Communication

Correspondence 24th November

Y1 Classroom Secrets Kids Homework Information

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your patience regarding our homework on the new website ‘Classroom Secrets Kids’, which we as a school have been trialling.

I have received feedback that some children are having difficulty with the questions and feel that the instructions are not as clear as they would like. It is always difficult when using website links (especially new ones) as I only see the teacher version (and of course have been in class with the children all week so know what we have covered and how we have done it).

As with any new thing we roll out at The Ellis, we will always listen to parental feedback and appreciate this (as we want to do the best for our children) and will reflect on it. I will look to see if there are any videos available on the website I can send to accompany the activity over the weekend, and will also talk it over with Mrs Edwards when she is in school on Monday.

I will then email you with the way forwards regarding maths homework in preparation for next Friday. For this week, please could you practise numbers which make 10 with your child as this is a key thing they need for Y1.

0 +10 = 10

1 + 9 =10

2 + 8 = 10

3 + 7 = 10

4 + 6 = 10

5 + 5 = 10

I have had positive feedback about the Ruth Miskin videos on Seesaw so will continue with these (there is one on for this week).

Thank you for your patience. We want to get it right for our children and want to work together to ensure what we are sending is user friendly and accessible.

Charlotte Trotter

Class Teacher / KS1 Leader

Correspondence 23rd November

School Meals Supervisory Assistant Vacancy at The Ellis

Dear Parents,

We currently have a vacancy for a School Meals Supervisory Assistant. Please feel free to share this with family and friends who may be interested.

Please click on the following link to view the vacancy online.

Vacancy Title: School Meals Supervisory Assistant | Grade 1 Point 2 – £11.59 per hour |The Ellis C of E Primary School

Link: View the vacancy online

Correspondence 21st November

Christmas Dinner and Christmas Jumper Day – Wednesday 6th December

Dear Parent/Carer,

On Wednesday 6^th December, we will be having our combined Christmas Dinner (see menu attached) and Christmas Jumper Day. Please order your child’s Christmas dinner online via ParentPay as soon as possible to help with numbers. There is no charge to children in F2, Y1 or Y2, as lunches are free under the Government scheme, however, if it takes you to the payment option, this should be zero.

Full time nursery children are also invited to wear their Christmas jumpers and order a Christmas lunch. Payment is paid by ParentPay and costs £2.30. Part time nursery children are welcome to wear their Christmas jumpers that day.

If you have any questions, or need any help with ParentPay, please email office@theellis.org

Thank you

Kay Dodd

Correspondence 21st November

E-Safety Office Advice – Protecting Yourself Online

Dear Parent/Carer,

With Black Friday coming up at the end of the week, please find attached a leaflet with advice on how to protect yourself online.

Protecting Yourself Online

Many thanks

Kay Dodd

Correspondence 21st November

Y4 Maths Homework

Dear Y4 Parent/Carer,

On Friday, your child was sent home with a CPG Times Tables 10 Minute Weekly Workout book for our Maths Homework. We used these same booklets last year and they had a great impact on children’s times tables as it allowed them to access a written form of multiplication practice.

We ask that they complete a workout each week and bring the booklet in on Friday to mark together in class at the start of our Times Tables focused lessons.

We have completed Workout 1 together and the children need to complete Workout 2 onward (but only once a week). Children will be reminded in class which workout they should complete, both verbally and visually.

Thank you

Miss Bradbury and the Y4 Team

Correspondence 21st November

FS Library Session Reminder – Thursday 23rd November

Dear FS Parent/Carer,

A reminder that our Early Years Library Session is Thursday 23rd November in the school hall.

If you have any questions regarding our next library session, please see your child’s class teacher.

Many thanks for your ongoing support.

The Early Years Team

Correspondence 20th November

Breakfast Club Drop Off

Dear Parent/Carer,

If your child attends breakfast club, please wait with them until they are inside school. We have had instances where children have been dropped off and left unsupervised.

Please drive carefully when dropping off your children, including turning around at the school gates.

Thank you for your understanding.

Correspondence 20th November

Y3/4 Wentworth Woodhouse Trip – Thursday 7th December

Dear Parent/Carer,

I would like to take Year 3 and Year 4 to Wentworth Woodhouse on Thursday 7^th December 2023 to participate in their ‘Tale As Old As Time’ event, as well as having a go at some Christmas and winter crafts.

The coach company we will be using is Globe. The coach will leave school at 9am and is expected to return to school by 12:15pm. If your child suffers from travel sickness, we would suggest that appropriate travel sickness tablets are taken before school.

The cost of the trip will be £9.10 per child. This is payable via Parent Pay straight away. Should not enough money be collected, we will unfortunately have to cancel the trip. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties covering the cost of the trip, please contact Mrs Edwards.

Please ensure school uniform is worn on the day with suitable footwear and a waterproof coat as some of the morning may take place outdoors. Also, from personal experience, it can be a bit chilly inside the house!

Participation in this trip is dependent on good behaviour in school. Please give your consent and payment via ParentPay as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Brinkley

Art Lead

Correspondence 20th November

Y6 Crucial Crew – Monday 4th December

Dear Parent/Carer,

As part of the year 6 curriculum, we are taking the children to Crucial Crew, an initiative run by South Yorkshire Police and Fire services, on Monday 4^th December 2023.The visit leader on the trip will be Mrs Brinkley.

The coach company we will be using is Globe. The coach will leave school at 8:30am prompt and is expected to return to school by 3.15pm. If your child suffers from travel sickness, we would suggest that appropriate travel sickness tablets are taken. A further tablet for the return journey can be brought into school in a named envelope.

This trip will be fully funded by school as it is designed to help children to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe in a variety of scenarios.

A packed lunch will be required and can be provided by school for children who are entitled to Scheme of Aid. Please contact the office to order this.

Please log onto Parent Pay to give your consent for the trip.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Brinkley

Correspondence 20th November

Y1/2 Craft Club Cancellation – Wednesday 22nd November

Good afternoon,

This week’s Craft Club (Wednesday 22^nd November) is cancelled due to staff training.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kind Regards

Kay Dodd

Correspondence 20th November

Easypeasy App

Encouraging families to download the EasyPeasy app

Dear Foundation Stage Parents,

As part of the work to transform our Family Centres into Family Hubs, the Barnsley Early Years Consultants are supporting families digitally, as well as in person with resources around the Home Learning Environment through the easypeasy app. This is for every Barnsley family with a child under 5 and it offers ideas for activities, from language development to bedtime routines. Simply download the app, share some details, and get creative ideas.

Please see the attached poster with a QR code that will take you straight to the app. We will also be displaying these posters around school to remind you about this important learning support resource.

Easypeasy App QR Code

Many thanks for your continued support,

Mr Grayhurst, Mrs Pollard & The Early Years Team

Correspondence 16th November

SEND Surveys to complete and Coffee Afternoon – Friday 15th December

Dear Parents and Carers,

At The Ellis, we are striving to ‘Be the best we can be’ for your children and would love to gather some feedback on the experiences of children with SEND and their families, so that we can continue to evaluate and improve the support we offer. To help us do this, please could you complete this survey- https://forms.office.com/e/nLcLHzR80T

I’d also like to invite you to a festive gathering for families of pupils with SEND on the 15^th of December at 2:30pm. There will be minced pies, hot drinks and a chance to chat about your children and the ways staff at The Ellis offer support.

If you have not yet had chance to contribute to our survey about our SEND coffee meetings, then please do answer this short set of questions about what you would like going forward- https://forms.office.com/e/rXTWGgjvZn

Many thanks,

Beth Wise

SENDCo and Deputy Headteacher

The Ellis CE Primary School

Correspondence 16th November

#easyfundraising – Please sign up to support The Ellis

Dear Parents,

Please see the attached information explaining how you can support our school to receive free donations. It only takes a few minutes to register and will make a huge difference to our school.

#easyfundraising – Sign up to support The Ellis

Thank you

Correspondence 15th November

Foundation Stage Homework

Dear Parents,

A quick email to inform you that our FS2 homework will be sent home tomorrow (Friday), instead of today (Thursday).

Apologies for this.

The FS2 Team

Correspondence 15th November

Children In Need Reminder – Friday 17th November

Dear Parent/Carer,

Friday 17th November is Children in Need. Children are welcome to come to school wearing spots or pyjamas instead of school uniform. If you haven’t yet done so and would like to make a donation (suggested £1) please use the following link. We will not be accepting cash in school.

https://app.parentpay.com/ParentPayShop/Foc/Default.aspx?shopid=12371

Thank you for your support.

Kind Regards

Kay Dodd

Correspondence 14th November

Dodgeball Event – Wednesday 22nd November

Dear Parents,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Y4 Dodgeball event at Horizon college on Wednesday 22^nd November.

The event will start at 1pm and should finish approximately 3pm. Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, at 12:15pm.

Children will need to be in full PE kit but can bring tracksuits to travel in. They will need inhalers if they require them and their water bottle with their name on.

Please note if your child has recently had their ears pierced and cannot take them out themselves, then they will be unable to take part in the event and will remain in school.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

The cost of the trip will be funded using the Sports Premium Grant and therefore your child requires no money for the event.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 15th November

KS1 Nativity Tickets – Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th December

Dear Parent/Carer,

Our 2023 nativity is called…..’The angel who nearly missed it all’. It is full of lively songs; a funny script and we know it is going to be amazing!

Tickets are now available to purchase on ParentPay and are priced at £2 each (child and adult).

Tickets are available on a first come first served basis, and will be on sale until Tuesday 12^th December.

If you do not have ParentPay, please come to the office to pay for your tickets.

We will be allocating seat numbers therefore please let us know if you require any aisle seats.

We will be sending tickets home with your child from Wednesday 13^th December.

A raffle will be held on both nights (cash only please), and all money raised goes to improve our KS1 learning areas and classroom resources.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kay Dodd

Correspondence 14th November

Y3/4 Benchball Event – Friday 1st December

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Y3/4 Benchball event on Friday 1^st December.

The event will start at 1pm and should finish approximately 3pm. There is no requirement for transport, as the event is being held at The Ellis.

Children will be given a school PE shirt and will require their PE shorts, trainers and their water bottle. If your child requires an inhaler, they will need this to be in school.

Please note if your child has recently had their ears pierced and cannot take them out themselves, then they will be unable to take part in the event.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 14th November

Y6 SEND Bowling Event – Wednesday 22nd November

Dear Parent/Carer,

Panathlon are a national charity for SEND children, and we are delighted to confirm the charity has secured a free bowling event for school at Barnsley Superbowl. The event will be fun and very inclusive and engaging for the children.

Your child has been selected to attend the event which will be on Wednesday 22^nd November between 10:00-12:00. Children will leave school and travel by train to Barnsley Interchange, where they will then walk to the venue. There will be 2 adults from school accompanying the children.

This event will be completely free to the children and will hopefully provide them with positive memories from the day. Your child requires no money for the event.

Your child will need to be in full school uniform and a warm coat. They will also need to have a packed lunch and water bottle, as they will have their lunch before returning to school.

If you would prefer your child not to participate in this event, please email office@theellis.org to allow us time to find another child to fill the place. Unfortunately, no parents can spectate at this event.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 13th November

SIAMS School Inspection – Thursday 16th November

Dear Parents,

Please see my earlier email below regarding our forthcoming SIAMS inspection. If you would like to speak to the inspector, the drop in session will now take place at 8:55-9:15am on Thursday 16^th November.

Kind Regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 10th November

SIAMS School Inspection – Thursday 16th November

Dear Parents,

Please see the attached letter regarding our forthcoming SIAMS inspection. If you would like to speak to the inspector, we are providing a drop in session at 8:45-9:15am on the day of inspection.

SIAMS – Parent Letter

If you cannot make this time slot, but would like to email any comments for us to pass on then please do so.

Thank you to those of you who completed our parent survey during parents evening. If you did not, and would like to complete it prior to our visit, please see the link below

https://forms.gle/TrPSz1gowDs8WqVK7

Kind Regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 10th November

Y1 Homework Information

Dear Parents and Carers,

Now our children are settled into Y1, we would like to introduce two short homework activities for your child to complete weekly. These will not take very long and are intended to enable your child to practise some of the things they have been doing at school in reading and maths, and for you to see what your child is currently learning. Below is an explanation of the two activities.

Maths – A short maths activity will be set using the online website Classroom Secrets Kids. This can be accessed via any online device and your child’s login is stuck inside their reading diary. The website is www.kids.classroomsecrets.co.uk. The activity will appear on their homepage for one week before it is removed and a new activity is set.

Phonics video – A video will be posted onto Seesaw (as it was in FS2), which enables your child to practise one of the sounds they have been introduced to that week. The new Seesaw logins are stuck in the front of your child’s reading diary. Please practise the sound with the video so that your child gains confidence recognising and reading the sound in isolation and in words.

The activities will be set on a Friday and we ask that they are completed by the following Thursday in time for the new activity. We hope that these homework tasks will be purposeful and help you to see what your child has been learning at school that week.

If you have any questions or problems, please do speak to Mrs Trotter.

Thank you for your support in this matter.

Kind Regards

Mrs Trotter

Correspondence 10th November

EYFS Nursery Rhyme Week week commencing 13th November 2023

Dear EYFS Parents,

World Nursery Rhyme Week is fast approaching, and we are delighted to confirm we will be taking part. The initiative, launched in 2013, promotes the importance of nursery rhymes in early childhood development and education, with a particular focus on how nursery rhymes boost early language and literacy skills.

We have a number of activities planned throughout the week, so do please keep an eye on our class Twitter pages to see what your children are learning.

Singing nursery rhymes is a wonderful activity you can also enjoy doing together at home. You can access all of the free resources at home by registering at www.worldnurseryrhymeweek.com

We can’t wait to celebrate a wonderful week of rhyming with your children.

Best wishes and kind regards,

The Early Years Team

Correspondence 9th November

Anti Bullying Week and Children In Need

Dear Parent/Carer,

Anti-Bullying Week (week commencing Monday 13^th November)

Come to school wearing odd socks on Monday 13^th November to celebrate what makes us all unique! (It is also fine to wear matching socks if your child prefers).

Children In Need

A reminder that Friday 17th November is Children in Need. Children are welcome to come to school wearing spots or pyjamas, instead of school uniform.

If you would like to make a donation, however small, please do so using the following link:

https://app.parentpay.com/ParentPayShop/Foc/Default.aspx?shopid=12371

We will not be accepting cash in school.

Thank you for your support.

Kind Regards

Hayley Fiddes

Correspondence 8th November

Remembrance Day Choir – Sunday 12th November

Dear Parent,

Your child has requested to be part of a choir for the Remembrance Service at St Mary’s Church, Wombwell, on Sunday 12^th November.

Could I please ask you to confirm that you (or another adult family member) are able to stay with your child for the duration of the service.

The service in Church will start at 10am. The children will need to meet me at 9:45am to register and to be in position to sing. We will finish the Service by 10:50am, at which point they will need to return to their families. We will then go outside to the Cenotaph for the 2 minute silence and wreath laying.

There will be tea and coffee served in Church after everything has finished.

There is no clothing requirement, however, it would be lovely if the children had a poppy to wear.

Kind Regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 8th November

Barnsley Rotary Club Art Competition

Dear Parents and Carers,

Your child has recently created a piece of art work in class which I have entered into a competition, being run by Barnsley Rotary Club. I have not yet been notified of any winners as the official closing date was today, however, I wanted to make you aware that ALL the work submitted will be on public display at Barnsley Metrodome on Friday 17^th November (4-7 pm) and Saturday 18^th November (10-5pm).

If you have any questions or require any further information please get in touch.

Maggi Brinkley

HLTA/ Art Lead

Correspondence 8th November

Developing an All-Age Autism Strategy for Barnsley

Dear Parents,

Please see the attached for your information.

Developing an All-Age Autism Strategy for Barnsley

Regards

Chris

Specialist Advisory Teacher – SCI

Social Communication and Interaction Team

Correspondence 8th November

Y5/6 Cross Country Event – Friday 24th November

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child will be attending a 2km Y5/6 cross country event at Kirk Balk Academy on Friday 24^th November. The route will be marshalled so the children will know where to go around the simple route. The aim is to inspire participants to continue their physical activity journey.

The event will start at 1pm and should finish by 3pm. Your child will have lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by minibus, at 12:30pm.

Children will need to bring full PE kit (white PE tops/black shorts), suitable trainers for the event and their water bottle. As the event will be held outdoors, it would be useful to bring warm clothes for when they are spectating.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If your child requires an inhaler, they will need to bring this along with them. The cost of the trip will be funded using the Sports Premium Grant and therefore your child requires no money for the event.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 8th November

Children in Need – Friday 17th November

Dear Parent/Carer,

Friday 17th November is Children in Need. Children are welcome to come to school wearing spots or pyjamas instead of school uniform. If you would like to make a donation (suggested £1) please use the following link. We will not be accepting cash in school.

https://app.parentpay.com/ParentPayShop/Foc/Default.aspx?shopid=12371

Thank you for your support.

Kind Regards

Kay Dodd

The Ellis CE School

Correspondence 8th November

Age Uk Charity Donations – Friday 10th and Monday 13th November

Dear Parents,

A reminder that Age UK will be coming to school on Monday 13^th November to collect any donations. Please see the original email below, donations need to be brought to the main office area.

Thank you

Kay Dodd

Dear Parents,

Age UK, Barnsley, are currently really struggling for pre-loved items to sell through their charity shops. This is due to the amount of donations being severely reduced since covid.

As Monday 13^th November is World Kindness Day, we will be working in conjunction with Age UK to support their charity. If you have any items you would like to donate, please drop them in to school, either anytime on Friday 10^thNovember, or on Monday 13^th November before 9am ONLY and one of their vans will come and collect everything that morning.

We will be unable to accept donations after this date, however, Age UK will accept any donations such as clothing, homewares, toys, books etc. with 100% of the sale proceeds going to help older people in the Barnsley boroughs.

Kind regards

Hayley Fiddes

Correspondence 8th November

Annual Flu Immunisation Programme – Reception to Y6 – Thursday 23rd November

A reminder that the Immunisation Team will be coming into school on Thursday 23^rd November, to offer annual flu vaccinations. If you have not given consent yet for your child to receive this, please do so using the link below:

www.barnsleysais.co.uk/Forms/Flu

QR Code Poster

Flu Clinics Flyer 2023

Your unique code for The Ellis CE Primary School is BN106638

Thank you

Kay Dodd

Dear Parents (Reception-Y6),

The seasonal flu vaccine protects children, and those around them, from catching flu, which is a very unpleasant illness and can lead to serious complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

On Thursday 23rd November, the immunisation team will be coming into school to offer annual flu vaccinations to all children from Reception upwards. These vaccinations are given as a nasal spray.

The poster attached contains all the information needed to give permission for your child to receive the immunisation. If you prefer, there is a list attached of clinic dates which you are more than welcome to attend. This may be because:

a) your child will be absent on the day of vaccination
b) you do not want to wait for the immunisation team to come into school
c) you do not wish your child to have the vaccine in school or
d) you have a child or family member that is vulnerable e.g. asthmatic

If you experience any problems, please contact the team on barnsleysais@swyt.nhs.uk

Thank you.

Correspondence 7th November

Y5/6 Football Finals – Friday 24th November

Dear Parent,

A few weeks ago, your child was part of the boys’ football team that came runners up in the district finals. As a result of this, we have been allocated a place in the Barnsley Regional Finals.

The event is Friday 24^th November at Barnsley College Honeywell Site (also known as Honeywell Sports Village), S75 1BP and will run 12:30-3:30pm.

Please could you let school know if you are able to accompany your child to the event. If you are unable to accompany your child, please let school know if you are unhappy for them to sort alternative travel arrangements for your child, this may result in them being unable to attend the event.

Children will have their dinner before leaving for the venue at 11:45am. If you are transporting your child, please arrive at school shortly before 12pm. Your child can return home with you after the event.

The event will be played on Astro turf and your child will need suitable footwear, shin pads, socks and warm clothes to wear when spectating. Your child will be given a school football kit. There will be no cost for the event.

This is a fantastic achievement for your child and the school to get to this stage in the competition, and if successful there is the opportunity to progress to the county finals.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 7th November

Foundation Stage Reading Workshop – Tuesday 14th November

Dear Parent,

We will be running a free workshop for all parents, carers and grandparents of children within our Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) on Tuesday 14th November at 4.30pm for approximately 1 hour.

Refreshments will be available free of charge.

If you would like to attend, please inform your child’s class teacher. Unfortunately, children are unable to attend this event.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs T Pollard & Mr D Grayhurst

Correspondence 6th November

FS Library Session Reminder – Thursday 9th November

Dear FS Parent/Carer,

A reminder that our Early Years Library Session is Thursday 9^th November in the school hall.

If you have any questions regarding our next library session, please see your child’s class teacher.

Many thanks for your ongoing support.

The Early Years Team

Correspondence 26th October

Whirlow Residential – July 2024

Dear Parents,

Thank you for the overwhelmingly positive response to our Year 2 residential to Whirlow Farm next year, I can now inform you that 29 children are going, which is very exciting news! Now we have these numbers, I can give you some more information. We will take the 3 groups of children on the following dates:-

Group 1: Monday 1^st July – Wednesday 3^rd July 2024

Group 2: Wednesday 3^rd July – Fri 5^th July 2024 (they will swap at lunchtime with group 1).

Group 3: Monday 8^th July – Wednesday 10^th July 2024

When your child is not on their residential trip, they should attend school as normal. Two members of staff will stay with each group of residential children, and other staff members will teach the children who are at school.

The cost of the trip will be £102 which includes 2 nights’ accommodation, return travel, food and all activities whilst we are there. We must inform you at this stage that the cost is non-refundable. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a discounted price if your child does not sleep over night as the groups for both daytime activities and evening accommodation are based on a maximum of 12 children and as we have 29 going, we are having to take 3 groups.

We ask that payments are made via Parent Pay. The total amount will appear on your child’s page and parents are then able to pay off small amounts at a time (the total amount left will decrease as payments are made) or should you wish to, you can pay the full amount in one go.

We ask that all parents meet the following payment deadlines as we have to pay Whirlow Farm in advance. Should you wish to pay the balance before these dates that is fine.

First payment of £32 to be paid by 27.11.23

Second payment of £35 to be paid by 19.02.24

Final payment of £35 to be paid by 20.05.24

Parents are invited to a meeting on 21^st May 2024 at 5pm to discuss what your child will need to bring and to give you more information. Should you have any questions prior to this time, please do not hesitate to pop in and see Mrs Trotter.

Kind Regards,

Mrs C Trotter (Year 1 teacher and KS1 Leader)

Correspondence 26th October

Secondary School Application Reminder

Dear Parent of Y6 child,

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ

According to our records you haven’t yet submitted an application for a secondary school place for your child.

The closing date for applications is 31 October 2023, although applications received up to and including 30 November 2023 will be considered as on time.

If you have applied, but you don’t live in Barnsley, please let us know as we don’t have access to applications submitted to other authorities.

We strongly recommend that you apply for a school place online because you will receive an email confirmation that your application has been received. If you don’t receive an email you MUST contact the Admissions Department at Barnsley Council on 01226 773677.

Should you have any queries, or require any support completing your application, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

Thank you

Correspondence 26th October

Read for Good Sponsored Readathon

Dear Parents/Carers,

I am excited to announce that we will be running a Read for Good sponsored Readathon throughout November this year.

Your child will be bringing home their sponsor card on Friday, any small donations will be gratefully received but our main aim is to encourage a life-long love of reading.

Please see the attached letter for more information. Readathon Letter

Please do not hesitate to contact school if you have any questions.

As always, thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Correspondence 25th October

New After School Clubs

Dear Parents,

Here is the list of our clubs that will be running after half term.

All clubs run straight after school until 4:15pm. Scotty’s Heroes finishes at 4:30pm.

If your child will not be attending the club one week, please inform us to avoid any confusion and also so we can make sure they do not get changed at the end of the school day. Thank you.

Monday

Y1/2 Multi-sports, Free of charge with a coach from Complete Coaching Solutions

If your child would like a place at this club, or if your child is already attending this club, and would like to continue, please email office@theellis.org

Tuesday

Y5/6 Cross Country Running, Free of charge with a coach from Complete Coaching Solutions

Only 12 places available. First come first served. Children will need clothing that can get mucky.

Please email office@theellis.org if your child would like a place at this club.

Wednesday

F2/Y1 Footy Stars, £2.50 paid to Adrian Barnard, a qualified football coach. Parents must remain with their child at this club. There are a maximum of 12 places.

Wednesday

Y1/2 Craft Club, Free of charge with Mrs Willis

Please email office@theellis.org if your child would like a place at this club.

Thursday

Y3/4 Benchball/Dodgeball, Free of charge with a coach from Complete Coaching Solutions

Please note, this club WILL NOT be running on 16^th November or 14^th December due to prior commitments in the hall. If the weather is fine, multi-sports will be offered outside as an alternative on these days which children can decide to opt out of if they so wish.

Monday

KS2 Scotty’s Heroes

Places have been booked directly for this half term. If your child is interested in joining then there may be a few places available. Please contact Scotty on 07835 949404.

Wednesday

KS2 Scotty’s Heroes

Places have been booked directly for this half term. If your child is interested in joining then there may be a few places available. Please contact Scotty on 07835 949404.

Correspondence 25th October

School Photographs – Thursday 26th October

Reminder-Photography Day

Dear Parents/Carers,

A reminder that the photographer is coming into school tomorrow (Thursday) to take the children’s individual photographs. Please see the attached reminder flyer.

Brothers and sisters who attend school and either nursery session will also be photographed together for a sibling photograph. This will be organised in school.

If you have a pre-school baby or toddler that you would like to bring for a family photograph, please come to the school hall at 8:15am. You are, of course, under no obligation to purchase any of the photographs if you do not wish to do so.

Thank you

Correspondence 25th October

FS Library Session Reminder – Wednesday 25th October

Dear FS Parent/Carer,

A reminder that our Early Years Library Session is tomorrow morning in the school hall.

Please bring your child into the school hall via the main entrance, as you have done for previous sessions. Our library session will run from 8:15-8:45am. Please remember to bring your child’s current book to return to our library on that day. If you are unable to attend for any reason, please ensure that your child’s book is returned to school before 26^th October.

If you have any questions regarding our next library session, please see your child’s class teacher.

Many thanks for your ongoing support.

The Early Years Team

Correspondence 24th October

Y1/2 Cross Country Event – Friday 10th November

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has shown an interest in attending a 2km Y1/2 cross country event at Birdwell Primary School on Friday 10^th November. The route will be marshalled so the children will know where to go around the simple route. The aim is to inspire participants to continue their physical activity journey.

The event will start at 1pm and should finish by 3pm. Your child will have lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by minibus, at 12:30pm.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 24th October

Y3/4 Cross Country Event – Friday 17th November

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has shown an interest in attending a 2km Y3/4 cross country event at Birdwell Primary School on Friday 17^th November. The route will be marshalled so the children will know where to go around the simple route. The aim is to inspire participants to continue their physical activity journey.

The event will start at 1pm and should finish by 3pm. Your child will have lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by minibus, at 12:30pm.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 24th October

Football Tournament – Tuesday 7th November

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Football Tournament at Netherwood Academy on Tuesday 7^th November. The event will start at 1pm and should finish before 3pm depending on how well the school perform! They will have lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by minibus, at 12:30pm.

Your child will need to bring shorts/tracksuit bottoms, black socks, trainers and their water bottle. They will be given a school shirt to wear. As the event will be held outdoors, on grass, it would be useful to bring warm clothes and a waterproof coat for when they are spectating, and they can choose to wear trainers or football boots. Shin pads are recommended but not essential.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 23rd October

Y3/4 Hockey Competition Event – Friday 27th October

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 3/4 Hockey Competition event at Springwood School on Friday 27^th October.

The event will start at 1pm and should finish approximately 3pm depending on how well the school perform! Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by minibus at 12:30pm.

Parents are able to spectate on this occasion, however children will need to return to school via the minibus before they can be collected.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 23rd October

Tag Rugby Finals Event – Wednesday 25th October 2023

Dear Parent/Carer,

Due to the success at the Year 5/6 Tag Rugby event, your child has been selected to represent The Ellis at the Tag Rugby Finals. The finals will be held on Wednesday 25^th October at the Dodworth Miners Rugby Club, Dodworth, S75 3RF.

The event will start at 1pm and should finish approximately 3pm. Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by minibus, at 12:15pm.

Children will need to bring shorts/tracksuit bottoms, trainers and their water bottle. They will be given a school shirt to wear. As the event will be held outdoors, it would be useful to bring warm clothes for when they are spectating. If your child owns a pair of football boots it would be advisable to bring these along in case the event is held on grass.

Parents are invited to spectate at this event and refreshments will be available to purchase.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 20th October

Fundraising For School

Fundraising

Dear Parents,

We understand that the current cost of living crisis is affecting everyone’s household budgets, as well as school budgets, so we have registered with ‘easyfundraising’ to try and raise some funds for school without families having to contribute personally.

Please see the attached for information on how it works.

Joanne Rodgers

Business Manager

Correspondence 19th October

FS Library Session Confirmation – Wednesday 25th October

Dear FS Parents/Carers,

Due to the school photographers needing the hall next Thursday (26^th October), our next library session will be brought forward to Wednesday 25^th October.

Please bring your children into the school hall via the main entrance, as you have done for previous sessions. Our library session will run from 8:15-8:45am. Please remember to bring your child’s current book to return to our library on that day. If you are unable to attend for any reason, please ensure that your child’s book is returned to school before 26^th October.

If you have any questions regarding our next library session, then please see your child’s class teacher.

Many thanks for your ongoing support.

Kind regards,

The Early Years Team

Correspondence 19th October

AGE UK Charity Donations – Friday 10th and Monday 13th November

Dear Parents,

Age UK, Barnsley, are currently really struggling for pre-loved items to sell through their charity shops. This is due to the amount of donations being severely reduced since covid.

Kind regards

Hayley Fiddes

Correspondence 18th October

School Photographs

Dear Parents,

Photographers will be coming into school on Thursday 26^th October to take the children’s individual photographs.

Brothers and sisters who attend school and either nursery session will also be photographed together for a sibling photograph and this will be organised in school.

If you have a pre-school baby or toddler that you would like to bring for a family photograph please come to the school hall at 8:15am. You are, of course, under no obligation to purchase any of the photographs if you do not wish to do so.

Kind Regards

Kay Dodd

Correspondence 17th October

Y4 Mirodo English Task

Dear Y4 Parent/Carer,

It was lovely to meet some of you at parents evening last week, and I look forward to meeting more of you next week.

This email is just to remind you about the Mirodo Tasks that are being set each week.

All children have their logins stuck in the front of their reading diaries – if it is missing then please let us know.

Each week, on a Thursday, your child will be set a Mirodo English task that they need to complete. Each task comes with a short video, which your child should watch independently or with you, and 10 questions to complete. It should take no more than 5-10 minutes.

The task has to be completed digitally and can be accessed through a device that connects to the internet, such as a mobile, iPad or laptop/computer.

If your child does not have access to a device at home to complete the task, then please make sure that you have alerted myself or Miss Turton so that we can make arrangements in school.

Mirodo practise can be accessed so that children can explore and practise more skills if they need to.

Thank you

Miss Bradbury

Correspondence 17th October

Christmas Card Competition

Dear Parent/Carer,

Please find below details of a Christmas Card competition organised and judged by our local MP Stephanie Peacock.

Entries need to be handed to your child’s teacher no later than Wednesday 25^th October.

Thank you

Maggi Brinkley

HLTA/ Art Lead

It is that time of year again when I invite pupils across Barnsley East to take part in my annual competition to design my official Christmas card. Every year the competition shows the creativity and talent of young people in the area.

I would be delighted if the pupils at your school took part in this year’s competition. The card, made with the winning design, will be sent to local businesses, civic leaders, voluntary groups and politicians across Barnsley and Westminster.

Winners from each school will be chosen and be named the ‘school winner’. Winners from each participating school will then be shortlisted, and the final design will then be chosen to be my Christmas card design. However, all the school winners will have their design included within the card, along with their name and school.

In December, the winner and runners up from the schools will be awarded prizes and certificates.

Designs should be submitted on white A4 paper, preferably landscape. To avoid any potential confusion, please could the artist’s full first name, the first initial of their surname, class, year group and the name of their school be clearly written on the back of their design.

I look forward to receiving your designs.

Yours sincerely

Stephanie Peacock MP

Correspondence 16th October

Y5/6 Netball Event – Friday 20th October

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 netball event at Hoyland Common Primary School on Friday 20^th October.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 16th October

Y1-6 Harvest Festival, St Mary’s Church – Wednesday 18th October

Dear Y1 – Y6 Parents,

Our Harvest festival this year will be at St Mary’s Church on Wednesday 18^th October.

Years 1-6 will be walking from school promptly at 9am and parents are welcome to meet us at St Mary’s for a 10am start. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis, however, the children will be sitting in the main pews directly in front of the altar, so please leave these free. Children will need to stay with their class throughout the service and will share some harvest poetry or art.

At the end of the service, we will walk the children back to school in plenty of time for their lunch.

Kindly bring any donations of tinned/packet food with you as these will be donated to Wombwell food bank via St Mary’s.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Mrs Edwards

Headteacher

Correspondence 16th October

Important Information – Secondary School Applications

Dear Y6 Parent,

You will have received an envelope at the beginning of September containing information about how to apply for a Secondary school place for your child in September 2024.

