Your weekly round up of events 

Gymnastics festival 

On Thursday 10 children from Year 2 and Ms McFarlane attended a Dance and Gymnastics Festival at The Ellen Wilkinson Schools for Girls. Representing Wood End Primary School they performed a dance that they have been practicing in school based on the well known children's story 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' .  The children enjoyed the experience from traveling there on the train to performing and receiving their certificates.  

Building Stronger Sibling Bonds

Sibling relationships are among the longest-lasting connections our children will have in their lives, yet they can also be some of the most challenging to navigate during childhood. Many parents find themselves refereeing constant squabbles, mediating toy disputes, or hearing cries of that's not fair! echo through the house. While sibling rivalry is a normal part of growing up, these early years are crucial for laying the foundation of lifelong friendship and mutual support between brothers and sisters.

The roots of sibling conflict often lie in competition for parental attention, differences in temperament and interests, or simply the stress of sharing space and resources. Children are still developing their emotional regulation skills and haven't yet learned the art of compromise. What might seem like endless bickering to us is actually their way of learning how to negotiate, assert boundaries, and understand different perspectives. However, without guidance, these conflicts can become entrenched patterns that strain family harmony and prevent siblings from enjoying the special bond they could share.

How Parents Can Help

Parents play a vital role in shaping positive sibling relationships. Start by avoiding comparisons between children, as this fuels resentment and competition. Instead, celebrate each child's unique qualities and ensure they each receive one-on-one time with you. When conflicts arise, resist the urge to immediately determine who's right or wrong. Rather, help children express their feelings and guide them toward finding solutions together, teaching valuable problem-solving skills they'll use throughout life.  Create opportunities for siblings to cooperate rather than compete by encouraging team activities, shared projects, or games where they work together toward a common goal. Acknowledge and praise moments when you catch them being kind, helpful, or playing well together. Finally, model the respectful communication and conflict resolution you want to see in them, remembering that the way parents handle disagreements teaches children powerful lessons about relationships.

Sometimes we could all do with someone to talk to. If you would like to meet Helen Thorp for a confidential and non-judgemental chat about you, your child, or any other worries, they are available on Wednesdays from 9-10am. You can call/text 07429654584 or email helen@schoolscounsellingpartnership.co.uk 

Ellen Wilkinson High School coffee morning

Have a Year 6 Coffee Morning coming up for parents of children with SEND who may be joining us in September 2026.
The Coffee Morning will be on Friday 30th January - 10am-11am at The Ellen Wilkinson School
Parents/carers are welcome to just drop in for a coffee and a chat with the SENCO.

Miss J Cupial-Jones

SENCO

Dates For Your Diary - Events Coming Up Soon 

26th January 2026 -  Year 6 SATs Assessment and Tuition meeting for parents at 9am
29th January 2026 -  Birch class Assembly - 9.00 to 9.30am (Parent can take the opportunity to look at books after assembly for 10 minutes)
5th  February 2026 - Poplar class Assembly - 9.00 to 9.30am (Parent can take the opportunity to look at books after assembly for 10 minutes)
5th February 2026 -  Reception & Year 1 class Disco - 2.45pm to 3.30pm
6th February 2026 -  Wear a Rainbow day - Fundraising day by School Council-  £1 to wear your own colourful clothes
11th February 2026 - Year 2, Year 3 & Y4 Disco - 2.45pm to 3.30pm.
12th February 2026 - Chestnut class Assembly - 9.00 to 9.30am (Parent can take the opportunity to look at books after assembly for 10 minutes)
13th February 2026 -  Own clothes day  (Mental Health day - Celebrate you)  No donations
  5th  March 2026 - World Book Day - Start planning your book character outfits. 
13th March 2026 - Dad's Craft afternoon - Come along and make a card for Mothering Sunday from 2.30pm to 3.30pm (a chance for dad or a
                                      family member to come along and help make a surprise card for mum.