Communication

21.05.20

Dear Parents,

I hope this email finds you well we are missing you all, but it is lovely to see your faces on your class tweet photos.

I just wanted to update you on a few things which we have begun or are planning and wanting to do over the coming weeks. As you know, the Rainbow Garden is looking amazing and is a beautiful place to spend time in. One of the things which I have wanted to do for some time now is to add a wild pond to our grounds as this opens up so many science opportunities. The plan is that the patch of grass (which is currently fenced in) on the right as you enter the path up to school from School Street will have a pond in. We are going to get a gate which can be locked to ensure the safety of our children (thus ensuring the area is fully fenced in) and obviously when it is in place and children are using it, they will be fully supervised and staff will follow the safe practise of working with children near water. I am currently getting quotes for pond lining and oxygenating plants and Mrs Laws husband is kindly donating logs which we can use around the edge and as seating. I know it will be an amazing addition to our school grounds. Once we are through the situation we are currently in, my hope is that I can rally enough parent / grandparents helpers to come one weekend or school holiday to help me dig out the pond as it might take rather a long time by myself! I will send out more information once we are able to work out the logistics of having volunteers on site.

Secondly, another exciting addition will be a fence around the grassed area outside the Year 1 classroom. The path will still be clear for parents to collect their children from but it will mean we can utilise the outdoor area for the KS1 children so much more. With this in mind, we are going to be working in school on making things for the area and this leads me to my plea of donations! If anyone has any of the following things which they would be happy to donate to school, then the Key Stage 1 team and children would be very grateful. We have lots of ideas and are busy sourcing things to really make it an exciting place for children to learn outside the classroom.

Tins (full or partly used) of coloured outdoor paint
Metal pans (for mud kitchen)
Metal utensils (such as ladles, sieves, spoons etc for mud kitchen)
Metal cups, plates, bowls (for mud kitchen)
Pieces of guttering (for our water investigation area)
Old plastic jugs, watering cans, buckets (for the water area)
Left over boards of wood (maybe from DIY projects) suitable for outdoor use, which we can blackboard paint.

Any donations can either be passed over the fence into Rainbow Garden (please just email the office or myself to let me know they are there and we can collect) or left outside the office door or handed to a member of staff if they are in the office area. We really appreciate donations and we are also amazed at the generosity and support we receive from our parents.

One further piece of information is that we have just ordered a DT woodwork bench and tools to have in the KS1 classrooms (a large investment which we have wanted for several years) and lots of other resources for the outdoor area using the money we raised at the last nativity. So thank you to everyone who bought a ticket or raffle ticket, you have enabled us to provide our children with some lovely new resources. (Dont worry Y2, I will make sure you come down and use the outdoor area and borrow the DT bench when you are in Y3!)

Thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to showing off our new area when it has been done!

Kind Regards

Mrs C Trotter

(KS1 lead and Y2 teacher)

20.05.20

Testing now available to anyone with symptoms of coronavirus

The government has announced that anyone with symptoms of coronavirus is now eligible to book a test, ahead of the rollout of the test and trace service. Anyone experiencing a new, continuous cough; high temperature; or a loss of, or change, in their normal sense of smell or taste (anosmia) can book a test.

A coronavirus test can be booked here:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Essential workers in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland, can apply for priority testing through GOV.UK. A coronavirus test can be booked here:

https://www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test-essential-workers

19.05.20

Contact Details

Please can I remind you all to keep us up to date with your contact details, this includes mobile telephone numbers.

Mrs Gay has tried to make several phone calls today and been unable to reach people as the numbers we have on record are incorrect.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

19.05.20

Dear Parents,

As we reach the end of another half term, Id like to take this opportunity once again to thank you for your ongoing support.

It is clear to see, from your interaction via email and social media, that the children have all worked tremendously hard for the last half term and so we have made the decision that we will not be sending any home learning packs for the break. The resources we have been directing you to- White Rose Maths and BBC Bitesize, are also taking a well-earned break. We hope that this gives you and your children time for a well-deserved rest and crucially, it will allow our teachers to recharge as well. This time will also allow us to fully prepare to welcome more children back into school safely.

After the holiday, the format for home learning will remain unchanged. We will still be sending a work pack weekly, which will also be what the children in school access, and we hope you will continue to share your childs learning with us. As Im sure you understand, having more children in school requires more staff, therefore if you require any support with home learning when we return, please direct Y1, Y2 and Y3 queries to Mrs Wise (b.wise@theellis.org) and Y4, Y5 and Y6 queries to Mrs Edwards (e.edwards@theellis.org). Early years queries can still be sent to Mrs Pollard or Mr Grayhurst. This will enable us to respond more promptly and provide the support you need.

We will still use Twitter to promote additional resources and activities however these will mainly come from our main school account @theellisprimary so please make sure you are following us. Teachers will still be tweeting from their class accounts, so please continue to send pictures of learning as it is wonderful to see the children looking so proud of their achievements. The weekly celebration video will also continue.

On behalf of all of the staff at The Ellis, we hope you have a relaxing break.

Take care,

Mrs Edwards and Mrs Hurding

15.05.20

WE CAME SECOND BUT STILL RECEIVED A FANTASTIC PRIZE!

Thank you to everyone who voted for us, you made this possible.

Dear Mrs Hurding,

I hope youre well.

Thank you so much for taking part in our playground competition. Unfortunately your school came in second place in the public vote.

We have been so impressed however with the publicity you have generated and the entry you submitted. In particular we have been really impressed with Jude and his passion!

In Judes video he discusses how he would like a slide, we would like to offer you, free of charge, one of our activity centres The Windermere. Whilst not quite as large as the play tower for first prize, it has much of the same play features and we think would be a great addition to your school. We will deliver and install this without charge, we just ask to hold a marketing event (photos etc) once it is installed. This product is worth over 5,000 installed. The product is designed specifically to promote physical and social play in schools. (Please see the attachment to view this).

I hope that that would be acceptable to you, let me know if there are any problems. We will be in touch shortly to arrange installation, please bear with us as we will need to manufacture and arrange installation.

Well done in conducting such a great publicity campaign and raising the profile of outdoor play within schools.

Kind regards

David

David Esser

Director

14.05.20

Dear Parents and Carers,

As you are aware the Government made its announcement on Sunday evening to the nation, including their plan for a phased school return. These are extraordinary times and it is vital that we have a clear procedural approach to maintain the health and wellbeing of both children and staff. At the present time, school returning on the 1^st of June 2020 is not yet definitive and as advised by the Prime Minister, is dependent on scientific evidence.

My responsibility is to the children, as well as staff and parents; my goal is to secure an arrangement that makes all parties feel as safe and as happy as practicable. This does pose challenges for us all, and in order to facilitate this I will be implementing measures which require a different daily approach to school life.

Staff are looking forward to seeing our children return to school. However, they are understandably concerned for their own health and need to be assured that the return to school will be done in a safe and sensible manner. As in any service at the present time, we will have some reduced staffing capacity due to shielding guidelines and for personal health reasons.

Therefore, with this is mind, the proposed reopening for the 1^st June 2020 will be for Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children, alongside continuing support for the children of key workers. In order to achieve this, the following measures will be implemented:

The school will be adhering to the social distancing guidelines of 2 metres with adults and children (as much as possible)*
Each year group will be split across two classrooms.
Each year group will have an allocated zone within school.
Teaching staff will be allocated to a zone, meaning that children may not be with their current class teacher.
Some children may not be returning to their current classrooms.
Children will not be able to mix with children allocated to other zones.
The children will be divided into groups meaning that they may not be with all of their friends.
Breaks and lunches will be staggered and will take place at different times, in different outdoor locations around the school.
Each zone will have an allocated outdoor space which will be used regularly – outdoor learning will increase
Start and finish times will be staggered to reduced parental contact and mixing -parents will need to socially distance
If the numbers of children exceeds our daily limit, a rota system may have to be implemented.
Some staff will be wearing PPE including aprons, gloves when needed – which is when children display symptoms
Children will be sent home if they have any CV-19 symptoms
Handwash stations and hand sanitizer will be made available at key points.

Further details regarding allocated zones, drop off and pick up points will be shared in due course.

In preparation for the return to school, we would be very grateful if you can discuss with your child about social distancing, what this means and how to do it. I know that many of you will have already done this, which is greatly appreciated.

*The DFE guidance states ‘early years and primary age children cannot be expected to remain 2m apart from each other and staff. In deciding to bring more children back to early years and schools we are taking this into account’

I am aware that there are lots of questions to help you make safe decisions regarding your children’s return to school. The situation is changing daily and if your child is in Foundation, Y1 and Y6 and initially you are saying no to the return to school, you will be able to change your mind later, but we need to keep an eye on numbers as the maximum per class is 15.

We will get through this together, but I do need your understanding and support that we are doing the best we can in a stressful and challenging situation, which changes daily. Should you wish, you do have the right to keep your child at home, if you feel this is the safest thing for your family. The educational aspect delivered in school will be a mixture of light touch formal, informal and loosely based around the curriculum and topics.

I will use my best endeavours to make our return to school as safe as is practicable to do so for the children, staff and parents, whilst following Government guidelines.

I will continue to update you as I have further details.

Take care and stay safe.

Mrs Hurding

13.05.20

Dear Parents of Y1 children,

We are interested to know your thoughts on schools possibly reopening to Y1 from the 1st June.

Furthermore, how is your child feeling about the current news?

We are desperate to see you all however our priority is to keep you all safe and school is a very different place at the moment.

We are currently looking through the Government guidelines to ensure we are as safe as we can be, but there is no doubt that the increase of children and parents on site increases risk.

As you know, we have kept school open and we have run it as safely as we can, however children are not always kept two metres apart as we need to teach them and they need to play and socially interact with each other for their learning and well being.

As you know the Y1 curriculum is all about hands on learning and play both inside and outside. We want this to continue as this is what our children need. We plan to limit what is available in the classes and clean as much as we can, but we cannot guarantee we will wash everything a child touches through learning everyday while in school. We will continue to be vigilant regarding hand washing and keeping the environment clean.

One of the things we pride ourselves on the most at The Ellis is our nurturing environment, now more than ever our children need to feel safe and we will nurture and look after your children if they are in school.

Please note that feedback you give today or this week is not your final decision, we are wanting to find out parent and pupil voice to help with the decision making process.

Please can we have a definite decision by next Monday 18th May, if your child will be returning to school so we can prepare and plan for their return. We will send a reminder of this on Friday 15th May.

When we know numbers of children attending we will make a plan that works with the numbers. We are only able to have 15 children at a time to give more safe space.

I am sure you will also be aware that all our teaching unions are under-confident about the governments decisions re the safety of schools at the moment.

The school plan has not changed this week, I want parents to make their decisions around the safety of their situation.

We have just had confirmation re attendance from the DFE:

‘Parents will not be fined for non-attendance at this time, and schools and colleges will not be held to account for attendance levels’.

We will keep you posted of further developments and thank you for your support and honesty.

Our plan as always is to do everything we can to keep everyone safe

Regards,

Mrs Hurding and Mrs Broadbent

13.05.20

Dear Parents of F1 and F2 children,

We are interested to know your thoughts on schools possibly reopening to F1/F2 from the 1st June.

Furthermore, how is your child feeling about the current news?

We are desperate to see you all however our priority is to keep you all safe and school is a very different place at the moment.

We are currently looking through the Government guidelines to ensure we are as safe as we can be, but there is no doubt that the increase of children and parents on site increases risk.

As you know we have kept school open and we have run it as safely as we can but children are not always kept two metres apart as we need to teach them and they need to play and socially interact with each other for their learning and well being.

As you know the Foundation curriculum is all about hands on learning and play both inside and outside. We want this to continue as this is what our children need, we plan to limit what is available in the classes and clean as much as we can, however we cannot guarantee we will wash everything a child touches through learning everyday whilst in school. We will continue to be vigilant regarding hand washing and keeping the environment clean.

Please note that feedback you give today or this week is not your final decision, we are wanting to find out parent and pupil voice to help with the decision making process.

When we know numbers of children attending we will make a plan that works with the numbers. We are only able to have 15 children at a time to give more safe space.

I am sure you will also be aware that all our teaching unions are under-confident about the governments decisions re the safety of schools at the moment.

The school plan has not changed this week, I want parents to make their decisions around the safety of their situation.

We have just had confirmation regarding attendance from the DFE:

‘Parents will not be fined for non-attendance at this time, and schools and colleges will not be held to account for attendance levels’.:

We will keep you posted of further developments and we thank you for your support and honesty.

Our plan as always is to do everything we can to keep everyone safe

Regards,

Mrs Hurding, Mrs Pollard and Mr Grayhurst

13.05.20

Dear Parents,

We wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of school. We are amazed everyday by your wonderful children, they are a credit to you.

We know there is a lot of uncertainty about the return to school at the moment. What we do know is school will not be as we know it from the 1st June, whatever decisions are made. With this in mind it is likely that many of you will continue with home learning. Further to this, we thought it might be useful to go over our home learning expectations.

We completely understand that balancing working from home and home schooling is very challenging and is different for everyone. Because of this, we have tried to make our system flexible so our families can access a variety of resources and make appropriate selections that meet their unique needs, whilst still being in line with the provision we are providing the children of key workers who are attending school. We understand that this is a period of uncertainty and, for our children, this can have a huge impact on their mental health. Our main aim is to provide a balance between learning and time to be creative in order to minimise any trauma, both at school and at home.

In terms of our home learning provision, we chose to utilise the video learning from White Rose Maths and BBC Bitesize as these are endorsed by the Government and are being used by many schools and are safe sites. However we have sent additional, non web-based learning as we are mindful that we didnt want to add undue stress to families who dont have internet or technology access. We have asked staff to be available online each day, via twitter and email, to answer any queries and respond to work sent. Can we also remind you that if you do not have a Twitter account you can access the information on our school website. We also know it is really important that children see school, staff and their friends which is why we make the videos every week.

We absolutely love to see the learning the children are doing and although we arent formally marking it, we are providing feedback when we receive it. If your child is struggling with any of the work sent, teachers are happy to provide additional explanations and resources via a variety of means, for example via email, short tutorial clips or links to various videos online which so far, has worked well.

As we currently do not know how long this situation will continue for, we will continue to provide you with as much support as you need however we would like to reemphasise that these are unprecedented times and we are constantly adapting to the new information. We want to get it right and appreciate any feedback. We will continue to look into ways to help, improve and ‘be the best we can be’. None of this is what we really want, ideally we want all children back in school but it can only happen when it is safe to do so. We all know the best teaching relies on face to face interactions with immediate feedback as this helps to motivate and drive improvements, Im sure youll agree this is tricky to provide remotely.

Please hold onto all the fantastic learning that is taking place every day- the time as a family to play, explore, bake, garden and be outside is invaluable and supports well-being alongside learning.

Please be reassured we will support all children when we eventually return to school to ensure that they achieve their full potential. It is our role to take your children on their learning journey wherever they may be on it.

Many thanks for your support and feedback.

Stay safe,

Mrs Edwards and Mrs Hurding

11.05.20

Dear Parent/Carers,

Im sure like myself, many of you will have watched the Prime Ministers address to the nation yesterday evening.

You will have heard the Prime Minister indicating that the government believes it may be in a position to implement a phased re-opening of schools from 1st June, starting with pupils in Foundation 2, year one and year six. This is part of the governments conditional plan which it says will remain under regular review.

We are all keen for our children to return to school to continue with their learning as soon as it is safe to do so. As always, our primary concern, particularly during the current COVID-19 situation, is the health and safety of our children and staff, together with all parents and carers. With this in mind I will be keeping a very close eye on the governments plan and will be in contact with you again once further guidance has been received.

Any plan to increase the number of pupils in schools has to be practicable and manageable given the need for everybody to observe social distancing, which is even more difficult for a small school like ours and for young children.

Like you, I have only just seen the announcement and at this stage cannot answer all the questions you may have. I am waiting to receive more information from government about what this means for our school. In the short-term, nothing has changed and I will provide further information in the coming days and weeks once I am able to do so. If the national guidance (once known) cannot be safely applied to our school, I may, along with our governing body, have to make decisions regarding the safety of pupils and staff based on our own individual risk assessments. This may ultimately mean that the school is not in a position to expand pupil numbers in the way the government has indicated on the 1st June.

Kind regards

Please stay safe

Mrs Hurding

06.05.20

Dear Parents,

We hope you are all keeping well?

Thank you to those of you who have already collected the home learning pack for your children for this week.

Please can I remind you that due to the increased number we have asked you to collect from school on Tuesdays only. There are only ever two members of staff in school and this way we can ensure one remains close to the office for collections at all times.

We still have a lot of packs that have not been collected this week. If they are not collected today we will save them to be collected next Tuesday. Further packs will not be issued for your child until these are collected.

Some names have only been added to our ever increasing list this week so your collections will start from next week.

Thank you for your support in these trying times. We are doing everything we can to support children’s learning at home and also keep everyone safe.

Mrs Hurding

Dear Parents,

Hope you are all keeping well.

A link to Archbishop Justin’s Live Stream assembly is below. This is part of the launch of Oak Academy and the aim is to get as many people as possible watching the live stream.

There is still time. It will be available after streaming – but 10.00 is when they hope to set a record for the biggest school assembly ever!

It starts in one hour at 10:00am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgdhOstV6iI

Mrs Hurding

Dear Parents/Carers,

At The Ellis, we are passionate about the importance of reading and work hard to promote a love of reading. We always have a fantastic turn-out at our reading events and would love as many of you as possible to get involved with Pyjamarama this Friday (1^st May).

What is Pyjamarama?

To celebrate the bedtime story and reading together, this year’s Pyjamarama will be a day when families across the country can join in a festival of story-filled fun at home. With most children now at home, Booktrust are bringing Pyjamarama forward to Friday 1 May 2020 to help keep families entertained and keep children reading.

What do I need to do?

Promote reading at home by sharing books with your children. Children can stay in their pyjamas and enjoy sharing stories with you. The activities on the website do require use of a printer. Instead to make life easier, children could make their own bookmarks, draw their favourite characters and/or design their own front covers. Please do send your photos via email, Facebook or Twitter.

You can also share pictures or stories about your day using #Pyjamarama. Whether its the books youre enjoying together, your childrens drawings of their favourite characters (in pyjamas, of course) or the PJ-related activities youve been taking part in we want everyone in their PJs and shouting about it!

There is a full festival line-up throughout the day where authors and illustrators will be hosting live tutorials and read aloud sessions (please see the attached image).

For more information please visit: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/have-some-fun/pyjamarama/

We hope that you enjoy the event and cannot wait to see your photos!

Take care and stay safe,

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

01.05.20

Stay Safe Get Active Flyer

SENT ON BEHALF OF BARNSLEY ALLIANCE

The STARS South Yorkshire team are looking for creative kids. Got a story to tell in words or pictures?

Please find attached details of the competition. Once it is ready, please email your entry to StaySafeGetActive@pwlcprojects.com by Friday 22nd May 2020. Including your name, age and school in the email.

The best entries will be published in a book to inspire others to Stay Safe and Get Active now, and in the future. Further details can also be obtained clicking the weblink: https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/StaySafeGetActive/

Kind Regards

Anna

Anna Turner MSc Chartered MCIPD

30.04.20

Dear All Parents,

Tomorrow morning the Archbishop will be holding what may be the biggest school assembly on record.

It will be for all schools, as part of the launch of the new Oak Academy, and will be streamed through the TES website https://www.tes.com at 10:00am.

please click here for more info:

https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/archbishop-canterbury-lead-first-assembly-national-online-academy

Mrs Hurding

29.04.20

Good Morning Everyone!

I hope you’re all keeping well.

I am emailing today as I would like to set you all a challenge to help cheer us all up.

The task:

I need a variety of short video clips (no more than 15 seconds) of you dancing please however, there’s a twist! As the theme of the our current time seems to be rainbows, could I ask that everyone in the video (bonus points if you can get the whole family involved) dresses in ONE colour from the rainbow– no matter how silly you look- in fact the sillier, the better!

If you have any further questions or need ideas please ask.

Please email your videos to e.edwards@theellis.org before 13th May.

I look forward to watching your contributions.

Thanks in advance

Mrs Edwards

28.04.20

Hello everyone,

I hope everyone is well and safe and doing the best they can in the current situation.

We are doing everything we can to keep in touch with everyone and we love to hear from you and see your wonderful photos of what you are learning at home.

School is open but running for a few children whose parents are key workers and cannot get childcare at home.

I only have two staff in each day as my priority is to keep everyone safe. Teachers and office staff are working at home.

If you need to contact school a reminder that the best way to communicate is through email as we do not have the office staff in to answer the phones. You should have your child’s teacher’s email.

If you need to find out something about school or you are worried about anything please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Hurding or Mrs Gay on: r.hurding@theellis.org t.gay@theeellis.org

Our plan is to phone some families once a week and all families once a half term to check everyone is ok.

We are also communicating through our Facebook page – The Ellis CE Primary School and Twitter, it is worth following these even if it is just for this CV-19 time, while we are not in school.

We have a whole school Twitter account and each class has one and it makes our day seeing all your wonderful faces on here.

@TheEllisPrimary

@F1Ellis

@theellisF2

@TheEllisY1

@TheEllisY2

@TheElllisY3

@y4theellis

@EllisYearFive

@Y6TheEllis

You can also see the Twitter feed if you go onto our school website The Ellis C E Primary School.

Mrs H has been putting on regular VLOGS to support the children and families on Facebook and Twitter, these were daily but are now twice a week(ish).

If you are struggling with accessing the home learning please let us know.

We totally understand that you have to adapt to your own family situation and many of you are working at home.

We want to support you as much as we can so please stay in touch.

We think all the parents deserve a GOLD AWARD at the moment too.

Thank you for your continued support.

Take care and stay safe,

Mrs Hurding

28.04.20

Dear Parents,

RE LEARNING PACKS – PRINTED

We hope you are all keeping well and safe.

The need for learning packs to be printed at school has increased, with this in mind can we ask that you now collect the learning packs on Tuesday from school.

If you are in the car you can drive into the school ground, at the moment as we are quiet. There are only two staff in school but we do try to have one of us in Mrs Hurding’s office, so please be patient with us if someone is not there. You could make collecting the learning pack part of your daily walk. We will obviously respect the need to keep 2 metres apart.

We want to do everything we can to support learning at home.

Thank you for your continued support.

Take care and keep safe,

Mrs Hurding

27.04.20

Good Morning Everybody,

I hope that you have all had a good weekend and that you are keeping safe and well.

I am emailing you all this morning to let you know about the SEN support plans that your class teacher will be emailing out to you later this week. Since the Lock Down, we have been sending you general learning updates for each class on a weekly basis. However, as a staff we realise that there are a number of children in all our classes who have particular needs and we want to continue to provide effective support, advice and resources to help them at home. If you know that your child is on the SEN register, your class teacher will be emailing you a simple help sheet along with some useful resources on Wednesday 29^th April.

I understand that you have a lot on at the moment so please do what you can when you can. The help sheet will contain three or four activities but these will be ongoing for the next few weeks. Should you need any further support or you have any questions then please get in touch with your class teacher who will seek further advice from myself if needed.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support and we hope to see you all really soon.

Please take care and keep safe.

Kind regards,

Mr D Grayhurst

SENCO

21.04.20

The Ellis Summer Term French Activities 2020

Mrs McAleavy has planned some activities to keep our KS2 children ticking over with their language learning which I have attached to the email. There are some interactive games on an education website and some PowerPoints to watch on the Rachel Hawkes website.

Shes also found something she feels may be useful on BBC Radio for KS2 language learners. It can be found in BBC Teach school radio MFL KS2 French _ Radio Labo.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/school-radio/french-ks2-radio-labo-index/z46ghbk

The content includes songs, stories and games focused on grammar, vocabulary and punctuation.

The series is based on an imaginary French radio station hosted by Jean-Baptiste and Juliet. There are ten topics that each feature a song, a story, conversations, games, rhymes, quizzes and sometimes voxpops. There is also a resident expert for listeners who phone in with their grammar or pronunciation queries. Each of the ten topics is split into four clips, each numbered from 1-40. Topic 1 = Clips 1-4, Topic 2 = Clips 5-8 and Topic 3 = Clips 9-12, etc.

Mrs McAleavy suggest that our children focus on Topic 1 animals and colours, Topic 2 – numbers and dates and Topic 6 sports and days of the week.

Please do share with us any photos/videos of your children having a go at the activities via email, Facebook or Twitter.

Stay Safe,

Mrs E

17.04.20

Dear Parents/Carers,

I hope you managed to have a Happy Easter despite the current situation.

First of all, I would like to send you my sincerest thanks for your continuing support of school during this challenging time. I would like to say a huge thank you again for all the communication we have had on social media and via email- we have realised how vital this has been to keep in touch with you all. Please do continue to use it to share any highlights or ask any questions you may have.

My email today is intended to keep you informed about how we will continue to support you through the coming weeks in light of the extension to the lockdown announced yesterday.

Work packs:

Each class teacher will email you a sheet with a range of links/activity ideas on each week (to be ready to use on Monday morning). These will include creative ideas, printable worksheets and online links to a variety of resources.

As we keep saying, please dont feel this all has to be completed- do what you can, when you can. Remember family time is equally important, although we are very aware that this may be difficult alongside working from home commitments.

If you have children who are in different year groups, please feel free to merge the activities/ use the ideas from one year group to make things a little simpler. If you require more work or support with any of this please contact the appropriate teacher via their email.

We are continuously sharing additional links/ ideas for activities via the school Twitter and Facebook feeds, so please do keep checking, but if you find one we havent spotted please forward it to us.

Please continue sharing photos of the work your children are doing and engaging with us all on social media, it really is putting a smile on our faces.

If you do tweet, please tag @theellisprimary and your childs class to ensure we see it (Ive added a list below).

@F1Ellis

@theellisF2

@TheEllisY1

@TheEllisY2

@TheEllisY3

@y4theellis

@EllisYearFive

@Y6TheEllis

As always, if you have any queries or concerns please dont hesitate to get in touch; these are challenging and ever-changing times and we want to make sure we are getting things right.

Thanks again for your support.

Mrs E J and Mrs Hurding.

7.4.20

Dear Parents/Carers

The Government has confirmed it will extend financial support to children eligible for benefits-related free school meals who are not attending school during the Easter holidays.

You will soon receive an email from Edenred containing access to a 15.00 supermarket voucher for each child for this week commencing 6/4/20 and then a further email and voucher next week commencing 13/4/20 to cover the Easter holiday weeks.

If you have any problems accessing the vouchers, please dont hesitate to contact us.

Again, if any families believe they may now be entitled to free school meals because of a change in circumstances, please apply online at www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/children-families-and-education/schools-and-learning/free-school-meals/

Or if you are unable to go on line please call 01226 787787 opt 3 and you will be able to complete the form over the phone.

Many thanks

Joanne Rodgers

7.4.20

Dear All Parents, 20200104 Childrens resource pack COVID19 employment support poster

Please find attached some information you might find useful and also a link below.

20200331 Parents and professionals COVID19 public health resource pack.docx

Thank you

Mrs Hurding

5.4.20

Good afternoon,

I hope you are all well.

As promised, here is a link to a selection of Easter work. As the file is quite large, I have had to share it via Hightail (a file sharing platform) however I ask that you please do not upload any completed work onto the platform, instead email it to teachers as you have been doing. To assist you, I’ve tried to ensure that the work is labelled with year groups to make it easier for you to select which activities are suitable. Please be aware, some of the activities include multiple difficulty levels- these don’t all need to be completed. I would advise you to discuss with your child, which they think they can access best. I have also tried to include activities with answers where possible. You can download the whole file or just the ones you would like to do. However, please note the link will expire after 7 days.

To download ALL items, simply click on the underlined arrow icon (next to the magnifying glass icon) at the right of the page, then follow the on screen prompts.

To download individual items, click view on the item you require, then click the underlined arrow icon which is at the right hand side of the screen (next to the like icon), then follow the on screen prompts.

https://spaces.hightail.com/space/pcZged1G63

If you experience any technical difficulties, please email me on e.edwards@theellis.org and I will try and support you.

Thanks again for your continued support.

I hope that even in these challenging times you manage to have a very Happy Easter!

Mrs Edwards

2.4.20

Dear Parents/Carers DfE Free School Meals Parent Carer FAQs

During these challenging times, we want to ensure that pupils eligible for free school meals can continue to access support when they are not in school. The Department for Education (DfE) has developed a centrally-funded national voucher scheme with Edenred to support schools with this process.

If you are already registered with the school as eligible for free school meals you will soon receive an email from Edenred giving you access to vouchers of 15.00 per week per child (term time only) to spend in local supermarkets. Unfortunately, this does not apply to children in F2, Y1 and Y2 who receive Universal Free School Meals, as that is a different service, unless they are registered for benefit based free school meals.

If you require support to buy food over the Easter holidays, please let us know so that we can make alternative arrangements with you.

Please be aware of email scams, the official email will not ask for your bank details.

We also understand that some family circumstances may have changed therefore we would encourage you to apply for Free School Meals so that you can be included in the national voucher scheme.

Your child may be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:

Income Support
income-based Jobseekers Allowance
income-related Employment and Support Allowance
support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
the guaranteed element of Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit (provided youre not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than 16,190)
Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Universal Credit – if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than 7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Children who get paid these benefits directly, instead of through a parent or guardian, can also get free school meals.

To apply please follow this link:

www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/children-families-and-education/schools-and-learning/free-school-meals/

Or if you are unable to go on line please call 01226 787787 opt 3 and you will be able to complete the form over the phone.

Please see the attached FAQs which gives more information about how the voucher scheme will work.

If you require any support or have any queries, please dont hesitate to contact us. Also, if you are successful in your application for Free School Meals, please let us know so that we can add you to the voucher system.

Kind regards

Joanne Rodgers

School Business Manager

j.rodgers@theellis.org

h.fiddes@theellis.org

t.gay@theellis.org

2.4.20

Dear Parents/Carers,

As you know, on Friday we would have been finishing for our Easter holidays however, as things are a little different at the moment, I wanted to reach out and explain our plan for the next two weeks.

We can see from your emails and social media that the children have all worked tremendously hard for the last two weeks and so have made the decision that we will not be sending specific learning packs for the Easter break. We are however, going to send one generic activity pack that is suitable for all age groups that can be used if you choose to. This will be sent out on Monday to you all. We do hope that this gives you and your children time for a well-deserved rest and allow our teachers to recharge as well. The emailed work packs will restart on April 20^th.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for your continued support and, on behalf of all of the staff at The Ellis, wish you a very Happy Easter!

Mrs Emily Edwards

Deputy Headteacher

27.3.20

Dear Parents,

Further to our last email, please note Y6 will not be receiving interim reports as Miss Saunders has already held parents conferences. Apologies if this caused any confusion.

Mrs Emily Edwards

Deputy Headteacher

27.3.20

Dear Parents/Carers,

First of all, I would like to send you my sincerest thanks for supporting our school during this challenging time. The communication we have had on social media and via email has been overwhelming and so positive, it really does highlight how wonderful our school community is and how well we pull together in times of adversity.

With this in mind, we wanted to keep you informed about how we intend to continue supporting you through the coming weeks.

Work packs:

Each class teacher will be emailing you a sheet with a range of links/activity ideas on each week (to be ready to use on Monday morning). As we keep saying, please dont feel this all has to be completed- do what you can, when you can. Remember family time is equally important. If you have children who are in different year groups, please feel free to merge the activities/ use the ideas from one year group to make things a little simpler. If you require more work or support with any of this please contact the appropriate teacher. We are sharing additional links/good ideas for activities via the school Twitter and Facebook feeds but if you find one we havent spotted please do forward it to us.

Please continue sharing photos of the work your children are doing and engaging with us all on social media, it really is putting a smile on our faces.

Reports:

As most of you are aware, it should have been our parents evening this week so I have asked teachers to write a short, interim report that we will be emailing to you the week beginning 6^th April. If you would rather NOT receive this please opt out by sending me an email before April 3^rd.

If you have any queries or concerns please dont hesitate to get in touch; these are challenging and ever-changing times and we want to make sure we are getting things right.

Thanks again for your support

Mrs Emily Edwards

Deputy Headteacher

24.3.20

Dear Parents,

We hope you are all doing ok in this very challenging time and we cannot thank you enough for all your support during this very tricky time for everyone.

Our normal has now changed for everyone and we thank you all for doing everything you can to support your children with learning at home, we are loving seeing all your photos and comments.

As a school the teachers will continue to be in touch and set work for your children to complete around your new family routines.

School continues to be open and numbers have reduced over the week. I cannot thank you enough, each time you make arrangements for your child to be at home it enables me to send my staff home to be safe with their families. I really appreciate those of you who are both key workers working out how to keep your children at home. In the ever changing climate until we are told otherwise, school will be open for absolute emergencies. If one of you is working at home please help us and your children by keeping them at home.

I am reducing staff in school daily – as my aim is to keep everyone safe.

Please follow the rule STAY AT HOME as much as we can.

With this in mind the office staff and Mrs Gay will now be working at home.

This means that phone contact is not available so please email all queries to:

SECRETARY: Mrs Fiddes h.fiddes@theellis.org

PARENT SUPPORT WORKER: Tracey Gay t.gay@theellis.org

Mrs Edwards continues to work at home and is organising home learning and media whilst I organise the running of a shrinking school.

I am going to keep as many staff at home as possible and ensure staff also get rest time at home.

With that in mind, we are open at Easter but I want to be able to give as many staff as possible a much needed break at this stressful time.

We are hoping that you have already arranged provision for your children at Easter, but we also understand that some of you are now working more.

Please let us know ASAP if you need us at Easter and when, so I can continue to sort out staffing.

We are still currently offering lunches but I really do not know how long for.

We will continue to keep in touch and I feel very blessed to work for such a wonderful supportive community, at times like this you really see the true kindness and support of people.

