brighstone buzz

Suzanne 17 May

Issue 31, 17th May, 2013, Brighstone Buzz

News from Mrs Pugh I’d like to start this week by congratulating Year 6, Mrs Denness and all the LSA staff who acted as readers during the SATs. These are always gruelling times and the children and staff coped with the pressure admirably. I know that they will do well and can hold their heads up high with the knowledge that they did their very best. They can now look forward to their transition to High School and the remaining weeks of their time at Brighstone. Year 2 are having fun this week and next week doing their exciting quizzes. Reception had an exciting time this week at Briddlesford Farm and were commended by their politeness and enthusiasm. I will look forward to reading about their adventure and seeing all the photos that were taken. Mr McGouran and his Y4/3 football team tackled Shalfleet on Wednesday and was very pleased with all his team’s performance (See Sports News). We have many more Intra-school competitions between countries this term and Inter-School tournaments against other schools, so keep looking out for our talented sports stars representing our school and give them all the support you can. With that in mind, many of you may have noticed that our Sports shed is in need of replacement. If there are any parents who have some shed shelving we could have so that we can tidy and sort out the space we do have while we await a new shed to be placed we would be very grateful. Please see Suzanne in the office or speak to me. Next week is Bike to School week and the children will be allowed to cycle at playtimes. Please note that the children should dismount when they enter the school grounds and place their bike sensibly in the bike racks. If these are full as last time then your child may place the bikes in the wooded area up against the fence and wood pile. Such was the popularity of the week that we had to use all three play spaces and I know that it will be as popular again but may I remind you that they may not cycle on the field or playground before and after school as these spaces are being used by FAB and After School Clubs. All children are expected to gather on the playground, not the field, in the morning. Mrs Norman has kindly reminded me that as we approach the last week of this half term we require all dinner money, Clubs money and Wales trip money for Year 6 to be paid by Wednesday 22nd May at the latest! I cannot believe how quickly the weeks have flown by and all the amazing experiences your children have had, but this is just the beginning and we have a lot planned for next half term including a whole school project based on our coast. Look out next week for more details. Have a good weekend and I hope I see you at the Wolverton Festival with cakes in hand, or mouths for that matter! (Just for staff or all you Trekkies out there, Live Long and Prosper!)

Attachments

permalink |

Suzanne 10 May

Issue 30, 10th May, 2013, Brighstone Buzz

News from Mrs Pugh Well the sun shone for most of the week and it was wonderful to see so many rosy coloured faces on Tuesday morning after a long weekend. Now that the summer has finally arrived – yes I am crossing my fingers at this point – may I remind you of the procedures for sun cream and keeping children well hydrated. We would encourage children to have sun cream applied every morning, then bring in their cream, labelled, and hand it in to their class teacher. This can then be applied before breaks or any lesson time in the sun. We cannot apply sun cream to a child with someone else’s cream. Children may also need to bring in a water bottle and sun hat. The good weather has been a long time coming and it would be good to make the most of it while we can. This has been another busy, if short, week and our children have been learning in a variety of ways. It never ceases to amaze me at the ingenuity and creativity of our staff who think up amazing ways to engage and interest our children in their learning. In Y2 this week they have been studying axles and moving parts of a car whilst designing and building their own vehicles, whilst in year 4 the children have been studying super heroes, not only discussing the qualities of a hero but also creating their own model hero with their own comic strip. It has been wonderful to see the children enjoying our outstanding environment and FAB Club have been working hard in the garden getting it ready and finally beginning to plant vegetables and flowers. Whilst we encourage children to enjoy our school grounds we expect them to treat our environment and equipment with respect and care at all times. It has been disappointing to see some children climbing on our fort, standing on the poles and jumping down, after school has finished. I enjoy seeing children play for a short time after school with their friends while parents have a chance to catch up; however, I do expect the children to be well behaved and under control. Please remember the sports field and small field will be in constant use by clubs after school. As always it is the safety of all our children that is important. Next week the whole school, staff included, will plant a sunflower on the sports field along the back fence so that we can enjoy their beauty long into the next term. I have about 200 seeds but if any of you has some spare packets and would like to donate them we will plant them on your behalf. Mr McGouran has planned some challenging sporting events with the whole school and against our neighbouring schools. We are hoping to obtain a Silver Kite Mark for all our excellent sporting endeavours and welcome your support at these events.

