Embedded Files
Attendance Superstars so far this year......
97% - Year 5 & Year 4
Amazing news, well done so far!
A Note from Mr Mitton
A Note from Mr Mitton
What a whirlwind the first half of the summer term we've had at Oakfield Academy! From the get-go, our children leapt into a world of 'Ancient Civilisations' in Year 4, while Year 2 delved into the histories of British Monarchs. The classrooms have been buzzing with creativity, from storytelling sparked by clues, to a fantastic Tennis Festival for Years 3 and 4. We even managed to turn a spot of unexpected flooding into a demonstration of our school spirit, coming together to celebrate Eid over biscuits and vote in the Scholastic Lollies Book Awards.
Despite all the action, learning never took a backseat. We had Year 1 branching out into botany, Year 3 exploring various artists, and Year 6 giving their all to complete SATs. Year 5’s investigation into the Christian celebration of Pentecost, along with the immersive Sikh workshops for Years 1 and 2, amplified our cultural understanding. And, of course, how can we forget the joy that spread across faces when we reopened our field for lunchtime play? Amidst these academic explorations, our children also stepped out of their comfort zones for sleepovers and school-wide celebrations, enhancing the sense of camaraderie.
It’s been a bustling, vibrant first half, and I'm thrilled about what's to come in the second half. Thank you to everyone - parents, staff and of course our fantastic children, for making this term so remarkable so far.
- Mr Mitton
Things you may have missed...
Things you may have missed...
Staffing Updates
Staffing Updates
We're thrilled to welcome Miss Blackall to our team. She has recently completed her university studies to become a qualified teacher and will be working across the school as she awaits her degree to be awarded before embarking on her teaching journey with her own class in another school come September. She has already built a strong rapport with the children and is eagerly looking forward to enriching her experience with us this summer. We do sadly say goodbye to Dr Marsden and wish her well in the future in her career.
We also have the pleasure of welcoming back Mrs Spencer to the office following her time away for cancer treatment. We've missed her, and it's truly heartening to see her back.
As for Mrs Bundy, kindly refer to the detailed letter above for more information. As we approach half term, we will communicate further plans about bidding farewell to her.
Our warmest congratulations to Miss Light on her upcoming wedding over half term! We look forward to welcoming her back as Mrs Light-Rowsell.
In terms of class re-structuring, Miss Bray will be issuing a communication around the second week of June. This will follow our interview process and provide details on the confirmed distribution of adults across the school.
Welcoming Families
Welcoming Families
We are thrilled to welcome new children joining us in Year R in September 2023. Their parents came to a welcome evening on Wednesday 24 May and we are looking forward to working with them and welcoming them to the Oakfield family. There are 15 brand new families joining us and I know you will help to make them feel welcome and support them as their child starts school.
Places for 2024
Places for 2024
If you child is due to start school in September 2024 this is an opportunity to come and visit the school and chat to staff. Aimed at adults only. Click below to sign up.
Evening
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/627001246607
Afternoon
Changing Names
Changing Names
Oakfield Academy
We would like to remind you of a subtle change that you may begin to notice in our school's name.
While our school was originally named Oakfield Primary School, we are now finally beginning the transition to Oakfield Academy (our legal name). This change was initially planned to coincide with our conversion in 2019 but experienced some delays. The new name distinguishes our current school from the LA school (which closed in March 2019) and helps to avoid any confusion.
Please note that this transition is gradual and you will begin to see references interchangeably used over the summer term; it won't be an overnight change.
You might already see the new name referenced in various places, such as Google Maps and Arbor. Rest assured that there will be no immediate changes to uniforms, and both staff and pupils will continue to wear Oakfield Primary School-branded items until they need to be replaced. We anticipate that any phased uniform updates will likely occur from 2024 and there is no need to make any changes at all.
Logo Sneak Peak
Logo Sneak Peak
Please see the working draft of the academy's new logo.... it's not quite finished but we wanted to share this little sneak peak with you now before it's full launch in September!
Poll Results
Poll Results
We recently undertook a poll to understand your preferences concerning the day of the week our school events are timetabled. We appreciate your active participation in the poll. The results are now in, and it appears that the majority of families favour Friday for our events.
We understand that our community is diverse and everyone has different schedules and commitments. Therefore, it's an inevitable reality that no one solution will suit every individual perfectly. We acknowledge that the current timetable may not work for everyone and we are genuinely sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
We recognise the sense of guilt that can sometimes be felt by those unable to attend events due to conflicting commitments. Please know that it's okay if you can't make it to every event; your support is still greatly valued and appreciated in many different ways - your children still get to share with their friends, school staff and of course, a representative from your family if that suits you better.