Take care,

Keep safe,

Stay at home and keep reading,

Mrs Hurding

24.3.20

Hello Everyone,

Following on from Mrs Hs Vlog yesterday I just wanted to check in with you all and remind you about a few things. The next few weeks will be very different and, as Mrs H reminded us that it was so we could keep you all safe. After watching the news yesterday, I think Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, had the clearest message life shouldnt feel normal right now so if your life still feels normal ask yourself am I doing the right things? So a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone for following the guidelines from the government, making what Im sure are difficult decisions and helping us all to be safer.

First of all- on the issue of safety- I wanted to remind you about e safety. A lot of you will be accessing learning online and then want to share it on social media but take a moment to think about what you are sharing- is it safe? Remember to never share any personal information. If, when you are researching something, you come across a site/images that make you feel uncomfortable always tell a grown up.

I know we all love technology and, although its very tempting, remember to not spend too long using screens, there are plenty of other things you can do and Im sure your teachers have shared some great, creative ideas with you already.

We do look forward to seeing the work youve been doing and would love you to stay in touch so please ask your grown-ups to share some of it with your class teachers via Twitter, either publicly if thats safe or through the message option. Please ask them to confirm if its ok for us to share it on other platforms (such as facebook) as we hope to post at least a weekly collage of your learning on a Friday as a celebration of all your hard work.

In terms of the work that has been sent, I want to remind you simply to try your best. You may find some of the things tricky but all that we ask is that you try as hard as you can and do what you can, when you can.

Finally, and this bit is really important, remember listen to your grown-ups and help them out- they are keeping you safe. Youre all so amazing and have dealt with the changes so brilliantly I know its not easy but if we all follow the advice weve been given well get through this together and be back at school before you know it.

PARENTS- thank you all so much for the links to learning sites and ideas youve been sharing. There are plenty of options available from Twinkl, White Rose Maths, RWI, British Sign Language, Joe Wickes and many more. Im trying to co-ordinate what were publishing as to not bombard you with too much information as I know many of you will still have work commitments. Please check our facebook page/individual twitter pages for recommendations of activities/links to resources. If you come across one you think would be useful to a range of parents, please send it via a direct message to the school facebook page. Ill take a look and share as appropriate. Thanks again for all your support in these challenging times. We really are very lucky at The Ellis to have such a wonderful school community.

Take care everyone

Stay safe

Mrs E J

Mrs Emily Edwards

Deputy Headteacher

23.3.20

Hello Everyone,

Take care everyone

Stay safe

Mrs E J

Mrs Emily Edwards

Deputy Headteacher

23.3.20

FOR KEY WORKERS THAT CHILDREN MAY ATTEND SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

We really appreciate that parents are following the Government guidelines and only bringing their children to school if it is an emergency situation as a key worker.

The best and safest place for your children is to be at home.

We do need to know when your child is attending so we can organise staffing, thank you to those of you who have already let us know. We are already increasing the number of staff that need to self-isolate.

I need to keep my staff safe too therefore if they can be at home they will be.

We are open for school hours – if your child is coming to school we need to know what time they are coming if it is later than the start of school. Ideally if they are coming they should be here for the start of the day to help our organising of the day.

Also if your child shows signs of coughing and or high temperature they will be sent home so can you make sure we always have a contact number to phone.

We need to reduce adults in school as much as possible so when you drop off and collect can you please wait outside.

Can you please email Mrs Fiddes or Mrs Gay re attendance at school ASAP so we can plan the rest of the week.

We are still offering lunch at the moment but the options will be limited .

BREAKFAST CLUB will not be available from TOMORROW

We are sorry if this is an inconvenience but I need to keep as many staff at possible home too.

We know we are not running ‘normal’ school, as you know nothing is ‘normal’ at the moment.

We are still expecting children to wear school sweatshirts but we are happy for the rest of the uniform to be joggers etc as we will be ensuring our children get outside as much as possible.

I cannot thank parents enough for your support and co-operation during this really tricky time.

Kind regards

Mrs Rachel Hurding

20.3.20

Dear All Parents,

We will continue to update you on any updates, thank you for your patience and understanding.

Official government guidance says:

If only one parent or carer is a critical worker, can I send my children in to school?

Children with at least one parent or carer who are identified as critical workers by the government can send their children to school if required.

Mrs Hurding

20.3.20

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your huge support during these tricky times.

Please follow the advice to stay at home with your children if you can (see previous email with new Government update)

FREE SCHOOL MEALS

If you are eligible for a free school meal and you are not at school please let us know if you require a meal – it will be a pack up like we make for trips. This will need collecting if safe to do so.

Please note this is for low income free school meals not for the Y1/Y2 universal free school meals.

Volunteers

Due to the current climate we can no longer have volunteers in school, we continue to be so grateful for all the commitment you give to The Ellis.

As we are still unsure exactly who is coming to school we are sending this message out to all parents.

For those children that HAVE to be at school on Monday the curriculum will be different and we will be doing more learning outside, can children please dress in comfy bottoms e.g leggings or joggers but continue to wear our school uniform top, can they still bring reading bags and bring a pair of wellies or an older pair of shoes that you do not mind getting muddy.

School is open the usual hours: 8.55am to 3.20pm

Breakfast club will run but this may change due to capacity

School lunch will be provided – the menu will be limited

Can F1 and F2 children please use the Nursery door

Can Y1 and Y2 children please wait at the Y1/Y2 door no need to line up in the morning

Can Y3 and Y4 children wait at the Y3/Y4 door no need to line up in the morning

Can Y5 and Y6 children wait at the Y5/Y6 door no need to line up in the morning

These doors will be the same for collection at the end of the day.

THERE WILL BE NO AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS

We will continue to update you when anything changes.

Please keep safe and look after each other,

Mrs Hurding

20.3.20

The Government advice has arrived and it has a very clear message – the safest place for the majority of children at the moment is going to be at home.

PLEASE READ THE MESSAGE BELOW

We know that everyone is feeling anxious and vulnerable at the moment and at The Ellis we will continue to do what we can to support our community and country but please help us by keeping your children at home if you can. This is a really hard time for us all and we need to keep everyone safe.

The list of workers is on this information and ‘Vulnerable’ children are defined as children having an EHCP or a Social worker.

Please let school know in light of this new information if your child has to attend school next week. Thank you for your support Mrs Hurding

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

As a country, we all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

That is why the government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, household isolation and social distancing.

And the most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.

That is why the government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.

It is important to underline that schools, colleges and other educational establishments remain safe places for children. But the fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and infect vulnerable individuals in wider society.

Schools are, therefore, being asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children – children who are vulnerable and children whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response and cannot be safely cared for at home.

Vulnerable children include children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, including child in need plans, on child protection plans, looked after children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans.

We know that schools will also want to support other children facing social difficulties and we will support head teachers to do so.

Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors outlined below. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.

Please, therefore, follow these key principles:

If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them.
Parents should not rely for childcare upon those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.
Residential special schools, boarding schools and special settings continue to care for children wherever possible.

If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed below, and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be prioritised for education provision:

Health and social care

This includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UKs health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributers of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment.

Education and childcare

This includes nursery and teaching staff, social workers and those specialist education professionals who must remain active during the COVID-19 response to deliver this approach.

Key public services

This includes those essential to the running of the justice system, religious staff, charities and workers delivering key frontline services, those responsible for the management of the deceased, and journalists and broadcasters who are providing public service broadcasting.

Local and national government

This only includes those administrative occupations essential to the effective delivery of the COVID-19 response or delivering essential public services such as the payment of benefits, including in government agencies and arms length bodies.

Food and other necessary goods

This includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygienic and veterinary medicines).

Public safety and national security

This includes police and support staff, Ministry of Defence civilians, contractor and armed forces personnel (those critical to the delivery of key defence and national security outputs and essential to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic), fire and rescue service employees (including support staff), National Crime Agency staff, those maintaining border security, prison and probation staff and other national security roles, including those overseas.

Transport

This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass.

Utilities, communication and financial services

This includes staff needed for essential financial services provision (including but not limited to workers in banks, building societies and financial market infrastructure), the oil, gas, electricity and water sectors (including sewerage), information technology and data infrastructure sector and primary industry supplies to continue during the COVID-19 response, as well as key staff working in the civil nuclear, chemicals, telecommunications (including but not limited to network operations, field engineering, call centre staff, IT and data infrastructure, 999 and 111 critical services), postal services and delivery, payments providers and waste disposal sectors.

If workers think they fall within the critical categories above they should confirm with their employer that, based on their business continuity arrangements, their specific role is necessary for the continuation of this essential public service.

If your school is closed then please contact your local authority, who will seek to redirect you to a local school in your area that your child, or children, can attend.

We are grateful for the work of teachers and workers in educational settings for continuing to provide for the children of the other critical workers of our country. It is an essential part of our national effort to combat this disease.

19.3.20

Dear Parents,

With school closures happening very soon, Id just like to keep you updated.

SATS will not be happening this year and Im sure your children will be feeling all kinds of emotions about this news. I know that Y6 have worked incredibly hard and should feel proud of all that they have achieved. We dont know how long school will be closed for, but I know that we still want them to be learning and be secondary ready. Therefore, we will be utilising our Learning By Questions subscription. Every day I will be sending via email a (new) code, children can use this code to access their learning. They will need to visit https://www.lbq.org/Login then click connect as pupil. Dont worry if this isnt clear at first, the children have been using LBQ since July and know what theyre doing.

In terms of writing, there are some amazing videos and resources on https://www.literacyshed.com/home.html . Y6 are wonderful writers and can use this time to be as creative as they would like. Please do send in photos (or electronic copies if they have typed it up) of the childrens writing, I always love reading it. Ill send a link to a video or writing prompt daily so that children can let their imaginations run free. Children can write stories, raps, poems, songs etc.

Ill be updating the spelling assignments on Spelling Shed (www.spellingshed.com) weekly your child should know his/her username and password but please do get in touch if it has been misplaced.

White Rose Maths have been working extremely hard recently and have been creating videos so that children can complete their maths at home. Ill be sending a link once these are published.

Topic: As mentioned in an earlier email. Our topic up until Easter is The Americas. I would like the children to complete projects these can be power points, leaflets, posters, videos whatever they will enjoy creating. Here are some questions for children to base their projects around:

Can you compare a place in North America to a place in South America e.g. Alaska vs Arizona, Rio vs Peru.
How many US states can you learn?
What is the weather and climate like in the Americas? How does it differ from state to state and country to country?
Can you find out about the different natural wonders located in the Americas?

Ill send home a few exercise books so that children have somewhere to record their learning for those of you who are self-isolating, please dont worry they will be posted.

There is so much uncertainty surrounding when school will reopen, this obviously has a profound impact on Y6 and I have tried my best to calm them.

Unsurprisingly, the IKIC events have all been cancelled. We still have the money and when the time is right again, Y6 will be able to reap the benefits of all their hard work. I plan on double checking IKIC money tonight.

Please keep in touch, were all in this together, my email is a.saunders@theellis.org

I think the world of your children and will genuinely miss them while School is closed.

Please do take care and keep safe.

Abbey Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

19.3.20

Dear Parents,

Following the announcement from the government yesterday evening, all schools across England will close their doors to most pupils from Friday 20th March at the end of the school day.

We have only heard this news at the same time as you, so I am sure you will appreciate there is a lot to sort out in a very short space of time. The government stated that schools should remain open for vulnerable children and those children whose parents are key workers. In order for us to plan for this, it is imperative that if you are a key worker (e.g. work for the NHS, Police or are a key delivery driver) or your child has an EHCP, or a social worker and you need the support of the school in the next 2 weeks, that you please contact school as soon as possible by phoning school or by email so plans can be made. If we havent heard from you by 3.30 pm today (Thursday) then we will assume you do not need the support of the school.

It is vital that we know this information as soon as possible to ensure that we have sufficient staff to run the school safely as some of our staff may also need to self-isolate or be off with their children or parents. This is a completely unprecedented situation for everyone; we appreciate your support and understanding during this extremely difficult time.

For those families who will be at home with their children from next Monday, teachers will be providing appropriate home learning. Some teachers have sent out home learning packs for you to work on with your children over the time that we are closed.

The government has also stated their intention to cancel all exams in May and June, which may include the SATS tests. I must admit as a head I always thought I would be delighted if SATS got cancelled but I am not as our children have been working so hard and deserve success. As of yet we do not know what will happen about the results so please dont give up the learning. We want all our wonderful Y6s to be secondary ready.

There has been no date suggested when schools can reopen so we cannot currently confirm the status of any events for the remainder of the school year.

We continue to be responsible for the welfare and safety of all our children. If you have safeguarding concerns or anxieties please contact:

PSA Mrs Gay email t.gay@theellis.org

Headteacher Mrs Hurding email r.hurding@theellis.org

Deputy head Mrs Edwards email e.edwards@theellis.org

School will update you with plans for return when this information becomes available but in the meantime we wish you all well and look forward to welcoming your children back into our school community soon.

These are anxious times for all of us, please look after each other.

Please take care and stay safe,

Mrs Hurding

18.3.20

Dear Y1 Parent/Carer,

In the case that more families need to self-isolate, we will be sending home-learning packs with the children.

In the event of a potential school closure, the work in the packs should help the children to consolidate their learning.

Children can also practise their spellings on The Spelling Shed:

https://www.spellingshed.com/en-gb

Our topic this half term is Transport we encourage pupils to create a home learning project of their choosing, some ideas include: presentations, leaflets, fact-files, artwork (feel free to be creative!).

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions.

Mrs D Broadbent

Year 1

18.3.20

Dear Y6 Parent/Carer,

In the case that more families need to self-isolate, I sent home-learning packs with the children yesterday.

In the event of a potential school closure, the work in the packs should help the children to consolidate their learning. As well as this, we will be utilising our Learning By Questions (LBQ) subscription, I will be in touch with more details.

Children can also practise their spellings on Spelling Shed https://www.spellingshed.com/en-gb . Please see previous emails for spelling, punctuation and grammar revision websites.

Our topic this half term is The Americas (including North, Central and South America) we encourage pupils to create a home learning project of their choosing, some ideas include: presentations, leaflets, fact-files, artwork (feel free to be creative!).

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions.

Take care,

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

18.3.20

Dear KS2 Parent/Carer,

Please find attached some French activities that Madame McAleavy has put together so that children can learn from home.

Thank you for your continued support.

The KS2 Team

18.3.20

Dear Y3 Parent/Carer,

In the case that more families need to self-isolate, we will be sending home-learning packs with the children this week. In the event of a potential school closure, the work in the packs should help the children to consolidate their learning.

Children can also practise their spellings on Spelling Shed https://www.spellingshed.com/en-gb and times tables on TT Rockstars https://ttrockstars.com/ .

Our topic this half term is Pirates we encourage pupils to create a home learning project of their choosing, some ideas include: presentations, leaflets, fact-files, artwork (feel free to be creative!). Our science learning this half term is all about the human body, the skeleton and healthy diets and exercise if your child would like to continue to explore this at home.

Some parents have asked for a rough outline of the school timetable so that they can replicate as closely as possible at home. Please see the outline below:

8.55-9.15- Morning work- mental maths practise/times table practise

9.15-10.15- English- Writing focus

10.15-10.30- Playtime

10.30-11.30- Maths

11.30-12.15- VIPERS (reading with a comprehension focus) or RWInc (spelling and phonics focus)

12.15-1.00- Lunch

1.00-1.20- Handwriting or spellings

1.20- 2.00- Art/Music/RE/DT/ICT (depending on day and focus)

2.00-2.55- Topic/Science/PE (depending on day and focus)

3.00-3.20- Class story or assembly

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions.

Take care,

Mrs Wise

18.3.20

Dear Y2 Parents,

Your child will be coming home with a pack of Y2 extra work in the event of more families needing to self-isolate or closure of school.

Please look out for the letter that will be sent home in their pack containing more information.

Regards,

Mrs Trotter

17.3.20

School Response to Corona virus (COVID19) Situation

Dear Parent/Carers,

As you may be aware we have already posted some information about our response to the Corona virus outbreak. In light of further advice we have reviewed the situation and concluded that, for the welfare of members of the wider community, it would be prudent at this stage to limit those events to which parents and carers are invited.

With this in mind we would like to make changes to the following events, and ask that parent/carers do NOT now attend:

17.3.20 Handball competition CANCELLED

SPORT Any future sporting events CANCELLED until further notice

24.3.20 Y1/2 Crich Trip postponed to a later date

24.3.20 – FS writing workshop CANCELLED

25.3.20 – Y2 assembly still to take place but for children only

26.3.20 F1 Parent Consultations and F2-Y5 Parents Evening – CANCELLED

25.3.20 – Pirate Workshop in school for children only STILL GOING AHEAD

Ready Steady Play sessions for new F1 children CANCELLED

Family Thrive sessions CANCELLED

31.3.20 – FS Coffee morning CANCELLED

30.3.20 Monday to Friday Bikeability for Y5 STILL GOING AHEAD

1.4.20 – Easter Service at St Marys CANCELLED children only will sing their Easter songs in school

7.5.20 Elections CANCELLED so nursery open as normal

After school clubs with Daz, Adrian, Dan and Craft Club are still going ahead as normal.

Volunteers in school, please follow all Government guidelines to keep safe.

We appreciate that this may be disappointing for many of you, but feel that we have to take steps to safeguard those vulnerable members of our community and mitigate risks wherever possible. In this way we can ensure that our core business of teaching and learning can go on uninterrupted and our essential services maintained.

Please see the key elements of the latest advice outlined below:

Anyone with a new continuous cough and/or a temperature should stay at home for 14 days.
Anyone who lives with someone who has a new continuous cough and/or a temperature should stay at home for 14 days.

We will continue to monitor Government advice, and inform you directly should the situation change. In the meantime we will continue to reiterate the message of hand washing and good hygiene amongst pupils throughout the school day.

Home Learning as a school we want to do everything we can to keep learning going, the priority is to keep reading, using our learning platforms TT Rockstars and Spelling Shed. Teachers are organising some work to come home especially Y2 and Y6 but we recommend that you all read, write and do some maths everyday as well as stay healthy.

Please contact the school office if you need further clarification and thank you for your support.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Hurding

17.3.20

Dear Parents, The Ellis News 22 (March 2020)

Corona Virus

We understand everyone has concerns at the moment. As a school we are continuing to follow the guidelines given below and we will let you know if anything changes.

Regarding attendance, if children need to be in self isolation for 7 days we have been given a new code to use for the registers.

Public Health ADVICE for schools:

To support the delay of the spread of the virus, the Department for Health and Social Care has asked anyone who shows certain symptoms to stay at home for 7 days, regardless of whether they have travelled to affected areas. This means people should stay at home and avoid all but essential contact with others for 7 days from the point of displaying mild symptoms, to slow the spread of infection.

The symptoms are:

A high temperature (37.8 degrees and above)

A new, continuous cough

You do not need to call NHS 111 to stay at home. If your symptoms worsen during your stay at home period or are no better after 7 days contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

Current advice remains in place: no education or childrens social care setting should close in response to a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case unless advised to do so by Public Health England.

The Chief Medical Officer has advised that the impact of closing schools on both childrens education and on the workforce will be substantial, but the benefit to public health may not be. Decisions on future advice to schools will be taken based on the latest and best scientific evidence, which at this stage suggests children are a lower risk group.

Our Hemingfield Group

The community are keen to ensure everybody has everything that they need and are therefore organising a leaflet to be delivered to local residents to make contact if they are in self-isolation. Have a look at the page on Facebook called ‘Our Hemingfield’. The group is also trying to set up a WhatsApp group to support the village needs.

School News

Mrs Tindle who has been our Nursery Nurse in school for 18 years is going to be leaving school, retiring for her health. Mrs Tindle has given our school so much time and commitment over the years and as a member of the Hemingfield community we wish Mrs Tindle every happiness. As a school we would like to make a collection to say thank you, if you would like to make a donation please can you hand in your contribution to the school office.

Mrs Edwards

We are absolutely delighted to announce that Mrs Edwards is expecting. Her baby is due at the end of July and she is planning to be with us until the Summer break. Congratulations Mrs Edwards! We are so happy for you.

Healthy Snacks

Can we remind everyone that fizzy drinks and sweets should not be in school, we always encourage our children to make healthy choices.

Water Bottles

Plastic cups will no longer be available in classes for children to use for a drink of water. Please make sure your child has their OWN clearly labelled water bottle in school. Thank you.

If you have any concerns please contact school during these difficult times. It is important to stick with the facts and offer our support for each other.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

16.3.20

Dear Parents,

I have received an email from the organisers of the IKIC Big Challenge, they have stated that As a precaution we are going to bring forward the application date for teams to register for Dragons Den to the 25^th March. This is to aid us in planning how we can see the competition through to its conclusion should the advice change in the coming weeks and after the Easter recess.

In light of this, children will now be completing their application to Dragons Den this Friday (20^th March 2020). Therefore, please can you send in any profits and receipts/invoices into school. We still have a few teams who have not yet declared how much they have spent on materials please also confirm if you would like any of these costs paid back. It is important that finances have been sorted as this is part of the Dragons Den application process, without this information pupils will not be able to complete their application forms.

A couple of parents have enquired about the IKIC Big Challenge Barnsley Market Trading day, as we are taking extra precautions in the current uncertain climate, we will not be attending this event.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

13.3.20

Dear F2 Parent/Carers, 50 Things to do before you are 5

We have been talking to the children over the last few weeks about 50 things that they can do before they are 5.

This list has been designed by Early Years Specialists who have identified a range of age appropriate experiences that your child will really benefit from. Please see the attached list which is also displayed in our F2 cloakroom. We hope that you find this list useful and we would really appreciate it if you could please bring in any photographs of your children engaged in any of these activities so we can add them to our display as a celebration of all the wonderful experiences they are having outside of school.

Please also remember to write a short comment in your child’s home learning book. It is useful for us to have an overall picture of how your child is learning and developing at home and at school. Thank you to those who are already doing this.

Many thanks for your continued support,

Mr Grayhurst and Mrs Beevers

13.3.20

Vacancy – please see the attached flyer SMSA Advert Easter 2020

School Meals Supervisory Assistant – Permanent

5 hours 25 minutes over 5 days term time only

Grade 1 2322.00 per annum

Required after Easter 2020

Closing date 27.3.20

We currently have a vacancy for a lunchtime supervisor to work as part of our team.

You will help supervise children in the dining room and provide stimulating activities in the playground.

You will have a caring manner and a good sense of humour.

For an application pack, please contact the school office on 01226 753383 or email j.rodgers@theellis.org

The Ellis CE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post involves working with children and therefore if successful you will be required to apply for a disclosure of criminal records at an enhanced level.

The Ellis CE Primary School is an equal opportunities employer.

13.3.20

Dear F1 Parents,

A few weeks ago we sent home a list of ’50 things to do before you are 5′. Please remember to bring or e-mail us your photographs so we can display them in class.

Also, we have a new ‘WOW’ wall in nursery for you to display your child’s home learning. Please bring any pictures, writing, photos etc. your child has done at home and we will proudly display them in class.

Many thanks,

Mrs Pollard

10.3.20

Dear All Parents, Sustrans Big Pedal 2020

Sustrans Big Pedal is the UKs largest inter-school cycling, walking and scooting challenge.

The challenge runs from Wednesday 22 April to Tuesday 5 May, is free and we would love everyone to be involved.

Please see the attached information leaflet for more details and how to get involved.

Regards,

Mrs Jaques

10.3.20

Dear Y6 Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a football league game against Joseph Locke Primary School on Friday, 20^th March. The match will kick off at 1:30pm and the children are expected to be home at normal time.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 1pm. Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise coaches. Parents are invited to spectate but must meet their child at the event.

Your child will be given a school top to wear but will still need to bring their PE kit, suitable football boots, football socks, a drink of water and a bag for their belongings. Your child must wear shin pads. The match will be played on grass. 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.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this event no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Jaques

10.3.20

Dear Y5 Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Handball Competition at Horizon Community College (Shaw Lane car park) on Tuesday, 17th March. The event will start at 1pm and will finish for 3:00pm so children should arrive back at school around 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:30pm via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space restraints, parents are unable to attend the event.

Your child will 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 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.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Jaques

10.3.20

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 21 (March 2020)

St. Marys Family Quiz Night

St Mary’s Church are holding their Family Quiz Night on Saturday, 14th March, 6pm. Questions are aimed at all the family, even the kids, so please come along and join us! Pastie and peas or hotdogs will be served at 6pm. Adults 3, Children 2 and tickets are available from Mrs Kelly in Nursery.

Science Assembly

The Science assembly today was a huge success and the children thoroughly enjoyed it. We are still accepting 1 towards the cost, if your child did not bring one in, there is still time. Thank you for your support.

Parents Evening

Sheets will be put up in classes this week ready for Parents Evening on Thursday 26^th March. Please sign up or arrange an alternative date with your childs class teacher if you cannot make that day.

Football Cancelled

Daz’s football tomorrow has been cancelled.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

10.3.20

Dear Parents,

Our final IKIC pop up shop is on Friday 13^th March in the hall from 3:20 4pm.

Children will need to bring in their stock and marketing materials.

Children are encouraged to sell outside of school, the organisers of The IKIC Challenge will need to know profits by 2^nd April. The prizes for profit will be based upon the data gathered up to 2^rd April. Therefore, please can you send in any profits and receipts/invoices into school. We still have a few teams who have not yet declared how much they have spent on materials please also confirm if you would like any of these costs paid back. It is important that finances have been sorted as this is part of the Dragons Den application process, without this information pupils will not be able to complete their application forms.

The final stages:

Over the next month, children will be completing their applications to Dragons Den.
Dragons Den will be in May after SATS (I will send details as soon I have confirmation).
The celebration event will be on the evening of Thursday 4^th June (I will send details as soon I have confirmation).

Im sure youll all agree that the children have excelled themselves so far throughout the project. Were all very proud of them.

Kind regards,

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

9.3.20

Dear Parents,

Thank you for helping to make World Book Day 2020 a huge success at The Ellis Primary. The children looked fantastic and all enjoyed sharing stories with their parents, teachers and peers.

Many of you have helped in so many ways, from attending our workshops and caf, to visiting our book shop, spending up at the reading tombola, buying raffle tickets and donating baking. It was lovely to see so many of our wonderful children diving into books. A big thank you also to our amazing volunteers who make days like today happen.

We raised a total of 400! This money will go towards making reading the best it can be at The Ellis.

As you know, World Book Day isnt a one off for us, we strive each and every day to create lifelong readers, therefore thank you for encouraging and supporting reading at home.

We look forward to seeing you at our next event.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

5.3.20

Dear Parent/Carer,

Ive searched online to find some games and interactive quizzes that children can access at home to improve their knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spelling. This should make revising for the upcoming GPS SATS in May a bit more exciting. Please see the links below:

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/english-games/7-11-years/spelling-and-grammar

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zhrrd2p

http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/literacy/

https://www.mowmacrehill.org.uk/pupil-zone/year-6-revision-area

https://www.educationquizzes.com/ks2/english/

Kind regards,

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

5.3.20

Sponsored Walk

We have our final total – A MASSIVE 5070!! We are staggered by the generosity of our community! This has been sent today to WWF (World Wildlife Fund) for the school to become a koala protector and we will receive a certificate.

World Book Day

It has been fantastic to see so many children and adults enjoying World Book Day today. Thank you for everybody’s support. We will let you know how much has been raised towards purchasing new books for school in due course.

Y3 Go Wild Trip tomorrow (Friday)

Year 3, please come in your PE kits tomorrow ready for morning PE and the afternoon adventures at Locke Park. Remember your tracksuits, trainers and water bottles.

The Ellis has Talent

Thank you for everybody’s contributions, we have raised a brilliant 370 for school funds. We certainly have talent at The Ellis!

Fun Science Assembly

Our Science week begins on Monday with our fun science assembly. Please bring 1.

Staff Bracelet

A staff member has lost a gold bracelet, please keep a look out. Thank you.

ParentPay

A reminder that after Easter we will no longer be accepting minus balances so please ensure that any debts are cleared.

Thank you for your continued support,

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

5.3.20

Dear Parents,

Our Key Stage 1 topic this half term is Zoom and we will be learning all about transport and journeys. We would like to take the Year 1 and Year 2 children on a school trip to Crich Tramway Village (Matlock) on Tuesday 24^th March.

The visit will provide the children with lots of opportunities to develop their knowledge of transport from the past and how it has changed and evolved over the years. Whilst there, children will have the chance to see what villages and streets were like many years ago as the street has been recreated to reflect life in the past. They will be given an old penny and the chance to take a ride on an old tram (all within the complex itself). They will be able to ask the Crich staff lots of questions and really delve into life years ago! In the museum part, there are many old trams which children can see and touch and it will enable us to really bring history to life.

The fun doesnt stop there as the village has a woodland walk with lots of learning opportunities to support both our science plants and growing topic and amazing sculptures made out of natural materials.

There is a lot more information on their website, should you wish to read more about Crich (www. tramway.co.uk/).

The coach company we will be using is Beewise which will leave school at 9:15am and is expected to return to school by 3:30pm. If your child suffers from travel sickness we would suggest that appropriate travel sickness tablets are taken before school.

The cost will be 12 per pupil. Payment will be via Parent Pay and can be paid in three weekly amounts of 4. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties covering the cost of the trip, please contact Mrs Hurding.

Please ensure school uniform is worn on the day with suitable footwear for a mixture of outdoor and indoor activities along with a warm coat and a bottle of water. A packed lunch will be required. Cheese or tuna sandwiches can be provided by school but must be ordered with Mrs Fiddes prior to the trip or alternatively brought from home.

No spending money will be needed for the trip.

We are looking forward to a fantastic day out!

Mrs Trotter

2.3.20

Dear Parents, The Ellis News 20 (March 2020)

School Evaluation Officer

On Wednesday 4th March our School Evaluation Officer, Linda Singleton is coming into school to observe the teaching of Phonics and Reading in the Foundation stage (F1 and F2) and KS1 (Y1 and Y2).

You may see her in the playground first thing and she may ask you questions about reading in school.

Reading continues to be priority at The Ellis. We have all been very excited about our new RWInc home reading books, we hope you have been enjoying them too.

World Book day 5th March

We are looking forward to seeing you (if you are available) Thursday morning for joint reading in class, then workshops at 9.15am then our seaside cafe open at 10.15am.

All cake and biscuit donations for the cafe are greatly received.

The school bookshop will be open in the hall, we have lots of very reasonably priced books on offer for you.

Science Assembly

On Monday 9^th March there will be a school assembly (Year 1-6) led by a Science expert who will thrill the children with amazing science experiments and other fantastic activities.

The purpose of the assembly is to engage children in the fun aspect of Science. There will be experiments to intrigue the children and to get them to think about how experiments work. This is to support work from the national curriculum.

We are hoping this will be the first of many more Science days in the future and should be an exciting opportunity for the children. We are asking for a 1 donation from all children towards the cost of this fun assembly.

Inset Days 2020/21

Our inset days for next year are as follows:

Tuesday 1st September 2020

Monday 4th January 2021

Friday 28th May 2021

Monday 19th July 2021

Tuesday 20th July 2021

Parent Pay Auto Top-up and Bank Transfer

It has been brought to our attention that it is a little difficult to find the section explaining how to set up auto top ups and bank transfers on ParentPay. If you go to the help and support section and then scroll all the way down to the very bottom of the page there is a subheading for them.

If anybody would like some help setting these up, please pop in and see Mrs Fiddes.

Coronavirus – Department for Education Coronavirus helpline

Today the Department for Education has launched a new helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows:

Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Rachel Hurding

Headteacher

28.2.20

Menu Change 2.3.20

The menu on Monday will be:

All day breakfast for main dinner, sausage for the vegetarian option, a jacket potato or a breakfast muffin with an assortment of desserts.

On Thursday there will be another menu change, themed for World Book Day, we will be sending details of this next week.

Thank you,

Hayley Fiddes

28.2.20

Dear Y3 Parent,

Your childs class has been invited to take part in a team building Go Wild activity at Locke Park on Friday, 6^th March. The event will consist of a series of creative games following the Go Wild Programme, starting at 1:30pm and finishing around 3pm, with the children expected to arrive back at school around 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving at 12:45pm via Beewise coaches. Parents are unfortunately unable to attend the event.

As your child has PE that morning, please can they arrive at school in their PE kit with a tracksuit or jogging bottoms and a fleece over the top. They will then be able to travel to Locke Park in these same clothes. Please also remember to bring suitable trainers, water, and a bag for any belongings.

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.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Jaques

28.2.20

Dear Parents,

We would like to update you on the governments response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Public Health England advises that the risk to individuals in the UK remains low. Please see the link below.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

27.2.20

Dear All Parents,

We have been informed that we have to close this years finances by 19th March, therefore any debit balances on ParentPay will need to be paid by then please.

After Easter, we will no longer be accepting minus balances. Please make arrangements to pay a little more each week to clear any arrears to allow future payments to be made in advance.

Music tuition will need to be paid in advance and lunch and breakfast club accounts will need to be kept topped up. As ParentPay now offer an auto top up option and also a direct debit option there is no longer any reason for accounts to drop below zero.

If accounts do drop below zero your child will be unable to attend breakfast club and we will ask that a packed lunch is brought into school for lunch until your account has been topped up.

Thank you for your support.

I’m sure you can appreciate that with the number of children in our school the amount of debts can quickly mount up.

Mrs Hurding,

Headteacher

26.2.20

Dear Foundation Stage 2 Parents,

On Fridays our F2 doors will now open 5 minutes earlier to allow us extra time to get ready for our Story Swap (Storytime read by a teacher from another class each week).

You are still very welcome to come in to class with your child, however, there will be no sentence writing and parents will be asked to leave a little earlier.

