Wednesday 15th
February
Swim Development Club (by invitation), 4-5pm Cubs, 6.30pm
Thursday 16th
February
Jujitsu, 4-5.30pm
LAMDA, 4-5pm Cubs, 6.30pm
Friday 17th February
PA Breakfast Club, 8-9am
After School Hockey, 4-5pm, LP
Water Polo, 4-5pm
Saturday 18th
February
EPSCA Chess, 9-4pm, PR (by invitation)
Wednesday 15th February
We have almost reached the end of another busy half term and started this week with more musical talent on display. On Monday and Tuesday, many boys performed to their peers and parents in our annual Music Festival. The boys were grouped by instrument and, at any point over the two days, we could hear the sounds of piano, drums, guitar, violin, cello, clarinet, recorder, singing and even saxophone! It was a wonderful event and a chance for our hardworking boys (and their teachers) to demonstrate the progress they have made to small, intimate audiences.
To conclude, at the end of the two days, our Ensemble Groups showcased some rousing performances. Our independent adjudicator, Mr Andrew Pettitt, gave excellent feedback to the boys and I am sure they will take this into consideration as they continue their musical journeys. I would like to give a big thank you to all those who attended, our visiting music teachers and Miss Ormerod for her hard work in putting together not just this event, but also the recent Year 5 concert and the Young Voices event. Finally, well done to the boys for their efforts in preparing and conquering nerves to entertain their peers and families!
As we approach half term, it is noticeable that some boys are looking slightly dishevelled. Some items of uniform are looking a bit more snug (shirts are unable to be tucked in because of how short they are) and hair is covering both eyes and ears - two key body parts in the learning process! Please try to visit the barber with your son and review uniform over the holiday . First impressions count and we want the boys to take pride in their appearance, as well as in all that they do!
Boys are invited to come to school dressed as any character from fiction, non-fiction or poetry to celebrate World Book Day on Thursday 2nd March. The day will be lots of fun, with special assemblies, competitions, quizzes, book readings and online visits from authors.
Please find linked here all the details of activities which will be taking place at KidZone next week. Book early to avoid disappointment !
We wish all our community a fantastic and safe half term holiday and hope everyone comes back ready and raring to go for the incredibly busy run up to the Easter holidays!
SKPark Road, BOLTON, BL1 4RD. t: (01204) 434735
e: parkroad@boltonschool.org.uk www.boltonschool.org
The School Office is open from 8.15 am 4.15 pm during term time. Please note that any texts sent by the Office cannot be replied to.
Please direct all enquiries to parkroad@boltonschool.org and always include your son’s first name and surname, as well as his form. Please note that ParkRoadOffice email is no longer monitored.
If your son is going to be absent from School, whether he be off sick or attending dental, medical or any other appointment, please email parkroad@boltonschool.org so that the registers may be marked accordingly. Please use this email address for all day-to-day enquiries relating to school matters to ensure that your enquiry may be dealt with in a timely manner.
For all coach / transport enquiries: Logistics Co-ordinator: Mr B. Gould, t: (01204) 434711, e: bdmgould@boltonschool.org.uk
Spring Term, 2023 WEEK B
Tuesday 28th February
RETURN TO SCHOOL
Chess, 4-5pm
Wednesday 1st March
Y3/4 Masterclass, Brandwood Prep, all day
U11 International Rugby Festival, Rossall, all day
Swim Development Club (by invitation), 4-5pm Cubs, 6.30pm
Thursday 2nd March
World Book Day
Tom Palmer, online author session, 10am
WBD Online, 11am Jujitsu, 4-5.30pm LAMDA, 4-5pm Cubs, 6.30pm
Friday 3rd March
CBBC Competition Winners’ Trip, Media City, morning Visit & Fixtures with Edinburgh Academy
After School Hockey, 4-5pm, LP
Water Polo, 4-5pm
This week a group of Y3/4 boys and girls took part in the Bolton Schools’ Hockey Festival.
For most of our young players, this was their first time playing hockey. They enjoyed a quick skills session at the beginning of the event and quickly got the hang of the basics of the game which they were then able to use during a series of short games.
It was lovely to see how much everyone progressed in such a short space of time and they all left inspired to pick up a hockey stick again in the near future.
As it was a festival, no official count of match scores was kept, However, it was good to see that the boys drew all of their games, while the girls drew two and won two.
Well done to all involved. SF
Congratulations to Andrew Critchley in 4B, who undertook a marathon swim last week.
Andrew told us, “It took a lot of hard work but I managed to pull through.” He swam 2km (80 lengths) in just one hour and three minutes at Turton Pool !
The picture is of Andrew and his swimming teacher, Sam.
Well done on this incredible achievement, Andrew !
Well done too, to Oscar Bromwell in 5C, who recently qualified to compete at the Lancashire County Swimming Championships held in Liverpool.
He came 7th in his age group for 50m Butterfly.
Well done, Oscar !
Our annual Music Festival took place this week with a staggering 111 individual entries. Our adjudicator, Mr Andrew Pettitt, gave some great feedback to each performer and was impressed by the level of music happening in school.