Thank you for your understanding and continuous support.
Sun Safety
Sun Safety
With the arrival of the warmer months, it's important to remember sun protection - for those new to the school here is our annual reminder.
Water bottles
Sun hats
Sunscreen (applied before school)
Watch out for days when P.E. kits can be worn in place normal uniform
One of the simplest ways to provide sun protection is by wearing hats and suitable clothing as well as applying sunscreen. Please ensure that your child comes to school already wearing a layer of sunscreen. The sunscreen should ideally have a sun protection factor (SPF) suitable for their age and skin type be broad-spectrum (protecting against both UVA and UVB rays), and water-resistant.
We understand that reapplying generic sunscreen is recommended frequently, however, it is important to note that there are a few reasons why our staff members cannot apply sunscreen to the children. Firstly, it is a safeguarding issue, as it may not be appropriate or comfortable for both parties. Secondly, due to our staff-to-child ratio, it's often unfeasible for our staff to administer sunscreen in a timely and efficient manner.
Fortunately, there are sunscreens available that provide "all-day" (8 hours) protection and only need to be applied once - a link to one found online is available below, there are plenty of others available and you should search for the most suitable option for you.
Thank you for your continued support in providing a safe, fun, and healthy environment for all our children.
Our Half Term At A Glance!
Our Half Term At A Glance!
Week 1
Week 1
It was a delightful first week back! Year 4 began their work on the new History topic 'Ancient Civilisations' while Year 2 examined British Monarchs. Numerous classes spent time crafting their new stories, using clues!
Several children from Years 3 and 4 participated in a Tennis Festival, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Week 2
Week 2
It was a slightly different week than planned due to the flooding we experienced on Monday! Fortunately, the repairs progressed quickly and we anticipated having Years 4 and 5 back in their classrooms the following week.
Before the rain hit, the entire school savoured a biscuit as part of a celebratory lunch for Eid. That week, we also joined schools across the country to celebrate the Scholastic Lollies Book Awards. Some classes had already voted for their favourites, with the rest of the children scheduled to vote the following week.
Year 5 had a Greek day, and that same afternoon was our first Celebration Assembly of the term.
Week 3
Week 3
That week, Year 1 learned about plants while Year 3 explored different artists. There was great excitement across the school on Wednesday when the field was opened for lunchtime play! We kept our fingers crossed for a dry summer term so the children could enjoy ample playtime there.
That day marked our Coronation Celebration. After a morning in class, the entire school joined together for lunch.
Week 4
Week 4
Year 6 completed their SATS! They were fabulous that week, and we were all very proud of them. They celebrated with sausage and bacon sandwiches.
Elsewhere that week, Year 2 learned about animals and their offspring in Science, and Year 1 examined capacity in Maths. There was plenty of fun at OWL.
Week 5
Week 5
Years 1 and 2 participated in Sikh workshops, Year 3 examined Roman Emperors, and Year 5 learned about mixed media artwork.
That evening, many of our Year 2 and 3 children returned to school for a sleepover! They spent time at OWL and took part in activities before bedtime.
Week 6
Week 6
It’s been a very busy end to the half term. Year 2 have finished their SATs and Year 5 have been learning about the Christian celebration of Pentecost. Lots of activities have taken place during sunny OWL sessions.
We held a meeting for our new Year R intake on Wednesday. Lots of parents attended and we’re looking forward to welcoming the children soon for play sessions.
Look at us learning...
Look at us learning...
What we've been up to this half term...
What we've been up to this half term...
Year R: The children have taken great pleasure in learning about the Royal family. They have enjoyed dressing up as Kings and Queens, stepping into the shoes of the British monarchy, and understanding the significance of these roles.
Year 1 and Year 2: These classes were fortunate to receive a visit from the Sikh Education Service. This interactive session provided a wonderful opportunity for them to gain insights into the traditions, values, and customs of Sikhism, broadening their understanding of world religions.
Year 2 and Year 3: These children had a memorable experience with a sleepover at school. Participating in engaging Forest School activities, they then "slept" the night away in the school hall. We extend a huge thank you to Mrs Cooper, Mrs Roué, Mrs Price, and Mrs Marshall for ensuring a safe and fun time for all.