We strongly recommend that you apply for a school place online because you will receive an email confirmation that your application has been received. If you do not receive an email, you MUST contact the Admissions Department at Barnsley Council on 01226 773677.

If you do not live in Barnsley you should apply to the authority where you pay your council tax to. If this is the case, please can you email the school office to tell us that you have submitted your application so that we don’t send you any further reminders.

The closing date for applications is 31^st October 2023 although applications received up to and including 30^th November 2023 will be considered as on time.

Should you have any queries, or require any support completing your application, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

Thank you

Kay Dodd

Correspondence 12th October

Y4 Movie Information

Dear Y4 Parents,

As part of our History and English learning, we have been exploring what life was like for children living during the Victorian Period.

Our History and English lessons have given children a fascinating insight into this topic and they are really enjoying it!

As we come towards the end of our half term, we would love to watch the musical, Oliver! (1968) in class. This is the movie information:

‘In this award-winning adaptation of the Broadway musical based on the Charles Dickens novel, 9-year-old orphan Oliver Twist (Mark Lester) falls in with a group of street-urchin pickpockets led by the Artful Dodger (Jack Wild) and masterminded by the criminal Fagin (Ron Moody). When Oliver’s intended mark, Mr. Brownlow (Joseph O’Conor), takes pity on the lad and offers him a home, Fagin’s henchman, Bill Sikes (Oliver Reed) plots to kidnap the boy to keep him from talking.’

We will be watching the movie through Amazon Prime where it has a U-Rating which means that it is suitable for all viewers.

We would like parents to be aware that children have been exploring how life for a child living in the Victorian Period was not a pleasant one and the movie reflects this well.

If you would prefer that your child did not watch this movie, please let us know so that we can find an alternative activity for them to do.

Thank you,

Miss Bradbury

Correspondence 12th October

FS Library Session Confirmation

Dear FS Parents/Carers,

Due to our EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) Harvest coffee morning next Thursday (19^th October), our next library session will be held on Thursday 26^th October.

If you have any questions regarding our next library session, then please see your child’s class teacher.

Many thanks for your ongoing support.

Kind regards,

The Early Years Team

Correspondence 12th October

Lexplore Reading Assessments

Dear Parents, (Y1-Y6)

We have recently purchased an innovative piece of technology which will help us carry out more detailed reading assessments of your children.

Lexplore requires the children to be tested using an eye tracker that reads the pupil’s eye movements. The technique of analysing eye movements during reading to measure reading ability was initiated by a research project in reading development that began in the 1980s and has since been further developed at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

The digital assessment is both simple and fun for the pupils. It only takes a few minutes for a pupil to complete the assessment, which begins with the pupil following a dot moving around on the screen. This is done to calibrate the screen with the eye movements. This is followed by a test where the pupil names letters, and after that, they read two short passages with a few reading comprehension questions. That’s it.

The analysis of the eye movements is done using artificial intelligence, AI, and is completely objective. With the help of this, pupils can receive interventions at exactly the right level to help them find the joy in reading.

You can read more and watch a video about how the assessment is done on Lexplore.co.uk

If you would prefer you child NOT to be assessed using Lexplore, please email the office before Monday 16^th October.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 12th October

Trinity Academy St Edward’s Fair Banding mop-up session – Tuesday 7th November 5pm

Fair Banding Assessment – Mop-up session letter

Dear Y6 Parents,

We have been asked to forward the attached communication to our current Year 6 parents.

It relates to the ‘fair banding mop-up session’ that Trinity Academy St Edward’s are holding on 7^th November at 5pm, and is for any parents/carers who missed the deadline in September, or whose child could not attend in primary, or at the assessment session on Saturday 7^th October 2023.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Correspondence 12th October

SEND Coffee Afternoon Survey

Dear Parents and Carers,

During this half term’s SEND coffee afternoon, we discussed exploring what would be the most helpful use of our time together, and how to make sure that all parents and carers who want to, have the opportunity to join us.

I’ve put together this survey so that we can gather your views https://forms.office.com/e/rXTWGgjvZn?origin=lprLink .

I would be really grateful if you could take a few minutes to fill it in.

Many thanks,

Mrs Wise

SENDCo and Deputy Headteacher

Correspondence 11th October

Foundation Stage Coffee Morning – Thursday 19th October

Dear Parents,

We will be holding our Harvest coffee morning on Thursday 19^th October, 9-10:30am to which all family members are invited.

If you would like to attend, please make your way into the school hall via the main school entrance after you have dropped your child off in class.

Doors will open at approximately 9am.This will give you ample opportunity to get your tea, coffee and cakes and purchase the gifts your child has made in class before the children come in to sing (approximately 9:30am). Raffle tickets will also be on sale.

The children will be brought into the hall by staff at approximately 9:30am to sing some songs on stage. You will be able to video and take photographs of your child but please remember not to upload any to social media if they contain images of other children.

Nursery children can be picked up from outside nursery after the event if parents wish, however, nursery is still open as usual.

F2 children will remain in school for the remainder of the day.

All proceeds from this coffee morning will be spent purchasing new equipment to enhance our learning environment.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher.

We look forward to seeing you there and thank you for your continued support.

Kind Regards,

The Early Years Foundation Stage Team

Correspondence 11th October

Neli Letter

NELI Letter 2023-24

Dear F2 Parents,

We have attached a letter about our NELI Programme. This contains information about the Language Screen Assessment which we will use to screen all the children in class.

Kind regards

Mr D Grayhurst

Early Years Leader

Correspondence 11th October

Bishop’s Badge Competition Celebration Event – Thursday 2nd November

Badge Celebration Invitation

Dear Parent/Carer,

Before the Summer break, your child took part in a competition to create a badge for Bishop Sophie. Over 700 children from schools within the diocese took part, and we are delighted to let you know that your child is one of the four children from The Ellis who have been awarded a special commendation.

You are invited to attend the celebration event with your child which will be taking place at Rotherham Minster on Thursday 2^ndNovember, with doors opening at 6pm for refreshments. The celebration will run from 6:30-7:30pm.

I have attached a PDF invitation and please ask that you reply using the link on the invitation. (www.sheffdio.org/rsvp).

If you and your child are not able to attend, can you please indicate on the RSVP form where you would like your child’s certificate to be posted.

I hope you will be able to attend the event.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Maggi Brinkley

HLTA/ Art Lead

Correspondence 11th October

F2/Y1 Phonics Workshop Reminder – Monday 16th October

Dear Parents,

We are holding a phonics workshop on Monday 16^th October at 5pm in the hall.

During this session, we will explain how phonics is taught in school and the ways in which you can support your child effectively at home. You will also have the opportunity to see the resources we use in school on a daily basis and to ask any questions.

Please note that for any of our Y1 parents who may have attended the phonics workshop last year, this will be a refresher course, however, we encourage as many people as possible to attend.

Mr Grayhurst and Mrs Trotter

Correspondence 6th October

Packed Lunch Safety Reminder

Dear Parent/Carer,

If grapes are included in your child’s packed lunch, please ensure they are cut in half lengthways to minimise the risk of choking.

Thank you

Mrs Edwards

Headteacher

Correspondence 6th October

Tax Free Childcare Information and Link

Dear Parents, (children who currently attend breakfast club)

A couple of parents whose children attend breakfast club are receiving ‘tax free childcare’. This can be used to pay towards childcare at our school, such as breakfast club.

Please see the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/tax-free-childcare

If you are eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, you will set up an online childcare account for your child and for every £8 you pay into this account, the government will pay in £2 to use to pay your provider.

You can get Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as 30 hours free childcare if you’re eligible for both.

Hayley Fiddes

Correspondence 5th October

Summer Reading Challenge Certificates

Dear Parent/Carer,

If your child took part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, please can they bring in their certificate for Friday 6^th October. We would love to celebrate their reading achievements in our Gold Awards Assembly.

Thanks,

Abbey Saunders

Class Teacher/Reading Lead

Correspondence 4th October

Additional Parents’ Evening Date – Wednesday 25th October

Dear Parent,

We will have allocated a few more appointments on an additional date, Wednesday 25^th October. If you have not yet booked a 10 minute slot to see your child’s teacher, please use the cloud system by following the link below.

https://theellisce.schoolcloud.co.uk/

If you have any problems logging on to the system, please contact Mrs Fiddes or Miss Dodd at office@theellis.org who will be able to help you.

Kind Regards

Kay Dodd

Correspondence 4th October

Early Years Library Session Reminder – Thursday 5th October

Dear Parents,

A reminder that our Early Years Library Session (see email below) is tomorrow morning in the school hall. If you are unable to accompany your child, please do not worry, staff will ensure your child is able to choose a book, either at the session or on Friday morning. Thank you

Early Years Library Session

Our Early Years library session is changing. It will now be a ‘pop in pop out’ session where you can spend a short time choosing a book with your child.

The sessions will be in the school hall for all of our Early Years children and their families, every second Thursday, beginning on Thursday 21st September and we would love to see you there with your child.

This is how our library day will run:

Please bring your child into the school hall via the main school entrance between 8:15am-8:40am. We do not expect you to stay for the full duration as this is a drop in session.
The hall will be set up with books and stories appropriate for your child. Please help your child to choose a book to take home.
Once you have chosen a book, please sign the book out using the sign in/sign out forms (there will be an adult there to support you with this process)
Siblings (older or younger) must stay with their adult at all times and respect our library session.
After you have chosen and signed out your child’s book, please leave via the school reception door. Nursery/Reception will open as usual on library day.
When you return your child’s book on the following session, please remember to acknowledge this return on the sign in/sign out form. Your child can then select a new story to take home.

If you have any questions regarding our new library sessions, please see your child’s class teacher.

Thank you

The Early Years Team.

Correspondence 3rd October

Y5/6 Tag Rugby Event – Tuesday 10th October

Dear Parent,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Y5/6 Tag Rugby event at Netherwood School on Tuesday 10^th October.

The event will start at 1pm and should finish approximately 3pm. Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by minibus, at 12:30pm.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead / Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 3rd October

Online Safety Parent Newsletter

Please see the attached Online Safety Parent Newsletter from the E-Safety Office.

E-Safety Parent Newsletter Oct 23

Kind Regards

The Ellis CE Primary School

Correspondence 3rd October

Parents’ Evenings

Dear Parent,

We will be holding our face to face parents’ evenings in the school hall Wednesday 11th October, Thursday 12th October and Wednesday 25th October.

To book your child’s appointment, please use the Cloud system by following the link below

https://theellisce.schoolcloud.co.uk/

If you have any problems logging on to the system, please contact Mrs Fiddes or Miss Dodd at office@theellis.org who will be able to help you.

Correspondence 29th September

Y5 PGL Residential Trip Confirmation – 10th-12th April 2024

Dear Parents,

We are delighted to let you know we have now confirmed numbers for our Y5 residential trip next year to PGL Caythorpe Court, 10^th-12^th April 2024.

We have secured the trip at a discounted price, which is actually less than what we anticipated and the total cost, including transport will be £238 per person.

The initial deposit of £30 has already been paid, therefore, an outstanding amount of £208 has been placed onto ParentPay to be paid by 29/02/2024. This can be paid in instalments if you so wish.

For more information about this trip and the types of activities on offer please visit:

http://www.pgl.co.uk/PGLWeb/Schools/Primary-schools/adventure/centres/CaythorpeCourt_activities

Please note participation in this trip will be dependent on consistent good behaviour in school.

Yours faithfully

Mrs E Edwards

Correspondence 29th September

Important Information including list of dates

Dear Parents,

Please find attached our list of important dates for the upcoming year. Thank you for your patience regarding this, we have been waiting for a few dates to be confirmed. As you will be aware, our school calendar is very full and there may be other dates that we add throughout the year. Important Dates

Please remember not to send your children to school with nuts, of any form, in their lunch box. This includes Nutella/Nutoka chocolate spread sandwiches, or chocolate bars with nuts, such as, Snickers, Kinder Bueno or Reese’s cups. We have children with nut allergies in school and this could cause a medical emergency.

In a couple of weeks we will have various events to celebrate our Harvest Festival. We hope to see as many of you as possible there.

This year, we will be participating in the Remembrance Service at St. Mary’s church. If your child would like to be involved in the choir and can attend the church service, please ask them to come and see me before Friday 6th October. KS1 and KS2 children are both welcome to participate.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 29th September

Autumn Foliage Request from F2

This email originated from outside the theellis.org domain. Please treat any links and attachments with caution.

Dear Parents,

As part of our learning focus next week, we will be looking at Autumn. If you are able to, could you please help us by bringing in any Autumn things such as leaves, acorns, pine cones, conkers, twigs etc. for us to display on our ‘Autumn Table’.

Many thanks for your continued support,

Mr Grayhurst and Mrs Beevers

Correspondence 28th September

Year 5 Homework

Dear Y5 Parents,

Y5 are settling in to the new routines of a new class and new school year.

One of the new routines is home work set on SATS Companion, being completed each week. Your child is set an English and a Maths task on SATS Companion each Monday, to be completed by the following Monday. Each task is 10 questions long and may have a short video to support your child to recap the learning linked with the questions. Every child brought home a letter with log in details in the first week of term and have been supported to log in and explore the platform in school.

We are really pleased that many children are accessing their home work and completing the questions each week. We have noticed that some children are completing one task, but not the other, whilst some children have not accessed any question sets yet outside school.

As these SATs Companion tasks are not optional, we would like to support children who may be having access issues, or who have not completed the home work by Wednesday each week. This support will be given in school during Thursday lunchtimes.

Please get in touch if you have any questions about the home work being set, or if your child needs an additional copy of their log in details.

Many thanks,

The Y5 Team

Correspondence 28th September

Netherwood Academy Open Evening – Wednesday 4th October

Dear Parents,

Please see the email invitation for Netherwood Academy open evening below.

Good morning,

I would just like to let you know that our open evening for your students will be held on Wednesday 4^th October between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

If you could you let your parents know, it would be greatly appreciated.

We look forward to meeting lots of your students and showing them some of the interesting activities going on around school.

Best wishes

E Currie (SEND Admin)

Correspondence 27th September

Foundation Stage Workshop – Tuesday 3rd October

Dear Parents,

We will be running a free workshop for all parents, carers and grandparents of children within our Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) on Tuesday 3^rd October 2023 at 4:30pm for approximately 1 hour.

The workshop will focus on ‘What to expect in the Early Years’ and will offer you a valuable insight into how to support your child’s learning and development whilst they are in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Refreshments will be available free of charge.

If you would like to attend, please inform your child’s class teacher. Unfortunately, children are unable to attend this event.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Yours sincerely

Mr D Grayhurst & Mrs T Pollard

Correspondence 27th September

Dear Parents,

If your child is taking place in Young Voices 2024, please find the link below which will enable you to access all the tracks, lyrics, dance videos etc.

When you click on the link, it will ask you to create a free account, then your child will have everything they need to start practising!

I am attending the Young Voices teachers’ workshop on Wednesday, then we will start rehearsing one lunchtime a week from the start of October until the concert in February.

I can’t wait to get started and hope your child is as excited as I am!

Here is the link:-

https://yvmusicroom.com/parentRegisterReferral?code=MTU4Mi8xNjk1NjY4Njc2

Kind regards

Charlotte Trotter

Correspondence 27th September

Year 2 Whirlow Farm Residential – July 2024

Dear Parents/Carers,

As I am sure you are aware, we run an annual 2-night residential trip for our Y2 children to Whirlow Farm in Sheffield. We took 27 Y2’s last July and we had an absolutely brilliant time! (Feel free to visit our Y2 Twitter (now X) page where you will see all the tweets I posted whilst we were away, and it will give you an idea of the things we got up to! @TheEllisY2).

Our Y2 Whirlow residential is a wonderful experience and one which our current Y6 children talk about fondly from when they visited all those years ago!

Whirlow Farm is a very popular place for Key Stage 1 children to visit and they run residential trips for children all year round (although the summer term books up very early, as it is a lovely end of year experience). Their most popular age group is indeed Year 2 as it provides a welcoming, age-appropriate programme for children of this age. Many schools visit year after year and it becomes an annual favourite for Key Stage 1 children!

Whirlow Farm is a working farm with many animals, beautiful woodland and farm walks and space for children to play in the safety of enclosed gardens. It is set in acres of farmland, has a lovely play area and the views are spectacular! The farm staff are very experienced at working with primary school children and there is an onsite educational team who will work alongside the teachers and children during the day.

On the first day, the children will have the opportunity to take part in a farm tour where they will have the chance to meet lots of farm animals and to help out with the farm jobs (e.g. feeding the animals, grooming them and handling some of the smaller animals). On the second day, the school staff will walk the children to Forge Dam, approx. 1.2 miles away, which has a large duck pond, lovely play area, picnic spots, woodland area and stream, which we love paddling in (it is very shallow only coming up to ankle-level and staff are in the water with the children). In the evenings, we will do lots of activities with the children, depending on the weather, including playing games and sports, baking and playing board games and quizzes together. The children will also work together (alongside the school teaching staff) to prepare meals, make packed lunches and wash up! It really is a big team effort but an amazing opportunity for the children to develop their independence in a small, safe environment.

With regards to sleeping arrangements; the farm can cater for 12 children and 2 teachers at a time, which would mean that one group would visit whilst the others are at school, and on their return the other group would then visit. If we have more than 24 children, we will take smaller groups of approximately 10 and run three trips. (Any child who does not wish to take part in the residential will attend school as normal that week). The children will sleep in the converted hall or barn and the two teachers will have their own rooms, within the hall/barn, and will look after the children overnight.

As a parent myself with two children, I realise that it is hard to ever imagine that your own child will be ready for an overnight stay but this residential is a lovely way to let them experience an overnight stay with their friends and teachers they know well in a small, homely and calm environment. Having taught KS1 for many years now, it still staggers me how much the children grow up and change between the end of Year 1 and the end of Year 2. They really do grow in confidence, independence and resilience over the year. Having run this trip for many years now, I can say first-hand that the children gain so much from such an experience and that it provides them with lasting memories. I will be personally accompanying each group with another member of staff from school.

With regards cost, we are unable to give an exact figure until we know how many children will be going (as the accommodation is a set price regardless of whether it is at full capacity of 12 children or not). I envisage that it will not cost more than £120 based on previous years (and factoring in the significant increase in coach price this year) and may be slightly less depending on numbers. This will include 2 nights’ accommodation, food, return travel by minibus and all the activities children undertake whilst they are there. Payments can be spread throughout the year and once we have numbers, we will be able to send out a final price and a payment schedule.

As lots of schools are now starting to book residential visits for next year, we have provisionally booked the following dates for our visit, however I need to confirm these dates soon. If we have less than 24 children, then one of the dates will not be needed.

Mon 1^st July – Wed 3^rd July 2024 (first group)

Wed 3^rd July – Fri 5^th July 2024 (second group)

Mon 8^th July – Wed 10^th July 2024 (third group)

NB – group 1 will come home Wednesday lunchtime and will swap with group 2.

As we are only able to hold our provisional booking for a certain number of days, please can you reply to this email by Monday 2^nd October 2023 confirming whether or not your child would like a place. When we have confirmed numbers, I will be able to confirm the exact price. I will then send out payment schedules and details of how to pay on Parent Pay.

Please note participation in this trip will be dependent on consistent good behaviour in school.

If you have any initial enquiries, please pop and see Mrs Trotter or email the office and I will answer any questions you might have. Alternatively, I am sure the current Y3 parents would be happy to speak to you about their experience of the residential.

Kind regards

Mrs Trotter

Y1 Teacher / KS1 Leader

Correspondence 26th September

Y3/4 Cross Country – Wednesday 27th September

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child is welcome to come into school wearing their PE kit (and warm clothes) tomorrow morning. Their uniform should be brought to school in a bag, to change into, when they return from the event.

Thank you

Miss Cook

Correspondence 26th September

Dear Parents and Carers,

We will be holding a SEND parents coffee afternoon at 2:30pm on Thursday 28^thSeptember, which will give you an opportunity to discuss how paperwork is used to support your child, raise any transition concerns and share with Mrs Wise, Mrs Gay and other parents of children with SEND your experiences of the first few weeks of the new term.

We understand that you may not be able to attend, but please feel free to ask to speak to Mrs Wise, Mrs Gay or your child’s class teacher if you have any questions or concerns.

Many thanks

Mrs Wise

SENCO and Deputy Headteacher

The Ellis CE Primary School

Correspondence 25th September

Nursery Seesaw Logins

Dear Parents,

This week you will find the log-in details for Seesaw inside your child’s red folder. Please follow the simple instructions to activate the account. Although nursery do not often use Seesaw for home learning, it is a great way to share any photos of the activities you have been doing at home with us! We in nursery use Seesaw to share any documents or advice which we feel may be useful for our nursery parents.

If you have any questions regarding Seesaw, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Early Years Team.

Thank you

Mrs Pollard

Correspondence 25th September

Reception Home Learning Reminder

Dear Reception Parents/Carers,

We hope that you are all keeping well. There appears to be some confusion over the Library and Red Home Learning Folders.

The Library Folder should just have the Library Book which your child has chosen. You need to keep this book and folder for two weeks. The next Library session is Thursday 5^th October. Please bring this folder with the book inside to this session. Alternatively, please return the folder to school by 5^th October if you are unable to attend.

Please read below for a reminder about the Library and Red Home Learning Folders.

EYFS Library Folder

The ‘Library Folder’ is to keep your child’s Library Book in, please bring it with you to every EYFS Library Session. Your child will also have a ‘Library Journal’ but this will be kept in your child’s red ‘Home-Learning Folder’ which will be sent home every Friday. There are some activity ideas that you can do with your child on the inside cover of the Library Journal, and you can encourage your child to draw pictures from the book or you can make notes on their responses to the story book. Please always keep your child’s Library Journal in their red folder as we would like this returning to school on a weekly basis (every Wednesday) so that staff can mark it. Please note the change of return day.

Red Home Learning Folder

Your child’s Home-Learning Folder will be sent home every Friday. This will contain your child’s Home-Learning Book and Library Journal. Please always keep these books in this folder and return to school on a weekly basis, every Friday, so that staff can read and mark them.

Seesaw Reminder

Please sign into Seesaw using the Seesaw login code. The sheet with the code is inside your child’s Home Learning Journal in their red Home Learning Folder. We have set some Read Write Inc. phonic activities for you to join in with.

If you have any further queries or questions please come and speak to a member of our team.

Kind regards

Mr Grayhurst and Mrs Beevers

Correspondence 25th September

Dear Y6 Parents,

Please find attached leaflet from Astrea Academy Dearne, with details of their open evening on Thursday 5^th October.

Kind Regards

The Ellis CE Primary School

Correspondence 25th September

Important Attendance and Punctuality Information

Dear All Parents,

Please take the time to read the attached attendance and punctuality letter which contains latest information and guidance on school times, absence and holidays. Attendance and Punctuality Letter 2023

Thank you

Mrs Gay

PSA / Attendance Officer

Correspondence 22nd September

Y4 Information

Dear Y4 Parents,

Logins

We have now stuck logins for the following websites/apps into the front of your child’s reading diary. If your child is missing a login slip, please let us know. These logins allow children to access learning from home and share their learning with you.

Seesaw
Spelling Shed
TTRS
Mirodo

Mirodo Homework Support

Your child has been registered to Mirodo – an online tool to help with English and Maths. We have had the opportunity to practise Mirodo in class and check that all children’s logins are working.

Children will be assigned an English homework task each week, on Thursday, which will need to be completed within a week.

We will discuss this in class on Monday, with the intention of setting the first task the following Thursday. Mirodo can be used for practising English and Maths outside of the task being set. Children can work independently, or with your support where needed.

Most tasks will have a video attached which you should watch before completing the task.

Times Tables Support

In Year 4, your child will undertake a statutory times tables check to get a better understanding of their knowledge and fluency. The check takes place in June and there is more information about the Multiplication Tables Check in the attached PDF. The PDF is dated 2023 but the information is still relevant.

Information for Parents Multiplication Tables Check

It is important that your child spends time practising their times tables so that they are ready for the check.

We encourage children to practise their times tables on:

Timestables.co.uk (no account required)

TTRS (account required)

Topmarks (no account required)

If you have any issues with any logins, then please let us know so that we can get them sorted as soon as possible.

Miss Bradbury

Correspondence 22nd September

Science Ambassador Training – Wednesday 27th September

Dear Parents,

Your child has volunteered to train as a Science Ambassador for The Ellis. The training will take place at Jump Primary School on Wednesday 27^th September and the children will be accompanied by Mr Webster.

On this day, the children will need to bring a packed lunch and water bottle, along with appropriate clothing for the weather, as they will be walking to Jump.

The day will end at 2:30pm, to allow the pupils time to make their way back to school for normal school collection time. We have chosen four Y5 pupils to be trained, and they will be Ambassadors for 2 full years. They will receive a lab coat (which needs to remain in school) and a box of equipment so they can share their enthusiasm for science via assemblies and class demonstrations.

Please could you let me know if you DO NOT consent for your child to be part of this.

If you do consent, you need not do anything, as the walk is covered by our local walks consent form, however, please update us if there is any information you feel we need to know, or contact numbers have changed.

Thank you for your support.

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 21st September

Family Hubs and Start for Life Services

Dear Parents,

We have been asked to share the following information.

Family Hubs and Start for Life services offer information, help and support to families from conception until age 19, or 25 for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. As part of the development of our Family Hubs services in Barnsley, we’re asking for views on how we propose to deliver Family Hubs services in our communities.

The proposed model will provide more services and support for families across Barnsley, with families accessing support, face-to-face in a Family Hub, in the community or by going online – read more about our proposals in our online consultation document, or visit your nearest family ‘I Know I Can’ Centre or Library to view paper copies of our proposals.

Comments and feedback can be provided by:

Completing our online survey
Emailing infofis@barnsley.gov.uk
Writing to Barnsley Council, Families Information Service, PO BOX 634, Barnsley, S70 9GG

Please only use one method of reply to avoid duplication.

Comments must be received by 5pm on Saturday 23 September 2023. Please can you share this information across your networks and with families encouraging them to share their views on our proposed offer.

Thank you

Correspondence 20th September

Birth Certificate Confirmation

Dear Parent,

I hope your child has settled in well and is enjoying life here at The Ellis.

To finalise our admission procedures, we need to see your child’s birth certificate to check their date of birth. This is standard procedure and there are no concerns regarding your child. It is simply an exercise that has to be completed upon admission.

Would it be possible please to pop to the office with your child’s birth certificate to allow staff to note down the date of birth of your child? There is no need for a photocopy to be taken.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Correspondence 20th September

Early Years Library Session Reminder Thursday 21st September

Dear Parents,

A reminder that our Early Years Library Session (see email below) will be starting tomorrow in the school hall. If you are unable to accompany your child, please do not worry, staff will ensure your child is able to choose a book, either at the session or on Friday morning. Thank you

Early Years Library Session

Our Early Years library session is changing. It will now be a ‘pop in pop out’ session where you can spend a short time choosing a book with your child.

This is how our library day will run:

Please bring your child into the school hall via the main school entrance between 8:15am-8:40am. We do not expect you to stay for the full duration as this is a drop in session.
The hall will be set up with books and stories appropriate for your child. Please help your child to choose a book to take home.
Once you have chosen a book, please sign the book out using the sign in/sign out forms (there will be an adult there to support you with this process)
Siblings (older or younger) must stay with their adult at all times and respect our library session.
After you have chosen and signed out your child’s book, please leave via the school reception door. Nursery/Reception will open as usual on library day.
When you return your child’s book on the following session, please remember to acknowledge this return on the sign in/sign out form. Your child can then select a new story to take home.

If you have any questions regarding our new library sessions, please see your child’s class teacher.

Thank you

The Early Years Team.

Correspondence 19th September

Y6 Ramp Up Session – after school Wednesday 27th September

Dear Y6 Parent,

A reminder that RampUp are coming into school to deliver a FREE bike and scooter session on Wednesday 27^th September from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. If your child wishes to take part in the session, and you have not already done so, please sign them up using the link below.

https://app.upshot.org.uk/signup/b99a1121/

On-the-day registrations may not be possible and unregistered attendees may not be able to take part in the session. If the child has attended one of the community RampUp sessions held across Barnsley this summer, they should already be registered for RampUp sessions, and do not have to register on Upshot a second time.

If your child usually attends Scotty’s Heroes on this day, they can choose which club to attend.

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 19th September

Y1/2 Football Tournament – Friday 6th October

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Football Tournament at Hoyland Common Primary School on Friday 6^th October. The event will start at 1pm and should finish before 3pm depending on how well the school perform!

Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by minibus, at 12:30pm.

Children will need to bring shorts/tracksuit bottoms, black socks, trainers and their water bottle. They will be given a school shirt to wear. As the event will be held outdoors, on grass, it would be useful to bring warm clothes and a waterproof coat for when they are spectating, and they can choose to wear trainers or football boots. Shin pads are recommended but not essential.

Parents are welcome to spectate on this occasion, however, decisions made by the referee must be respected.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. The cost of the trip will be funded using the Sports Premium Grant and therefore your child requires no money for the event.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 19th September

Y3/4 Football Tournament – Friday 29th September

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Football Tournament at Jump Primary School on Friday 29^th September. The event will start at 1pm and should finish before 3pm depending on how well the school perform!

If the weather is fine the children will walk to the event, however, in the event of adverse weather, Mrs Fiddes and Mrs Connelly are insured to transport the children in their cars.

Parents are able to spectate on this occasion, however, decisions made by the referee must be respected. If you are spectating and wish to take your child straight home afterwards, please let us know and we will ensure that all of their belongings are taken up to Jump school with them. If you are taking someone else’s child home, the child’s parent must notify the office of this.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 18th September

Important Information – Earrings during PE

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please see the attached jewellery policy for information. Jewellery Policy Apr20-Apr24

As you will be aware from our website and school policy, we follow the Barnsley Council and AFPE guidance on the wearing of jewellery for PE. Children should not wear earrings or jewellery in P.E. lessons, this includes Fitbits and step trackers. Children should remove their own earrings, and store them safely, or parents should remove them at the start of the school day. Staff cannot remove earrings for children.

If your child cannot take their earrings out due to the healing process, then a short-term solution of wearing plastic retainer earrings is allowed, however, we do not advocate this and it is totally at the discretion of the parent as these retainer earrings may not be sterile. These earrings need to be completely flat to the child’s ear, and completely cover the spike at the back.

We have a small amount of retainer earrings in school if you would like to collect a pair from the school office for your child to wear. We will not hand these out to children.

If your child does not have appropriate retainers, or cannot remove their earrings, they will unable to take part in PE and after school clubs.

To avoid missing PE, children should ideally have their ears pierced at the beginning of the Summer.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

PE Subject Leader

Correspondence 18th September

Y3/4 Cross Country – Wednesday 27th September

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has shown an interest in attending a 2km KS2 cross country event at Horizon School on Wednesday 27^th September. The route will be marshalled so the children will know where to go around the simple route. The aim is to inspire participants to continue their physical activity journey.

The event will start at 9:30am and should finish by 11:30am. Your child will have their lunch when they return to school. Children will travel to the event by coach.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 18th September

Y3 Kick Rounders Event – Thursday 21st September

Dear Parents,

Your child’s class has been selected to represent the school in a Y3 Kick Rounders event at Horizon college on Thursday 21^st September.

The event will start at 1pm and should finish approximately 3pm. Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, at 12:15pm.

Children will need to be in full PE kit but can bring tracksuits to travel in. They will need inhalers if they require them and their water bottle with their name on.

Please note if your child has recently had their ears pierced and cannot take them out themselves, then they will be unable to take part in the event and will remain in school.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

The cost of the trip will be funded using the Sports Premium Grant and therefore your child requires no money for the event.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 18th September

Y5 Ramp Up Opportunity

Dear Y6 Parents,

An exciting opportunity has arisen for our Year 6 children. On Wednesday 27^th September, RampUp will be coming back into school to deliver a FREE bike and scooter session. The session will take place on the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) during the afternoon. If your child usually attends Scotty’s Heroes on this night then they can choose which club to attend.

RampUp were delivering sessions in parks over the summer holidays, however, if you have not seen a session before, it is an exciting cycle / scooter session that develops and inspires young people to develop their bike and scooter confidence. Children will find this useful for travelling actively to school and in their own time.

RampUp sessions are delivered by BMBC Sport and Active Recreation instructors who are qualified to deliver fun and engaging sessions in school settings. The instructors’ years of experience means they can also give some top tips to help young riders / scooters get the most out of the sessions. All instructors are employed by Barnsley Metropolitan Council and are DBS checked.

Your child will NOT need to bring their own bike, scooter or helmet as these are all provided. They will, however, need to dress appropriately for the activity and the weather. Therefore, they will require a waterproof coat, water bottle and trainers.

If your child wishes to take part, then an adult MUST have signed them up prior to the event using the link below or the QR code on the poster. All riders attending an after-school session must register on Upshot (the portal BMBC use to register riders) prior to the session. https://app.upshot.org.uk/signup/b99a1121/ The child’s responsible adult must complete the registration. On-the-day registrations may not be possible and unregistered attendees may not be able to take part in the session. If the child has attended one of the community RampUp sessions held across Barnsley this summer, they should already be registered for RampUp sessions and do not have to register on Upshot a second time.

