Sarratt School Newsletter
Courage Compassion Creativity
Dear Families,
Today, the school has been wearing spots to raise lots for BBC Children in Need 2023! Our Junior Governing Body took the lead on this year's activities, asking all children to submit a drawing of themselves to update our school badge. The JGB (Danielle, Bella, Raiyah, Daisy, Sadie, Ivy and Leaf) want to revamp the existing Children's Logo to represent the children currently in the school. Once all the pictures are in, they will be selecting individual images and unveiling the final design to us all - we can't wait to see it!
Don't forget to make donations for CiN via the BBC website https://www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk/
Warmest regards,
Nicola O'Hare
Head of School
PS Don't forget to follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/SarrattPrimary
Gold Book
Congratulations to all of our Gold Book Entries this week - here they are...
Year 1:
Olivia is always trying her best and helping others. She is a caring member of the class and always ready to learn - well done Olivia!
Year 2:
Bonnie is in the Gold Book for outstanding perseverance in Maths! She has been tackling new concepts which she found tricky but she kept going and on the 3rd go of trying, she got it all right! Bonnie should be so proud of this fantastic effort and positive attitude to learning!
Year 3:
Harry is in our Gold Book - the wise man of year 3, sharing his insights of the world with us all! He confidently told us to congratulate others and share in their achievements. He told us to give everything a go, even if we don't get it right the first time. He is keeping us all kind - I wish the world was filled with Harrys, it would be a happier place!
Year 4:
This week's entry for her commitment to writing and growth mindset is Clara. She is open to ideas and edits which move her writing forward. It's a joy to discuss ideas with as she loves to explore different possibilities.
Year 5:
Lucia is in the Gold Book for her diligence and attitude in all aspects of her work. And for her calm but precise explanation on how the class could share their work with Mrs McMahon-Mills on the computer!
Year 6:
Ivy is in the Gold Book for her fabulous work ethic. She contributes ideas and works thoughtfully to support her classmates. Her ability to work so hard in school and do so many extra-curricular activities is impressive!
Y5/6 Swimmers:
A big well done to the children who represented the school at last week's gala: Ivy, Tom, Danielle, Henry and Jemma!
Spotted in Sarratt...
We've been getting scientific here in Sarratt this week! Biology in Reception with representations of deciduous trees, Chemistry in Year 3 with investigations into the chemical reactions involved in erupting volcanoes and Paleontology in Year 1 with fossil finding in the style of Mary Anning!
More Spotted in Sarratt
Our youngest children were excited to have a special visit today...
Electric Umbrella Week 6
Last week Years 2 and 3 explored rhythms with Electric Umbrella. Using the expertise of Tom and joined by drummer extraordinaire Christian, all of the children were part of a rhythm orchestra. In the classrooms, the children not only learnt different rhythms but to understand the importance of silence in rhythms. They had to focus and concentrate hard to ensure that their listening skills were highly tuned and ready to respond. Their drum beats echoed through the school as everyone enjoyed the challenges set.
Their afternoon ended with a performance before the whole school. Here we saw for ourselves the skills needed to watch and respond. See the photos in the first carousel to recognise the joy this workshop brought. For Electric Umbrella, it was an opportunity for Christian to take the lead whilst for the children it was a music lesson never to be forgotten.
This week saw our final workshop sessions from Electric Umbrella to Years 6 and 4. They, too, had the challenge of creating a musical instrument which was controlled by a Makey Makey. This couldn't be any old instrument. No. It has to demonstrate how it broke down the barriers of conventional instruments so that anyone, no matter their disability, would be able to play it and make music. The challenge also included using a wide variety of materials - all of which conducted electricity. You will see in the images below their solutions included using playdough, water, graphite pencils, foil or simply human bodies.
Although this marks the end of Electric Umbrella coming in to school to run workshops, it is not the end of the project. Next term we will be learning the songs that we have composed with Electric Umbrella as well as working towards creating a performance which encapsulates all of our learning. It will be for you - our supportive parents - so please keep the date free: Thursday April 27 2023. Please note that it will be during school hours. Keep an eye out for details.
Finally, I would like to thank all of the children and all of the members of Electric Umbrella for their hard work and commitment to making the learning process highly creative, enjoyable and wonderfully musical. Well done to all!
Mrs Serby
Anti-Bullying Week
This week , the school has been taking part in Anti-Bullying Week 2022. This year, the theme for the week is, 'Reach Out'. Our newly appointed Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Rory and Izzy , were introduced to the children. They shared their role in empowering and supporting others to Reach Out.
Anti- Bullying Alliance
Our call to action:
Bullying affects millions of lives and can leave us feeling hopeless. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If we challenge it, we can change it. And it starts by reaching out.
Whether it’s in school, at home, in the community or online, let’s reach out and show each other the support we need. Reach out to someone you trust if you need to talk. Reach out to someone you know is being bullied. Reach out and consider a new approach.
And it doesn’t stop with young people. From teachers to parents and influencers to politicians, we all have a responsibility to help each other reach out. Together, let’s be the change we want to see. Reflect on our own behaviour, set positive examples and create kinder communities.
