Newsletter
Dear Parents and Carers,
Half term already! Where has this first half term gone? At this rate it will
be the summer holidays before we know it!
After half term we will begin our termly pupil progress meetings. This is an
opportunity for Mr Rimmer, Mrs Marks and I to sit down with year group
teams at a time and discuss the progress the children are making.
This will be very strange as we won't be talking about levels any more and,
over the years, we had come so used to measuring a child's progress in this
way. Instead we will be talking about key performance indicators (KPIs)!
October 2015
Fairfield Infant School
High Road West
Felixstowe
Suffolk
IP11 9JB
Tel: 01394 283206
Fax: 01394 283895
[email protected]
www.fairfieldinfant.co.uk
Colneis Junior School
Colneis Road
Felixstowe
Suffolk
IP11 9HH
Tel: 01394 284052
Fax: 01394 273425
[email protected]
www.colneisjunior.co.uk
In the assessment system that we have chosen to use there are a number of
statements (KPIs) for every subject and every year group which match the
requirements of the programme of study in the new National Curriculum.
Staff will consider the relevant KPIs and decide whether a child has ‘not
begun’ or is ‘working towards’ or has ‘achieved’ the KPI. We will then record
this information which will feed in to a bank of evidence and we will be able
to see what step within the year group band the child is working at.
This will inevitably be time consuming, especially at first, but we are not
alone! All English schools are beginning to use new assessment systems and
when we have a bit more information and data we will let you know more
about the process as well as the progress that the children have made. Rest
assured, whatever system we use we will always ensure teaching and learning
for all our children is at least good and we will check that good or better
progress is being made too!
Kindest regards to you all,
Mrs Reed, Headteacher
(Please see page 16 For examples of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) statements)
Letter Mrs Reed 1
Fairfield 2-6
Colneis 7-11
Joint School 12-16
Term dates 17
School closure information
For further information on school closures due to severe weather or any other unforeseen
difficulty please tune into the local radio stations or log on to the following websites —
Heart FM on 97.1 or 96.4 FM, Town FM on 102 FM, Radio Suffolk 95.5, 95.9, 103.9 or
104.6 FM, www.bbc.co.uk/suffolk, www.heart.co.uk, http://schoolclosures.suffolk.gov.uk/
1
FAIRFIELD INFANT SCHOOL
Dates:
Monday 19 October, pm Parent evening slots on wall available for booking
Monday 26-Friday 30 October Half term
Monday 2 November, AM Y1 Class outing to the Grove
Monday 2 November, 3.30-6pm Parents’ Evening
Wednesday 4 November, 3.30-6pm Parents’ Evening
Friday 13 November Children in Need (see page 14 for info)
Monday 23 November, 1.30pm Y2 Parents’ Open Afternoon*
Wednesday 25 November, 1.30pm Y1 Open Afternoon*
Thursday 26 November Flu immunisations for Y1 and Y2
Tuesday 1 December, am & pm Nursery Christmas Concerts
Wednesday 2 December Choir performing at Felixstowe Trades & Labour Club
Friday 4 December, am & pm Reception Christmas Concerts
w/c Monday 7 December Reindeer Run (more info to follow)
Tuesday 8 December Choir performing at St Johns Court
Wednesday 9 December Fairfield Christmas Lunch
Thursday 10 December, 8.50-10am Reception Stay and Play
Thursday 10 December Choir performing at Westcliffe Nursing Home
Friday 11 December, 3.30pm-6pm Friends of Fairfield Christmas Fair
Tuesday 15 December, am & pm Y1 & Y2 Christmas Concerts
Wednesday 16 December, am Y1 & Y2 Christmas Concert
Thursday 17 December Christmas parties
Friday 18 December End of Term!
* The Parents’ Open Mornings/Afternoons: Parents are invited into school to work alongside their child in the
classroom in a practical curriculum based activity which supports learning. This will be followed by tea in the hall
and the chance to talk to members of the Senior Management Team and a School Governor.
Fairfield Assemblies
The following class will be leading our assembly at 10.20am:
Thursday 5 November
Wednesday 11 November
Thursday 19 November
Thursday 26 November
Class
Class
Class
Class
1R
RA
1A
RC
Family members are then invited to join their child’s class following assembly
to share numeracy or literacy based activities
2
Friends of Fairfield Christmas Fair, Friday 11th December
It’s not long until the festive season, so that means it’s almost time for the annual Friends of
Fairfield Christmas Fair. The Fair opens at 3.30pm and closes at 6pm
For the Fair to be a success we really would like donations of the following:

Raffle prizes

Children raffle prizes

Unwanted gifts (toiletries etc)

Good quality books

Good quality toys

Cakes (to be brought in on the day)
Finally, do please have that rummage and sort out at home and let us have your donations.
We look forward to seeing you on the day.
Poetry for Pleasure—Past and Present
Writers Club would love to hear what your favourite poems are and why you enjoy them, so
that we can make a display around school called ‘Poetry on the Move’.
Send in poems classic and modern to the school office, care of Mrs Loxley, and join our school
wide poetry appreciation society!
Here are two wonderful poems—one old and one new—to get your ideas flowing:
Flint by Christina Rossetti
An emerald is as green as grass,
A ruby red as blood;
A sapphire shines as blue as heaven;
A flint lies in the mud.
A diamond is a brilliant stone,
To catch the world's desire;
An opal holds a fiery spark;
But a flint holds fire.
Colour by Michael Rosen
Take a brush:
The sky is green
The grass is blue
You are purple
The house is silver
The sun is black
The river is gold
The world has changed.
Did you do that?
3
Writers’ Club Page
The Crazy Pen
Meet the Teacher
Writers’ Club interview new member of staff Miss Yeates.
Grace: Why did you want to become a teacher at Fairfield?
Well, it’s the best school in Felixstowe, with lots of lovely children and my best friend Miss
Maitland works here.
Leila: Do you have any pets?
Yes I have a small, fluffy dog called Digby.
Ellie: What’s your favourite food?
A huge tray of roasted vegetables – courgettes, kale and broccoli. I’m not a vegetarian but I only
eat meat when I have a roast dinner.
Daisy: Where’s your favourite place to go on holiday?
I love going on the beach here in Felixstowe with Digby but I also love going to the South of
France and Barbados.
Jake: How long have you wanted to be a teacher?
I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl. My mummy is a teacher.
Grace: If you were Headteacher would you change any rules?
No I think they are all brilliant and they seem to be working.
Ellie: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
I’m a dog person – I’ve always had a dog. As well as Digby I have another dog that is at home with
my mum. He’s called Monty.
Daisy: What animals don’t you like?
Spiders, and there are a lot of them around at the moment!
Jake: Who are your best friends?
Miss Maitland, my mum, Digby, Mrs Crump and everyone in 2Y.
Frida: What’s your favourite subject?
I love history and learning about the past, especially the distant past like the Ancient Greeks and
the Romans.
Jake: Are you married?
No but I’m engaged and I’m getting married in December.
Writers’ Club members:
Ellie, Charlotte, Leila, Jake, Daisy, Grace, Elsie, Frida, Isobel, Amelia, Niamh & Radu
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Pupils’ Success
This information has been removed
for data protection purposes
Was your child born between
1 Sept 2011 – 31 Aug 2012?
If so, over the coming weeks you will be applying for a school place for your child.
We would like to invite prospective parents to visit
Fairfield Infant School for a tour.
If you would like the opportunity to visit or know anybody else who would,
the contact number to book a tour is 01394 283206. The tour dates are:
Monday 2nd November, 11am
Wednesday 4th November, 11am
Tuesday 10th November, 11am
A maximum of 12 adults per tour
Clothing Items Required
On occasions it is necessary for us to provide a change of clothes for the children. At present
our stock of spare underwear is depleted. If you have any outgrown items at home, we would be
grateful to receive any donations. Thank you.
5
A Reception Visit to Mrs Pearse’s Allotment
Reception year visited Mrs Pearse’s allotment to support our Autumn project.
Following our Harvest Festival we had first-hand experience of how and where food grows. We
saw people busily harvesting their own crops including onions, pumpkins, carrots, raspberries and
broad beans.
Mrs Pearse explained how some of the food is kept indoors to dry out and becomes seeds for
next year. Other food is stored in the dry to feed the family during the winter – such as the
onions and potatoes. It was lovely to see such great examples of where our food comes from – the
ground, bushes and on trees.
Other people at the allotment also commented on how well behaved all the children were – we
were very proud!
We brought back some vegetables for our Autumn table. We have painted
the enormous pumpkin and other seasonal food.
6
We made combine harvesters
using 2D shapes.
COLNEIS JUNIOR SCHOOL
Dates:
Friday 23 October Y6 Crucial Crew
Monday 26-Friday 30 October Half term
Tuesday 3 November Individual Photos