Attachments

permalink |

Suzanne 03 May

Issue 29, 3rd May, 2013, Brighstone Buzz

News from Mrs Pugh Ahoy me hearties! It be Captain Pugh here aboard the HMS Brighstone…sorry I began to slip into yesterday’s fantastic presentation of Treasure Island performed to the whole school by M&M Theatrical Productions. There were tears, laughter, screams and rolling around the floor…and that was just the staff! The children were totally absorbed by the story line, humour and heartache that only live theatre can bring. “Look I’m a crab” will go down in the annals of Brighstone funny moments; you had to be there! My thanks go to all who contributed with their golden doubloons. (£1 coins for all you land lubbers!) We raised £60 but would still welcome more in order to cover the cost of an extremely reasonable price of £150. The week has whizzed by, with Ofsted in on Wednesday to visit our ‘Outstanding’ Teachers: Miss Cooke GTP and Newly Qualified Teacher Mrs Saunders, as part of the Sandown Teacher Training Partnership Inspection, then on Thursday Miss Capelin was visited by EYFS Moderators who praised her thorough understanding of her class and verified all her detailed and accurate assessments. My congratulations go to them and all our valued staff who have risen to every challenge and supported each other as only Brighstone can do. It has not only been the staff who have been working hard, as I go around the classes I am proud to see all your children learning new skills and practising their understanding with such a wide range of exciting experiences; be it Reception making creatures out of glittered dough and discussing life the world and universe over milk and fruit, Year 4 creating super-structures in Design Tech, Year 5 learning my favourite narrative poem of the Highwayman and Year 6 revising and preparing for their SATs. This week we also celebrated our family Eucharist, which is held every 1st Thursday of the month in St Mary’s church. It is a very special time to spend with our Lord. All are welcome to join us in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, while we celebrate the miracle of communion. Bike to school week was a huge success and it was a delight to see so many enjoying the sunshine and cycling to school in the morning. I would encourage you to continue cycling to school and the next Bike Week begins 20th May when children can use their cycles at break time. One final request; wake up and shake up has been a huge success, however I would like to encourage parents to motivate their children to join in by participating themselves, If your child sees you doing something they will feel less inhibited themselves and the expectation is for all to take part. Now you have all worked so hard this week I am giving you all a day off on Monday! Enjoy!

Attachments

permalink |

Suzanne 26 Apr

Issue 28, 26th April, 2013, Brighstone Buzz

News from Mrs Pugh

What a wonderful week we have had. The weather has been kind; even the mist and fog lifted to ensure we had fun playtimes on the field.

The children are enjoying the new play equipment at lunchtimes and enjoying a wide range of sports including volley ball, badminton and tennis, as well as the old favourites of football and netball. My thanks and praise goes out to our MSAs who make sure that all children are actively engaged and having a safe and productive lunchtime. Year 2 had a wonderful trip to InTech and were praised for their politeness, manners and their positive attitude to learning. Well done Y2 and thank you to all the staff who went to supervise. Year 5 are, as I write this, off to Marwell Zoo and will be having a interesting tour of all the animals and habitats of wildlife beyond our shores.  Well done to all those parents and children who have joined in so enthusiastically to our Wake Up and Shake Up on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. It is a pleasure to see children so engaged, working together and enjoying stretching their muscles and grooving to the music. Thank you to Mary Snow who has been waking up that little bit earlier to prepare and run the sessions. I have many children comment on how fun it is and teachers are already recognising the effect this warm up and brain gym has had on your children’s performance in the morning. Last Friday’s disco was a huge success and it was a pleasure and a revelation to see all the children dressed up to boogie and enjoying the fun of games led by DJ Alan Stone. This weekend we are looking forward to the Family Fun Day on Saturday 1.00-4.00pm. Along with all the traditional events, face painting, skateboarding, flag making and crafts, our very own Mary Snow will be leading a dance workshop at 1.30pm with a performance at 2.15pm on the field (there may be pom-poms involved!!!). Please note tickets can be bought on the day.

Attachments

permalink |

deleted 19 Apr

Brighstone Buzz, Volume 13, Issue 28 - 19/04/2013

Welcome back - we hope you enjoyed the Easter holidays and are all feeling refreshed. All children have returned with smiling faces and are working very hard!

This is the last issue of the Buzz that will be sent home in paper format. From now on, unless we have recieved alternative instructions, the Buzz will be available to read online through this website, and also by email, if you have requested to recieve it that way. 

As an eco school, we feel that this move to 'paperless newsletters' is an extremely important one and we are grateful for your undertsanding and cooperatrion with this  decision. 