It takes courage, but it can change lives. So, this Anti-Bullying Week, let’s come together and reach out to stop bullying.
Dates
Fri 18th Nov
Children in Need
Fri 25th Nov
Non - School Uniform Day
2.40pm Parent Open Afternoon
Fri 2nd Dec
3.30pm Christmas Fair
Wed 7th Dec
Christmas Lunch and Christmas Jumper Day
Sun 11th Dec
2.30pm Carols on The Green
Mon 12th Dec
pm Lower School Nativity
Tue 13th Dec
am Lower School Nativity
pm Upper School Christmas Performance
Wed 14th Dec
am Upper School Christmas Performance
Fri 16th Dec
Watford Palace Theatre Panto
School to finish at 2.00pm
SPA News
Dear Parents/Carers,
Thanks to your generous donations and support, recent items the Sarratt Parents' Association has helped fund include new football goals, dining room tables, and the refurbishment of the play therapy/music room. The quiz last week raised £1200 which will help fund the annual trip to the Pantomime.
We are excited that this year promises to be the first year of normal fundraising events for 3 years and sees the return of the Christmas Fair on Friday 2nd December 3.30-5.30. Santa’s Grotto, food and refreshments, craft stalls, festive activities for children, bottle and teddy tombolas and lots more!
To help make this event a success, we would appreciate donations (to the office) of the following:
Bottle/chocolate tombola - bring in an item in exchange for on non-uniform day on Friday 25th November.
Cakes - paper plates will be sent out on Friday 25th for return on Friday 2nd
Hamper raffle donations - each year has been given a theme (see your whatsapp group for details) which will then be mixed to create hampers or alternatively, contribute £3 in lieu of an item.
We appreciate that this year more than ever that (multiple) donations may be too much of a stretch for some so please do support in any way you can, e.g. coming to the fair and helping out on a stall.
Thank you again for all your support,
Sarratt Parents' Association
Please remember to use easyfundraising every time you shop online. Over 7,000 brands will donate to us, including all the big names. This means you can raise FREE donations for us no matter what you buy. To date it has raised £2720 for the school.
If you haven’t signed up to support us yet, it’s easy and completely free. There is now a new feature that you can set to remind you when you visit websites registered with easyfundraising.
You can find our easyfundraising page here: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/sarrattprimary/?utm_campaign=raise-more&utm_medium=email&utm_content=rm-en-e2
Community News
Here you will find news of up coming events and community support in the local area.
CHRISTMAS FAIR: 20+ STALLS FOR ALL OF YOUR GIFTS!
Fabulous stalls for all of your gifts, crafts, wreaths, jewellery and cards.
The Great Barn, Micklefield Hall, Sarratt Road, WD3 6AQ
Thursday 1st December 2022 5pm to 8.30pm
Admission: £10 in advance - £12 on the door - children free
Wine, mince pies and sausages plus live music all included in the ticket price
Buy your tickets online: www.tickets.mp/fohc also available from Sarratt Village Shop
******** Everyone welcome - please bring your family and friends! ********
Support you Local Hospital this Christmas
East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity would like to invite you to support patients at the Lister, New QEII, Hertford County Hospitals and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre this Christmas!
Should you wish to offer your support to children staying in the hospital this Christmas, you can buy a Christmas gift through their amazon wish list www.enhhcharity.org.uk/Event/xmasgrotto2022
Make Menopause Matter
Watford Football Club are running a MENOPAUSE EVENT on Wednesday the 23rd November. This is free and should be very informative for all those affected by menopause directly or indirectly, or those interested to learn more about this important subject.
Calling all Key Stage 2 pupils in Hertfordshire!
Hertfordshire Heroes is encouraging all Key Stage 2 pupils in Hertfordshire to take part in our annual Christmas Art Competition by 21 November 2022. This year, we invite children to create artwork depicting 2022 to bring “Christmas cheer” to military personnel for their chance to win a day of adventure at the UK military’s strategic headquarters, Northwood HQ. A winner will be chosen from each year group in Key Stage 2.
The artwork will be shared with those serving in the Armed Forces who are working away from their families at Christmas to help bring them some “Christmas Cheer”. This information is also located online at www.hertfordshireheroes.org/christmasart.
To enter the competition:
The children should create artwork no larger than A3 size (with no glitter) which incorporates the following:
depicting events important to you in 2022
Christmas or winter scene
The Military - British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force .
The phrase, ‘Wishing our military heroes a Merry Christmas from (name of school)’.
Entries must be received by 21st November either by post or via email.
Along with your submissions please include the name of your school, contact name, contact number and total number of entries submitted.
If submitting by post, please write (or ensure the student has legibly written) the name and age of the pupil, year group, class and school on the back of the picture and send to:
Hertfordshire Heroes Christmas Art Competition
Hertfordshire County Council
Postal Point CHO147
Member Support Office
County Hall, Pegs Lane
Hertford
SG13 8DN
If submitting via email, please name each file “Nameofschool_Year_Name_Surname_Age” and email your entries to Hertfordshire Heroes
Further Guidance
The competition is open to all Hertfordshire Key Stage 2 pupils.