Parents can spectate at the event.

If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Correspondence 18th September

Y5 Ramp Up Opportunity

Dear Y5 Parents,

An exciting opportunity has arisen for our Year 5 children. On Wednesday 27^th September, RampUp will be coming back into school to deliver a FREE bike and scooter session. The session will take place on the MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) during the afternoon.

If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Correspondence 14th September

Early Years Information

Dear Early Years Parents,

Reception Baseline Assessment

The Reception Baseline Assessment is a short, interactive and practical assessment of your Reception child’s early literacy, communication, language and mathematical skills when they begin school, using materials that most children of your child’s age will be familiar with. It became statutory for all schools from September 2021.

Please see the attached document for more information. Information for Parents Reception Baseline Assessment 2023

Early Years Library Session

Our Early Years library session is changing. It will now be a ‘pop in pop out’ session where you can spend a short time choosing a book with your child.

This is how our library day will run:

Please bring your child into the school hall via the main school entrance between 8:15am-8:40am. We do not expect you to stay for the full duration as this is a drop in session.
The hall will be set up with books and stories appropriate for your child. Please help your child to choose a book to take home.
Once you have chosen a book, please sign the book out using the sign in/sign out forms (there will be an adult there to support you with this process)
Siblings (older or younger) must stay with their adult at all times and respect our library session.
After you have chosen and signed out your child’s book, please leave via the school reception door. Nursery/Reception will open as usual on library day.
When you return your child’s book on the following session, please remember to acknowledge this return on the sign in/sign out form. Your child can then select a new story to take home.

If you have any questions regarding our new library sessions, please see your child’s class teacher.

Thank you

The Early Years Team.

Correspondence 14th September

Sing with Barnsley Youth Choir 2023-24

Dear Parents,

Barnsley Youth Choir are auditioning for 2023-24. Auditions are free of charge.

Hayley Fiddes

Correspondence 13th September

F2/Y1 Phonics Parent Workshop

Dear Parents,

We are holding a phonics workshop on Monday 16^th October, 5pm in the hall.

Please note that for any of our Y1 parents who may have attended the phonics workshop last year, this will be a refresher course, however, we encourage as many people as possible to attend.

Mr Grayhurst and Mrs Trotter

Correspondence 13th September

Annual Flu Immunisation Programme – Reception to Y6 – Thursday 23rd November

Dear Parents (Reception-Y6), Flu Clinics Flyer 2023 QR Code Poster

The seasonal flu vaccine protects children, and those around them, from catching flu, which is a very unpleasant illness and can lead to serious complications, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

On Thursday 23rd November, the immunisation team will be coming into school to offer annual flu vaccinations to all children from Reception upwards. These vaccinations are given as a nasal spray.

a) your child will be absent on the day of vaccination
b) you do not want to wait for the immunisation team to come into school
c) you do not wish your child to have the vaccine in school or
d) you have a child or family member that is vulnerable e.g. asthmatic

If you experience any problems, please contact the team on barnsleysais@swyt.nhs.uk

Thank you.

Correspondence 13th September

Important Allergy Information

Dear F1 Parents,

We have had a confirmed nut allergy in class and would kindly ask that your child does not bring any nut products into school, including Nutella or similar brands.

Kind regards

The Nursery Team

Correspondence 12th September

KS2 Girls Football Tournament – Friday 22nd September

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Football Tournament at Hoyland Common Primary School on Friday 22nd September. The event will start at 1pm and should finish before 3pm depending on how well the school perform!

Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by minibus, at 12:30pm.

Children will need to bring shorts/tracksuit bottoms, black socks, trainers and their water bottle. They will be given a school shirt to wear. As the event will be held outdoors, on grass, it would be useful to bring warm clothes for when they are spectating and they can choose to wear trainers or football boots. Shin pads are recommended but not essential.

Parents are unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Correspondence 12th September

Y5/6 Football Tournament – Friday 15th September

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Football Tournament at Hoyland Common Primary School on Friday 15^th September. The event will start at 1pm and should finish before 3pm depending on how well the school perform!

Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by minibus, at 12:30pm.

Children will need to bring shorts/tracksuit bottoms, black socks, trainers and their water bottle. They will be given a school shirt to wear. As the event will be held outdoors, on grass, it would be useful to bring warm clothes for when they are spectating and they can choose to wear trainers or football boots. Shin pads are recommended but not essential.

Parents are unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Correspondence 11th September

Y2 Nottingham Castle Trip – Wednesday 20th September

Dear Parents,

As we are reading ‘Jim and the Beanstalk’ in our English topic this half term, we are delighted to inform you of our upcoming trip to Nottingham Castle on Wednesday 20^th September, which has kindly been gifted to Year 2. This is very exciting as it will involve a tour of David’s Dungeons, the museum and the galleries.

The coach company we will be using is Globe Holidays. The coach will leave school at 9:15am and is expected to return to school by 3:30pm. Children will need to be at school for no later than 8:10am for registration. If your child suffers from travel sickness, we would suggest that appropriate travel sickness tablets are taken before school.

We have also been fortunate in securing a transport grant from The Ernest Cook Trust to enhance our outdoor learning.

Therefore, the reduced cost for the coach is only £7 per pupil. Payment will be made via Parent Pay. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties covering the cost of the trip, please contact Mrs Edwards.

Please ensure school uniform is worn on the day with suitable footwear and an appropriate coat. A packed lunch will be required and can be provided by school for children who are entitled to Scheme of Aid. Please let us know if your child requires a school packed lunch prior to the trip.

There is a gift shop on site and the children can bring a small amount of money if they wish, in a named envelope.

Participation in this trip is dependent on good behaviour in school. Please give your consent via ParentPay.

I am looking forward to spending a fun day out with the children. Let’s hope for good weather!

Miss Hudson

Y2 Teacher

Correspondence 11th September

SEND Information and Coffee Afternoon

Dear Parents and Carers,

To support transition into new year groups, your child’s current SSP (School Support Plan) will be in place during the first part of this half term. These are working documents that teachers use to support your child to meet their personalised, small step targets (new transitional targets have been set to support your child) as they move to a new class. If you have any questions or concerns about these interim plans, or how your child is settling into the new school year then please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher.

If your child has an EHC Plan, their teacher will continue setting small step targets from this, and recording them on an EHCP monitoring document until it is time for their next annual review.

If your child has a one page profile to support reasonable adjustments and understanding of their needs, then this will continue in their new class and will be updated with any new information whenever necessary.

You will be invited to parents’ evening in the week commencing 9^th October 2023 to give you an initial opportunity to speak with your child’s class teacher. There will then be a further SEND review meeting the week commencing 23^rd October 2023 when you will have the opportunity to work with your child’s class teacher to review the current plan and work together to set new targets for the coming year.

If you have any questions about this process or any concerns about your child that you wish to share, please feel free to speak to a member of staff.

We will be holding a SEND parents coffee afternoon at 2:30pm on Thursday 28^thSeptember, which will give you an opportunity to discuss how paperwork is used to support your child, raise any transition concerns and share with Mrs Wise, Mrs Gay and other parents of children with SEND your experiences of the first few weeks of the new term.

Many thanks

Mrs Wise

Correspondence 8th September

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

What an amazing first week back we have had! The children have been fantastic and have shown such resilience in the heat- we are all so proud of them. It has been fantastic seeing them return to school ready to learn and ready to embrace the challenges the new school year brings. As always, thank you for your ongoing support with this.

Please see below a few notices that will help our school ‘be the best it can be’.

Important Dates List

Please keep your eyes out for a list of key dates for this year. It will be in your inboxes by Wednesday.

Class Newsletters

Each class will be emailing a newsletter on Monday with key information about the curriculum for your child. If you would like to keep up to date with what is happening in class, please ensure you are following the class X (formerly known as Twitter) account as this is where staff regularly post updates. The school Facebook (The Ellis CE Primary School) and X account (@theellisprimary) are where key announcements will be made such as, special event information or emergency notices for example, closures due to snow etc.

Please note, the messaging services on our social media accounts are not always reliable. The best way to contact school is via email at office@theellis.org

Uniform

Please ensure your child’s uniform and outdoor clothing are named. We have already had a few ‘lost’ items which have been difficult to reunite with their owners. Please also ensure you child has access to clothing in school that is suitable for all weather types. Indoor shoes are required from Year 1 upwards and again, should be named. For further information regarding our uniform policy please see our website.

If the heatwave continues, please ensure sun cream is applied before school and not brought in children’s bags, particularly for our nursery children.

Car Park

Please avoid coming into the car park/turning circle for breakfast club or school drop offs unless there is a requirement to use the disabled parking bays. The scaffolding has left us with limited space for staff to park and unload, and additional vehicles, including deliveries and parent cars, are adding to the congestion.

Parent Voice Surveys

Throughout the year we will be using Google Forms to gather your thoughts and views. This is vital for us to improve school and we really appreciate your interaction with this. If you would like to get in touch in a different way to give us feedback, please email office@theellis.org

Volunteer opportunities

There are a couple of building/grounds projects we would like to undertake this year and we will be looking for volunteers to help us, either with fundraising and/or help with the manual labour that may be involved to complete the works. More details will be released as the year progresses but if you would like to help and have skills or connections with a particular trade, please get in touch.

Young Voices

The deadline for Young Voices forms to be returned is Friday 22^nd September. You are welcome to send in cash or a cheque.

The Young Voices myclassmate website will go live sometime next week. We will send an email with the details you need to be able to log in to access the tracks. If any child is extra eager and can’t wait until next week, the tracks for Young Voices 2023 are available on Spotify now!

PGL-Y5 only

If you have not yet paid the deposit for your child to attend our residential trip to PGL in April next year, please ensure you do so by Friday 15^th September. Please note, after this date, final numbers will be confirmed.

Swimming

If your child will be starting swimming lessons on Friday 15^th September, please remember they will need to bring their kit, including a swimming cap, to school.

I am extremely grateful for the support you give our school and know that together, we will continue to be the best we can be!

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 7th September

Y6 Information from Trinity Academy St Edwards

Dear Y6 Parents,

Please see the attached letter from Trinity Academy St Edwards.

This is to remind parents of the requirement to register children for the Fair Banding Assessment should you wish your child to attend in September 2024.

Trinity Academy St Edward’s Registration Reminder

Many thanks

Correspondence 6th September

Y5 Real History Alive Tudor Workshop and Interactive Show – Wednesday 13th September

Dear Y5 Parents,

The year 5 children have settled in well, are reading for learning and we already have some exciting activities planned in.

We are pleased to let you know that, as part of our History learning about The Tudors, we have arranged for a workshop run by ‘Real History Alive’ to bring our learning to life and to give the children an interactive experience which they will enjoy and remember. Our visitors will be coming into school on the 13th of September to share an interactive show followed by hands on workshops about Tudor Fashion and Dance and all about Crime and Punishment.

We are asking for donations of £8.65 per pupil for us to be able to offer this valuable experience. Payments can be made on ParentPay straightaway. Please be aware that without sufficient donations the event will not be able to go ahead.

Many thanks for your continued support and we can’t wait to start this interesting topic with the children in September.

The Y5 Team

Correspondence 5th September

New After School Clubs

Dear Parents,

Here is the list of our clubs that will be running after half term.

All clubs run straight after school until 4:15pm.

Please note – Scotty’s Heroes is the only club running this week – all other clubs will commence from Monday 11^th September.

If your child will not be attending the club one week, please inform us to avoid any confusion and also so we can make sure they do not get changed at the end of the school day. Thank you.

Monday

Y1/2 Multi-skills, Free of charge with a coach from Complete Coaching Solutions

Please email office@theellis.org if your child would like a place at this club.

Tuesday

Y5/6 Tag Rugby, Free of charge with a coach from Complete Coaching Solutions

Please email office@theellis.org if your child would like a place at this club.

Wednesday

F2/Y1 Footy Stars, £2.50 paid to Adrian Barnard, a qualified football coach. Parents must remain with their child at this club. There are a maximum of 12 places.

Wednesday

Y1/2 Lego Club, Free of charge with Mrs Willis

Please email office@theellis.org if your child would like a place at this club.

Thursday

Y3/4/5 Football, Free of charge with a coach from Complete Coaching Solutions

As football is running outside, the club will still go ahead on Ellis Church days.

Monday

KS2 Scotty’s Heroes

Places have been booked directly for this half term. If your child is interested in joining then there may be a few places available. Please contact Scotty on 07835 949404.

Wednesday

KS2 Scotty’s Heroes

Places have been booked directly for this half term. If your child is interested in joining then there may be a few places available. Please contact Scotty on 07835 949404.

Correspondence 4th September

Ellis Information – Important Notices

Good afternoon,

We hope you have had a lovely summer break and are excited for the new school year!

A couple of notices before we welcome your children in the morning:

Scaffolding

As you may be aware, we are currently having substantial repairs completed on the school roof which is due to be completed in approximately 3 weeks. Due to this, we currently have scaffolding surrounding the perimeter of the building which narrows our pathways. This poses us a few problems in terms of access.

KS1 (years 1 and 2)

In the morning, your child should line up in the playground at 8.45am, and the class teachers will collect their children.

As a precautionary measure, at home time (3.15pm), rather than lining up outside the classrooms which would be under the scaffolding, could we ask that you line up on the playground where the children will be brought out to the playground. We ask for your patience when collecting, as we need to make sure it is safe. Please can you wait in line to collect your child until the class teacher calls you. This may take a while initially, but will speed up as the staff get to know family members.

KS2 (years 3 to 6)

Your child can line up and wait in the designated areas that we have used previously as the scaffolding does not impact them.

At the end of the day, please collect your child from the following places:

Y3- congregate outside the main office near the disabled car parking spaces

Y4- assemble near the entrance to the staff car park

Y5- wait near the brick wall opposite the staff car park

Y6- As Y5.

Milk

We are currently working on resolving our milk supplier issue. This will be available within the next couple of weeks. We will send an email to update you as soon as we have more information. Thank you for your patience with this matter.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 18th July

Barnsley Museums Holiday Activities

Dear Parents,

Fusion partner Barnsley Museums have a jam packed programme of family friendly events and activities this summer across their sites, many of which are free. Please see the attached flyer for lots of great activities taking place. BMBC Museums Summer 2023 flyer

Thank you

Correspondence 18th July

Fit and Fed Holiday Activity Programme

Dear Parents,

During the upcoming summer holidays, Reds in the Community are proud to be a part of the Healthy Holidays Activity Programme. Their programme is open and accessible to those who receive FREE SCHOOL MEALS.

Please see the attached ‘Fit and Fed’ Digital flyer for your use.

Thank you

Correspondence 18th July

Vortex School Uniform Shop Holiday Opening Days and Times

OPENING TIMES AND DATES – SUMMER 2023

OPENING TIMES

MONDAY TO FRIDAY – 9AM-5PM

SATURDAYS – 9AM-12PM

WE ARE OPEN AND CLOSED ON THE FOLLOWING SATURDAYS

SATURDAY 22ND JULY – CLOSED

SATURDAY 29TH JULY – CLOSED

SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST – CLOSED

SATURDAY 12TH AUGUST – OPEN

SATURDAY 19TH AUGUST – OPEN

SATURDAY 26TH AUGUST – OPEN

SATURDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER – OPEN

SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER – CLOSED

WE ARE CLOSED ON THE FOLLOWING WEEKDAYS

FRIDAY 21ST JULY

FRIDAY 28TH JULY

FRIDAY 4TH AUGUST

Correspondence 18th July

Compass B E-Safety Awareness Information

Dear Parents,

Family friendly TikTok

Keeping my child safe on TikTok

Parents and Carers Resource Sheet

Keeping my child safe on SnapChat

You Tube – Restricted Mode

As the Summer break approaches, it is a possibility children and young people may spend an increased amount of time online, connecting with others and exploring the internet. Compass Be would like to share the attached resources for young people and families, to support a more safe and positive experience online.

They hope to make children and young people aware of safe websites to visit and should they feel a negativity, to know how to report anything they feel uncomfortable about online.

Thank you.

Correspondence 18th July

Y3 Scotty’s Heroes After School Club

Dear Parents,

Now your child is moving in to Y3, they have the opportunity to join Scotty’s Heroes after school club.

Scotty’s Heroes promotes team building and outdoor adventurous activities.

If your child is interested in attending, or you would like more information, please see the attached flyer with Scotty’s details.

All communication and payment for the club is through Scott and NOT school.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Correspondence 18th July

Y5 PGL Residential Trip – April 2024

Dear Parents,

We would like to let you know we have provisionally booked our Y5 residential trip for next year, at PGL Caythorpe Court, for 10^th-12^th April 2024.

We have been offered the trip at a discounted price of approximately £259 (depending on the number of children going). This is highly competitive and much cheaper than other residentials, such as Robinwood at Todmorden where the average cost, including transport, would work out to be around £295 per child.

As soon as I have exact numbers, I will be able to give an exact cost based on the number of children going, however, I don’t envisage it going over £275 per child unless there isn’t a lot of demand for the trip. If there are less than 14 children, unfortunately the trip will not be able to go ahead.

To secure the heavily discounted price, an initial deposit of £30 will be due by mid September – without this, your child will not be booked a place. Further payments will be due in the Autumn and Spring terms. As always, there will be the option to pay small, regular amounts if you prefer to spread the cost of the visit.

The initial deposit of £30 has already been placed onto ParentPay, in five instalments of £6 each. If you would like to make an immediate payment of £6 (or more, if you prefer), we will then take this as confirmation of your child’s attendance and send reminders when each payment is due.

For more information about this trip and the types of activities on offer please visit:

http://www.pgl.co.uk/PGLWeb/Schools/Primary-schools/adventure/centres/CaythorpeCourt_activities

Please note participation in this trip will be dependent on consistent good behaviour in school.

Yours faithfully

Mrs E Edwards

Correspondence 14th July

Y6 Information

Dear Y6 parents,

T-Shirt Signing

Please send your child with a t-shirt to sign and any special pens which they would like to use on Monday 17^th July 2023. Children must bring a separate t-shirt from the one they are wearing.

Correspondence 14th July

Foundation Stage Sports Day

Dear All,

We would like to say a massive thank you to all the parents, staff and volunteers who supported our Early Years Sports Day this morning. Although the weather was against us, the children had a thoroughly enjoyable time participating in the various sporting events.

A big thank you to our PTFA for organising refreshments and our Y5 and Y6 volunteers for all their help in running this event.

Many thanks,

From the Early Years Team

Correspondence 13th July

Y5 Magazine/Newspaper Request

Request for old magazines and newspapers.

In September our Art topic will be Photography. The children will be developing their existing skills and learning about composition, photography artists and capturing and presenting images in new ways.

Our first lesson looks at photomontage, so with this in mind, could I please ask you to save any old magazines/newspapers etc. over the summer and send them into school when we return after the holidays.

I hope you have a fantastic summer break and look forward to seeing both you and your children in September.

Maggi Brinkley

HLTA/ Art Lead

Correspondence 13th July

Hemingfield Colliery Walk – Tuesday 18th July

Dear Parents,

On Tuesday 18th July, Y2-Y5 children will be walking to Hemingfield Colliery to see the site which inspired their recent art work.

Please can children come to school with appropriate footwear and outdoor clothing depending on the weather. The walk there and back will last approximately one and a half hours.

Permission has been given via the extra-curricular form, therefore no additional consent is required.

Mrs Brinkley

HLTA / Art Lead

Correspondence 13th July

Nursery and Reception Information

Dear Parents,

Sports Day Refreshments

The PTFA will be selling refreshments at our sports day tomorrow (14th July), please bring some loose change.

Hot Dog and Ice-Cream Day

Next Wednesday (19^th July), we will be having our annual hot dog and Ice cream day! Children will be eating at 10.30ish so full time children will still need a lunch/ packed lunch.

Toy Day

Also, on Thursday (20^th July), children are allowed to bring 1 toy into class to share with their friends before we finish for the Summer holidays (no breakables or special toys please).

Thank you

Mrs. Pollard & Mr. Grayhurst

Correspondence 13th July

Y1 Walk to Elsecar Park – Monday 17th July

Dear Parents,

We are so incredibly proud of all the hard work our Y1 children have put into their learning this year and for their very mature attitude to the change of teacher in January and how they coped when Mrs Trotter was on jury duty and away on residential. They really are shining superstars!

As an end of year treat, we would like to walk the Y1 children to Elsecar Park on Monday 17^th July to enjoy a day out with their friends. The children will be accompanied by staff from school and will be back in time for our usual 3:15pm home time.

Whilst we are there we will enjoy a walk round the park, play in the sand pit, time in the playground, fun PE games on the grassed area and there will be the opportunity for your child to purchase an ice cream or ice lolly. Please send £3 in a named envelope for them to buy one. They will need to wear school uniform, comfortable shoes and have a raincoat, sun hat and sun cream applied before school (that way we are prepared for every type of weather!)

Your child will require a packed lunch from home as we will enjoy a picnic at the park together. As Y1 children are entitled to a free school dinner under the Government Scheme, if you would like a packed lunch making (ham, cheese or tuna sandwiches are the three options), please email Mrs Fiddes with your order by the end of Friday 14^th July. Unfortunately, we will only be able to provide a school packed lunch for children who have pre-ordered.

The visit is covered by the local walks consent form; therefore, no separate consent is needed.

I know we will have a great day and it will be a lovely end of year treat!

Kind regards,

Charlotte Trotter

Correspondence 13th July

Free School Meals Information

Dear All Parents,

Please don’t assume that you will not qualify for free school meals. The attached flyer lists the criteria and explains how to apply if you think you might qualify. Free school meals Leaflet

Please apply even if your child is currently in nursery, or receives universal free school meals in F2, Y1 or Y2 as there are other benefits, both for your family and our school

Thank you

Correspondence 13th July

Y6 Enterprise Week Bowling and Cinema Trip Consent

Dear Y6 Parents,

For our enterprise week treat the children have collectively raised enough money for them to have a bowling party, including an ‘adult sized’ meal and then go to the cinema afterwards to see: Ruby Gillman; Teenage Kraken.

We have tried to arrange it so that we are back as close to the end of the school day tomorrow as possible, therefore, the children will be walking to Wombwell train station and catching the 9:25am train to Barnsley and returning back to school on the 3pm train and walking back to school.

Mrs Fiddes has put the consent forms on ParentPay.

We appreciate this is a very short turn around but fits in nicely with our transition in school tomorrow.

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 12th July

Responsible use of technology

Dear Y3 Parents,

The Ellis Primary School is committed to keeping our children safe and to promoting the safe, responsible use of technologies.

In recent weeks, we have had a few incidents where children in our Year 3 class have copied behaviours and language they have seen from video games and apps, such as YouTube and Tik Tok outside of school. Fortnite has an age rating of 12. Tik Tok has an age rating of 13, however we know many children in class are accessing these daily. As such, we feel it is our responsibility to remind parents of the PEGI ratings system. https://www.askaboutgames.com/pegi-age-ratings

We understand children enjoy playing games, however, there are some risks involved. The two main areas of concern are:

Children experiencing violent or sexual content beyond their age.
Children playing online with strangers and either experiencing inappropriate language, or being groomed.

Y3 children are not yet mature enough to understand what they are viewing and often come to school and chat about it with friends, copying the language/ actions they have been exposed to.

Please be aware of this as we move towards the summer holidays when we’re sure children will be using their electronics more frequently.

Kind regards,

The Y3 Team

Correspondence 11th July

Y3 Amazelabs Treat – Thursday 20th July

Dear Parents,

We’re delighted to inform you that a parent has kindly donated an amazing experience for the children as an end of term treat.

Amazelabs will be coming into school on Thursday 20^th July, between 9am and 12pm, to deliver an interactive science morning for the children.

Amazelabs put a fun and creative take on all things STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) with the aim of providing engaging opportunities to people.

We’re sure the children will love this event and it is a fantastic way to end the school year.

There will be no charge for the event.

Kind regards,

Year 3 Team

Correspondence 11th July

Swimming Gala – Friday 14th July

Dear Parent,

On Friday 14th July your child has been selected to take part in a Swimming Gala held at Hoyland Sports Centre.

The event will consist of races and finals. You child will have a minimum of 1 race against other schools in our sport’s cluster.

The event will begin at 9:30am and be finished in time for the children to return to school for their lunch. Children will leave school just after 9am and travel to and from the venue in staff cars.

Children can come to school with their costumes underneath their uniform to speed up getting changed. Children will need water bottles and towels and a bag to store their wet clothes.

There will be no cost for this event. Unfortunately parents are unable to spectate.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Correspondence 10th July

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

Here are a few reminders for the events taking place in the last couple of weeks in this last academic year.

Singing Assembly Y1-Y6

We would like to welcome you to our ‘Celebration of Music’ assembly on Friday 14^th July at 2:15pm. Children will be performing a range of songs from the music curriculum and also some of the pieces from events throughout the year, such as Young Voices.

Seating is on a first come first served basis.

School is Out Menu

On Tuesday 18^th July our school meals service are serving a picnic style lunch. Please see the attached menu and order in the usual way. We are hoping, if the weather is kind to us, to all eat outside on this day.

Ellis Endeavours (Merits)

Our Endeavours assembly will be on Tuesday 18^th July at 2pm. Families of the children receiving awards will be contacted individually. This year our awards are for: perseverance, courage, friendship and responsibility.

Non-uniform Day

On Wednesday 19^th July all children are invited to attend school in non-uniform of their choice, but no football kits please. This is their reward for earning dojos this half term. We are not asking for donations.

Y6 Leavers’ Assembly

This year our leavers’ assembly will be on the 20^th July at 1:15pm. Don’t forget to bring your tissues as it is always rather emotional!

Kind regards,

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 10th July

Transition Information

Dear Parents,

I am just writing to clarify a few details for the transition days this week. I hope this information will answer any queries you may have, but please do ask if you have any further questions.

Wednesday 12^th and Thursday 13^th July

These are our whole school transition days.

Please see previous emails from Mr Grayhurst. A friendly reminder, FS2 start their day at 8:50am.

KS1/2

Both mornings, please can children line up at 8:45am. Class teachers will be outside to help you know where to stand.

As the children will be spending the full days in their new class, we would like to encourage them to use the cloakrooms as they will in September. Please ensure any items of clothing are clearly labelled as the pegs won’t be named. The children will have already taken their pumps to their new classroom. Please don’t forget to send them with their water bottles.

The children will spend the whole day getting to know their new classroom and staff in order to feel fully prepared for September.

Please order your child’s lunch online via ParentPay, or send your child with a packed lunch.

Don’t forget to order milk online for your child over the summer holidays, from School Milk.

At the end of the day, please collect your child from the following places:

FS1- Please collect from the nursery door at 3:30pm

FS2- Collect from the classroom door at 3:20pm

Y1- line up by the brown fence opposite the Y1 classroom

Y2- line up by the multi-purpose room window

Y3- congregate outside the main office near the disabled car parking spaces

Y4- assemble near the entrance to the staff car park

Y5- wait near the brick wall opposite the staff car park

Y6- As Y5. Phones will be brought to this area by a member of staff.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a lovely summer break and thank you for supporting school this year.

Kind regards,

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 10th July

F2 to Y1 Transition Information

Dear Parents,

I am just writing to clarify a few details for the transition days this week. I hope this information will answer any queries you may have, but please do ask if you have any further questions.

This week, your child will spend 2 ½ days in Y1, getting to know their new classroom, staff and starting to become more familiar with a few of the Y1 routines. We understand that transition can seem a little daunting for some children, but please be reassured we will do everything we can to help your child feel settled and answer any questions they may have, which will hopefully enable them to feel more confident about starting Y1 in September. I am very excited to get to know all the children and parents in FS2 and to help them continue their learning journey at The Ellis.

In September, the start and end times change very slightly for our Y1 children as they come in line with the rest of the school. We will begin school at 8:45am and home time will be 3:15pm. We have, however, decided to keep the timings for transition this week as they are now (8:50am – 3:20pm), we are aware that some children are collected by childminders and other family members and do not want to alter the times before the summer holidays. Please note the slightly earlier times which will start in September.

Tuesday 11^th July – Your child will spend the morning in FS2 with Mr Grayhurst as normal. After lunch, they will spend the afternoon in Y1 with Mrs Trotter. They will be dismissed from FS2 cloakroom door as normal at 3:20pm.

Wednesday 12^th and Thursday 13^th July – These are our whole school transition days. Please can children line up in the playground (outside the Multipurpose Room window) at 8:50am. Mrs Trotter will ensure she is outside to help you know where to stand. The other classes will be going in at 8:45am, however, we will go in at 8:50am when it is a little quieter and less busy for our younger children.

The children will spend the day with Mrs Trotter and Mrs Freeman, getting to know their new classroom and staff. Please collect your child from the Y1 cloakroom door at 3:20pm. We ask that our Y1 parents line up along the brown fence, opposite the Y1 classroom (please note our Y2 parents will be lining up outside the Y2 window). I apologise, to begin with, I will be a little slow letting the children out, but as I am sure you can all imagine, there are a lot of new faces to learn and safety is paramount. I promise I will get faster!

Please order your child’s lunch online via ParentPay, or send your child with a packed lunch. I will have a list of children who have milk, and a fruit snack continues to be free until the end of Y2.

From September, your child will require a pair of indoor pumps which they will keep in school. They will also need an indoor and outdoor PE kit, but these will not be required on transition days.

I have asked Mr Grayhurst to pop the power point slides from our parents’ meeting last week onto Seesaw, which outline ‘Life in Y1’. If at any point, you would like anything clarifying or have any questions regarding Y1, please do not hesitate to ask.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a lovely summer break and I very much look forward to getting to know the families of our new Y1 children in September.

Kind regards,

Charlotte Trotter

Correspondence 10th July

Young Voices – Friday 9th February 2024

Dear Parent/Carer (Current Y2-Y5)

It is that time of year again when I get very excited! I have just received the date for our 2023 Young Voice event! With this in mind, we would like to offer the children in Key Stage 2 (Y3 – Y6) the opportunity to take part in “Young Voices” which is a concert for primary school children. It involves over 1 million children all over the country and is quite simply – awesome! Our school has been part of it for the past 13 years and it is an event which children in Year 6 often refer to as one of their lasting memories from their time at The Ellis.

The concert we will be taking part in is at Sheffield Arena on Friday 9^th February 2024 at 7:00pm. (Please note that this is the last Friday before we close for one week’s holiday). Before then there is a lot to do! We will practise the songs and the dance moves one lunchtime each week from October onwards and will send lyrics home for the children and login details so that they can start practising the songs and dances over the summer break.

There is no cost for your child to take part in Young Voices. The children will be transported to and from the concert by coach which will be funded by school. On the day of the concert, children will take part in an afternoon rehearsal at the arena and will be required to bring a packed tea. Staff will then bring the children back to school after the concert. (A letter with further details outlining all the arrangements will be sent out nearer the time).

You will be able to buy tickets for the concert (they are £23 each, the price is set by Young Voices, not school). The children need either a plain white T-shirt or a ‘Young Voices’ T-shirt (they are £15 for a t-shirt bundle.). Once we have received permission via email, we will send out order forms for tickets and t-shirts. Please note, there is no obligation to buy either of these. Tickets ordered through school will be allocated seats together; however, parents are welcome to purchase tickets directly from the arena right up until the concert date (although these will not necessarily be near parents from our school and cost more than ordering through school). I like to pre-warn about the ticket price as when they do go on sale straight after the summer holidays we have to order quickly so that they don’t sell out, so I end up asking for full payment of tickets with only a couple of weeks’ notice, hence I am giving everyone plenty of advanced warning!

You can find out more on the website www.youngvoices.co.uk where there is a dedicated Parents section.

Final choir numbers are needed before 30^th September so if you would like your child to take part please respond as soon as possible, before we break up for the summer. We have 64 places available this year as we have booked a 70 seater coach. Please could everybody respond via email to Mrs Fiddes by Friday 14^th July to ensure places are allocated fairly and names are kept on a list in one place.

Before replying, we ask that you speak to your child and explain that they are making a commitment to attend one lunchtime practise every week from October up until the concert date. We have sometimes ended up with a waiting list of children who desperately want to do Young Voices and then have other children who have been given a place, but a few weeks later drop out, as they do not want to miss their lunchtime playtime. We welcome everyone, but do ask that you check that your child genuinely wants to be involved in Young Voices and will show this by turning up once a week to a lunchtime rehearsal willingly.

Thank you and we look forward to starting rehearsals in October.

We will send out a confirmation letter on Friday 14^th July, at the end of school, with a link to the words and music tracks so the children can start learning them over the summer holidays!

Yours sincerely

Mrs C Trotter (KS1 lead and music co-ordinator)

Correspondence 7th July

Archie Final Challenge – Monday 17th July

Dear Y5 Parents,

For our final Archie challenge, we will be selling refreshments during morning playtime on Monday 17^th July. Most of our children have let me know what they are bringing to sell. We have a wide selection of treats including ice-pops, homemade cake and bought mini-rolls to name but a few.

As a class we have made the decision to donate all of our proceeds to Cancer Research UK as it is a charity which has sadly touched the lives of quite a few of our children, their families and our staff.

If your child has not yet had a conversation with you, could you please let me know what your child will be bringing on the day.

Thank you for your support.

Mrs Brinkley

Correspondence 7th July

Carrier Bag Request

Dear All Parents,

We are so proud of all the learning your children have done this year.

