leigh academy paddock wood

Newsletter

Mr moore's news update

Dear Parents and Carers,

I welcome you back after what I hope was an enjoyable break filled with Easter fun, ample chocolate and a great chance to spend time with your families.

We have returned to school full of energy and I have continued to hear brilliant stories from our Year 5 team who are over in Wales for an exciting residential trip packed full of outdoor learning and personal development. Many of the activities are challenging the children to work in teams, develop confidence and communicate effectively all whilst stepping outside of their comfort zone. I can't wait to hear how much the children have enjoyed themselves when they return. There are a number of Year 5 children who have stayed at Paddock Wood and are putting Mr Cole through his paces with outdoor learning, challenge days and creative activities which are proving fabulous fun.

For the rest of the school it is business as usual in what is a fast paced and jam packed module. Year 6 are preparing diligently for their SATs in the week beginning 12th May and there are so many events happening (including the bank holiday on Monday 5th May) so please keep checking MCAS and our weekly newsletters to stay on top of it all.

We are also in the throes of preparing our Forest School, as supported by our fantastic PTA, who are helping to resource and equip us ready to start officially in the new academic year. But there is a great deal of work to do! If any parents or family members are handy gardeners or have the passion, skills or resources that will support Mrs Watson in preparing the Forest School area then we welcome any support on Tuesday 27th May and/or Thursday 29th May during our half term between the hours of 10am and 3pm. It will likely be hard work but we will provide refreshments and thank you profusely for your help. You may even even feature in the newsletter! If you are interested and would like to put forward a helping hand then please contact our school office via info@paddockwood.latrust.org.uk

We are expecting warmer weather next week with temperatures exceeding 20 degrees. Please can you take the necessary precautions in preparing your child for school each day. I would advise applying sun cream before school and sending your child into school with ample water and a labelled sunhat. We hope to make use of our fantastic field during breaktimes and lessons.

Thank you for your continued support and I hope you all enjoy the weekend.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Moore

Paddock wood influencers

We are delighted to introduce the Paddock Wood Influencers this term to our academy.

This group will be supporting all pupils with online safety within school and at home - looking at new ideas to improve what we have in place already and identifying any new trends or risks online. Watch this space for updates!

attendance

This week our overall academy attendance has been 96.8%.

Our winning year group is Year 3 this week with 98.6% so congratulations to all pupils for being in school as much as you can!

All Year 3 children have received some additional playtime today to celebrate this...and of course will be the holders of the Attendance Weekly Cup for a week!

Proud@paddockwoodcommunity

This week we are really proud of...

phoebe 4j

Phoebe took part in the closed Kent Judo competition! There was just 5 that entered and she was the only girl from her group!

This was her first proper competition against other dojos and she tried her hardest and came away with a silver!

pta

Thank you to the PTA for our fantastic benches that have arrived! They are a great addition to the playgrounds and I am sure they will be well used everyday.

Office Messages

Year 6 Summer Trips - The next instalment for the Year 6 Summer trips is due on Monday (28th April). Please go to MCAS>Outstanding Payments to make payment if you haven't already done so. If your child is eligible for free school meals and would like a school provided packed lunch for these trips please order this via MCAS>Products by 9th May 2025 if you haven't already done so.

Uniform Offer - Brigade, one of our uniform suppliers, are offering a 10% discount on all orders between Saturday 3rd May – Monday 5th May

Promo Code: BANKHOL10 https://www.brigade.uk.com/parents/

School Meals - Next week will be Week 2 of the school meal menu. Our menu can be found in MCAS>Important Documents and our website at https://www.leighacademypaddockwood.org.uk/academy-life/school-meals-fsm/

space 2 be me

Space 2 Talk is an informal support group for parents & carers of children with additional needs. People come along for several reasons, sometimes it is to seek specific advice or information, perhaps to share ideas or get reassurance or it might be to connect with others who understand. No formal diagnosis is required, and we support people no matter where you are on your SEN journey. These sessions are run by an experienced Family Support Officer from Space 2 Be Me. This is a West Kent based charity, which supports young people with additional needs and their families.

We meet regularly at Paddock Wood Community Centre on the last Monday of every month 10:00 – 11:30 (term time only).

