Newsletter – May 2022

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. I hope it finds you all well and beginning to enjoy some fine spring weather. The Easter holidays feel like a long time ago as school has been very busy over the last couple of weeks, with more and more events as we return to pre-covid routines. Class 1 had their Open Afternoon last week where parents supported their children in making colourful decorations for our May Day parade. Class 2 had their Open Afternoon yesterday, again using the afternoon as an opportunity to get crafty as part of their Rome topic. They began creating some beautiful mosaics. It is great being able to offer these opportunities for parents to join us in school: Class 3’s open afternoon is later this half term on Wednesday 25th May. For all other upcoming events, please do consult the school calendar on our new school website (more information below).
In this update, there will be further information on May Day, Year 6 and Year 2 SATS tests, plans for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, plans for simplifying communication between school and home and a list of upcoming events.

May Day
After an absence of two years, our Fundraising Team were finally able to organise and run a massive fundraising event on 2nd May. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of a small group of volunteers, almost £3,000 was raised – an incredible achievement. Thanks also to all the staff and children who practised May Pole dancing and the songs that entertained the crowds! The day was a great success with possibly more people attending than ever before. Beyond the financial benefits this brings, May Day is a real institution for Church Broughton as a village and a school. From all the school staff and governors, I would like to thank the Fundraising Team and also all other volunteers who gave their time to make May Day so special.

SATS tests
Next week, our Year 6 children will be sitting their SATS tests. These are important as they will inform future GCSE targets, and I know our Year 6s have been taking their preparation seriously. At this point, I would suggest that the Year 6s have a restful weekend and ask that parents make sure over the next week, children get early nights and a good breakfast every day so they are as refreshed and as ready as possible to do their best.
Monday – Grammar and Spelling test
Tuesday – Reading test
Wednesday – Maths Paper 1 and 2
Thursday – Maths Paper 3
Year 2 SATS: It seems a long time since the Year Two SATs were last administered. This is the first time that they are taking place since Covid and it is the last year that they are compulsory.
The tests are going to be completed over a two-week period starting next week, w/c 9th May. The children will complete them in the hall as it is a quiet familiar working space for them, so they will feel comfortable. The tests will consist of:
· Reading Test Paper 1
· Reading Test Paper 2
· SPaG – Grammar and Punctuation
· SPaG – Spelling (this will take approx. 15 minutes)
· Maths Paper 1 – Arithmetic (this will take approx. 15 minutes)
· Maths – Paper 2 – Reasoning (this will take approx. 35 minutes)
Please be assured that the children will not be put under any pressure and they will be encouraged to try their best. They are used to doing assessments and believe it or not, they actually quite enjoy them.

Jubilee Celebrations
In the final week of this half term, we will be marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Class 1 will be holding a worship on Thursday 26th May at 9:15am to which parents are invited to attend. In all classes, children will be learning England’s National Anthem ready to sing in Celebration Worship on Friday 27th May. In addition to this, we will be holding a ‘Street Party’ style lunch on the Friday. If your child would normally have sandwiches on a Friday but would like to have the party lunch instead, please let Mrs Steeples know by Friday 13th May.

School Jotter/ Communication
Some of you may have already downloaded the School Jotter App that is now available. It is our intention after May Half Term to begin using this as our primary method of communication for all news, updates and newsletters. Please download this app and tell any other grandparents/ relatives who may need to keep up to date with any school news to do the same. This link gives guidance on how to download and access the app:
https://www.schooljotter.com/school-jotter-mobile-app/#:~:text=For%20Android%20users%3A,Jotter%20and%20download%20the%20app.&text=You%20can%20also%20use%20our,find%20the%20School%20Jotter%20app!
Once you have this, you will be notified immediately of any new updates and be able to access the school calendar which will enable you to be aware of upcoming events. We will continue to use ParentPay for communication to specific children or small groups, so please do continue to monitor this regularly as well.

Upcoming Events – May and June
Wednesday 11th May – Class 1 trip to Black Country Museum
Tuesday 17th May – Year 3-4 Football Tournament
Thursday 19th May – The Railway Children performance in school hall (for all classes)
Wednesday 25th May – Class 3 Open Afternoon – parents welcome
Thursday 26th May – Class 1 Worship – parents welcome
Friday 27th May – Jubilee ‘Street Party’ Lunch
Friday 27th May – Final Celebration worship of term – parents welcome
Friday 10th June – EYFS Change For Life event
Monday/ Tuesday 13th/14th June – Class 2 residential trip to Lea Green
Tuesday 14th June – Year 5-6 tennis tournament
Tuesday 21st June – Class 2 Worship – parents welcome
Friday 24th June – Sports Day - parents welcome from 1:00pm
Monday 28th June – Class 2 trip to Derby Museum
Thursday 30th June – Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 Gym Competition

Please do contact school if you have any questions or queries.

Best wishes,
Mr Rudge