Dear parents and carers,
I would like to start by saying a huge well done and congratulations to the Brighstone Team for being very worthy winners last
weekend in our Round the Island Relay Race against Nine Acres. It was incredibly close—just a few seconds to spare between
the last two runners. Well done to all who took part, thank you to the BSA for organising it, and thank you to all those who
have sponsored us. So far, just over £700 has been raised, which is absolutely amazing! However, we also know that there are
still some outstanding monies, as well as some people who still want to donate, so watch this space for the new total. If you
would like to donate, you can visit https://gf.me/u/yrzt4p or hand in cash (in a named envelope) to any of the BSA members
or to the office. See more information about the race on the other side of this Buzz.
I know that the BSA have got lots more exciting fundraising ideas for the coming months (all of them following Covid safety
measures), and we look forward to hearing more about them soon.
This week Mrs Cousins and I held a Reception parent meeting via Zoom about Read Write Inc, a phonics, reading and writing
programme that we use in Reception and KS1. A repeat of this will be held on Tuesday 22nd September. We know that the
sharing of information and helping parents to support their children with their education has a huge impact on progress,
achievement and enjoyment, and, because of this, we would like to hold a wide variety of parent information sessions and
forums (these will be held via Zoom until it is safe to meet in person). We are looking to have some of the following
focuses: Reading, Maths, Spellings. We would also like your suggestions for information sessions and forums. If you are
interested in finding out more about a particular subject, or would like to find out how to support your child with certain
strategies (e.g. in Maths, or with spellings), then please let us know (either by text, email or in person).
The children have been busy with their learning this week. I enjoyed teaching in Lambert class this week, and seeing the
children’s fantastic ideas for their own versions of The Three Billy Goats Gruff. We have versions with fish, tortoises, lions,
rabbits and all sorts of other animals! Robertson class have also been writing imaginatively this week, with their instructions
on ‘How to be an outlaw’ linked to their class text Robin Hood. Year 3 have also had their first music lesson today with Mr
Stroud, and are looking forward to exploring and choosing their brass instrument that they will be learning to play throughout
their time in Y3.
We are currently refocusing on learning behaviours, including independence and resilience. The children are learning different
strategies to build their independence, including asking a buddy, using resources, using displays around the room, and having
a think before they ask an adult. They are also learning to build their resilience—how to pick themselves up and have another
go. We are praising examples of independence and resilience—can you keep an eye out for any good examples at home and
praise your child for them?
The use of class emails is working well. However, we would encourage you to contact the office if your message is urgent or
otherwise important as the teacher may not pick it up in time due to teaching commitments.
The weather is looking lovely for the next few days, so I wish you a fun weekend and see you again on Monday.
Best wishes,
Mrs Lennon and the Brighstone Team