Junior, Infant and Pre-School Newsletter Issue 10 Friday 17 March 2017 Dear Parents As we draw close to the end of term, I am sure you will agree that there is so much to look forward to in our last two weeks. Aladdin, of course, is a main focus for our children and I hope that you are as excited as I am to see the show next week. The children (and staff) have worked incredibly hard to produce what I am sure will be a spectacular show. Our Pre-School children and I1s are excited to invite their mummies and daddies into school next Friday for our celebration of Mothers’ Day on the Sunday. The I1s have also seen the chicks hatching in their classroom this week and were even singing a lullaby to them this morning! I am extremely proud of all our sports teams who have been extremely busy since my last newsletter and have achieved some excellent results. We wish the U11 boys good luck as they travel to the North of England Hockey finals next Tuesday. On a different note, I am sorry to inform you that Mrs Knowles has decided to take early retirement from the end of this academic year to spend time with her husband and elderly mother (rumour has it she is also going to take up golf!). I will say more about Mrs Knowles’ career at KGJS towards the end of the summer term. Spring definitely has been trying to burst onto the scene this week, bringing energy, enthusiasm and optimism all round! Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Mrs AS Roberts Headmistress
Follow me on Twitter: Annette Roberts @KGJShead
It is always lovely to hear about the children’s achievements outside of school. The children have certainly been busy over the last couple of weeks! Well done to Nikita Murthy (Blue Peter badge), Isabel Tuck, Isabelle Thompson, Ethan Davies and Joseph Mahoney (swimming), Zea & Raia Trend (skiing), Bella Goodman, Olivia and Sophie Noblett (dancing).
Sport/Event Photographs If parents take photographs at school events/sports fixtures we would love to see them! They may even get used in school newsletters, on the website and in press releases. Please email them to Michelle Tickle at m.tickle@kirkhamgrammarjnr.co.uk Thank you
Please follow us on Twitter for the latest news at KGJS! twitter.com/kgjs_
Kirkham Grammar Junior School Facebook news is now on the Kirkham Grammar School Facebook page….we hope this will make the ‘whole school news’ easier to follow! Please visit and ‘LIKE’ the KGS page for all the latest news, photographs and information. The Facebook page name is ‘Kirkham Grammar School’ and can be easily identified from our KGS logo.
House
10.3.17
17.3.17
Total
Fylde
133
207
1553
Kirkham
149
167
1475
Preston
199
175
1789
School
182
188
1541
At Pre-School we have been learning about trains, diggers and trucks. We built our own train track and went on an exciting journey to Disneyland where we met some of the Disney characters. We now know that we must buy our train tickets from the ticket office and that train stations have different platforms with numbers where you get on and off the train. We also investigated what diggers and trucks can be for and used some in our sand tray. Archie Ashton’s grandad brought his truck to school and showed us what it can do. It was fun to see how the back tips up. Archie explained that tarmac is very hot and soft when it’s in the back of the truck and you can’t walk on it until it goes hard. Thank you for coming into KGJS with your digger, the children loved it!!
Meningitis Awareness You will have hopefully received a meningitis card which was sent home this week. This highlights the common signs and symptoms for meningitis and septicaemia. We also have meningitis wristbands for sale at the school office for a £2 donation. Thank you in advance for your support.
The I1 children were so excited to be invited by the Pre-School to see a brand new dumper truck in the playground! Mr Noye (Archie and Joel Ashton’s grandad) had very kindly driven it to school and explained how it operated. Thank you very much to Mr Noye for giving up your valuable time to make the children's learning at KGJS so much fun!
Friday 24 March 2017 The children will be able to purchase ‘red noses’ and a biscuit for a donation of £2 and they may also come to school dressed in red!! Thank you in advance for your support!
Library books are due back in school from Monday 20 March. When returning books to the library, please put them in the box next to the computer.
As part of their new Spring Term topic on Growth, the I1 children have had some very special visitors into school. Mrs Townsend, Katy & Emily’s mummy, brought their lamb, Ebony, into class and Mr Hall, James’ daddy, brought his calves, Buttercup and Star to school. The children had a wonderful time learning about the animals and were able to ask lots of interesting questions. They have also planted sunflower seeds and on Monday the chick eggs arrived! On Thursday morning the children were very excited to discover that two chicks had hatched overnight!! Watch this space for more hatching news!!
Pippa McGregor and Emily Marsh were recently awarded silver and bronze awards, respectively, after taking part in the Primary Maths Challenge Bonus round. This is an outstanding achievement as, despite being lots of fun and very interesting, the Primary Mathematics Challenge is extremely difficult. This is the first time KGJS have achieved awards from this competition. Well done, Pippa and Emily!
