Newsletter – 19-Jan-24

Dear Parents and Carers

Learner Success tips: 

At The Priory, we look at the whole child when considering how well they are doing. Our values, behaviour systems and reward systems encourage our pupils to be the best they can be every day. In my role as Headteacher, I am of course always looking at how we (all stakeholders in The Priory community) can help our amazing pupils be the best they can be. 

Here are a few tips that I have compiled from my observations, data and discussions with teachers, children and parents:

• Keep school attendance high. There is a general link between pupils with good attendance and those with higher attainment. 
• The basics. Don’t undervalue the importance of your role as a parent in teaching your child the basics at home, from learning to ride a bike to the importance of good manners, to ensuring a healthy diet and good sleep habits. 
• Make time for downtime. Families can be very busy with clubs and commitments, but it is also very important for children to have time to relax, play and just spend time together as a family. 
• Read regularly. All through primary school children should read regularly. The parents’ role in this may evolve from helping break down words, to basic comprehension skills, to discussing deeper meaning of texts as your child gets older, but underneath it all parents will be improving reading skills, increasing reading concentration spans, and most of all developing a love of reading.  
• Make the most of good learning opportunities outside of school. The education we provide is aimed to equip the children with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive outside of school. Some good activities are things like:
  • Cooking together (reading recipes, food groups, hygiene, measuring ingredients)
  • Board games
  • Making things together whether it’s a cardboard tube pen holder or a flat-packed furniture assembly. 
  • Keep a diary or journal
  • Enjoy interacting with real-life maths, like times tables quizzes in the car, or trying to beat personal bests in skipping competitions. 

If you ever want to discuss ways that you can help your child, please do not hesitate to get in contact with your child’s class teacher.  

We are always interested to hear about the pupils’ achievements outside of school, so please let your child’s teacher know about their achievements. This helps us build up a good picture of each individual child. 

World Cuisine

International Week is coming up in the week commencing Monday 5th February. On Friday 9th February, to add a nice flavour to the end of the week, we would like to give the children a chance to taste some food from around the world. 

If any parents have good recipes for international dishes and would be willing to cook (or buy and donate) enough of that dish for a class to have a small taster (not a whole portion), please contact the school office at office@priory.hants.sch.uk. 

It’s been a very busy week here at sports HQ, with lots to look forward to for the rest of this half term. First up we have a team of fantastic YR5/6 athletes running, jumping, throwing and representing us at the Sports Hall Athletics Qualifier on 23rd January @ The Clere. Later the same week sees our tag rugby team take to the field for their second tournament appearance – Tag Rugby Tournament Match @ Silchester on 25th January. Meanwhile our netball team have been training hard in all weathers ahead of their next game – Netball Team Match @ Great Binfields on 1st February. This week has also seen most of the juniors running laps of the school field in the cold and mud competing for places at the local schools’ cross country event. We’ll be taking 40 children from KS2 to represent the school – School Cross Country @ Down Grange on 6th February. Good luck to all the children promoting healthy activity and fantastic sportsmanship representing their school in the local community. GO PRIORY!

In other news… we are looking to host a range of inspirational visits from people competing in sports (now or past) and people working in sports. This season will be kicked off by a visit from GB gymnast Kelly Sims, who will run a school assembly and some circuit classes with the children. More information to follow.

If you are involved in sport yourself or have any contacts that you think might be useful for these visits please get in touch with Mrs Marzetti ASAP. Thanks

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

Gifted a new device at Christmas, or planning to equip your older child with a smartphone in preparation for Secondary school?

The gift of technology at any time of year  is often one that is popular amongst many. Providing access to the online world, can enable a child and young person the ability to enjoy chatting with friends and discover new games, however, have you taken the necessary steps to ensure it’s secure?

At INEQE’s Safety Centre you will discover information on setting up parental controls, privacy settings, safety measures and much more.

Internet Matters is another excellent site for supporting parents when setting up a first device for their children.

https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/e-safety-checklist-getting-your-kids-tech-devices-set-up-safe/

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

Star of Wonder Awards

YEAR R

Sebby, Quinn and Georgia

YEAR 1

Matilda, Skye, Freddie and George,

YEAR 2

Isla, Dabira, Rose and Teddy

YEAR 3

Daniel, Finley, Arthur and Charlie

YEAR 4

Jolie, Alice and Darcey

YEAR 5 

Ruby and Hetty

YEAR 6

Ezra, Phoebe and Amelli