Thursday 5 & Friday 6 November Year 3 Archaeology
Friday 13 November Children in Need (see page 14 for info)
Friday 13 November Friends of Colneis School Disco
w/c 16 November Year 4 Greek Week
Thursday 19 November Y5 Parents’ Open Afternoon*
Friday 20 November Greek Feast
Tuesday 24 November Y6 Parents’ Christmas Craft
Monday 30 November Y5 Egyptian Day
Wednesday 2 December Friends of Colneis Christmas Fair
Thursday 3 December Y5 Ipswich Museum (Group 1)
Friday 4 December Y5 Ipswich Museum(Group 2)
Tuesday 8 December, am Y3 & Y5 Christmas Concert
Wednesday 9 December, am Y4 & Y6 Christmas Concert
Thursday 10 December, am & pm Y3 & Y5 Christmas Concert
Friday 11 December, am & pm Y4 & Y6 Christmas Concert
Sunday 13 December Colneis Choir @ Landguard Fort
w/c Monday 14 December Reindeer Run (more info to follow)
Tuesday 15 December Y5 Christmas Party
Wednesday 16 December Y4 Christmas Party
Thursday 17 December School Christmas Lunch
Thursday 17 December Y3 Christmas Party
Friday 18 December Y6 Christmas Party
Friday 18 December End of Term!
* The Parents’ Open Mornings/Afternoons: Parents are invited into school to work alongside their child in the
classroom in a practical curriculum based activity which supports learning. This will be followed by tea in the hall
and the chance to talk to members of the Senior Management Team and a School Governor.
Colneis Assemblies
The following class will be leading our assembly at 10.20am:
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
4 November
11 November
18 November
25 November
2 December
Class 4T
Class 6L
Year 5 (all three classes)
Class 4M
Class 6S
Family members are then invited to join their child’s class following assembly
to share numeracy or literacy based activities
7
Pupils’ Success
This information has been removed
for data protection purposes
8
Year 3 trip to the Port of Felixstowe
As part of our 'Felixstowe Port and Resort' topic work, Year 3 visited the Port of Felixstowe
and Landguard Fort on Friday 2nd October.
On arrival, the Port police guided our bus around and Mrs Hope told us all about the things we
saw. She told us that some of the biggest container ships in the world come to Felixstowe,
bringing all sorts of things that we can buy in our shops. We learnt about the different berths
and the different types of cranes.
We watched containers being lifted on and off ships and trains and learnt about the computer
system that keeps track of the thousands of containers on the Port.
We found out that the Port has its own ambulance, fire and police services and that there are
many different jobs not just on the Port, but connected to the Port, in Felixstowe and the
surrounding area.
At Landguard Fort the volunteers took us around to the different areas. We found out what it
was like to be a soldier in Victorian times as well as learning about different times in the Fort's
history. We looked out across the rivers and the sea to see that the Fort was built in a very
good defensive position.
We enjoyed our visits and have written thank you letters to the Port and the Fort.
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Destination Democracy!
Annette Colgan, Jim Carpmael and Matt Reeve visited Colneis on October 15 th and 16th to present
theatre workshops to Year 5 and 6.
Entirely funded by the Parliamentary Education Service, the presentation and workshops covered
some key events from the last 999 years of history, including the sealing of The Magna Carta, the
British Civil Wars and the Suffragette movement in a lively, interactive ‘Horrible Histories’ style.
Through drama, the children also explored the daily lives of children in Victorian Britain.
Part of the workshop demonstrated the 'child workforce' within the coal mines. This involved
children acting out the daily life a 10 year old child working in a coal mine, with 'pickers',
'shunters', and 'carriers' - we all decided we would rather be at school!
“I learnt a lot
about the past.
The time
machine was
really
interesting.”
Francesca
“It was really
good because it
made the
history real!”
Jay
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Friends of Colneis Christmas Fair, Wednesday 2nd December
It’s not long until the festive season, so that means it’s almost time for the annual Friends of
Colneis Christmas Fair. As usual, the Fair will open at 3pm for the children only so that they can
buy their own Christmas presents for family and friends – a wrapping service is provided!
At 3.30pm, the children will be dismissed as usual and you are then welcome to come into the Fair
in the hall with your children.
For the Fair to be a success we really would like donations of the following:

Raffle prizes

Children raffle prizes

Unwanted gifts (toiletries etc)

Good quality books

Good quality toys

Cakes (to be brought in on the day)
We also have tables available for anyone who would like to have their own craft stall at the Fair.
The cost for having a pitch is £20. Tables can be booked by contacting Tracey Spalding at
[email protected]
Finally, do please have that rummage and sort out at home and let us have your donations.
We look forward to seeing you on the day.
11
JOINT SCHOOL INFORMATION
Packed Lunches
In line with the school’s healthy eating policy, can we please remind you that packed lunches
should contain either sandwiches or a salad and no fizzy drinks, sweets or chocolate.
After School Clubs
There are still limited places on some after school clubs. If your child is interested in
attending, please call into the school office or contact the number provided.
Fairfield
Multi Skills, Tuesday—To book, please contact Premier Sport on 01473 427010
Dance Club, Thursday—To book, please contact Premier Sport on 01473 427010
Gymnastics, Friday—To book, please contact Premier Sport on 01473 427010
Colneis
Futsal, Monday—To book, please call into the school office
Rugby, Friday—To book, please contact Premier Sport on 01473 427010
School Milk Is Available For ALL Children
If your child is currently in Nursery or Reception year, we’re delighted to confirm that we have
arranged for your to receive free milk at school.
From Year 1 onwards, you have the option to pay for their milk.
What you need to do:
Visit www.coolmilk.com and select ‘Register your child for milk here’, then follow the onscreen instructions to register and pay
For those children over 5 who are entitled to benefit-based free school meals, they should
already be offered milk. If that is not the case, please contact the school office.
Should you have any queries regarding your child's registration, please contact Cool Milk directly
at [email protected] or call 0844 854 2913.
MDSA Vacancies at Fairfield and Colneis
We are currently looking for additional midday supervisors to join the Fairfield team and the
Colneis team. Pay £7 per hour. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact the
School Office for details. Interviews will take place to select the successful candidates.
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Golden Ticket Winners!
For reading 4 times (or more) a week—our Golden Ticket Winners at Fairfield are:
Kira
Poppy
Brandon
Noel
Golden Ticket Winners at Colneis are:
Ewan
Lucas
Premier Sport are offering various activities over
October Half Term
For more details and to book, please log on to: premierperformingarts.co.uk
Alternatively, call 01473 427010
Colneis Pool, Felixstowe
Swimming Lessons for Children
Pre-school classes held on Mondays - early afternoon & Thursday mornings
Small groups – maximum 4 children per class
Adult and Child classes held on Thursdays.
Lessons available for children of all ages and abilities every day after school
and on Saturday mornings. Holiday courses also available.
To book, or for more details, email [email protected]
or Phone 01473 613269 www.swimsureswimschool.co.uk
Working towards ASA Awards
Building water confidence and learning to swim through play
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Children in Need, Friday 13th November 2015
Non Uniform Day at Fairfield Infant School and Colneis Junior School
As in previous years there will be a voluntary contribution of 50p per child to be able to wear
‘non-uniform’. We would also be grateful for any other donations you would care to make. All
money collected will go to this very worthy cause.
Although we would be pleased to see pupils in play clothes, can you please help your child to make
appropriate choices, ie, warm clothing and no high heels, etc!
Please note, Fairfield will be collecting coins to cover Pudsey—so