Year 4: The students delved into the Jewish custom of Shabbat, enhancing their cultural awareness. Following a hectic PE session, they took time to rest and reflect, mirroring the concept of the Shabbat's rest day.
Year 5: The students, along with Miss Light, warmly welcomed Miss Blackall, who is on the verge of completing her teaching degree. Her fresh insights and ideas have added value to the learning environment.
Year 6: The students successfully completed their SATs, demonstrating hard work and perseverance. Now, they are enthusiastically channelling their creativity and team spirit into planning their end-of-year production, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to showcase their talents.
What to look forward to soon …
What to look forward to soon …
Year R - Visiting Moors Valley
Year 1 - Trip to Marwell
Year 2 - Headteacher for the Day
Year 3 - Trip to Rockbourne Villa
Year 4 - Outdoor Adventure Activities
Year 5 - Swimming & Residential (Isle of Wight)
Year 6 - Residential (Isle of Wight) & Trip to Paulton's Park
Year R
Year R
We are always busy in Year R, we have been finding out about objects from the past. We love our Outdoor Woodland Learning sessions.
Y1
Y1
Y2
Y2
Sikh Workshop
Look at our caterpillars!
Y3
Y3
Roman rulers
Year 4
Year 4
PE outside
Year 5
Year 5
Team work and resilience
Year 6
Year 6
Post SATs bacon and sausage baps! Well done everyone!
Character Development
Character Development
Lollies Book Awards
Lollies Book Awards
The whole school took part in voting for our favourite funny books as recommended by Scholastic. Year R and 1 voted for their favourite funny picture book and decided "Wee? It wasn't me!" by Clare Helen Welsh was their favourite. Year 2 and 3 looked at funny poetry books and loved Yapping Away by Joshua Seigal. Year 4, 5 and 6 explored funny non-fiction books and voted "Unleash your creative monster" by Andy Jones as being the funniest. We now wait to see if the rest of the UK schools agreed with us, as the winners will be announced later on in the summer term.
Coronation Celebrations
Coronation Celebrations
The children honoured the King's Coronation in school with jubilant celebrations. Donning the colours of red, white, and blue, they assembled for a communal lunch in the hall. Classroom activities were in full swing, culminating in the setting up of stalls and a cake sale in the afternoon. A token of remembrance, a commemorative medal, was presented to each child by the PTA. Here are some highlights:
Year R: After reading 'Winnie the Pooh Meets the King', the children showed off their knowledge of Buckingham Palace and King Charles. They each drew a self-portrait for a colossal card destined for King Charles himself and sported their nature crowns for lunch with pride.
Year 1: The pupils discovered the differences in schooling during the 1950s and 1960s when King Charles would have been in school. The whole school 'street party' style lunch was a delight before they penned down their heartfelt good luck messages for the King.
Year 2: The students crafted a timeline chronicling the King’s life and penned down their personal messages in cards.
Year 3: In a unique Collaborative Art project, each child coloured a piece of a puzzle without knowing what it represented. Once completed, they assembled the pieces together to reveal the entire picture.
Year 4: The students made merry with a musical composition activity, filling the air with joyful noise. They revelled in a delectable lunch and a multitude of Coronation-themed activities in the afternoon.
Year 5: Donning the hats of engineers, they explored structures and the various ways to make supportive structures. They practised different techniques and later incorporated these in their designs for a new palace for King Charles.
Year 6: The pupils learned about King Charles' hosting of the South African president. They delved into the traditions associated with a state visit and reflected on why it was crucial for Great Britain to maintain positive relationships with countries in the Commonwealth.
Coronation Tree Planting
Coronation Tree Planting
We embarked on a special project - the planting of a new tree in our school grounds. The day was far from perfect with rain pouring down, but it did not dampen our spirits.
Our brave group of volunteers, armed with shovels and smiles, joined Mrs Isaac in what can only be described as a wonderful display of camaraderie and determination. Despite the unfavourable weather, they dug deep (both figuratively and literally) and successfully planted the tree that will stand as a testament to our community's resilience and shared joy over the coronation.
To each and every one of you who braved the rain and helped Mrs Isaac - thank you. Thank you for your time, your effort, and your undeterred enthusiasm. Your willingness to participate in this celebratory endeavour, despite the rain, was truly heartening.
The tree we planted together is more than just a symbol of the King's Coronation. It is a testament to our shared spirit, strength, and commitment to making our school a better place. As we watch it grow over the years, we will be reminded of this memorable day and the dedicated people who made it possible.