For more information and to book, please see our website https://space2beme.org.uk/services/space2talk/

Dates ahead

Some dates for your diary:

30.4.25 Vision Screening for EYFS

6.5.25 Author visit for EYFS and KS1 (please can children bring a vegetable into school on this day! See MCAS for more information)

12.5.25 - 16.5.25 SATs week for Year 6

19.5.25 - 23.5.25 Year 6 Summer Trips

23.5.25 End of Module 5

2.6.25 Inset Day (No children in school)

3.6.25 Start of Module 6

12.6.25 EYFS Father's Day Build and Field Event 2.45pm - 3.15pm

20.6.25 Paddock Woodstock (more details to follow!)

Week Beginning 23.6.25 Sports Days (days/times to be confirmed)

27.6.25 PTA Colour Run

Week beginning 30.6.25 Reserve Sports Days (if postponed due to bad weather in the previous week)

8.7.25 Year 2 visit to Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

16.7.25 Rocksteady Concert

18.7.25 PTA Break the Rules Day

22.7.25 Year 6 Leavers Assembly to parents 10am

End of Module 6 - 1.30pm finish (No After School Club)

pta notices

Paddock Wood Primary PTA's next meeting will take place on Monday 28th April, 7pm at Leigh Academy Paddock Wood. Please do come along if you are interested in finding out more about how the PTA works and what events are planned for the future, and if you have any suggestions then we're always interested in new ideas for events and projects that we could fund!

You are welcome to just turn up, but if you would like more information in advance, please drop us an email: paddockwoodprimarypta@gmail.com .

whodunnit 2025

There has been some truly egg-cellent detective work over the Easter holiday and we think we're closing in on the suspect, but there's still time to join in and help your PTA solve the mystery of which member of staff stole Madame Ait-Mansour's Easter bonnet!

We've had some lovely feedback from parents about how much fun the trail has been, so if you are looking for a local activity to get you outside this weekend, why not give our "whodunnit" trail a go?! Trail costs £1.50 and can be downloaded from

https://www.pta-events.co.uk/friendsofpaddockwoodprimary/?event=event&eventId=97160

The trail starts outside of the main entrance to the academy and ends at the community centre. When you've cracked the case, email us the name of the bonnet thief by 3pm on Monday 28th April, and if correct you'll be entered into our prize draw! Full details of eligibility and how to enter are on the trail sheet.

Learner Profile / Approaches to learning Certificates this week go to:

6C

Skylar

For being an inquirer when discussing the outbreak of the Second World War. You have understood how the events unfolded and explained them in chronological order.

6j

Vinnie

For your fantastic attitude towards your learning within your maths group. Multiple members of staff have commented how determined and hard working you have been during the sessions and are really proud of you. Nice one Vinnie.

6S

Freya

For great independent research when starting our new line of inquiry.

Year 5 in school

This week in Year 5 there have been a variety of opportunities for outdoor learning alongside some creative and investigative activities in the classroom including: making a project book using natural resources, kite making, nature mobiles, clay leaf plaques, wildlife watching and making feeders for habitats. The children have had a varied and fun week (they also made ice cream) with plenty of opportunities for collaborative work and being outdoors as part of their learning.

year 5 in plas pencelli

Very early on Tuesday morning some of Year 5 set off on their journey to Plas Pencelli, in the Brecon Beacons, South Wales. We are looking forward to having them back in school next week and hearing all about the activities they have taken part in and the adventures they have had!

4DB

Isaac

Isaac you have continued to impress us with your principled attitude to learning, pushing yourself to produce work of exceptional quality.

4j

Luca

Luca has been a really caring member of the class this week, noticing when others need support and thoughtfully offering help and advice.

4T

Kaden

Kaden has been an amazing inquirer this week, researching and adding extra detail to his geography-based learning about North America.

3g

Aoife

Aoife has been an amazing inquirer this week. She asked really insightful questions about our new Central Idea which we have included in our inquiry plan. Great work!

3HE

Tom

Tom has been an open-minded learner this week. He has been thoughtful about his own environment and asked interesting and caring questions of somebody who lives in a very different place. Well done, Tom.

3M

Raisa

Raisa has been a risk taker in maths this week, and applying her knowledge to solving problems. She also was an excellent communicator when writing to her pen pal from Laos.

2d

Kovey

Kovey is brilliant everyday and this week he showed what a keen inquirer he is as we started researching Buddhism. Kovey and his partner created an amazing mind map of all the information they discovered. Keep up the great work!

2r

Ralph

Ralph continues to amaze me everyday. He is a principled learner. I can count on Ralph to always do the right thing. Presentation in his book has come on fantastically, which I also see with his writing. Ralph tries hard in everything he does and this shows. Well done Ralph and continue to be a star!

2t

Heather

For being so principled this week! Heather has decided to run a new club on behalf of the school councillors where members will work collaboratively to search for missing play equipment. I have been impressed with your ambition to become an activist, striving to make the world a better place. Superstar!

1M

Kit

For being a knowledgeable risk-taker this week. You have impressed us all with your number and letter formation and blew us away with your ability to count on from 10 and record your knowledge accurately.

Keep up the FANTASTIC work KIt. We are very proud of you.

1ob

Theo

You have been a wonderful risk taker this week. You really impressed me with your maths learning. It is lovely to see you working independently and showing your learning beautifully. You are also making huge progress coming into school each morning - it is so nice to see you smiling!