Thank you for your co-operation,

Mr Grayhurst

26.2.20

Dear Y4 Parents,

Please find attached Home Learning ideas for this half term. Y4 Home Learning

Thank you,

Mrs Jaques

25.2.20

Dear Parent/Carer,

The Y6 after school maths booster has been cancelled this week (27.02.2020). We are aware that some of our pupils will need time to get ready for The Ellis has Talent Competition (that evening), staff also need time to set up for the event.

It has been assessment week and Y6 have been working incredibly hard, we are very proud of them all.

I will be able to discuss your childs progress at the Y6 Parents Consultation day (11^th March). If you havent signed up and would like an appointment, please sign up by contacting Mrs Fiddes or using the sign-up sheet on the classroom door. Please note that this date is instead of the parents evening date on 26^th March.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

25.2.20

Dear Parents,

Please see the attached for more World Book Day information. World Book Day 5.3.20

Hope to see you there,

Miss Saunders

25.2.20

Dear Y3 Parents,

Please find attached our newsletter and home learning for the next half term. Pirate Home Learning Pirates Newsletter

Thank you for your continued support,

Mrs Wise

24.2.20

Dear Parents, The Ellis News 19 (Feb 2020)

Welcome back everyone. We hope everyone has had a restful half term.

Y2 CLASSROOM

The Y2 classroom has been damp proofed and decorated over half term. Mrs Trotter is getting the classroom ready for learning today and the classroom will be ready tomorrow. The Y2 children have been superstars working in the hall today.

SPORTS RELIEF

We know it is a fantastic cause but as a school this year we organised the Koala sponsored walk and we are also going to be supporting ‘RACE FOR LIFE’ later in the year so have therefore decided not to take part this year. As a school we fully support the need and enjoyment of sport.

WORLD BOOK DAY 5th March

based on the theme under the sea for inspiration. We would love our children at The Ellis to dress up as anything related to our theme, some examples include:

sea creatures
Pirates (why not reuse the clothes from our Pirate Maths day)
mermaids
deep sea divers

First of all, we would like to invite you to come into school from 8:55 and share a story with your child, no sign up is required, please just pop into your childs classroom in the morning.

We would also like to invite you to come into school and attend a workshop with your child(ren). Each class will have a different focus and a sign up form will be available on each class door from Monday 24^th February. Please note that for safety reasons we will only have a set number of spaces in each workshop, therefore, places are on a first come first served basis. For safety reasons, children and adults will need to stay in that workshop.

To solve the issue of parents trying to be in two (or more) places at once, as a staff we decided that siblings can select the same workshop. Children can select any workshop it does not have to be the one that their class teacher is running.

The workshops will begin at 9:10am and will end at 10:15am.

We will then be opening our Underwater Reading Caf, where you will be able to treat yourself to tea and cake whilst diving into a book with your child. All proceeds will go towards school funds. The caf will close at 11:30.

We would appreciate any baking and donations. We will also be holding a raffle and our brilliant book shop will also be open.

Thank you for your continued support,

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

14.2.20

New After School Clubs

Our new after school clubs on returning back to school in February will be:

Monday KS1 Multisports with Dan, 24.2.20 – 30.3.20, 3:20-4:20pm. No charge.

Tuesday Y1-Y4 Football outside with Daz, 3:20-4:20pm. 2.50 per session payable to Daz.

Tuesday FS2/Y1 Footie Stars with Adrian, 2.50 per session payable to Adrian. Parents must stay.

Wednesday KS2 Tag Rugby with Dan, 26.2.20 – 1.4.20, 3:20-4:20pm. No charge.

Thursday Y1-Y6 Craft Club, 27.2.20-2.4.20, 3:20-4:20pm, 15 block payment on ParentPay.

Thank you

Dear Parent,

The revision guides have arrived, I have numbered them and will be sending them home with children today.

There is no obligation to buy the books, all I ask is that they are returned in a good condition (with no pen/pencil marks inside) after SATs so that they can be used again next year. However if you would like to keep them, so your children can write in them, please could you let Mrs Fiddes know and she will set up the payment on ParentPay.

If for any reason the books are not returned to school by the 29^th May, you will be charged the 5.00 (for both books) via ParentPay as we will need to buy additional copies for the following year.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact school or see me before or after school.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Family Maths Workshop Y1-Y6

Tomorrow, Wednesday 12th February 2020

We are really looking forward to welcoming As Creatives and their fun approach to mathematical learning to school tomorrow.

As there are still places available at our after school Family Workshop, please feel free to just turn up if you do not have to rush off. The children will have opportunity to play games, complete challenges and have fun with shapes and numbers.

As Creatives have designed their Family Workshop specially to offer challenge and fun to children at all stages of Maths learning and will also give you lots of ideas for continuing the learning at home.

Please come along and join in the pirate fun!

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 18 (Feb 2020)

Foundation Stage (FS) Writing Workshop – 11.2.20

Apologies for the short notice, this workshop has been cancelled and moved to 24th March, 9:15-10:15am and repeated again 4:30-5:30pm.

Piano Tuition

The piano tutor will not be in school this Tuesday as she is on dependent leave. She sends her sincere apologies for any inconvenience this causes.

The Ellis has Talent – 27.2.20

Tickets are on sale at 2 each and the date is definitely the 27th February, 6-8pm! Sorry for any confusion.

Menu Change – Shrove Tuesday – 25.2.20

Tuesday 25th February – roast gammon instead of meat pie. All other options will remain the same with the addition of assorted sweet pancakes for dessert.

Menu Change – Ash Wednesday – 26.2.20

Wednesday 26th February – mince and dumplings instead of roast gammon. All other options will remain the same.

New After School Clubs

Our new after school clubs on returning back to school in February will be:

Monday – KS1 Multisports with Dan, 3:20-4:20pm. No charge.

Tuesday – Y1-Y4 Football outside with Daz, 3:20-4:20pm. 2.50 per session payable to Daz.

FS2/Y1 Footie Stars with Adrian, 2.50 per session payable to Adrian. Parents must stay.

Wednesday – KS2 Tag Rugby with Dan, 3:20-4:20pm. No charge.

Thursday – Y1-Y6 Craft Club, 3:20-4:20pm, 2.50 per week, payable on ParentPay on confirmation of a place.

Please email Mrs Fiddes to put your childs name down for any of the above clubs. An email will be sent out on Friday confirming if your child has received a place. Thank you.

Free February Half Term Activities for Pupils Fit and Fed Feb 2020

Reds in the Community have a fantastic opportunity for pupils during February half term. The sessions are aimed at tackling holiday hunger whilst engaging young people in physical activity.

If you feel these sessions might be of benefit to you please sign up via their website to secure a place for your child. www.barnsleyfccommunity.co.uk

Their flyer is also attached to this email for further information.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Parent,

As you know, SATs are getting closer. With this in mind I have ordered some revision guides to help your child. The books are normally 5.95 each however as a school we can buy them at a discounted price of 2.50 per book.

If for any reason the books are not returned to school by the 29^th May, you will be charged the 5.00 (for both books) via ParentPay as we will need to buy additional copies for the following year.

The books will be sent home with your child by next Friday (14^th February).

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards

Abbey Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear All Parents,

You are invited to St. Mary’s church, Wombwell, this Sunday for their monthly Breakfast and Family Service.

Breakfast is from 9.15am and the service is for all ages at 10am with Bible story, songs and crafts.

All are welcome.

Thank you

World Book Day 5^th March 2020

We are getting quite excited now for this years World Book Day and would like to provide more information. As you may know, from Foundation Stage to Year 6 we will be using a variety of books based on the theme under the sea for inspiration. We would love our children at The Ellis to dress up as anything related to our theme, some examples include:

sea creatures
Pirates (why not reuse the clothes from our Pirate Maths day?)
mermaids
deep sea divers

First of all, we would like to invite you to come into school from 8:55 and share a story with your child, no sign up is required, please just pop into your childs classroom in the morning.

We would also like to invite you to come into school and attend a workshop with your child(ren). Each class will have a different focus and a sign up form will be available on each class door from Monday 24^th February. Please note that for safety reasons we will only have a set number of spaces in each workshop, therefore, places are on a first come first serve basis. For safety reasons, children and adults will need to stay in that workshop.

The workshops will begin at 9:10am and will end at 10:15am.

We would appreciate any baking and donations. We will also be holding a raffle and our brilliant book shop will be open.

Thank you for your continued support, we look forward to seeing you there.

Abbey Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 17 (Feb 2020)

Sponsored Walk

We are really excited for our sponsored koala walk on Wednesday! Please ensure you have given consent on ParentPay for your child to join in and remember to bring some loose change for well-earned refreshments in the hall and a visit to the bookshop once we arrive back in school.

Sponsorship money is to be brought into school by Wednesday, 12th February please.

Vortex School Uniform Website is now live!

We are delighted to let you know that school uniform can now be purchased online.

The following website link will direct you to their homepage:

www.vortexschoolwear.co.uk

The following link will take you directly to our School’s page:

www.vortexschoolwear.co.uk/Primary-Schools/The-Ellis-CE-Primary-School

ParentPay

Thank you for keeping your ParentPay accounts up to date, we will shortly be contacting only those few parents who still have balances above our debt policy.

Ellis has Talent

Tickets are now selling fast for this event. 2 each from the office.

Playground Supervision

Please remember that children in the playground need to be supervised by a known adult before school. Parents are responsible for their children until the start of school. Thank you.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Y3/4 Pirate History Workshop

Our next topic after the holidays is Pirates and as part of this we are delighted to have booked a visitor from the company ‘Real Life History’ to come into school to work with our Y3 and 4 children on Wednesday, 25th March.

The children will take on the role of real life pirates from the past and take part in two 1 hour workshops. The visitors will also give a presentation to all the children. It is a company we have used several times before and we know the children really benefit from the hands on experiences they provide. It certainly brings history to life for our children and gives them the chance to handle artefacts from the day, ask questions and to act out the life of pirates on the ocean.

In order to cover the cost of the visit we are asking for a contribution of 4.50 per child, which will be payable via ParentPay. If insufficient funds are raised, then unfortunately we will have to cancel the visit.

We know how much the children enjoyed and learned from their Roman day at the start of this academic year so we know they’ll be in for another wonderful time!

As all the children will have pirate outfits from our Maths day we thought we would get into the spirit of the pirate workshop by inviting the children to wear these outfits again.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Wise

Our Vortex Schoolwear Website is now live!

Our website link is the following, which will direct you to the

homepage:

www.vortexschoolwear.co.uk

Below is the link that will take you directly to your School’s page:

www.vortexschoolwear.co.uk/Primary-Schools/The-Ellis-CE-Primary-School

Dear Parents,

We are proud to announce that we will be running The Ellis has Talent competition on Thursday 27^th February (6:00-8:00pm). Auditions have already been taking place in school. We have an amazing line up of acts showcasing a variety of talents. It should be an amazing evening for all.

Everyone is welcome to attend and show their support for the children who have worked hard on their acts. It should be a really good night out for all the family. Tickets are available from the office at a cost of 2 per ticket. There will be refreshments available to purchase on the night along with a raffle. All money raised from the event will go towards school funds and further exciting opportunities in the future.

Please come and show your support, you will not be disappointed.

Kind Regards,

Mrs D Broadbent

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 16 (Jan 2020)

ParentPay

It is frustrating having to keep chasing parents for payments on ParentPay for outstanding dinner money and other debts as well as consent for trips. Children cannot attend trips without permission which is now given via ParentPay. If permission is not given your child will be supervised in a different class for the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to keep debts clear. Please be considerate with keeping on top of your payments. Our outstanding balances are regularly looked at and we already have children who are unable to have a school lunch until their balance has been cleared. If you would like a copy of our debt policy please ask at the office. Thank you.

After School Club Wednesday 12th February

The above after school club will be cancelled due to our Y3/4 Family Maths Workshop taking place in the hall that evening.

Sponsored Walk

Sponsorship forms have been sent home for this extremely worthwhile cause so please keep a look out for them. There are sign up sheets on classroom doors to confirm if an adult will be accompanying your child on the walk. There will be plenty of staff available to walk with those children who will not have an adult with them. As above, if you do not give consent via ParentPay your child will remain in school.

As always, if you have any concerns or issues regarding school, please contact me,

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y3/4 Parents,

As per the email correspondence below, we currently only have 9 families wishing to attend the workshop. If you would like to attend and have not yet let Mrs Fiddes know, the deadline for doing so is Friday morning. We will confirm names of the families attending by email on Friday afternoon and possibly open up the workshop to other classes if there are still spaces available. Thank you.

Dear Y3/4 Parents,

Attached is the flyer for our Family Maths workshop running on Wednesday, 12th February, 15:20 – 16:20.

It will be led by As Creatives, who are also running workshops for pupils during the day, and hopefully will give us all the chance to remember how much fun maths can be, how important maths is – and also how easy it is for adults and children to work together on exciting maths challenges.

It would be helpful to know numbers for the workshop, so please email Mrs Fiddes to confirm if you will be joining us.

To refresh your memory a reminder of the email that was sent previously about our Maths day is below.

Dear All Parents and Carers,

We are excited to let you know that ‪on Wednesday the 12th of February, here at The Ellis we will be hosting a whole school maths day facilitated by a company called As Creatives, along with our wonderful teaching staff.

The theme of the day is a Captains Conundrum and the children will be taking part in lots of pirate related maths throughout the day. (Nursery childrens activities will be in-house and not run by the external company).

We would love all the children to get into the spirit of the day by dressing up in pirate costumes, this can be as little or as much as they so wish. As Y6 will be leaving after lunch for their Barnsley Market Trading event please can they come to school in their uniform with easily removable accessories such as an eye patch, bandana or a hat.

A family maths workshop will take place after school on the same day with further information following soon.

Mrs Wise

Maths Lead and Y3 Teacher

Dear Y6 Parents, A reminder of the email that was sent on the 18.12.19 is below.

On Tuesday 4^th February, we will be taking our Year 6 children on a trip to Oakwell Stadium for a trip run by Barnsley FC called Show Racism the Red Card.

We will be using Beewise coaches and leaving school at 11:30am. Children who normally order a school lunch will still have the opportunity to do so, however, this will be a packed lunch rather than a hot school meal so it can be eaten before we leave. We will be arriving back at home for normal home time.

As we are able to use the annual Sporting and Extra-Curricular Activity form for this trip no additional consent will be required.

Thank you,

Miss Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Y6 Parents,

To give parents a little more time to discuss any issues, particularly regarding SATs, I will be available on Wednesday 11^th March between 9am and 4pm for parental consultations. Please note this date is instead of the parents evening date on 26^th March.

The sign-up sheet is in the usual place (on the door in the cloakroom). Alternatively, please email Mrs Fiddes with three convenient appointment times and she will do her best to accommodate you. If it is necessary to make an evening appointment please request this in your email.

The time slots between 9-4pm are every 10 minutes.

Thank you,

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Parents/Carers,

Our Year 5 children have organised a sponsored walk to raise money for the injured Koalas in Australia. As ambassadors for the Archbishop of Yorks Youth Trust Scheme, the children feel that they could help our global community and hold a whole school event ALL monies will be donated to the WWFs Koala Protector appeal.

Year 1 Year 6: The walk will take us to Jump, then down through Elsecar, along the canal path and back up Tingle Bridge to school.

FS2: The children will be walking to the cemetery at Jump and then back to school.

FS1: The children will be completing laps of the nursery field.

The walk will take place on Wednesday, 5^th February, straight after registration. Parents, grandparents and carers are invited on the external walk with their children, so please sign up on the sheet on your childs classroom door so that the class teacher knows which of their children will need supervision. Children who do not have an adult accompanying but who have permission to attend will walk with their teachers.

When we get back to school there will be refreshments available to purchase in the school hall. F1 children can bring money and staff will take them into the hall to purchase these.

Sponsor forms will be coming home with the children this week, thank you for any support to this very worthwhile cause – no matter how big or small, all donations are welcome.

In addition, any buns or cakes that you would like to donate for our refreshments would be greatly appreciated. The money raised from the sales will also go to the WWFs Koala Protector appeal.

Due to the scale of this event and the volume of children taking part, consent will need to be given on ParentPay even if you will be walking with your child. (This excludes F1 who will not be leaving the school).

Any children who do not have permission to walk will remain in school supervised.

Thank you,

Mrs Brinkley & The Year 5 Sensational Seahorses

Dear Parent,

We have noticed an increase in the number of mobile phones being brought into school. At The Ellis CE Primary we are more than happy for children to bring in their phone, as we want to promote independence and know that they may need it when walking to and from school.

However, mobile phones must be handed in at the beginning of the day so that they can be stored safely. A number of our children are using them on the playground (before school) and are leaving them in their pockets, this could potentially lead to data protection and safeguarding issues.

Please can you remind your child to ensure that they switch off their phones before they enter the playground and that they hand them in so that they do not get damaged or stolen. The school cannot take responsibility for items that are lost or stolen.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Y5/6 Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 Boys Football Competition against Holyrood on Thursday, 23rd January 2020. The match will be played at Horizon and will start at 2:15pm. The children will be transported there and back via Beewise coaches.

We will confirm if parents are able to spectate, along with the expected return time as soon as we have this information.

The game will be played on grass. Children will be given a full football kit to wear on the day but will need to bring football boots, shin pads, a tracksuit, a drink of water and a bag for their belongings.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Mrs R Jaques

Dear Y5/6 Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 Girls Football Competition against Holyrood on Thursday, 23rd January 2020. The match will be played at Horizon and will start at 1:30pm. The children will be transported there and back via Beewise coaches.

We will confirm if parents are able to spectate, along with the expected return time as soon as we have this information.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Mrs R Jaques

Dear Parents, The Ellis News 15 (Jan 2020)

Sad News

Mrs Jaques’ mum (maternity cover in Y4) sadly passed away at the end of last week. She is back in school and feeling well-supported by pupils and staff. We offer our condolences and support to Mrs Jaques at this hard time.

Topics

F1/F2 Growing

Y1/Y2 Superheroes

Y3/Y4 Vicious Vikings

Y5/Y6 Ancient Greece – Who let the Gods out?

Lunchtime Menus

Some of the children have been choosing meals that they don’t like. As much as we want to encourage children to try new foods, please can you double check that your children are choosing a dish that they will eat, as we do not want anyone going hungry. Just to reassure you all, we always make sure everyone has eaten something.

If you would like a copy of the menus emailing, please let Mrs Fiddes know, or ask your child to collect a paper copy from the office to take home.

Golden Banquet

We now have two children from each year group F2 to Y6 every week for the Golden Banquet.

Theatre Production for F1-Y6

We are looking forward to the theatre company coming into school on Wednesday to perform their pantomime ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Please bring 2 to dress up in your smartest outfit or fancy dress. Please be mindful of outdoor play.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y3/4 Parents, Family Maths Invitation 12.2.20

Attached is the flyer for our Family Maths workshop running on Wednesday, 12th February, 15:20 – 16:20.

It would be helpful to know numbers for the workshop, so please email Mrs Fiddes to confirm if you will be joining us.

To refresh your memory a reminder of the email that was sent previously about our Maths day is below.

Dear All Parents and Carers,

A family maths workshop will take place after school on the same day with further information following soon.

Mrs Wise

Maths Lead and Y3 Teacher

Dear Parents,

Your child may have already mentioned that as part of the IKIC Big Challenge they have been given another opportunity to take part in a marketing event, in Barnsley town centre, on the 12^th February between 12:15-3pm. This will form part of the competition and children will have the opportunity to win prizes on the day for their stall design, marketing campaigns and customer service.

Please note that it is not compulsory for your child to attend this event.

As it is during the school day, the plan is to walk to Wombwell train station and get the train into Barnsley town centre. Parents are not expected to attend this event, instead we will treat this like a school trip. I am available to chaperone, and depending on numbers another adult from school may also attend. Children will need to think carefully about which stock and marketing materials to bring, I would recommend bringing a suitcase or bag that they can carry. We will get the train back to school and will be back by 4pm. Please could you send your child with a packed lunch and a drink, we will eat before we leave school.

I would be grateful if you could let Mrs Fiddes know if your child would like to take part in this element of the competition and feel that they will have enough stock to create an enticing stall by that date. The stock can be previous stock i.e. unsold Christmas items.

Permission and payment for transportation will be via Parent Pay.

I need to get final numbers to the organisers as soon as possible, so if you could let me know by Friday 24^th JANUARY that would be very helpful so that I can book the correct number of train tickets and ensure that we have sufficient staff.

On another note, our next pop-up shop will be on Friday 13^th March 2020 in the hall from 3:20-4:20.

Kind Regards,

Miss A Saunders

Dear F2 Parents,

We are pleased to inform you that Mr Grayhurst will be holding his Parents Day on Tuesday, 28th January.

You will find a sign up sheet in class for you to choose a convenient time and place your name against it to book your slot.

If that particular day or the times remaining are inconvenient, please speak to Mr Grayhurst to arrange a mutually convenient alternative.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Y1 Parent/Carer,

Your childs class has been selected to represent the school in a Multi Skills Event at Kirkbalk Community College, on Thursday 23rd January. The event will start at 1pm and will finish for 3:00pm and children should arrive back at school around 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:30pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space constraints, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Jaques

Dear Y3/4 Parent/Carer,

Your childs class has been selected to represent the school in a Year 3 and 4 Multi Skills Event at Kirkbalk Community College, Tuesday 21st January. The event will start at 1pm and will finish for 3:00pm and children should arrive back at school around 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:30pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space constraints, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Mrs Jaques

Dear All Parents and Carers,

A family maths workshop will take place after school on the same day with further information following soon.

Mrs Wise

Maths Lead and Y3 Teacher

Dear Nursery Parents,

Our topic this term is ‘growing’.

For the next few weeks we will be talking about ourselves and how we have grown and changed from when we were a baby.

As part of this activity could you please send a baby photo into nursery of your child for them to talk about.

The photo will be returned when we have finished the activity.

Thank you

Mrs Pollard

Dear Parents,

I will be running a free workshop for all parents/carers and grandparents of children within our Foundation Stage (F1 and F2).

The workshop will focus on Developing childrens language and understanding through stories and will offer you a valuable insight into how to support your childs learning and development while they are in the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will take place on Thursday 23^rd January at 4.30pm and again on Friday 24^th January at 9.15am and will last for approximately half an hour.

Refreshments will be available free of charge.

If you would like to attend please let the class teacher know which session you would like to come to.

Unfortunately children are unable to attend this event.

I look forward to seeing you all there.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs. T. Pollard

Dear Parents, The Ellis News 14 (Jan 2020)

Welcome back everyone, the children have made a fantastic start to 2020 with their attitude to learning and behaviour in school.

Congratulations

We are delighted to announce the arrival of Miss Cook’s baby girl, Olivia Mae, born on the 8th January, all are well and very happy.

The Garden

We are lucky at The Ellis to have such an amazing garden that has been maintained by kind volunteers and Mr Tucker, our caretaker. This year we are wanting to increase the opportunity for children to use this wonderful learning resource and Miss Grace Batley, who now works at breakfast club, is going to help to set up the garden.

If you have or know of anyone that may have resources or time to help please let us know. At the moment we are looking for wood that we can use for the borders, scaffolding pallets, plant pots and any seedlings. We would also like to purchase a non glass green house. (I don’t suppose anyone has a spare green house!)

Y6 Boosters

Thank you to everyone who is attending the reading and maths boosters. We know our Y6s work incredibly hard in school and these boosters really do help the children to ‘be the best they can be’ in their SATS. At the end of year feedback last year, the Y6s were very positive about the boosters. As a school we are very passionate about the curriculum not all being about SATS, which is why we also do the IKIC business alongside.

The Combined Score

One of the key scores that schools are judged on by the SATS scoring system is the COMBINED score, this combines the Reading/Writing and Maths score. To achieve the combined score a child needs to reach WA (Working At) in all three areas of learning.

As a school this is our key score to improve.

We want all our children to achieve their best in reading, writing and maths, whilst also enjoying learning and school.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y1/2/3 Parents,

If you have any unwanted school trousers (for girls or boys), tights or skirts please send them to Y2 as they are in desperate need of them.

Thank you

Dear All Parents,

You are invited to St. Mary’s church, Wombwell, this Sunday for their monthly Breakfast and Family Service.

Breakfast is from 9.15am and the service is for all ages at 10am with Bible story, songs and crafts.

All are welcome.

Thank you

Dear Y5/6 Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 Girls Football Competition event at Kings Oak on Friday, 17th January 2020. The event will start at 2:30pm and aim to finish for 3:30pm.

Parents are invited to spectate. If this is something you would like to do, please let Mrs Fiddes know that you will be transporting your child to and from the event and that transport is not required.

The game will be played on grass. Children will be given a school top but will need to bring shorts, football socks, boots, a drink of water and a bag for their belongings. It is recommended that shin pads are worn but are not compulsory.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Mrs R Jaques

Dear Y5 / Y6 Parent/Carer,

I cant believe its January already- it seems to have crept up on me rather quickly. Apologies for the delay in getting this letter to you before now, it was all rather busy before Christmas.

Visit to Weston Park Museum

In support of the childrens topic, The Ancient Greeks, we would like to take Years 5 and 6 to Weston Park Museum in Sheffield on Friday 24^th January. The children will take part in a workshop about the Greeks and look at the artefacts on display.

The coach company we will be using is Beewise. The coach will leave school at 9:20am and is 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 before school.

The cost will be 10 per pupil and includes the workshop and coach cost. We must point out that if insufficient money is collected, the trip will have to be cancelled. Payment will be via Parent Pay and will need to be paid by Monday, 20th January 2020. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties covering the cost of the trip, please contact Mrs Hurding.

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.

We may have time to visit the gift shop on the day, so if you would like to send your child with up to 5 to spend you may, however this is not compulsory.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Edwards and Miss Saunders

Dear Y6 Parents,

Please find correspondence attached from Miss Saunders regarding Y6 homework. Spring Homework Letter

Thank you

Dear Nursery Parents,

Our topic this term is ‘growing’.

For the next few weeks we will be talking about ourselves, our friends and our families. As part of this activity could you please send a photo into nursery of your child with family members for them to talk about.

The photo will be returned when we have finished the activity.

Thank you

Mrs Pollard

Dear Parents,

Foundation Stage 2

No homework has been set for the holidays but please continue reading stories to your children and talking about them. Thank you for your support and we wish you a Merry Christmas.

Foundation Stage 2 Milk

If your child turns 5 in this next half term they will no longer be offered milk free of charge.

Please contact school milk at admin@schoolmilk.co.uk or register at www.schoolmilk.co.uk or ring 0845 3402100 to order milk if you would like your child to continue to drink this at school. Thank you.

Key Stage 1

Our next topic after the holidays is “What a Hero!” and as part of this we are delighted to have booked a visitor from the company ‘Real Life History’ to come into school to work with our KS1 children on Friday, 17th January. They will take on the role of Florence Nightingale and her assistant. The visitors will give a 40 minute presentation to all KS1 and then the children will take part in two 1 hour workshops with them. It is a company we have used several times and we know the children will really benefit from the hands on experiences they provide. It certainly brings history to life for our children and gives them the chance to handle artefacts from the day, ask questions and to act out the life of soldiers in the war and nurses on the front line. In order to cover the cost of the visit we are asking for a contribution of 4.50 per child, which will be payable via ParentPay when we return to school in January. If insufficient funds are raised, then unfortunately we will have to cancel the visit.

Having taken part in the exact same workshop with our KS1 children two years ago, I know from experience that they are in for wonderful time!

Thank you for your continued support.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Foundation Stage Parents,

Your child is welcome to bring a toy to school on Friday. Nothing too precious and no electronics please.

Thank you

Dear Y6 Parents,

On Tuesday 4^th February, we will be taking our Year 6 children on a trip to Oakwell Stadium for a trip run by Barnsley FC called Show Racism the Red Card.

As we are able to use the annual Sporting and Extra-Curricular Activity form for this trip no additional consent will be required.

Thank you,

Miss Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Young Voices Tickets

We are aware that the Young Voices tickets have not arrived yet.

We have informed The Arena of our school closure dates over Christmas and will continue our contact with them to ensure the tickets and t-shirts arrive.

Thank you,

Mrs Trotter

Dear Y3 Parents, Viking Home Learning Y3

Please find attached our newsletter for next half term along with some home learning ideas.

Thank you for your continued support,

Mrs Wise

Y3 Teacher and Mathematics Lead

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 13 (December 2019)

May we take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support to all that we do at The Ellis. We hope you and your family have a peaceful Christmas time.

Staffing

Miss Cook has decided that this Friday, 20th December, will be her last day with the children. We wish Miss Cook every happiness during this exciting time.

After School Clubs

After School Clubs are cancelled for this week.

After School Clubs from January

Dan Wall will again be running our regular clubs on Mondays and Wednesdays. He taught at Park Street for a number of years and after launching his own business is happy to continue working with The Ellis.

Monday 13th January – 10th February

KS1 Multi Sports including Dodge ball until 4:20pm.

Please email if your child is interested in joining this club.

Wednesday 8th January – 12th February

KS2 Dodge ball / Bench ball until 4:20pm.

Please email if your child is interested in joining this club.

The following are our ongoing clubs:

Tuesday

F2 & Y1 Footy Stars until 3:50pm. 2.50 per week payable to the coach, Adrian.

Parents must remain with their child.

Daz’s Football ongoing weekly until 4:20pm, Y1-Y4 children, 2.50 payable to Daz each week.

Thursday

Craft Club until 4:20pm. (15 places available).

Payment for this club is 2.50 per week and will go onto ParentPay on Friday if your child receives a place. Thank you.

Barnsley Football Club Football Skills

This has now finished.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Foundation Stage,

We will be holding a Christmas coffee morning on Friday, 13th December, 9:15-10:30am 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 9:20am). Raffle tickets will also be on sale.

Please remember to bring an unwanted childrens book on the day to exchange at our book swap free of charge. Take your book to the table and swap it for a different one to take home and keep.

The children will be brought into the hall by staff at approximately 9:20am 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

Dear Parents,

We have been invited at The Ellis to go to the town hall to be filmed for the Tour de Yorkshire. They are asking for the children to talk about the Tour (but we will be told what to say.)

The visit has been arranged for Thursday morning, 12th December. The children will be back for lunch and it will be a great opportunity for them to represent The Ellis.

If you consent to this trip you are giving permission for your child to be driven to Barnsley with either Mrs Hurding or Mrs Dixon (George’s mum in Y6) and also consenting for your child to be filmed for public use.

Please log on to ParentPay to give your consent.

Thank you,

Mrs Hurding

Dear Parent,

Before Christmas, I would like to calculate the profits that the IKIC teams have made so far. To do this I will need to know how much your child has spent, please could you send in any receipts or invoices before Friday 20^th December.

If you have already sent in your receipts and invoices then please ignore this email.

Feel free to pop in and see me or email h.fiddes@theellis.org if you have any questions.

The teams are doing a fantastic job and we are all very proud of them at The Ellis.

Thanks,

Abbey Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear All Parents,

Christmas Fun

Please see the attached flyer for information on St. Mary’s Church Christmas Fun day this Saturday, 10:30am-12pm.

Family Service

You are invited to St. Mary’s church, Wombwell, this Sunday for their monthly Breakfast and Family Service.

Breakfast is from 9.15am and the service is for all ages at 10am with Bible story, songs and crafts.

All are welcome.

Thank you

Dear Parent,

Thank you for your support in getting the children in a routine of completing formal homework, the children have commented today that they think this has helped their learning.

The homework that is due on Friday 13^th will be:

Maths page 30 (Number Sequences)

Reading Poetry pages 26-31 (Welcome to York).

Over Christmas I will not be sending any formal homework, however please could you encourage your child to read regularly.

Our next topic will be The Ancient Greeks, we would love to see some home learning from Year Six. Children can present their work in any way that they may wish to do so, e.g. PowerPoint, posters, videos, Lego buildings, artwork, the list is endless.

We now have some new homework books (as the children have almost completed their reading booklets) these will be issued in January.

Thank you as always for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Parent, Marketsfirstfloor

I have been asked by the organisers of the IKIC challenge to forward the following information to parents and pupils who are attending the Christmas trading event on 14^th December.

Please remind all those attending that:

The market is a place of business and they are generously allowing us to use space. Teams do need to be on best behaviour and observe that other traders are operating their businesses from there. This includes noise levels.

Teams need to stay behind their tables and cant become wandering salesmen around the market.
Think about how you want to display your products.
Please remind them they need to bring table cloths.
There will not be chairs provided, and there probably wont be room for teams to bring their own so comfy shoes are a must.
If teams are selling either edible items or body items they need to be displaying preferably on their packaging, but at least on the table what ingredients are in the products.
Any candles being sold need to do so with a flammable label attached.

Reminders from school:

Children will need a packed lunch and a drink.
Set up begins at 8am, teams need to arrive by 8:30am.
Trading ends at 4pm.
Transport is not provided
Children will need to bring any medication that they may need
We will be on the first floor (please see the attached map).

If you have any questions, please contact school.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Y2 Parents,

Thank you for practising the nativity song with your child, they are singing with much more confidence. Unfortunately, the track would not send to the whole class via email, apologies for this.

There is no formal homework this week as we know children have a busy week coming up with the two nativities, however, please continue practising spellings, TT Rock Stars and reading regularly with your child. Reading can include books from school, home, magazines, comics or anything else that ignites your child’s interest. Please complete all reading in the diaries and ensure that your child has their reading diaries in school daily so that staff can check them.

Thank you for your support in this,

Mrs Trotter

Dear All Parents,

Congratulations

We are delighted to announce the arrival of Miss Beresford’s baby, Riley Jack, who was born on the 29th November 2019. Congratulations to all the family.

Miss Cook will be starting her maternity from the 13th January, so her last day at work will be the 10th January. Mrs Rachel Jaques will be covering the class and has had lots of opportunities to get to know the children and Miss Cook’s systems for learning.