Attendance
Attendance
Safeguarding & Staying Healthy
Safeguarding & Staying Healthy
The Breck Foundation
The Breck Foundation
We recently hosted an online meeting with the esteemed Breck Foundation, focusing on children's online safety, a topic we all know is of paramount importance. We were thrilled to see so many parents and carers join us, eager to learn and understand more about the ever-evolving world of technology and how we can better safeguard our children online.
The Breck Foundation, renowned for their dedication to online safety education, shared invaluable insights, tips, and resources with us. Their presentation was thought-provoking and pertinent, giving us all a greater understanding of the digital world our children are growing up in.
The engagement and the thought-provoking questions raised during the Q&A session were heartening. We appreciate your active participation and the genuine concern you all show for the wellbeing and safety of our children.
As a school, we strive to maintain a safe environment for our children both physically and virtually. This includes our in-school programs such as NSPCC assemblies, online safety workshops, PSHE and RSE lessons, and other initiatives aimed at child safety. We also realise the importance of extending these safety discussions to our adult community.
Thank you for being an integral part of our safety-focused community. We firmly believe that our collective effort and commitment to understanding and navigating the online world will go a long way in keeping our children safe.
Pastoral & Family Support
Pastoral & 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.
Additional Support
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 Miss Poole 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
Looking Ahead....
Looking Ahead....
Please check Dojo for any changes and updates since this was published.
Please check Dojo for any changes and updates since this was published.
Summer Term 1
Summer Term 1
See Dojo for Full Details and Latest Information...
Week 1:
Monday, 5 June 2023:
Multiplication Check Week
RE Week
Tuesday, 6 June 2023:
Swimming
Thursday, 8 June 2023:
Y6 Transition Workshop, Mental Health Support Team (6)
Friday, 9 June 2023:
Trip to Marwell (1)
Celebration Assembly - In Class (All)
Year 5, Extra OWL Session (5)
Week 2:
Monday, 12 June 2023:
Phonics Screening Check Week (1)
Road Safety, Virtual Training (5/6)
Tuesday, 13 June 2023:
NO Year R OWL
Swimming (5)
OPTFA - Father's Day Gift Room (All)
Wednesday, 14 June 2023:
Staff Meeting: TBA
Thursday, 15 June 2023:
Testwood Maths Teacher Visiting (6)
Friday, 16 June 2023:
Father's Day Breakfast (R-6)
New starters Stay and play
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Day (Wear Yellow) (R-6)
Camping in School (4-5)
Saturday, 17 June 2023:
Camping in School (4-5)
Week 3:
Monday, 19 June 2023:
Victorian School Day (C, Yes, 1)
Tuesday, 20 June 2023:
Swimming (5)
Moors Valley Visit (R)
Wednesday, 21 June 2023:
NO OWL TODAY
Y3/4 Langley Manner, Cricket
New Starters - Teddy Bears picnic
Friday, 23 June 2023:
Celebration Assembly - In Class (R-4)
5/6 Residential Visit -> 26 June (5-6)
Week 4:
Tuesday, 27 June 2023:
Swimming ( 5)
KS1 Cricket Event (Calmore) (1-2)
Wednesday, 28 June 2023:
Hallett Photography - class photos
Friday, 30 June 2023:
Sports Day (C, Yes, 1-6)
Summer Fair (C, Yes, R-6)
Week 5:
Monday, 3 July 2023:
Work Experience Students In (C, No, 1 & 3)
Tuesday, 4 July 2023:
Swimming (C, Yes, 5)
Wednesday, 5 July 2023:
Romsey Transition Day (C, Yes)
Testwood Transition Day (C, Yes)
Thursday, 6 July 2023:
Testwood Transition Day (C, Yes)
Oakfield Transition Day (C)
Home visits (C)
Friday, 7 July 2023:
Testwood Transition Day (C, Yes)
Oakfield Transition Day (C, Yes)
New starters Stay and Play (C)
Celebration Assembly - In Class (C, Yes, All)
Week 6:
Monday, 10 July 2023:
Home visits (C)
Tuesday, 11 July 2023:
Swimming (C, Yes, 5)
Thursday, 13 July 2023:
Governor Day (Change of time) (C, Yes, N/A)
Friday, 14 July 2023:
The Gateway Trust Parent Workshop (C, Yes, All)
Annual Reports Go Home (C, Yes, All)
Express Afternoon (C, Yes, All)
Week 7:
Monday, 17 July 2023:
NO OWL THIS WEEK
Pirates of the Curry Bean, Dress Rehearsal, School (C, Yes)
Tuesday, 18 July 2023:
Pirates of the Curry Bean, Performances (C, Yes)
Thursday, 20 July 2023:
Trip - Paultons Park (C, Yes, 6)
Friday, 21 July 2023:
Leavers' Services (C, Yes, All)
Site & Grounds
Site & Grounds
Summer
Summer
Opening Up The Offices
Opening Up The Offices
Nothing new here, just a reminder: During the summer, we have preliminary plans to enhance the reception office area of our school. As part of these plans, we intend to fix and upgrade the front door, which has been known to be temperamental and frustrating at times. Additionally, we plan to eliminate the temporary wall that divides the office hatch and the main school entrance, creating a much more welcoming and spacious area for families to wait in, regardless of the weather conditions.
