09 February 2018
Primary Newsletter
Safeguarding Children As part of their curriculum, the children learn how to keep themselves safe. The following website has been set up by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) to offer parents and schools advice on how to raise safeguarding awareness with children. There is a notable section called ‘The Underwear Rule’ which is of particular support and guidance to parents. The website also offers advice regarding ‘online safety’ and how to obtain support or advice regarding the safeguarding of children. www.nspcc.org.uk
Uniform Information & School Uniform Purchases The Primary uniform can be purchased through the Khalsa Schoolwear website or can be bought at Khalsa Schoolwear shop in Bethnal Green. To save on the cost of delivery charges, Khalsa Schoolwear does a school delivery once every month. You can find further details of the delivery dates on their website or you can ask the reception office staff. • We expect every child to be in full uniform every day with their top button done up • All coats must be plain black • Shoes must be plain black – no trainers! If you are not sure about the types of shoes that are part of our uniform policy, please ask. • Please label every item of clothing • One pair of plain stud earrings can be worn • Nail polish is not allowed • Jewellery is not permitted • Long hair for both boys and girls must be tied back. Hair decorations must be small and plain • Please provide your child with a water bottle every day and make sure it is labelled with their name (water only, no fruit juice).
2 Primary Newsletter
09 February 2018
From Tam Broadway – Primary Headteacher I hope you all have a lovely half term break and I look forward to seeing everyone back again on Monday 19th February ready for more fun and challenging learning. During the break please encourage your child to practise, for a short time every day, their reading, writing and maths skills. Thank you for your support. Thank you to those of you who were able to attend the Parent Coffee Morning and E-Safety Parent workshop. If you were unable to on this occasion, there are information leaflets available in the main Reception area and the PowerPoint slides will be available to view on the website under the ‘Community’ tab and ‘Parent Resources’.
Important reminders • School starts at 8.45am (8.35am for Year 3). It is important that your child arrives on time every day so that the teachers can start the lesson promptly. The school gate will be open from 8.25am and will close at 8.45am. • School finishes at 3.45pm (3.35pm for Year 3) every day other than Tuesday when we finish at 3.00pm (2.50pm for Year 3). • If any of your details have changed e.g. your address or phone number – please ensure you contact the office to inform us, so that we can update our records and contact you in case of an emergency. • Please ensure your child attends school every day and on time. If your child is sick then you must call the office to let us know by 8.15am. If your child has a medical appointment you must let us know in advance.
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A Message from Ms Young At INA we believe in giving all children the opportunity to achieve their goals. Team PE are committed to 100% participation in lessons to help our children to achieve active healthy lifestyles which they will continue in the future. We ask that all children have a full PE kit for every PE lesson, including proper trainers of plimsolls. If for any reason a child forgets their PE kit, we do have some spares which we allow the children to borrow for their lesson and then change out of before going home. Unfortunately a number of spare items have not been changed out of and have gone home and not been returned. Can all parents please check if any items at home belong to the school; all items of PE kit have INA written on them. Alternatively if your child has grown out of any items of their kit we would hugely appreciate them being donated to the school to help us to ensure participation for all children. Thank you!
A Message from Year 3 If you have any toys that utilise magnets at home, please could Year 3 borrow them for our DT project next half term? If you are able to lend a magnetic toy of any kind, please bring it to one of the Year 3 teachers or hand it in to the office. Please label it with your child’s name and class so that it can be returned to you afterwards.
A Message from Ms Chaggar Please let the school know in good time if you are sending someone else to collect your child from school. The staff will not send a child home with an adult that has not been authorised by the parents/carers. This is in the interests of safeguarding your children. Thank you for your cooperation.