Y5 Class Assembly – Wednesday 4th

This is going to be a good one and therefore we need to bring the time forward a little to 2:30pm! Sorry for this short notice.

PTFA Disco Tickets

Sales for this event have now ended as we are up to our maximum numbers. Thank you.

KS1 Nativity

Our Key Stage 1 Nativity Play is on Tuesday, 10th and Wednesday, 11th December. We still have a few tickets left so please come along and support this event if possible. The children love to see familiar faces in the audience when they are performing on the stage. Raffle tickets and refreshments will be available to buy on the night from 5:30pm. Children performing need to be back at school no earlier than 5:30pm please.

Christmas Dinner Day

On Wednesday, 11th December, we are having our combined Christmas Dinner Day and Wear your Christmas Jumper / non uniform Day. There will be no alternative food on this day so if your child would not like a school Christmas dinner please send them to school with a packed lunch. There has been no requirement to pre-order this year.

Nursery are also invited to join in the Christmas jumper / non uniform day.

Christmas Party Day

This will be on Wednesday, 18th December and all children, including nursery, are welcome to come in their party clothes but please be mindful of outdoor play.

Party food costs 1.90 and is paid via ParentPay. Please remember, if your child would not like party food they will need to bring a packed lunch as there will be no alternative food on this day. This includes both full-time and part-time nursery children.

Christingle F2 – Y6

You are invited to join us in the school hall on Friday, 20th December at 2pm.

PTFA Design a Christmas Bauble Competition

The attached template can be printed or paper copies collected from Mrs Fiddes in the office and completed using any materials, either online or as a paper copy. The competition is 1 to enter and open to all Ellis children. There will be 3 first prizes – one each for Foundation Stage, KS1 and KS2.

Entries with your child’s name and year group need to be in by Tuesday, December 17^th for judging. If you would like to return your online copy please email Mrs J Beever on j.beever@theellis.org and hand in your entry fee. Winning entries will be displayed in school on Party Day, Wednesday 18^th December. Thank you.

Bookshop

The school bookshop will be open Friday lunchtimes. We are selling new books for 1 and second hand books are around 50p.

Santa

If you would like to take your child to visit Santa at Hemingfield tea room on Wednesday, 18th December 3:30pm-6pm, please message or ring 07552 390130.

APPS

It has come to our attention that the ‘Jurassic Park’ game on IPADS can take real money out of your account so be really mindful of your security settings. This APP does not require thumb print recognition.

We have also had the following information to pass on to parents from Tim Pinto, our data protection officer regarding Christmas gifts for your children:

When you purchase a device, take it out of the box before you give it to your child. Go onto the settings section where you can restrict or disable features so your children cannot download unsuitable applications or content e.g. videos.

A good site to support you with setting controls is: http://www.internetmatters.org/

Make sure that the account on the tablet/phone is set up by a parent or carer so they can authorise content that is downloaded. This is important if they need to download any additional content called In App Purchases (IAP).

Look at the age ratings for applications as some might not be suitable for your child. The same goes for access to popular sites such as You Tube, Snapchat and Tik Tok.

Talk to your children about using cameras and video chat facilities. If someone acts inappropriately, then make sure they tell you immediately. Also, ensure they use these features sensibly and do not take unsuitable images and share them with people they dont know.

If you are buying a smartphone for your child, talk to the mobile provider about parental controls. These might not be automatically switched on, so you may need to look at the providers website for support.

Games consoles such as Xboxes and Playstations are very popular with primary aged children. The key issue with video games is the suitability of a number of titles as they are rated in the same way as films. Therefore, major releases before Christmas such as Call of Duty: Modern Welfare (rated 18), Star Wars Jedi (rated 16), NFS Heat (rated 16) all have 16+ ratings.

A useful site to find about the content of games can be found here: https://www.askaboutgames.com/

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y6 Parent,

After Christmas we will starting our Year Six after school boosters.

The boosters will run from 3:20 4:20 and there will be some light refreshments to keep their energy levels up.

The boosters arent compulsory, but they are advised, as we will be ensuring that your child is fully ready for their tests – if your child cannot attend, I will send home the work the group is doing to be done as homework for the following week.

The children will be split into smaller groups and will revise key concepts and extend their problem solving skills.

On Tuesdays we will focus on reading and Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG) during the hour and on Thursdays we will be focusing at maths.

Please could you let Mrs Fiddes (h.fiddes@theellis.org) know before Friday 20^th December if you would like your child to attend.

If you have any questions, please get in contact.

Thank you for your support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Parents,

It is that time of year again when KS1 are working very hard on their nativity Im Gonna Shine. Each year we try hard to put on the best performance we can and we know the children are all working very hard to learn everything in time. This is our main KS1 fundraiser each year and the money we raise from tickets and the raffle goes straight back to our children. In previous years we have spent the money on resourcing our outside classroom which has changed from a patch of grass to an area which children love to access and where lots of exciting learning opportunities are available to them. We have also bought resources for our topics as well as new nativities and costumes.

This year we are raising money to purchase the final sets of phonic reading books we need and are aiming to buy a DT workbench which will allow the children the chance to practise important DT skills using the correct tools and workstation.

If anyone is able to kindly donate a raffle prize for the evening performances we would be very grateful. Every year we are overwhelmed by the generosity of parents and grandparents, so thank you. Please can any donations can be given to the office or any KS1 member of staff by Friday 6^th December.

Thank for your continued support.

Charlotte Trotter

Class Teacher / KS1 Leader

Dear Y3 Parents,

In Y3, we are continuing to make art out of recycled objects as we explore the work of the artist Nek Chand.

Please can children bring any unwanted magazines or newspapers that we can use for papiermache.

Many thanks for your continuing support,

The Y3 Team

Dear Parents, The Ellis News 10 (November 2019 )

Barnsley Schoolgirl’s Football Partnership

Barnsley Women FC are in the 2nd round of the FA Cup on the Astroturf at Oakwell this Sunday, kick off at 2pm. Steve Gates, Strategic Lead of Barnsley Schoolgirls Football Partnership is offering a free ticket for school pupils to gain entry to the game. Please email Mrs Fiddes if you would like a ticket emailing for you to print off. For adults it is a 3 entry fee.

School Milk Recall

Just to reassure you our school milk is not affected by the current recall. Our supplier is School Milk, provided by Fresh Pastures.

Book Fair

Our Book Fair is still on until Friday. All of the books really are half of the lowest price displayed on the book – come and grab yourselves a half price bargain!

PTFA Christmas Disco

Tickets are currently on sale priced at 3.50 each.

Y1/2 Nativity

Tickets will be on sale from Monday. 2 per adult. 1 per child. Children in the performance should return to school at 5:30pm – no earlier please. Our PTFA will be selling refreshments from 5:30pm so please remain in school and take your seat to wait for the performance to begin with a cuppa if you wish.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y1 Parents,

We have welcomed Mrs Broadbent back to school today and have therefore decided that parents evening for Y1 children will be going ahead this Wednesday evening using the same time slots that were originally booked.

If you cannot remember your time slot Mrs Broadbent has placed the sign up sheet back in the cloakroom for you to look at. Alternatively, if your original time slot is now inconvenient please pop and see Mrs Broadbent before school tomorrow to rearrange.

Thank you

Dear Parents,

Our next IKIC Pop-up shop is on Friday 29^th December 3:20-4pm. Following feedback from parents, we have changed the location from the Y6 classroom to the hall.

Our Year Six pupils will be selling a wide range of items such as: Lego keyrings, coasters, woodwork items, plastic free wrapping and candles (just to name a few!). Some of the products are bespoke and many would make great stocking fillers.

Come and show your support and grab yourselves a bargain.

We hope to see you there.

Miss A Saunders

Dear Parents,

Please find this week’s newsletter attached. The Ellis News 9 (November 2019)

Illness

We are very aware of the current illnesses that are in school at the moment and we have been reminding all children to wash their hands, use tissues and cover their mouths when coughing. We have been sending children home when necessary. We know we are always encouraging your children to attend but please ensure they are well and ready for learning before they return to school. In the event of sickness and diarrhoea, children need to have been clear for 48 hours before returning to school.

Headlice

We have several classes with headlice at the moment. Please remember to regularly check not only your child’s hair but also other family members. Thank you.

Photograph Proofs

We are expecting the photograph proofs in school on Monday, 25th November. We will ensure they are sent home as soon as we receive them.

Children in Need

Due to your generosity we have been able to raise a brilliant 180 which has already been sent off to Children in Need. Thank you.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y3 / Y4 Parent/Carer,

Visit to Jorvik Viking Centre

In support of the childrens topic, The Vikings, we would like to take Years 3 and 4 to the Jorvik Viking Centre in York on Monday, 10^th February 2020 to experience what life was like during Viking times. The children will take part in a tour of the Jorvik and a Viking battle tactics workshop.

The coach company we will be using is Beewise. The coach will leave school at 9.00am and is expected to return to school by 3:30pm. Children will need to be at school for no later than 8:45am. If your child suffers from travel sickness we would suggest that appropriate travel sickness tablets are taken before school.

The cost will be 14.20 per pupil to include the tour, workshop and also the coach. We must point out that if insufficient money is collected, the trip will have to be cancelled. Payment will be via Parent Pay and will need to be paid by Monday, 27th January 2020. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties covering the cost of the trip, please contact Mrs Hurding.

Due to time constraints we will not be visiting the gift shop on the day, but if you would like your child to have a souvenir from their day at Jorvik, a Jorvik coin pack can be pre-ordered for 4.00. In the pack, your child will receive a replica Viking coin and a necklace. If you wish to purchase a souvenir coin pack, you will need to pay the 4 for this on ParentPay by Monday, 27th January 2020.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Wise and Mrs Jacques

Dear Parents,

One of the key ways that you can support your child’s learning is by reading regularly at home and engaging them in discussions about their reading. Reading diaries should be used to record any reading your child has done at home as this gives us a clear view of what reading they are being exposed to and also demonstrates to the children the importance of regular reading.

Book bags with reading books and reading diaries should be in school every day. Older pupils do not have a book bag but must bring in their reading diary daily.

We understand that book bags are occasionally forgotten but some children routinely do not have their reading book and diary in school. Please could you support your child to ensure that they read at home at least three times a week and that their book bag is in school.

We have a variety of high-quality texts in school that your child can borrow (if they wish to do so). Staff are more than happy to make age-appropriate recommendations based on your childs interests. Additionally, I have attached our 100 Books to Read Before You Leave The Ellis document, We wanted to share this with you as we are often asked by parents to recommend books that can be shared at home. We are challenging children at The Ellis to read as many of these books as possible. Children will have the opportunity to access these texts in school and teachers will use these in class to inspire our learning. Please note that this list is by no means exhaustive, reading can be personal and we encourage children to independently select books.

Our half-price book fair is on the following dates:

Friday 22^nd November: 3:20 -4pm

Monday 25^th November: 8:20 -8:50am

Tuesday 26th November: 8:20 -8:50am

Wednesday 27^th November: 8:20 -8:50am

Thursday 28^th November: 3:20 -4pm

In addition to these times, children who would like to purchase a book can bring in money and purchase a book at break times.

Many Thanks,

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Parents,

Please find attached the home learning sheet and topic overview for our Year 2 Topic ‘Toys’. We look forward to seeing your wonderful home learning creations. Y2 Home Learning Ideas Y2 Class Newsletter

Kind Regards,

Mrs C Trotter

Year 1 / Year 2 Christmas Book Afternoon 2.12.19

This is a lovely festive opportunity for you to come along and spend time with your child taking part in Christmas activities linked to a Christmas book.

Pop along to the school hall at 1:30pm. If you cannot attend, please don’t worry, just let us know as there will be lots of other adults and helpers around who we can ensure are able to assist your child.

Thank you,

Mrs Trotter and Mrs Broadbent

Dear All Parents,

You are invited to St. Mary’s church, Wombwell, this Sunday for their monthly Breakfast and Family Service.

Breakfast is from 9.15am and the service is for all ages at 10am with Bible story, songs and crafts.

All are welcome.

Thank you

Dear Parents,

This morning, we received a call from one of the immunisation nurses requesting to re-instate the previously cancelled flu spray sessions. I was informed that this was because they are now able to order further supplies of Fluenz tetra (flu sprays) which is much earlier than they anticipated.

They have thanked us for accommodating us and are very relieved that they can offer this timely vaccine to our children and have asked me to pass on their sincere apologies for any disruption caused.

They are aiming for the sessions to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible to cause minimal disruption to learning and have assured me that they have processes in place to identify any children who have since had their flu spray at a GP surgery or a clinic.

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Parents,

Please see the attached letter confirming the reasons for the postponing of our Flu vaccination session on 26th November.

PHE letter to headteachers

Many thanks for your understanding as this is totally out of school’s control. We have been promised a new booking as soon as one becomes available to them to offer us.

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Parents,

Footy Stars

If your child attends Footy Stars on a Tuesday after school, Adrian has asked me to let you know it will be cancelled next week (one week only) to allow him to jet off on holiday!

Any after school clubs running on the PTFA movie nights will be UNAFFECTED.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

World Nursery Rhyme Week Nov 18th – Nov 22nd

‘If children know 8 nursery rhymes by heart by the time they are 4 years old, they are usually among the best readers and spellers in their class by the time they are 8.’

As the above quote highlights the importance of nursery rhymes in the Early Years we will be spending the whole week practising our nursery rhymes together.

If you would like to support your child in this activity please log on to https://www.worldnurseryrhymeweek.com/

Mrs Pollard

Foundation Stage Lead

Dear Parents/Carers,

Celebrate reading at our half-price book fair!

The Scholastic Half-Price Book Fair will be arriving in school soon, with hundreds of new childrens books to browse and buy, and as an added bonus, everything will be half-price. The lowest price on each book can be halved and this will be the purchase price. If you are unable to come to our book fair but would still like your child to buy a book, you are welcome to send the money into school and a staff member will help your child choose a book.

Numbers of each book are limited, however, orders can be placed and will be delivered at the end of the book fair week.

Where?

Our book fair will be held in the hall.

When?

Friday 22^nd November: 3:20 -4pm

Monday 25^th November: 8:20 -8:50am

Tuesday 26th November: 8:20 -8:50am

Wednesday 27^th November: 8:20 -8:50am

Thursday 28^th November: 3:20 -4pm

The book fair will be open at break times for our KS1 & KS2 pupils.

Whats on offer?

Hundreds of half price books starting from 2.99 including:

Supertato: Carnival Catastro-pea by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet

The Worlds Worst Teachers by David Walliams.

Tom Gates, Mega Make and Do and Stories Too by Liz Pichon.

Books will be suitable from aged 2+

If you have any questions please feel free to come and see me before or after school.

We hope to see you at our book fair.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher

Dear Y5 Parents,

Please find an information letter attached relating to the ABYYT scheme. ABYYT Planning

Thank you

Dear All Parents,

Illness

We have an unusually high number of children absent from school this week. The illness isn’t anything specific but the symptoms to look out for are a high temperature, sore throat and generally feeling lethargic and unwell. Please look after yourselves and wrap up warm.

PTFA Movie Night Movie Night

Please see the attached poster for the PTFA movie night. Tickets will be on sale at pick up tonight, 3 to include a drink and snacks. Children are invited to come in their onesie, grab a blanket and settle down for a night at the movies with their friends.

Anti-Bullying Week

Please wear blue to school tomorrow (Wednesday) in support of our anti-bullying week.

Children In Need

Please wear spots or pyjamas and bring 1 donation. All of the money received will be sent to Children in Need.

Snow isn’t forecast yet but it certainly seems cold enough to do so. We do encourage children to go outside in all weathers so please send them to school with appropriate footwear, hats and gloves to make their playtimes more enjoyable.

Thank you for your continued support, I will be sending out the newsletter later in the week.

Mrs Hurding

Due to Parent’s evening our KS2 Handball after school club will be cancelled this week.

Apologies for any inconvenience.

The IKIC Big Challenge Christmas Trading Event is on 14^th December from 9am 4pm.

The plan is to fill the units with tables from where young people can trade so every team will have a table. It is expected that teams will be there for the full day, and will have the opportunity to set up from 08:00am on the day. As with all events, this isnt mandatory for teams taking part in the competition, but gives them a great opportunity to experience working a day running their businesses, interacting with the public and make some sales.

If children are available on that date, they will need stock to sell for the full day. They will need to arrive by 8:30am to start selling between 9:00am-4:00pm. Transport to and from the event is NOT provided by school. A packed lunch will be required. If your child has any medical needs, they will need to bring medication from home as I will not have access to their medication from school with it being a Saturday. Myself and Mrs Edwards will be there to supervise, however if we have a lot of interest from pupils (who wish to attend the trading event) then it will be great if one parent from each team could also attend.

I would be grateful if you could let Mrs Fiddes know if your child would like to attend and whether an adult will be accompanying with their group on the day the 14^th of December. Please note there will be no power supply available at the event.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Y3 Parents,

Please find attached home learning and curriculum information for Y3. Y3 India Home Learning Y3 Indian Newsletter

Thank you,

Mrs Wise

Dear Y4 Parents,

Please find attached home learning and curriculum information for Y4. Y4 India Home Learning Letter Y4 Topic Mind Map

Thank you

Miss Cook

Dear Parent/Carer,

In keeping with our topic on India, Year 3 and 4 will be having an Indian afternoon on Monday 25^th November 2019. We will be completing lots of creative activities and trying out a selection of typical Indian foods. The selection will include cooking sauces, breads, starters and sides.

All food sampled will be vegetarian, however we are aware that some children may have food allergies and would be grateful if you would make school aware of this prior to the day.

No money or dress up is required for the day.

Yours sincerely

Miss N Cook and Mrs Wise

Class Teachers

Dear Parent/Carer,

Some of you may be aware that our Y6 pupils are part of the I Know I Can Big Challenge (IKIC). This is an enterprise competition where children create and make their own products to sell.

As part of this challenge, we will be holding two pop-up shops in the Y6 classroom on the following dates:

Friday (8^th November) at 3:25 -4pm in the Y6 classroom.

Friday 29^th November at 3:25 -4pm in the Y6 classroom.

Our pupils will be selling a wide range of items such as: Lego keyrings, coasters, woodwork items, plastic free wrapping and candles (just to name a few!). Some of the products are bespoke and many would make great stocking fillers.

Come and show your support and grab yourselves a bargain.

We hope to see you there.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Parent/Carer,

On Friday we will be holding our first pop up shop this Friday (8^th November) at 3:25 -4pm in the Y6 classroom.

This will be a great opportunity for pupils to take orders, promote their products and start selling. Pupils will need to make sure that they have brought in any of their products and promotional materials by Friday. I have sorted a small float out for each group.

The expectation is that children stay and put the classroom back to normal before they leave.

We will holding our next pop-up shop on Friday 29^th November.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

The Ellis CE Primary School

Dear Parent/Carer, Y6 Homework

I understand that there has been some confusion over the past few weeks about homework.

Please see the attached homework for the next couple of weeks.

New spellings are set up on Spelling Shed weekly (every Friday) the statutory Y5/6 spellings are always on there.

Reading Records should be in daily, we expect pupils to read at least three times per week.

Apologies for any confusion.

As always, thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Y2 Parent/Carer,

Your childs class has been selected to represent the school in a Key Stage 1 All Stars Cricket event at Barnsley College on Tuesday 12th November 2019. The event will start at 1:30pm and will finish for 3:15pm. Children should arrive back at school around 3:45pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:50pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space constraints, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

Your child will need to a drink of water along with their trainers and tracksuit/warm clothing as 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.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Bonfire Menu

Tomorrow’s menu (Tuesday 5th) is meat and potato pie, chips peas and gravy OR vegetarian burger and chips OR jacket potato.

Toffee apple crumble and custard.

Yum!

Dear Parents, The Ellis News 7 (November 2019)

A warm welcome back, we hope you are all ready for a busy half term ahead.

Mr Grayhurst

We are very sad to inform you that Mr Grayhurst has suffered a family bereavement over half term, his father has passed away and he is needing time to be with his family for a few weeks.

We have employed a very experienced Early Years supply, Mrs Michelle Kaskiewicz.

We will be cancelling the Foundation 2 parents evening next week and apologise for the inconvenience, however, if you need to speak to a member of staff, Mrs Beevers (F2 Teaching Assistant), Mrs Pollard (Foundation Lead) and Mrs Hurding (Headteacher) will all be able to help.

We are delighted how well all our Foundation 2 children have settled into the routines of school.

REVIEW

On Monday, 11th November the LA (Local Authority) are coming in to review school. Mrs Linda Singleton and Mrs Jo Bentley are from the LA, Mr Jim Dugmore is a Headteacher from Sheffield and a National Leader of Education and Mrs K Falconer is the Headteacher at Jump school. They may well come to speak to parents at the start and the end of the school day.

We are very proud of our school and all we offer our children at The Ellis.

ELECTION DAY

As a general election is to take place on the 12th DECEMBER, Nursery will be closed to be used as the local POLLING STATION.

POPPIES

Poppies and poppy related items will be on sale and taken round to each class this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoon.

NURSERY (Foundation Stage 1) PARENT CONSULTATIONS

These will be taking place in the Headteacher’s office, not in Nursery, so please come to the main office area.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Parents, Guinea Pig letter

Please find attached a letter which we would appreciate your feedback on. You are welcome to reply by email if that is preferable to completing the slip.

Many thanks

Dear Y3/4 Parent/Carer,

Your childs class has been selected to represent the school in a Year 3 and 4 Sportshall Athletics Competition at Kirk Balk on Wednesday 6th November 2019. The event will start at 1:15pm and will finish for 3:00pm. Children should arrive back at school for normal home time.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue just before 1pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space constraints, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear All Parents,

This week’s newsletter is attached. The Ellis News 6 (October 19)

Tidy Team Junior Environment Wardens

The Tidy Team Junior Environment Wardens is a scheme designed to encourage children aged 7-12 to engage in community environmental activities. Children will be given support to develop a sense of pride and respect promoting a positive image of children in their community. Through their participation individuals will make new friends and grow in confidence whilst learning what to do in an emergency, the importance of recycling and how to look after their environment. To find out further information please contact volunteerwithtidyteam@gmail.com or ring 01226 749119 or ask your child to pop and see Mrs Fiddes and ask for a leaflet.

Menu Change

On 5th November the menu will be as follows:

Pie and peas OR southern fried burger in a bread bun OR jacket potato.

Toffee apple crumble and custard. Please see the attached menu. Bonfire Menu

After School Clubs next half term up to Christmas

As usual our clubs are free of charge and run for one hour after school (3:20-4:20pm) unless otherwise stated.

Please email Mrs Fiddes to put your child’s name down.

Monday Sportshall Athletics for KS1 with Mr Wall.

Tuesday Daz’s Football continuing / Footy Stars continuing. New children are welcome to join.

Wednesday Handball for KS2 with Mr Wall.

Thursday Craft Club (Please see below).

We are pleased to offer a new KS2 after school Craft Club running from 3:20-4:20pm every Thursday. The club will run for 6 weeks from 7th November 2019 until 12th December 2019 with a maximum of 20 places available.

The club will be organised and run by school staff with all resources being made available on the night. Children will be able to take home items they make.

The club will cost 2.50 per child per session and is paid for termly in advance. Please email Mrs Fiddes to express your childs interest and once we have an idea of numbers we will decide how to proceed with allocating spaces.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y5 Parents,

In our R.E. learning we are thinking about others and how Christians put their beliefs into practise by helping others.

I thought it would be a lovely idea to participate in the Operation Christmas Child scheme and complete two shoeboxes to send to children who are much less fortunate than us.

If you would like your child to participate, I will put a list of items on the classroom door for you to choose from. Alternatively, you may just wish to donate 1.00 towards the cost of postage (5.00 per box). There is absolutely no obligation for your child to take part.

For additional information about the scheme, please visit Samaritans-purse.org.uk/occ.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Mrs Brinkley

Individual School Photographs

A reminder that the photographers will be coming into school on Monday, 21st October to take the childrens 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.

Thank you,

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 Football League.

Our first game is against Burton Road Primary School and will be played at Barnsley College, Honeywell Site on Monday 21^st October 2019. The match will kick off at 2.00pm and will finish for 3.00pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 1:30pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Wyatts coaches and parents are invited to spectate but must meet their child at the event.

Your child will be given a school top to wear but will still need to bring their PE kit, suitable football boots, football socks, a drink of water and a bag for their belongings. Your child must wear shin pads. Games will be played on 3G astroturf so please DO NOT wear boots with metal/plastic studs rubber moulded studs and blades are fine. 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.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this event no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 5 (October 19)

Here is this week’s newsletter.

Guttering Donations

Our Foundation Stage are asking for donations of any unwanted guttering for their outside water area please.

Barnsley Home Library Service Information

Barnsley library run a home library service for members who are unable to visit their local library because of a disability or ill-health. Once a month the service can bring a range of resources straight to your door, from traditional books as well as large print and audio books. Brand new to the service is also a tablet which you can loan pre-loaded with games, magazines and audio books.

To find out more please visit www.barnsley.gov.uk/libraries or email barnsleylibraryenquiries@barnsley.gov.uk

Mrs Hurdling

Head teacher

Dear Parent,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a non competitive inclusive boccia event at Joseph Locke Primary School on Monday, 21st October 2019. The event will start at 1:30pm and will finish for 3:00pm. Children should arrive back at school around 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:50pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space constraints, 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 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.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear All Parents, Harvest Parent Letter

Please see attached a letter regarding our Harvest Appeal and how Barnsley foodbank Partnership has contributed by feeding local people who find themselves in crisis.

If you would like to donate to our Harvest collection, however small, the Barnsley Foodbank Partnership really appreciate your generosity and have even kindly arranged to pick up any donations we receive in school.

We have been notified today by the foodbank that they are desperately in need of uht milk, the following tinned items: potatoes /fish / spaghetti / tomatoes / and also oxos.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you either at the Foundation Stage Harvest coffee morning on Tuesday at 9:15am or the Harvest in the hall at 2:15pm on Wednesday.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Parents,

We are delighted to say that Mrs Jaques will be taking Miss Cook’s maternity cover.

Mrs Jaques is an experienced teacher who has recently been at The Ellis on supply and she is really looking forward to joining our team.

We will ensure that Mrs Jaques has opportunity to work alongside Miss Cook and meet all the class before Miss Cook leaves us.

Thank you for your support

Mrs Hurding

Dear Y3/4 Parents and Carers,

Next half term we are going to be creating art out of recycled items as part of our India topic.

Our focus artist will be Nek Chand.

Please could you collect and donate any unwanted metal household items, these could be bottle tops, old keys, unwanted cutlery, nuts and bolts, springs or other similar items. We will also be needing newspapers and magazines that can be recycled to make beautiful items of art.

We can’t wait to see the beautiful creations your children creates out of unwanted items!

Thank you for your continued support.

The Y3 and Y4 Teams

Dear Parents,

We would like to provide the parents of children attending Young Voices this year a website and login code so that they can access the song lyrics, dance videos and Spotify playlist. This will enable your children to access everything at home. A quick reminder that all orders for t-shirts, DVDs and tickets must be in by Friday 19th October as the final order will then be sent off.

www.youngvoices.co.uk/childrens-music-room

Code. YV2020

Thank you
Mrs C Trotter

Dear Parents,

We are delighted to say that Mrs Jaques will be taking Miss Cook’s maternity cover.

Mrs Jaques is an experienced teacher who has been recently covering at The Ellis on supply.

We will ensure that Mrs Jaques has opportunity to work alongside Miss Cook and meet all the class before Miss Cook leaves us.

Thank you for your support

Mrs Hurding

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 4 (October 19)

WANTED – READING VOLUNTEERS

We are always trying to increase opportunities for our children to have time to read. At the Ellis we have several committed adults that come in every week to hear children read. If you know of anyone, or if you have a spare few hours, please pop in and we can explain the application process.

WELLBEING WEDNESDAY – The Ellis Garden

We would like to continue to develop our garden as a learning opportunity and for the children to use it more.

We already have fantastic volunteers and Mr Tucker, our caretaker, who maintain the garden.

If anyone can commit to supporting us to set up a regular gardening club on a Wednesday afternoon we would be delighted to hear from you.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Girls Football Event

A quick email to say that the venue has been changed from Holy Trinity and will now be at Shoot 5, the indoor soccer centre at Silkstone Common.

I hope this is still ok for those of you who have said they can do lifts – please let me know if this is now inconvenient.

Many thanks,

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Foundation Stage,

We will be holding a Harvest coffee morning on Tuesday, 15th October, 9:15-10:30am 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. Tea, coffee and cakes will be on sale along with gifts that your child has made in their class. Raffle tickets will also be on sale.

Our book swap will be available. Please bring a book from home that your child no longer reads to swap with another free of charge.

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

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 3 (September 19)

Please find our latest newsletter attached.

Individual School Photographs

Photographers will be coming into school on Monday, 21st October to take the childrens 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.

Harvest Festival 16.10.19

This is for Years 1-6 only. Foundation Stage will be holding their own Harvest Festival Coffee Morning, the day before on the 15th October.

It would be fantastic if you could bring your donations of tinned, dried or packet food / items on the day of your Harvest please.

Please note, on the list of important dates the Easter service in April 2020 is also only for Y1-Y6 children. Again, foundation stage hold their own Easter coffee morning.

School Uniform

We have a parent who is missing both of their child’s cardigans in Foundation Stage. Please check your child’s clothing and return any if they have been picked up in error. Thank you.

Request for watches or clocks

We would appreciate unused donations of clocks and watches ( working or not) please to use in nursery.

Illegal Parking

Wereceived photopraphic evidence last week of a royal blue Volkswagon car parked illegally on the yellow zig zags. We will be taking matters further with vehicles if they continue to park irresponsibly.

ParentPay

Please ensure you keep your ParentPay accounts topped up. Mrs Fiddes will be looking at any amounts outstanding and asking for payment to clear them. This is to protect you from debts accruing too high.

Let’s hope this gloomy weather improves for the weekend,

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Good morning,

I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who came to our Reading Breakfast on Friday morning.

It was wonderful to see children enjoying reading with their loved ones. We hope that you enjoyed the event as much as we did.

Thank you for all of your support encouraging reading at home, it really does make a difference.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Y5/6 Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 Boys Football Competition event at Dorothy Hyman on Friday 4^th October 2019. The event will start at 1:30pm and will finish for 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:45pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Parents are invited to spectate but must meet their child at the event.

Children will be given a school top but will need to bring shorts, suitable football boots, football socks, a drink of water and a bag for their belongings. Your child must wear shin pads. Games will be played on 3G astroturf so please DO NOT wear boots with metal/plastic studs rubber moulded studs and blades are fine. If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. Please indicate this on the slip below. The cost of the trip will be funded using the Sports Premium Grant and therefore your child requires no money for the event.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear Y2 Parent/Carer,

Your childs class has been selected to represent the school in a KS1 Multi Skills Competition at Athersley South on Monday 7th October 2019. The event will start at 1:15pm and will finish for 3:00pm. Children should arrive back at school around 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:45pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space constraints, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear Y5/6 Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 Girls Football Competition event at Holy Trinity, Calton on Tuesday 8^th October 2019. The event will start at 1:00pm and will finish for 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:30pm.

We would be very grateful if parents would drive their children to the events. Children will be able to travel straight home with parents after the game and therefore will not need to return to school. Please let us know if you are unable to take your child to the game and whether you are happy for your child to travel with another parent and their child.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear Y3/4 Parent/Carer,

Your childs class has been selected to represent the school in a Year 3 and 4 Multi Skills Competition at Barnsley College Sports Academy, (Honeywell Site) on Thursday 3rd October 2019. The event will start at 1:30pm and will finish for 3:00pm. Children should arrive back at school around 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:45pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space constraints, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

As we are able to use the annual extra-curricular consent form for this type of trip no additional consent is required.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear All Parents,

Please will you save any plastic milk carton lids (any colour) for us to use in nursery.

Also, if anyone buys coffee in a tin (e.g. the azera tins) we would really appreciate both the tin and the plastic lid.

Thank you

Nursery Staff

Dear Y2 Parents,

Firstly, as part of our science topic and learning about health and growth, we would like to take the Y2 children on a walk to Morrisons, Corton Wood to look round the store. This is a free visit and a store member who works as the Schools Champion will show us round the different sections. The children will have the chance to visit each department; finding out about the foods available, how it is stored and a chance to ask questions. They will then go upstairs and complete an activity before coming back to school.

The trip will take place on the morning of Friday 4th Oct and children will be back in time for lunch. We will be using the annual consent form so no further consent will be needed for this trip. Staff accompanying the children will be Mrs Trotter, Mrs Freeman, Miss Beresford and Mrs King.

Secondly, we have been reading the book ‘The Jolly Postman’ as part of our literacy work and using maps and geographical language to describe his route. The children were very interested about what happens to a letter when we post it in a post box, so we have also looked at the journey of a letter. Following on from this, the children have addressed their own envelopes and are going to post them at Morrisons to see how long they take to arrive at their house. As part of your home learning this week, please could you take your child to a post office or a shop to buy a First Class stamp and bring it into school by Wednesday 2nd October so that they can put it onto their envelope. When they receive their letter, there will be a quick sheet to fill in and then please could these be returned to school. Let’s hope they all arrive!

Finally, at tonight’s curriculum meeting we are handing out a pack with lots of information in it. There is a login slip for both TT Rock Stars and Spelling Shed. Today there has been a problem with the Y2 logins and a few names are not yet showing the list of spellings. We have emailed the company asking for them to look into it and sort it out for us, so please check back over the next two days and the spelling lists should become available. We apologise about this. We have put a paper copy of the spellings into your child’s book bag today so at least they can start practising them!

Thank you for your ongoing support and help.
Kind Regards

Dear Y6 Parent/Carer,

Today your child will be bringing home a letter containing details about the Wath Academy Open Evening.

Please keep a look out for it.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 2 (September 19)

We are very proud of our work in school over the last few years around learning behaviours.