We are starting to get ready for them to bring their books home to share with you. Please send a large named carrier bag with your child next week, so we can begin to organise their books and folders.

Many thanks

Correspondence 7th July

School Calendar 2023-24

Dear Parents,

Please find attached our calendar for next year, complete with inset days. Calendar 2023-2024 with inset days

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Correspondence 6th July

Y6 Sleepover

On Monday 17th July, children can return to school at 7:15pm for a sleepover. Children will set their beds up in the hall before going outside to enjoy some activities on the field/ in the forest area. After that, we will be settling down to enjoy a film and a ‘midnight feast’. Myself (Mrs Edwards), Mrs Wise, Mrs Wood and Mrs Connelly will be the adults at the event.

Children will need the following:

Sleeping bag
Pillow
Sleeping mat
Snacks for a midnight feast (enough for themselves- no nuts please).
PJ’s
Toothbrush
Clothes for the next day

Breakfast will be provided, however, we will not be providing food in the evening.

If your child requires a packed lunch for Tuesday, this will need to be dropped off on Tuesday morning, or if brought on the Monday, the items will need to be non-perishable overnight whilst stored in the fridge.

No phones or electronics please.

Thank you

Mrs E

Correspondence 6th July

F2 Library Books

Dear F2 Parents,

Please make sure that you send your child’s library book and folder back to school tomorrow (Friday), so that we can check that we have all our books ready for the start of the new academic year.

Mrs Trotter will give you more information about reading books at the start of your child’s first half term in Y1.

Many thanks for all your support this year, it has been very much appreciated.

We look forward to seeing you all at our Coffee Morning tomorrow (Friday 7^th July)!

Kind regards,

Mr Grayhurst

Correspondence 5th July

Barnsley Museums Family Holiday Activities

Dear Parents,

Barnsley Museums are offering a range of family holiday activities across their museums this summer. The majority of these are free and their sites are all free to enter.

Please see the attached flyer for more details. BMBC Museums Summer 2023 flyer

Thank you

Correspondence 5th July

Sport at The Ellis

Dear All Parents,

I am pleased to update you on Sport at The Ellis over the past year. Please see the attached newsletter. Sport Newsletter 2023

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Y3 Teacher / Wider Curriculum Lead

Correspondence 5th July

Y5 Local walk to the Park – Tuesday 11th July

Dear Y5 Parents,

On Tuesday the 11^th of July, Y5 will be walking to the local Recreation space to enjoy a morning of play and sport together (weather permitting).

Permission for the trip is covered in our local walks consent.

Please can you ensure your child has appropriate clothing and footwear for the trip.

Many thanks,

The Y5 Team

Correspondence 3rd July

Y4 PE Lesson Tomorrow (Wednesday)

Dear Y4 Parents,

As it rained on Monday afternoon, the Y4 children unfortunately missed out on their outdoor PE lesson with Mrs Beever.

The children have made great progress with their rounders skills and were looking forward to playing a proper game.

To make up for this, the Y4s will have an outdoor PE lesson tomorrow morning (weather permitting).

Please send your child with their PE kit tomorrow so that they can complete their final game of rounders before Sports Day on Monday (which they will also miss their PE lesson for).

Thank you for your understanding,

Miss Bradbury and Mrs Beever

Correspondence 3rd July

Y4 DT Project

Dear Y4 Parents,

As part of our final DT project, we have been looking at electrical circuits and the design features of a torch. Last Friday, we began designing our torches with the intention of constructing them on Friday 7^th July.

If your child would like to bring a recycled product to use to assemble their torch, that would be great. It would act as the casing to keep their electrical circuit safe and dry. Some examples might include:

Plastic water bottles – 50cl minimum (not cans)

Pringles lids for the lens (the children should know what this is)

Your child will be able to take their torches home but this will not include the electrical circuit as this will need to remain in school. The children will trial and evaluate their products in school.

If your child cannot bring any materials in then we can provide this but if they can recycle an unused water bottle that would be great.

Thank you,

Miss Bradbury

Correspondence 3rd July

Y5 Homework

Dear Y5 Parents,

Thank you for supporting your children to read regularly, complete their homework books and practise their spellings this year. The children have worked incredibly hard at home and at school and we are very proud of them.

This week’s spelling lists are the last that will be sent for this school year.

The CPG homework books have plenty of workouts left, if you would like your children to complete them to support practising skills.

Reading is a key skill and we’d like to encourage you to keep reading regularly with your children. There is the Summer reading challenge, which is designed to support this over the Summer.

Spelling Shed and TT Rockstars continue to be great ways to practise key skills- please support your children to use these over the next few weeks and into the school holidays. If you have any missing log ins then please let us know.

Many thanks,

The Y5 Team

Correspondence 3rd July

Foundation Stage Coffee Morning – Friday 7th July

Foundation Stage Summer Coffee Morning Confirmation

Dear Parents,

We would like to confirm that we will definitely be holding our Summer coffee morning on Friday 7^th July, 9-10:30am to which all family members are invited.

If you would like to attend, please make your way into the school hall via the main school entrance after you have dropped your child off. (See Nursery Information in bold below).

Doors will open at approximately 9am. This will give you ample opportunity to get your tea, coffee and cakes and purchase the gifts your child has made in class before the children come in to sing (approximately 9:30am). Raffle tickets will also be on sale.

As Nursery will be closed due to Industrial Action on Friday, we would like to remind you that all F1 children and their families are still invited to our coffee morning as usual. Please bring your F1 child to the school library at 9am where Mrs. Kelly will register them and take them into the reception classroom to join Mr. Grayhurst’s class.

After the coffee morning, nursery children will need to be collected straight away from Mr. Grayhurst’s class. Please wait outside at the usual pick-up point and a member of staff will send your child out to you.

F2 children will remain in school for the remainder of the day as usual.

All proceeds from this coffee morning will be spent purchasing new equipment to enhance our learning environment.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher.

We look forward to seeing you there,

Foundation Stage Team

Correspondence 30th June

Summer Reading Challenge 2023

Dear Parent/Carer,

Earlier this week, a local librarian came into school to talk to our pupils about the Summer Reading Challenge 2023.

Children can join the Summer Reading Challenge at their local library and take part in person. The Challenge will launch in libraries in England and Wales on Saturday 8 July 2023.

Alternatively, children can take part in the Challenge online by signing up using the following link: https://api.readingagency.org.uk/users/sign_up . Please note, the in-person and online challenges are separate. Physical incentives like medals and certificates are only available via the library, for those taking part in the in-person challenge.

To take part through the library:

Visit your local library and tell them your child would like to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge.
The library will get you signed up and will give you a special collector folder.
Your child will set a personal reading goal for the summer (we recommend six books).
Your child can borrow and read books, e-Books and audio books of their choice. They can read anything they like: fiction, fact books, poetry, joke books, picture books and graphic novels all count towards completing the Challenge!
The library will provide fun reading activities and special incentives along the way.
Your child will receive a certificate for taking part, or for reaching their Challenge goal.
In addition, many libraries offer a wide variety of events and activities for families to enjoy throughout the summer

Children who reach their Summer reading total will also be entered into a special Ellis raffle prize draw; our winners will be able to choose a free book from our very own book shop! We will also hold a special assembly in the new academic year where children can be celebrated for their reading achievements over summer.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact if you have any questions.

Happy Reading!

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Correspondence 30th June

Reading Inspiration for Y2

Dear Y2 Parents,

Y2 have just finished our final book for the year ‘Mr Penguin and the Lost Treasure’ and the children have absolutely loved it.

The children were desperate to find out if there are other books in the series – which there are. If you are looking for a good Summer read to keep your child engaged in reading over the Summer, we can recommend the others books in the series (please see the attached images). They are reasonably priced at roughly £6 for a good meaty book. We appreciate that there is a current cost of living crisis so please do not feel that you have to buy these books. We also suspect that the local libraries may have copies.

Happy Summer reading!

Kind regards,

Miss Saunders and Miss Hudson

Correspondence 29th June

Fantasy and Fable Cultural Event – Saturday 8th July

Dear All Parents,

On the 8th July, Sheffield Philharmonic orchestra, along with artist James Mayhew, will be putting on a performance at the Elsecar Heritage Centre, at 2pm and 4pm.

This is part of Barnsley’s ‘Festival of Joy’ and as a result of my involvement in the Fusion Partnership, we can offer children’s tickets at a reduced price of £2.

Please enter the code ELLIS at the checkout. A flyer is attached for further details. Fantasy and Fables

Mrs Brinkley

HLTA / Art Lead

Correspondence 29th June

Nursery Library Information

Dear Nursery Parents,

This week will be our last library session.

Please make sure you send your child’s folder and library book back to nursery next week so we can either send your child’s folder on to their new class or, if your child is staying in nursery, we can prepare for the new way we will be running library sessions in September (more information on this will follow in the new term).

Thank you

Mrs. Pollard.

Correspondence 29th June

Playground Challenge Thank You

Dear Parents,

I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came and took part, or who donated money to, our Soccer Aid Playground Challenge for UNICEF last Wednesday.

Everyone had a fantastic day and we raised £348! This is £80 more than last year, and this money will be doubled by the Government too. An amazing achievement.

I am looking forward to next year’s challenge.

Mrs Beever

HLTA/PSHE Lead

Correspondence 29th June

School’s out for Summer Menu Flyer – Tuesday 18th July

Dear Parents,

Please find attached a flyer with details of our ‘School’s out for Summer’ menu on the 18th July. This is ordered the usual way, either in class or from home on ParentPay. Schools out for summer menu

Thank you

Correspondence 28th June

Y6 Sex and Relationships Curriculum – Monday 17th July

Dear Y6 Parents,

We would like to inform you that we will be delivering the ‘Growing and Changing unit’ of the sex and relationships curriculum on Monday 17^th July. We will be covering relationships, the male and female reproductive system conception and pregnancy . If you do not want your child to take part in this lesson please let me know so that alternative arrangements can be made.

Kind regards,

Mrs E Edwards

Correspondence 28th June

Industrial Action – Wednesday 5th July and Friday 7th July

Dear Parents,

Due to ongoing industrial action, I would like to give you notice that only our F1 class (Nursery) will be closed on Wednesday 5^th July and Friday 7^th July. All other classes will remain open as usual.

We are anticipating further industrial action in the new academic year, which may involve other teaching unions. We will try and give you as much notice as possible once the ballots have been finalised and the outcome shared with school, however, staff do not have to notify me of their intention to strike. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Please see the statement from Mrs Pollard below:

As you are no doubt aware, as a member of the NEU (National Education Union) I have been involved in undertaking industrial action. As a consequence of this, nursery has been forced to close and your children have missed valuable teaching sessions. I am writing to you to clarify my position with regard to this matter. As a teacher at The Ellis School for the past 20 years, I have always tried to uphold the highest standards for all children, sadly, state education is experiencing significant under funding which is impacting on staffing levels, resources and training. My reason to strike is not for personal gain, but to make a stand against the current situation to ensure that your child has access to the opportunities they deserve, so that they can achieve their full potential. I would like to thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.

Coffee Morning

Nursery will be closed on Friday 7^th July for all nursery children. However, as this is our last coffee morning of the academic year, we would like to invite the nursery children to come and join our reception children on stage as usual. Therefore, please bring your child to the school library at 9am where Mrs. Kelly will register them and take them into the reception classroom to join Mr. Grayhurst’s class.

Parents, grand-parents and carers are invited into the hall for refreshments as usual and the children will come to sing at approximately 9:30am.

After the coffee morning, nursery children will need to be collected straight away from Mr. Grayhurst’s class (please wait outside at the usual pick-up point and a member of staff will send your child out to you)

If your child will not be attending the coffee morning, please notify a member of staff.

Kind regards,

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 27th June

Y4 IT Topic Information

Dear Y4 Parents,

As part of our current IT topic, we have been looking at different ways of editing images including cropping, rotating, changing the brightness etc. The next part of our lesson is where we will be creating our own compositions with a variety of small objects then planning how we are going to edit them to infer feelings and emotions.

Children can bring in ONE object from home to include in their composition, although it is not necessary for them to do so.

Please make sure that if your child brings an item it must be:

Small and easy to store in their book bag or ruck sack (it also needs to be small to actually fit with the composition of other objects in the classroom.
Nothing that is of high value (financially or sentimentally)
A breakable material like glass or something that might pop

If your child chooses to bring an object it is their responsibility to take care of it and it is not to be taken out during social times as it is purely for the purpose of the IT lesson.

If your child would like to bring an object, they must bring it for Wednesday 28^th June.

Thank you,

Y4 Team

Correspondence 27th June

County Cricket Finals – Monday 3rd July

Dear Parent,

As a result of winning the District Cricket finals, your child’s team has progressed to the county finals, which is a fantastic achievement! These will be held at Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, the full address is below, on Monday 3^rd July.

The format will be, group stages in the morning, followed by a knockout stage in the afternoon, with all schools participating in a minimum of 3 games each. This will then progress to later rounds leading up to a final to determine a winner. Please note that registration is from 9:00am with play beginning at 9:30am and the finish time will be approximately 3:00pm. Children and adults will need a packed lunch on the day, along with water bottles and PE kits. They will need appropriate warm clothing for when they are spectating.

Information on the venue is below:

VENUE – Hunslet Nelson CC, Leeds, LS11 5TT
DATE – Monday 3^rd July 2023 (During Curricular Time)
REGISTRATION – 9:00am
START TIME / GAME TIME – 9:30am – 2:30/3pm

We would love for you to be able to come and support your child, however, as it is short notice and we have the girls and boys team who have progressed, we have organised a bus to take the children. Parents are welcome to meet at the event. I understand this is short notice and may be disappointing for parents who work and who would have come to watch, however, I only received confirmation of the event yesterday.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Correspondence 23rd June

Y1 Information

Dear Parents,

As some of you may be aware, over the next two weeks, our current Y2 children are going away to Whirlow Farm on their residential. This was all booked and staffing sorted back in September, when I was the Y2 teacher. At this time, we were unaware of the staffing changes which would then occur in January. I am therefore writing to let you know that I will not be in school Mon – Wed next week, or for the following week, as I am leading the residential trip and will be away with our Y2 children.

We have looked very carefully at who will cover our Y1 class during my absence and this will be split between Miss Hudson and Mrs Freeman. I have planned all the lessons and prepared everything to ensure that the Y1 children continue their amazing learning journey and I know they will continue to work as hard as they do for me. They are wonderful children and I will miss them very much but can’t wait to see what they have been doing when I return.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter. The exciting news is that I have just booked for Whirlow 2024 meaning that this time next year, it will be your children who will have the opportunity to take part in a residential and to make memories which will last them a life time.

Kind regards

Charlotte Trotter

Correspondence 23rd June

Y2 Whirlow Information

Dear Parents,

Well, here we are, less than a week until group one goes to Whirlow! Here are a few final reminders which will help the residential go smoothly.

Please remember to pack:

Clothes
Sleeping bag
Pillow case
Toiletries
Towel
Waterproof coat
Sun hat and sun cream
A rucksack to carry things to Forge Dam
A pair of wellies, trainers or water shoes which you are happy for your child to get very wet and muddy whilst stream scrambling
A carrier bag for the wet shoes
Pocket money in a named purse or envelope (no more than £3 please)
Medication in a named bag
Packed lunch for the first day (unless already ordered in school).

Please ensure on the day your child returns to school, you either pre-order their dinner online or send in a packed lunch so that when they return tired and hungry there is a lunch ready for them!

On the morning that your child goes to Whirlow, please bring them to the main entrance outside the office where it is less busy than the playground. Mrs Trotter will be there waiting on the Monday morning groups (26^th June and 3^rd July) and Mrs Gay will be there for the Wednesday group (5^th July).

If you are collecting your child early on their return day, please come to the main entrance anytime after 1.15pm.

All that is left to say is, have a great weekend and I can’t wait to get Whirlow 2023 started in only four sleeps!

Kind regards

C.Trotter

Correspondence 26th June

Y2 Spellings

Dear Parent,

As our Y2 children will be enjoying their time at Whirlow Farm over the next couple of weeks, we have not issued any new spellings.

Spellings will still be available on Spelling Shed for those children who enjoy accessing the app at home.

We know that our Y2 children will have a fantastic time at Whirlow and are looking forward to hearing all about it when they return.

Thank you for your continued support.

The Y2 Team

Correspondence 23rd June

Aurin Girls Choir Workshop Opportunity – Friday 30th June

Dear Parents,

On Friday 30th June, the world-famous Aurin Girls Choir from Hungary are coming to Emmanuel Church, Barnsley, to take part in a series of workshops and performances.

The Aurin Choir are based at the Kodaly School in Kecskemet, possibly the most famous music school in the world, and bring with them not only singing of an exceptional quality, but also a specific method of how to teach music that is used throughout the world.

We have managed to secure a workshop for our children and, as places are limited, we have decided to offer these to last year’s Young Voices choir, on a first come first served basis.

Please could you confirm if you give consent for your child to participate by Monday 26th June. Our workshop will begin at 9:30 and be finished by 10:30.

We are asking for contributions of £3 to help cover the cost of the coach. If you would like your child to attend, please pay the £3 on ParentPay to secure your child’s place.

Kind regards

Emily Edwards

Correspondence 19th June

Y6 Enterprise Week

Dear Parents,

Our Y6 children are holding an enterprise week this half term. This is a learning opportunity where the children create and run a business in small groups or independently. One of the key aims of the project is to help children handle real life situations and problem solving, such as budgeting and making decisions around money.

Pupils will be selling their products at lunchtimes next week and also after school on Monday, Thursday and Friday. The stalls will close at 3:40pm.

To recognise the hard work of the children, the profits they make will be spent on an exciting end of year treat as a way of celebrating their time at The Ellis.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 19th June

Orienteering Finals – Tuesday 27th June

Dear Parent / Carer,

Due to the fantastic success of your child’s team at the orienteering event back in May, I am pleased to tell you they have progressed through to the KS2 orienteering county finals which will be held at Clifton Park, Rotherham on Tuesday 27^th June. Your child’s team came in the top 3 places for their age range against many schools in Barnsley, which is a fantastic achievement.

The successful children across Key Stage 2 will travel all together via Wyatt’s Coaches and will leave school at 9am and return by 2:30pm. Your child will require a packed lunch to have in the park.

The Year 3/4 event will be held in the morning and the Year 5/6 event in the afternoon.

Unfortunately, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

Your child will be given a sports top but will still need to bring suitable trainers, their PE kit, a drink of water, a bag for their belongings and suitable clothing to wear when not participating. The event will be held outdoors. If your child requires an inhaler, they will need to bring this along with them. The cost of the trip will be funded using the Sports Premium Grant and therefore your child requires no money for the event.

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 19th June

Glow Disco – Thursday 22nd June

Dear Parent,

Your child has been selected to attend a PE Glow Disco at Springwood School on Thursday 22^nd June. The event is the first of its kind and will be inclusive to all children. There will be a ‘coach’ booked to deliver the event which will include lots of music and glow sticks! The selected Year 5 children will be expected to support and chaperone the younger children at the event.

The event will start at 1:30pm and finish for 3pm and your child will have their lunch before leaving for the event.

Children will need to bring full PE kit (white PE tops/black shorts), suitable trainers for the event and their water bottle.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 19th June

Cricket Competition – Friday 23rd June 2023

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 cricket competition on Friday 16^th June at Rockingham Cricket Ground (Hoyland Common).

The competition will begin at 9am and is set to end at 2:30pm depending on how well the children do.

We would love you to come and support your child. Please let Mrs Fiddes know if you can provide transport or if you are unable to transport your child so we can ensure everyone can get there. We would like all children and parents to meet at school at 8:30am so we can ensure everyone has transport to the event.

Children and adults will need a packed lunch on the day along with water bottles and PE kits. Tracksuit bottoms can be worn. The children will be given a school shirt when they get there and will need warm clothes for when they are spectating.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 19th June

Y6 Enterprise Project

Dear Parents,

Your child may have already mentioned that as part of their learning we are holding an enterprise week this half term. This is an ‘IKIC style’ learning opportunity where the children create and run a business in small groups or independently. There are several prizes and awards on offer to recognise the hard work of the children and the profits we make will be used to pay for an experience before the end of the school year.

I have already introduced the project to the children and they have decided their business ideas and ordered their raw materials. I know some children have already started making their products, however, next week is our official enterprise week so please do not panic if you weren’t aware of this yet. Pupils will be selling at lunchtimes and have the option to sell after school on Monday, Thursday and Friday- stalls will close at 3:40pm.

The children can choose to run their business outside of school if they wish, however, there will be many selling opportunities next week in school so this is not a requirement of the project.

To get the businesses started, school has offered each team an investment of £20. If you have already bought materials/ingredients you must ensure your child keeps a record of what has been spent so that it can be paid back from any earnings. It is not compulsory for parents to contribute, so please don’t worry if you can’t. One of the key aims of the project is to help children handle real life situations and problem solving, such as budgeting and making decisions around money.

The last time we did IKIC, we had some very successful teams and we raised a significant amount of money for the class to spend on making some amazing end of Y6 memories. I will be in touch again once I know what the celebratory event will be.

If, at any time during the project, you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to pop in and see me or email school.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 19th June

FS2 Transition to Y1 Meeting – Thursday 29th June 5pm

Dear Parents,

We are aware that the weeks until the end of the academic year seem to be going quickly and that your child will be moving into Key Stage 1 in September.

We are very excited to welcome them into Y1 and to help them continue on their learning journey at The Ellis. In order to aid a smooth transition from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1, we would like to welcome parents to a short meeting Thursday 29^th June, 5pm in the Y1 classroom. This is an opportunity for staff to show you the classroom and to talk through KS1 routines. It is also a chance to ask any questions you may have. If you are unable to make the meeting, a letter outlining the contents of the meeting will be given to your child to bring home.

We look forward to getting to know our new children and parents and helping them to settle into their new class.

Kind regards

The Year 1 Team

Correspondence 19th June

Y5 Puberty Curriculum

Dear Parents,

We would like to inform you that we will be delivering the part of the curriculum that explores Puberty on Thursday 29^th July. We will be covering some aspects of relationships and puberty (including hygiene).

If you do not want your child to take part in this lesson please let me know so that alternative arrangements can be made.

Kind Regards,

Mrs Wise

Correspondence 16th June

Foundation Stage Sports Day – Friday 14th July

Dear Parents,

We hope that you are okay and you are keeping well.

Our Foundation Stage Sports day will be held on Friday 14^th July at 9.15am until approximately 10.15am. Children will need to come to nursery or school at the usual time.

Parents can they then make their way up to the school field and the children will follow after register. Children will need to wear shorts, t/shirt and trainers- please send them to school in them instead of their uniform. They will need sun cream on if it is warm, a sunhat and a water bottle.

During the sports day you are welcome to take photos but do not post any photo of another child on any social media site.

After the event all our Early Years children will be taken back to their classes. If you would like to collect your child from Nursery at this time please wait at the nursery gates and a member of the team will send them to you after another register has been taken. Nursery will be open as usual if you would like your child to stay for the duration of their usual session.

Please note that the day will commence for all our Reception children so please pick them up at the end of the day at usual time of 3.20pm.

If you have any further queries then please do not hesitate to come and speak to a member of the Early Years Team.

Many thanks and kind regards,

Mr D Grayhurst and Mrs T Pollard

Correspondence 16th June

Reception Transition Date – Tuesday 11th July

Dear Parents/Carers,

Following on from my previous email regarding starting school, we would like to invite you for an afternoon visit to school on Tuesday 11^th July from 1pm-3pm. This will be in addition to your child’s full day transition visits on Wednesday 12^th and Thursday 13^th July.

On the day of the visit, please bring your child to the main entrance at 1pm where you will be greeted by our school secretary Mrs Fiddes who will bring you round to our F2 classroom. You will be able to stay with your child until 1:45pm, during which time you will have the opportunity to see our learning environment as well as meeting both myself and our F2 Teaching Assistant Mrs Beevers. You will also have the chance to ask any questions and share any key information that we may need to know about your child.

By 1:45pm we hope that you feel happy enough to leave your child for a short period of time so that they can meet and play with some children from our school Nursery who will also be moving in to F2 in September. To avoid the home-time rush at the end of the school day, please arrive back at 3pm to collect your child at the main entrance. Both myself and Mrs Beevers will be there to greet you.

We hope that you are able to join us and we are looking forward to meeting you.

Kind regards,

Mr D Grayhurst

EYFS Teacher

Correspondence 14th June

A lovely outing with Mrs Brinkley

Dear Parent/ Carer,

Visit to The Cooper Gallery

An amazing opportunity has arisen for me to take two children to the Cooper Gallery in Barnsley on the 22^nd June, to assist the Exhibition Officer prepare the immersive space for an upcoming exhibition which the children have entered. We will be helping to prepare the space and also getting an insight into roles within the cultural sector.

We will travel to Barnsley by train and will leave and return within the normal times of the school day. Upon leaving the Cooper Gallery, we will be going to the Experience Barnsley Museum to have a look around and then I thought we might have a treat and go for a well-deserved ice-cream!

There is no cost for the trip, the travel will be covered by school and the ice-creams are a little treat from me.

If your child suffers from travel sickness, we would suggest that appropriate travel sickness tablets are taken before school.

Please ensure school uniform is worn on the day with suitable footwear and a waterproof coat/sunscreen.

Please give your consent via ParentPay.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Brinkley

Art Lead

Correspondence 14th June

Y4 Information

Dear Y4 Parents,

As the weather is getting warmer, it is essential that all children bring a change of clothes for PE. As outlined in our newsletter, our PE days are Monday and Thursday. We advise that children bring their PE kit on a Monday, leave it in school then take it home every Friday to be washed.

Your child’s PE kit should include:

A white t-shirt

Shorts or joggers

Pair of trainers (not boots or pumps)

Due to the hot weather, we are also encouraging children to wear a sun hat during the outdoor PE days and take their water bottle with them.

If you have any questions regarding PE kits, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you,

Miss Bradbury

Correspondence 12th June

Nursery Father’s Day Gift

Dear Nursery Parents,

Please check in your child’s library folder for father’s day cards and gift.

Thank you

Correspondence 9th June

3 Fun Days!

Dear Parent/Carer,

Whilst the rest of our Y5 children are at Kingswood on their residential visit, I have planned an enjoyable three days of activities for the children who are not going. Please see the attached itinerary. 3 fun days!

Mrs Brinkley

Correspondence 9th June

Cricket Event – Wednesday 14th June

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 3/4 cricket competition on Wednesday 14^th June at Shaw Lane.

The competition will begin at 9:15am with the finishing time depending on how well the team does, but no later than 2:45pm.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 9th June

Ramp Up Taster Event – Friday 16th June

Dear Y6 Parents,

We have been offered a free bike and scooter taster event called Ramp Up, which will be run by Barnsley Council. This will take place between 9:30am-10:30am on Friday 16th June for your child’s class.

Ramp Up is an exciting session that will inspire and teach pupils riding skills, as well as developing their bike and scooting skills beyond the school playground. A variety of ramps will be brought into school and the children can experience riding them on bikes and scooters.

Children DO NOT need to bring their own bikes to school. The facilitators provide bikes, scooters, ramps and helmets. Half of the class will be on bikes and half will be on scooters, with the children swapping over half way through the session. If children are not confident riders, they can stay on the scooters.

I am aware that this clashes with a cricket competition, however, we were given a slot that we were unable to change and unfortunately on this occasion the cricketers will have to miss this event. I am sure though that they will get to enjoy many more before the term is over.

If your child would prefer to take part in the scooter event, please let me know as soon as possible so I can fill their place in the cricket team.

Kind regards,
Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 9th June

Cricket Event – Friday 16th June

Dear Parent, (Seth, Lucas, Thomas, Levi, Noah, Jenson, Isaac W and Joe)

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 cricket competition on Friday 16th June at Rockingham Cricket Ground (Hoyland Common)

The competition will begin at 9am and is set to end at 2:30pm depending on how well the children do.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 9th June

Soccer Aid for Unicef Playground Challenge – Wednesday 21st June

Dear Parents/Carers,

We’re really excited to be getting involved with Soccer Aid for Unicef 2023 with our very own Playground Challenge! This is a great opportunity to get the whole school together, and for our pupils to learn about and raise money for children around the world whose lives have been disrupted by disease, hunger and poverty to gain vital playground equipment.

What are we doing?
To raise money, on Wednesday 21st June in return for a £1.50 donation the children can dress up in their favourite football kit or sportswear and will take part in the Playground Challenge sometime during the school day and afterwards receive a bun and a refreshment once completed.
To give me some ideas for the course children can design their own obstacle course and send or give their completed designs to me by Friday 16th June.
Parents/Carers can also take part in the Challenge on Wednesday before and after school for only a £1 donation. Just walk round to the MUGA and have a go with all your family. Can you complete the course?

How can you help?
Every £1 our school raises during the Playground Challenge will be doubled by the UK government – up to £3m, making double the difference to children’s lives.
Last year we raised £268 for this worthy cause. I would really like us to try and beat it this year if we can.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions and to find out more about Soccer Aid for Unicef, visit socceraid.org.uk.

Thank you for your support,
Mrs Beever
HLTA/PSHE Lead
The Ellis CE Primary School

Correspondence 7th June

Kingswood Information

Dear Parents,

As promised here is a summary of what was discussed in the Kingswood meeting on May 23rd 2023:

Luggage- Please try and limit this to one bag/suitcase that your child can carry. They also need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Please ensure all items are clearly labelled. Only send clothes/items that you are happy to get dirty.

Packed lunch- Food is provided throughout our stay at Kingswood, however, your child will need to order a packed lunch from Kingswood (via Mrs E) for Wednesday.

Sweets- On the first night we have a small ‘midnight’ feast so if your child would like to bring a few sweets or biscuits to enjoy, that’s absolutely fine. Please ensure you don’t send anything with nuts as Kingswood is a nut-free site. I would also like to request that you don’t send any energy drinks such as Red Bull or Powerade.

Money- I’m unsure but believe there is a small shop on site which sells a range of souvenirs e.g. pencils, rubbers, water bottles. Could I request that you send no more than £10 please and make sure it is in a clearly marked purse/wallet/envelope. Children will be responsible for whatever they purchase.

Electrical items- No electrical items are allowed at Kingswood for safety. This includes hair dryers and straighteners. It also includes iPods, digital cameras, phones and other electronic gaming devices.

Cameras- Our team will be taking photographs of the activities and will send permission requests so that we can share these with you. We will also be posting some of the photos straight to Twitter and Facebook so that you can see what your child is achieving during our visit.

Medicine- Please ensure any medicines, along with a letter of consent, are given to me before we travel. If your child needs travel sickness pills for the return journey, please send them in an envelope that is clearly labelled. If your child needs a care plan, please see me on Monday or Tuesday to go through it if you haven’t already.

What to bring- Please click on the link below for the Kingswood packing list. This year we do not have any water activities or the disco.

https://assets-global.website-files.com/620d33583b1d5d3a4049c7ed/62627102c4d0b17d6a4ac506_KW-510-Packing-Checklist.pdf

Consents-These were sent home yesterday. Please return them immediately and ensure they have accurate contact and medical information on them. If consents are not returned your child will not be able to travel. The deadline is the 12th of June.

If you have any other questions about the trip please don’t hesitate to pop in and see me or give me a call.

Kind regards

E J Edwards

Mrs Emily Edwards

Correspondence 31st May

F2 New Starter Letters September 2023

Dear Parent/Carers,

We are delighted that your child has been offered a place at our school for September 2023 and we are very much looking forward to working with you. With this in mind, we are currently making plans to offer transition visits for all our children before the Summer holidays so that they can meet both Mr Grayhurst, the class teacher and Mrs Beevers the teaching assistant.

Your child will have two full transition visits on Wednesday 12^th July and Thursday 13^th July. On this day your child will need to come straight to their new classroom using the F2 entrance door which can be located at the top of the path from School Street. Mr Grayhurst will be waiting to greet the children and take them inside. The drop off time is 8:50am and the pick-up time at the end of the day is 3:20pm. Your child will also have the option of staying for a school meal on both of these days and we encourage you to take this up as school meals are free until your child turns 7 years of age. You will need to let us know your child’s meal order for each of these days by contacting Mrs Fiddes in the office directly via email on h.fiddes@theellis.org or via telephone on the number at the top of this letter.

The menu choices are:

Wednesday

Roast chicken with Yorkshire pudding, mashed potato, cauliflower, green beans and gravy.

Quorn fillet with Yorkshire pudding, mashed potato, cauliflower, green beans and gravy. (V)

Jacket potato with a choice of hot and cold fillings (beans, cheese or tuna).

Arctic roll, fruit or yoghurt.

Thursday

All day breakfast with a hash brown, baked beans and mushrooms

BcMuffin (Vegetarian sausage, hash brown, mushrooms and egg)

Jacket potato with a choice of hot and cold fillings (beans, cheese or tuna)

Chocolate and pear sponge, fruit or yoghurt.

Your child is welcome to bring a packed lunch instead of ordering a school meal, please let Mrs Fiddes know if this is the case.

Children will be accompanied by their teachers into the school hall to have their lunch and will stay with them for the first few weeks to help them to settle.

You will also be able to attend a new Parent’s Meeting in school on Monday 3^rd July at 5pm. This will be hosted by Mr Grayhurst and Mrs Beevers. This meeting will consist of a short presentation about key information about the ‘Reception Year’ including daily routines, the provision we have on offer and our Early Years Curriculum.