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09 February 2018
Dear Parents and Carers, PARENT GOVERNOR VACANCIES – ISAAC NEWTON ACADEMY I am writing to let you know that there are currently vacancies for two parent governors on the Local Governing Body (LGB) of Isaac Newton Academy and an election will take place shortly. We are looking for one parent governor for the Secondary and one for the Primary. All parents, carers and guardians of children at the school are eligible to stand as candidates, and vote in the election. If there are more candidates than vacancies a ballot will be held and each parent/ guardian will have one vote for every parent governor vacancy. Governors do not need to be experts in the field of education. What they do need is an interest in the school and in the welfare of the pupils as well as the time and willingness to get involved. At the moment the Local Governing Body is particularly keen to develop its skills in income generation and post-school links - if you are someone that could bring these to the Local Governing Body, perhaps you would consider applying? I attach a short leaflet to help you decide whether to stand and a more detailed leaflet is available from Ms Jones (PA to the Principal). Once you have read this information, if you would like to stand as a Parent Governor, you should complete the online form at http://arkonline.tfaforms.net/2 by Monday 26th February 2018. If you would like any support completing this online form or would like to use a computer in school please contact Ms Jones on 0208 911 6666. Parent governors are very important in the life of the school, and I hope you will consider being a candidate. If you would like more information about the role, please speak with Samira Sadeghi on 07393 006280 or email samira.sadeghi@arkonline.org in the first instance. Yours sincerely
Rachel Macfarlane Principal 09 February 2018 Primary Newsletter
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Can you be our Parent Governor? The role of the Local Governing Body: From overseeing what your children learn in class to making sure that building projects are delivered, governors are at the heart of our school’s journey. Governors work together to support the school to ensure that the pupils are able to achieve to the best of their ability. Each academy within the network of Ark’s 35 schools has a local governing body (LGB) which usually consists of six to 15 governors. All governors are expected to attend our LGB meetings, which are held four times a year in school and do not last more than three hours. The core job of the LGB is monitoring the implementation of the Academy’s educational and financial plans. Its focus is on the achievement of high standards, establishing and maintaining high expectations and promoting effective teaching and learning. Governors are not involved in the day-to-day management of the school but the Principal should provide the LGB with sufficient information to make decisions and fulfil its responsibilities. The role of a parent governor: As a governor, you will bring the unique perspective of a parent to the school’s governing body. You are helping to ensure that school meets the needs of all its pupils and enables all of its pupils to achieve to the best of their ability. You will are not representing individual concerns and you can make your own decisions, together with colleagues on the governing body. Parent Governors are elected for a three-year term of office; this is a voluntary role, but there is an expenses policy to support you. Ark will give the new parent governor a structured induction, provide information and guidance on the role. All governors are required to undergo an enhanced disclosure DBS check and must agree to adhere to the Ark governors’ Code of Conduct. See overleaf for more information. What skills do I need? This is a challenging and exciting role and you will learn new skills and extend existing ones during your time on the governing body. You do not need any specific skills or experience to start with. Governors do not need to be experts in the field of education; what they do need is a commitment to the school and in the welfare of the pupils as well as the time and willingness to get involved. And you must be confident in reading the documents that will be sent to you before each meeting. The election process: All parents, carers and guardians of children at the school are eligible to stand as candidates, and vote in the election. If you would like to stand, please complete the online form at http:// arkonline.tfaforms.net/2 by the relevant deadline. If you would like any support completing this online form or would like to use a computer in school to complete it, please contact Ms Jones (PA to the Principal). Please make sure that when you complete the form, you add your personal statement in support of your nomination as this helps parents/guardians to vote in the event of a ballot. If there are more candidates than vacancies a ballot will be held. Each parent/guardian will have one vote for each parent governor vacancy. Like all Ark governors, the parent governor will be formally appointed by the Ark Governance Manager. About Ark: Ark is an education charity and one of the country’s top-performing academy operators with 35 schools in our network. Our aim is to create outstanding schools that give every Ark pupil the opportunity to go to university or pursue the career of their choice.. Ark Governance Team: governance.team@arkonline.org, 0203 116 0871
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09 February 2018
Parent Governor: Role description Role of governors A successful and effective LGB will: • Monitor implementation of the school development plan and school finances effectively • Act as a critical friend, developing a strong and supportive relationship with the Principal • Consult and respond to the views and concerns of parents and pupils • Be knowledgeable about the school • Use the skills of all members. Governors will support the Principal and staff and will promote the interests of the academy and its pupils. The LGB can only be effective if it asks challenging questions and seeks sufficient information to make sound decisions. All governors are expected to attend LGB meetings, which are held six times a year in school. In addition, you might be expected to join a committee or take on a ‘link’ role to understand a particular area of the school’s activity, such as how it keeps children safe, provides for children with special educational needs and disabilities, or manages the school’s finances. Expectations of parent governors As a governor, you will need to commit time to prepare for and attend LGB meetings, to take a share of tasks within the LGB and to take part in training. You will also be expected to visit the school as a governor – this can be a very different experience to visiting as a parent! As a parent governor, you will bring your parental perspective to the LGB and, through your children, you will have first-hand experience of the curriculum. Parent governors are elected by other parents and it is important to establish a rapport with the parental body that elected you, whilst continuing to maintain a strategic approach to school governance. As a Parent Governor: • You are helping to ensure that the school meets the needs of all its pupils, not representing individual parents or their concerns. • Other parents may approach you with to concerns but you should not become personally involved in individual concerns, as this may jeopardise formal procedures. You should guide parents about appropriate lines of action and procedures. • You do not need to express opinions or vote in a particular way because you have been pressed to do so by other parents. • You are not there to promote the interests of your own children but of all children. • Objectivity is essential. Parent governors are elected for a three-year term of office. You can complete your term of office if your child leaves the Academy and may resign at any time by giving notice to the Clerk to the LGB. Being a parent governor does not disqualify you from your usual rights as a parent including making a complaint. Like all Ark governors, you will need to be loyal to the decisions made by the LGB and respect the confidentiality – even if you personally voted against a decision you must support the decision making process and take responsibility for the outcome. You will also be required to declare an interest and may need to withdraw from specific discussions where you, a partner or close relative or associate stands to gain or where you are so close to a matter being discussed that it will be difficult for you to be impartial.