On Friday 3 March, members of the Aladdin cast visited Marks and Spencer's at Deepdale Retail Park in Preston to perform a selection of scenes and songs from the show. The children received wonderful feedback from the customers. Well done to all who took part.
The video from this visit is now available to view on our KGS Facebook page!
This week in I2, they have started learning about STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics. The children completed Maths investigations in the morning and after lunch, they combined Science and Engineering to learn about wind power. Their classrooms were set up with lots of building blocks; Lego, Unifix, dominoes and lolly sticks. They were then given a task, in groups, to construct a maze to blow a marble through, using a paper straw. Everybody learned so much and worked really hard to try and stay a team. Key words were push, motion, friction and kinetic energy!
J4 have been concentrating on public speaking in their English lessons recently. They have drafted balanced arguments, given short speeches and debated various issues, such as the merits of learning to play a musical instrument, wearing school uniform, even cats versus dogs! The children all found it very interesting, therefore, to visit Wyre Council in Poulton-le-Fylde this week. Mr Saunders, the Council’s Democratic Officer, showed the J4s the large council chamber, where councillors debate local issues all the time. He explained to them that the rules of the meeting are contained within a written constitution, which he showed them. They were allowed to sit in the councillors’ comfortable chairs and carefully use their microphones to answer fun, quiz questions. They found out lots of information about Democracy in the UK, which is linked to their PSHE curriculum. Mr Saunders told them about the role of the council, local elections, the position of the Mayor and the Magna Carta. Thanks must go to Mrs Brown, who, through her contacts, arranged this unique visit. All enjoyed a snack before returning to school in the sunny, spring sunshine.
BOYS Rossall 7s On Wednesday 8 March, KGJS U11 A & B Rugby teams took part in the Rossall 7s. The A team won three, drew one, lost one and went on to win the third place play off. The B team, which was made up of four Buchan and four KGJS players, won three and lost two. Well done to all who took part! Thank you to all of the parents who came along to support! Kirkham v The Buchan School On Thursday 9 March, the U11A Rugby team played The Buchan School on the new Preston Grasshoppers 3G pitch. Kirkham started strong and by the end of the first half were leading 25-5. The second half saw Kirkham score three further tries and Buchan one. The final score was 40-10 to Kirkham which meant they retained the Kirkham/Buchan Challenge Shield. Thank you to The Buchan School for an excellent game of Rugby. U11 St Marys Crosby Rugby 7s & U10A & U11B Hockey v Manchester Grammar School On Friday 10 March, the U11A Rugby team travelled to St Mary’s Crosby to take part in a 7s Rugby tournament. The team achieved wins against Altrincham Prep (20-5), Merchant Taylors A (25-10) and Merchant Taylors B team (40-0) and St Anselm’s (35-0) and only lost one game against St Ambrose. Kirkham progressed to the final to again face St Ambrose. The final score was 30-0 to Kirkham and they were crowned the Daniel Davies 7s Cup Winners. Later that afternoon, the U11B and U10A Hockey teams played some excellent Hockey against Manchester Grammar School and won both games. This meant that every J4 boy represented the school at either Rugby or Hockey that day. U11 St Mary’s Hall Rugby 7s On Wednesday 16 March, the U11s took part in the St Mary’s Hall Rugby 7s. They faced a tough group and by the end of the group matches they had got through to the Shield Finals. They faced Altrincham Prep in the final and won 15-5. Many thanks to all the parents who came along to support. GIRLS Our U11 Hockey girls have also had a busy time over the last fortnight! On Tuesday 7 March they took part in the North West Hockey Finals in Doncaster. They faced a tough and challenging day of Hockey, finishing 5th overall and narrowly missing out on progression to the North of England Finals on goal difference! The following day, the girls took part in the U11 St Mary’s Hall Hockey Tournament. After winning one game, losing one and drawing one in the group stages, they progressed to the plate and won, after beating Liverpool College 2-1 in the semi-finals and winning 1-0 against St Mary’s Hall in the final.
The Eco Committee have been busy planting seed potatoes, as part of the national ‘Grow your own potatoes’ competition. They have all researched the best way to cultivate their potatoes and are hoping to grow the biggest batch this year!
On Tuesday 7 March, Sarah Hagan, a trustee from our school charity, Classrooms in the Clouds, came into KGJS to talk to the children about what is currently happening in Nepal. Sarah also returned the I2s’ peach which had been on a journey to meet the children in Nepal! During our assembly, we also skyped Dawa in Nepal and some of the children were given the opportunity to ask him questions. After the assembly, Sarah spent time with some of the classes and gave them the opportunity to ask questions about the weather in Nepal and the mountains, which linked with some class topics!
REHEARSAL / PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Sunday 19 March: Costumed run-through - SLH - 9.45am - 4pm 9.45am
All J3 and J4 children are to be brought directly to the SLH (Summerlee Hall). They must wear school track suits with their Aladdin T-shirt or normal white top.