By entering the competition, you accept that the artwork will be published and otherwise used. Unfortunately, pictures cannot be returned.
Please note that the judging and distribution of the artwork is dependent on the availability of staff at Northwood HQ and that the competition may be subject to change due to the nature of military operations.
Winning entries
A winner will be chosen from Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6.
The 2022 competition will be judged by personnel at Northwood HQ - the UK’s principal military headquarters – who then plan to distribute the art to armed forces personnel working away from home at Christmas.
With the relevant school Headteacher, Hertfordshire County Council will arrange for the winning child to receive a certificate in line with any Government regulations for COVID-19 at the time. We plan to alert the winning school before the end of term on 21 December 2022.
Photos of the winning entries will be featured on www.hertfordshireheroes.org and on Hertfordshire County Council social media.
We will seek permission to use photos of the winning artist on Hertfordshire County Council’s website, Hertfordshire Heroes website and in press releases.
The winning artist from each year group will win a “day of adventure” at Northwood HQ. This will be arranged subject to Government guidance at the time.
Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board works in partnership to deliver the Armed Forces Covenant locally. It brings together business, military organisations, charities, NHS and local authorities who work in partnership to ensure that no veteran faces a disadvantage when accessing public services, the Armed Forces community is honoured and celebrated for the sacrifices they have made, and the military and civilian communities are well integrated.
Northwood HQ in Eastbury, Hertfordshire, is a very important military base that makes decisions about joint and combined military operations involving the Navy, RAF and the Army worldwide.
Church News
HOLY CROSS TRAVELLING CRIB - Can you offer Mary and Joseph a room for the night?
Holy Cross Travelling Crib is a lovely way to remember the meaning of Christmas by hosting the nativity characters for a night and helping them on their journey the next day. The Travelling Crib basket includes ornamental figures of Mary, Joseph and a donkey, a candle, prayer leaflet and The First Christmas Story booklet to help your family make the most of the experience.
The first family will take the Travelling Crib from Messy Church in Sarratt Village Hall on Sunday 27th November and the last family will bring it to Holy Cross in time for the Christmas Eve Crib Service at 3pm. You are very welcome at both these services.
How can my family be involved?
If you would like the Travelling Crib to visit your home one night in Advent, please contact Jeannie: alan.poulton@talktalk.net , 01923 260295 or 07939 539816. You will be contacted by the person before you on the list to arrange a mutually convenient time for you to receive the Crib. You will also be given the name, address and contact details of the next family on the list so that you can transport the Crib to them.
Flyer for gifts.pdfImportant Reminders
Make sure your child comes to school with a water bottle each day. Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are provided with a snack in the morning. Children in KS2 can bring a fruit or vegetable snack to school for playtime.
If your child needs additional medication, please fill in this form and drop it into the school office.
https://sarratt.herts.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/MED-1-Form.pdf
Please ensure your child has an outdoor jacket everyday. We always aim to have the children outside as much as possible during playtime and lunchtime.
The climbing frames are out of bounds before and after school.
Communication
We have always prided ourselves on being an open and approachable school and believe that good communication with our families is important to the success of our school.
Class Whatsapp groups are a valuable platform for parents to share information, particularly for those families who are new to the school and have limited opportunities to interact in the playground. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any area of school life or would like to share important information regarding your child, we would ask you to speak to the school directly. There are very clear channels available for doing this, outlined on the parent information pages of our website. We are always here to listen and will endeavour to address any issues quickly and effectively.
Below is the link to the list of who to contact should you need any information about a specific area of school life. Should you wish to raise any questions or concerns directly regarding your child, the class teacher is always the first point of contact. If you have spoken to the class teacher but feel the issue is not resolved or should you require further information, then please make an appointment to see the Phase Leader – Mrs Whittaker for Reception and KS1 children and Mrs Dames for KS2 children.
Wellbeing and Family Support
DSPL8 Parent/Carer Communication; Dacorum SEND courses, support & information for families
The latest ‘DSPL8 Parent/Carer communication: Autumn Term’ & ‘Dacorum Parent/Carers courses and support' newsletters are available to download from our website via the following link: https://dacorumdspl.org.uk/online-resources-for-parents-and-carers-2/
This fortnights communication includes:
Raise Resilience Course by Bounce Forward: 15.11.22-01.12.22
ADD-vance Mini Consultations: 07.12.2022
Herts Parent Carer Involvement (HPCI) SEND Survey
Money Advice and Mental Health support
Dacorum Parent/Carer courses and support from various local providers
Please also follow our social media pages for the most recent updates:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dspldacorum
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dspl_dacorum/
Kind Regards,
DSPL 8 Team – Carole Hassell, Ruth Mason & Ashley Fabray
Online Safety
Uniform Exchange
One of our wonderful parents has set up a Facebook page to exchange uniform items that are no longer needed. If your child has outgrown their uniform or you are looking for additional items then this is the place for you. click on the link below to go to the page. Please contact the school office for more details.