We will also offer an afternoon session on Tuesday 11^th July where our new children, who are currently at a different nursery Setting, can visit with their parents; details about this afternoon visit will be sent out in a separate letter after the Spring Bank Half Term. We will also offer further transition days for all children at the start of the new academic year to help them settle in to school after the long Summer holiday. Our plan of action is as follows:

On Tuesday 5^th September our children who are totally new to our school (who previously attended a different nursery setting) will be able to attend school for the day. Parents will receive a personal letter inviting them to come into school with their child for a specific time in the morning. Parents will be able to stay for 10 minutes to see the provision and ask staff any questions and children will be able to stay for the whole school day until collection time at 3:20pm.
On Wednesday 6^th September a group of our children who previously attended The Ellis nursery will be invited into school for the day. Parents will receive a personal letter inviting them to come into school with their child for a specific time in the morning. Parents will be able to stay for 10 minutes to see the provision and ask staff any questions and children will be able to stay for the rest of the day.
On Thursday 7^th September the remaining group of our children who previously attended The Ellis nursery will be invited into school for the day and you will receive a personal letter with a specific time to come into school.
Please note that for those three consecutive dates your child will only attend school for one day as this will allow all children and parents to have a transition visit for a day. All children will begin full-time from Friday 8^th September 2023 onwards.

A few additional pieces of information

ParentPay

If you are unfamiliar with our online payment system, ParentPay, you will be issued with a username and a password once your child has started. This will enable you to access your child’s own personal account in order to pay for trips etc. Menus are uploaded onto ParentPay for you to look at and help your child choose their lunch each week.

School Uniform

If you wish to purchase school uniform with our school logo on, this can be ordered online from Vortex, at Stairfoot.

Indoor shoes are not required in Early Years as the children wear wellies for outdoor play all year round. During the Summer months a pair of trainers may be needed for outdoor PE. PE kit consists of black shorts and a white t-shirt. ALL items should be labelled. ‘Stikins’ sell stickers which can be stuck onto lunch boxes and water bottles as well as clothing and require no sewing or ironing and are fully washable and dishwasher proof.

The children will need a book bag which can be ordered from Vortex, or they are welcome to choose their own from elsewhere if preferred. This also applies with school uniform.

Illness

If your child has been unwell and requires medicine when they are well enough to return to school, we are insured to administer antibiotics if they have been prescribed to be given four times a day only. Please complete a form at the office.

Milk

School Milk UK is the provider of school milk at our school. The process of ordering and paying for your child’s milk is quick and easy and you can pay for each term (3 times a year) or for the full academic year September – July. If you would like your child to enjoy milk at school as a snack, you can register on-line at www.schoolmilkuk.co.uk. Once you have registered, there is no need to register again. Please note that you should only register if you need to pay for your child’s milk. If you are in receipt of benefits, please speak to the school office as milk may be free for your child and school will also receive extra funding.

Milk is free until the beginning of the term in which your child turns five. Please see below for a list of dates:

Autumn 05.09.23 to 22.12.23 If your child’s 5^th birthday is within these dates you should pay for all three terms.

Spring 08.01.24 to 22.03.24 If your child’s 5^th birthday is within these dates you should pay for Spring & Summer terms.

Summer 08.04.24 to 19.07.24 If your child’s 5^th birthday is within these dates you should pay for the Summer term.

If your child’s 5^th birthday is after the 19th July 2024, then milk is free for the entire school year.

Snacks

Fruit is provided free for your child to enjoy as a mid-morning snack. Please send your child into school with a named water bottle with fresh water in every day.

Jewellery

Our jewellery policy is that children are allowed to wear a watch and one pair of single stud earrings through the earlobe only. No other piercings are permissible. Pupils are asked to remove all of their jewellery for PE. If your child is unable to remove their jewellery by themselves, please do not send them into school on PE days with earrings in.

We look forward to meeting you very soon. In the meantime, we have provided you with a copy of our ‘Welcome to F2’ booklet that provides you with an overview of key information about F2. However, if you have any questions or concerns then please do not hesitate contacting school and we will be happy to help in any way that we can.

Many thanks and kind regards,

Mr D Grayhurst & Mrs C Beevers

Correspondence 26th May

Cricket Flyers

Dear Parents, we have been asked to promote the attached email and flyers. Thank you.

Is your child interested in cricket? dynamos poster (8-11 year olds) Allstars Cricket poster (5-8year olds)

Find their nearest All Stars (5-8 year olds) or Dynamos (8-11 year olds) Cricket Centre by following the link below;

https://ecb.clubspark.uk/AllStars/SearchResults?gclid=CjwKCAjw67ajBhAVEiwA2g_jEPJ0vbYlFf0j5HF56GxjyBzLyKDRsXdwaNSbUhYtLbqjS98cWY7_8xoCmKIQAvD_BwE

Many thanks

Correspondence 19th May

KS2 Orienteering Event – Wednesday 24th May

Dear Parent / Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a KS2 orienteering event at Horizon Academy on Wednesday 24th May 2023. The event will start at 1pm and will finish for 3pm. Children should arrive back at school around 3:20pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:15pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Wyatts Coaches. Unfortunately, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

Yours faithfully,
Miss Cook
Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 19th May

Well Done Y2

Dear Parents,

We would just like to take this opportunity to celebrate our Y2 children who have worked incredibly hard these past couple of weeks on their KS1 SATs Papers. We are immensely proud of how the children have tackled the test papers (at such a young age), they have all demonstrated resilience and we know that they couldn’t have worked any harder.

As a special treat, today Y2 have enjoyed cookies and stories in our very own Forest School. The children have also enjoyed an ice lolly and some golden time this afternoon. We’re sure you will agree that they all deserve a gold award this week, so the team have also awarded each child with a very well deserved special gold award today.

The results form part of the teacher assessment and will be shared with you on reports.

As always, thank you for your continued support.

The Y2 Team

Correspondence 19th May

Digital Skills Drop in, Hoyland Library – Wednesday 24th May

Dear Parents,

Hoyland library are having a drop in session next Wednesday 24^th May, 9.45am to 12.30pm for parents (and anyone over the age of 19) who would like to improve their digital skills. If the session is enjoyed you will be able to progress to a longer digital skills course. A range of topics are covered including keeping yourselves and children safe online.

Thank you

Caroline Oxley

Curriculum Information and Support Officer

Adult Skills and Community Learning

Directorate: Growth & Sustainability

Barnsley MBC

Correspondence Friday 19th May

Cannon Hall Art Project Visit – Thursday 8th June 2023

Dear Y3 Parent/Carer,

Visit to Cannon Hall – Art Project

I would like to take Year 3 to Cannon Hall on Thursday 8^th June 2023 to participate in an art workshop activity as part of the Guardians of Bird Island project.

The coach company we will be using is Oakleaf Travel. The coach will leave school at 9:30am and is expected to return to school by 3:00pm. If your child suffers from travel sickness, we would suggest that appropriate travel sickness tablets are taken before school.

There will be no cost for the trip as funding has been provided by Arts Council England.

Please ensure school uniform is worn on the day with suitable footwear and a waterproof coat as the majority of the day will take place outdoors. A packed lunch will be required and can be provided by school for children who are entitled to Scheme of Aid. Please let us know if your child requires a school packed lunch prior to the trip.

Participation in this trip is dependent on good behaviour in school. Please give your consent via ParentPay.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Brinkley

Art Lead

Correspondence 19th May

Cricket Competition – Friday 26th May

Dear Parent,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 cricket competition on Friday 26^th May at Woolley Cricket Club. (Full address: Woolley Cricket Club, Woolley Colliery Road, Darton S75 5RY.)

The competition will begin at 10am and is set to end by 3pm depending on how well the children do. Children will need to leave school at 9:15am.

We would love for you to be able to come and support your child. Please let Mrs Fiddes know if you can provide transport or if you are unable to transport your child so we can ensure everyone can get there.

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Correspondence 18th May

Cricket Competition – Thursday 25th May

Dear Parent,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 3/4 cricket competition on Thursday 25^th May at Woolley Cricket Club. (Full address: Woolley Cricket Club, Woolley Colliery Road, Darton S75 5RY.)

The competition will begin at 10am and is set to end by 3pm depending on how well the children do. Children will need to leave school at 9:15am.

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 16th May

SEND Survey

SENT ON BEHALF OF NINA SLEIGHT

Good Afternoon

We are sending out a survey to ask if we should have an agreed plan in Barnsley for how we work together with parents, carers and children and young people with SEND, how this would work best for you and how we can make sure as many people as possible are aware of what’s happening and how to get involved.

Here is the short survey that we are using to collect initial views and ideas about how we should move forward. Could you please share with your networks including young people, parents and carers.

https://surveys.barnsley.gov.uk/s/SENDWorkingTogether/

We really value your views, thank you for your time.

Many thanks

Nina

Service Director Education, Early Start and Prevention

Children’s Services Directorate

Barnsley Council

Correspondence Friday 5th May

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

A couple of polite reminders

Dogs on Premises – Dogs are not allowed on school premises please, whether big or small or carried in arms.

Staff Car Park – The staff car park is not to be used during drop off and pick up times, to keep our children safe. Thank you.

Summer 2023 Reading Challenge

This challenge:

Significantly improves reading confidence and independence
Ensures pupils are ready for their return to school, preventing the summer reading ‘dip’
Aids the successful transition between year groups and key stages
Contributes to all pupils’ achievement
Encourages extra-curricular activity by encouraging family engagement with reading
Develops links between your school, the library and the wider community

Children sign up through their local library and receive a collector folder. They then set a reading goal and borrow books of their choice during the Summer, collecting special stickers and incentives. The library staff and volunteers will help children to discover new books that suit their interests and reading level and run a programme of free themed activities in the library. Children who complete the challenge are presented with a certificate and a medal.

National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) – Wednesday 17^th May

NCMP measures the height and weight of children in reception class (4 to 5 years) and year 6 (10 to 11 years). NCMP was set up in line with the Government’s strategy to tackle obesity. The programme provides surveillance data and can be used to support public health initiatives. Local data can also be used to inform the planning and delivery of services for children. The programme is recognised internationally as a world-class source of public health intelligence and holds UK National Statistics status.

All children will be measured in private.

Group Photographs

On Friday 19^th May the photographer will be coming to take group class photographs. As the background they use is usually white, it might be wise to send your child to school wearing their red cardigans or jumpers, however, Y6 are welcome to wear their leavers’ hoodies.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence Friday 5th May

Y6 SATs

Dear Parents,

Now that the SATs are over, I feel that I need to write to you to let you know how immensely proud I am of your child. I can categorically say that all of the children have done their absolute best, which is all I asked of them. Their attitude to the tests has been exemplary and they used them as an opportunity to ‘show off’ their knowledge and understanding rather than worry too much.

The papers varied in difficulty, I’m sure you will have seen comments about them on various news outlets and over social media (particularly the reading paper) however, the children tackled them with confidence and came out of them feeling relatively happy.

The results will be available to school in July, but if I’m being perfectly honest, they won’t tell us anything we don’t already know. The UKS2 Team feel privileged to have taught your child this year and have got to know them really well. We know that some of them are gifted dancers, some like to draw and paint, some are outstanding musicians or are talented at a specific sport and, as you know, the tests don’t show this. If your child doesn’t get the score they were hoping for in July, please remind them that they are still amazing and should be very proud of themselves for the work they have done throughout their time at The Ellis.

I would like to say a really big thank you, to you and your family, for supporting school during the SATs process. As a school we have tried to make the process quite relaxed and have been very mindful not to put too much pressure on children whilst also preparing them fully for the tests. I hope we got the balance correct during this time.

Staffing Changes

Unfortunately, Mr Wolff is having an operation and will therefore be absent for approximately 6 weeks from Tuesday. We have arranged for an experienced Y6 teacher, with Headteacher experience to cover until Mr Wolff returns. Mrs Wood and Mrs Connelly will continue to support the class.

We haven’t previously shared this information with the children to ensure they were settled during their SATs and feel that now is the appropriate time to share this. Mr Wolff will have shared this with your child today.

We wish Mr Wolff a speedy recovery and will ensure that the children create lasting memories of their time at The Ellis with a few fun activities and trips coming up in the last half term.

Thank you again for your continued support, it is very much appreciated.

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence Friday 5th May

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

Wow, what a fabulous day. It has been fantastic to see so many of you joining in with our Coronation celebrations and supporting our wonderful PTFA. The winning raffle ticket for the Wigfield farm voucher is white 191-195 and the lucky winner of the hamper is white 56-60. Please bring your tickets to the office to collect your prize.

For those of you who chose to paint a rock, just a quick reminder that the paints we used are washable and will therefore not be weatherproof. If you would like to preserve your child’s creation, I suggest coating it with varnish.

We hope you have a wonderful bank holiday weekend.

God save the King!

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence Friday 5th May

Foundation Stage Mud Kitchen Accessories Request

Dear Parents and Carers,

We hope that you are all keeping well. As part of our ongoing plans to improve our outdoor learning environment we are currently in the process of enhancing our mud-kitchen. We would like to put out a polite request for a spare kettle barbecue and microwave that we could use as props for our mud-kitchen please. As we only need one of each could you please contact school directly if you are able to kindly donate one to us.

We would also be grateful for any metal utensils such as ladles, tongues, large spoons, fish slices etc. that you could donate to us please.

Many thanks for your ongoing support.

Kind regards,

Mr Grayhurst, Mrs Pollard and all of the EYFS Team

Correspondence Friday 5th May

Y6 SATs Breakfast

Dear Y6 Parents,

As you will be aware, next week is SATs week for our Y6 children. We will be offering a light breakfast, which the children have already ordered, on the day of the tests to help children relax before they sit the papers.

On Tuesday-Friday, year six children will be able to come in (through the Y6 cloakroom) from 8:10am. We will stop serving breakfast at 8:40am in order to set up the furniture in the hall.

Please note: this is not intended to replace breakfast club – children are welcome to come for their piece of toast/pain au chocolate after they have been for their actual breakfast.

Kind regards

UKS2 Team

Correspondence Wednesday 3rd May

Y5 Science

Dear Y5 Parents,

Next week in Science, we will be learning about the life cycle of mammals, including humans. This means that we will be discussing how sperm and ovum are needed to make a baby and we will be using scientific language to discuss how humans are reproduced.

This is a key part of the Y5 science curriculum which the children will be supported to understand. This email is to support you as parents to feel prepared for any questions or conversations that might arise and to provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions about the content of the lesson.

Many thanks,

Mrs Wise

Correspondence Monday 2nd May

Tennis Opportunity

Dear Parents,

Barnsley Lawn Tennis Club are running girls only 6 week introduction to tennis courses, sponsored by Prime Video. The courses are on a Wednesday evening 5-6pm for ages 4-9 years and Saturday 11-12noon for ages 10+.

The course includes:

6 Weeks of coaching

Free Racket and balls

T-shirt

All for £35

This is a rolling six week course.

To book on please follow the links below:

Wednesday 5-6pm: https://www.lta.org.uk/play/book-a-youth-lesson/youth-class/prime-video-lta-youth-girls-intro-course_fa441b65-a4ac-4b69-9d0e-25a2557f92dd/

Saturday 11-12noon: https://www.lta.org.uk/play/book-a-youth-lesson/youth-class/prime-video-lta-youth-girls-intro-course_fc9ce8cf-245c-4604-9cf8-ed6e01832acd

If you have any questions please email Head Coach, Alice on barnsleycoaching@ar-tennis.co.uk

Thanks,

Miss Cook

Correspondence Monday 2nd May

Y5/6 Cross Country Event – Friday 12th May

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child’s class has been selected to represent the school in a 2km KS2 cross country event at Netherwood Academy on Friday 12^th May. The route will be marshalled so the children will know where to go around the simple route. The aim is to inspire participants to continue their physical activity journey.

The event will start at 9:30am and should finish by 11:30am. Your child will have their lunch when they return to school.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 28th April

Y4 Multiplication Tables Check Information

Dear Y4 Parents,

As we enter the last term of Y4, the statutory Y4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is just around the corner. Your child was sent home with a letter last term which was addressed to parents outlining any information you might need to know about how the MTC works and what is it used for. I have attached a copy of the letter as a PDF document in case it has been misplaced or lost. Multiplication Tables Check Information for Parents

The school has enrolled in an ‘Unofficial MTC’ practise event which will run from the 24th April to the 12th May and will be undertaken in school. This event is run by Times Tables Rock Stars, however, children will not be able to access this event at home.

What benefit will this practise test have for my child?

In class, we already take part in practise times tables checks which are in a similar format to this event but they are not conducted through Times Tables Rock Stars. This Unofficial MTC practise event will allow all the children to experience how the test will be conducted later on in June. Furthermore, the practise event allows your child to choose the device that they would like to use when they complete the official MTC in June. They will have a choice between an iPad and a keyboarded computer. If your child may require accessibility arrangements then please speak to Mrs Edwards. This practise test will allow us to identify any children who may require additional support for the official MTC in June.

How will my child be able to decide between which device they would like to use?

The plan is for each child to have 2 attempts at this practise event. The first will be using an iPad and the second will be using a keyboarded computer. Once they have completed both attempts, then they can make the decision about their preferred device of choice for the official MTC in June.

How can I help my child prepare for this practise event and the official MTC?

As part of usual practice, we ask that you continue to practise times tables with your child. The children have access to a variety of online times tables practise which we do access in class. The ones that we access are:

Times Tables Rock Stars (fluency and speed)
Timestable.co.uk (access to an unofficial MTC practise and times tables grids)
Mirodo Education (using and applying multiplication and division across topics)

If you have any questions about this event then please feel free to contact us via email or during transition time at the start or end of the day.

Thank you for your continued support into your child’s learning,

The Y4 Team

Correspondence 28th April

King’s Coronation Craft Activities – Friday, 5th May

Dear Parents,

On Friday 5^th May, in addition to wearing red, white and blue to celebrate the King’s Coronation, we are inviting parents/carers to join us for a craft session in the hall with your children.

The timings are as follows, there is no need to sign up and all of the activities will be the same for each class (e.g. pebble painting, crown making and other general Coronation activities).

F1 8:45-9:15am (Even if you are unable to stay with your child, please go straight to the school hall where the nursery staff will be waiting.)

F2 9:20-9:50am

Y1 9:55-10:25am

Y4 10:30-11am

Y3 11:10-11:40am

Y2 1-1:30pm

Y5 1:40-2:10pm

Y6 2:20-2:50pm

If you have siblings in various classes, you can attend both sessions separately, or you are able to select just one session which all of your children can join together for. If you are unable to attend, please don’t worry, your child will still access their slot with their teaching team.

Our intention is to offer refreshments alongside the activity, however, in order to do that we need to request donations of cakes please. If you would like to donate, please could you drop them off on Thursday or bring them on Friday, but at the start of the school day.

Our PTFA will also be holding a raffle and a ‘Name the Bear’ competition to raise money for school. Tickets will be £1. The raffle will be drawn at the end of the school day ready for the prizes to be sent home the same day.

We hope you can join us for this fun filled activity. If you are unable to join us and would like your child to purchase tickets and/or refreshments please send them in to school with some money in a named envelope.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence Friday 28th April

Y5 Forest School Session – Tuesday 9th May

Dear Y5 Parents,

On Tuesday, Y5 will be having a Forest School session run by Mr Webster.

Please can your children come to school dressed for a morning in the forest (old clothes, wellies, waterproof coat or a hat and sun cream- depending on the weather) and bring their uniforms to change into afterwards.

Many thanks,

The Y5 Team

Correspondence Friday 28th April

SEND Coffee Afternoon – Tuesday 13th June 2:30pm

Dear Parents and Carers,

We would like to invite you to join us for our Summer term coffee afternoon on Tuesday 13^th of June at 2:30pm.

We will meet for tea, coffee and biscuits, have a chance to touch base and discuss your child’s experiences in school, share some Thrive information and answer any questions.

We will be joined for the meeting by members of the SEND Participation team from the Barnsley Inclusion Service. They will share information about available services outside school and ways you can become involved with the shaping of services and decisions across SEND in Barnsley.

Please remember that if you need any support or have any questions then your child’s class teacher, Mrs Gay (our Parent Support Advisor) or myself are happy to help.

Best wishes,

Mrs Wise

SENDCo

Correspondence Thursday 27th April

St. Mary’s Church, Wombwell Street Party – Monday 8th May

Dear Parents,

St. Mary’s Church, Wombwell are having a ‘Street party’ on the church drive, on the 8^th May 12-2pm.

There will be a tombola, buffet food, a teddy bear parachute and other activities.

Everyone is welcome, please see the attached flyer for more details.

Correspondence Wednesday 26th April

Y3/4 Handball Event – Friday 28th April

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your Y3/4 child has been selected to represent the school in a handball event at Kirk Balk Academy on Friday 28^th April.

Children will need to bring shorts/tracksuit bottoms, trainers and their water bottle. They will be given a school shirt to wear. As the event will be held outdoors, it would be useful to bring warm, waterproof clothes for when they are spectating.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence Wednesday 26th April

Barnsley Coronation Activity Pack

Dear Parents,

Barnsley Council have developed an activity pack full of Coronation information, themed crafts, puzzles, quizzes and recipes.

The pack is to be launched today and is now live on their website for you to access at www.barnsley.gov.uk/KingsCoronation or it can be downloaded directly from here: https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/media/25936/coronation-activity-pack-final.pdf

Thank you

Correspondence Tuesday 25th April

Y5 SATs Companion

Dear Y5 Parents,

What is SATs Companion?

We have sent home a letter today about a website called SATs Companion, which is an online learning platform for English, Maths and Science. We are planning to use this for the rest of the Summer Term for children to practise learning outside of school in addition to their homework.

How will this support my child’s learning?

The website allows teachers to set children specific tasks around different topics on the 3 core subjects; English, Maths and Science although it will be predominantly used for English (including Reading Comprehension) and Maths.

Some tasks are equipped with explanation videos to help guide your child on how to work through a task. Each task is limited to 10 questions.

Children can access any topic from the core subjects to practise independently without it being set by their teacher.

How can my child login and use the site?

Each child has their own login, which is attached to the letter today. The website address is also listed on the letter. If your child loses their log in please let us know so we can replace it.

Will it be used in school as well?

Yes, we are planning how we could use SATs Companion in some lessons but it will not be used all lessons. The children have accessed SATs Companion in school so they are familiar with how the website is laid out and how to access the learning.

If you have any questions or you are struggling to access the site then please feel free to reach out via email or during transition time at the start or end of the day.

Thank you for your continued dedication in your children’s learning,

The Y5 Team

Correspondence Tuesday 25th April

Y3 Mirodo Online Learning

Dear Y3 Parents,

What is Mirodo?

We have sent home a letter today about a website called Mirodo which is an online learning platform for English, Maths and Science. We are planning to use this for the rest of the Summer Term for children to practise learning outside of school.

How will this support my child’s learning?

Some tasks are equipped with explanation videos to help guide your child on how to work through a task. Each task is limited to 10 questions.

Children can access any topic from the core subjects to practise independently without it being set by their teacher.

Reading Comprehension

During parents’ evening, some parents questioned how they could best support their child’s reading comprehension and reading skills. In the English section of the website, there is an area dedicated to Reading and Reading Skills which covers all of the things we discuss in our VIPERS lessons. There are videos that explain what the skills entail and how to apply it to reading.

How can my child login and use the site?

Each child has their own login, which is attached to the letter and there is a copy in the front of their reading diary. The website address is also listed on both of these copies.

Will it be used in school as well?

Yes, we are planning how we could use Mirodo in some lessons but it will not be used all lessons. The children have accessed Mirodo in school so they are familiar with how the website is laid out and how to access the learning.

If you have any questions or you are struggling to access the site then please feel free to reach out via email or during transition time at the start or end of the day.

Thank you for your continued dedication in your children’s learning,

Miss Cook / Miss Beresford

Correspondence Monday 24th April

EYFS Mini Beast Workshop – Friday 26th May

Dear Parents/Carers of EYFS Children,

We are pleased to let you know that, as part of our EYFS Topic learning about ‘Mini-beasts’, we have arranged for a workshop run by Michala from Lion Learners, to bring our learning to life and to give the children an interactive experience which they will enjoy and remember. Our visitor will be coming into school on the Friday 26^th of May to run a hands on workshop where the children will be able to explore a variety of exciting animals and insects. This company is highly recommended and has received very positive feedback from local schools who have recently accessed the workshop.

We are asking for donations of £3.50 per pupil for us to be able to offer this valuable experience. Payments can be made on ParentPay straightaway, which you are welcome to do by instalments. Please be aware that without sufficient donations this event will not be able to go ahead.

Many thanks and kind regards,

Mr Grayhurst and Mrs Pollard

Correspondence Friday 21st April

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

Welcome back! I hope you all had a lovely Easter.

The King’s Coronation

As you are aware, the King’s Coronation is taking place on Saturday 6^th May and we have been allocated an extra bank holiday on Monday 8^th May. We feel this is an important historical event to celebrate, therefore, we have partnered with the PTFA to run an event on Friday 5^th May. On this day, children are invited to wear red, white and blue, and we will be running craft workshops with parents and pupils throughout the day. More information on timings will follow shortly.

Y6 SATs Week

Y6 SATs will take place the week beginning Tuesday 9^th May. Please note, due to the King’s Coronation there is a paper on Friday 12th May. Please let me know as soon as possible if your child has a scheduled absence.

Y2 SATs

Y2 SATs will take place between Tuesday 9^th May and Friday 19^th May. Similarly, let me know as soon as possible if your child has a scheduled absence.

Group Photographs

Just a reminder that class group photographs will take place on Friday 19^th May.

Residential Meetings

We have two residentials this term, one for our Y2 children (Whirlow) and one for our Y5 children (Kingswood). In order to ensure you have the correct information before we travel, we would like to invite you to a meeting regarding arrangements.

Whirlow – Monday 22^nd May at 5pm

Kingswood – Tuesday 23^rd May at 5pm

For those of you who would like to start organising, please see the link below for a Kingswood packing list.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10I4pgDsvDvouwsU2Nu4Pd-0l2m1KQJxb/view

Sports Day

Foundation Stage Sports Day will be held on Friday 14^th July, 9:30am-11am.

Key Stage 1 and 2 Sports Day is to be held on Monday 10^th July, dependant on the weather. Timings to follow.

Our PTFA will kindly be selling their usual refreshments.

Railway Children

A reminder that we now have Railway children who are offering wrap around care. Please see their website for more details or contact Jenny on 07765 255449.

Y4 Pottery After School Club

Mrs Brinkley has organised a pottery painting event, with ‘Les Cadeaux’ for Y4 children after school on Monday 22^nd May, 3:20-4:20pm.

Children can choose to paint either a heart shaped coaster, a heart shaped plant pot or a hanging kite (images and prices are attached).

The items will need to be paid for in advance, in cash. Images and Prices

As there are only 12 places available, places are on a first come first served basis and names will be only be put down once the cash has been received. If there is a lot of interest, a second session will be run.

Friday Afternoon Nursery Sessions

A reminder for our full time nursery parents that we are open Friday afternoons. For just £15, your child can now stay for the full day on Friday. This is a perfect way to prepare your child for a full week in school, especially for our children who are ready to move into Mr Grayhurst’s class in September. Just let a member of staff know if you would like your child to take one of these places.

General Reminders

Hot weather- As the weather is improving, please remember to send your child to school with an all-day sun cream applied. We advise they have a hat and a water bottle in school every day.

Footwear- Our field is still rather muddy so please ensure your child has indoor footwear to allow them to access it at break and lunchtimes.

Hair and jewellery- please ensure long hair is tied up and our jewellery policy is adhered to, only a small pair of stud earrings and a watch are permitted (no smart watches please).

Uniform swap shop- you can request uniform items at any point, however, items will be available to look through during sports day and at the Coronation event. If you have any items to donate, we would be grateful for them.

The Summer term is always a busy one but it is full of amazing activities that we hope your children will enjoy.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence Friday 21st April

Y4 Mirodo Online Learning

What is Mirodo?

We have sent home a letter about a website called Mirodo which is an online learning platform for English, Maths and Science. We are planning to use this for the rest of the Summer Term for children to practise learning outside of school.

How will this support my child’s learning?

Some tasks are equipped with explanation videos to help guide your child on how to work through a task. Each task is limited to 10 questions.

Children can access any topic from the core subjects to practise independently without it being set by their teacher.

Reading Comprehension

How can my child login and use the site?

Each child has their own login, which is attached to the letter and there is a copy in the front of their reading diary. The website address is also listed on both of these copies.

Will it be used in school as well?

If you have any questions or you are struggling to access the site then please feel free to reach out via email or during transition time at the start or end of the day.

Thank you for your continued dedication in your children’s learning,

Miss Bradbury

Correspondence Thursday 20th April

Y5 Summer Workouts

Dear Y5 Parents,

For Summer term, I would like the children to work through the Summer workouts in their homework books.

If they would like to use the remaining Spring workouts for extra learning then that would be great.

Summer workout 1 will be due next Thursday.

Many thanks,

Mrs Wise

Correspondence Thursday 20th April

Upcoming Industrial Action and Polling Day

Dear Parents,

Due to ongoing industrial action, I would like to give you notice that our F1 class (Nursery) will be closed on Thursday 27th April and Tuesday 2nd May.

All other classes will remain open as usual.

I will keep you updated if anything changes.

Just a reminder that on Thursday 4th May, Nursery is also closed due to the building being used as a polling station.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence Wednesday 19th April

Ellis Church – Thursday 20th April

Everyone is welcome to our Ellis Church tomorrow, Thursday, 20th April, held in the school hall straight after school.

Correspondence 31st March

Important Y1 Information

Dear Y1 Parents,

Important Information

Unfortunately, Mrs Trotter has been called for two weeks compulsory jury service after the Easter holidays. This is due to start on Tuesday 18^thApril, however, we have arranged for Mrs Trotter and our supply teacher, Miss Wigfield, to have time on Monday to plan together to aid a smooth transition.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter , please get in touch.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

DT (Design and Technology)

Next half term, our DT topic is all about designing and making a smoothie. Over the coming weeks, we will be trying different fruits and vegetables, before ending the unit making a smoothie.

If your child has allergies or intolerances to any fruit or vegetables, or potential other smoothie ingredients i.e. milk, yoghurt, or fruit juice, please could you email Mrs Trotter (c.trotter@theellis.org) over the Easter holidays so that we can fully prepare for the lessons when we return. As always, whilst we encourage children to try things in school, we never insist they taste food. Thank you for your help in this matter. If we do not hear anything from you, we will assume your child wishes to partake in this activity.

Mrs Trotter and Miss Wigfield

Correspondence 31st March

Easter Family Activities, St. Mary’s Church, Wombwell

Dear Parents,

Please see the attached flyers for more details on the following Easter family activities being held at St. Mary’s Church, Wombwell.

Good Friday

Everyone is welcome to join in with the ‘Messy Easter’ activities on Friday 7th April, 9:30am, at St Mary’s Church, Wombwell.

Easter Sunday

On Sunday 10^th April, St. Mary’s Church are holding their Family Communion Service at 10am starting with breakfast at 9:15am and ending with an Easter egg hunt around the church.

Thank you

Correspondence 27th March

Y5/6 Netball Taster

Dear Y5/6 Parents,

Please see the attached flyer for information on a netball taster event. Netball Taster

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Correspondence 27th March

Pottery Painting Event – Monday 24th April

Dear Y5/6 Parents,

The pottery event on the 17th April (please refer to the email below) is now full.

There are however, a few spaces left on the next date, Monday 24th April. Places again are on a first come first served basis, please bring the cash in as soon as possible for your child to receive a place.

Dear Y5/6 Parents,

I have organised a pottery painting event, with ‘Les Cadeaux’ for our children after school on Monday 17^th April 3:20-4:20pm.

Your child can choose to paint either a heart shaped coaster, a heart shaped plant pot or a hanging kite (images and prices are attached). Images and Prices

There are only 12 places available, however, if there is a lot of demand, I am hoping to make it a regular event to give everyone an opportunity.

The items will need to be paid for in advance, in cash.

Places are on a first come first served basis and names will be only be put down once the cash has been received.

Many thanks,

Maggi Brinkley

Art Lead

Correspondence 27th March

Y5 Information

Dear Y5 Parents,

After the holidays we are doing food technology and our end product will be a tasty bolognese sauce. We will also be designing our own jar labels, sampling existing products which are on the market and researching the nutritional values of our own product.

With this in mind, could you please save a glass jar (pasta sauce/ cooking sauce size) and send it into school with your child.

If your child has any allergies which school are currently unaware of could you please let us know.

ARCHIE

Your child’s next ARCHIE task is to help to make a meal at home. This can be something simple like toast or a sandwich or, they could help you to make dinner.

This task will be counted towards their award along with their helping at home task which most of the children have completed. If your child has not already completed the first task, the holidays would be an ideal opportunity for them to do so.

Can you please help your child to post their photos on Seesaw. If you are struggling to access this at home, please let us know and we can help with this.