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Enrichment Clubs You should have by now the notification of your child’s enrichment club for next half term. The children will start their new club from the week beginning Monday 19th February.
Origami Club This half term Ms Ajrullah has enjoyed helping the Origami Club make different 3D objects. She has been particularly impressed by how well the children have used their BRIDGES habits each week to help them, especially their Grit (perseverance & determination) and Bravery (experimenting with new ideas).
Jewellery Making Enrichment Club The pupils enjoyed making bookmarks in jewellery club this week.
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09 February 2018
Safer Internet Day 2018 To recognise E-safety Day on Tuesday 6th February, pupils across the school learned about different aspects of E-safety. Curie class talked about how to stay safe online. We spoke about who can help us if we need help and all shared one person we could speak to. We then put together a ‘high five’ list of 5 people who can support us online: our family, teachers, friends, police and ourselves!
Year 1 pupils also discussed way in which they could keep themselves safe whilst using the internet and then recorded their thoughts.
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Exciting Learning this Week The Gruffalo Thank you to Alizah’s dad for reading ‘The Gruffalo’ in Newton class this week. If any other parents (especially dads) would like to do the same, let your child’s class teacher know and they will arrange a mutually convenient time for you to come in.
Card Making In Reception this week the children have been celebrating Valentine’s Day. They had been thinking about the people they love and are grateful for. They made cards, wrote thank you notes and practised writing red words in red rose petals and sparkles.
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09 February 2018
Drama The Reception pupils enjoyed the opportunity to visit Ms Field, the Head of Drama, in the Secondary School this week. Ms Field led a session based on the character of Elmer. It looks like everyone had a lot of fun!
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Headteacher’s Lunch Well done to the following pupils that have been nominated for the Headteacher’s Lunch for the week after the break on Friday 23rd February; an invitation will be given to the children during our Celebration and Awards Assembly:
Sheryar Javed - Maxwell Mehjabin Orpah - Curie Akshay Yadav - Newton Anita Uddin - Newton Smaran Nakerekanti - Britten Emaan Adeel - Fitzgerald Gurnoor Kalkat - Glennie
Isra Hussain - Al-Kashi Tanisha Shavan - Fibonacci Gulle Jannat Zahir - Pythagoras Sanam Shah - Pythagoras Arissa Isha Butt - Ellington Anum Imran - Nicks Lara Burvill - Shankar
Merits The following pupil has received 50 merits since September for making good choices and moving up to gold on the class ‘good choice chart’ – this is fantastic achievement. A special ‘silver’ certificate will be presented during the Celebration and Awards Assembly. Vianna Mahendra Hanfil Jameel Vishak Muthukumar
Prajin Raja Kallum Bihal Adam Chowdhury
Emaan Adeel Ayala Saleem
The following pupils have received 25 merits since September for making good choices and moving up to gold on the class ‘good choice chart’ – this is fantastic achievement. A special ‘bronze’ certificate will be presented during the Celebration and Awards Assembly. Shahina Haleem Rohan Sharma Zahir Khan Hamza Dakri Jasnoor Kaur
Silha Omer Maya Kimborowicz Innaya Islam Esa Syed Osman Dean
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Nirmalpreet Durhailay Asiyah Ali Ekam Bains Sasha Lard Hafsa Mahmood
09 February 2018
CALLING ALL DADS! We are looking for some enthusiastic male role models to read with and inspire the boys in Reception and Year 1!