We explain to the children that all of these behaviours help us to learn and also to ‘be the best we can be’.

All of the learning behaviours are important, however each week we focus on a different one in school from Y1 to Y6.

As a September reminder to all, this week is ‘Push yourself’ and next week will be ‘Understand and help others’.

Diary Dates Important Dates 2019-2020

We have attached our list of important dates for 2019/20. This list is not exhaustive and new trips and events will inevitably crop up but we hope having some advance notice will be useful.

Returning to school after an illness When can my child return to school information

It can be very confusing for both parents and school deciding when to allow a child to return to school after an illness. Making the right decisions will help reduce the spread of common childhood illnesses, we have therefore attached a handy guide based on health protection guidance from Public Health England (August 2019) which we hope you will find informative.

Thank you for your continued support,

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear F2 Parents,

A letter has been sent home about the trial reception baseline assessment that is going to be carried out over the next few weeks.

The video link below can help provide information to help parents understand what the assessment is, how it will be carried out and why it is being introduced.

information video for parents
Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Y3 Parents,

As part of our Roman topic and DT learning we would like to give the children the opportunity to design and make Roman shields. In order to be able to do this we need to collect some large pieces of cardboard.

Please could you send your child a piece of large card (cardboard boxes are a great source, but this does need to be larger than a cereal box).

Many thanks,

Mrs Wise

Dear Y6 Parent/Carer,

Today your child will be bringing home a letter containing details about the Kirk Balk Open Evening.

Please keep a look out for it.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Y6 Parents/Carers,

Your child may have already mentioned that as part of their learning we will be taking part in the Barnsley IKIC (I Know I Can) Big Challenge for the next couple of terms. This is an enterprise based learning opportunity where the children create and run a business in small groups or independently. There are several prizes and awards on offer from IKIC to recognise the hard work of the children; in the past the overall competition winner had an all expenses day out in Manchester at SnoZone and iFly!

Yesterday, Mr Parker came and introduced the project to the children and they began to consider potential business ideas. The children have some great ideas and cannot wait to get started. We will be officially starting the Big Challenge next week.

The children can choose to run their business outside of school if they wish, however, there will be selling opportunities in school and as part of the IKIC project during the school day, so this is not a requirement of the project. Your child does not have to take part in these if they do not wish to.

The Barnsley Market Trading day for the Autumn term is Saturday 14^th December. I will be in touch nearer the time with more details, please note that children do need to be accompanied by an adult.

We will have an IKIC pop-up shop (in the Y6 classroom) 3:20-4:20pm on the following dates:

Friday 8^th November

Friday 29^th November

There will also be more selling opportunities during the Spring term.

We will run our project workshops every Thursday afternoon – so if your child has chosen an item that can be made here- please make sure the equipment needed is in school on that day. If your child cannot make their item here, this time will be used for marketing and promotion.

The products the children make have to be in line with trading standards – as they could be sold to members of the general public- so there are restrictions on what can be made, for example:

No childrens toys, no slime and no food. Candles must come with a warning and any products such as bath bombs must come with an ingredients list.

To get the businesses started, school will provide a start-up loan of 20 for each team. School can order resources or alternatively if teams would like to purchase the materials themselves, then it is important that receipts/invoices are kept and brought into school. Any money made must also be accounted for, and brought into school. Your child will need to keep a record of what has been spent so that it can be paid back from any earnings. 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.

Mrs Edwards has had some very successful teams in the past where pupils have raised a significant amount of money for the class to spend on making some amazing end of Y6 memories.

If, at any time during the project, you have any questions please dont hesitate to pop in and see me or email school.

Kind Regards,

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear FS (Foundation Stage) Parents,

I will be running a free workshop for all parents/carers and grandparents of children within our Foundation Stage (F1 and F2).

The workshop will focus on What to expect, when? and will offer you a valuable insight into how to support your childs learning and development while they are in the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will take place on Thursday 26^th September at 4.30pm and will be repeated again at 9.15am on Friday 27^th September. The workshop will last for approximately half an hour.

Refreshments will be available free of charge.

If you would like to attend please either email Mrs Fiddes to confirm which session you would like to come to or return the form back to your class teacher.

Unfortunately children are unable to attend this event.

I look forward to seeing you all there.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs. T. Pollard

Dear All Parents,

TIK TOK

E – Safety – PLEASE READ
It has been bought to our attention that some of our children our using TIK TOK even though the age restriction is 13.

If an app requires a date of birth, chances are it is not suitable for Primary school children.
The main concern is how public the videos are that are shared and that anyone can see them.
We understand how tricky it can be to police current technology, especially if your children have their own phones, but please take the time to check that the apps your children are using are age appropriate and also check the PRIVACY settings on all the apps.
We strongly recommend that children do not have phones in their bedrooms at night as this impacts on sleep and learning as well as well-being and if you have any concerns about the apps your children are using or privacy settings, please come and talk to us.

I have attached some further information.

Thank you for your continued support,

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear All Parents,

Our PTFA will be holding their next meeting on Thursday 3rd October, straight after school in the library if anyone would like to attend.

We look forward to seeing you there,

The Ellis PTFA

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 1 (September 19)

Please find attached our first newsletter for this term. Keep a look out for our longer list of important dates which we will be sending out this week.

Beat the Street

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Beat The Street Competition 2019.

We achieved third place on the Leader Board and second place on the Average Points for South Barnsley Schools and will therefore receive 150 in Decathlon vouchers! We are delighted!

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Parent/Carer,

Today your child will be bringing home information about the following:

Saint Pius X Catholic High School

Open Evening 24^th September 5:30 -7:30pm

Netherwood Academy

Open morning Thursday 19^th September 8:45am 10:30am

Open evening Thursday 19^th September 6pm-8pm

Kirk Balk

A representative will be coming into School on Thursday 19^th September (PM) to talk to our Y6 pupils about Kirk Balk and hand out flyers.

We have not yet had any correspondence from any other Secondary Schools. As soon as we receive any information we will pass it on.

Have a lovely weekend.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Y6 TRIP TO GRIMM & CO 5^TH NOVEMBER 2019

Dear Y6 Parent/Carer,

On Tuesday 5^th November, we will be taking our Year 6 children on a trip to Grimm & Co in Rotherham where the children will enter through the secret door and experience the thrill of letting their imaginations go wild, and leave as published authors of their own story book from Grimms Story Shop. If the mysterious Graham or Grizelda Grimm like their story they might even let them go down the curly beanstalk as a special reward.

We will then be spending the afternoon at the newly refurbished Rotherham Central Library, here we will have our packed lunches followed by a short introduction to the library and an activity linked to library skills. There is also an opportunity to browse the books and relax in the welcoming surroundings. We will arrive back at school for the usual pickup time.

We will be using Beewise coaches and will be leaving school at 9am prompt. Children will need to be in their school uniform and will also need a packed lunch. If you would like to order a school packed lunch, please order this at the office prior to the trip. As Grimm & Co are a charity, they have a policy of not charging the children or their families directly for their workshops, therefore, our fantastic PTFA have very kindly offered to fund this. The only payment we will require is for transportation, the coach cost for this trip is 6.20 and can be paid using Parent Pay. Please could you also sign the consent form on Parent Pay.

Children can bring spending money up to the value of 5.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Y5 Parents, Y5 Home Learning Ideas

Welcome back after the summer, I hope you had an enjoyable one.

Below is some information you may find useful.

Reading

We ask that reading diaries are in your childs book bag every day so that we can fill them in when they have taken part in reading in school. If reading diaries are filled then we will send home a second diary free of charge, however if it is lost then we ask that a new one is bought from the office at the cost of 1. Your child is welcome to change their book any day of the week when they have completed it but it is their responsibility to ensure books are changed regularly. Children should aim to read at home at least 3 times per week and dojos will be awarded for reading.

Spelling books

The children are once again receiving spelling books. They will write in their new spellings on a Wednesday and bring their book home to practise. Please support your child in learning their spellings as they will be regularly assessed. Their spelling books need to be in school every Wednesday.

Your childs PE days are now Thursdays and Friday (due to swimming), however once swimming is finished they will be on Monday and Thursday. Throughout the term, this is subject to change so it would be useful for your child to have their PE kits in school all week. I will remind them to bring them home for washing on a Friday.

Home Learning

I have attached a sheet of a few ideas linked to our topic but feel free to create your own home learning ideas! We are always impressed by your amazing creations! Please send any completed projects into school so we can share the learning as a class.

TT Rockstars and Spelling Shed

Children are encouraged to regularly practise spellings, time tables. As a school we have subscribed to websites to support the children with their learning in these areas. The children have been given their individual logins for TT Rockstars and Spelling Shed.

The Sensational Seahorses on Twitter @EllisYearFive. We will regularly use Twitter to share learning and celebrate achievements. We will also use it to give you information and reminders. Whole school reminders can be found on @theellisprimary.

As always, if you have any questions, please dont hesitate to pop in and see me.

Thank you for your continued support,

Kind Regards,

Mrs E & The Y5 team

Lego Club

As we still have places available at our lego club we are now opening it up to Years 2 and 3, as well as the original Years 4-6.

The club will run for 7 weeks, from 12th September (tomorrow), until 24th October, 3:20-4:20pm and costs 2.50 per week.

The total cost of 17.50 will need to be paid upfront, via ParentPay.

If your child would like a place please email me and I will place them onto ParentPay straightaway allowing them to start tomorrow. The children who have already received a place are on the system now.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Y3 Parents and Carers, Romans Y3 home learning

We are very excited to welcome you and your children to Y3. The children are settling in beautifully and working really hard. They truly are Key Stage 2 ready!

I am sending the overview of this half terms learning and some brief information and reminders.

Below is some further information regarding home learning for your children in Y3.

Home learning projects (suggestions for our Romans topic attached previously). We love to see the creative and amazing learning our children do at home!
Reading- Please read regularly with your child and record in their reading diary. Reading folders need to be in school everyday. We have a reading volunteer who comes on Fridays so it will be especially important that your child brings their book bag on those days.
Spellings- Your child will have a new spelling list uploaded to Spelling Shed each week. These need to be practiced regularly. Spelling Shed login and password reminders will be sent home ASAP.
Times tables- Times tables are a key mathematical skill. Your child needs to be practicing them regularly. Please give them opportunities to access TTRockstars (again login reminders will be given ASAP). Your child will also be given a times table booklet to bring home.

You can find the Wonderful Whales on Twitter @TheEllisY3. We use Twitter to share the learning we are doing at school, celebrate achievements and give information.

The Y3 and Y4 Curriculum Evening will be at 4pm on the 25th of September. This will be an opportunity to find out about the Y3 curriculum and how your child will be learning this year. We look forward to seeing you there.

As ever, if you have any questions or concerns please come and speak to a member of staff.

Many thanks,

The Y3 Team

Mrs Wise, Miss Turton and Mrs Connelly

Dear Parent/Carer,

I hope that you have all had a lovely summer.

Here is some updated information about life in Year Six.

PE: Our PE days are Wednesdays and Fridays.

Trips and important dates (so far):
Curriculum Evening: Wednesday 25^th September at 4:30pm in the Y6 classroom.

Crucial Crew: Tuesday 22^nd October

Our Class Assembly: Wednesday 23^rd October 2:50pm

Grimm & Co : Tuesday 5^th November

(more information to follow via email)

Parents Evening: 13^th November 2:30pm onwards.

Home Learning Expectations:

In response to feedback and in order to prepare the children for the future, pupils will be issued homework every Friday and will need to bring it back to school on the following Friday. This will give them a full week to complete their homework giving them plenty of time for out of school sporting and enrichment activities (which as a school we are passionate about encouraging). During the week if the children have any issues or questions they also have plenty of time to come and ask for any support that they may need.

Children will be given weekly spellings via Spelling Shed (if you do require a paper copy, please do let me know) Spelling Records will be issued, children can use these to practise their spellings. I will also record the childs spelling score in them.

Children will also receive a CGP Maths book and a CGP reading bundle (fiction, non-fiction and poetry). I will explain to the children which pages to do at home (children will only be expected to do a couple of pages from the Maths book and a couple of pages from one of the three reading books). These books must be returned to school every Friday, I have explained to the class that it is their responsibility to remember to bring in their homework. This should promote the childrens independence and improve their organisation skills (ready for secondary but were not wanting to think about that just yet). School have purchased the books, however if the children misplace their books, there will be a charge of 2 for the Maths book and 1.85 for each of the Reading books.

We expect children to read at least three times per week, children need to bring their reading records to school every day. I have plenty of books that the children can borrow.

Home learning projects: Just like previous years, we would love to see your childs home learning projects. Our topic this term is Time Machine (Through the Decades), we will be looking at social history from 1950s- 1990s. Children can present their work in any way that they like, last year we had some amazing projects and we cannot wait to see what the children create this year.

Secondary School Applications

Please look out for the secondary school application pack which will be sent home with your child today. The deadline for the application is 31^st October 2019.

Consent forms

Consent forms for walking home unaccompanied will also be sent home today.

SATS:

SATS week will be 11^th 15^th May. After school boosters will begin after Christmas.

IKIC:

Y6 will be part of the I Know I Can enterprise challenge this year, more information to follow.

Im really looking forward to another year with a fantastic class, we will make this year one to remember.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Y4 Parents, Romans Y4 home learning Y4 Topic Mind Map

It has been lovely to welcome all the children into Year 4. I hope you have all had a lovely summer. They have shown how much they have matured over the summer and are definitely ready for the challenge of Year 4! In class will be myself, Mrs Law and Mrs McAleavy. Mrs Beever will cover PPA time on Tuesday afternoons.

Here is a little updated information.

Reading Books

Your child will have already brought home a reading book to share with you at home. Please record in their reading diary when they have read to an adult or maybe an older sibling. We ask that reading diaries are in your childs book bag every day so that we can fill them in when they have taken part in reading in school. If reading diaries are filled then we will send home a second diary free of charge, however if it is lost then we ask that a new one is bought from the office at the cost of 1. Your child is welcome to change their book any day of the week when they have completed it but it is their responsibility to ensure books are changed regularly. Children should aim to read at home at least 3 times per week and dojos will be awarded for reading.

Your childs PE days are now Tuesdays and Thursdays, however this sometimes changes and is therefore advisable for your child to have their PE kits in school all week.

Spelling books

The children are once again receiving spelling books. They will write in their new spellings on a Monday and bring their book home to practise. Please support your child in learning their spellings as they will be regularly assessed. Their spelling books need to be in school every Monday.

Home Learning

Each half term, children are expected to complete a home learning project linked to our topic. I have attached a sheet of a few ideas linked to our topic but feel free to create your own ideas! We are always intrigued to see what our superstars have been up to! Once they have completed their project or projects (as some children prefer to do a few shorter projects, whilst others like to complete one long one), please send them into school so we can share their learning with the class. (Photos or PowerPoints can be emailed to Mrs Fiddes and will be passed onto Year 4 staff to share). Please encourage your child to take pride in their home learning and aim for a quality piece that may have taken a few sessions to complete.

Online learning

Children are encouraged to be regularly practising spellings, time tables and areas of the curriculum online. As a school we have subscribed to websites to support the children with their learning. The children will be given their individual logins for TT Rockstars and Spelling Shed. Please support your child with their learning on these platforms. If logins have been misplaced I can issue new ones.

Topmarks maths is also a fantastic website for the children to be practising all areas of the maths curriculum using interactive games. Children in Year 4 will be the first year group to sit the multiplication test at the end of the year so practising these regularly is vital.

You can find the Joyful Jellyfish on Twitter @y4theellis. We use Twitter to share the learning we are doing in school, to celebrate achievements and also to give information.

The Y3 and Y4 Curriculum Evening will be at 4pm on the 25th of September. This will be an opportunity to find out about the Y4 curriculum and how your child will be learning this year. We look forward to seeing you there.

Finally, as always, if you have any questions, please dont hesitate to pop in and see me. I am more than happy to explain things further.

Thank you for your continued support,

Kind Regards,

The Y4 team

Miss Cook, Mrs McAleavy and Mrs Law

Dear Y2 Parents,

It has been lovely to meet all the children in Year 2 last week. They have settled in beautifully and are already working extremely hard! Here is a little information with regards home learning in Year 2. Please could you ensure your child has their book bag in school every day so that we can see reading diaries and put things inside.

Reading Books

Please could you record in their reading diary when they have read to an adult, to themselves or maybe an older sibling. This can include reading books from home, magazines / comics or ebooks. We ask that reading diaries are in your childs book bag every day. If reading diaries are filled then we will send home a second diary free of charge, however if it is lost then we ask that a new one is bought from the office at the cost of 1. Your child is welcome to change their book any day of the week when they have completed it.

Home Learning

We will send home a Home Learning sheet each half term so that you know what our topic is. There will be ideas on the sheet for home learning projects, but feel free to create your own ideas! We are always intrigued to see what our superstars have been up to!

Weekly Challenge 10

Starting this week your child will bring home an exercise book every Wednesday with a Challenge 10 maths activity in it. The Challenge 10 questions are really important as they help children become much faster and more confident with the arithmetic questions and mental recall of number facts. To begin with your child may be slower at answering these 10 questions, but we hope as the weeks go by, they become much quicker with them and begin to recall the facts from memory rather than having to work each one out using apparatus or counting on! We do repeat facts (eg; times tables, divisions and fractions) so that they can build up speed when answering them. Children in previous years have always enjoyed completing the Challenge 10 and it has certainly had a positive impact on their maths in school. Please could the exercise books be returned by the following Monday.

Spelling Shed

We are going to be using Spelling Shed to set spellings for the children to practise. Spellings need regular practise to ensure children are confident using them in their writing, so please encourage your children to use Spelling Shed regularly. (If you do not have access to the internet, please let us know and we can sort paper based copies). Logins will be sent ASAP.

TT Rock Stars

This is another internet based programme we have access to which allows them to practise times tables in a fun way. Again, we will introduce the children to it over the coming weeks and will let you know when they can start using it. We will be having TT Rock Star assemblies in school and will be setting the children challenges over the coming year. Logins will be sent ASAP.

Twitter

You can find the Clever Clownfish on Twitter @TheEllisY2. We use Twitter to share the learning we are doing at school, celebrate achievements and give information.

Trips and Important Dates

We will send out information regarding dates and trips shortly, however please note that this half term we have our Y1 and Y2 Curriculum Evening at 3.30pm on the 25th of September. This will be an opportunity to find out about the Y2 curriculum and how your child will be learning this year. We look forward to seeing you there. We are also arranging a free trip to Morrisons, Cortonwood for the Y2 children to support our science topic. Details will be sent out shortly.

Whirlow Farm

A quick reminder that the initial deposit of 10 to secure your childs place was due on 17^th July 2019, therefore if you have not paid this yet, we kindly ask that you do. The next payment of 28 is due by 27^th September 2019.

Finally, as always, if you have any questions, please dont hesitate to pop in and see one of us. We are more than happy to explain things further.

Kind Regards

Miss Beresford, Mrs Trotter and Mrs Freeman

Attendance and Punctuality

Dear Parents and Carers,

These are the procedures in place to deal with attendance and punctuality.

Punctuality

In the morning doors open at 8.55am to enable children to get to their classrooms ready for a 9.00 am start.

Doors will close at 9.00 am and anyone arriving after this time must come in to school through the main entrance. The reason for the late arrival at school will be entered into the electronic registration system which the Education Welfare Officer sees at regular intervals throughout the year.

If your child is late 3 times in a half term you will receive a phone call from Mrs Gay. If your child is late more than 3 times then you will be invited to work with Mrs Gay to find a solution to enable your child to arrive at school on time.

School finishes at 3.20 pm. Parents should ensure that they are at school at 3.20 pm to collect their children. If parents are not able to collect their children at 3.20 pm then alternative arrangements must be made by the parents so that the children are picked up on time.

Please ensure that school are aware who will be collecting your children from school.

Parents are also asked that they ensure that their children are picked up on time from their after school activities.

In the interest of safeguarding your children, written consent is required if you are allowing your child to walk home unsupervised. A form will be sent out for you to sign at the start of each academic year. (Years 4, 5 and 6 only).

We accept that there are odd occasions when parents will be unavoidably delayed in picking up their children. If this happens you must telephone the school office as soon as you are aware that you will be delayed so that arrangements can be made to keep your child at school until you arrive. As pupils are of primary school age it is the parents/carers responsibility to ensure that their children arrive at and are collected from school on time.

If your child is ill the school should be contacted as soon as possible, preferably on the first day of absence, to give the reason for your childs absence and a possible return to school date.

If school have not received a phone call to give a reason for the absence by 10.15 am, you will be contacted by the Attendance Officer

Medical/Dental Appointments

Wherever possible, medical/dental appointments must be made out of school hours.

It is important that children are present at registration to get their attendance mark. If your child arrives at school after 9.15am following a doctor or dental appointment they are marked in the register as out for the whole morning.

Please note. Children should be collected and returned to school by a parent/carer. This is for safeguarding and health and safety reasons. A telephone call, email or note should be sent in to school to inform the teacher that a child is to be collected for an appointment.

Absence from School

From September the 1^st 2013 the DfES Statutory requirements states that parents do not have the right to take their child out of school for holidays during term time. Amendments to the Education(Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 make clear that headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you wish to take your child out of school under these circumstances the Leave of Absence in Term Time due to Exceptional circumstances form should be collected from Mrs Gay, completed and handed in to the office.

Attendance and punctuality will be taken into account prior to a decision being made with regards to exceptional circumstances.

Please note that attendance and punctuality are monitored rigorously both by school and the Education Welfare Service. When a childs attendance level drops below 96.7% parents will receive a phone call and may be asked for evidence of a doctors appointment regarding any further absences. Mrs Gay will work with parents to improve attendance as

poor attendance at school can result in fines for the parents.

If your childs attendance drops below 90% it is classed as persistent absence and a letter will be sent home.

From September 2019 there is a revised code of conduct for issuing penalty notices please read the following:

Revised Code of Conduct for the issuing of Penalty Notices to parents for unauthorised pupil absence or leave of absence from school September 2019.

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC) has now received Council Cabinet approval for changes to the Code of Conduct regarding the issuing of Penalty Notices which are to be implemented from the 2^nd September 2019. (see appendix 1). The proposed changes to the Code of Conduct were circulated to Schools, Academies, Governing Bodies, Chief Executives of Academy Trusts and the Chief of Police for Barnsley as part of the consultation period which commenced on the 18^th January 2019 and concluded on the 15^th February 2019.

The changes to the Code of Conduct are:

The removal of the following criteria which Headteachers were required to consider under the current Code of Conduct when assessing the merits of a leave of absence request during term time:

previous periods of leave of absence
leave of absences taken in the first term
exams and assessments
employers letter(s)
removal of school attendance target

Under the new Code, Penalty Notices can be issued if any of following three conditions applies:

A pupil has accrued five or more consecutive days of unauthorised leave of absence (holiday in term time)
If due to sporadic unauthorised absences, then, other than in specific circumstances, the liable parent/carer will receive a formal warning of the possibility of a Penalty Notice being issued and given a maximum of 15 school days to effect an improvement. If there are further absences within the 15 day monitoring period then a Penalty Notice may be issued
An excluded pupil present in a public place without justification, during the school hours of the school day where the pupil is on roll, during the first five days of each fixed period or permanent exclusion

Legal Context

The Education Welfare Service issues Penalty Notices on behalf of all schools and academies across Barnsley as part of the Councils statutory duties. Penalty Notices are issued by the Local Authority at the request of Headteachers (or designated Deputy). Prior to any request, the school must ensure that they can evidence that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the parent/carer has committed an offence under Section 444(1) of the Education Act 1996. The offence relates to the unauthorised absence during the period in question and not the non-payment of the fine, therefore, schools must consider each case on its own merits to ensure it passes the evidential test.

Section 444(1) Offence: failure to secure regular attendance at school of registered pupil.

(1)If a child of compulsory school age who is a registered pupil at a school fails to attend regularly at the school, his parent is guilty of an offence

Impact on Attendance

The changes will provide clarity across the system which has been lacking since the Supreme Court hearing in April 2017 and the continued delay in the issuing of revised guidance from the DfE. The proposal will ensure that Barnsley is aligned with other Local Authorities across the country that have amended their respective Codes. The proposal will further promote to families the importance of consistent attendance and this will support the ongoing efforts of schools and the Council in raising awareness of children, young people and families of the impact that attendance has on their education and longer term outcomes. The proposal is part of a strategy across the Council and the Barnsley Alliance to improve attendance.

Please remember all holidays in term time are classed as unauthorised absences unless there are exceptional circumstances that have been discussed with school, and failure to inform school of a reason for any absence is also classed as an unauthorised absence.

Attendance statistics are collected regularly throughout the year by the DfES and in order for school to achieve a good attendance record we rely on the support of parents/carers.

Thank you for your support in ensuring that we have good attendance and punctuality rates.

Yours sincerely

Mrs T.Gay

PSA / Attendance Officer

Summer Reading Challenge

As we have been made aware that the library have not issued their certificates yet, we will celebrate the children who have completed the reading challenge during the first week of October.

Promoting Independence

It would be really helpful if nursery children could wear shoes without laces or buckles please. Velcro shoes help your child to become independent but also avoids them having to wait for an adult to assist with shoe changing.

Reading Breakfast

Don’t forget about our Reading Breakfast on Friday, 27th September, 8.20am in the hall until 8.55am (start of the school day).

Y5 PGL Residential

If you have paid a deposit to secure your child’s place please keep a look out for this residential trip on ParentPay as you will be able to make smaller payments to reduce the balance.

Football Skills After School Club (Thursday)

We have had a huge interest in this after school club and have increased numbers and predominantly chosen Y5 and Y6 children as they are not included in Daz’s Tuesday club. The remaining children’s names were pulled out of a hat.

If your child has decided against this club PLEASE let us know so we can let another child have their place. If children repeatedly do not turn up, their place will be given to another child who is on the waiting list. Thank you.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear All Parents and Carers,

Thank you for all your support in getting your children ready for school, we are noticing a fantastic attitude to learning, lets keep it up. We have no attachments this week.

Staff News

We are delighted to say that Miss Cook is expecting a little girl and will be going on maternity leave at Christmas.

We are so pleased but know she will be greatly missed. Although we cannot replace Miss Cook we will do everything we can to ensure Year 4 have a good teacher in place and will ensure there are plenty of opportunities for the new teacher to observe and get to know our wonderful Year 4 class.

We will also ensure we continue to offer all our sports and wider curriculum activities.

School priorities

We have used the new OFSTED framework to organise our school priorities this year.

School priorities for 2019 to 2020

Priority 1

The Quality of Education

Reading and Writing is consistently taught through the Power of Reading and Vipers to enable standards to improve: increase in greater depth writers
Phonics is consistently high quality and standards improve
Maths mastery is consistently taught to enable standards to continue to improve
The Ellis offers a broad, rich and deep curriculum that gives knowledge to succeed in life

Priority 2

Behaviour and attitudes

Consistent behaviour policy used by all adults in school to support children to make the right choices
High expectations from all adults, children to be ready to learn
Children and adults are supported and encouraged to have a growth mindset

Priority 3

Personal development

Thrive is used to support all children
Wellbeing @work improving home/school work life balance and wellbeing for all at work
Inclusive school all children are offered rich opportunities that support the development of the whole child
SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools) ready-The Ellis Curriculum as a Church school

Priority 4

Leadership and management

All leaders are working to improve outcomes across school for all groups of children combined score increases
All leaders are ensuring that the Ellis Curriculum intent and implantation are embedded securely and consistently across our school

Topics

There will be regular information re learning on your class TWITTER account

This half term our Topics are:

F1/F2 Light and Dark

Y1/Y2 Once upon a time

Y3/Y4 The Romans

Y5/Y6 Time Machine

Attendance

To ‘be the best you can be’ children need to be at school as much as possible, you will receive the updated attendance letter, please note it has changed and the expectation is that everybody should be at school during term.

Dates

We have been working hard to sort out as many dates as possible for the year ahead and we will get these to you as soon as possible.

Many thanks for your continued support,

Mrs Hurding

Dear Parents/Carers,

It was lovely to see so many of you at our Reading Festival last term!

We would like to invite you to our first Reading Breakfast of 2019 that will take place on Friday 27^th September. Please come and join us for refreshments and read with your child!

If you are unable to stay, we are happy for you to drop off any KS1 (Y1/2) & KS2 (Y3/4/5/6) children in the hall as staff will be available to supervise them. Children in F1 & F2 must be supervised by an adult.

We would like to invite parents into school from 8:20am in the Hall until 8:55am to spend some quality time reading with your child(ren). Please enter the school through the main entrance.

We will be offering juice, pastries and yogurts for 1.

We will have a selection of age-appropriate books out, however please feel free to bring your own.

Thank you as ever for your continued support, we cannot wait for another year of exciting events at The Ellis.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear All Parents,

You are invited to St. Mary’s church, Wombwell, this Sunday for their monthly Breakfast and Family Service.

Breakfast is from 9.15am and the service is for all ages at 10am with Bible story, songs and crafts.

All are welcome,

Thank you.

PTFA Meeting (Parent, Teachers and Friends Association)

Our PTFA are meeting tomorrow night (Friday) at Lundhill Tavern at 6.30pm.

Please come along to find out further information on how to help organise events to raise money for our school.

We would love new volunteers to join us!

PTFA The Ellis

New KS2 Football Skills After School Club

Barnsley FC community coaches have offered us a free after school football skills club until Christmas.

It will run on Thursdays, 3:20-4:20pm from next week onwards and children will need to bring a tracksuit and trainers.

If this is a club your child would like to join, please email Mrs Fiddes to put their name down. There are 20 places available.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

All correspondence for Year 2018/19 below

Dear Parents,

Wombwell Sporting Athletics Club

Wombwell Sporting Athletics Club, Wombwell Recreation Ground, Station Road, Wombwell are open for new members.

Training times for activities, field events and track events are Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30pm – 7:30pm for children aged 6 and over.

For more info please call 01226 754865 or online at www.wombwellsportingac.weebly.com

Dear Parents,

Please see some information below – maybe we have some budding actresses and actors?!

Auditions are this Sunday after the service at 1pm. Lots of fun and a big group audition so nothing scary!

After reading this if youthink your child will be suitable for our project please send a confirmation email of attendance to auditions on July 21st. That confirmation will also act as an agreement that should your child be offered a role you understand the nature of rehearsals and commitment required. Any questions please do not hesitate to drop us an email.

Who we are and what is; AGNES!

We are Very Serious A theatre company set up by two professional actors and graduates of East 15 Drama School, London. It has always been a passion of ours to produce contemporary theatre and this is our debut show; AGNES!

AGNES! Is the story of the first Girl Guide and follows one extraordinary lady who blazed a trail and began the organisation. It is a story of girl power and a fight for equality. Most importantly it is what is known as Theatre in Education. Theatre that is set to educate young people and inspire them to achieve greatness. Its initial market is the Girl Guiding and Scout community but we have the Girl Guides support in our project and the aim is that what we achieve in South Yorkshire can be rolled out nationally and toured, encouraging young people from different areas to perform with our adult cast Eventually! For now we are concentrating on the Research and Development stage.

Research and Development, what does it mean?

A research and development project is the first stage of a brand new show. Like all big shows they must start small. To allow the writer to see their work on its feet, a workshop type process begins. This happens so that the creative team can see what works and what doesnt, allowing the show to develop. What we plan to do is to have a version of our show ready within a week for a showing to industry professionals along with family and friends for feedback. All information on how to secure tickets to this will be sent out ASAP but I assure you nobody will be left without a ticket.

Our process;

Our rehearsals will begin on Sunday 25th of August with a meet and greet/ ease into the process (I know these things can be daunting for our young cast and I want to make it as relaxed as possible) we will then continue until the following Saturday (31st) finishing that afternoon. The children will not be expected to attend the same amount of hours as the adult cast but should be available for the week. A more specific schedule will be sent out ASAP following auditions.

Our showing for feedback will take place the following week. I understand that most schools will have returned by this date so we endeavour to cause as little disruption to their evenings as possible. They will only be required to attend one short after school rehearsal that week before the showing at the weekend (Sept 7th). This is an opportunity to work with a professional company and gain a professional credit for future CVs. If you do have any queries about this please dont hesitate to contact us using our email address; info@veryserioustheatre.co.uk

Costumes and Chaperones;

All costumes are provided and costume fittings will be done within rehearsals. Once we know the date of this, one guardian is more than welcome to accompany their child. We have licenced chaperones working with us on our show as well as DBS certified tutors. Parents will be asked to sign paper work to state that their child is able to appear in the audition photographs, rehearsal footage, still images and promotional material. If any parents or guardians also have a chaperone licence and would like to be considered, please let a member of our team know so we can accommodate this.

Location;

The showing and rehearsals will both take place at St Marys Parish Church, Wombwell. The church is currently getting a brand new heating system so there should be no issues with heat but like any old building it does take time to warm up so for arriving at rehearsals I do suggest wrapping up warm. Now, with the venue being a church we as a company have to respect their prior or unavoidable arrangements and work around those. Everyone will know in good time but on some days it may mean a late start. On rehearsal days the youth team will never work past 4.30pm. A full schedule will be sent out to successful auditionees.

Here is a breakdown of the dates weve mentioned:

Audition; July 21st 2019 1pm

Rehearsals; August 25th – 31st plus one short evening the following week to recap on the show before our public showing.

Public Showing; Sept 7th.

Many Thanks

The Very Serious Team

info@veryserioustheatre.co.uk

Dear F1 and F2 Parents,

The children in Foundation Stage will be having hot dog and ice cream on Friday.

This is an additional treat so the children will still need their usual lunch.

Thank you,

Mrs Pollard

Dear F1 Parents,

Your child is welcome to bring a toy from home to play with on Friday if they would like to.

No electronics please and nothing too precious.