Furthermore, we plan to install new digital locks on all doors leading to the reception and year 1 classrooms, the headteacher's office, the hall, and the central offices to ensure the continued safety of our children. We are also aiming to create a designated meeting space for families, adding to the overall functionality and welcoming atmosphere of the area.
While many details are still to be confirmed, we are excited to share our current ideas and look forward to making further improvements to our school reception area.
Summer
Summer
Pond Updates
Pond Updates
Nothing new here, just a reminder: Due to a shortage of volunteers at OPTFA recently, the project has been delayed despite their hard work in trying to secure more resources. If you are interested in supporting the project, we encourage you to contact OPTFA and consider volunteering your time.
OPTFA has been dedicated to bringing a new pond area to our community, and we are grateful for the generous contributions from our families. We have collaborated with Alex Webster Landscapes to design the ideal pond area, and despite receiving donations from local businesses and even a contribution from Councillor Penman, we are still short £2,000. However, with the assistance of The Gateway Trust, the trustees have agreed to cover the remaining cost, and the project will proceed.
We want to express our sincere appreciation to everyone who has helped make this project a reality, particularly Kim from OPTFA, who has been the driving force behind this initiative. We are confident that the new pond area will be a wonderful addition to our community, and we look forward to seeing everyone enjoy it.
Year 6 SATS Poem - Incase you missed it
Year 6 SATS Poem - Incase you missed it
To the children of Year Six,
your moment has arrived,
The SATs are drawing near,
but fear not, for
you'll excel and truly thrive.
Teachers through the years have nurtured,
At Oakfield, they've shown you the way,
Guiding you at every turn,
As you've journeyed day by day.
Mr Cooke's been by your side,
helping you organise and recall,
The knowledge you've acquired,
Now it's time to use it all!
In spelling, you've discovered
apostrophes for contractions,
Mastering the rules of speech,
Closing your mind to all distractions.
Reading comprehension
opened doors to worlds unknown,
As you delved into stories,
your imagination has flown.
Maths has taught you numbers,
finding areas of shapes,
From triangles to rectangles,
You even missed out on some breaks.
You've tackled challenges like,
decimals and fractions it's true,
Percentages and ratios,
Mean, Median and Mode too!
With knowledge gained and minds enriched,
you're set to face these tests,
But do remember, you're children,
And tests can't measure all your bests.
Oliver, with his wisdom,
and Holly, so bright,
Sam's laughter fills the room,
while Riley charms all with his might.
Niamh's there with kindness,
and, Ruby so headstrong,
Dylan brings his creativity,
as Damon strums his song.
Lara and Ria,
future prime ministers, I'm sure one day,
As Cait-Lynne shows her courage,
and Eloise leads the play.
Emma, gentle spirit,
and Esmay, full of grace,
Sidney and Jake,
Who always have a smile upon their face.
Jazzmin, ever-glamorous,
and Harry, sharing humorous tales,
Stephen swift to aid the ones in need,
and Rio, on his motocross, prevails.
Ollie's full of humour,
and Theo's got heart and soul,
Each one of you has greatness,
each one of you is whole.
As SATs approach, remember,
restful sleep is what you need,
To stay focused and attentive,
and spectacularly succeed.
Regardless of the outcome,
you'll always shine like stars,
For it's not just scores that matter,
but the wonderful people you are.
Best of luck, dear Year Six,
And to others across the UK,
Eat well, rest, and unwind,
We'll see you at 8 am on Tuesday
Wishing you all a very safe and happy half-term.
Mr Mitton
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