This will take place from 8.45-9.15 on Friday mornings in all Reception and Year 1 classes, beginning Friday 2nd February. Feel free to sign up for one or multiple sessions. We ask that you: • are enthusiastic about reading • are willing to listen to the children read • ask the children questions as they read to help them develop their understanding
If you are interested, please sign up with a Reception or Year 1 class teacher. Thanks!
09 February 2018 Primary Newsletter
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Praise and Recognition Every week each teacher chooses two children from their class to receive a certificate in assembly; one is in recognition of a child demonstrating our BRIDGES habit of the week, and the other in recognition of a pupil’s academic effort throughout the week. Well done to the following children, who have been recognised this week: Curie Class: • Simi Islam – Headteacher’s Habits Award (for trying to write in full sentences). • Rayan Zeeshan – Scholar of the Week (for comparing two shapes and speaking about their vertices). Maxwell Class: • Silha Omer – Headteacher’s Habits Award (for trying her best to write a three letter word). • Amrit Kaur – Scholar of the Week (for counting up to fifteen and putting numbers in order). Newton Class: • Hamza Chand – Headteacher’s Habits Award (for showing grit through his positivity when facing new challenges). • Wasif Mohammed – Scholar of the Week (for the effort he put into ‘holding as sentence’ during phonics lessons). Britten Class: • Amanah Ali – Headteacher’s Habits Award (for using her grit by concentrating on her learning all week). • Nyla Moses-Philips – Scholar of the Week (for practising counting in 2s, 5s and 10s successfully all week). Fitzgerald Class: • Zara Khan – Headteacher’s Habits Award (for managing distractions brilliantly and really focussing hard on her learning). • Saif Shaikh – Scholar of the Week (for impressive counting in 2s, 5s, and 10s and some lovely, clear recording in his maths book).
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Glennie Class: • Gurjas Dhanjal – Headteacher’s Habits Award (for always showing great determination in his learning). • Eshaal Khan – Scholar of the Week (for writing a fantastic description about ‘Traction Man’). Al-Kashi Class: • Saminderpreet Kaur – Headteacher’s Habits Award (for trying hard at managing distractions and keeping focussed on her learning). • Shakira Choudhry – Scholar of the Week (for writing a wonderful autobiography with lots of conjunctions and adjectives). Fibonacci Class: • Hannah Nakhuda – Headteacher’s Habits Award (for showing determination with all her learning to succeed). • Muhammad Hadi-Raja – Scholar of the Week (for an excellent recount of the visit to the mosque). Pythagoras Class: • Yusha Master – Headteacher’s Habits Award (for trying very hard with his recount of the mosque trip and planning his autobiography with a lot of detail). • Azmain Islam – Scholar of the Week (for diligently helping his peers to complete the sewing of their bags after he had completed his own). Ellington Class: • Jeevat Palray– Headteacher’s Habits Award (for her perseverance, determination and concentration in each and every lesson). • Faheem Ahmedabadi – Scholar of the Week (for continuing to extend his learning through asking interesting questions). Nicks Class: • Ceylan Warner – Headteacher’s Habits Award (for consistently demonstrating grit when approaching her learning). • Nasim Rebhi – Scholar of the Week (for demonstrating a growth mindset during maths lessons when learning to tell the time). Shankar Class: • Meerab Dar – Headteacher’s Habits Award (for managing distractions very well during lessons and for showing perseverance with her writing in English lessons). • Musa Malik – Scholar of the Week (for trying really hard to improve his handwriting). 09 February 2018 Primary Newsletter
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BRIDGES in the Primary Phase “We build too many walls and not enough bridges.� Isaac Newton
BRIDGES are habits of mind or learning characteristics that develop a pupil's character and learning power and enable him/her to grow into a wellrounded individual and resilient learner. There are seven BRIDGES habits that we will be working on, which will rotate on a weekly cycle throughout the year. The BRIDGES habit of the week will always be introduced at the beginning of the week during the Monday assembly and reinforced throughout the week across the curriculum. Each class teacher will award a certificate to a pupil that they feel has demonstrated the BRIDGES focus for the week. Each week we will update you on the BRIDGES habit that will be introduced in the coming week and offer some top tips on how to reinforce the habit at home too. Please also refer to the Primary BRIDGES wheel below.