Many thanks,

Mrs Pollard

Dear Y5 Parent/Carer

Where has the year gone? The Summer break is almost here, as you know at The Ellis we value quality family time, getting outdoors and experiencing new things. We want our pupils to do all these and come back with stories to share.

I am also aware that children tend to dip during the summer, and that six weeks is a long time to keep children entertained. I will not be setting any formal homework but wanted to sign post some useful websites that children can access as and when throughout summer.

Arithmetic: This website has a variety of Y6 arithmetic papers, theyre all free to access.

https://myminimaths.co.uk/year-6-arithmetic-practice-papers/

Times Tables: TT Rockstars is free to use and has been proven to improve childrens rapid recall of times tables.

Spelling: I have updated Spelling Shed with a few sets of revision spellings, these will be available throughout Summer.

Reading: Please promote reading throughout Summer. Children are more than welcome to borrow any books from myself or from the Rabbit Hole in School. An email about the Summer Reading Challenge has also been sent.

Writing: if your child would like to do any writing over the Summer, I am more than happy to look at it in September.

Topic: Our first topic is Time Machine we will take a journey through the decades (1950s present day) and explore how culture has changed. We will look at fashion, music, trends and technology. Your childs task is to complete a project relating to one of the above. Here are some ideas, but please feel free to go with your childs interests.

Presentation
Cooking/baking
A model
Poster/booklet
An interview with a relative about their experiences of a certain decade

Please note as we have not yet started this topic, children may not be sure what to research. If you are wanting to complete the project over summer, they may wish to draw on a few questions, e.g. Has music always been the same? Did people have computer games in the 70s? What did people wear in the 60s? What did people do before ipads? Did children play with Lego in the 80s?

A while ago, I sent home a folder of past test papers. I did receive some back, these have all been marked and filed away. If you still have them and wish for your child to complete the papers over summer, I am happy to look at them in September.

I would like to take this opportunity to say how amazing your children have been. We have had a fantastic year and I feel lucky to be able to take them through to Y6.

Have a wonderful Summer break.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Summer Sing 2pm

Throughout the year our children learn many songs. Our Summer Sing at 2.15pm today is a lovely opportunity for you to come into school and listen to them sing.

Parent Transition Meeting 5pm

This meeting is for F2 parents only, who will have received a letter specific to them.

Thank you

To Parents and Carers

Thank you for all your support this year. The Ellis News 36 (July 19)

OUTDOOR LEARNING

We will continue to develop our outdoor area next year, we have plenty of ideas, however most outdoor equipment costs a lot of money. If anyone would like to make a donation, or knows of sources of money we can access, that would be greatly received.

This year’s money raised by our school auction and the PTFA has enabled us to buy the Monkey Bars for our KS2 children.

We will hold another fund raising auction event in the Autumn term, so if you have any business contacts who may donate prizes please ask for us or let us know.

If anyone knows where we can also get any more picnic tables, please let us know.

Class names 2019/2020 Sea Creatures theme

F2 Super Starfish
Y1 Delightful Dolphins
Y2 Clever Clownfish
Y3 Wonderful Whales
Y4 Joyful Jellyfish
Y5 Sensational Seahorses
Y6 Terrific Turtles

We hope everyone has an enjoyable Summer.

Dear Parents,

In preparation for Team Activ competitions later on in the year the clubs below will be running on Mondays and Wednesdays starting in September.

A new coach, Dan Wall, will be running our clubs who has taught at Park Street for a number of years. He is excited to have launched his own company and to be working with The Ellis.

Monday 9th September – 21st October

KS1 Multi Sports until 4:20pm.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

Wednesday 11th September – 23rd October

KS2 Sports hall Athletics until 4:20pm.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

The following are our ongoing clubs:

Tuesday

F2 & Y1 Footy Stars until 3:50pm. 2.50 per week payable to the coach. Parents must remain with your child.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

This club is now open to the new children coming into F2 and Y1 children from September.

Daz’s Football ongoing weekly until 4:20pm, Y1-Y4 children, 2.50 payable to Daz each week.

If your child is moving into Y5 and would like to remain in this club please let Mrs Fiddes know to pass this information on to Daz to see if it can be arranged.

Thursday

Lego Club until 4:20pm. Y4-Y6 children.

Payment for this club is now 2.50 per week and is to be paid upfront. Once you have registered your child’s interest the payment will be put onto ParentPay.

The club is open on a first come first served basis.

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Parents,

Reports are going home tonight.

We value your feedback and would be grateful if you would take the time to complete the sheet that is included in your child’s report envelope. This form has also been sent electronically if you prefer to send it to us via email.

We value any comments from both you and your children, good or bad, regarding this years school priorities.

School priorities for 2018 to 2019

Priority 1

Whole school to use The Power of reading project to improve reading and writing outcomes across school

– Inspiring a reading culture where children enjoy and understand what they are reading and see connections with their lives.

– Improving the motivation to write as well as writing skills

Priority 2

Consistently teach Maths Mastery throughout school

Recent strategies to improve the quality of teaching mathematics are firmly embedded across the school. (OFSTED 2017)

Priority 3

Enriching the Ellis curriculum

Vision as a church school using Understanding Christianity to teach
Continue to create an engaging learning environment that inspires and motivates learning
Ensure coverage of Science and RE the broader curriculum.

Priority 4

Behaviour

Becoming a Thrive school. Understanding social and emotional needs.
Behaviour ready for learning!
Consistent behaviour policy
Team teach training

If you have any feedback that will help our school review of the year please add to the report form or email a reply back to us.

All views are important to help us continue to develop The Ellis to ‘be the best it can be.’

Many thanks for your continued support in school.

Mrs Hurding

Dear Parents,

Reports are going home tonight.

We value any comments from both you and your children, good or bad, regarding this years school priorities.

School priorities for 2018 to 2019

Priority 1

Whole school to use The Power of reading project to improve reading and writing outcomes across school

– Inspiring a reading culture where children enjoy and understand what they are reading and see connections with their lives.

– Improving the motivation to write as well as writing skills

Priority 2

Consistently teach Maths Mastery throughout school

Recent strategies to improve the quality of teaching mathematics are firmly embedded across the school. (OFSTED 2017)

Priority 3

Enriching the Ellis curriculum

Vision as a church school using Understanding Christianity to teach
Continue to create an engaging learning environment that inspires and motivates learning
Ensure coverage of Science and RE the broader curriculum.

Priority 4

Behaviour

Becoming a Thrive school. Understanding social and emotional needs.
Behaviour ready for learning!
Consistent behaviour policy
Team teach training

If you have any feedback that will help our school review of the year please add to the report form or email a reply back to us.

All views are important to help us continue to develop The Ellis to ‘be the best it can be.’

Many thanks for your continued support in school.

Mrs Hurding

Dear All Parents,

You are invited to St. Mary’s church, Wombwell, this Sunday for their monthly Breakfast and Family Service.

Breakfast is from 9.15am and the service is for all ages at 10am with Bible story, songs and crafts.

All are welcome,

Thank you.

Dear Parents,

As a treat, and a good end to the year, we are planning on taking the Year 4 children to the park, at Billys Hill, on the morning of Friday 19^th July.

Could you send your child with a packed lunch on the day please or encourage your child to order one from the school canteen service as we are hoping to have a picnic in the park.

Obviously this walk will be weather permitting but please remember to send your child, on the morning, in sensible shoes and coat. They could also bring a picnic blanket but this is not essential. Children with inhalers will also require them on the morning.

As it is only a short, local walk, our annual consent forms cover this so no additional permission will be required from yourselves.

Could I take this opportunity to thank you and your children for a wonderful year.

Kind Regards

Mrs D Broadbent

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 28 children have registered an interest in going, which is very exciting news! Now we have these numbers, I can give you some more information. We plan to take the 3 groups of children during the dates 29^th June 2020 10^th July 2020. The exact dates your child will attend will be sent out nearer the time when groupings have been organised.

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 98 which includes 2 night’s 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 28 registered as interested, we are having to take 3 groups. We must also point out that this figure is based on all 28 children now taking up their place. Should many decide not to now come, then we would contact you with a revised price but we are hoping that all the 28 children who registered as interested will come as we have had another AMAZING time this year and we are sure that our current Y1 children will also love it this time next year! They mature a lot in a year and we know they will be ready!

We ask that payments be made via Parent Pay. The total amount will appear on your childs 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.

Initial deposit to secure your childs place of 10 to be paid by 17.07.19 (if anyone has any difficulty with this as we are aware it is only a week away, please pop and see Mrs Trotter or Mrs Hurding if you are still definitely wanting your child to go).

Second payment of 28 to be paid by 27.09.19

Third payment of 30 to be paid by 18.12.19

Final payment of 30 to be paid by 29.03.20

Parents will be invited to a meeting during the beginning of the summer term (2020) 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.

I look forward to getting to know both the children and parents over the coming months.

Kind Regards,

Mrs C Trotter (Year 2 teacher and KS1 Leader)

Dear Parents/Carers,

Re: Year 5 Puberty Talk

As part of our PSHE curriculum, we have a responsibility to educate our children about puberty. Therefore we have arranged for our children to have a talk which will be delivered by myself.

This will take place on Thursday 11^th July. There will be a general talk to all pupils and then the boys and girls will have separate sessions dealing with issues specifically aimed at them.

If you do not want your child to take part in this talk, please could you contact the office.

Yours sincerely,

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Y1-Y6 Parents/Carers,

Its that time of year again where we promote the Summer Reading Challenge.

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?

The Summer Reading challenge takes place every year during the summer holidays. You can sign up at your local library, then read six library books of your choice to complete the challenge. There are exclusive rewards to collect along the way, and its FREE to take part

Reasons to sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge:

Children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books and encouragement to read for pleasure. The annual Summer Reading Challenge helps get three quarters of a million children into libraries each year to keep up their reading skills and confidence. The Challenge celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

How it works

Children can read whatever they like – fiction, fact books, poetry, joke books, picture books, audio books – just as long as they are borrowed from the library.

Children receive special rewards each time they finish a book and a certificate is awarded for everyone who completes the Challenge.

The Summer Reading Challenge is open to all primary school aged children and is designed for all reading abilities.

The Challenge will launch in libraries in England and Wales on Saturday 13 July 2019.

The Reading Agency does not set an official end date for the Summer Reading Challenge.

For more information, please visit the website:

https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/parents-carers

We will celebrate the children who complete the Summer Reading Challenge, in a special assembly, in September.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Y3/4 Parents,

Sports Day 10.7.19

Our sports day session is 11-12:30pm, children therefore will be given a snack (or can bring one to eat) before they go outside.

It would be helpful if the children can bring a packed lunch on this day to eat in the classroom after looking round the stalls. However, if your child orders a hot school lunch they will be able to eat this straight after the session before browsing the stalls.

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Dear Parents

We would like to inform you that we will be delivering sex education on the of Friday 12th July.

We will be covering:

Puberty

Relationships (including LGBT relationships)

Reproduction

If you do not wish your child to take part or you require further information, please email e.edwards@theellis before Friday so that arrangements can be made.

Kind Regards

Mrs Edwards

Dear All Parents,

Please find attached this week’s newsletter. The Ellis News 35 (July 19)

School Photographs

Our class photograph proofs have been re-designed and the smaller, friendship groups also added for you to order if you so wish.

The new images will be uploaded to the Pics4Schools website after Wednesday. Please order using your existing proof cards (with their individual codes) to access the new format images. The photographer is going to find out where the printers are with any orders that have already been placed and hopefully the new image will be sent out.

If you do not have your original proof card or you have any queries please contact the photographer, Mr McDonnell by email on mcdonnellimages@me.com

Team Activ Summer Clubs

Team Activ have three Summer clubs running in the holidays, all of which are on their website and can easily be booked. http://www.events.teamactiv.org/community

F1 (Morning and Afternoon) Library Homebooks

As no more library homebooks will be sent out please can you return all library books back into class with your child’s folder. Thank you.

Foundation Stage Sports Day 11.7.19

Children can come to school at normal time in their PE kits ready for a 9.30am start. Please remember sun hats, water bottles and sun cream if the sun is shining.

You are welcome to take your child home after the event but please collect them from class. Afternoon children are invited to attend the morning session instead of the afternoon.

Finally, please remember that if any photographs are taken that contain other children they must not be used on social media sites.

We have a busy final two weeks ahead of us. Please keep a look out for any further emails containing information on the various events we have happening.

Thank you for your continued support,

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y2/3 Parents,

Learn to Ride

On Friday, from 1pm, our Bike It Officer, Harriet, has offered to run a single session for children in years 2/3 who CANNOT ride a bike.

Children will need to come to school with a fully working bike and a helmet. If this session proves to be a success more will hopefully be run in the future but Friday’s session will be for a maximum of 5 children only, on a first come first served basis.

Please email Mrs Fiddes to give consent for your child to participate in this session and confirm you will have a working bike and helmet available on the day.

Thank you

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Sports Day Stalls

If anybody has any items we could use for our tombola stall at Sports Day they will be gratefully received. Please bring them to the office at your convenience and we will happily take them from you. Thank you.

There will also be refreshments on sale, face painting, stocks, a penalty shootout and other exciting activities. If anyone can support these activities please let Mrs Fiddes, the PTFA or Miss Cook know.

We will also be asking for baking donations. These do not have to be homemade or great masterpieces, any contribution however big or small will be gratefully received. Please bring them to the multi-purpose room (breakfast club) on Tuesday 9^th July or Wednesday 10^th July. Thank you.

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Parent,

As a result of winning the District Cricket finals we now have a confirmation date for the County finals.

This year, there will be 16 schools competing across numerous outfield pitches on a cricket field. The format will be a group stage 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 3:30pm.

Information on the venue is below:

VENUE Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Leeds, LS11 5TT

DATE Wednesday 10^th July 2019

REGISTRATION 9:00am

START TIME / GAME TIME 9:30am 3:30pm

Children and adults will need a packed lunch on the day along with water bottles and PE kits.

Please can you arrive at the venue as close to 9am as possible. Please let Mrs Fiddes know the travel arrangements for your child so we can ensure everyone has transport.

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Y2 Parents,

We would like to end the year by taking all the children in Year 1 and Year 2 to Elsecar Park. This will allow the children the chance to bring together all the science objectives we have covered this term linked to plants and animals. As Year 2 have been very busy with their residential these last two weeks, we have struggled to fit this into the calendar until now.

We would like to take them on Wednesday 17^th July. This is one of our transition mornings, but as Mrs Trotter and Mrs Wise will be teaching each others class next year, it does not cause a problem.

On the day we will walk the children along the canal path to Elsecar Park and spend the morning completing maps, flower and tree identification, a mini beast hunt and bark rubbings. The children will need a packed lunch or they are welcome to order a free packed lunch from school under the Universal Free School Meals Scheme (please see below). During the afternoon we will spend time playing in the play areas, explore the sand, take part in sports activities and eat ice creams! School staff will then walk the children back to school in time for their usual home time.

Please ensure your child is wearing school uniform, sensible shoes, hat, sun cream (weather dependent) and have a coat. They will also need a water bottle. We have a small amount of money leftover from our Whirlow Residential due to our Tesco shop being slightly cheaper than expected, which is enough to cover the cost of each child having an ice cream or an ice lolly at Elsecar Park. Therefore there is no need to send any money on the day.

Please tick the consent box on ParentPay to give permission for your child to walk to Elsecar Park. Participation on this trip is as always, dependent on good behaviour.

If you would like to order a packed lunch from school, please reply to this email and indicate whether you would like ham, cheese or tuna. If we do not receive a reply, we will assume your child is bringing a packed lunch from home.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Trotter and Miss Beresford

Dear Y1 Parents,

Please ensure your child is wearing school uniform, sensible shoes, hat, sun cream (weather dependent) and have a coat. If you would like your child to have an ice cream or ice lolly, please send 2 in a named envelope. They will also need a water bottle.

Please tick the consent box on ParentPay to give permission for your child to walk to Elsecar Park. Participation on this trip is as always, dependent on good behaviour.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Wise.

Dear All Parents,

Please find attached this week’s newsletter. The Ellis News 34 (July 19)

Dinner Money Increase

From September the price of a school lunch will increase to 2. This is in line with other local schools and is still good value for money. If you would like to look at the school lunches sometime please let Mrs Fiddes know and you will be welcome to pop in around lunchtime and take a look.

Mrs R Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Parents,

Just a quick note to let you know that the Whirlow minibus is now coming at a slightly earlier time of 9.15am on Monday (we have had a revised timetable) and therefore please ensure your child is at school promptly on that day.

Mrs Trotter will collect this group of children (Mrs Beever / Mrs Green will take the others in) and take them into school with their suitcases to ensure we have everything before we set off. We ask that like the last group, parents say goodbye to their child in the playground and let staff take them into school with their cases. You are of course welcome to go round to the front then to wave them off, but this is optional. If parents could have any medication to hand and pass it personally to Mrs Trotter rather than putting it into the suitcase, this would be a big help.

Group 3 will be leaving at approximately 10.45am on Wednesday (as we have to bring the other children back first) and will be met by Mrs Green as Mrs Trotter will still be at Whirlow. Mrs Green will look after this group of children until the minibus comes and Mrs Beever will have the other children. Again, please pass any medication or last minute messages to Mrs Green and they will be given to Mrs Trotter. It all sounds very complicated, but I assure you this is a well oiled machine which runs smoothly!

Finally, a massive well done to group 1 who have already been and proved that Whirlow is fabulous not only in the sun, but also in torrential rain! They were so well behaved and an absolute pleasure to spend time with. They were called the ‘Terrific Ten’ for a reason! I have no doubt that the last two groups will be the same.

See you all on Monday.

Kind Regards

Mrs Trotter (KS1 leader)

Dear Foundation Stage Parents, FS Clifton Park Parent Info 2.7.19

Please find attached an information sheet for our trip on Tuesday, 2nd July.

Thank you

Mrs Pollard

Foundation Stage Reminders

Clifton Park Trip – Tuesday, 2nd July

Please note that as the coach is leaving at 9.45am children and parents do not need to be in school until 9.30am rather than the previous time stated of 8.55am. More details will be handed to parents tomorrow. Thank you.

Coffee Morning – Thursday, 4th July, 9am.

Refreshments will be on sale in the hall from 9am. Gifts the children have made will also be on sale along with a raffle and a book swap stall. Children will be singing their Summer songs at approximately 9.20am. The nursery children can leave after the event. PM children are welcome to attend the morning session on this day instead of the afternoon session.

Sports Day – Thursday, 11th July, 9:30-10:30am on the main school field.

Nursery children can leave after the event.

Thank you

Mrs Pollard

Dear Y3 and Y5 Parents/Carers,

As part of the childrens transition to their new year group, Miss Cook and I would love to take our classes to Wombwell Woods. We believe that the children will both enjoy and benefit from a variety of team building exercises and den building activities that we have planned for them.

We would like to take them during transition week on Tuesday 16^th July.

As we would like to have a picnic in the woods, please could you send your child(ren) with a packed lunch that day (Children can order a school packed lunch prior to the day if they prefer. Please let Mrs Fiddes know to order this).

Children can come to school that morning wearing clothes that are able to get muddied up – this can either be old clothes or old school uniform. Please remember to bring spare clothes for them to change into. Children will also need to be wearing suitable footwear and have a jacket (if the weather doesnt brighten up).

Please tick the consent box on ParentPay to give permission for your child to walk to Wombwell Woods. Participation on this trip is as always, dependent on good behaviour.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders and Miss N Cook

Fashion Show – St. Mary’s Church, Wombwell , Saturday, 29th June, 2pm.

Ladies, childrenswear and accessories, HUGE savings on High Street labels such as Top Shop, Wallis, MandS, Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Monsoon and Next.

Tickets available at Little Wrigglers 3 each (including a drink and a biscuit) or contact www.facebook.com/wombwellparish.

Ladies size 8 – Plus sizes

Childrens ages 2-13

Fashion handbags and accessories

Raffle (many prizes including 50 worth of vouchers to spend on clothes on the day!)

Complete Clothing Company goods for sale at the event.www.complete-clothing.co.uk

Thank you for supporting us,

Wombwell Church.

Dear Y1 Y6 Parents,

Sports Day Wednesday, 10th July

Here is a little more information about our sports day. The times for the day are as follows:

Years 1 / 2 – 9:15 – 10:45am

Years 3 / 4 – 11:00 12:30pm

Years 5 / 6 – 1:00 2:30pm

The children will compete in a mix of races and field events followed by time to explore the stalls which will be run by school staff and the PTFA. There will be refreshments on sale, face painting, tombola, stocks, a penalty shootout and other exciting activities.

If anyone can support these activities please let Mrs Fiddes, the PTFA or Miss Cook know.

Years 1 and 2 children can arrive at school wearing their PE kits on the morning ready to take part. Please remember to bring their uniform for them to get changed in to afterwards.

Refreshments will only be sold to adults whilst the children are taking part in sport. All other stalls will be open for a short time after each session for the children to enjoy with their parents. If children are not accompanied by an adult, they can bring money for the stalls (no more than 5) in a named envelope and a member of staff will take them round.

Years 3 and 4 children will still be able to order a school lunch as usual as the cook has been made aware they will be arriving a little later for lunch.

Years 5 and 6 children can go straight home after the event only if they are accompanied by an adult. Siblings can be collected from outside classes.

Children MUST bring a water bottle with them on the day as the refreshments will only be on sale after their events.

We are hoping for a very enjoyable day and keeping our fingers crossed for good weather! Please remember sun cream and hats!

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Y3/4 Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 3/4 Athletics competition at the Dorothy Hyman Stadium, Cudworth, on Wednesday 3rd July 2019. The event will start at 1:00pm and will finish for 3:15pm. Children will return to school around 3:45pm.

Your child will have their lunch before they leave.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Parents are invited to spectate but you must meet your child at the venue.

Your child will need to bring suitable trainers, a drink of water, and clothing to wear when not participating. 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. Children will be allocated events and unfortunately may not be able to take part in more than one activity. As always, attendance on the trip will be determined by good behaviour shown in school.

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

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Y2/3 Parents,

Next academic year on the 8th October 2019, when your child is in Y3 or Y4 we will be having a Roman morning in school.

The experience will begin with a unique live interactive Roman show. This show will last for around 45 minutes and features live action with visuals and effects to bring the Roman era to life. After the show, the classes will be split for the following workshops:

Workshop 1.

Children will stay in the hall and learn about Roman fashion and perform a war dance to ‘entertain the Emperor’. All dress up is provided for the children in this workshop.

Workshop 2.

Roman invention workshop – The children will learn about important Roman inventions and create an aqueduct using pipes to transport water. The children will finish off with a fabulous quiz.

The cost for this Roman morning is 4.20 per child for both the show and the two interactive workshops. This has been placed onto ParentPay already and can be paid in instalments.

These events are always a huge success with the children. They will have lots of fun and really be able to get into the spirit of the Roman era.

Thank you for your support.

Mrs Wise and Miss Cook

The Ellis News The Ellis News 33 (June 19)

Whirlow Residential

We have heard from our Group 1 children on the residential at Whirlow and they are having a fantastic time despite the weather.

Parking in School Grounds

Only those parents with permission can come into the school grounds during drop off and pick up times. These are crucial, busy times when pupil movement is at its busiest and it is totally unsafe to drive in and out. After school club collection is fine.

Book Festival – Thursday 2pm

The weather is looking good for Thursday! Come along and enjoy reading in the sunshine with your child/ren. Ice lollies will be on sale for 50p and ice creams 1.

Collecting Children Early

If you MUST collect your child early for a medical appointment please avoid assembly time of 2.45pm onwards. We appreciate trying to keep your child in school for as long as possible, however, this does disrupt our collective worship time.

Thank you

Mrs Hurding

Dear Parents,

Well we are nearly there! Whirlow 2019 here we come! Just a couple of quick reminders before we take our first group on Monday.

Please could parents ensure any medication is handed into Mrs Trotter or Mrs Green on the morning of your child’s residential in a clearly named bag.

Children are welcome to bring 3 spending money, again please ensure this is in a named purse.
A packed lunch is needed for the first day, unless this has been ordered from school on the forms completed.
No electronics or mobile phones are allowed.
Some parents have asked if children are allowed to bring water shoes rather than wellies for Forge Dam. This is absolutely fine. As long as children have some shoes or wellies which are ok to get wet when we go in the stream, that is fine. We just don’t want children going in with bare feet as some of the stones can be rough and slippery so hopefully shoes or wellies might prevent 10 children falling over in the water and waddling back to Whirlow farm dripping wet!!! (Although you never know!)
We have our fingers crossed for dry weather, but naturally this cannot be guaranteed, so please ensure your child has a waterproof coat, sun cream and a rucksack to carry things when we go walking. That way we are ready for whatever the weather throws at us!

Finally, thank you for allowing us to take your child on this amazing experience. All the staff going are very excited and we know that our amazing Y2s are ready for this trip. Naturally there may be a few nerves on the morning of their departure (from children and adults alike!) We strongly advise that to ease the process, you try your best to put on a brave face, remind your child that they will have a brilliant time and that you can’t wait to see them when they get back and then leave them for staff to look after. In our experience, prolonged goodbyes can often exasperate emotions and generally cause more upset for the child.

Thank you for your help in this matter.

See you on Monday! (or the week after if you are Group 2 and 3)

Kind Regards

Mrs Trotter (KS1 leader)

Dear All Parents/Carers,

I’m aware that the last email about our Reading Festival was sent out quite a while ago so I wanted to send some up-to-date information.

Next Thursday 27^th June, (when it will hopefully be nice and sunny) we will be hosting our first reading festival for all pupils and parents (F1 Y6). Morning nursery children are invited but must be accompanied by an adult. If your child is in Foundation Stage, please can you collect them as usual from outside their classroom at 2pm.

For all other school children, the gates will be open from 1.55pm for you to collect them from outside their classrooms as usual and make your way onto the field.

Children who do not have an adult collect them will be accompanied onto the field by their class teachers.

The event will take place on our School field, so bring along your favourite books, a blanket to sit on/camping chair and come and read in the sun with your child(ren).

We have some tents in school that we will be setting up as story tents, however, if you have a tent and/or beach shelter, please feel free to bring them along.

Our fantastic School Council will be selling ice lollies. Children who are not accompanied by an adult can bring money into school, they will not need more than 1.

The event will begin at 2pm and will end at 3:20pm.

In the event of poor weather conditions, we will bring our festival indoors.

We hope it will be a relaxed atmosphere and a great opportunity for you to share books with your child(ren).

If you have any queries please contact school.

We hope to see you there.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Parents,

We have arranged a variety of activities for the year 6 children to celebrate the end of the year, some of which you may have already heard about. None of these are compulsory so if your child doesnt want to attend them all, that is fine.

SLEEPOVER~ We have selected the 4^th of July for our sleepover. Children will leave school as normal and can return for the evening from 6:30pm- they will need to bring a sleeping bag and an air bed (if you have one). I will send further information a little closer to the time. The day after will be non-uniform for Y6 only.

LASER QUEST~ We have booked a coach to take us for a couple of games of LaserQuest at Valley Centretainment on the 2^nd July. We will leave after break and return in time for the end of the school day. We will miss lunch so children will need a packed lunch on this day. If you do not wish your child to take part please let me know.

CALYPSO COVE~ We have priced up swimming at the Metrodome but unfortunately a party is out of our budget (depending on the numbers attending). Please could you email Mrs E on e.edwards@theellis.org by Monday morning at the very latest- so that we can book as appropriate- if your child would be able to/wants to join us on the 8^th July. Once we have this information I will check the cost/availability again. We will select an alternative e.g. bowling/skating if it isnt plausible.

LEAVERS ASSEMBLY~ Please could you let me know if your child will not be here for the end of year assembly so that I can make sure they dont get allocated a part.

Participation in all of these events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

If you have any questions/queries/concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you

Mrs Emily Edwards

Dear Y5/6 Parent,

Due to the success of the cricket qualifiers yesterday the boys have advanced through to the Barnsley finals which will be held at Shaw Lane next Friday. I was proud to spend the afternoon with such fantastic sportsmen and Dean Smith emailed myself personally last night and said that not only had the boys played really well they had also played with the right attitude and were commended by opposing schools.

The event will run 9:30-3:00pm.

The first part of the day will be group games followed by knockout matches in the afternoon resulting in a final, with the winner advancing to the county finals which will take place at Hunsley Nelson CC in Leeds. (10th July)

The children will need a packed lunch on the day.

As the event starts at 9:30am and we will need to be meet before this you are welcome to go straight there with your child. If you are unable to do this you may collect them direct from the event. Please let me know your arrangements so we can ensure your child has transport to and from the event.

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Y6 Parents,

In February, we were invited to trial a new education workshop called Have Your Say at the town hall which starts this week. The date has crept up on me however this is covered under the local consent form you have already completed. If you do not wish your child to attend please let me know ASAP. I am aware some children wont be able to join us as they have transition, apologies- as this is a free workshop the date is fixed, alternative arrangements will be made in school for the children who need to leave at lunchtime.

The coach is being funded for us as we have agreed to be part of the promotion materials. With this in mind, I will be sending home a media consent form that I would appreciate you signing and returning tomorrow.

We are leaving school at 9:05am and will be returning at for approximately 2pm so the children will need a packed lunch- apologies for the short notice with this. They can be ordered from school if you let me know as soon as you can.

Thanks for your understanding with the short notice,

Mrs E

Mrs Emily Edwards

Deputy Headteacher

Dear Y5 Parent/Carer,

Our trip to The Millennium Gallery in Sheffield is fast approaching. Please remember to send your child to school this Friday (21^st June) with suitable shoes, a jacket or coat and a packed lunch.

We will be setting off soon after 9 so please ensure that your child is on time. We will be back at school for the usual time.

The children are really looking forward to it.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

The Ellis C of E Primary School

01226 753383

Dear Y2 Parent/Carer,

Your childs class has been selected to represent the school in a Year 2 Athletics competition at the Dorothy Hyman Stadium, Cudworth, on Tuesday 9^th July 2019. The event will start at 9.30am and will finish for 11:45am.

Your child will have their lunch when they arrive back to school.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Ultimate Coaches. Parents are invited to spectate but you must meet your child at the venue.

As the event is in the morning, it is advisable if your child arrives at school in their PE kits and brings their uniform in a bag for the afternoon. Your child will need to bring suitable trainers, a drink of water, and clothing to wear when not participating. 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. Children will be allocated events and unfortunately may not be able to take part in more than one activity. As always, attendance on the trip will be determined by good behaviour shown in school.

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

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 32 (June 19)

Please find attached this week’s newsletter.

Thank you for all your continued support and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Y1/2 DT afternoons.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Y5/6 Cricket Competition

The new date for the cricket competition is this Wednesday, 19th June at Shaw Lane. All other details remain the same so please see the original email below.

Please remember to notify Mrs Fiddes of your child’s travel arrangements.

Dear Y5/Y6 Parent,

Your child has been selected to represent the school at a Year 5/6 cricket event on Tuesday 11th June at Barnsley Cricket Club, Shaw Lane. The event will start at 1pm and finish for 3:30pm. Your child will have their lunch in school before leaving.

Due to the small number of children attending we would be very grateful if parents would drive their children to this event. Please email to let Mrs Fiddes know whether you will be able to take your child and any other children to the event and if not, whether you consent for your child to travel with another parent and whether you require them to be dropped off at school or home.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

The annual sporting fixtures and curricular activities consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Superheroes Academy Holiday Club

St. Mary’s Church, Wombwell

Wednesday 7th, Thursday 8th, Friday 9th August

9:45am – 12 noon each morning for 5 – 11 year olds. 2 per morning.

Games, crafts, drama, bible stories and lots of fun.

Registration is required so please pick up an application form at church or download one from the church website: www.wombwellparish.co.uk

Good Morning,

As some of you already know, we have planned for Foresteers to come in to school on Monday and Tuesday next week to run some workshops with our Y6 children. These will involve a number of outdoor activities, including den building and using a fire pit.

We will be outside, whatever the weather, so please ensure your child has adequate protection against all the elements – hats, sun cream and given this weeks weather – waterproofs!

The cost of the sessions are being partially funded by the PTFA and topped up with a donation from our IKIC fund. They will be led by Mr Wilson (the owner of Foresteers) and supported by Mrs E, Mrs Brinkley and Miss Turton.

If you do not wish your child to participate, or have any queries, please drop me an email or pop in to see me.

Thanks

Mrs E

Dear Foundation Stage Parent/Carer,

Visit to Clifton Park and Museum

We would like to take all of the children within our EYFS to Clifton Park and Museum on Tuesday 2^nd July 2019. The children will have the opportunity to play in the play area, Fun Park, mini-golf and water splash area. There is also an opportunity to visit the gardens and museum.

The visit leaders on the trip will be Mrs. Pollard and Mr. Grayhurst and the accompanying staff will be: Mrs. Tindle and Mrs. Beevers.

The coach company we will be using is Beewise. The coach will leave school at 10.00am and set off back at 2.30pm. The expected time of arrival back at school will be approx. 3.15pm. Children will need to be at school for no later than 8:55am. If your child suffers from travel sickness we would suggest that appropriate travel sickness medication is taken before school.

The appropriate contribution is 4 per person and it is necessary for accompanying adults to pay. Nursery children must be accompanied by an adult. We must point out that if insufficient money is collected, the trip will have to be cancelled. Payment will be via ParentPay and will need to be paid by Monday 24^th June 2019. Please also tick the consent box on ParentPay to give your permission for your child to go on this trip. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties covering the cost of the trip, please contact Mrs Hurding.

Please ensure school uniform is worn on the day with suitable footwear and an appropriate coat depending on the weather. If your child is in F2 and require a packed lunch, one can be provided for them. Please let us know if your child requires a school packed lunch prior to the trip.

Children who are not being supported by their parent can bring a small amount of money (no more than 5) if they wish.