Kind regards

Maggi Brinkley

HLTA/ Art Lead

Correspondence 23rd March

Wraparound Care at The Ellis

Dear Parents,

Please see the attached letter confirming we will be opening at The Ellis on Monday 17th March 2023. Opening Letter for Hemingfield

Kind Regards

Jenny Spratt
Business, Administrative and Financial Manager
0-2 Temporary Area Supervisor (Elsecar)

Railway Children Day Care Ltd
Building 13
Elsecar Heritage Centre
Wath Road
Elsecar
Barnsley
S74 8HJ

Tel: 01226 744440
Website: www.railwaychildrendaycare.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/railwaychildrendaycareltd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/railwaychildrendaycare
New Parent / Carer Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/1376732009328573

Correspondence 23rd March

Easter Activities – St George’s Church, Jump, Sunday 26th March

Dear Parents,

Everyone is welcome to join in with the ‘Messy Easter’ activities on Sunday 26th March, 4pm, at St George’s Church, Jump. Please see the attached for more information. Messy Easter

Thank you

Correspondence 23rd March

Local Easter Activities

Dear Parents,

Scotty’s Heroes

Scotty’s Heroes will be running a holiday club in the Easter half term, please see the attached flyer for more details.

Barnsley Museums Easter Fun Family Activities

Barnsley Museums are offering a range of fun family activities over the Easter holidays, the majority of which are free and entry to all of their sites is free of charge, providing warm spaces for families during the cost of living crisis. Please see the attached flyer for further details.

Also attached is a poster about Barnsley Libraries Biblio Beats Festival, celebrating all things musical from April to June 2023.

Biblio Beats Poster

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 23rd March

Toy Day – Friday 31st March

Dear F1 and F2 Parents, (Nursery and Reception)

We will be having a ‘Toy Day’ in class next Friday, the last day of school.

No electronics please, something easy for the children to share and something that isn’t too precious if anything drastic happens to it!

Many thanks

Mrs Pollard and Mr Grayhurst

Correspondence 20th March

Y3/4 Orienteering Event – Friday 31st March

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your Y3/4 child has been selected to represent the school in an orienteering event at The Ellis Primary School on Friday 31^st March.

The event will start at 1pm and should finish approximately 2:45pm. Your child will have their lunch before taking part in the event. This event is part of our Primary Sports Cluster events against other schools in the local area.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 20th March

Y5/6 Teambuilding Event – Friday 24th March

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your Y5/6 child has been selected to represent the school in a team building event at The Ellis Primary School on Friday 24^th March.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 17th March

Important Ellis Information – Sickness Outbreak

Dear Parents,

You may be aware that we currently have a sickness bug in school. Due to the numbers affected, I have informed our local branch of Public Health England and they have advised that we continue to follow the guidance that we already have in place, which involves the 48 hour exclusion period from the last episode of sickness or diarrhoea, increased washing of hands and regular sanitisation of high touch surfaces. We have also removed all messy play activities such as sand, water and play dough and will replace these with new once the outbreak has cleared. We are hoping these measures will limit the spread, however, we will regularly review and follow any further advice given to us. Public Health England did say that they have numerous cases like this in schools at the moment and they are also monitoring the situation.

If you have any information that may be useful, such as any commonalities like birthday parties or events that the children have attended, it would be useful to know so I can pass this on to Public Health if required.

I wish everybody who is, or has been, affected a very speedy recovery and we hope to be back to normal soon. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 17th March

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

Book Shop

Please find attached a link to our survey about our school book shop. We would really appreciate you taking your time to complete this so that we can make the book shop the best it can be.

https://forms.gle/SqxzmomQiQg5En5x9

Please can this be completed by the end of next week (Friday 24th March).

Thank you for your help.

The Book Shop Crew

Nursery and F2 Field

Over the past few years we have been working hard to develop our outdoor field area and a lot of money has been spent purchasing quality resources and equipment for our children to access throughout the day. Unfortunately, we have noticed that children within our school are using our equipment before school begins and at the end of the day, which has resulted in the equipment being damaged and left in an untidy state. This also includes the large balancing and climbing equipment. We would be grateful if children are kept away from the Early Years field each morning and after school.

Thank you for your co-operation and support in this matter.

The Early Years Team

Correspondence 15th March

ParentPay and Financial Year End

Dear Parents and Staff,

If you have any outstanding debts on ParentPay and are able to clear them, we would be extremely grateful as this will help with our end of year financial close down.

As a reminder, no accounts should ever be in debt and monthly payments should be paid in advance.

Thank you

Correspondence 15th March

Y5 Bikeability

Dear Y5 Parents,

Many pupils have not returned their bikeability consent forms.

If this is due to their bike not being road worthy, a parent has kindly volunteered to take a look at any bikes that you feel may need a bit of maintenance work on. If this is the case, please let Mrs Fiddes know and she will pass the information on to the parent volunteer.

I have attached another consent form if your original one has gone astray. If a paper copy is required, please contact the office for one to be sent home. Bike Check Notes for Parents Parent info with consent forms

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Correspondence 15th March 2023

Totally Runable Easter Holiday Club

Dear Parents,

Please see the attached flyer and email below from Totally Runable. Thank you. Totally Runable Easter Flyer 2023

During the Easter holidays, Totally Runable are running a free Easter holiday club for girls aged 7-11. Our clubs focus on providing a friendly, fun and welcoming environment, which allows girls to be active, increase their confidence, learn lots and make lots of amazing memories.

Our holiday club is part of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme 2023, funded by Barnsley Council, with an aim to provide all children eligible for means tested free school meals, with free activities and a lunch during the school holidays. This is now also available to girls who do not receive free school meals, but who you feel would benefit from the club.

I have attached a PDF of our promotional leaflet.

Parents can book their age 7-11 girl’s place through following the link below, searching for Totally Runable:

https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/healthyholidays

Parents will need to book their children individually for each day. The links below are for each day the holiday club is running:

Monday 3^rd April

https://my.barnsley.gov.uk/events/41828/totally-runable

Tuesday 4^th April

https://my.barnsley.gov.uk/events/41829/totally-runable

Wednesday 5^th April

https://my.barnsley.gov.uk/events/41830/totally-runable

Thursday 6^th April

https://my.barnsley.gov.uk/events/41831/totally-runable

Tuesday 11^th April

https://my.barnsley.gov.uk/events/41844/totally-runable

Wednesday 12^th April

https://my.barnsley.gov.uk/events/41845/totally-runable

Thursday 13^th April

https://my.barnsley.gov.uk/events/41846/totally-runable

Friday 14^th April

https://my.barnsley.gov.uk/events/41847/totally-runable

Team Totally Runable

Correspondence 14th March 2023

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

Ellis Church

Everyone is welcome to our Ellis Church on Thursday 16th March, held in the school hall straight after school.

Red Nose Day

Comic Relief is this Friday (17th March). We are inviting children to wear red, or if they have a red nose t-shirt, they are welcome to wear that. Please do not feel you have to go out and buy anything new. If your child has a red nose and would like to bring it school, please ensure it has their name on it.

If you would like to make a donation, please visit the Comic Relief website, we will not be collecting any money in school.

Strike

A quick reminder that Nursery will be closed on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March this week due to industrial action. The rest of school will be open as normal.

Infectious Diseases

We have had reports of worms and nits in school in several classes. Please check your children thoroughly and treat appropriately to prevent further spread.

Swap Shop

All our swap shop uniform and lost property will be available to look through in the library on Wednesday 22nd March during our Parents’ Evening. Please note, you do not have to bring anything to swap.

Book Shop

On Thursday, our book shop volunteers will be sending a link to a short survey regarding the book shop opening times. We would be grateful if you could complete this, as feedback will help the children run their business more effectively.

PTFA Easter Discos Y1-Y6 – Wednesday 29th March

Please see the attached flyer from the PTFA with all the disco information on.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 13th March 2023

F2 Homework

Dear F2 Parents,

The children will be coming home tonight with their homework. Please keep this for the full week and return the following Monday (20th).

Many thanks

Mr Grayhurst

Correspondence 9th March 2023

Strike Action -15th & 16th March 2023

Dear Parents,

Further to my previous email, (please see below), and in line with the DfE guidance, I can confirm only our F1 class will be closed due to industrial action on Wednesday 15th March and Thursday 16th March. All other classes will be open as normal. Thank you for your support.

Kind Regards,

Mrs Edwards

19^th January 2023

Dear Parents,

You may be aware that one of the largest teaching unions the NEU, has announced that following a ballot of their members, they have reached the required threshold to hold strike action in the coming months. In practice, this means that the members of this union will be asked by the NEU to strike on the following days: 1/2/23, 28/2/23, 15/3/23 and 16/3/23. Strikes on these days do not necessarily mean that schools will need to close. There is Guidance for headteachers, from the Department of Education (DfE), on actions to manage strike action and I am currently working through this to ensure we follow the correct procedures.

I need to balance my responsibility to respect the rights of the employees to legitimate industrial action, with the requirements placed upon me, as a school leader, by the DfE. I will do this without division or in a way which is politicised.

The potential impact on our school ranges from full closure or partial closure, to little or no impact at all. I will be working with the school governors to understand how the action affects us and how we manage this. I endeavour to give you at least a week’s notice to any changes to school opening but ask for your patience in this matter as I may not have the full information I need by that time. As soon as I can give you more information, I will do so.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind Regards,

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 7th March 2023

Nursery Session on Friday Afternoons

Dear Parents,

With reference to the email below, as of yet, we have had no parents confirm an afternoon place for their child. Please can you let me know, via email, if your child will be staying Friday afternoons after Easter. Thank you

Dear Parents (of full time nursery children),

After Easter, full time nursery children will have the opportunity to stay all day on a Friday if you would like them to. As this is in addition to their 30 hour entitlement there will be a charge of £15 payable via ParentPay each week.

If you would like to take advantage of the additional childcare, please let us know.

Joanne Rodgers

School Business Manager

Correspondence 7th March 2023

Y5 Bikeability

Dear Y5 Parent,

We are very excited to inform you that our Year 5 children have been given the opportunity to obtain their Bikeability Level 1 & 2 in school during the week commencing the 27th March. This is a very worthwhile accreditation and will give the children extra confidence to cycle safely whilst out and about on the roads.

For safety reasons it is very important that all of the criteria in the information is adhered to. If, in the opinion of the Instructor, your child’s bike is not in a road worthy condition, they will unfortunately not be allowed to participate in the course. For this reason, please read all of the information on the bike check notes thoroughly and complete the consent form and return it to school as soon as possible for us to confirm numbers.

I have attached the consent form in case the paper copy sent home yesterday has gone awry. Parent info with consent forms Bike Check Notes for Parents

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 7th March 2023

Bouldering Finals

Dear Parent/Carer,

Due to your child’s success at the bouldering qualification event in January, I am pleased to inform you that your child has successfully qualified for the indoor bouldering finals. This will take place on Wednesday 29^th March. The event will start at 10am and will finish for 12pm. Children will return to school for the afternoon session. I am aware this is the same morning as the Easter service at church, however, it is a fantastic opportunity for your child. If you would prefer your child to attend the Easter service please inform the school office so their place can be given to another child.

Your child will require a packed lunch for the trip. They will be travelling with Mrs Connelly on Beewise coaches. Unfortunately, parents are not able to attend this event.

Your child will be given a school PE shirt, but will need to bring suitable shorts, trainers, a drink of water and a bag for their belongings. Children can wear tracksuit bottoms or shorts for the event, which will be held indoors. If your child requires an inhaler, they will need to bring this along with them.

The cost of the trip will be funded using the Sports Premium Grant and therefore your child requires no money for the event.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 7th March 2023

Handball Competition

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your Y3/4 child has been selected to represent the school in a handball event at Jump Primary School on Friday 10th March.

The event will start at 1pm and should finish approximately 3:15pm depending on how well the school perform! Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by walking at 12:15pm.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 19th February 2023

Strike Action – 28th February 2023

Dear Parents,

Further to my previous email which was sent in January (please see below), and in line with the DfE guidance, I can confirm only our F1 class will be closed due to industrial action on Tuesday 28th February. All other classes will be open as normal. We will try and give you as much notice as we can for the dates in March, however, staff do not have to notify me of their intention to strike. Thank you for your support.

Kind Regards,

Mrs Edwards

19^th January 2023

Dear Parents,

You may be aware that one of the largest teaching unions the NEU, has announced that following a ballot of their members, they have reached the required threshold to hold strike action in the coming months. In practice, this means that the members of this union will be asked by the NEU to strike on the following days: 1/2/23, 28/2/23, 15/3/23 and 16/3/23. Strikes on these days do not necessarily mean that schools will need to close. There is Guidance for headteachers, from the Department of Education (DfE), on actions to manage strike action and I am currently working through this to ensure we follow the correct procedures.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind Regards,

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 18th February 2023

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

Ellis Church – Thursday 23^rd February

All are welcome, in the school hall straight after school.

Gymnastics After School Club – Thursday

Due to The Ellis church in the hall this Thursday, Molly the coach, will be taking the children outside to play some sports. Your child does not have to attend this week if they do not wish, they can start from next week when gymnastics resumes.

World Book Day – Thursday 2^nd March

We are inviting children to dress up as their favourite character or wear their pyjamas to celebrate reading. It is not necessary to purchase expensive costumes, homemade ones are just as effective. Could we kindly ask for no football kits. Throughout the day, children will be sharing some of the amazing books in school and participating in a range of wonderful activities.

Book Shop

We are restarting our school book shop on Thursday lunchtimes, alternating between KS1 and KS2 starting with KS1 this week. If your child would like to buy a book, please could they bring in cash in a named envelope, no more than £2. Please note this is run by our Y6 pupils and is an opportunity for your child to choose their own book which they may need help to read.

Easter Service Y1-Y6

A date for your diary. Our Easter service will take place on Wednesday 29^th March, 10am at St. Mary’s Church, Wombwell. The children will be walking there and back as we have done in previous years. Further information to follow.

Uniform Swap Shop

Our next uniform swap shop will take place on Tuesday 21^st March at 2:30pm. Please note, you do not need to bring items to swap, and we currently have a large stock so please feel free to take whatever is needed. Mrs Fiddes will happily organise a selection of items for you to collect if you can’t attend.

Kind regards,

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 18th February 2023

Aquafest – 24th February

Dear Y4/5 Parent,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in an Aquafest Competition at Barnsley Metrodome on Friday 24^th February.

The competition will be 10:00-12:00 and children will have their lunch after the event. Children will be leaving for the venue at 9:15, travelling with staff in a minibus, and will return to school for the afternoon session. This is the first time the competition has been held and is a chance to showcase the amazing swimming venue we have in town.

The competition is classed as a developmental one, which means it isn’t targeted at elite swimmers and is more focussed on fun and participation rather than competing. Children will be supported with floats and woggles if needed. If you would like to watch your child and are able to, you may attend this event but you must sit and remain on the balcony above.

Children can come to school with their swimming kits on underneath their usual uniform. A packed lunch will be needed or if your child is eligible for free school meals and would like a packed lunch, please let the school office know before Thursday.

The cost of the event will be paid for out of the school sports fund.

The annual trip consent will be used, however, if you wouldn’t like your child to attend, please let school know ASAP.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 17th February 2023

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

It has been lovely to see all the children back in school today and we are very excited to see what this half term brings. We are looking forward to some amazing events.

As it is Shrove Tuesday tomorrow, the cook is putting on a lovely dessert. For those ordering a school lunch, they can enjoy a delicious American-style pancake with ice cream, fresh fruit and chocolate sauce.

More information on all of the events happening this half term will be sent out this week.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 9th February 2023

After School Provision

Dear Parents,

Please see the attached letter regarding after school provision at The Ellis. Initial Info for Hemingfield Parents 9.2.23

Kind regards,

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 6th February 2023

Scotty’s Heroes Campout Activity

Dear Parents, Scotty’s Heroes Campout

Pease see attached a flyer from Scotty’s Heroes regarding a holiday campout activity during February half term.

Thank you

Correspondence 6th February 2023

Nursery Requests

Dear Nursery Parents,

Please can your child bring a teddy to our porridge tasting activity on Friday. Also, we are still in desperate need of boxes, tubs, tubes etc for our model making.

Thank you

Mrs Pollard

Correspondence 3rd February 2023

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

F2 School Day Timing Change

Due to recent DfE guidance (see below) we would like to inform you that after half term we are increasing the length of the school day for our F2 children only to ensure that they are accessing 32.5 hours per week. The new timings of the school day will be 8:50am – 3:20pm to ease congestion and aid a smooth pickup for our younger children. For all other classes (excluding nursery) our school day is 8:45am – 3:15pm.

‘Minimum expectation on length of the school week: state-funded mainstream schools currently offering a school week of below 32.5 hours should work towards increasing their hours to provide at least 32.5 hours by September 2023 at the latest’.

Individual School Photographs

The photographer will be coming into school on Friday 3^rd March to take individual photographs of the children. If you have siblings in school, family photographs will also be taken. You are under no obligation to purchase them.

Please Do Not Drive into School

As children are walking around the school grounds between 8:20-9am, please do not drive beyond the main gates and be careful around the entrance.

Parent Voice – Barnsley School’s Alliance

Barnsley Schools Alliance have created a survey for parents to share their views on standards across the borough. The survey will help them to look at strengths and areas to develop across the whole borough. Please click on the link below if you would like to complete the survey.

https://forms.office.com/e/XuAs35tUMc

Totally Runable Holiday Club for Girls Totally Runable Holiday Club Flyer

During the February half term holiday, Totally Runable will be running a holiday club for girls aged 7-12.

The club focuses on providing a friendly, fun and welcoming environment, which allows girls to be active, increase their confidence, learn lots and make lots of amazing memories.??

As this club is not funded by Barnsley Council, places are £20 per day per child or £80 for the full 5 days.

You can book your child a place following the link below:

https://totally-runable.class4kids.co.uk/camp/1

They also still have free places available for their Easter, Summer and Christmas holiday clubs, which are funded by Barnsley Council, through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

Barnsley Museums

February Half Term Activities (1)

February Half Term Activities

Barnsley Museums are offering a number of fun and free activities for families over February half term across. All of their museums are free to enter and can also act as warm spaces during the cost of living crisis. Please see the attached flyers for more details.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 1st February 2023

SEND Coffee Afternoon Reminder – Tuesday 7th February 2:15pm

Dear Parents and Carers,

We would like to invite you to join us for our Spring term coffee afternoon on Tuesday the 7^th of February at 2:15pm.

We will meet for tea, coffee and biscuits and have a chance to touch base and discuss your child’s experiences in school, share a Thrive activity together and answer any questions.

Best wishes

Mrs Wise

SENDCo

Correspondence 30th January 2023

Friday Afternoon Nursery Sessions

Dear Parents (of full time nursery children),

After Easter, full time nursery children will have the opportunity to stay all day on a Friday if you would like them to. As this is in addition to their 30 hours entitlement there will be a charge of £15 payable via ParentPay each week.

If you would like to take advantage of the additional childcare, please let us know.

Joanne Rodgers

School Business Manager

Correspondence 30th January 2023

Y1 Meet the Teacher – Monday 6th February

Dear Parents,

I would like to take this opportunity to say how incredible your children have been at adjusting to lots of new routines and helping Mrs Trotter to feel welcome in Y1! Thank you to you all as parents, for assisting this transition. There is a real ‘buzz’ about learning in our classroom which is a joy to see.

I would like to offer a ‘meet the teacher’ afternoon on Monday 6th February, between 1pm and 5:30pm, for anyone who would like to have an informal 10 minute chat about how their child has settled and what we are currently working on as their next steps. I am very aware that I was unable to attend your previous Y1 parents evening with Mrs Broadbent in November (due to holding the Y2 one myself) and thought it might be helpful for any parent who would like to have a short meeting about their child. This is not compulsory and will not replace the formal parents evening which will still go ahead in the spring term in line with the rest of the school.

If you would like to pop into school for a face to face chat on that date, please book a slot on school cloud. Please follow the link below, if you have any queries Mrs Fiddes will be able to help you.

https://theellisce.schoolcloud.co.uk/

I am very excited to spend the rest of the year with your children and to see them progress in their next steps of their learning journey.

Could I also just take this opportunity to remind you of a few things please:

Water Bottle in School

Your child needs a water bottle in school, it must contain water only. Juice and cordials are not allowed.

Toys

This half term we have allowed the children to bring in one toy to share as our history topic has been toys. After half term, please ensure no toys are brought in as we will have moved onto a different topic.

PE Kits

Our PE days are on Tuesday and Wednesday. Your child must bring a white top and black shorts and black jogging bottoms (outdoor PE) as part of this kit. They also need a pair of trainers if their outdoor school shoes are not suitable for running about in during outdoor PE.

Jewellery

In line with our school policy, children are only permitted to wear a watch (no camera please) and one pair of stud earrings. We currently have lots of beautiful bracelets, necklaces being work which are not safe when children are running around at playtime.

Reading Diaries

We ask that your child reads 3 times a week and records this in their reading diary which should be brought in every day. Just to clarify, any reading can be entered into their diary; magazines, comics, online books, book bank books and most importantly their Read Write Inc book, which is the one I would like your child to prioritise each week. Lots of re-reading of the same text is proven to have a huge impact on reading skills at this stage as children move from decoding words on the first read to reading with increased fluency on repeated reads. This is the reason we only change this book once a week. We want to get your child off to a flying start in KS1 and reading really does open the door to so many other subjects and life time opportunities so let’s invest in this together to make an big impact on your child’s future.

Thank you for all your support these last few weeks. I feel very welcomed by you all and want to work together to ensure we make the rest of this year really count!

Kind regards

Mrs C Trotter

Correspondence 27th January 2023

Nursery Requests

Dear Parents,

Next week in our art sessions we are going to use natural materials to paint (instead of a brush or our finger). By next Tuesday (31^st January), we would be really grateful if you could send in a selection of small sticks, leaves, feathers etc to use.

We would also be grateful for any donations of children’s socks please.

Thank you for your support,

Mrs Pollard and Mrs Kelly

Correspondence 27th January 2023

Y4 Taste Testing

Dear Y4 Parents,

On Monday, we are planning a taste testing activity as part of our new English book. The children will be tasting different crisp flavours and trying to guess what they are. We will be sampling the following flavoured crisps:

Smokey Bacon

Prawn Cocktail

Cheese and Onion

Roast Chicken

If you would rather your child did not participate in this activity please let me know by Monday morning.

Please do not share this planned activity with your child as they are testing their sensory skills.

Thank you

Y4 Team

Correspondence 26th January 2023

Industrial Action – Wednesday 1st February

Dear Parents,

Further to my previous email (please see below), and in line with the DfE guidance, I can confirm our F1 and F2 classes will be closed due to industrial action on Wednesday 1^st February.

19^th January 2023

Dear Parents,

You may be aware that one of the largest teaching unions the NEU, has announced that following a ballot of their members, they have reached the required threshold to hold strike action in the coming months. In practice, this means that the members of this union will be asked by the NEU to strike on the following days: 1/2/23, 28/2/23, 15/3/23 and 16/3/23. Strikes on these days do not necessarily mean that schools will need to close. There is Guidance for headteachers, from the Department of Education (DfE), on actions to manage strike action and I am currently working through this to ensure we follow the correct procedures.

Thank you for your continued support

Kind Regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 25th January 2023

Y3 Reminders

Dear Y3 Parents,

Our class have settled back in after Christmas really well which is wonderful. There are just a few reminders that we wanted to pass on.

Equipment

All stationery equipment is provided in school and children should not be bringing their own pencil cases. Please save these for home learning at home.

Children should not be bringing toys and teddies into school.

Water Bottle in School

Your child needs a water bottle in school, it must contain water only. Juice and cordials are not allowed.

P.E Kits

Our PE days are on Mondays and Tuesdays. Your child must bring a white top and black shorts and black jogging bottoms (outdoor PE) as part of this kit. We ask that your child brings their PE kit on Monday and takes it home on Fridays to be washed.

Reading Diaries

We ask that your child reads 3 times a week and records this in their reading diary which should be brought in every day. We understand that sometimes your child may read on their own and we ask that you provide a signature as proof your child has read. Reading is such an important skill and opens a range of opportunities and interests.

Thank you for all your support this year,

The Y3 Team

Correspondence 24th January 2023

KS1 Gymnastics – 27th January

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Key Stage 1 gymnastics event at Jump Primary School on Friday 27th January 2023.The event will start at 1pm and should finish before 3pm. I am really impressed with the dedication your child has shown as they have been giving up their lunchtimes to practise their routine.

Your child will have their lunch before walking to the venue or in the event of bad weather, Mrs Fiddes and Mrs Connelly will transport the children by car.

Children will need to bring shorts, trainers and their water bottle. They will be given a school shirt to wear. Children can wear tracksuit bottoms over their shorts for travelling to and from the event, which will be held indoors.

Unfortunately, parents are unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 19th January 2023

Strike Action

Dear Parents,

You may be aware that one of the largest teaching unions the NEU, has announced that following a ballot of their members, they have reached the required threshold to hold strike action in the coming months. In practice, this means that the members of this union will be asked by the NEU to strike on the following days: 1/2/23, 28/2/23, 15/3/23 and 16/3/23. Strikes on these days do not necessarily mean that schools will need to close. There is Guidance for headteachers, from the Department of Education (DfE), on actions to manage strike action and I am currently working through this to ensure we follow the correct procedures.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind Regards,

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 19th January 2023

The Ellis OFSTED Report

19th January 2023

Dear Parents, The Ellis Final Ofsted Report November 2023

We are pleased to share that following our recent inspection we have been categorised as a GOOD school. We are extremely pleased with this outcome. This judgement of Good and the comments made by the inspectors reflect the hard work by the team at The Ellis and the enthusiasm and engagement for learning by the children.

The process was supportive and the inspectors identified the recent curriculum improvements were a positive change, which we will continue to monitor and embed.

We are currently in the process of reviewing our behaviour policy and reward system, and will share this with you as soon as we can.

The governing body, staff and myself are very proud of our achievements and will ensure that we continue to ‘be the best we can be’ for all the children at The Ellis.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the report, please feel free to email or speak to me.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards and The Ellis Team

Correspondence 19th January

Football Finals – Thursday 19th January

Dear Parent,

A few weeks ago, your child was part of the boys’ football team that came runners up in the District Finals. As another district is not sending their winning team, we have been allocated a place in the Boy’s County Finals.

The event is this Thursday 19th January at Barnsley College Horizon Site and will run 1-3pm.

I am aware this is short notice; however, we have only found out about our place this morning. Please could you let Mrs Fiddes know if you are able to accompany your child to the event and if you are willing to transport other children. If you are unable to accompany your child, please let school know if you are unhappy for them to sort alternative travel arrangements for your child.

Children will have their dinner before leaving for the venue at 12:30. If you are transporting your child, please arrive at school shortly before 12:30pm. Your child can return home with you after the event.

This is a fantastic achievement for your child and the school to get to this stage in the competition and if successful there is the opportunity to progress to the regional finals.

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 18th January

Maths Tuition

Dear Parents,

Your child has been chosen to receive additional ‘live’ online tuition in mathematics, provided by a trained White Rose Maths tutor, which will take place in school, on Mondays at 8:05am and Thursdays at 2:45pm. Each session will be 45 minutes long therefore the Thursday session will end at 3:30pm. These sessions will start from Monday 23^rd January and last for 10 weeks – with a break for February half term.

This Government-funded Tuition Programme has been created to provide support in mathematics for children who may need additional help to enable them to reach their full potential. It has been set up to be delivered alongside classroom teaching hence the timings offered. Support in the form of small group tuition (1 online tutor to 3 pupils) can also be highly effective in boosting the confidence and motivation of pupils who need a little extra support.

I hope these dates and times are convenient for you and your child but should you have any queries or would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. It is vital that your child attends both sessions each week so please let me know (via Mrs Fiddes) if this is not possible and I can offer the place to someone else.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 17th January

Sports Hall Athletics – Wednesday 25th January

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Sports hall Athletics Qualification event at Kirk Balk on Wednesday 25th January 2023. The event will start at 1pm and should finish before 3pm.

Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by coach, at 12:30pm.

Children will need to bring shorts, black socks, trainers and their water bottle. They will be given a school shirt to wear. Children can wear tracksuit bottoms over their shorts for travelling to and from the event, which will be held indoors.

Parents are unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

Correspondence 17th January

Nursery lunch boxes and water bottles

Dear Parents,

Please can you remember to clean your child’s lunchbox and water bottle each day as we have noticed mould inside a few.

Thank you

Mrs Pollard

Correspondence 13th January 2023

Ellis Information

Dear Parents, ESafety Parent Poster Roadshow Flyer

Pantomime

The children thoroughly enjoyed the pantomime ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ this week. Thank you for all your contributions and the PTFA’s support to make this more affordable.

Foundation Stage Writing Workshop – Wednesday 18th January

Foundation Stage are running a free workshop for all parents, carers and grandparents of children within our Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) on Wednesday 18^th January at 4:30pm for approximately 1 hour.

The workshop will focus on ‘Writing in the Early Years’ and will offer you a valuable insight into how to support your child’s learning and development whilst they are in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Refreshments will be available free of charge.

Ellis Church – Thursday 19th January

Everyone is welcome to our Ellis Church, held in the school hall straight after school.

Scotty’s Heroes

If your child attends Scotty’s Heroes on Fridays, the club is being moved to Wednesdays AFTER half term. This is due to Scotty’s availability.

Cost of Living Crisis

Please see the attached flyer for details of a ‘More Money in your Pocket’ Roadshow.

Is my child too ill for school?

It can be tricky deciding whether to keep your child off school, please see the official NHS guidelines below:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

Wath Academy Parent E-Safety Evening – Thursday 9th February

Please see the attached flyer and sign up you are interested in attending the evening.

Polling Station – Thursday 4th May 2023

Our nursery will be closed on the above date due to the premises being used as a Polling Station.

Kind regards,

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 13th January 2023

F2 Food Tasting

Dear Reception Parents,

Throughout the next few weeks we will be making and tasting a variety of different food linked to our topic.

The food we will be tasting is

vegetable soup – carrots, parsnips, potato, onions, vegetable stock

fruit salad – everyday fruits (not including kiwi)

Chinese noodles, plum/sweet sour sauce, spring rolls, Chinese crackers

Gingerbread

Porridge and different toppings including honey, jam, chocolate sauce, golden syrup

On Shrove Tuesday, we will also be making and eating pancakes.

If you do not want your child to take part in any of these activities please inform Mr Grayhurst or Mrs Beevers.

Many thanks and kind regards

Mr Grayhurst

Correspondence 10th January 2023

Foundation Stage Workshop

Dear Parents,

We will be running a free workshop for all parents, carers and grandparents of children within our Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) on Wednesday 18th January at 4:30pm for approximately 1 hour.

The workshop will focus on ‘Writing in the Early Years’ and will offer you a valuable insight into how to support you child’s learning and development whilst they are in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Refreshments will be available free of charge.

If you would like to attend please inform your child’s class teacher. Unfortunately children are unable to attend this event.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Yours sincerely

Mrs T Pollard & Mr D Grayhurst

Correspondence 9th January 2023

Nursery Food Tasting

Dear Nursery Parents,

Throughout the next few weeks we will be making and tasting a variety of different food linked to our topic.

The food we will be tasting is:

vegetable stew

Chinese noodles, sweet and sour sauce and Chinese crackers

pizza with tomato, cheese and ham topping

pumpkin soup

porridge

If you do not want your child to take part in any of these activities please inform Mrs Pollard or Mrs Kelly.

Thank you

Mrs Pollard

Correspondence 6th January 2023

Y6 SATs Boosters

Dear Y6 Parents,

As our SATs tests are fast approaching, we would like to offer all Y6 pupils the opportunity to attend an after school booster club on Tuesday, to consolidate their Maths learning. We are aware that there is an overlap with gymnastics, if your child has their name down they can still attend the club, as we will put the booster work on Seesaw for them and they can join the boosters when the club ends.

The club will end at 4:15pm and light refreshments will be provided; please could you let me know if your child will be attending by the end of Monday 9th (3pm) for numbers so I can buy enough snacks!

The sessions will begin on the 10th January and run until the beginning of May. We will inform you as soon as possible if there any any weeks the boosters cannot go ahead.

Previous classes have found these really useful and have given them confidence for the SATs, therefore, it would beneficial if everyone could attend.

Kind regards

Mrs E and The UKS2 Team

Correspondence 6th January 2023

What a Great First Week!

Dear Y1 Parents,

What a brilliant first week back!

I am so proud how the Year One children have settled into new routines. We are going to have a super year together!

Thank you for your help in this transition period. We have spent lots of time getting to know each other this week. I will send home an email on Monday outlining how we will be doing spellings etc (which will be sent on a Friday starting next week) so please look out for that. I will change Read Write Inc books on a Monday so please could you send in your child’s current book so I can change it next week.

I hope the children have a great weekend and I am looking forward to seeing them again on Monday

Kind regards

Mrs Trotter

Correspondence 6th January 2023

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

Pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk

We are very fortunate this year to have been able to book a theatre company to come into school during the morning of Wednesday 11^th January.

The hall will be transformed into a theatre and children are welcome to dress up in their favourite costume or party outfits (but please be mindful of outdoor play).

Our PTFA have been kind enough to donate money towards the cost of the theatre visit but we do still need to ask for a voluntary contribution of £2 per child. This payment has been put onto ParentPay. Apologies for the late reminder.

School Milk

If your child would like to receive milk in school, please remember this is ordered online directly with the dairy at Schoolmilkuk. Please remember to re-new your payment if you do not pay upfront for the whole year.

