Dear Families
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Welcome back to Spring 1. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas time and are ready and raring to go in 2024!
Well… there isn’t much to write about in this newsletter due to only being back at school for 2 days but what a brilliant 2 days we have had. The children have settled straight back into their learning and are excited for the term ahead.
New topics such as food chains in Year 2 and Shakespeare in Year 5 have launched. Plus, more trips, assemblies and special events are planned. Please see your child’s curriculum maps for more information about what is taught.
We do have some very happy news…
Mrs Atkinson has had a baby boy! Joseph Edward Atkinson – born 28th December weighing 6lbs, 4oz! All doing very well - if not a little tired. We can’t wait to meet the newest member of our EHPS family. Well done Mrs Atkinson!
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mr Neil Black to our Specialist Unit teaching team (who will be teaching Green class). Neil is a very experienced teacher and we are thrilled to have him here at EHPS! Welcome Mr Black.
Talking of news… Mrs Hayhurst
You may or may not be aware by now that Mrs Hayhurst will be leaving us on 30th January for exciting, personal reasons. Mrs Hayhurst is relocating to the Isle of Skye with her family and Mum. I know that this has been a difficult decision for her and one she has not taken lightly but it is the right time for her to make this leap and begin a new life adventure. Mrs Hayhurst is hoping to buy a house with land for many animals (and even a glamping pod or two!) and, currently, has no plans to teach – for now it is about jumping into the new. Mrs Hayhurst has been a teacher at EHPS for 19 years and is not only an excellent teacher and team leader for our Early Years provision but is a valued member of my SLT, she will be greatly missed but what an adventure she has ahead of her!
I am delighted to inform you though that Miss Alice McIntyre will be joining our EYFS team and taking over Mrs Hayhurst’s class. Alice is a creative and inspiring reception teacher and is excited to join our family. Mrs Kelly Roberts will take up the reins of EYFS Leader (a role she has vast experience of) whilst continuing to teach in the Nest.
I know that you will all join me in wishing Mrs Hayhurst the very best as she starts her new adventure in Scotland but also warmly welcome Miss McIntyre to East Hunsbury Primary School.
Assembly
The week started with an assembly led by myself and Mrs Roberts which focussed on new beginnings and Healthy Lunch boxes. We watched this video all about Snowdrops and reflected on how a snowdrop represents our values of Believe and Work Hard. We also learnt how this flower represents hope and new beginnings. Why don’t you look out for a snowdrop and let us know if you see one. Maybe you could post it on our Facebook page.
Please also see additional information shared by Mrs Roberts on DoJo about how to eat healthily and ideas for lunchboxes.
Change Makers
Our Change Makers want to create a quiet, calm space on the playground to socialise, build friendships, relax, read or simply think.
As Change Makers we are focussed and determined to raise money to support this project. Therefore, we propose to run a “Bring and Buy” January sale. Please could you keep any unwanted Christmas gifts, old and unused toys, books etc and we will let you know the date and time of the sale soon.
You can still donate to Project Playground to create shade on our playground. Click here to make your donation.
A few reminders to start the year as we mean to go on:
- In mainstream, children must to be IN the classroom by 08:45 as this is when the register is taken and learning begins. They should be settled and ready to learn so I would suggest arriving no later than 08:40.
- Do not enter the staff car park at any time unless you have a disabled badge or green pass.
- School shoes must be smart and polishable, not trainers.
- Our next Walk in Wednesday is on 24th January 2024 08:30-9:15 and we will be having a maths focus.
- Rags to Riches collection on Thursday 25th January 2024 (more info from FEHPS to follow).
- READ with your child REGULARLY…. They don’t need to read to you, sharing a story together is brilliant!
According to researchers in the US, here is how many words children would have heard by the time they are 5 years old:
- Never read to, 4,662 words
- 1-2 times a week, 63, 570 words
- 3-5 times a week 169,520 words
- Daily 296, 660 words
- 5 books a day 1,483,300 words!
Thank you
Thank you again to everyone who brought a book for our library – this was really very kind of you and will benefit so many children (there is still time to do this if you wish click here). Watch this space for exciting news on our library’s redevelopment and refurbishment (new flooring coming imminently).
Open door
As we start a new term, I want to reiterate that if you have any questions or concerns about any aspects of your child’s schooling, please do not hesitate to contact me or your child’s class teacher / phase leader who will also listen and look into the matter closely. We take all concerns or complaints very seriously.
Have a lovely weekend and see you on Monday.
Mrs Pennington