Please let your childs class teacher know as soon as possible if you will be attending the trip.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs. Pollard & Mr. Grayhurst.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As part of our Well-Being Week, the School Council would like to open a tuck shop for KS1 and 2 (in the outdoor classroom) as children have told us they would like to have the opportunity for a snack at playtime.

We are going to trial this TOMORROW break (23/5) and start by selling:

Cheese snacks (e.g. Babybel/Cheesestrings)

Frubes (yoghurt snacks).

If this is successful, we may then try different snacks and increase the number of times we open the shop.

To allow all children to have the opportunity to buy a snack, we are limiting the number of items the children can purchase each day to one item. This will hopefully reduce queuing time and give the children plenty of time to enjoy their snack. We also hope this will help with cost. The items will all be priced at 40p- if you could send the right change that would be very much appreciated.

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Kind regards

Mrs E & The School Council.

Mrs Emily Edwards

Deputy Headteacher

Dear All Parents,

KS1 have recently spent a lot of time developing the grassy area outside Y1 and Y2 and there will also be lots more additions and changes over the coming weeks.

Until we have a fence around the area we are asking that children do not go onto the grass and as tempting as it is for them do not allow them to touch things or stand on the tyres.

Please remain on the paths as you enter and exit school.

Thank you,

KS1 Team.

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 30 (May 19) The Ellis News 31 (June 19)

Lost Property

How we can accumulate so much lost uniform in such a short space of time is beyond me – but we have!

It will be placed outside on the playground for parents to rifle through every day until Friday and then bagged up and placed in the Samaritan’s bin. Please do have a look.

Thank you

Our local TKMaxx at Cortonwood have very kindly donated two Love 2 Shop vouchers to be used as prizes during our wellbeing week this week along with other kind donations from Halfords and Mountain Warehouse.

TK Maxx have asked us to remind parents of their Give up Clothes for Good campaign which is running throughout September to raise funds for Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens.

If you have any pre-loved clothes, accessories, homewares, toys or books that are now unwanted, you are welcome to take them into the store to be sold in Cancer Research UK shops. All of the money raised goes to Cancer Research UK Kids and Teens to help beat childrens cancers.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y3/Y4 Parents,

Free Scooter Skills Session

On Friday at 1pm, children from years 3 and 4 will have the opportunity to complete a scooter skills session with our active travel officer, Harriet Wingfield who has taken over from Dave Atherton.

The children will be on the MUGA working on skills such as turning and stopping to increase their confidence and make them more competent riders for when they are out and about.

Your child will need to have a scooter and helmet in school on the day if they would like to join in the session.

The cost of the session is free.

Kind regards

Miss Cook

Dear Y5 Parents/Carers,

At the last parents consultation meeting, many of you expressed that you would like to support your children at home with their maths and English. Therefore, Im in the process of creating some packs to send home with the children. The packs consists of: a variety of arithmetic papers, two reasoning papers and a reading paper.

These can be used at home to enhance your childs learning. The papers should not be treated as tests, but more an opportunity to support your child at home (should you wish to).

As you are aware, at The Ellis we value the importance of well-being and strongly encourage children to make memories with their friends and family, use their free time to develop hobbies or join a sports team. So, please complete the work as and when you see fit. I am very aware that there is a lot, please do not feel the need to complete every single paper. There are no time limits or hand in dates, I am more than happy to mark any work that comes back into school.

If you do not wish for your child to have any additional work, please could you email Mrs Fiddes.

I am so proud of everything that the children have accomplished this year, both in their academic and non-academic achievements.

Thank you as always for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Parents,

The following after school clubs will be running on Mondays and Wednesdays after half term for 6 weeks starting the first week back:

Monday (Monday 3rd June is an Inset Day so will only run for 5 weeks)

KS1 and KS2 Athletics until 4:20pm.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

Wednesday

KS2 Tennis until 4:20pm.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

The following are our ongoing clubs:

Tuesday

F2 Footy Stars until 3:50pm. 2.50 per week payable to the coach.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

Daz’s Football ongoing weekly until 4:20pm. 2.50 payable to Daz each week.

Thursday

Lego Club until 4:20pm.

Payment for this club is 3.99 per week and is to be paid upfront. Please email to register your child’s interest. Once you have been notified that a place is avavilable payment will be put onto ParentPay. The club is open to Y4, Y5 and Y6 children.

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Lego Club

Lego Club will be running at lunchtime next Thursday due to the Bear Gryll’s evening.

Thank you

Dear Parents,

There are several sporting events running and a few of you have asked if parents can spectate so please check the list below:

Athletics – Parents CAN spectate

Rounders – Parents CAN spectate

Basketball – Parents CANNOT spectate

Cricket – Parents CANNOT spectate

Orienteering – Parents CANNOT spectate

Apologies if this was omitted from the original email sent.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Bear Grylls Survival Evening Thursday 23^rd May 2019

We are looking forward to our survival evening next Thursday and crossing our fingers for good weather.

Food on the night will be a choice of burgers or hot dogs. Unfortunately we are unable to provide alternatives so please let us know if this is unsuitable for your child.

We have been inundated with names wanting to attend and have increased the amount of spaces open from 30 to 50+. Unfortunately there are now no more places available for this night, but we hope to run many more in future.

Children are to arrive at 4:30pm and meet at the entrance to the school field. Children can come in non-uniform and do not need to bring any money with them. There will be an opportunity for a Bushtucker Trial and dried edible grubs may be on offer, however no child will be forced to eat any!

The event will finish around 6:30pm and children can be collected from the entrance to the field.

Kind regards,

Nicola Cook

Dear Y5/ Y6 Parent,

Your child’s class has been selected to represent the school at a KS2 Orienteering event at Cannon Hall on Friday, 24th May. Children will leave school around 11:30am. Children will need a packed lunch, and will have their lunch, weather permitting, as a picnic when they arrive at Cannon Hall. Your child will then take part in the orienteering competition and return to school for around 2:30pm. Your child will travel with Beewise coaches. Children will need to wear school uniform, a suitable coat and appropriate footwear.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

The annual sporting fixtures and curricular activities consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes. Unfortunately, parents are not invited to spectate at this event.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Y3/ Y4 Parent,

Your child’s class has been selected to represent the school at a KS2 Orienteering event at Cannon Hall on Friday, 24th May. Children will leave school just after registration and return in time for lunch. Your child will travel with Beewise coaches. Children will need to wear school uniform, a suitable coat and appropriate footwear.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Y1/Y2 Parent,

On Tuesday, 21st May all Years 1 and 2 will be attending an All Stars cricket event at Silkstone Cricket Club. The event will start at 9:30am and finish for 11:30am. Children will return to school for lunch time and your child will have lunch when they return.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Y1 and Y3 Parents,

Please can your child bring a plastic bottle to school on Monday to use in their eco lesson.

Thank you.

Dear Parents,

As part of our Well Being Week next week we would love to work with the KS1 children to develop the area outside the KS1 (Y1/2) classrooms (the grassed part).

We would love it to be bright and colourful with lots of things for the children to explore and enjoy, not only for next week, but for months and years to come.

We know that being outside has so many positive effects on everyone and we really feel that we have a beautiful area which our children deserve to benefit from. We have lots of ideas and Mrs Trotter, Miss Beresford and Mrs Wise will be trying to use their winning smiles to try and obtain as many free things as we can from local businesses this weekend (e.g. tyres, pallets etc). This is where you come in! We wondered if anyone would be able to help out this amazing cause! If you feel you have any of the things listed below which you would be happy for us to utilise or are able to purchase and donate something, please could they be brought into school and handed to any KS1 member of staff or the office staff on Friday or Monday morning. We have always been so lucky to have such amazing parental support and we are so incredibly grateful to everyone for their donations.

Items we would love to have:-

Old childrens wellies (any colour, any size);
Plastic bottles (all sizes);
Packets of seeds for planting (vegetables and flowers would be super);
Tins of outdoor coloured paint (they sell them in lots of places such as Wilkos, supermarkets, homebase. Any bright colour would be brilliant and we really feel that this would have a massive impact visually on the area);
Any summer bedding plants which we can plant into the garden at the front and planters around our area;
Bags of soil;
Bags of bark chippings;
Bags of play sand;
Decorative pebbles (if you have any half used bags we would love to use them or if you feel you could donate a bag again they would be put to very good use).

We will also be using some of our nativity money raised to purchase things.

We realise that this is quite a list, but we are thinking big!

Thank you for all your continued support, without you these things would not happen. Keep a watchful eye out over the coming week and we hope you will amazed by the transformation you see!

Kind Regards

KS1 Team

Dear Y5/6 Parents,

Y5/6 DT Afternoon Change of Date

Due to Y6 transition we need to reschedule our DT afternoon from 27^th June to 1^st July.

As the theme is building bomb shelters outside we are hoping the weather will be kind to us and we can have lots of fun in the fresh air.

Hope to see you there!

Mrs Edwards and Miss Saunders

Dear Parent,

Your child has been selected to represent the school at a Year 5/6 basketball event at Barnsley College on Thursday 23rd May. The event will start at 1:15pm and finish for 3:15pm. Children will return to school for approximately 3:30pm. Your child will have lunch in school before leaving for the event and travel with Beewise coaches. Unfortunately, due to space constraints, parents are not invited to attend this event.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

The annual sporting fixtures and curricular activities consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Parent,

Your child has been selected to represent the school at a Year 5/6 athletics event at Dorothy Hyman Stadium on Tuesday 4th June (1st day back as the Monday is an inset day). The event will start at 1pm and finish for 3:15pm. Children will return to school for approximately 3:30pm. Your child will have lunch in school before leaving for the event and travel with Beewise coaches.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

The annual sporting fixtures and curricular activities consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Parent,

Your child has been selected to represent the school at a Year 5/6 rounders event on Tuesday 21st May at Horizon Playing Fields, Shaw Lane. The event will start at 1pm and finish for 3:15pm. Children will return to school for approximately 3:30pm. Your child will have lunch in school before leaving for the event and travel with Beewise coaches.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

The annual sporting fixtures and curricular activities consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Current Year 1 Parents,

Two years ago we launched our first ever Y2 residential and what a success it has proved to be! Last year we took 28 children on a 2-night residential trip and at the end of next month, we are very excited to be taking all 29 of our current Y2 children. We would like to give our next cohort of Year 2s the same amazing opportunity!

We are hoping (if there is enough uptake) to run a 2 night residential to Whirlow Farm in Sheffield in June/July 2020. It 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 if provides a welcoming, age-appropriate programme for children of this age. Many schools in Barnsley and other local authorities 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, farm walks and space for children to play in the safety of enclosed gardens. It is set in acres of farmland and the views are spectacular! The farm staff are very experienced at working with primary school children and there is an onsite education team who will work alongside the teachers and children during the day.

Whilst there, the children will have the opportunity to undertake a farm tour where they will have the chance to meet lots of farm animals, hold some cute rabbits and guinea pigs, help out with the farm jobs (e.g; feeding the animals, collecting and grading eggs, grooming the ponies), enjoy early morning and evening walks in the surrounding woodlands, play outdoor games and have a pony ride (led by an experienced member of the Whirlow team). The school staff who will be taking the children on the residential will also walk the children to Forge Dam (a 25 minute walk away) to take part in activities there and to Whirlow Brook Park (a 10 minute walk from the farm) to explore the woodland and do some den building. They will also work together (alongside the school teaching staff) to prepare meals and wash up!

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. (Any child who does not wish to take part in the residential will attend school as normal that week). The children will sleep in a converted barn in rooms of 2 children. (The two teachers will have their own rooms within the barn and will look after the children overnight).

As a parent myself with two young 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 Year 2 for ten 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 taken one class on this particular residential, I was astounded at what they achieved and how much they gained from such an experience. I am sure that it will have provided them with memories which will last a life-time.

With regards cost, we are unable to give an exact figure until we know how many children will be going (as the barn is a set price regardless of whether it is at full capacity of 12 children or not). As a guide, children this year paid 95 and it is therefore estimated that the trip will cost between 85 and 100. 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 (although a deposit will be needed before the end of July to secure your place) and once we have numbers, we will be able to send out a final price before you finally commit to the trip.

Lots more information can be found on the farm website below, along with some testimonies from teachers and children who have been. https://www.whirlowhallfarm.org/education/day-and-residential-visits/

If you have any initial enquiries, Mrs Trotter will be available after school on Monday 20^th May (3.20pm) for a chat or feel free to email the office and we will try our best to answer any questions you might have.

As dates fill up very quickly, I would like to secure our provisional booking by the end of June to ensure we can be fitted in. Therefore please could you indicate below if this is of interest to you (please note at this time, it is purely registering your interest) and return to school by Wednesday 22nd May. Alternatively you can email your response to Mrs Fiddes. Once I have collated numbers, I will be able to see if it is viable and can then send out further details. Also just a reminder we are looking at June/early July 2020 (end of Year 2).

Kind regards

Mrs Trotter (Y2 teacher and KS1 leader)

Dear Y2 Parents,

Just a quick reminder about the Whirlow residential meeting for parents next Tuesday 21st May at 5pm in the Y2 classroom. Mrs Trotter will outline all the arrangements and hand out packs with what the children need to bring and all necessary forms which need to be completed. If parents have any questions, then Mrs Trotter will stay after the meeting to answer them, or if it is a longer discussion, then after the meeting Mrs Trotter can arrange a mutually convenient time to meet after the half term holidays to further discuss matters.

If you are unable to attend, we will ensure you receive the pack and necessary information.

Thank you

Mrs Trotter (KS1 lead and Y2 teacher)

Dear All Parents, 50 things to do before 11 and 3 quarters

As part of our strive to develop our Wider Curriculum in school we are holding a Wellbeing Week from Monday 20^th May until Friday 24^th May. This is to encourage students to take part in a range of activities outside the classroom environment and highlight the importance of looking after themselves and the world. As physical and mental health is so important we would like to show our children the benefits of a regular, healthy and active lifestyle.

The children will be taking part in many activities throughout the week to develop their problem solving, communication and team work skills. The events below will be taking place but children (including Foundation Stage) will also be completing a range of activities in class.

Each morning in the hall from 8:30am there will be a fun, keep fit session for adults and children to join. Just turn up, join in and get active to get the brain warmed up for the busy day ahead.

Monday 20^th

KS1 will be having a morning working outside on a programme called Go Wild. They will be outside whatever the weather so please send appropriate clothing. KS2 will be focusing on eco activities and looking at the effect humans have on the world and how we can look after it a little more.

Tuesday 21^st

KS1 have a cricket festival in the morning at Silkstone Cricket Club.

Year 2 will be making chocolate in the afternoon.

Year 5/6 A selection of children will be attending a rounders competition.

Wednesday 22^nd Wheel or walk to school Wednesday

We are promoting active travel to and from school. Anyone who arrives by bike, scooter or walking will be entered in to a raffle to win some prizes.

KS2 will be working outside on the Go Wild programme. Children will be working on problem solving, communication and team work skills.

Thursday 23^rd

Year 5/6 some children will be attending a basketball competition in the afternoon.

Good to be Green afternoon. Our reward afternoon for children who have remained on green throughout the term.

Evening see separate email.

Friday 24^th

All KS2 children have the opportunity to attend an orienteering event at Cannon Hall.

There is so much pressure on teachers and children to perform in school that sometimes we forget to just go outside and enjoy the world around us. We would like to encourage our children to enjoy nature and spend time investigating and exploring the great outdoors. Attached is a document about 50 things to do before youre 11 . It would be lovely to see the children completing some of these over summer. Dont forget to tweet us your pictures!

Thank you for your continued support and as always if anyone has any more ideas on how to develop sport at The Ellis please let me know.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Dear KS2 Parents,

On Thursday, 23^rd May 2019, The Ellis will be running their first Bear Grylls style survival evening!

At The Ellis we strongly believe in giving children a range of opportunities and different ways to succeed both in and out of the classroom. It has been proven that outdoor learning and an active lifestyle greatly benefits children both physically and academically. The children will complete a range of challenges and activities that involve problem solving, team work and communication.

The evening will run for approximately two hours from 4:30pm and food such as a burger or a hotdog will also be offered. There will be no cost involved for the whole evening.

If you would like your child to take part then places will be given on a first come first served basis. Please email your reply to Mrs Fiddes along with any dietary requirements your child may have. We will let you know next week the children who have received a place.

As always, attendance at these events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Dear All Parents,

You are invited to St. Mary’s church, Wombwell, this Sunday for their monthly Breakfast and Family Service.

Breakfast is from 9.15am and the service is for all ages at 10am with Bible story, songs and crafts.

All are welcome.

Thank you

Dear Parents and Carers,

NEXT YEARS STAFFING 2019/2020

We have taken a great deal of time as a leadership team working out our staffing for next year, there are quite a few changes that we hope will continue to help school be the best it can be.

I have told the children in assembly today that we are emailing the changes to you, so if you can let them know over the weekend that would be fantastic. We understand that change can come with a mixture of reactions.

After Spring Bank we will be increasing our transition opportunities to enable all children to feel settled before the Summer.

Foundation 1 (Nursery) Mrs Pollard

Mrs Tindle

Foundation 2 Mr Grayhurst

Mrs Beevers

Year One Mrs Broadbent

Mrs Green

Year Two Mrs Trotter/Miss Beresford

Mrs Freeman

Year Three Mrs Wise

Miss Turton/Mrs Connelly

Year Four Miss Cook

Mrs McAleavy/Mrs Law

Year Five Mrs Edwards

Mrs Brinkley/Mrs Wood/Mrs Law

Year Six Miss Saunders

Mrs Brinkley/Mrs Wood

Mrs Beever and Mrs Brinkley will continue to do PPA cover

Thank you for your continued support

Mrs Rachel Hurding

Headteacher

Team Activ Holiday Club

We are again running our Holiday Club during Spring Bank Half Term and have attached an e-flyer along with all information below. Club Activ Flyer May 2019

DATE – Tuesday 28th – Friday 31st May

VENUE – Penistone Grammar School

BOOKING LINK – http://www.events.teamactiv.org/events/spring-bank-holiday-club-penistone-grammar/

ALSO… In order to knock 5 off your overall booking please follow the Team Activ facebook page https://business.facebook.com/teamactiv/?business_id=332121213650648

All you need to do is go onto the TeamActiv facebook page (link above) and scroll to post that mentions 5 off booking if you REFER A FRIEND. LIKE, SHARE and MENTION ONE person who would benefit from this holiday club who may not be aware! ONCE you have done this the person you have referred will need to book onto the holiday club before we knock 5 off your total booking!

Team Activ

Dear All Parents,

Please find our latest newsletter attached. The Ellis News 29 (May 19)

Our wellbeing week starts next Monday, 20th May to help develop our Wider Curriculum in school. The children will be encouraged to take part in a range of activities outside the classroom environment to highlight the importance of looking after themselves and the world. As physical and mental health is so important we would like to show our children the benefits of a regular, healthy and active lifestyle. The children will be taking part in many activities to develop their problem solving, communication and team work skills.

Each morning in the hall from 8:30am there will be a fun, keep fit session for adults and children to join. Just turn up, join in and get active to get the brain warmed up for the busy day ahead.

More details will follow for the orienteering and each sporting activity that week.

MONDAY 20th May KS1 will be having a morning working outside on a programme called Go Wild. They will be outside whatever the weather so please send appropriate clothing.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y5/6 Parents,

Y5/6 DT Afternoon Change of Date

Due to Y6 transition we need to reschedule our DT afternoon from 27^th June to 1^st July.

As the theme is building bomb shelters outside we are hoping the weather will be kind to us and we can have lots of fun in the fresh air.

Hope to see you there!

Mrs Edwards and Miss Saunders

Dear Parent,

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

The annual sporting fixtures and curricular activities consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Parent,

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

The annual sporting fixtures and curricular activities consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Parent,

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

The annual sporting fixtures and curricular activities consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Current Year 1 Parents,

Kind regards

Mrs Trotter (Y2 teacher and KS1 leader)

Dear Y2 Parents,

If you are unable to attend, we will ensure you receive the pack and necessary information.

Thank you

Mrs Trotter (KS1 lead and Y2 teacher)

Dear Y5 Parents,

As you are aware, we have been part of the artist programme for The Lost Words exhibition at The Millennium Gallery. Author, illustrator and story teller, Carmel Page worked with our wonderful Y5 pupils in April and they have created a poetry machine for the exhibition.

We would love to take Year Five to the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield on Friday 21^st June. This will be a fantastic opportunity for children to showcase their hard work and to see their work displayed in the gallery, as well as seeing what the other schools on the project have created too.

We will be travelling via train. No payment will be required as our PTFA have very kindly offered to pay for transport.

Please can all children bring a packed lunch.

Children will need to wear suitable shoes and bring a jacket/coat to school. Pupils will need to be in school for the usual time of 8:55am, we will be returning before home time.

Please tick the consent box on ParentPay to give permission for your child to attend.

If you are considering going yourselves, the exhibition is on from Friday 21^st June Sunday 23^rd June.

Please follow the link for more details: http://www.museums-sheffield.org.uk/museums/millennium-gallery/exhibitions/coming-soon/the-lost-words

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 28 (May 19)

Wellbeing Week

In the week commencing Monday, 20th May, school is having our first wellbeing week. There will be lots of different activities planned and we will be focusing on keeping ourselves fit and healthy and looking after the world around us. More information will follow.

Class Group Photographs

These will be taken on Friday, 10th May. Please remember to send your child to school in their red jumper or cardigan if you would like them to be wearing this for the photograph.

100% Attendance Film Night

Film Night for the children who received their 100% Spring Term attendance award will be on Thursday 9^th May. The film is Ice Age and will run from 3.30pm-5pm.

If children are attending another club on the same day they can decide which they would prefer or they can come to the film after their club has ended.

Thank you

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y5 Parents,

I would like to invite you to a PGL meeting on Thursday, 16th May at 5pm.

We will discuss what the children need to bring and give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Hope to see you there,

Mrs Edwards

Dear Y4 Parents,

As we now have the minimum number of children who would like to participate in the trip it will be going ahead.

I will add the £30 deposit to ParentPay shortly and when we have final numbers the exact cost will be worked out. This deposit will need to be paid by the 22nd May and is non-refundable. Payment of this deposit will secure your child’s place.

Apologies for the quick turnaround, however, this is necessary to secure the discounted price.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Parent,

Our semi final match in the league against Mapplewell is on Tuesday, 7th May at Horizon.

Kick off is at 2pm so we will leave school at 1:30pm. Again, we would be very grateful if parents would drive their children to this event and children will have time to return to school in time for reading boosters.

Your child will need to bring suitable football boots, football socks, a drink of water, their inhaler if required and a bag for their belongings. Your child must wear shin pads. The event will be held outdoors.

The annual ‘sporting fixtures and curricular activities’ consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Please also email to let Mrs Fiddes know whether you will be able to take your child and any other children to the event and if not, whether you consent for your child to travel with another parent.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Parents and Carers,

SATs

As a school all our children sit the SATs tests in Y2 and Y6.

We do everything we can to help our children achieve the best they can, however we are very aware that our children all succeed in lots of different areas and this is what we love to embrace at the Ellis.

I found the poem below, which I think sums it up.

SATs don’t measure sports,

SATs don’t measure art,

SATs don’t measure music

Or the kindness in your heart.

SATs don’t see your beauty,

SATs don’t know your worth,

SATs don’t see the reasons

You were put upon this earth.

SATs don’t see your magic,

How you make others smile,

SATs don’t time how quickly

You can run a mile.

SATs don’t hear your laughter,

Or see you’ve come this far,

SATs are just a tiny glimpse

Of who you really are.

So sitting at your table,

With a pencil and your test,

Remember SATs aren’t who you are

Remember you’re the best!

We do want our children to do the best they can in the SATs, our motto is ‘Be the best you can be’.

Thank you for your support.

BOOKSHOP

The Y6 bookshop team have been working hard to restock the bookshop since our successful World Book day.

During the Summer term we will be selling books on Thursdays at lunch and after school. The children will be in the library but may sometimes venture out to the outdoor classroom. We sell very reasonably priced new books for around £1 and second hand books for about 50p. Please send your child with some money in a labelled envelope or purse, or come and find the bookshop team on a Thursday. If you are ever having a clear out and would like to donate books for the bookshop to sell, this will help us to raise money to buy more new books at cheap prices.

Thank you.

OUTDOORS

We are very lucky at the Ellis to have so much outdoor space, especially when we can use the field. We have been improving the drainage of the field so hopefully we can increase its use especially now the warmer weather is coming. Please can children bring both indoor and outdoor PE kits to school every week from now on, to include trainers, bottoms and a top.

We are using the auction money that was raised to buy some monkey bars which we are very excited about.

As we are always striving to improve our outdoor provision if anyone would like to make a donation or knows of any businesses willing to give us some funding, or even if anyone has any great, cheap ideas of how we can provide more for our children, please let us know. The more activities the children have access outside to, the better.

Please let Miss Cook, Mrs Hurding or the office know.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Our school uniform provider is Vortex who are based in Unit 2/3, Grange Lane Industrial Estate, Stairfoot, Barnsley, S71 5AS.

You are welcome toplace orders over the telephone using their freephone number 0800 195 44 55 or even pop in to place an order direct with them as they have sizing samples of all items for children to try on. Alternatively order forms are collected from us every Wednesday and orders delivered back the following week. If you would like to order your uniform for next year direct from Vortex, orders can be placed during the first 3 weeks of the Summer holidays. Cut off dates for orders to be ready for collection at the end of August is Saturday 10th August.

MENU CHANGE

The main dinnerONLY has changed on Tuesday, 7th May. The new meal option for that day will be burger in a breadcake and chips with the rest of Tuesday’s menu remaining the same.

Dear Parents and Carers, The Ellis News 27 (April 19)

Welcome back to our Summer term.

We hope everyone has had a good break and that the children are raring to start their learning.

Behaviour Policy Behaviour Policy Apr19-Apr21

We are very proud of behaviour at the Ellis and we have been working hard over the last couple of years to develop children’s learning behaviours.

As a staff team, this year we have been looking at our behaviour policy and have updated our ‘traffic light system’.

Green is – GOOD TO BE GREEN

Amber – ACT on AMBER – gives children the opportunity to change their behaviour

Red- REGRET BEING RED –there will be a consequence of missing social time

We are monitoring the red incidents and if a child has more than 3 reds in a half term they will be going onto a behaviour contract, we will keep you informed if this happens.

We always want to work with parents.

Our aim is to continue to encourage children to make the right behaviour choices and to support them if they have not made the right choice.

We have tightened up the consequences to support our children to make the right choices and we will continue to reinforce our positive reward system which the children respond well to with our dojo’s, gold awards, golden banquet and VIP tea.

We will have a ‘Good to be Green’ afternoon for all the children that have stayed on green each half term.

Attached is the updated policy so please do read this and if you have any queries do not hesitate to come and ask me.

Thank you for your support,

Mrs Rachel Hurding

Headteacher

Good afternoon,

First of all, thank you for making a start on the presentations for Wednesday morning. The judges do usually like merchandise to be taken to aid the presentation, so- to assist with this, I would like to drive the girls to the Digital Media Centre, providing you give permission.

We will leave school at approximately 9:10am and return for 11am at the latest, we might stop at Greggs for a small treat, if again you are ok with that?

Secondly, could I confirm you have responded to the invite and have secured your place on the 20^th?

Thank you again for all your support with IKIC- the girls have done brilliantly to get to this stage, particularly as this year there has been many more teams than there has in the past.

Kind Regards

Mrs Edwards

After School Clubs

In preparation for end of year competitions the following after school clubs will be running on Mondays and Wednesdays after half term for 4 weeks starting the first week back:

Monday (Monday 6th is Bank Holiday)

KS1 and KS2 Athletics until 4:20pm.

Wednesday

KS2 Cricket until 4:20pm.

The following are our ongoing clubs:

Tuesday

F2 Footy Stars until 3:50pm. £2.50 per week payable to the coach.

Daz’s Football ongoing weekly until 4:20pm. £2.50 payable to Daz each week.

Thursday

Lego Club until 4:20pm.

Payment for this club is £3.99 per week and is to be paid upfront. The £15.96 will be put onto ParentPay shortly. The club is open to Y1, Y2 and Y3 children, however, we may give priority to years 1 and 2 if we have a lot of interest.

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear All Parents,

As always, you are invited to St. Mary’s church Easter Bake. A free fun morning for all the family to enjoy crafts, baking, storytelling and singing, followed by a mini buffet. This Saturday from 10am.

You are also invited to our monthly Breakfast and Family Service this Sunday.

Breakfast is from 9.15am and the service is for all ages at 10am with Bible story, songs and crafts.

All are welcome.

Thank you

Dear All Parents,

Please find attached our last newsletter for this term. The Ellis News 26 (April 19)

Let’s hope this mild weather continues and you all have a wonderful Easter.

Thank you for your continued support,

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Parent,

As a result of winning the Handball qualification today, the finals will be held on Thursday 11^th April at Barnsley College, Honeywell Campus. The event will start at 1pm and finish for 3:15pm.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

The annual ‘sporting fixtures and curricular activities’ consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Please also email to let Mrs Fiddes know whether you will be able to take your child and any other children to the event and if not, whether you consent for your child to travel with another parent and whether you require them to be dropped off at school or home.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Dear Parents,

In preparation for end of year competitions the following after school clubs will be running on Mondays and Wednesdays after half term for 4 weeks starting the first week back:

Monday (Monday 6th is Bank Holiday)

KS1 and KS2 Athletics until 4:20pm.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

Wednesday

KS2 Cricket until 4:20pm.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

The following are our ongoing clubs:

Tuesday

F2 Footy Stars until 3:50pm. £2.50 per week payable to the coach.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

Daz’s Football ongoing weekly until 4:20pm. £2.50 payable to Daz each week.

Thursday

Lego Club until 4:20pm.

Payment for this club is £3.99 per week and is to be paid upfront. Once you have registered your child’s interest the payment will be put onto ParentPay. The club is open to Y1, Y2 and Y3 children, however, we may give priority to years 1 and 2 if we have a lot of interest.

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Y5 Bikeability

Please remind your child to bring their roadworthy bike to school on Monday along with a helmet and to come dressed appropriately for the weather.

If your child needs to keep their bike at school all week we will be able to lock them away in the garage overnight.

Those children who requested the use of helmets and bikes will have them available for use all week.

If your child requires an inhaler please ensure this is taken out with them at all times.

Thank you,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear All Parents,

Please see below for an eggcellent opportunity to make children and adults eggstatic, run by the smashing / cracking teachers at The Ellis!

Next Thursday (11th) 3:20-3:45pm and before school next Friday, from 8:30am (12th) Mrs Beever will be holding an egg and spoon challenge.

An obstacle course will be set up on the MUGA and children and adults will have the chance to take part.

The event is free and just for fun. Please come and join us!

Mrs Beever

Dear All Parents,

Please find below a poster from our PTFA advertising their Easter Egg and Easter Bonnet competition for this year.

Thank you.

Dear ALL Parents/Carers,

We have another exciting date for your diary.

On Thursday 27^th June (when it will be hopefully nice and sunny) we would like to have a reading festival for all pupils and parents (F1 –Y6). Morning nursery children are invited but must be accompanied by an adult.

The event will take place on our School field. So bring your favourite books, a blanket to sit on and come and read in the sun with your child(ren).

We have some tents in school that we would like to set up as story tents, however, if you have a tent and/or beach shelter, please feel free to bring them along.

Refreshments will be on sale.

The event will begin at 2pm and end at 3:20pm.

If you have any queries please contact school.

We hope to see you there.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear All Parents,

Here is this week’s newsletter. The Ellis News 25 (April 19)

Multi-Skills Sporting Activity

All children from Y1 – Y6 (with the exception of Y5 who have their visitor Carmel, coming in) will have the opportunity to take part in a multi-skills sporting activity on Thursday morning (4th). Please ensure your child has their PE kit and trainers in school. Thank you.

We have been asked to advertise the following:

Familykind Community Hub, Forge Foundations Health, Education & Lifestyle

All parents are welcome to a Meet and Greet Coffee Morning on Monday, 8th April, 9:30-11:30am at Cloughfields Community Centre, Shaftsbury Drive, Hoyland to find out more about their exciting new project. There will be a menu of activities including a well-being cafe.

Thank you for your continued support,

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y5 Parent/Carer

Carmel Page (author, story teller and artist) will be working with Y5 on April 4^th and April 5^th. Carmel would like to spend most of the two days outside (even if it is raining). Please could you send your child to school with suitable outdoor shoes and a jacket/coat? Thank you.

I am sure that Year 5 will have a fantastic couple of days working with Carmel Page. For more information about the artist we will be working with, please visit: www.sheffieldauthors.co.uk/carmel-page www.sheffieldcreativeguild.com/profile/861

Thank you for your support with the project so far. I will be in touch with details about The Lost Words Exhibition at The Millennium Gallery nearer the time.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Parent,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 3/4 Handball event at Barnsley Academy, on Tuesday 2nd April 2019. The event will start at 1:30pm and will finish for 3:15 – 3:30pm. Children should arrive back at school around 3:30 – 3:45pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 1:00pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space constraints, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

The cost of the trip will be funded using the Sports Premium Grant and therefore your child requires no money for the event. No additional consent is required for this trip.

As always, participation at sports events is dependent on good behaviour.

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

Miss Cook

Dear All Parents,

Apologies for the late arrival of our newsletter this week. The Ellis News 24 (March 19)

Nursery Closed for Polling Station

Our nursery will be closed on Thursday, 2nd May as it is to be used as a polling station.

F2 trip to see Jack and the Beanstalk.

As the coach will be leaving school at 12pm the children will eat a little picnic in class before leaving for the theatre. This will be provided by the school kitchen for every child and there will be a choice of cheese, ham or tuna sandwiches along with some buns, crisps and juice etc.