if your child could bring loose change that would be ideal.
We also know that some of the children enjoy baking, so we will
be pleased to accept any small cakes at both schools for the children
to buy at break time. The cost per cake will be 20p. Please bring the
cakes in on the day, and if your child wishes to purchase one, please
ensure they have the funds available.
Felixstowe in Flower
In September, Felixstowe in Flower celebrated it’s 30th Anniversary with a ceremony at
Felixstowe Academy.
Three pupils attended to represent Colneis and Cailey very kindly represented Fairfield. The
Mayor of Felixstowe, Mrs Doreen Savage, presented Colneis with a 2nd place certificate for the
School Grow Bag competition and a trophy for the School Environmental Project. She also
presented Fairfield with a 1st place award in the School Grow Bag competition and 2nd place in
the Schools Environment Project.
Fairfield Nursery also did very well receiving 2nd place for the Nursery Grow bag competition
and 2nd place for the Nursery Environment Project.
Three pupils received a Felixstowe in Flower art award.
It was lovely to see so many pupils attending the event in celebration of growing their fantastic
sunflowers! Well done and congratulations to all involved.
14
The Federation of Fairfield and Colneis—Governor News
It is pleasing to hear that the staff and children have started the new school term very
positively. As always, Mrs Reed makes sure that governors are involved in school life. We have
been invited to the ‘open afternoons / mornings’ and look forward to meeting parents afterwards
when we have a cup of tea together. We will also be joining senior staff on Learning Walks around
the schools to monitor learning. Then governors will talk to children about their learning.
Mrs Belinda Jarvis has resigned from the Governing Body, for family reasons. Belinda has been a
governor at Fairfield for many years and since the schools federated she has chaired the Finance
Committee. A very big thank you to Belinda for all the time she has given to both schools; we will
miss her.
Later in the term, at the first Governing Body meeting, governors will be co-opting two people to
replace Mrs Jarvis and Rev Cornish who left last term. We do have another vacancy to complete
the co-opted total. Governors would be very pleased to consider someone who has experience and
expertise in the area of buildings and premises so that there are a wide range of skills on the
Governing Body. If you would be interested in joining us, please tell the office staff.
It was very enjoyable to join the children at the Harvest Festival services earlier this term at
Trinity Methodist Church. They sang beautifully and behaved so well. As a visitor to school, I was
very impressed when a child came forward to welcome me to the class and explained what they
were learning. This happened in every class!
Being a governor does take time and commitment (lots of paperwork and reading!) but coming into
school and meeting staff, pupils and parents makes it all worthwhile.
Celia Davies
Chair of Governors
Information on the school website
www.fairfieldinfant.co.uk
www.colneisjunior.co.uk
We would encourage you to log on to the school website to find helpful ways to assist your child.
Recently added:
 A parent booklet detailing the new banding levels for both reading and maths. To find the information please
click on to Curriculum, Reading at Home/Maths, Parent Booklets.
Coastal Parenting Hub—Felixstowe
Welcomes mums & dads parenting together, mums & dads parenting alone, carers & grandparents
‘Purely for Parents’
Practical online safety advice for parents
Do you want to know what your child is doing online?
Friday 6 November 9.30am-11.30am
Speaker: Jo Lawrence – Felixstowe Academy
The Salvation Army, Cobbold Road, Felixstowe IP11 7EL