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09 February 2018
Week commencing 19th February 2018
Emotional Intelligence Emotional Intelligence comprises seven dispositions: Empathy Listening Sociability
Collaboration Openness
Reflectiveness Understanding
At School • • •
• • • •
At school we always remind the children to treat others in the way that they would like to be treated in return. At school we talk about having good listening skills and stress that we must look at the person who is talking to us to show respect for them and that we are listening to them properly. During every lesson the children are encouraged to develop their sociability by talking to their talk partner; when some children find this hard to do an adult will sit and help facilitate paired talk. During the course of the year the children will be moved around and will have been encouraged to have different reading partners, maths partners etc. We discuss the importance of working together as one big team or family at school and say that we need to take care of everybody – we use the phrase ‘kind hands, kind feet’ to remind children that we do not hurt others. When a child hurts someone or makes a poor behaviour choice, it is important that they reflect on their behaviour and, if another person is involved, that they apologise to them. Through wider reading and research the children are able to extend their understanding of the world around them, reflecting on what makes things different and what are the common threads through life. Though reading stories the children can develop their skills of empathy through their comprehension of the characters, their motivations etc.
At Home
Having consistent boundaries between home and school is very important. Talk to your child about the importance of not hurting or hitting other children and remind him/herthat we need to treat everyone kindly and respectfully. We know that you have equally high expectations of your child at home as we have at school and working in partnership has great strength in supporting your child to make good choices each day.
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Composer of the Fortnight Ye Xiaogang To celebrate the Chinese New Year, we will be listening to and learning about Ye Xiaogang as our Composer of the Fortnight. As a suggested activity to support at home, you could gather some facts about Xiaogang in preparation for the coming weeks. You can hear some of his music on the following links. • •
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ye_Xiaogang http://contemporary_chinese_culture. academic.ru/920/Ye_Xiaogang
Breakfast and After School Club Every parent has Wisepay details and a password, which will enable you to book a place for ‘Breakfast Club’ or ‘After School Club’. Payments must be made in advance. If you experience any problems, please contact Ms Chaggar who will be happy to help. Breakfast is available each day from 7.45am and costs just £2.50 per day. The children enjoy a range of cereals, toast and different topping, juice or milk and fruit. Any child attending must be brought to the main reception area by 8.20am at the latest. After School Club runs from 3.45pm – 6.00pm (3.00pm – 6.00pm on Tuesdays) and costs just £5.50 per hour. The children enjoy a range of snacks each evening and a variety of games and activities
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09 February 2018
Attendance Regular attendance is a crucial factor in students’ educational development and ability to achieve their full potential. At Isaac Newton Academy every student is set the target of 100% attendance. The class with the highest attendance at the end of every week is awarded the attendance trophy during Friday’s Award & Recognition assembly.
Lower School Curie
95.3%
Britten
93%
Maxwell
95.2%
Fitzgerald
95.7%
Newton
98.7%
Glennie
90.7%
Well done and congratulations to Newton class who are the winners this week with 98.7%.
Upper School Al-Kashi
93%
Ellington
100%
Fibonacci Pythagoras
87.3%
Nicks
96.7%
97.3%
Shankar
96.7%
Well done and congratulations to Ellington who are the winners this week with 100%; they will receive extra play after the half term. The overall attendance is still disappointingly below the expected standard so we all need to work hard at improving this next half term!
Overall Attendance: 94.9% National average attendance for primary schools is 97.1%. It is important that the children attend school every day and do not miss any learning. Thank you for your support in ensuring your child is at school every day. We always strive for 100%. 09 February 2018 Primary Newsletter
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Key Dates - Spring 2018 Term Dates: 5th January 2018 - 29th March 2018
Monday 12th – Friday 16th February - HALF TERM Wednesday 21st February
High Attainers Parent Workshop - 9am & 6pm
Monday 26th February
Literature Week
Monday 26th February
Home & Family Week – No enrichment clubs
Wednesday 28th February
INSET Day – no school for students
Thursday 1st March
World Book Day – (Dress up as a book character)
Monday 5th March
Wonderful Handwriting Week
Friday 9th March
Al-Kashi Class Assembly – Year 2 - 9.00 – 9.20am
Friday 9th March
Newton Class Assembly – Year R – 10.25 – 10.45am
Friday 16th March
INSET Day – no school for students
Tuesday 20th March
PE Spring Spectacular
Wednesday 21st March
Parent Coffee Evening – 6pm
Wednesday 28th March
Music Spring Concert
Wednesday 28th March
Easter Bonnet Parade
Thursday 29th March
Easter Egg Hunt
Thursday 29th March
End of Term Awards Assemblies – pupils finish at 12.15pm
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09 February 2018