WEST KIDLINGTON NEWS
From Mr Symonds
This Month’s Value:
FRIENDSHIP
Friday 15th January
FROM MR. SYMONDS
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This is my first newsletter entry of 2016. Thank you to everyone who was kind enough to send
cards, gifts and messages to me before Christmas. They meant a lot to me, thank you so much.
Over Christmas I was given the chance to look at how “values” based education works in
Australia. Several years ago, our school hosted visits from schools in Melbourne, Victoria, who
were piloting a project from regional government on putting the following values at the heart of
every school.
It was fascinating seeing
how these values have
shaped the way teachers
and pupils think and to see
how they have impacted on
the curriculum in another
country. We have talked
about these values in
assemblies this week. As a
staff, we are looking to
develop cultural links with
other countries including
Australia! I was watching the
faces of our children in
assemblies as they hear
about things like the Eureka
Tower,
echidnas
and
kangaroos,
and
their
reaction when they found out
facts like kangaroos can’t
walk backwards! It seems that Australians like this imagery, because they see themselves as a
country that constantly looks forward. A message for us all in there somewhere and lots for our
children to learn about!
Cold Weather
We are expecting some marked drops in temperature next week. Please could we ask you to
support us by ensuring children come to school with adequate clothing, especially a warm coat.
We will make provision for children not wearing coats to stay in a warm classroom at breaktime if
we think they may be at risk of getting cold. Similarly, can we remind you that the playground can
get icy, especially in the mornings, so please tread carefully!
Finally, a reminder that if we are subjected to significant snow fall, we may have to adopt school
closure procedures. Please use our website, our twitter feed and local radio to establish whether
school is open or not. Please be assured that we will always endeavour to keep the school open,
but we are subject to travel advice and guidance, especially for members of staff who travel
significant distances to get to our school.
ATTENDANCE
The overall school is 93.14%
BEST COLLEGE ATTENDANCE
OAK = 94.08%
BEECH = 93.99%
WILLOW = 93.80%
MAPLE = 90.60%
The Big Question
In order to develop creative thinking at West Kidlington, each week the children will be given a Big
Question, chosen by the Learning Council, to discuss.
This week’s question was: If you could have any super hero power, what would it be and why?
Next week the question is: What came first the chicken or the egg?
Please discuss the questions at home with your child.
If your child wants to write or draw their ideas, that would be wonderful. Remember to name their work.
The Learning Council will be making post boxes for each year group next week, for the children to put their
ideas into.
The Learning Council will choose the best response out of those handed in, which will be featured in the
newsletter each week.
If you have any ideas for questions, please let us know.
Mrs Lees
A blue/grey watch has been lost in Miss Finnemore’s class.
If anyone has seen it, could you please let the office know.
At this time of year, when many children have received
new board games, we wondered whether you would
like to donate any old board games to the school. We
would like to set up a lunchtime club where children
could then play these games. Please could any
donations be given into the school office.
Many thanks.
ITALIAN PIZZA BOATS
(usual pizza day but slight variation)
21st January 2016
Pepperoni Pizza Boats
or
Margherita Pizza Boats
With Sweetcorn and Coleslaw
Chocolate Ice Cream
or
Fruit Wedges
AS THE WEATHER HAS BECOME MUCH
COLDER, COULD YOU PLEASE ENSURE
THAT ALL CHILDREN BRING A WARM
COAT TO SCHOOL.
MUSIC LESSONS
New offer for year groups 4 to 6
"The Oxfordshire County Music Service would like to
offer lessons on trumpet, french horn, trombone, and
baritone at West Kidlington school.
Group lessons are £5.40 for a 30 min. session. Please
contact [email protected]
for
more
information."
Chuck Lloyd
Key Dates For Your Diary:
February
2nd February: WKF AGM to be held at 7.00 pm in staffroom – All Welcome
Sporting Events:
January
21st January: Years 5/6 Sportshall Athletics
February
4th February: Year 5 Multiskills
11th February: Years 5/6 Quiksticks Hockey
25th February: Years 5/6 High 5 Netball
March
17th March: Years 5/6 Targeted Sportshall Athletics
April
21st April: Years 5/6 Football
28th April: Years 3-6 Quadkids
May
5th May: Years 3/4: Mini Red Tennis
19th May: Year 1 Multiskills Event
26th May: Years 5/6 Kwik Cricket
June
15th June: U9 Mini Red Tennis Final
29th June: U9 & U11 Quadkids Athletics Finals
30th June: Year 5 Rounders
July
7th July: Year 2 Multiskills Festival (Gosford Sports Centre)
*Some of the dates and times for above sporting events are subject to change. Parents will be informed
if their child has been chosen to take part and parents will also be informed whether spectators are
invited.