Contact Kay 07540 671191 or text if you would like further information
[email protected]
15
Examples of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) statements
(Note – most children will be working against the band that corresponds to their year group).
Band 2 Reading
Word Reading
Read accurately by blending the sounds in words that contain the graphemes taught so far,
especially recognising alternative sounds for graphemes.
Read accurately words of two or more syllables that contain graphemes taught so far.
Comprehension
Understand both the books that he/she can already read accurately and fluently and those that
he/she listens to by predicting what might happen on the basis of what has been read so far.
Participate in discussion about books, poems and other works that are read to him/her and those
that he/she can read for himself/herself, taking turns and listening to what others say.
Band 4 Writing
Composition
Draft and write by organising paragraphs around a theme.
Draft and write in narratives, creating settings, characters and plot with consideration for the
audience and purpose.
Vocabulary, Grammar and Punctuation
Make the appropriate choice of pronoun or noun, within and across sentences, to aid cohesion and
avoid repetition.
Use inverted commas and other punctuation to indicate direct speech e.g. The conductor
shouted, ‘Sit down!’ – a comma after the reporting clause; end punctuation within inverted
commas.
Band 6 Maths
Round any whole number to a required degree of accuracy.
Solve multi-step problems in contexts, deciding which operations and methods to use and why.
Multiply multi-digit numbers up to 4 digits by a two-digit whole number using the formal written
method of long multiplication.
Use, read, write and convert between standard units, converting measurements of length, mass,
volume and time from a smaller unit of measure to a larger unit, and vice versa, using decimal
notation up to three decimal places.
Suffolk Crossing Patrol
Patrol Officer—High Road East/Rosemary Avenue
We have been advised by the Suffolk Crossing Patrol that having advertised the post twice, they
are still unable to fill the position. At present, the role is being covered by Relief Patrol Officer,
however on occasions he may be redirected to other duties leaving the crossing un-manned. It is
imperative for the safety of the children that we have a Safety Patrol Officer at this post, so if
you are interested in enquiring about this position, or know of anyone else who might be, please
contact Mary Jarrett [email protected] or telephone 01473 265006.
16
Term dates for 2015-2016
Autumn Term 2015:
Start of Autumn term:
Half Term:
End of Autumn term:
PD day:
Thursday 3rd September
Monday 26th October-Friday 30th October
Friday 18th December
Wednesday 2nd September
Spring Term 2016:
Start of Spring term:
Half term:
End of Spring term:
PD day:
Tuesday 5th January
Monday 15th February-Friday 19th February
Thursday 24th March
Monday 4th January
Summer Term 2016:
Start of Summer term:
Bank Holiday:
Half term:
End of Summer term:
PD days:
Tuesday 12th April
Monday 2nd May
Monday 30th May-Friday 3rd June
Wednesday 20th July
Monday 11th April
Friday 27th May
Thursday 21st July
Term dates for 2016-2017
Autumn Term 2016:
Start of Autumn term:
Half Term:
End of Autumn term:
PD day:
Spring Term 2017:
Start of Spring term:
Half term:
End of Spring term:
PD day:
Summer Term 2017:
Start of Summer term:
Bank Holiday:
Half term:
End of Summer term:
PD days:
Monday 5th September
Monday 24th October-Friday 28th October
Tuesday 20th December
Thursday 1st September
Friday 2nd September
Thursday 5th January
Monday 13th February-Friday 17th February
Friday 31st March
Wednesday 4th January
Wednesday 19th April
Monday 1st May
Monday 29th May-Friday 2nd June
Friday 21st July
Tuesday 18th April
Monday 5th June
17