A reminder was sent before Christmas explaining that children in F2, who will turn 5 during this term (January up to Easter), will now need to pay for school milk. Only those children who turn 5 in the last term (after Easter up to the Summer) will still receive free milk.

Strep A

If your child is diagnosed with strep A please let us know so we can report numbers to Public Health if necessary.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Correspondence 4th January 2023

Y5 Homework Booklets

Dear Y5 Parents,

Happy New Year!

Your children have all returned to school ready to learn and have worked so hard today!

Your child will be bringing their homework booklets home today. Please could they complete Autumn Workout 6 in their English and Maths booklets by next Thursday. The question sets will then continue one a week following on after that.

Please could you also support your child to practise their new spellings to be tested on Mondays.

Many thanks for your continued support.

Best wishes,

Mrs Wise

Correspondence 4th January 2023

F2 Homework

Dear Parents,

Happy New Year!

As this is only a 3 day week, we will be keeping homework simple. If you child usually brings home a reading book, this will be sent home in their reading bag. All children will also have a phonic activity on Seesaw and a letter formation sheet will be sent home.

Mrs Smith will be changing library books on Friday.

Kind regards

Mr Grayhurst

29th November 2022

CPG Weekly Workout

Dear Y4 Parents,

It was wonderful to see most of you at parents’ evening.

Your child has received a CPG 10 Minute Weekly Workout Booklet. The purpose of sending this booklet home allows the children to access times table practise in a different format.

To support them in their times table practise, we ask that pupils try to complete a Weekly Workout each week. Each workout focuses on a different set of times tables that we have covered in class or that children have covered in Year 2 and Year 3. As a class we have completed Workout 1 together as a modelled example.

This Week’s work:

If pupils could complete Workout 3 for our next lessons and being their booklet in that would be great.

As we are early on in the year, your child may need support in working through the questions. This does not need to be an independent activity to begin with.

We ask that the children bring this booklet to school with them every Friday so that we can mark it together and locate any gaps in their learning.

If you have any questions regarding this booklet or how to support your child working through this booklet, do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you

Y4 Team

25th November

Bank Holiday Announcement: Changes to the Key Stage 2 Test Dates

Dear Parents,

You may be aware of the additional bank holiday, in honour of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which is taking place on Monday 8th May 2023. This date unfortunately coincides with the first day of the Key Stage 2 SATs.

After careful consideration, the Ministers have officially decided that the KS2 tests will still take place in the same week, following the usual order, however, they will each take place one day later than originally planned. As such, the new schedule will be:

Tuesday 9th May: English grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS) papers 1 (questions) and 2 (spelling)
Wednesday 10th May: English reading paper
Thursday 11th May: mathematics papers 1 (arithmetic) and 2 (reasoning)
Friday 12th May: mathematics paper 3 (reasoning)

We are aware that you may have booked holidays or activities around the original SATs dates and urge you to rearrange or delay the start of any such events or activities to accommodate Friday’s test paper, Mathematics paper 3.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

24th November

PTFA Christmas Disco – Tuesday 6th December

PTFA School Christmas Disco!

Please see the attached poster for more details. Christmas Disco Dec 22

Ticket sales will start next week, Monday to Friday, please be aware that NO tickets will be sold after Friday 2nd December.

Thank you for supporting us to help The Ellis.

The PTFA

21st November

Y4 Weekly Workout Booklet

Dear Y4 Parents,

It was wonderful to meet some of you at parents evening on Tuesday, if I haven’t already met you, I look forward to meeting you on the next date!

On Friday, your child received a CPG 10 Minute Weekly Workout Booklet. The purpose of sending this booklet home allows the children to access times table practise in a different format.

To support them in their times table practise, we ask that pupils try to complete a Weekly Workout each week. Each workout focuses on a different set of times tables that we have been covering in class or that children have covered in Year 2 and Year 3. As a class we have completed Workout 1 together as a modelled example.

If pupils could complete Workout 2 for our next lesson and bring their booklet in that would great. As we are early on in the year, your child may need support in working through the questions. This does not need to be an independent activity to begin with.

We ask that the children bring this booklet to school with them every Friday so that we can mark it together and locate any gaps in their learning.

If you have any questions regarding this booklet or how to support your child working through this booklet, do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you,

The Y4 Team

17th November

Ellis Information

Nursery/Reception Book Fair

Children will be taken to the book fair with their class teacher at a convenient time during the week. Please send money into school on Monday if you would like your child to purchase a book, alternatively please visit the fair after school any day with your child.

Nasal Flu Immunisations

Several of you are asking for the details for this, please see the link and school code below.

www.barnsleysais.co.uk and School code: BN106638

Thank you

17th November 2022

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

After School Clubs tonight

Both after school clubs tonight will be running inside (separately) due to the rain.

Ofsted

Thank you for your support with Ofsted this week, we will let you know the outcome when the report is published, this is likely to be in December.

Children in Need – Friday 17th November

A reminder that it is Children in Need tomorrow. Your child can wear spots or pyjamas to school and we are asking

First Aid Incidents

We have purchased a new first aid reporting system to improve the way you are notified about any first aid incidents in school. Rather than receive a paper bump note you should now receive an email, but please not these may be in your junk folder. We have already started using the system and would appreciate any feedback.

Y6 Crucial Crew – Monday 21st November

On Monday, we are taking the Y6 children to Crucial Crew, an interactive health and safety initiative run by South Yorkshire Police and Fire Services. The coach company we will be using is Beewise, which will leave school at 8:50am so please be punctual. The children are expected to return to school by 3:20pm. If your child suffers from travel sickness we would suggest that appropriate travel sickness tablets are taken and a further tablet for the return journey can be brought into school in a named envelope.

Children will need to take a packed lunch and a drink. No money is needed. Please log onto ParentPay to give your consent for this trip. Thank you.

Book Fair

The book fair is being delivered tomorrow. We are going to open it at break times for specific year groups starting with Year 1/2 on Monday (the Y3/4 slot will be on Tuesday and Y5/6 on Wednesday). There are lots of books available to choose from, ranging from £2.99-£6.99, with a selected few up to £10.99. We will also open it after school until 3:45pm if you prefer to accompany your child.

KS1 Movie Night – Monday 21st – 5pm-6:45pm

KS2 Movie Night – Tuesday 22nd – 6pm-8pm

Tickets cost £3 and include a snack and a drink. Please come in your pj’s and bring a blanket and/or pillow. A PTFA member will be available tomorrow morning on the playground, near the Y1/2 classroom, for any last minute purchases.

School Uniform Swap Shop – Wednesday 23rd 2:30pm

Thank you to parents who have donated school uniform for this worthy cause. The shop will open once every term. Please pop along to the school library and choose any items that will be useful for your families, you do not have to have donated items in order to use this service.

If you are reluctant to use the swap shop, please email Mrs Fiddes the type of garments required, along with the size and she will sort a package for you to collect from the office. We hope the school swap shop becomes a valuable resource for keeping children in school uniform without any unnecessary expense.

Nasal Flu Immunisations – Thursday 24th – F2-Y6

Your child will be encouraged (never forced) to have this immunisation nasal spray unless you have specifically requested to opt out.

Christmas Dinner / Christmas Jumper Day – Wednesday 7th December Christmas Dinner Menu 2022

On Wednesday 7th December, we will be having our combined Christmas dinner and Christmas jumper day. Please order your child’s Christmas dinner online via ParentPay as soon as possible to help with numbers. There is no charge to children in F2, Y1 or Y2 as lunches are free under the Government scheme. As there is no alternative food on this day please send your child to school with a packed lunch if you do not wish to order one.

Full time nursery children are also invited to wear their Christmas jumpers and order a Christmas lunch. Payment is paid via ParentPay and costs £2.10

Part time nursery children are welcome to wear their Christmas jumpers that day.

Y1/2 Nativity – Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th December

Nativity tickets will be on sale from Tuesday morning onwards (22nd) from the main office, £2 each.

F2 Home Learning

As we have had a busy week the children will only have their library book sent home this Friday. Home learning activities will begin again next week.

Kind regards,

Mrs Edwards

14th November 2022

Important Ellis Information

Dear All Parents,

Please see the attached correspondence from Ofsted.

School inspections – a guide for parents

Letter to parents Nov 22

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

11th November 2022

Theatre Trip – Wednesday 14th December

Dear Y1 and Y2 Parents,

We would like to take our KS1 children to Barnsley Civic Theatre to watch a performance of The Lost Present: A Christmas Adventure presented by Topsy Turvy Theatre Company. It is a show written especially for children and brought to life using handmade puppets, original music and delightful storytelling. As it is our nativity during the same week, we felt that giving our children the chance to experience live theatre would be an invaluable way of appreciating and celebrating the arts, which we feel passionate about at The Ellis.

The theatre trip will take place on Wednesday 14^th December and the coach company we will be using is Globe. We will leave school at 9:45am (ready for the 10:30am performance) and be back in time for lunch, so please order as normal, either online or by sending a packed lunch. There will be plenty of school staff accompanying the children and we will all be sitting together in a block in the theatre.

The cost of the day will be £13.25 per child. This is payable via ParentPay straightaway and can be paid in instalments to spread the cost. Should not enough money be collected, we will unfortunately have to cancel the trip. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties covering the cost of the trip, please contact Mrs Edwards.

There will be no spending money needed on the day.

We are looking forward to a lovely Christmas show!

Kind regards

Key Stage 1 Team

11th November 2022

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

Here are some reminders for our week ahead.

Remembrance Service Choir (St Mary’s) – Sunday 13th November

The following information is for the choir who met with Mrs Edwards today. The Remembrance service on Sunday starts at 10am and choir members should meet Mrs Edwards to let her know that they have arrived. Once registered, the children are expected to sit with their families. The children will be asked to come to the front to sing our two songs (unfortunately at the moment we don’t have the exact timings for this). School uniform doesn’t need to be worn, however, the children should come dressed appropriately for church and it would be helpful if they could wear a poppy. After we have performed, the children will need to return to their families. The service ends at approximately 10:45am.

Odd Socks Day – Tuesday 15th November

Please wear odd socks to support anti-bullying week, the sillier, the better!

Parent Meetings – Tuesday 15th November – 3-6pm

If you have made an appointment on the cloud to see your child’s class teacher (https://theellisce.schoolcloud.co.uk) please be aware that times will be adhered to as closely as possible. Thank you.

Kingswood Residential

A general reminder (to all parents) that the latest deadline for the Kingswood residential is now Tuesday, 15th November. We will not be contacting parents again, so please make sure the deposit has been paid by close of school on Tuesday, we cannot book children a place without this. Thank you.

Early Years Workshop – Wednesday 16th November

We will be running a free workshop for all parents, carers and grandparents of children within our Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) 4:30pm for approximately 1 hour.

The workshop will focus on ‘Reading in the Early Years’ and will offer you a valuable insight into how to support your child’s learning and development whilst they are in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Refreshments will be available free of charge. Unfortunately, children are unable to attend this event.

Ellis Church – Thursday 17th November

Everyone is welcome to our Ellis Church on Thursday, 17th November, held in the school hall straight after school.

Children in Need – Friday 18th November

Please bring a £1 donation in aid of Children in Need and wear spots or pyjamas instead of school uniform.

Art Competition Winner!

The Ellis and over 40 schools in the Barnsley area entered the Barnsley Rotary Club art competition. We are extremely pleased and proud to announce that the winner of the Lower Key Stage 2 category is the very talented Lydia Moorby. Lydia will be attending a presentation with the world-famous Barnsley artist, Ashley Jackson, on Friday 18^th November. Well done Lydia!

Some of our other children who entered have also been fortunate enough to have their work selected for public display.

Have a lovely weekend.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

11th November 2022

CGP Homework Books

Dear Y5 Parents,

Your child will be coming home with two CGP homework books today. They are ten-minute work outs for English and Maths.

Each week the children will complete one work out in each book and then return the book to school the following Thursday.

This week they will complete the Autumn Workout 1 in both books and then the following weeks we will work through the books in sequential order.

If you have any questions about this then please don’t hesitate to ask.

Many thanks

Mrs Wise

10th November 2022

Remembrance Service Choir Participation – Sunday 13th November

Dear Parents

Your child has requested to be part of a choir for the Remembrance Service at St Mary’s Church, Wombwell on Sunday 13th November.

The service starts at 10am and the children will need to meet me at 9:50am to register.

Please could you confirm that your child has permission to take part and will be available for the service.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

9th November 2022

Foundation Stage Reading Workshop – Wed 16th November

Dear Parents,

We will be running a free workshop for all parents, carers and grandparents of children within our Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) on Wednesday 16th November at 4:30pm for approximately 1 hour.

Refreshments will be available free of charge.

If you would like to attend please inform your child’s class teacher. Unfortunately children are unable to attend this event.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

Yours sincerely

Mrs T Pollard & Mr D Grayhurst

7th November 2022

Y2 Cenotaph Walk Cancelled

Dear Y2 Parents,

We have taken the decision to cancel the Y2 walk to the cenotaph this week. Due to the new curriculum changes, the children will be studying World Wars in their future history learning and will have the opportunity to visit the cenotaph at that time.

We still feel paying our respects to the soldiers who fought for us is of paramount importance and the whole school will be listening to The Last Post and holding our one minute silence on Friday at 11am.

We are still going ahead with the exciting theatre trip in December so please look out for an email from Mrs Trotter this week!

Mrs Edwards

4th November 2022

PTFA Movie Nights Poster

Dear Parents,

I have attached a poster from our PTFA advertising their movie nights. Movie Night Nov 22

PTFA members will be selling tickets outside the main office from Monday 7^th November to Friday 11^th November, 3–3:20pm.

Thank you for supporting them.

3rd November 2022

Wraparound Care Questionnaire

Dear Parents,

Following a couple of requests from parents regarding additional wraparound care, I would be grateful if you could please complete the following questionnaire by Friday 11th November.

The more responses that we receive, the better.

https://forms.gle/34hmGxY6fPPdoPBt5

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

3rd November 2022

Y3 Spellings

Dear Parents/Carers,

From this half term, we will be testing the children’s spellings on a Friday instead of a Thursday.

Each Friday the children will copy up their spellings into their green spelling book and I will also put the spellings on to Seesaw. This will mean that you or the children can go on to Seesaw to check the spellings and also hear them being pronounced. We will then test them on these the following Friday.

Please keep encouraging your children to practise their spellings using ‘look, cover, write, check’ and writing them in sentences as well as going on Spelling Shed at least 3 times a week.

I will send the children’s Seesaw passwords home with them so they can log on to look at their spellings.

If you have any questions please come and ask.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss Beresford

3rd November 2022

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

Curriculum Update Evening Reminder – This evening (Thursday 3rd November)

We have recently purchased some new schemes of work to improve The Ellis curriculum and this will be an opportunity for Mrs Edwards to share them with you. Please come to the main hall, we will start at 4:30pm.

Parent Consultations

We will be holding face to face parent consultations in the school hall. Please log on to the Cloud system by following the link below to see the available dates and times for your child:

https://theellisce.schoolcloud.co.uk/

It is important to arrive on time for your allocated slot as appointment times will be strictly adhered to.

Book Fair 18-25th November

Our book fair will be held in school the week commending Monday 18th November. Children can bring in some pocket money, browse the bookshelves and purchase a book to take home on the day.

School Uniform Swap Shop Reminder (A pleas for some children’s coat hangers please)

The swap shop will be open once every term. Parents are invited to pop along to the school hall and choose any items that will be useful for their families. The first one will take place from 2:30pm on Wednesday 23rd November dependent on the amount of donations received. Please note you do not have to have donated items in order to use this service.

We will accept any items of school uniform, of any age, including coats (preferably waterproof winter ones), PE kits, pumps and good quality shoes. The items should be brought to us in a good, clean condition with any names cut out. We will then sort the items by type and size so it will be easy for parents to find the exact items they are short of.

If any parents are reluctant to use the swap shop, please email Mrs Fiddes the type of garments required, along with the size and she will sort a package for you to collect from the office.

We hope the school swap shop becomes a valuable resource for keeping children in school uniform without any unnecessary expense.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

2nd November 2022

Tag Rugby Finals Event – 10th November 2022

Dear Parent,

Due to the success at the Y5/6 Tag Rugby event, your child has been selected to represent The Ellis at the South Yorkshire Games Finals. The finals will be held on Thursday 10th November at the Sheffield Hallam Sports Park, S9 1UA.

Children will leave school at 9am and return in time for the afternoon session. Parents are invited to spectate at this event but please meet your children at the event.

Your child will need a packed lunch, PE kit, water bottle, and warm clothing for when spectating. Children will be given a school top to play in.

There will be no cost for this event.

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/Y3 Teacher

1st November 2022

Cannon Hall Trip Cancellation

Dear Y5/6 Parents and Carers,

After careful consideration and following our whole school decisions around the design of our curriculum, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Y5/6 trip to Canon Hall Museum.

As we are no longer learning about Victorians, it feels wrong to continue with the trip and you will therefore be refunded with the full cost of the trip. We understand that the children will be disappointed that a looked forward to event will no longer be happening, so we will endeavour to provide an educational trip related to our newly planned areas of learning later in the academic year.

We are very excited to begin our new learning journeys with the children and if you wish to find out more about the way The Ellis curriculum has changed then please join us on Thursday the 3^rd of November at 4:30pm. Also, keep your eyes open for our class newsletters, which will explain the learning your child will be doing this half term.

We appreciate your continued support and understanding.

Many thanks,

The Y5 and Y6 Team

21st October 2022

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

Curriculum Update Evening – Thursday 3rd November

We would like to invite you to a Curriculum Update evening with Mrs Edwards. We have recently purchased some new schemes of work to improve The Ellis curriculum and this will be an opportunity for us to share them with you.

Please come to the main hall, we will start at 4:30pm.

Our PTFA needs you PTFA Need You Poster

Our PTFA (Parents, Teachers, Friends Association) are looking for new members to join and help run fundraising events for school. Please see the attached poster and contact the school office for a contact telephone number if you are interested.

Book Fair 18-25th November

Our book fair will be held in school the week commencing Monday 18^th November. Children can bring in some pocket money, browse the bookshelves and purchase a book to take home on the day.

Small Menu Changes

After half term, sandwiches will no longer be on the school menu. The colder weather will soon be upon us, therefore, jacket potatoes will be available every day with 3 fillings to choose from (baked beans, tuna and cheese). Children will still be able to help themselves to as much salad as they would like from the well-stocked salad bar.

Monday 31st October

The main meal for this day will be sausage and Yorkshire pudding.

Thursday 3rd November

We have attached the Bonfire Night menu, there will be no other alternatives on this day. Bonfire Night Menu

If you choose your child’s lunches from home you will notice that these changes have also been updated on ParentPay.

Cleaning Vacancy

We have a cleaning vacancy in school, please see the link below which will take you to the advert on Indeed.

https://uk.indeed.com/jobs?q=school+cleaner&l=s73+0ps&vjk=361c58515ae7b48f&advn=557546452044905

Christmas Tree Festival (from 24th November)

Harris+Co are organising an exciting Christmas Tree Festival to be held at St. Mary’s Church, Barnsley as part of the Barnsley Bright Night’s Festival. If you have been to this festival before, you will know that there are lots of wonderful things to see and do and it should be a truly magical event. Funds raised through the event will be in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance and St Mary’s Church.

Secondary School Applications

The closing date for these applications is Monday 31^st October.

After School Clubs

Our after school clubs will be starting the first week back after half term. If your child will be attending one of the clubs, please send them to school with both indoor and outdoor kits.

We hope you have a lovely half term and we will see you back in school on Monday 31^st October.

Mrs Edwards

Acting Headteacher

21st October 2022

Magazine Request

Dear Parents,

If anyone has any old magazines that they no longer need, I would be grateful to receive them for my Y6 art project when we come back after the half term break.

Thank you,

Maggi Brinkley

HLTA/ Art Lead

19th October 2022

New After School Clubs

Dear Parents,

Here is the list of our clubs that will be running after half term.

All clubs run straight after school until 4:20pm, apart from lego club, which will end at 4pm.

If your child will not be attending the club one week, please inform us to avoid any confusion and also so we can make sure they do not get changed at the end of the school day. Thank you.

Monday

(31st October – 5th December)

Y5/6 Netball/Basketball Free of charge with a coach from Complete Coaching Solutions

Please email Mrs Fiddes if your child would like a place at this club.

Tuesday

(1st November – 6th December)

Y3/4 Benchball/Dodgeball Free of charge with a coach from Complete Coaching Solutions

Please email Mrs Fiddes if your child would like a place at this club.

Wednesday

(2nd November – 7th December)

F2/Y1 Footie Stars, £2.50 paid to Adrian Barnard, a qualified football coach. Parents must remain with their child at this club. There are a maximum of 12 places.

Current participants at this club will continue to attend, there is no need to put your child’s name down again.

Wednesday

(2nd November – 7th December)

Y3 Lego Club Free of charge with Mrs Willis

Lego club is a great way to showcase your imaginative and creative side whilst also developing your social skills. There are a maximum of 15 places available.

Please email Mrs Fiddes if your child would like a place at this club.

Thursday

(3rd November – 8th December)

Y1/2 Multi Sports Free of charge with a coach from Complete Coaching Solutions

Please email Mrs Fiddes if your child would like a place at this club.

Thursday

(3rd November – 8th December)

KS2 Scotty’s Heroes

Places already booked directly for this half term are continuing for next half term.

Friday

(4th November – 9th December)

KS2 Scotty’s Heroes

Places already booked directly for this half term are continuing for next half term.

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Y3 Teacher & Wider Curriculum Lead

17th October 2022

Y5 Kingswood Residential Trip – 19th-21st June 2023

Dear Parents,

Curriculum Update Evening – Thursday 3rd November

Please come to the main hall, we will start at 4:30pm.

Our PTFA needs you PTFA Need You Poster

Book Fair 18-25th November

Our book fair will be held in school the week commencing Monday 18^th November. Children can bring in some pocket money, browse the bookshelves and purchase a book to take home on the day.

Small Menu Changes

Monday 31st October

The main meal for this day will be sausage and Yorkshire pudding.

Thursday 3rd November

We have attached the Bonfire Night menu, there will be no other alternatives on this day. Bonfire Night Menu

If you choose your child’s lunches from home you will notice that these changes have also been updated on ParentPay.

Cleaning Vacancy

We have a cleaning vacancy in school, please see the link below which will take you to the advert on Indeed.

https://uk.indeed.com/jobs?q=school+cleaner&l=s73+0ps&vjk=361c58515ae7b48f&advn=557546452044905

Christmas Tree Festival (from 24th November)

Secondary School Applications

The closing date for these applications is Monday 31^st October.

After School Clubs

Our after school clubs will be starting the first week back after half term. If your child will be attending one of the clubs, please send them to school with both indoor and outdoor kits.

We hope you have a lovely half term and we will see you back in school on Monday 31^st October.

Mrs Edwards

Acting Headteacher

17th October 2022

Gymnastics Taster Session – Wednesday 19th October

Dear Parents,

Your child has shown an interest and has been selected to represent the school in a gymnastics taster session at Barnsley Gymnastics Club on Wednesday 19th October.

The event will start at 1pm and should finish approximately 3pm. Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by coach, at 12:30pm.

Children will need to bring full PE kit (white PE tops/black shorts), suitable trainers for the event and their water bottle, please can they also bring a top and trousers for when they are spectating.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

14th October 2022

Ellis Church Reminder

Dear All,

Everyone is welcome to our Ellis Church on Thursday 20th October, held in the school hall straight after school.

Thank you

14th October 2022

Information Uploads on Seesaw

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you to those of you who attended the workshops and Curriculum evenings held recently.

We understand that for some families it was challenging to attend and we are therefore uploading versions of the presentations onto Seesaw (your child’s login should be in their reading diaries).

We are also uploading information about ways you can continue to support your child’s learning at home.

Teachers will have shared these resources on Seesaw by Wednesday 19th October. If you have any questions regarding the information shared or your child’s learning then remember you can contact teachers by emailing Mrs Fiddes.

Thank you for your continuing support.

Many thanks,

The Ellis Team

14th October 2022

School Uniform Swap Shop – Wednesday 23rd November

Dear Parents,

Due to positive responses from parents on our Google questionnaire regarding a school uniform swap shop, we are delighted to tell you that this is something The Ellis will be putting into place.

The swap shop will open once every term. Parents are invited to pop along to the school hall and choose any items that will be useful for their families. The first one will take place from 2:30pm on Wednesday 23rd November dependent on the amount of donations received. Please note you do not have to have donated items in order to use this service.

If any parents are reluctant to use the swap shop, please email Mrs Fiddes the types of garments required, along with the size and she will sort a package for you to collect from the office.

We hope the school swap shop becomes a valuable resource for keeping children in school uniform without any unnecessary expense.

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

13th October 2022

Y2 Curriculum Evening

Dear Y2 Parents,

Thank you to all the parents who were able to attend our Y2 curriculum evening on Tuesday. I understand that some could not make it due to work and other commitments, therefore I have sent home the plastic wallet with the handouts in for your perusal. Over the weekend, I will record and post a copy of the slides I showed with a voice over to talk about each one onto Seesaw. I hope this will be of use. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind Regards

Charlotte Trotter

Class Teacher / KS1 Leader

12th October 2022

Hockey Event – Friday 14th October

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 3/4 Hockey Competition event at Springwood School on Friday 14th October.

Parents are unfortunately unable to spectate on this occasion.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/ Y3 Teacher

7th October 2022

Ellis Reminders

Dear Parents,

Here are some reminders for our busy week ahead.

National Mental Health Week – Hello Yellow – Monday 10th October

In support of National Mental Health week, children are welcome to come to school dressed in yellow. This can be full dress, a pair of socks or just a small hair accessory. Please do not go to any great expense or feel the need to purchase any new items.

Phonics Workshop F2/Y1 – Monday 10th October 4:30pm onwards

We are holding a phonics workshop for F2/Y1 parents on Monday 10th October in the school hall. During this workshop we will be explaining the RWI (Read, Write, Inc) Phonics scheme used in school. There will be opportunity for parents to look at the resources used to deliver the sessions and also to ask any questions.

NB. Our after school club will be leaving at 4:20pm so please do not arrive too early.

Harvest Festive Y1-Y6 – Tuesday 11th October

Our harvest festival this year will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Wombwell on Tuesday 11th October. Years 1-6 will be walking from school promptly at 9 o clock and parents are welcome to meet us there for a 10am start. Seating is on a first come first served basis, however, the children will need to sit in the main pews (directly in front of the altar) so please leave these free. Children will need to stay with their class throughout the service and will share some harvest poetry or art. At the end of the service we will walk the children back to school in plenty of time for their lunch. Kindly bring any donations of tinned /packed food with you as these will be donated to Wombwell food bank via St. Mary’s. Thank you.

‘Real History Alive’ Y1/2 – Wednesday 12th October

As part of our History, learning about The Great Fire of London, we have arranged for a workshop run by ‘Real History Alive’ to bring our learning to life and to give the children an interactive experience which they will enjoy and remember. Our visitors will be coming into school on the 12th of October to share an interactive show followed by hands on workshops. If you have not yet paid your donation of £4.60 there is still time to do so.

Curriculum Evenings

11th October

Y3/4 3:30-4pm

Y2 4:05pm (plus additional time for KS1 SATs information)

13th October

Y5/6 3:30-4pm

Y6 4pm onwards KS2 SATs information

Kind regards,

Mrs Edwards

Acting Headteacher

7th October 2022

Art Competition

Dear Parents,

Our children have been invited to enter an art exhibition and competition which will be held at Barnsley Metrodome on the 18^th and 19^th November which will be judged by internationally renowned Yorkshire artist Ashley Jackson.

I am able to submit 16 entries from classes FS2 – Y6. The overall winning school will have their school name inscribed on a silver plate which will be awarded annually. The plate is to be available for display in the winning school for the ten months prior to the following year’s competition. The individual winners will also receive a trophy to keep.

Your child’s entry must be 2D artwork (paint, pencil, pastel etc) and be on paper or thin card UNMOUNTED. There is no specific theme, any subject is acceptable. The entry must be your child’s independent work.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday 19th October. Your child can hand their entries in to their class teacher who will pass them on to me.

Maggi Brinkley

HLTA/Art Lead

6th October 2022

FS Harvest Coffee Morning – Thursday 20th October

Dear Parents,

We will be holding a harvest coffee morning on Thursday 20th October, 9-10:30am to which all family members are invited.

If you would like to attend please make your way into the school hall via the main school entrance after you have dropped your child off in class.

Doors will open at approximately 9am. This will give you ample opportunity to get your tea, coffee and cakes and purchase the gifts your child has made in class before the children come in to sing (approximately 9:30am). Raffle tickets will also be on sale.

The children will be brought into the hall by staff at approximately 9:30am to sing some songs on stage. You will be able to video and take photographs of your child, but please remember not to upload any to social media if they contain images of other children.

Nursery children can be picked up from outside nursery after the event if parents wish, however, nursery is still open as usual. F2 children will remain in school for the remainder of the day.

All proceeds from this coffee morning will be spent purchasing new equipment to enhance our outdoor learning environment.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Foundation Stage Team

6th October 2022

Y1/2 Football Tournament – 7th October

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Football Tournament at Hoyland Common Primary School on Friday 7th October. The event will start at 1pm and should finish before 3pm depending on how well the school perform!

Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by minibus, at 12.30pm.

Children will need to bring shorts/tracksuit bottoms, black socks, trainers and their water bottle. They will be given a school shirt to wear. As the event will be held outdoors, on grass, it would be useful to bring warm clothes for when they are spectating and they can choose to wear trainers or football boots. You child WILL need a pair of shin pads so please make school aware before Friday if you need some.

Parents are unable to spectate on this occasion.

If your child requires an inhalers, they will need to bring this along with them. The cost of the trip will be funded using the Sports Premium Grant and therefore your child requires no money for the event.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/Y3 Teacher

5th October 2022

Y5/6 Curriculum Date Change

Dear Parents,

It has been brought to our attention that Kirk Balk’s open evening for Y6 is on the same night as our Y56 Curriculum evening. We have therefore changed our evening to Thursday 13th October.

We will ensure that the PowerPoint is uploaded to Seesaw for those of you who are unable to attend on the new date.

Curriculum Evenings

11th October

Y3/4 3:30-4pm

Y2 4:05pm (plus additional time for KS1 SATs information)

13th October

Y5/Y6 3:30-4pm

Y6 4pm onwards KS2 SATs information

Kind regards

Mrs Edwards

Headteacher

5th October 2022

F2 Topic Photographs

Dear Parents/Carers,

As part of our topic about growing and changing, we would like to set up a ‘Guess Who’ display in our classroom. Could you please bring a baby photograph into school by the end of this week (Friday 7th October) so that we can set up this interactive activity/display in our Investigation Area.

Please could you also send us a family photograph for our class display about family trees. We will take a photocopy of this then send you back the original photograph.

Many thanks for your continue support.

Mr Grayhurst and Mrs Beevers

4th October 2022

Y2 Whirlow Farm June/July 2023

Dear Parents,

Thank you for the overwhelmingly positive response to our Year 2 residential to Whirlow Farm next year. I can now inform you that we have 28 children going, which is very exciting news! Now we have these numbers, I can give you some more information. We plan to take 3 groups of children on the following dates:

26-28 June and 3-7 July 2023

Group 1: Monday 26th June – Wednesday 28th June 2023

(Leaving at approximately 10:30am on Monday and arriving back at 12pm on Wednesday)

Group 2: Monday 3rd July – Wednesday 5th July 2023

(Leaving at approximately 10:30am and arriving back at 12pm on Wednesday)

Group 3: Wednesday 5th July – Friday 7th July 2023

(Leaving at approximately 10:30am and arriving back at 12pm on Friday)

When your child is not on their residential trip, they should attend school as normal. 2 members of staff will stay with each group of residential children and other staff members will teach the children who are at school.

The cost of the trip will be £89 which includes 2 nights’ accommodation, return travel, food and all activities whilst we are there. We must inform you at this stage that the cost is non-refundable. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a discounted price if your child does not sleep over night.

We ask that payments be made via ParentPay. The total amount will appear on your child’s page and parents are then able to pay off small amounts at a time (the total amount left will decrease as payments are made) or should you wish to, you can pay the full amount in one go. We ask that all parents meet the following payment deadlines as we have to pay Whirlow Farm in advance. Should you wish to pay the balance before these dates that is fine.

First payment of £30 to be paid by 02.12.22

Second payment of £30 to be paid by 03.02.23

Third payment of £29 to be paid by 28.04.23

Parents will be invited to a meeting during the beginning of the summer term (2023) to discuss what your child will need to bring and to give you more information. Should you have any questions prior to this time, please do not hesitate to pop in and see Mrs Trotter.

Thank you for allowing your child to take part in this experience. We are sure than many life long memories will be made whilst we are there!

Kind regards

Mrs C Trotter (Y2 Teacher and KS1 Leader)

3rd October 2022

Y5/6 Trip to Cannon Hall Museum

Dear Y5 and Y6 Parents,

As part of our Victorians topic next half term we have arranged a visit to Cannon Hall Museum to learn what life was like as a Victorian servant. The trip will take place on Thursday 8th December, the coach company we will be using is Globe and we will leave school at 9:15am and return for the end of the school day.