1p

Louis

You have been an incredibly knowledgeable learner this week. Everyday you have been a risk taker and have exuded confidence in our Maths by counting in twos. Most importantly you've reflected on how much you've achieved and have been seeking further challenges.

ARCHER

Gracie

For being a caring communicator! Gracie has worked hard to develop her confidence when speaking. Her skills really shine when talking with her friends and she is even putting her hand up more in phonics! Keep up the great work.

Goldings

Piotr

For being a reflective learner! Piotr has worked hard to improve his learning. He has shown us how much his understanding has grown this year and we are very happy that he is finding new ways of communicating with us.

phoenix

Olivia

For being a caring friend! You always play nicely and help your friends by working well together. Well done!

ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATES THIS WEEK GO TO:

6C

Christopher

For your continued hard work within reading. You have inferred the information within the text and shared your understanding with the rest of the class. Well done!

6j

Freddie

For fantastic enthusiasm and demonstration of great subject knowledge when looking at the outbreak of World War Two this week, being able to explain key terms to the rest of the class. Great job Freddie, keep it up.

6s

Isla

For brilliant teamwork during maths. It has been lovely to see your confidence grow!

4DB

Theo

Theo you have been an amazing inquirer this week, showing brilliant focus on our Native American work, producing a beautiful and extended piece of writing.

4j

Nikeeta

Nikeeta has applied her research skills to her learning this week, working independently to produce a high quality piece of writing about North America.

4T

Eliza

Eliza has made a fantastic start to Module 5. Her self-management skills have been particularly strong and as a result she has been able to complete all the work set to a high standard.

3g

Harriet

Harriet demonstrated amazing resilience, working hard and remaining continually focused this week. Well done. We are very proud of you!

3HE

Charlie

Charlie has really shown how able he is to reflect and edit his work. Not only is he able to correct mistakes, he is able to really think about how his words might be received by the reader and make changes to be more clear about what he means. Well done Charlie!

3M

Reggie

Reggie has made a great effort with all aspects of computing this week, including coding with Year 1 and publishing his letter to his pen pal on Google Docs. Well done!

2d

Zehra

Before half term ,2D spoke about the importance of reading everyday. Over the Easter holidays Zehra was reading a lot everyday and went from 50 reads up to 125 reads! Amazing effort! Well done!

2r

Josephine

Josephine worked hard during the holidays to look after our environment. She focused on our action and completed some litter picking. She engaged well throughout the term with the learning and transferred these skills into her everyday life. Well done Josephine!

2t

Olivia

Olivia's attitude to learning has been brilliant this week. She blossomed during our inquiry lesson where she researched all about Buddhism. Olivia was able to use the iPad to find out how Buddhists worship, the story of Buddha and the reason for meditation. Well done Olivia!

1M

Vienna

What a wonderful start to the term! You have approached all our new learning with wonderful enthusiasm and have produced some amazing work displaying your creativity and artistic skills by drawing your own map of Paddock Wood village and designing your own element of our world based on The Creation Story. Keep up the AMAZING work!

1ob

Alex

You have started this new term off brilliantly! You have shown a real interest in our new inquiry, wanting to engage in our learning and asking lots of questions. You have a lovely attitude to learning and are always doing the right thing. Keep up the great work!

1p

Connor

You have been a ray of sunshine this week. You have been displaying lots of our learner attributes but also we have been impressed with your listening and speaking skills. Communication skills have been a huge focus this week and you have worked on this; even sharing great jokes and have delivered them perfectly to large audiences. Well done!

ARcher

River

For putting in 100% everyday! River always tries her best and has an admirable attitude to learning. She is a great role-model to her friends and it is lovely seeing her determination to succeed encourage those around her.

goldings

Lucy

For some brilliant writing! Lucy has shown off her creativity through lots of different pieces of writing this week. Inspired by our new story, Lucy presented some great ideas in her very own book! It is wonderful to see her writing improving each time she creates something. Well done!

phoenix

Elsie

For your enthusiasm towards writing and reading! You always try your best and are proud of what you have achieved. Keep it up!

ve day anniversary picnic

Paddock Wood will be commemorating the 80th Anniversary of VE Day with a VE Day 80th Anniversary Picnic being held at Paddock Wood Memorial Field on Saturday 10th May 2025 from 12:00 - 6.00pm.

Paddock wood library

Paddock Wood Library has a vacancy for a 4 hours p/w Saturday Customer Support Assistant (10.00am to 2.00pm).

Paddock Wood is a recently refurbished thriving, medium sized library right in the heart of the town centre. The library has a large customer base delivering all our usual services plus additional volunteer led events and activities including a Lego Club and Baby Rhyme Time. Customers have an added bonus of being able to sign up for Library Extra so they can use the library outside the traditional opening hours.

For further information please go to www.kent.gov.uk/jobs reference is REF/TP/690/12717.

The post closes on 7th May with interviews being held in person at Paddock Wood Library on Wednesday 21st May.

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