10am-12 noon
Full run through without costume.
12 noon
Lunch break. Please ensure your child brings a packed lunch and a snack and a drink.
12.30pm-1.15pm
Change into costumes/photographs being taken.
1.00pm
J1 and J2 chorus to arrive in Aladdin T-shirts, black trousers or black leggings, black socks and black pumps or black school shoes. Please meet in the Recital Room at KGS. T-shirts have been sent home in advance.
The costumed run-through will start at 1.30pm and will finish at approximately 4pm. Please collect your child from the following places. J3 and J4 from the Sixth Form Centre J1 and J2 from the Recital Room Monday 20, Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 March The dress rehearsal on Monday and the two evening performances will all begin at 7pm and finish at approximately 9pm. 5.45pm 6.15pm 6.40pm
Main Principals - please meet in the Sixth Form Centre J3 and J4 - please meet in the Sixth Form Centre J1 and J2 - please meet in the Recital Room
All J3 and J4 children need to arrive in their school tracksuits with their Aladdin T-shirt or normal white top. J1 and J2 chorus to arrive in their Aladdin T-shirts, black trousers or long black leggings, black socks and smart black school shoes or black pumps. For the matinee performance on Wednesday 22 March the J1 and J2 children need to arrive in school in the morning dressed in their Aladdin T-shirts, black trousers or long black leggings, black socks and smart black school shoes or black pumps. J3 and J4 to come to school in their school tracksuits with their Aladdin T-shirt or normal white top. Prior to the two evening performances we are offering pre-show drinks and canapes. Tickets are ÂŁ7.50 per head and are now available from the Junior School office.
Please find below further arrangements for forthcoming rehearsals and performances of Aladdin. All J3/J4 We would be grateful if you could send your child in make-up and with the correct hairstyle on the following dates: Sunday 19 March 9.45am - SLH Monday 20 March 6.15pm - Sixth Form Centre Wednesday 22 March arrive at school normal drop off time Wednesday 22 March 6.15pm - Sixth Form Centre Thursday 23 March 6.15pm - Sixth Form Centre Please note the following characters will be needed at 5.45pm for the evening dress rehearsal/performancesIago, Magic Carpet, Jasmine, Jafar, Sultan, Genie, Razoul and Guards Girls (with the exception of Iago, Magic Carpet and Jasmine) Make-up Dark base foundation Red Blusher Red Lipstick Blue eye shadow on eye lid White eye shadow to highlight above the blue (under eye brow) Black eyeliner
Hair High pony tail, plaited, then up into a bun on top of head. Neatly secured, gripped and sprayed into place. Please provide extra hair grips. We will provide a hair accessory at school.
Boys (with the exception of Jafar, Sultan, Genie, Razoul and Guards) Make-up Dark base foundation Red Blusher Red Lipstick Hair Slicked back off face and neat and tidy. All J1/J2 children Sunday 19 March 1pm - SLH Monday 20 March 6.15pm - Sixth Form Centre Wednesday 22 March arrive at school normal drop off time Wednesday 22 March 6.15pm - Sixth Form Centre Thursday 23 March 6.15pm - Sixth Form Centre Make-up is optional but if they would like to wear make-up, please follow the instructions above. The boy’s hair must be neat and tidy and the girls follow the J3/J4 instructions. As our junior children will no doubt have late nights during the show week following our ‘Aladdin’ performances, permission has been given for all junior pupils to come into school later than usual on Thursday 23 March and Friday 24 March. All that Mrs Roberts would ask is that children are in school for no later than 10.30am and duly signed in at Reception.
Sunday 19 March - Aladdin Rehearsal 10am-4pm Monday 20 March - AJIS Rugby 7s Merchant Taylors 12 noon Aladdin Dress Rehearsal 7pm Tuesday 21 March - North of England Boys Hockey Finals Leeds 10am start Wednesday 22 March - Aladdin Matinee Performance 1.30pm Aladdin 7pm Summerlee Hall Thursday 23 March - Aladdin 7pm Summerlee Hall Saturday 25 March - U9/U10 Boys/Girls Hockey v Preston Hockey Club (H) 9.30am-11.30am (fixture tbc) Monday 27 March - U10 KGJS Hockey Tournament (H) 11.30am start No After School Activities this week Tuesday 28 March - Pre-School & I1 Egg Hunt 2.30pm Thursday 30 March - U11 AJIS Netball (A) Bury Grammar School time tbc Friday 31 March - End of Term 12 noon Pre-School remains open Coaches depart 12.15pm Saturday 1 April - Ski Trip departs Saturday 8 April - Ski Trip returns Summer Term begins Wednesday 19 April 2017