Thank you for helping us to preserve our environment and help the planet!

 

 

Attachments

permalink |

deleted 28 Mar

Issue 26, 28th March, 2013, Brighstone Buzz

NEWS FROM MISS JOHNSTON Today marks my last and 146th edition of the Buzz as your Headteacher. I really don’t know where the last 4 years have gone! I have attached a letter to all members of the school community, which I trust will convey my strength of feeling for the school and hopes for the future. A parent this week asked me what I actually do each day, so it was suggested that I share a couple of my working days with you: MONDAY – Arrive at school at 6:15am, unlock all doors, fire up the boilers, prepare the staff briefing and hall for worship, write children’s and staff birthday cards, emails, correspondence, morning gate duty, lead worship, office tasks, more emails, return phone calls, meet with the school nurse, meet with the Chair of Governors, write two policies, more emails, write a letter to parents, prepare children’s data for a meeting with staff, lunch duty, staff meeting, dash to another school to help them prepare for an Ofsted inspection, arrive home at 2am. TUESDAY - Arrive at school at 6:15am, unlock all doors, boilers not working-order oil, prepare the staff briefing, work in the school office, emails, DfE buildings inspection, answer queries on planning application, more emails, endeavour to source £150,000 by the end of the day, meeting with Cllr Pugh, meeting with Deputy Head, meeting with bursar, staff payroll, telephone parents, listen to children read and send postcards home, more emails, school budget, arrange service level agreements, governors meeting, arrive home at 10pm. I hope that gives you a small insight! My thanks as ever, at the end of a half-term, to all the staff for their amazing hard work and commitment and without whom, none of this would be possible. I wish you all a fantastic Easter break and Mrs Pugh all the best as she begins her new adventure as Acting Head. The Governing Body have appointed Mrs Kim Hall as your new Headteacher from September. Further details to follow in the summer term. Thank you all for joining me on the journey and best wishes for the road ahead. Miss Johnston

Attachments

permalink |

deleted 22 Mar

Issue 25, 22nd March, 2013, Brighstone Buzz

NEWS FROM MISS JOHNSTON I simply could not make my main news about anything other than Oliver this week. What an amazing 2 days! I’m sure that those of you, who attended one of the three performances, could not cease to be amazed at the talent and dedication of the children and staff. My thanks and praise to them all! My thanks also to you as parents, for ensuring that the children were brought to and from The Apollo for the evening performances and for the super costumes. Other plaudits must go to: The Apollo volunteers, Southern Vectis, Kardan Travel, St Francis Primary School, Ian Johnston (photographer), Videographer, School Kitchen, Mrs Norman and Mrs Jones and many, many, more. My grateful thanks to the staff for giving up their time to ensure the children had a fantastic experience and in particular our directors, Mrs Sutton and Mrs Pugh, whose tireless energy on this project never ceased to amaze me! You’ll be pleased to know that the evening performances were filmed and are available to purchase on DVD. Please complete the slip overleaf and return it to school, with payment, by Wednesday next week. Due to our production, we have delayed sending out the spring term interim reports until Thursday next week. In other news, well done to Macbeth Class and especially Emily and Flossie, for raising £27.50 with the Climate Change Week Swap Shop. They have decided to split the donations equally between Kissypuppy and the YMCA Young Carers Project. Thank you to all those who took part. Also to Year 5, whose Red Nose Day organisational skills, helped us to raise £672.54 (and climbing!) for the charity. Finally, our second round of Headteacher interviews will take place on Monday and Tuesday next week. Therefore, I will not be in school and Mrs Pugh will be in charge in my absence. Next week will be our final week in school before the Easter break begins, with a reminder that the term ends on Maundy Thursday. Don’t forget to send in your FAB booking forms for Easter, if you’ve not done so already.