Every single boy should be proud of his performance and it has been a pleasure to hear them all play. The festival culminated in the Ensembles class, followed by the presentation of Best Individual Performance, which was won by Tyler Humphreys, in Year 6, for his “magical and moving” rendition of “Moonbeams” on the piano. A list of all the winners can be found linked here.
Many thanks to all the individual teachers for their hard work preparing the boys and a huge well done to every single performer. You were all amazing! HJO
If you have an old, wooden skateboard at home (broken or otherwise!), please do bring it to the School Office, to be passed on to Mr Winstanley, who will be undertaking an up-cycling project this half term. AW
The Big Battery Hunt is a nationwide programme to help educate and inspire young people to recycle more used batteries. Please send your unwanted batteries to school, where we will store them and then take them to our local supermarket for recycling. There are great prizes to be won for school including £3500 towards outdoor and garden equipment. SL
Please note the date of your son’s visit to Patterdale Hall this year :
Year 3: Thursday 4th to Friday 5th May
Year 4: Monday 24th to Wednesday 26th April
Year 5: Wednesday 26th April to Friday 28th April
Year 6: Tuesday 9th to Friday 12th May
All visits are compulsory as they form part of your son’s curriculum. An information evening for Year 3 and Year 4 parents and parents of boys new to school this academic year will take place at 7pm on Thursday 23rd March more details will follow nearer the time, as well as a list of kit your son will need for his trip.
This Saturday, Lancashire Music Service is holding a musical petting zoo, where children can try out a range of instruments at Lytham Library. Please see the following link for more details: https://events.lancashire.gov.uk/search/event_details.asp?
eventid=13624&fbclid=IwAR2TEwaMVJuOz24PHPiSdbzF_VhwPcfYgErGkZ1WkmDKgyi_sMmL_qOGT2c
Calling all roving reporters!
Mrs Brisk is asking for boys to produce a 30 second video as part of preparations for World Book Day, which takes place on Thursday 2nd March. There is the very exciting opportunity for boys to win a trip to the CBBC Studios, at Media City, to see real- life reporters at Newsround!
If you would like to enter, you need to upload a 30 second video filmed creatively, to share a book that you like, or perhaps that is special to you or brings you joy you can choose your reasons!
Share a story and inspire another pupil or teacher at Park Road to read it too. Entries must be uploaded to Showbie Whole School Folder / CBBC Newsround Trip by 4pm on Friday 17th February, when we break up for half term. MLB
Return of … read and review a book with a geographical theme!
Choose a book, which has a geographical theme. There are some examples on this poster alongside lots of books in the library e.g. books by Matt Dickinson!
During February, read the book and then write roughly an A4 page review
Your review should include: a description of the book and the author; discuss what you liked about the book; what would you like to know more about after reading the book?; consider whether it links to your current geography lessons.
How to submit your creative book review: email LJG@boltonschool.org.uk with your submission by 9am on Tuesday 28th February or upload it to the Whole School Showbie class/Geography Competitions/February Mission
PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS! WHO CAN CREATE THE MOST GEOGRAPHICAL AND CREATIVE BOOK REVIEW ?
If your Year 5 son has expressed an interest in the Year 6 trip to York in October half term and you have not yet completed the Google Form below to confirm his place, please complete it before the deadline of 9am on Friday 3rd March :
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8yZxMmPSWBYb_Lb-0BgXO6wA1wgUx6NHxs25RX_8NniduQ/ viewform?usp=pp_url
Just a reminder that if your son forgets any books, homework, sport, PE or swimming kit, etc., please do not make the journey to school to drop it off for him.
Having to explain to his teachers will help him to problem solve for himself and, we hope, not make the same mistake again! Rest assured, we shall always lend equipment to him to enable him to participate in his lessons.
Please make sure that you son has his NAMED headphones in school every day.
Headphones should NOT be expensive wireless ones but should be a simple pair of inexpensive plug- in headphones (which could ideally even be left in boys’ trays overnight).
On Friday 17th February, we will be holding a non uniform day to raise funds for the Turkey-Syria Earthquake appeal.
This is a joint effort by the Primary Division to fundraise for relief efforts in Turkey and Syria.
All proceeds will go to the ‘Save the Children’ charity that is providing vital aid to those in need. A suggested £2 donation would be very gratefully received. Please ask your son to hand this to his form teacher at morning registration.
The Bolton School Foundation Gala Concert is taking place on Thursday 16th March at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. It promises to be an exciting evening of musical entertainment, with the chance for pupils to showcase their talents at one of the most prestigious concert halls in the country. Tickets for this important event are free of charge and will be available online from the Bridgewater Hall. Further information on how to book these will be available in the coming weeks.
Letters for the parents/guardians of pupils involved will be sent directly in the next week.
Please note the Park Road PA AGM meeting will take place tonight—Wednesday 15th February at 7:00pm at Park Road.
Breakfast Club – Friday 17th February— the PA will be holding a Valentine’s Day themed Breakfast Club on Friday from 8am. Everyone is welcome and allergies will be catered for. The menu for the occasion can be found linked here.
