in their projects to display to their classmates and turn Oakfield into a science museum for Express Afternoon. We hope you can join us for this exciting event.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing the amazing projects our students will create.

Mrs Roué

In addition, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you that you can also volunteer to help with the running of the gift room and/or wrapping duties.

This is a great way to support our school and get involved in the event. If you have some spare time and are interested in volunteering, please visit the PTA Events link for more information.

Visit Site

Page updated

Report abuse