KS2 Performances

Years 3 and 4:  Wednesday 10th July in the afternoon.  Timings TBC.  (Dress rehearsal on Tues 9th July)

Years 5 and 6:  Tuesday 16th July in the afternoon.  Timings TBC. (Dress rehearsal on Mon 15th July)

Dear Parents and Carers

We have received correspondence from Rt Hon Ranil Jayawardena MP regarding the impact of smartphones on children’s wellbeing. Mr Jayawardena has launched a survey for parents regarding this issue. The survey can be found at ranil.uk/smartphones. 

Mobile phones are not allowed for pupils at The Priory. The following extract is taken from our Mobile Phone and Personal Device Policy which can be found on our school website at https://theprioryprimaryschool.org.uk/policies-and-compliance/ :

4. Use of mobile phones / personal electronic devices by pupils

Pupils are not permitted to use a mobile phone / or any other external communication device (e.g. a smart watch- that allows external communication) whilst at school. 

Any pupil who has a mobile phone for their journey to and from school (as provided by a parent) – will need to hand the device into the teacher at the beginning of the day and have it returned at the end. 

Smart watches are permitted as long as the child wearing it uses it only as a watch / fitness monitor. Apps and features such as music, camera, texts, messaging and phone use are not to be engaged with under any circumstance and the device will be confiscated if apps such as these are used.   

All devices that are brought in by children are done so at their own risk and the parents will accept full liability for any damages caused. 

Any child permitted to bring a mobile phone to school should first complete the permission form – see Appendix 1, which must be signed by a senior leader BEFORE a phone is permitted to be brought to school. 

Online safety is taught through the Priory PSHE and Computing curriculum. 

Additionally, as reported in the 3rd May 2024 newsletter, our school computer network is maintained and secured. We monitor any internet use through our school network, and follow up on any concerning internet activity. 

More information for parents about mobile phones in schools can be found here. 

Sports at The Priory

This week has been super exciting as we have started June which is our month of sports (which is made even more exciting as the Olympics and Euros are starting soon too!). This week the pupils have enjoyed extra Karate and Archery lessons, and are busy practising their athletics in preparation of the long distance running event next week on Wednesday 12th June. 

A massive well done and thank you, to Mrs Marzetti who has worked tirelessly to arrange not just sports day, but all of the extra events that the children are enjoying.

Sports Day: 20th June

Timings TBC.  Approximate start time at the moment, of 9.30am.
Parents should be able to take children home by 1.15pm.

Long Distance Running Races – 12th June 2pm

Thanks to all for the positivity surrounding our new look sports day – GO Team! We are also planning a new look longer distance running event as part of our extended festival of sport this year. This frees up some time at sports day and allows younger children to also be involved as part of our sports opportunities for all initiative!  This will be an open event, so if your child decides to participate why not come along and cheer them on!

_____________

WHOLE SCHOOL KARATE & ARCHERY

Charismatic karate world champion and all-round legend Kevin McAuslan-Crine kicked off our June Festival of Sports with a loud and energetic bang!  The children were entirely captivated by his dynamic teaching style and fun approach to martial arts.  The PE curriculum can sometimes seem heavily ball-orientated and it was just fantastic to see such a wide spectrum of children of all ages joining in, laughing and enjoying healthy physical activity. Originally from Basingstoke, Kevin is still competing and coaching internationally, as well as being a local sports leader teaching karate to both children and adults across the area, flyers should have made their way to school bags but you can check out the website too for more information https://su-ha-ri-wadoryukarate.co.uk/gs/

Continuing our ball-free theme the children all released their inner Robin Hood with a fantastic introductory session to Archery. Luckily the arrows were all child friendly – we did witness quite a few suckered to the bullseyes and a few more a little wider of the target! One or two even narrowly skimmed a teacher who will remain nameless! Archery is a brilliant example of sport that requires focus, accuracy, a steady hand and a calm mind so it’s accessible to children with all kinds of interests.

Access to diverse sports and promoting a love of sports and physical activity is the driving force behind the festival of sport this year and we’ve had a brilliant first week! Next week will also be a corker with Ramsdell Cricket Club hosting a cricket day, our first ever dedicated long distance race event, the Tag Rugby team competing at the Basingstoke Schools festival, our first Inspirational Sports Assembly – swimmer and Priory auntie Verity Limm – AND hosting the regional KS1 Quad Kids athletics tournament. Phew, it’s a busy one! Sport for all at The Priory!

Star of Wonder Awards

YEAR R: Ava, David and George

YEAR 1: Matilda, Thomas, Sabella and Remi

YEAR 2: none this week

YEAR 3: Timmy, Louis and Charlie

YEAR 4: Max, Charlie and Reuben

YEAR 5: none this week

YEAR 6: Evie, Amelli and Charlotte

Special Mention to...

Our amazingly talented Sophia competed in the regional qualifier of the UK Aerial Performance Championship back in May.  The top 3 scoring competitors for each category are invited to compete in the final (from all regional events and international video submissions). The finalists were announced this week, and Sophia has made it to the final with her Aerial silks routine! She also finished 5th with her Aerial hoop routine and is on the reserve list. Such an amazing achievement for her in the Junior category, congratulations Sophia!

Special Mention to...

To our superstar Joseph, who completed the Henley kids triathlon, for the second year running!  Fantastic achievement, well-done Joseph!

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

We have been working with the Hampshire Travel team, Hampshire Highways, and have a newly formed connection with Pamber Parish Council, to look at the ways in which we can improve safety and parking around the school site at key times in the school day – morning drop offs and afternoon collections.  Please click here to read more details on our Road Safety Update.

Reporting concerns

Key actions to take if you have a concern that a child is in danger, may suffer harm and maltreatment…

MAKE A REPORT IF…

• If you fear that a child is in immediate danger CALL 999 and report the concern
• IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS AND YOU ARE NOT SURE WHAT YOU SHOULD DO – report your concerns to the DSL and team at school

Alternative options – as a member of the public you can report a concern to Hampshire’s Child Protection Services directly – information about the services is available here – this site provides useful information and learning about a range of abuse as well as what will happen when concerns are reported –

https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/safeguardingchildren/childprotection

If you are a member of the public and wish to report any welfare/safeguarding concerns DIRECTLY TO CHILDREN’S SERVICES:- you can complete Hampshire’s online form here: online enquiry form

You can report a concern over the telephone and via email –

Phone 0300 555 1384   
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm
Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

Email childrens.services@hants.gov.uk     Please note: Emails are dealt with during normal office hours Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. At other times phone our out of hours number.      

Out of hours – Out of hours contact telephone number for Children’s Services Phone 0300 555 1373 

REMEMBER – SAFEGUARDING IS  EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

Summer Clubs

Please note that there will be two new summer camps running at The Priory this summer and The Oaks will continue to run their summer club at Mortimer St Mary’s.

• 22nd – 26th July:  Summer Camp with Mrs Enticknap

  (a Priory parent and qualified teacher) . Please click here for full details and then click here for the booking form and email to zoe@hillyardmail.com

• 29th July – 16th August: Curveball Summer Camp with Coach Zack

  Please click here for more information and click here to book

• 5th – 23rd August:  The Oaks at Mortimer St. Mary’s

  Please click here for details or email office@theoakschildcare.co.uk for more details.