The cost of the day will be £10.70 per child. This is payable via ParentPay straightaway and can be paid in instalments to spread the cost. Should not enough money be collected, we will unfortunately have to cancel the day. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties covering the cost of the trip, please contact Mrs Edwards.

The purpose of the trip is to enrich our curriculum and enjoy a full day of fun, learning and understanding. Children will have the opportunity to tour the house, cook in the kitchen, make sugar mice and wash clothes along with much more. We feel it would be beneficial if the children could wear Victorian clothes as this will also help with their experience, though it will be cold during outdoor activities, so they will also need warm coats and gloves.

Ideas include:

Girls

Mop cap

Plain light blouse or shirt

Plain dark long skirt

Shawl (optional)

White apron/pinafore

Dark boots or shoes

Boys

Flat cap (not to be worn at the table)

Light coloured plain shirt (collar can be tucked in or hidden by a thin scarf or a large colourful hanky tied round the neck)

Long dark trousers

Plain dark socks

Black boots or shoes

Children will need to bring a packed lunch and a drink. We will not have time during the day to visit the gift shop so no money is required for this.

We are looking forward to a lovely day out!

Kind regards

Mrs Wise

30th September 2022

Important Ellis Communication

Dear Parents,

Curriculum Evenings

We are pleased to invite you into school to meet your child’s teaching team. They will explain the curriculum for your child’s year group and answer any questions you may have. No appointment needs to be made as it is not an individual parents’ evening.

11th October

Y3/4 3:30-4pm

Y2 4:05pm (plus additional time for KS1 SATs information)

12th October

Y5/6 3:30-4pm

Y6 4pm onwards KS2 SATs information

Important Dates

To help with your diary planning we have created a list of key dates for the year. Please note these are subject to change and there may be additional events added, but we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible regarding any alternations. Please see the attached list.

Important Dates 2022-2023

Harvest Festival

Our harvest festival this year will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Wombwell on Tuesday 11th October. Years 1-6 will be walking from school promptly at 9am and parents are welcome to meet us there for a 10am start. Seating is on a first come first served basis, however, the children will need to sit in the main pews (directly in front of the altar), so please leave these free.

Children will need to stay with their class throughout the service and will share some harvest poetry or art. At the end of the service we will walk the children back to school in plenty of time for their lunch. Kindly bring any donations of tinned/packet food with you as these will be donated to Wombwell food bank via St Mary’s. Thank you.

Trips

You may have noticed that the cost of trips has significantly increased. Unfortunately, this is beyond our control, however, we would still like to offer a range of experiences for our children. To support us with getting this right, please could you complete the attached ‘Cost of Living’ survey by Friday 7th October to help us make informed decisions around our curriculum enhancements.

https://forms.gle/L8cMUDsR2HE1Lj3q6

E-Safety

In school, we have regular e-safety activities to remind children of the importance of keeping themselves safe online. Here is a video for parents from Tim Pinto, our e-safety office. We hope you find it useful.

The link is: https://vimeo.com/727291099 The password to view is ESOELLIS6722

Nut Free School

At the Ellis we have several children with a nut allergy and we have always been a nut free school. We would appreciate your help maintaining this and ask that you refrain from sending any products including nuts into school e.g. Nutella and peanut butter as well as certain chocolate bars which may contain nuts.

Please can you also remind your children they should not be sharing their lunches.

Cold Weather

As the temperatures are now falling, could you please ensure your child is appropriately dressed to keep them warm as we will be encouraging them to be outside as much as possible. Could I please remind you that branded hoodies are not to be worn in the classroom. If your child is cold in class we intend to have some spare fleeces for them to borrow to avoid the need for them to wear their outdoor coats.

Parking

Several parents are having trouble getting pushchairs past parked cars due to inconsiderate parking. If you drive to school, please do not park on the pavements or the zigzags and be considerate to other road users and our neighbours.

Thank you as always for your support, if you have any queries regarding anything on this newsletters, or any other matter, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Kindest regards

Mrs Edwards

Acting Headteacher

29th September 2022

Y3-Y6 French Food Tasting

French Food Tasting

Mr Hamilton would like to give the children the chance to taste some French food next week.

Please reply to this email if you do not wish your child to taste the food or if you need to let us know about any food allergies.

Many thanks

29th September 2022

Young Voices

Dear Parents, YV T shirts YV ticket form

Thank you for giving permission for your child to take part in Young Voices 2023. I can confirm they have a place. The event will take place on Friday 3rd February 2023. Please find attached order forms for tickets and t-shirt which are there for you to read the information and see the sizes. Please do not try to fill them in online, we simply need parents to respond to Mrs Fiddes (h.fiddes@theellis.org) stating the number of tickets required and t-shirt size (As previously mentioned, it is not compulsory for your child to have a ‘Young Voices’ t-shirt, they can wear a plain white t-shirt instead). The tickets are priced at £23 this year ad this is the price set by Young Voices, not school.

Please send cash into school in an envelope clearly stating your child’s name when you send your order via email. We must inform you that we are unable to send off any orders unless we have received the money beforehand, this is because when we place the order school have to pay the full amount.

Tickets are allocated on a first come first served basis and concerts do sell out. Therefore, we are asking for orders to be in as soon as possible and no later than Wednesday 13th October. Tickets can be ordered after this date from Sheffield Arena, but we cannot guarantee that these seats will be in the same block as the other parents’ seats and they are more expensive if ordered from the arena. Last year we did not receive the tickets and t-shirts until a couple of weeks before the performance, so please don’t panic if they are not with you before Christmas. We will ensure that as soon as we have them, we send them home to you.

I will send out a letter nearer the time with final arrangements for the Young Voices concert itself. I will be asking the children to come to a practice each Tuesday lunchtime from next week until the concert as we have lots of words and actions to learn!

The exciting new is that Young Voice have not only re branded themselves, but have also got a much better way of sharing the lyrics, dance moves and backing tracks with both school and home. If you click on the link below it will then take you to a page where you can set up an account for your child. You do then have to copy the unique code it gives you and sign in (ensuring you click on the ‘student’ tab) which will complete the registration process. Young Voices are trying to work on this to speed it up, but I tried it yesterday and managed to complete it within a few minutes. Once your are into the account, your child can watch the lyric videos, the dance videos as well as sign along to the music tracks. It really is an invaluable resource and although nobody expects any child to know all the words, it is a much more enjoyable experience if they know as many as they can. Here is the link you need for YV classmate:

https://myclassmate.ai/parentRegisterReferral?code=Ltr1ejUpK5GOdxFE

Finally, as it states at the bottom of the Young Voices Ticket order, I must make parents aware that Young Voices do photograph and record the performance. (DVDs can be bought from their website after the performance) and by agreeing to your child taking part in the concert, you are agreeing to them possibly being photographed and/or videoed. We have never yet appeared closely on the published materials – but you never know!

Thank you for your ongoing support. I am sure it will provide to be an amazing experience for all involved.

Kind regards

Mrs C Trotter

22nd September 2022

Football Tournament Friday 23rd September

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Football Tournament at Hoyland Common Primary School on Friday 23rd September. The event will start at 1pm and should finish before 3pm depending on how well the school perform!

Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by minibus, at 12.40pm.

Children will need to bring shorts/tracksuit bottoms, black socks, trainers and their water bottle. They will be given a school shirt to wear. As the event will be held outdoors, on grass, it would be useful to bring warm clothes for when they are spectating and they can choose to wear trainers or football boots. You child WILL need a pair of shin pads so please make school aware before Friday if you need some.

Parents are able to spectate on this occasion, however, decisions made by the referee must be respected.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/Y3 Teacher

22nd September 2022

Autumn Foliage for F2

Dear Parents and Carers,

We will be setting up an Autumn Nature Table next week as part of our provision in F2. If you are out and about on an Autumn walk could you please collect some things such as leaves, acorns, pine cones, conkers etc. to bring in to school for the children to explore and talk about.

Many thanks for your continued support.

Kind regards

Mr Grayhurst and Mrs Beevers

16th September 2022

F2 Library Books

Dear Parents,

Your child will bring Library Book home from school every Friday. Please read this book together with your child and return on the following Thursday. This will be a weekly routine from now on.

Picture books are a very important part of young children’s early language and reading development. Please refer to ‘Top ten tips for reading stories with your child’ information sheet.

If you have any queries or need any advice then please see a member of our EYFS Team.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Mr Grayhurst and Mrs Beevers

16th September 2022

Y4 Information

Dear Y4 Parents,

Spellings

Your child will come home each Monday with a new list of spelling in their green spelling diary. Please encourage them to learn these spellings by using the ‘look, cover, check’, writing them in a sentence or by you testing them. They should also play on Spelling Shed at least three times a week. We will send home their username and passwords. They will then be tested on these spellings the following Monday and a new list will be given.

Times Tables Rockstars (TTRS)

Your child has received their username and password and this should now be stuck in the front of their Reading Diaries. They should play on TTRS at least three times a week.

Reading

Your child will already have brought home a reading book to share with you at home. Please record in their reading diary when they read to an adult or maybe to an older sibling. We ask that reading diaries are in your child’s book bag every day so that we can fill them in when they have taken part in reading in school. Children should aim to read at home three times a week. Y4 staff will check reading diaries every Friday and raffle tickets will be awarded for reading.

If you have any questions please come and ask.

Thank you for your continued support.

Best wishes

Y4 Team

15th September 2022

Y3 Spellings

Dear Y3 Parents,

Your child will come home each Thursday with a new list of spellings in their green spelling diary. Please encourage them to learn these spelling by using ‘look, cover, check’, writing them in a sentence or by you testing them. They should also play on Spelling Shed at least three times a week. We will send home their username and passwords. They will then be tested on these spellings the following Thursday and a new list will be given.

If you have any questions please come and ask.

Thank you for your continued support.

Best wishes

Y3 Team

15th September 2022

Seesaw Messenger Incident

Dear Parents,

We have been made aware of an incident with the Seesaw messenger facility and Seesaw have responded swiftly to rectify this.

As we don’t use the messenger facility please be assured that this shouldn’t affect our school accounts. We will keep you updated and re-issue QR codes if necessary.

Thank you

Mrs Wise

15th September 2022

Nasal Flu Vaccines – Thursday 24th November

Dear F2-Y6 Parents,

Please see the email below that has been sent to us by Barnsley Immunisation Service in preparation for the nasal flu vaccines. The nasal sprays will be carried out in school on 24th November, please use the link and school access code that has been issued in the email to log on and complete the fly consent form for your child.

Thank you

Its that time again!

Many thanks for your continued support with the childhood Nasal Flu Vaccination Programme. As uptake has been lower over the past couple of years, we dedicated to achieving the highest possible uptake this year. More information about the national flu programme can be found here: National flu immunisation programme 2022 to 2023 letter – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

As you will be aware, the school age immunisation service (SAIS) has already booked a session in your school. Unfortunately, due to the Flu Programme having to be extended to senior school we have had to revise our timetable. Your new date for flu will be Thursday 24th November (PM session). During these sessions we will be offering the nasal flu vaccine to all eligible children. If the nasal flu vaccine is contraindicated for a child, they will be contacted directly by a member of our team to offer an alternative.

Vaccines will not be given without the consent of parent or legal guardian. We are really pleased to let you know we are now using a bespoke consent programme used by school immunisation services nationwide, which also allows school staff to access the list of all children to be vaccinated. Details about how to register and access this programme will be sent to you soon.

We would be grateful if you could use the usual school messaging service to send the following link and school access code to parents/legal guardians of children in Reception to Year 6 for them to complete a flu consent form as soon as possible www.barnsleysais.co.uk and school code BN106638.

Parents/Carers will be unable to proceeds without the school code.

More information about the vaccines offered and the team’s contact details can be found in the contacts section of the website.

Please let us know if any parents/carers have difficulties accessing or completing electronic forms and we will provide an alternative method of consent.

A member of the team will be in touch to confirm details of our visit nearer the time.

Please do not hesitate to contact the team with any queries at Barnsleysais@swyt.nhs.uk

With kind regards

Gemma Ives

Admin Assistant

Barnsley School Age Immunisation Service

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

15th September 2022

Y3 Forest School session tomorrow

Dear Y3 Parents,

Please make sure your child has wellies and spare clothes in school for our Forest School session tomorrow (Friday).

Thank you

Miss Beresford

15th September 2022

Poetry Competition Winning Entries

Dear Y6 Parents,

As you know, your child’s ‘Animal Encounters’ poem has been selected to be published. You are invited to attend a short event taking place in Barnsley on Friday 23rd September at 7pm with your child to celebrate their success (further details are below).

If you will be attending this event, could you please let me know so that I can let my colleague Sara know how many people to expect.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Maggi Brinkley

HLTA/ Art Lead

Hello Maggi

I hope you had a great Summer!

Once again, I’d like to send hearty congratulations to all children who entered the Eldon St Simon Armitage Poetry Competition as well as those children whose work was selected! The children’s work is being published in a pamphlet that will be available very soon (please note their first names are only being used). Once we have these we will send copies to the children and one for school. Also, some of the works (including those that weren’t selected) will be displayed at various locations in the town centre. I will send details of these as they evolve!

I’ve been awaiting confirmation of plans but I can now extend an invitation to you and all pupils whose winning entries were selected (and their families) to attend a special pre-event taking place at Mandela Gardens on Friday 23rd September between 7 and 7.30pm prior to the Simon Armitage performance at the Parkway Cinema which follows it.

Attendance at the Mandela Gardens pre-event is free and suitable for families – there will be performers reading some of the winning entries and engaging with the audience to bring the history of Eldon St to life. Please note the Parkway Cinema performance has not been designed for family audiences but it may be suitable for older children at secondary school.

Many thanks, Sara

Sara Mair

Fusion Co-ordinator

15th September 2022

Important Attendance and Punctuality Information

Dear Parents and Carers,

Over the last 2 years, the pandemic has resulted in lower attendance figures nationally. Now that things are returning to some sort of normality, the Government’s focus is on improving attendance. Please take the time to read the attached letter containing important information regarding school times, absence and holidays. Attendance and Punctuality

Mrs Gay

PSA/Attendance Officer

15th September 2022

Match Attax Trading Cards

Dear Parents,

We recognise that the match attax cards were given out in school, however, these cards, or any other trading cards such as Pokemon, are not allowed to be traded in school.

The cards were sent to use free of charge and we thought it would be nice for the children to receive them, but unfortunately they are causing issues in school.

Thank you for your understanding.

15th September 2022

Important Y1/2 Home Time Information

Dear Y1/2 Parents and Carers,

It has been lovely to start getting to know our Y1 and Y2 children and families this week and we are so proud of the way they have come back to school after the holidays ready to learn. KS1 staff have been reviewing our end of the day collection routines and as we are now inviting parents into the playground for morning drop off, we would like to change how we do home time collection.

From today (Thursday 15th September), please could we ask parents and other adults collecting children to wait outside the cloakroom door and instead of bringing the children to you at the FS2 gate as we have been doing, we will release them from the cloakroom door. In order to ensure this runs smoothly and safely, please can we ask you not to congregate straight outside the door under the canopy (even though we appreciate this is tempting when it is raining!) as it really slows things down for the staff when we are trying to organise 60 children. Therefore, please could Y2 parents line up alongside the Y2 classroom window and could the Y1 parents please line up alongside the wooden fence (with the coloured balls on it) which leads down the Rainbow Garden gate. This means that the path outside the Y1 classroom window will be clear and therefore the parents and children can leave safely.

Please can we ask that younger siblings do not play with any of the equipment in the KS1 outdoor areas. As we are sure you can imagine, learning lots of new faces does take a little while and so we ask f or your patience when we are sending the children out (we are steadily getting a little quicker). Safety is paramount and by making two orderly lines, it will help us greatly and we are confident it will also speed things up whilst also helping the busy foot traffic on School Street.

Staff will be outside for the new few days to help you with our new routines and as always, if we need to tweak it, we will. We thank you for your understanding, patience and help in this matter.

Could we also remind parents that anyone collecting the children must be over 14 years and if they are not on the ‘pick up list’ or are going home with somebody new, then please let a member of staff know in the morning or contact the office as this helps us at the end of the day.

We look forward to teaching your children this year and getting to know you over the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued support.

KS1 Team

13th September 2022

Barnsley School’s Catering Update

Dear Parents,

Barnsley School’s Catering Team are keen to keep parents updated with their services.

Please see their attached newsletter ‘Welcome Back Autumn 2022 Parent Update’. Welcome Back – Autumn 2022 Parent Update

Thank you

13th September 2022

Football Tournament – Friday 16th September

Dear Y6 Parent,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Football Tournament at Hoyland Common Primary School on Friday 16th September. The event will start at 1pm and should finish before 3pm depending on how well the school perform!

Your child will have their lunch before travelling to the venue, which will be by minibus, at 12.40pm.

Children will need to bring shorts/tracksuit bottoms, black socks, trainers and their water bottle. They will be given a school shirt to wear. As the event will be held outdoors, on grass, it would be useful to bring warm clothes for when they are spectating and they can choose to wear trainers or football boots. You child WILL need a pair of shin pads so please make school aware before Friday if you need some.

Parents are able to spectate on this occasion, however, decisions made by the referee must be respected.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me at school.

Yours faithfully

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead/Y3 Teacher

12th September 2022

Y5 Spellings

Dear Y5 Parents,

Your child will come home each Monday with a new list of spellings in their green spelling diary. Please encourage them to learn these spellings by using ‘look, cover, check’, writing them in a sentence or by you testing them. They should also play Spelling Shed at least three times a week. They will then be tested on these spellings the following Monday and a new list will be given.

If you have any questions please come and ask.

Thank you for your continued support.

Best wishes

Mrs Wise

9th September 2022

The Ellis Church

Dear All,

Everyone is welcome to our Ellis Church on Thursday 15th September, held in the school hall straight after school.

Thank you

9th September 2022

A Donation Request

Dear All Parents,

If anyone has any space themed items that they no longer need that could be used to decorate our library in line with our school theme this year, we would be grateful to receive them. For example, rockets, stars, aliens and/or planets.

Many thanks

Mrs Edwards

9th September 2022

IMPORTANT – School Application

Dear Parents

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ

You will have received an envelope today containing information about how to apply for a full time school place for your child in September 2023.

If you don’t live within Barnsley you should apply to the authority where you pay your council tax to.

In addition to the above, if you or your child attend a Church and you are applying for a Voluntary Aided School including The Ellis, then you should support your application by completing a Supplementary Information Form. These are available within the online admissions system or from the admissions team. Please note, this is NOT the formal application form.

The closing date for applications is 15 January 2023.

Please be aware that the school does not have access to check who has applied for our school until after the closing date so we would appreciate it if you can inform us that you have applied online and have received an email confirmation.

Should you have any queries, or require any support completing your application, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

Yours sincerely

Emily Edwards

9th September 2022

IMPORTANT – Secondary School Information

Dear Y6 Parents

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ

You will have received an envelope today containing information about how to apply for a Secondary school place for your child in September 2023.

If you don’t live within Barnsley you should apply to the authority where you pay your council tax to.

In addition to the above, if you or your child attend a Church and you are applying for a Voluntary Aided School, then you should support your application by completing a Supplementary Information Form. These are available within the online admissions system or from the admissions team. Please note, this is NOT the formal application form.

The closing date for applications is 31 October 2022.

Please be aware that the school does not have access to check who has applied for Secondary school until after the closing date so we would appreciate it if you can inform us that you have applied online and have received an email confirmation.

Should you have any queries, or require any support completing your application, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

Yours sincerely

Emily Edwards

9th September 2022

Ellis Information

Dear Parents,

We’ve had a fabulous first week back and I would like to thank you for your kind words and well wishes.

We have a busy half term planned and there are lots of things to look forward to. I will shortly be sending a list of key dates for your diary, we are currently awaiting confirmation of a few events, however it is worth remembering that occasionally, for reasons out of our control, these have to change. We will give you as much notice as possible if this is the case and I thank you in advance for your understanding around this matter.

A few reminders:

Class Names

This year all our class names have a space theme:

FS2 – Super Stars

Year 1 – Clever Comets

Year 2 – Amazing Astronauts

Year 3 – Ready Rockets

Year 4 – Positive Planets

Year 5 – Marvellous Martians

Year 6 – Magnificent Meteors

Drop off and Pick up

Our new system seems to be working well now we’re all getting used to the new routines. Thank you again for your patience whilst we sorted out the teething problems.

At home time if we could ask KS1 parents to wait by the blue fence (to the left of the path as you come up from School Street) and FS parents to wait to the right. This will help speed things up as staff will be able to see who is ready to collect their children.

Thank you.

Class Newsletters

Teachers will continue to send half termly newsletters to keep you informed about the learning they have planned for your child. These will be sent on the first Friday of each half term. They will also have some suggestions of home learning on them for you to complete with your child but please feel free to think of some alternative or additional activities to do.

Social Media

We will be continuing to use Facebook and Twitter to share information with you. Facebook will be mainly used for notices and Twitter will focus on sharing learning. Individual classes will post key reminders on their own twitter pages.

Our Twitter handles are as follows:

@theellisprimary

@TheEllisF1

@theellisF2

@TheEllisY1

@TheEllisY2

@TheEllisY3

@TheEllis_Y4

@TheEllisY5

@TheEllis_Y6

@RainbowGarden_

Rainbow Garden

Our Rainbow Garden is now well established so if anyone would like to volunteer to come in and help maintain it we would be most grateful. Please contact Mrs Fiddes for more details.

Thank you to Mr Fisher, Miss Batley and Mrs Willis for looking after it over the Summer.

Uniform and Indoor Shoes

Please see the attached link for information about our school uniform requirements:

https://theellisschool.org.uk/virtual-office/school-uniform/

I know there have been a few enquiries with regards to school hoodies so I would like to take this opportunity to clarify things. Hoodies are not part of our school uniform-with the exception of the leavers’ hoodies. I am aware of the reasons behind wearing hoodies and they are allowed as outerwear but must be removed in class.

As we get towards winter, and the temperature inevitably drops, I understand that children may feel colder in class, as we will still need to ventilate the building. In this instance I would suggest- if possible- a school fleece or an unbranded red fleece as an additional layer, which can be worn in the classroom. I am acutely aware of the current cost of living crisis and appreciate that this may not be an option for everyone so, as a school, we will be purchasing some spare fleeces which will be kept in classes for children to use rather than needing to put their coats on. These will be washed regularly.

Attendance and Punctuality

The attendance and punctuality letter will be sent out shortly. I have made a slight change to our attendance incentive and rather than receive a 100% attendance certificate, we will be having an attendance raffle every term giving the children a chance to win a £15 Smyths voucher. More details about this will follow.

Her Majesty The Queen

I am so extremely proud of how the children responded in this morning’s assembly. We will update you with news of any further events that may happen as soon as we have any details on this.

Our Amazing Writers

During the summer we found out that some of our children who took part in the Eldon Street poetry competition were chosen to have their work published in a book. A huge well done to Isla, Niamh, Joe, Isaac and Jake in Y6.

Thank you for your support. Please get in touch if you have any queries.

Mrs Edwards

8th September 2022

Y4 Home Activity

Dear Parents/Carers,

Science Electric Circuit Game via Topmarks

https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/circuit-construction-kit-dc/latest/circuit-construction-kit-dc_en.html

In our science lessons we have started looking at Electricity. We have started constructing simple electrical circuits, identifying and naming basic parts, including cells, wires, bulbs, switches and buzzers.

About the link:

The link above is to an interactive educational game where the children can construct an electrical circuit. We had an opportunity during our first lesson to explore this game and use it to become familiar with the terminology and the process of building a circuit.

The aim of the game is to activate the light bulb. You can create simple and complex circuits using all the basic parts. The children are fairly familiar with the layout of the game and it provides the opportunities to import different parts into the circuit and safely look at the impact on the circuit.

Curriculum Links:

Construct a simple series electrical circuit, identifying and naming its basic parts, including cells, wires, bulbs, switches and buzzers.
Identify whether or not a lamp will light in a simple series circuit, based on whether or not the lamp is part of a complete loop with a battery.
Recognise that a switch opens and closes a circuit and associate this with whether or not a lamp lights in a simple series circuit.

If you would like to share your work, please email a picture to H.Fiddes@theellis.org .

This is not homework, some of the children asked if they could continue their investigations at home.

Kind Regards,

Miss Bradbury

7th September 2022

Y4 and Y5 Swimming

Dear Y4 and Y5 Parents,

Here is a reminder of the letter that was sent before the holidays regarding your child’s swimming lessons. They will be going by bus to Wath Leisure Centre and returning in time for lunch.

Children will get changed at the leisure centre and should arrive at school wearing their uniform and will change back into their uniform after swimming.

Thanks

Hayley

Curriculum Swimming Programme

Your child’s module of Curriculum swimming lessons is due to begin next term.

Swimming sessions begin on Friday 9th September 2022 for 7 weeks until Friday 21^st October. We will then break up for October half term and the swimming lessons will recommence on Friday 4^th November for a further 5 weeks until Friday 2nd December 2022.

Your child will need to bring a swimming bag containing:

Swimming costume or trunks

Girls should have a one piece bathing suit, no Bikinis or Tankinis.

Boys should wear swimming shorts, but these should be tight fitting and should not be longer than the middle of the thigh.

Bath towel
Swimming Cap (for all children)
Goggles (optional, however, not advised unless for medical reasons, e.g. Prescription goggles).
Jewellery No jewellery can be worn. This includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces etc.
Ear Piercing. Any children who have their ears pierced in the 12 week programme will not be allowed to attend lessons unless they take the earrings out.

If your child does not have a swimming cap, please send £2 in a labelled envelope on the day to purchase one at the centre. All monies should be handed to reception before registration.

Any medication your child may require, such as asthma medication, will be taken to the pool. Please ensure that, if your child has asthma, a spare reliever inhaler is available for them to use during the school day, by leaving one with our office staff.

Parents unfortunately are not allowed to come along to spectate during the swimming lessons.

6th September 2022

After School Clubs

Dear Parents,

Here is the list of our clubs that will be running from next week.

All clubs run straight after school until 4:20pm, apart from Lego club, which will end at 4pm.

If your child will not be attending the club one week, please inform us to avoid any confusion and also so we can make sure they do not get changed at the end of the school day. Thank you.

Monday

(12^th September – 17^th October)

Y5/6 Football Free of charge with a coach from Complete Coaching Solutions

Please email Mrs Fiddes if your child would like a place at this club.

Tuesday

(13^th September – 18^th October)

Y3/4 Football Free of charge with a coach from Complete Coaching Solutions

Please email Mrs Fiddes if your child would like a place at this club.

Wednesday

(14^th September – 19^th October)

F2/Y1 Footie Stars in the school hall, £2.50 paid to Adrian Barnard, a qualified football coach. Parents must remain with their child at this club. There are a maximum of 12 places.

Please email Mrs Fiddes if your child would like a place at this club.

Wednesday

(14^th September – 19^th October)

Y1/2 Lego Club Free of charge with Mrs Willis

Lego club is a great way to showcase your imaginative and creative side whilst also developing your social skills. There are a maximum of 15 places available.

Please email Mrs Fiddes if your child would like a place at this club.

Thursday

(15^th September – 20^th October)

KS2 Scotty’s Heroes

Places were booked direct before the holidays.

Friday

(16^th September – 21^st October)

KS2 Scotty’s Heroes

Places were booked direct before the holidays.

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Y3 Teacher & Wider Curriculum Lead

5th September 2022

Welcome Back and Thank You

Good Evening Everybody,

Welcome Back!

I would just like to email to thank you for your patience at the start and end of today. The safety of your children is our priority and this sometimes takes a little longer for the first few days whilst we are establishing new routines. In order to rectify some of the teething issues, could I ask that Year 1 and Year 2 families wait for the start of the day on the playground please (near the trim trail, just past the tyres) as we noticed today that there were too many grown-ups for the space outside the classroom doors and it caused a lot of congestion. Mrs Trotter and Mrs Broadbent will come out to you and greet the children when it’s time to enter the classroom. Key Stage 2 children are welcome to enter the school via the gates on Garden Grove.

For now, the pick-up arrangements will stay as they have been as it helps us ensure that children leave safely. We will be sending a letter tomorrow for you to confirm if you are happy for your child to walk home by themselves (Y4/5/6), if you could complete this promptly that would help us at the end of the day.

Thank you again for your patience, please get in touch if you have any further queries.

Mrs Edwards

2nd September 2022

New Term Updates

Dear Parents/Carers,

We are excited to welcome your amazing children back to school next week and thought it would be helpful to have a few reminders and notices before Monday. Another email will be sent next week with more information and key dates for the half term so please look out for it.

Daily Routines Update

We are pleased to announce that from Monday, we are reintroducing our pre-Covid morning routine for KS1 and KS2. We would like to welcome children back onto the school grounds to wait for the start of the school day, instead of at the gate. In order to manage this safely, and, as teachers will be setting up for the day, we kindly request that parents wait with their children (if possible) in their designated area. Please note, children are not allowed on the bankings and playground equipment during this time.

KS2 children will need to hand in mobile phones to a member of staff before going to their area. Children should arrive no earlier than 8:35am as there will be no adult supervision before this time.

Over the last few years, the children have developed excellent independence skills; we would like this to continue so we kindly ask that children enter the building by themselves and parents and carers leave when the teacher comes out to take the children into class. A member of staff from each class will be available to support children in to school if necessary so parents won’t need to enter the cloakrooms. Even our younger children have coped remarkably well with this over the last couple of years and we have found it works very well.

The designated areas are as follows:

KS1- wait in KS1 area and lower half of the playground near the trim trail.

Y3 & Y4- wait on the main playground.

Y5 & Y6- wait in the Upper KS2 outdoor area (outside Y5/6).

If you have children of multiple ages please wait with the youngest sibling.

Nursery and F2 drop off will remain the same. Children will be greeted by Mr Grayhurst and Mrs Pollard on Monday morning.

This new system will provide opportunities to see your child’s class teacher, however, we ask you to be mindful that they will need to be in class promptly to start the day so, if your conversation is more than passing on key information quickly please arrange an alternative time to meet.

As Monday will be the first time trialling this, we ask you to bear with us as we are aware there may be some teething problems that we will need to resolve as the week goes on. We will keep you fully informed of any changes.

Please note the home time routine will remain the same.

School Uniform

Please see the attached link for information about our school uniform requirements:

https://theellisschool.org.uk/virtual-office/school-uniform/

Please note branded hoodies are not part of our uniform and children will be asked to remove them whilst in school.

Breakfast Club

We will continue to run breakfast club in the hall from 8am.

Mrs Hodgson and Mrs Willis run breakfast club, the cost is £2.65 per day and is paid via ParentPay.

Please contact Mrs Fiddes regarding payments if you are unsure.

Thank you for your continued support.

See you all on Monday.

Kind Regards,

Mrs Edwards

2nd September 2022

A message from our Acting Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers,

We are so excited to welcome your amazing children back to school next week and thought it would be helpful to have a few reminders and notices before Monday. Another email will be sent next week with more information and key dates for the half term so please look out for it.

Daily Routines Update

We are pleased to announce that from Monday, we are reintroducing our pre-Covid morning routine and would like to welcome children back onto the school grounds to wait for the start of the school day. In order to manage this safely, and, as teachers will be setting up for the day we kindly request that parents wait with children (if possible) in their designated area and that they are kept off the bankings and playground equipment. KS2 children will need to hand in mobile phones before going to their area. Children should arrive no earlier than 8:35am as there will be no adult supervision before this time.

Over the last few years, the children have developed excellent independence skills and we don’t want this to be lost so we kindly ask that children enter the building independently and parents and carers leave when the teacher comes out to take the children into class. A member of staff will be available to support children into school so parents won’t need to enter the building- our younger children have coped remarkably well with this over the last couple of years and it works well.

The designated areas are as follows:

KS1- wait in KS1 area and lower half of the playground near the trim trail.

Y3 & Y4- wait on the main playground.

Y5 & Y6- wait in the UKS2 outdoor area.

If you have children of multiple ages please wait with the youngest sibling.

Nursery and F2 drop off will remain the same.

Whilst this will provide an opportunity to see your child’s class teacher, we ask you to be mindful that they will need to be in class promptly to start the day so, if your conversation is more than passing on key information quickly please arrange an alternative time to meet.

As Monday will be the first time trialling this, we ask you to bear with us as we are aware they may be some teething problems that we will need to resolve as the week goes on. We will keep you fully informed of the changes.

Please note the home time routine will remain the same.

School Uniform

Please see the attached link for information about our school uniform requirements:

https://theellisschool.org.uk/virtual-office/school-uniform/

Please note branded hoodies are not part of our uniform and children will be asked to remove them whilst in school.

Breakfast club

We will continue to run breakfast club in the hall.

Mrs Hodgson and Mrs Willis run breakfast club, the cost is £2.50 per day and is paid via ParentPay.

Please contact Mrs Fiddes regarding payments if you are unsure.

CLASS NAMES

This year our classes all have a space theme:

FS2 – Super Stars

Year 1 – Clever Comets

Year 2 – Amazing Astronauts

Year 3 – Ready Rockets

Year 4 – Positive Planets

Year 5 – Marvellous Martians

Year 6 – Magnificent Meteors

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind Regards,

Mrs Edwards

Acting Headteacher

The EllisChurch Of England Primary School

Communication