Attachments

permalink |

deleted 15 Mar

Issue 24, 15th March, 2013, Brighstone Buzz

NEWS FROM MISS JOHNSTON When I was in school with the Oliver cast on a bright Saturday afternoon, we could not have imagined what was waiting around the corner for Monday and Tuesday! The snow took a lot of people by surprise and sadly the local roads and bus routes in our beautiful, rural location were unable to cope with it. The decision to close the school is never taken lightly and always on the basis of advice from the Isle of Wight Council, Highways and the school transport team. Depending upon the location of your house, you may have seen a little snow, or drifts of several feet! The closure of the main road to Shorwell, combined with the school buses being unable to provide a service, sadly meant that we had to close. My thanks to those staff who live in the village and were able to walk in on Tuesday afternoon, in order to clear the site ready for us to open safely on Wednesday. We have re-scheduled the missed Forest Schools session for the 16th April. Luckily, we managed to wave Year 4 off on their residential adventure just before the worst of the snow hit. They have had a fabulous time in London and I keep being told that ‘Wicked’ was ‘wicked’. Other activities included a visit to the Harry Potter Studios, a tour around London, trip on the London Eye and of course ‘sleeping’ on HMS Belfast. My thanks to the staff and governors who gave up their time to accompany the children. Unfortunately the snow also forced us to postpone our Year 5 trip to Marwell Zoo, which will now take place on the 25th April. On Sunday it was a delight to see 15 children from our school take the step of confirmation, with several also being baptised. The church was less than standing room only and we hope that all enjoyed their welcome to the church family. Today Year 5 have organised our Red Nose Day events as part of their topic on Africa – we are looking forward to an interesting day and the Oliver performances next week! Miss Johnston 

Attachments

permalink |

deleted 08 Mar

Issue 22, 8th March, 2013, Brighstone Buzz

NEWS FROM MISS JOHNSTON What an incredibly busy week! On Monday, 4 children sold cakes they had made over the weekend in aid of Comic Relief, ahead of Year 5’s organised events next Friday! Our focus has been on mathematics, with your kind donations of 1p and 2p coins for the ‘Penny Mile’, Mr McGouran’s coffee and chat (thanks to those who came along), creating our own book of maths stories and poems, maths trails around the school, a problem solving carousel and the highlight today, the children versus staff country team quiz! The children at Forest Schools had some glorious weather for den building and outdoor cooking on Tuesday and on Wednesday evening we held an informal meeting for parents in Years 5 and 6 about transition to secondary school, with representatives from the school’s present. We hope that parents who attended found the session informative. Thursday morning saw our monthly Eucharist worship in St Mary’s and today Reception will have their Godly play session. Also on Thursday, Year 6 held their climate change ‘swap shop’, where an exchange of items from the toy box found a new home at no cost to the environment – well done Year 6 for organising this. Today we say goodbye to Miss Millard, who has been completing a teaching placement in Year 2. We wish her well in her future career. Next week Miss Cooke will return from her second placement and will remain with us until the end of June. Our Oliver after school club are working incredibly hard and my thanks to the children, families and staff for allowing an additional rehearsal on Sunday afternoon last week and Saturday afternoon this week. Finally, my very best wishes to those 15 children from the school who have chosen to take the step of confirmation by Bishop Christopher Foster at St Mary’s Church on Sunday.A truly special occasion for you & your families. Miss Johnston

Attachments

permalink |

deleted 01 Mar

Issue 22, 1st March, 2013, Brighstone Buzz

NEWS FROM MISS JOHNSTON A very warm welcome back to everybody. I hope that you all enjoyed the half-term break and have returned refreshed and ready for the second half of the spring term. FAB had a super time with their ‘wellie and weather’ week and myself, Mrs Pugh and the office staff were all incredibly busy re-locating the school office and staffrooms. This new arrangement will provide a much safer solution for staff, parents and children and we thank you for remembering to wait in the porch and asking at the hatch if you have an office query. Please do not come into the school building with your child’s class in the morning. All queries to the office should be made at the front of the school through the hatch. On Tuesday our Forest Schools sessions began, with 12 intrepid children taking their first session on a very chilly morning! The Governing Body also met to determine the admissions applications for Reception places in September 2013 and the Local Authority will inform parents of potential offers in April. Today is the secondary school ‘offer day’ for all Year 6 parents and children across the country. A reminder that we have an informal meeting for Year 5 and 6 parents next week regarding transition to secondary school. If you are not successful in achieving your first choice of school, please don’t panic and pop along to the informal meeting to ask any questions you may have. Please do not bring your children with you. Year 3 enjoyed their trip to Amazon World and some of our super mathematicians participated in the Year 5 Ryde School Maths challenge yesterday. Also this week, classes have been busy completing their handwriting entries for the Spring Horticultural Show and tickets for Oliver go on sale TODAY. Please see the note on the next page and a copy of the costume reminder attachment, sent last half-term. A further letter will follow next week. Wishing you all a super weekend. Miss Johnston 

Attachments

permalink |

more

Prev_button April

June Next_button

May

  • S
  • M
  • T
  • W
  • T
  • F
  • S
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 1

Categories

Feed-small Subscribe