I am really thrilled to have two very efficient and
experienced TAs to assist me this year.
Mrs. Oxley and Mrs Harrison will be working closely with all of the children as well as supporting my class organisation.
I’m really looking forward to working with them.

As in Class 5 the children will be receiving daily Literacy and Numeracy sessions following the National Strategies. In our topic work this term we shall be exploring a topic entitled ‘Our Changing World’, which will cover History, Art/D.T., ICT, Music, Science and Geography objectives. There are great opportunities for the
children to develop their skills in the range of areas of the National Curriculum. They will also follow P.E., RE and MFL programmes of study.
 LOOKING FORWARD…...During the Spring our main topic will be Geography/Science based and in the Summer we are going to explore The Ancient Greeks.
I hope that they will find all of these interesting and challenging.
 
I am a big believer in ‘The Outdoor Classroom’ and will include as many visits and trips out as is reasonably possible.

Homework and home learning tasks

In addition to reading at home, in the next couple of weeks your child will receive a spelling list focussing on specific word patterns and spelling skills. Your child will need to spend time learning the spelling of these words over the week ready for a spelling test on Thursday mornings.
Your child will also have a ‘times table’ to
practise over the week. Please encourage them to learn them in a random order as this is how they will be tested on a Friday morning.
Maths home based tasks may be sent home throughout the year to reinforce specific Maths skills, usually linked to our termly class targets or areas we are exploring in the classroom.
If you would like to complete some other Numeracy linked work the following skills are a good place to start:

Telling the time
Using money on shopping trips, particularly calculating change.

Thank you for your support with these weekly tasks as your help and interest will have a very positive effect on your child’s progress.

  Please could you ensure that your child has the necessary P.E. uniform and that all clothes are clearly labelled!
 We work with bare feet in the Hall but your child will also need plimsolls /trainers for outdoor P.E.
  When we have settled in, I will let you know when your child will need to bring in wellies and clothes suitable for
gardening duties.
  If possible it would also be helpful for your child to bring in an old shirt or top that they can wear when we are painting or working with clay.
  If your child brings Dinner, Trip or Swimming Money to school it is very helpful if in is in a named purse, wallet or envelope. This helps your child
become more independent, keeps the money safe and saves time.

Literacy - Reading:

Your child will bring home their reading book and diary every day. Please try to find some time to help your child improve their reading by listening to them read, talking about the stories and pictures, asking them probing questions and
practising words and sounds.
 Through the School Reading scheme and structured Guided Reading sessions, the children will develop important skills which will contribute to them being confident readers and
encourage an enjoyment of reading.
 I am interested in any other reading material that your child enjoys at home as I believe that experiencing a wide range of texts creates a positive attitude towards reading. Please note any ‘extra’ reading your child does in their Reading Record book. Thank you.

The Reading Record book will be an important home-school link as far as reading is concerned and I check these
regularly. Unfortunately, it is impossible for me to hear your child read everyday but in addition to their 1 or 2 weekly
reading session with me so I will also be monitoring and
assessing their progress in reading through class work and a range of activities linked to Literacy. They will also be sharing reading time with the class teaching assistants.
This year continues as a Reading Year so we will be enjoying lots of different book related learning experiences.

If you have any concerns about your child’s work,
 progress and/or happiness at school, please don't
hesitate to contact either myself or Mrs. Giblett.
  I am available after school on a Wednesday– please let me know if you are planning to come by phoning the
secretary– or you can catch me in the morning on the playground before the bell goes.

  LOOKING FORWARD……
Parent Consultation Opportunities 2012-13 are:
Tues 17th and Wed 18th September.
Thurs 14th and Fri 15th February
The week of 8th July if necessary.

The Y5 Residential trip to Porthpean will take place in the week 7th-10th May I hope to let you know more about this as soon as possible. Please remember that paying by
instalments can be a convenient option.

Optional SATs Week is 20th-24th May 2013

As an Upper Junior, your child will have more
responsibility around the school as Buddies and other tasks. I will have high expectations of their reliability and initiative,
I hope that they all can rise to the challenge!