Social Events if you have any suggestions for social events you would like to see organised by the Parents’ Association, please get in touch – parkroadpa@gmail.com
EasyFunding—online shopping can also generate funds for the school PA by simply using the easyfundraising app and linking your account: to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/boltonjbpa
WhatsApp - if you would like to join the PA WhatsApp Group to keep up to date with all things PA, please click on the following link:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BRtBl8QwJpS9OxpBm3MHDj
PA Mailing List If you would like to be added to the PA mailing list please get in touch: parkroadpa@gmail.com
Twitter – don’t forget to follow us on Twitter: @BSPDJnrBoysPA
Due to a range of events in the school calendar, the Year 6 Play 2023 will now be taking place over the following three evenings: Tuesday 4th at 7pm, Wednesday 5th at 7pm and Thursday 6th 5pm. Please note that the Year 6 play is one of our compulsory events and all Year 6 boys are expected to attend, we therefore want to make you aware of this date, in the final week of term, as far in advance as possible.
Closer to the time of the play, rehearsals are understandably very important for all boys to also attend and it would help us if you could avoid the following rehearsal dates when making medical appointments:
Monday 17th April: 9.15-10.25 – boys visiting the Girls’ Division theatre
Friday 5th May: 9- 12.00
Monday 22nd May: 13.00 – 16.00
Monday 5th June: 13.00 – 14.30
Wednesday 7th June: 13.00 - 14.30
Friday 9th June : 10.30 – 12.00
Monday 19th June: half day rehearsal (afternoon)
Friday 23rd June: 9-12.00 (half day rehearsal)
Monday 26th June: full day rehearsal
Friday 30th June: morning - dress rehearsal
PERFORMANCE DATES: Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th July.
Further to our email last week, the dates for the Spring Term Parents’ Evenings are as opposite.
Please do keep an eye on the newsletter and your emails for booking information. If you require a specific time slot, you will need to book as soon as the system goes live, as the most popular time slots book up quickly
As you may be aware, across the Foundation at Bolton School, we are engaged in some ongoing charity work to support children in Malawi to gain access to education, with the hope of building a new school one day.
Through this work, we have been asked to help support a group of 100 orphaned children who have the opportunity to attend another recently founded school, Chunzu Primary School, by helping to supply them with stationery packs and wash bags.
Each form across the school will collect all of the individual items that are needed to create a complete pack, so we can provide 10 packs from Park Road. (Every form across the whole foundation is collating a pack to total the 100 needed.)
You will have received an email from your son’s form teacher detailing the item your son will need to bring into school to contribute. Please can you support him to bring this item into school and pass it to his form teacher by Friday 3rd March Thank you, as always, for your support! GF
A fantastic collection of creative work from across the school has been submitted to the annual AJIS Art competition .
There was a wide range of skills on show and some fantastic work.
Fingers crossed for all those that had the courage and commitment to submit their art work for the scrutiny of the judges! JM
All unnamed lost property left at the end of half term will be recycled locally, all named items will be returned to their owners. It is essential that all children’s belongings are named. Unnamed items found around school are placed in the lost property bin in the cloakroom area. Named items are returned to classes. Every half term we will empty out the lost property bin, displaying items on the small yard – giving parents a chance to claim back their items. Any unclaimed items left at the end of each half term will be recycled locally. CDH
Please do share your news of former Park Road boys with us. We would love to hear about big brothers, cousins, dads and grandads and anyone you know who used to attend our school !
We look forward to sharing all their news here.
This term, there has been a real focus in our art lessons to get outside of the classroom and experience nature in all its wonder.
We are lucky that we have the amazing grounds of the school to explore and inspire us. Psychogeography Group has also gone further afield, exploring our local community, researching local buildings that have changed over time and key landmarks.
Too often we can get stuck in the "home-car-work-car-home" cycle and forget to take time to connect with the places that are important to us.
Exhibitions:
For Year 6 especially, a trip to Yorkshire Sculpture Park would give them a chance to see some Andy Goldsworthy and David Nash work in situ, as well as some stunning Damien Hirst sculptures.
Bury Art Museum is currently hosting a fantastic exhibition from the British Culture Archive- amazing photographic slices of life from the gritty North of England. They also have an exhibition coming up focused on the environment and environmentalism.
Do let us know if you pay a visit to these exhibitions we would love to know what you thought of them.
JM
Calling all budding bakers !
Applications are now open for the 9th series of Junior Bake Off; a Channel 4 programme which celebrates the culinary talent and ambition of the younger generation. Any interested young bakers (aged between 9 and 12 years old) can apply online at www.applyforjuniorbakeoff.co.uk
More details are on the flyer linked here.
There’s another exciting chess event taking place at Bolton School over the next six weeks, as boys will be taking part in the UK’s largest junior chess competition: The Delancey UK Chess Challenge.
The first part of this will consist of two internal chess tournaments – one for Years 3 and 4 and another for Years 5 and 6. Everyone who has entered will play five games in school resulting in a ‘Top 6’ for each age group. These boys will then form our team to represent school at the local, regional and then national finals! For all those who have signed up for the forthcoming ESPCA chess competition on Saturday 18th February, more details will follow soon. MP