Please remember to give your consent by logging onto ParentPay if you haven’t already done so. Without this, your child will be unable to go.

Thank you

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Parents, STORY STARTERS 1 Y2 information

Thank you for everyone who attended parents evening last night. Following on from some discussions with parents we have put a document together which we hope will be of use. It has lots of important information in it regarding how to support mental maths and writing, a very good website and which parts are aimed at Y2 and important information about our residential to Whirlow farm. The other attachment (story starters) is also explained in the letter.

Any problems opening the attachments, please let us know.

Kind Regards

Mrs Trotter and Miss Beresford

Dear Parent,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 Handball Qualification event at Netherwood ALC, on Friday 5^th April 2019. The event will start at 1.30pm and will finish for 3.15pm. Children should arrive back at school around 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 1:00pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space constraints, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

The cost of the trip will be funded using the Sports Premium Grant and therefore your child requires no money for the event. No additional consent is required for this trip.

As always, participation at sports events is dependent on good behaviour.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear Y6 Parents,

Boosters this Thursday

The boosters on Thursday of this week are cancelled due to parents evening. Thank you

SATs Revision Guides

As you know the SATs are getting closer. With this in mind I have ordered some revision guides to help your child. The books are normally £5.95 each however I have managed to get them at a cost of £2.50 per book.

If for any reason the books are not returned to school by the 25^th May, you will be charged the £7.50 (for all 3 books) via ParentPay as we will need to buy additional copies for the following year.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards

Mrs E Edwards

Dear Parents,

Please find attached our latest newsletter. The Ellis News 23 (March 19)

Footy Stars

F2 Footy Stars is cancelled on Tuesday, 2nd April and will resume on Tuesday, 9th April.

Parents Evening

Governors are available to chat to and will be handing out questionnaires for you to complete. We really value your feedback and would be grateful if you could take a few minutes to tick the boxes. Thank you.

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club will be increasing to £2.75 after Easter which we feel is still extremely good value for money. Children receive cereal, toast and fruit juice along with childcare and activities until school starts when they are taken to their relevant classrooms.

Thank you

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Parent,

Our next match in the league against Joseph Locke Road is on Friday, 22nd March at Joseph Locke as well.

Kick off is at 1.45pm so we will leave school at 1.15pm. Again, we would be very grateful if parents would drive their children to this event and you are welcome to take your child straight home afterwards.

Your child will need to bring suitable football boots, football socks, a drink of water and a bag for their belongings. Your child must wear shin pads. The event will be held outdoors.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

The annual ‘sporting fixtures and curricular activities’ consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Y5 Parents,

We are delighted to tell you that we have been accepted to be part of the artist programme for The Lost Words exhibition at The Millennium Gallery. As part of this project, on Friday 29^th March, I would like to take Y5 pupils to Wombwell Woods, we will be collecting natural items that we can later use during our artist workshop. As well as this, we would like the children to explore the woodland in a multi-sensory way. Children will need to wear suitable shoes and bring a coat to school. Please tick the consent box on ParentPay.

Carmel Page (author, story teller and artist) will be working with Y5 on April 4^th and April 5^th. We will provide more details about the exhibition nearer the time.

For more information about the book The Lost Words please visit the following link: https://www.thelostwords.org/the-book/

For more information about the artist we will be working with, please visit: www.sheffieldauthors.co.uk/carmel-page www.sheffieldcreativeguild.com/profile/861

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

The Ellis C of E Primary School

01226 753383

Dear Nursery Parents,

It is becoming clear that several children are arriving late to nursery.

We understand that this sometimes cannot be helped but we are finding that it is happening regularly, even without the issues of the roadworks and traffic lights. The consequence of this is that your child is missing one of the most important parts of the session and it is also very disruptive to the other children who have to stop their carpet time as your child arrives into nursery.

Please ensure your child arrives to nursery at 8.45am ready to start learning.

Thank you,

Mrs Pollard

Dear Y1 and Y2 Parents,

We are very excited about our forthcoming trip to Squirrel Wood on the 9th of April.

We will be having a campfire, listening to an amazing story, building fairy and elf houses, exploring the woods, making huge natural art, identifying trees, cooking popcorn on the fire and having an adventurous time!

Thank you to everyone who has been onto ParentPay to give permission for the trip and those who have paid the contribution. Final contributions need to be paid by the 28th of March so that we can review the financial viability of the trip.

On the day, children will need to wear sensible shoes and waterproof coats. They will need to bring a water bottle. All the children will need to either bring a packed lunch from home or order a sandwich from school. All KS1 children receive Universal Free School Meals and you are able to order your child a packed lunch from school. If you wish to do so then please reply to this email with an order for a cheese, tuna or ham sandwich.

Many thanks,
Miss Beresford, Mrs Trotter and Mrs Wise

Dear All Parents,

Jewellery Policy

Please remember our policy is that children DO NOT wear earrings during PE lessons.

If children come to school with earrings in they must be able to remove them independently for PE or miss out on the lesson.

Thank you

Dear Parents,

Children taking part in Ellis has Talent

Children need to be in school for 5.30pm please on Thursday, the show will begin at 6pm prompt.

We have all the music that is needed and we expect the show to finish at 8pm.

There will also be limited refreshments on sale.

Thank you

Mrs Broadbent

School Uniform

We are still getting a lot of clothes left in the lost property, it is so full we will be putting the clothes in the clothes bank so please check if you are missing something.

Can we remind you to label school uniform and check that the names can still be read after a wash, as we do try to return everything to their owners.

School Uniform Reminder

We are very proud of our uniform and the children look fantastic and ready for learning when they are dressed in the uniform.

Our uniform is

red sweatshirt/jumper or cardigan. You can buy the school logo ones from Vortex.
White shirt/white or red polo shirt
Grey or black trousers/shorts/skirt/pinafore. Red checked Summer dresses.
Plain shoes/trainers ideally black.
Children must have indoor shoes.
PE kits are plain white t-shirts with or without the logo and black shorts.

Thank you for your co-operation

Mrs Rachel Hurding

Headteacher

Dear All Parents,

Please find attached this week’s newsletter. The Ellis News 22 (March 19)

Inset Days 2019 / 2020

We now have our Inset Days for next year booked in:

Monday 2nd September 2019

Tuesday 3rd September 2019

Monday 6th January 2020

Friday 22nd May 2020

Monday 20th July 2020

Roadworks around School

We understand the frustrations regarding the traffic lights driving to school at drop off and pick up times and also the difficulties parking near school with the current roadworks. These are only set to get worse so it would be helpful if you could leave a little earlier in the mornings to allow time for parking and to park a little further away and walk until the works have been completed. Thank you.

Thank you

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear F2 Parents,

Theatre Trip – 30.4.19

We have been fortunate enough to secure free transport to Barnsley Civic to see Jack and the Beanstalk on Tuesday, 30^th April at 1pm. This will tie in really nicely with our topic focus on fairytale stories in Literacy and our previous learning about Houses and Homes.

The total cost of the performance is £8.50 which is the theatre’s special school rate. Unfortunately parents are unable to join their children due to limited seating.

This cost will be put onto ParentPay. Whilst you are logged in please also tick the boxes to give your permission and any other details that are asked for. Without this permission your child will be unable to attend.

The children will still be able to order a school lunch before leaving for the venue, it will just be eaten a few minutes earlier than usual. We will leave after they have eaten lunch in time for the production at 1pm and will return back in time for the end of the school day.

We are hoping to have lots of fun!

Thank you for your continued support,

Mr Grayhurst and Mrs Beevers

Dear All Parents/Carers,

Thank you for your baking donations, raffle prize contributions and for attending our World Book Day events yesterday.

We are delighted to say that yesterday morning we raised £500, the money raised will go towards new books for our children at The Ellis.

Our children had a fantastic day, they looked amazing and all had big smiles on their faces.

Our aim at The Ellis is to create lifelong readers, we appreciate your support at home and are seeing more reading records coming into school on a daily basis. We are really pleased and again we thank you for your support. Just 10 minutes reading a day can really make a difference.

Please don’t forget to spend your £1 book token (I know they definitely have the £1 World Book Day Books in Tesco).

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Year 3 and 4 Parents,

As part of our topic, Build It, we will be inviting parents to come into school on Tuesday 9^th April from 1:15pm. During this time, the children will be given a task of designing a tower which will be strong enough to support a tennis ball. Children will get the opportunity to use a range of materials and can start planning at home if they would like to! Do not worry if you are unavailable to attend as there will be many adults to assist the children. The children do not need to bring any extra materials to the session.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook & Mrs Broadbent

Dear All Parents,

Please click on the link https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/discoverynight for information on an amazing event! There are some fantastic demonstrations and hands on activities which we feel will tie in nicely with our Science week.

Find out about everything from the magic of Maths to the Chemistry of sweets, tour the laboratory, put on a lab coat and have a go yourself.

Everyone is welcome and the event is free with no booking required. It is aimed at primary school age children and older.

Discovery Night is based at Firth Court and the Alfred Denny Building, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/discoverynight

Thank you

Dear All Parents,

As always, you are invited to St. Mary’s church monthly Breakfast and Family Service on Sunday, 10th March.

Breakfast is from 9.15am and the service is for all ages at 10am with Bible story, songs and crafts.

All are welcome.

Thank you

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Key Stage 1 & 2 non-competitive Multi Activity event at Shawlands Primary School, on Thursday 21st March. The event will start at 1.30pm and will finish for 3.00pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 1:00pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via 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. The event 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.

We are able to use the ‘Sporting Fixtures/Curricular Activities’ consent form for this event. If you have not already returned this form please do so as soon as possible to enable your child to participate.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Y3 and Y4 Parent/Carer,

Your child’s class has been selected to represent the school in a Year 3 and 4 Multi Skills Competition at Outwood School, on Tuesday 19^th March 2019. The event will start at 1.30pm and will finish for 3.15pm. Children should arrive back at school around 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 1:00pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space constraints, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

The cost of the trip will be funded using the Sports Premium Grant and therefore your child requires no money for the event. No additional consent is required for this trip.

As always, participation at sports events is dependent on good behaviour.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear Parent,

Our next match in the league against Burton Road is on Friday, 15^th March at the Honeywell site, Barnsley.

Your child will need to bring suitable football boots, football socks, a drink of water and a bag for their belongings. Your child must wear shin pads. The event will be held outdoors.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

The annual ‘sporting fixtures and curricular activities’ consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

As always, participation in sports events is dependent on good behaviour in school.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Y1 Parent/Carer,

Your child’s class has been selected to represent the school in a Key Stage 1 Multi Skills Competition at Outwood Shafton, on Monday 11^th March 2019. The event will start at 1.30pm and will finish for 3.15pm. Children should arrive back at school no later than 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 1:00pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space constraints, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear All Parents,

Here is this week’s newsletter attached. The Ellis News 21 (March 19)

Science Week

Our exciting Science week started today with our visitor in school this morning. The children were fascinated by James Boffin and thoroughly enjoyed all of the workshops.

If you have not yet brought your donation into school (£1 for KS1 / £2 for KS2) there is still time to do so. Thank you.

Mobile Phone

Please contact the office if you handed a mobile phone in on Friday as we have a thank you from the owner.

Ellis has Talent

Tickets are on sale at £2 from the main office for this exciting and fun event on Thursday 14^th March.

Free uniform Tag Labels

A uniform label company called Stikins have generously offered 5 free name tag labels for every child in our school. This will mean handing out your child’s first and second names to them so please let the office staff know if this is something you are uncomfortable with. The labels will come directly to school and no home address or other details will be given to them.

Thank you for your continued support,

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Parents, Momo

We have been very impressed that several of our older children have spoken to us about ‘MOMO’ in school and have expressed their concerns, thank you for your support.

We have attached some more e-safety information for you. Please remember to talk to your children about being safe online and reporting any content that makes them scared, feel unsafe or worried. If you can, ensure they access the internet under supervision and avoid social media, especially sites that are targeted at an older, teenage audience.

Thank you

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear All Parents,

A very warm welcome back! The Ellis News 20 (Feb 19)

It’s amazing to think that before the holiday we were reminding children to bring their hats and gloves to school and now the weather is glorious. Let’s hope it continues and Winter has left us.

World Book Day – 7th March

The Rainforest cafe is open from 10.30am on March 7th. We look forward to you coming to join us for our Jungle themed World Book Day celebrations.

Please can baking donations be brought in first thing on the day to allow us time to set up. Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear All Parents,

We now have sign-up sheets for our World Book Day activities . The sheets are now displayed in the cloakrooms, places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Please remember that to solve the issue of parents/grandparents trying to be in two (or more) places at once, siblings can select the same workshop. Children can select any activity, it does not have to be the one that their class teacher is running.

If a child does not have an adult with them they must stay in their own classroom.

Workshops will begin at 9:10 and end at 10:15am.

Please see (below) the activities, so that you and your child(ren) can decide which you would like to attend.

EYFS (Foundation Stage)

Book – Rumble in the Jungle

Activities – Paper plate crafts, clay, decorating biscuits and sharing story sacks.

Y1 Class

Book –Mr Percy’s Greenhouse

Activities – Creating maps of the jungle, animal descriptions, create a jungle board game, paint a jungle scene, make a snake book mark, writing in speech bubbles.

Y2 Class

Book – Monkey Puzzle

Activities – Sewing finger puppets, making masks and stick puppets.

Y3 Class

Book – Monkey Puzzle

Activities – Sketching, drawing and creating mosaics.

Y4 Class

Book – Gordo

Activities – Art & craft activities.

Y5 Class

Book – Into the Jungle

Activities – Animal artwork, story mapping and retelling a story from a different viewpoint.

Y6 Class

Book – The Jungle Book

Activities – Planting and other activities linked to The Jungle Book.

If you have any questions please contact the office, alternatively, I will be available before or after school.

We would appreciate any baking for our Rainforest Café from 11:30am (7^th March).

We look forward to you joining us for our World Book Day celebrations.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher/English Lead

Dear Parents,

A reminder of the following after school clubs that will be running this half term for 7 weeks starting tonight (Monday 25th Feb):

Monday

KS1 Gymnastics until 4:20pm.

Tuesday

F2 Footy Stars until 3:50pm. £2.50 per week payable to the coach.

Daz’s Football ongoing weekly until 4:20pm. £2.50 payable to Daz each week.

Wednesday

KS2 Benchball / Dodgeball until 4:20pm.

Thursday

Lego Club until 4:20pm.

We still have a few places left. Please email if your child would like to attend this club, Y3-Y6 children only please.

Thank you

Dear Parents,

We are having a Science day to kick start our Science week on the Monday 4^th March. In the morning, there will be a whole school assembly (Year 1-6) led by a Science expert who will thrill the children with amazing science experiments and other fantastic activities.

Afterwards, there will be workshops running for Key Stage 2 children in the hall throughout the rest of the morning. These sessions are designed to allow the children to experience at first-hand the awe and wonder of Science investigation.

In the afternoon, Key Stage 1 children will also be having workshops in the hall. These will be run by Key Stage 1 staff and are based around science activities which encourage discovery and exploration. Key Stage 1 parents are invited to participate in these workshops to support their own children’s knowledge and understanding of Science. The afternoon session with start at 1:30pm which will enable the hall to be set up after lunch.

We are hoping this will be the first of many more Science days in the future and should be an exciting opportunity for the children. We are asking for a £1 donation from all Key Stage 1 children and £2 from all Key Stage 2 towards the cost of this fun day.

Kind Regards

Mrs D Broadbent

Science Coordinator

Dear Parents, The Ellis News 19 (Feb 19)

Here is this week’s newsletter.

We have a fitbit in the office which has been handed in. We have asked all of the children but nobody has come forward to claim it, this may be because they should not have brought it into school. Please check your child has not lost theirs as it is here waiting for them to reclaim it. We will just be thankful to return it to its rightful owner Thankyou.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Parents,

The following after school clubs will be running after half term for 7 weeks starting the first week back:

Monday

KS1 Gymnastics until 4:20pm.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

Tuesday

F2 Footy Stars until 3:50pm. £2.50 per week payable to the coach.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

Daz’s Football ongoing weekly until 4:20pm. £2.50 payable to Daz each week.

Wednesday

KS2 Benchball / Dodgeball until 4:20pm.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

The Footy Stars coach, Adrian, will also be running an extra club for F2 between 5pm-5:45pm. £3 per session payable to Adrian on the night.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

Thursday

Lego Club until 4:20pm.

Payment for this club is to be paid via ParentPay by Thursday 14th February please:

We still have a few places left. Please email if your child would like to attend this club, Y3-Y6 children only please.

Thank you

Dear KS2 Parent,

Your child has been selected to take part in a KS2 Benchball Competition at Outwood Academy, Shafton on Friday, 15th February.

Children will travel with Beewise Coaches and leave school after their lunch at 12.45pm. The event will finish at 3pm. The cost of the trip is free to parents and any costs will be paid out of the Sports Premium Grant. Children will return before the end of the school day.

Unfortunately, due to space constraints, parents are not invited to spectate at the event.

The event will be held indoors. Your child will need shorts and trainers and a school top will be given to them to wear. If your child requires an inhaler, please make sure this is in school on the day. Consent for this trip will be taken from the annual curriculum events form.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Dear Y6 Parents,

To give parents a little more time to discuss any issues, particularly regarding SATs Mrs Edwards will be available on Thursday, 28th February between 9am and 4pm for parental consultations.

Please email Mrs Edwards with three convenient appointment times and she will do her best to accommodate you. If it is necessary to make an evening appointment please request this in your email.

The time slots between 9-4pm are every 10 minutes.

Thank you

Dear Parents,

Your child may have already mentioned that as part of the IKIC Big Challenge they have been given another opportunity to sell to the public, in Barnsley town centre, on the 16^th March.

Children will have to be available on that date, with enough stock to sell for the full day (providing their items are eligible- please check https://www.businesscompanion.info/).

They will need to arrive at 8:30am to start selling between 9:00am-4:00pm. Transport to and from the event is NOT provided by school. A packed lunch will be required. If your child has any medical needs, they will need to bring medication from home as I will not have access to their medication from school with it being a Saturday. You are welcome to stay with your child and help on their stall.

It is not a requirement of the competition for them to sell to the public, however the children who did it at Christmas found it to be a very interesting event and learned a lot about running a business.

I would be grateful if you could complete the reply slip to let me know if you and your child would like to attend the 16^th of March by FRIDAY 15^th FEBRUARY so that I can notify the organisers. Please note there will be no power supply available at the event.

Kind Regards

Mrs E Edwards

Dear Foundation Stage (FS1 and FS2) Parents,

The Reading Workshop will now take place on Tuesday 26^th February at 9.15pm and 4.30pm instead of next week (12^th February).

Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Mr D Grayhurst

Dear Parents,

St Mary’s Church, Wombwell are holding their Family Service this Sunday. This is a shorter service for all ages and crafts for the children.

You are welcome anytime from 9.15am to have breakfast before the service if you fancy it. We even have proper coffee! The service starts at 10am.

Hope to see you there,

St.Mary’s Church

Dear Parents, The Ellis News 18 (Feb 19)

We are doing well escaping the snow so far but it is still bitterly cold. Please try and label all of your children’s clothing including hats and gloves. These are so easy to misplace and we can return them straightaway if they are named.

Children can come dressed in their theatre clothes tomorrow or in fancy dress ready for the pantomime. Please bring £1 donation for non-uniform.

Thank you

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Parents,

Your child has been selected to take part in a KS2 inclusive sports afternoon at Greenacre School on Friday, 8th February.

The event will begin at 1:30pm and children will have their dinner before leaving for the event. Children will travel with Beewise Coaches. The cost of the trip is free to parents and any costs will be paid out of the Sports Premium Grant. Children will return before the end of the school day.

Unfortunately, due to space constraints, parents are not invited to spectate at the event.

Your child will need their PE kits and suitable trainers. If your child requires an inhaler, please make sure this is in school on the day. The event will be held indoors.

Consent for this trip will be taken from the annual curriculum events form.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Dear Y1 Y2 Parents,

We are excited to update you about upcoming events next half term.

The week starting the 4th of March is going to be full of exciting learning opportunities for your children and we are happy to be able to invite you to join them for two events. As such, we are going to cancel the previously planned Maths Afternoon on Thursday the 14th of March as we appreciate that joining us again might prove difficult. We apologise for any inconvenience this change might cause but really hope you will be available to join us for our Science Week event and World Book Day.

On the 4th of March we are lucky enough to be having a 007 themed science event. A visitor will be coming to launch the day in the morning and Key Stage 1 (KS1) would like to invite parents, grandparents and carers to join us for a science afternoon. This will start at 1:30pm and you will have the opportunity to support your child in a range of scientific activities. As ever, if you are unable to attend then your child will be able to enjoy this event with the support of school staff.

World Book Day will take place on Thursday the 7th of March. We are very excited about the jungle theme for this year and further details will follow soon regarding this exciting whole school event.

Many thanks,
The KS1 Team

Dear Parents,

We understand parking around school at pick up and drop off times remains an issue and as a school we are doing all we can to improve this.

We have been working closely with Modeshift Stars to encourage the children to come to school in a healthy and active way (walking, biking, scootering, park and stride.)

A competition was organised and judged and the winning parking pledge should now have been distributed to all children in school. The pledge is no bigger than a tax disc and by displaying it in your car you are showing your support to parking responsibly and making an effort to keep everyone safe.

I am delighted to hear children telling me they have put it in their cars. Please feel free to tweet some pictures to @theellisy3

The winning parking pledge was designed by a Year 5 child and is shown below.

We thank you for your cooperation,

Miss Cook

Dear Parent,

Our next match in the league against Ladywood is on Friday, 8^th February at the Love Life sports stadium in Grimethorpe Village, Brierley Road, Barnsley S72 7EQ.

Kick off is at 1.30pm so we will leave school at 1pm. Again, we would be very grateful if parents would drive their children to this event. As we expect to be back at school by 3pm, children will be able to return to school for the IKIC selling event if they so wish.

Your child will need to bring suitable football boots, football socks, a drink of water and a bag for their belongings. Your child must wear shin pads. The event will be held outdoors.

If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

The annual ‘sporting fixtures and curricular activities’ consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Year 2 Parents,

Your child’s class has been selected to take part in a Year 1 and 2 relay event at Netherwood on Thursday, 31st January.

Unfortunately, due to space constraints, parents are not invited to spectate at the event.

Your child will need their PE kits and suitable trainers. If your child requires an inhaler, please make sure this is in school on the day. The event will be held indoors.

Consent for this trip will be taken from the annual curriculum events form.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

Dear Year 4 Parents,

Your child’s class has been selected to take part in a Year 3 and 4 relay event at Barnsley Academy on Tuesday, 29th January.

Unfortunately, due to space constraints, parents are not invited to spectate at the event.

Your child will need their PE kits and suitable trainers. If your child requires an inhaler, please make sure this is in school on the day. The event will be held indoors.

Consent for this trip will be taken from the annual curriculum events form.

Kind regards,

Miss Cook

The Ellis News The Ellis News 17 (Jan 19)

Breakfast Club Vacancy

We currently have a vacancy for a breakfast club assistant 8am-9am, Monday – Friday. If you are interested, or know of anybody who might be, please contact the office.

Pantomime

6^th February – Snow White at school

Our afternoon Nursery children are invited to attend the morning in addition to their normal session so they can see the pantomime.

Thank you for the PTFA for helping us to have this amazing experience again at school.

Children can dress up as a character (any fairy tale or story character) and bring £1 towards the pantomime cost.

Snow

We will do everything we can to inform you as early as possible regarding the safety of school and school closure if the weather conditions are bad. We make the decision taking into account the safety of the school building and surrounding area as well as the safety of staff being able to get to school. We will do everything we can to keep school open.

Attendance

Can we remind you how important it is to get to school on time. The morning work the children do embeds previous learning and informs our teachers of misconceptions that need to be taught. Children are missing vital learning time if they are late!

Spelling Shed

Spelling Shed is a brilliant way for our children to secure their learning of phonics and spellings. We are looking out for our top spelling bees to receive certificates!

Please let your teacher know if you are having any problems accessing this valuable home learning resource.

Mrs Rachel Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Year 3 and 4 Parents,

To tie in with our work this half term on ‘Coal Mining’, we would like to take the Year 3 and 4 children on a walk to Hillies Golf Course in Wombwell, where there is a plaque in commemoration of The Lundhill Pit disaster over 160 years ago.

Weather permitting, we will be going on Friday, 15th February during the morning. The children will need sensible shoes along with a waterproof jacket and they will be back to school by lunch time.

As we will be using the extra curricular annual consent forms for this trip no additional consent will be required.

We may attempt to invite the Chronicle to take photos of the children with the plaque in line with the signed media consent forms.

As always, participation on this trip is dependent on good behaviour in school.

Yours gratefully,

Miss N Cook and Mrs D Broadbent

Dear Foundation Stage Parents,

I will be running a free workshop for all parents/carers and grandparents of children within our Foundation Stage (F1 and F2).

The workshop will focus on ‘Developing children’s language and understanding through stories’ 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.

It will take place on Thursday, 31st January at 1.15pm and again at 5.00pm and will last for approximately half an hour.

Refreshments will be available free of charge.

If you would like to attend, please indicate which session you would like to come to and return the form back to your class teacher or reply via email. (To reply by email, please press reply and then hopefully you will be able to scroll down to the relevant bit, type in the boxes and hit send.)

Unfortunately children are unable to attend this event.

I look forward to seeing you all there.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs. T. Pollard

Dear Y6 Parents,

IKIC

Wednesday 30^th – IKIC time in class

Friday 1^st February – Pop up shop 1 in year 6

Friday 8^th February- Pop up shop 2 in year 6

We will then arrange more for after half term.

BOOSTERS

We will be starting boosters for Y6 next week- English will be on Tuesday and Maths will be on Thursday.

If you would like your child to attend either- or ideally both- please let Mrs E know so that refreshments can be provided.

Mrs Emily Edwards

Deputy Headteacher

Dear Parents,

Please find this week’s newsletter attached. The Ellis News 16 (Jan 16)

Thank you

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y3 Parents/Carers,

Please see below a quick reminder of the home learning expectations in Y3.

Home Learning Projects

Our topic for the Spring term is ‘Life down the Mine’ – Your child can research anything they’re interested in (related to our topic) and can present their home learning in any way (e.g. poster, PowerPoint, video, photos, models, etc.). When your child has fully completed their project, please bring them into school so we can celebrate their learning together. If it is something which cannot be transported to school (or has been eaten if it is food-related!) it would be lovely if you could send in a photograph of it or email a photograph to school using h.fiddes@theellis.org

Y3 home learning projects so far this academic year have been fantastic, the children have loved learning from one another and are growing in confidence.

Reading

As a school we encourage children to continue reading at home as it is a vital part of developing all areas of English- including writing. If your child doesn’t enjoy reading books allow them to read using technology, it still counts! Newspapers and magazines as well as other non-fiction texts (like football programmes) also provide great opportunities for potentially reluctant readers. Please ensure that your child’s reading diary has been signed and that it is in school every day. Children will read at least once a week with an adult in school. We expect children in Year 3 to read at least three times per week.

Spellings

Spellings will be given out every Monday, please ensure your child’s spelling book is returned to school on the following Monday. Children will have a week to practise and will be tested the following Monday. There are also some amazing interactive games on Spelling Shed- your child has been given login details.

Maths

Rapid recall of times tables is essential in Y3, therefore I would like to ask children to continue to practise their times tables at home, at least weekly, as part of their home learning. They can use Times Table Rockstars or other iPad/web games to do this.

Thank you for your continued support,

Miss Cook

Dear Y5 Parents/Carers,

Please see below a quick reminder of the home learning expectations in Y5.

Home Learning Projects

Our topic for the Spring term is ‘I’m an Ellis pupil get me out of here! (Rainforests)’ – Your child can research anything they’re interested in (related to our topic) and can present their home learning in any way (e.g. poster, PowerPoint, video, photos, models, etc.). When your child has fully completed their project, please bring them into school so we can celebrate their learning together. If it is something which cannot be transported to school (or has been eaten if it is food-related!) it would be lovely if you could send in a photograph of it or email a photograph to school using h.fiddes@theellis.org

Y5 home learning projects so far this academic year have been fantastic, the children have loved learning from one another and are growing in confidence.

Reading

As a school we encourage children to continue reading at home as it is a vital part of developing all areas of English- including writing. If your child doesn’t enjoy reading books allow them to read using technology, it still counts! Newspapers and magazines as well as other non-fiction texts (like football programmes) also provide great opportunities for potentially reluctant readers. Please ensure that your child’s reading diary has been signed and that it is in school every day. We expect children in Years 5 and 6 to read at least three times per week.

Spellings

Spellings will be given out every Friday, please ensure your child’s homework folder is returned to school on the following Friday (this includes your child’s spelling record). children will have a week to practise and will be tested the following Friday. There are also some amazing interactive games on Spelling Shed- your child has a login details in the front of their spelling journal and reading record. I will set weekly tasks on Spelling Shed, these will be related to the spellings allocated on a Friday.

Maths

Rapid recall of times tables is essential in Y5, therefore I would like to ask children to continue to practise their times tables at home, at least weekly, as part of their home learning. They can use Times Table Rockstars or other iPad/web games to do this.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher

Dear Parent/Carer,

Boys’ Football Match – 1.15 – 2pm.

Girls’ Football Match – 2.05 – 2.50pm.

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 Football fixture against Kings Oak Primary School on Friday 25^th January 2019. There will be a boy’s fixture played approximately 1-2pm and the girl’s match will be played afterwards 2-3pm.

We would be very grateful if parents could drive their children to the events. If you are unable to drive your child we will find alternative transport, however please let the school know. Children will be able to travel straight home with parents after the game and therefore will not need to return to school.

We will be leaving school at 12.45 and the girls will warm up before the boys play.

If you are able to arrange transport between yourselves this would be a big help but please let Mrs Fiddes know the arrangements so we can ensure everyone has transport. Thank you.

The match will be played on grass. Therefore your child will need to bring suitable football boots, football socks, a drink of water and a bag for their belongings. Your child must wear shin pads. If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. Please indicate this on the slip below. There is no cost for this event.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear All Parents,

A very warm welcome back!

Please find attached this week’s newsletter. The Ellis News 15 (Jan 19)

ParentPay

Thank you to those parents who have cleared their ParentPay accounts over Christmas and are now back in the black! Any outstanding debit balances will be looked at later this week.

Phone

We have a phone in the office which was found in one of the classes around Christmas time and has not been claimed by any of our children. If you think you may have lost a phone please let the office staff know.

Head Lice

We have head lice again in Year 6 and possibly in some of the other classes. Please be vigilant and treat every member of your child’s family to try and keep them at bay. Thank you.

Trips

Permission for trips is now given on ParentPay using the tick boxes. This excludes local walks and sports for which we can still use the annual consent forms.

We are also trying to book trips earlier to give parents more time to pay. You will notice that payments on ParentPay will now be in multiple smaller amounts so please take the opportunity to use this system and avoid paying in one final amount.

Multi Sports After School Club

We are now opening this club to Year 3 children. Please let Mrs Fiddes know in the office if your Year 3 child would like to join. The club runs on Monday nights for a further 4 weeks until 4.20pm with various sports such as hockey, handball, futsal and tennis.

Foundation Stage Workshops

Please keep a look out for further information on these via email.

100% Attendance Award Film Night

This is for children from Foundation Stage 2 to Year 6 who achieved 100% attendance for last term. The film to be shown is ‘A Bug’s Life’, on Thursday, 17th January, 3.30-5pm. Children are welcome to bring a cushion to sit on and crisps, popcorn and juice will be provided. No booking is required.

Thank you for your continued support

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers,

On Monday 10^th June, your child will be transported back in time to experience life during The Second World War, as we have some exciting visitors in school. Y5 & Y6 will have the fantastic opportunity to dress up in uniforms, look through a real tank periscope, try on a real gas mask and look at many other artefacts. Children at The Ellis will also become part of The Bletchley code breakers and will learn how to write and crack codes. This hands on history experience will also include a 45 minute live WWII show.

It is the same company that KS1 have used for their Florence Nightingale and The Great Fire of London topic and both pupils and staff loved their hands on history experience. Therefore we are confident that our children will benefit from such an unforgettable learning experience, it is sure to get them intrigued about our Summer topic ‘Blackout!’.

In order to cover the cost of the visitors we are asking for a contribution of £4.50 payable via ParentPay. We would be very grateful if any contributions could be paid by Monday 6th May. If insufficient funds are raised then we may not be able to go ahead with the visitor.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher

Dear Year 1 and Year 2 Parents,

We would like to invite you in for a DT afternoon on Monday 21st January, 1.30pm for Y1 or Tuesday 22nd January for Y2. During the afternoon you will have the chance to work alongside your child to complete a DT project. As our topic this half term is ‘Out of this World’, the children will be making moon buggies!

It is always wonderful to see so many people coming to support the children and the children love the chance to share what they have been learning with their grown-ups and to work together to complete their product.

Parents or grandparents are invited to attend, however please do not worry if this is not possible as your child will still complete their DT project and staff in school will be there to work with them and support them.

KS1 Staff

Dear Parents,

Please make an appointment with your child’s class teacher as soon as possible (unless you have already done so) to review their current IEP (Independent Education Plan) and to set new targets.

The meeting will last approximately 10 minutes.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Parents,

St Mary’s Church, Wombwell are holding their Family Service this Sunday. This is a shorter service for all ages and crafts for the children.

You are welcome anytime from 9.15am to have breakfast before the service if you fancy it. We even have proper coffee! The service starts at 10am.

Hope to see you there,

St.Mary’s Church

Dear Parent/Carer,

Due to the success at the last football competition, the girls have received a place in the School Games Finals. Your child has been selected to represent the school at Dorothy Hyman on Thursday 17^th January 2019. The match will kick off at 12pm and will finish for 2.30pm. The match will be played against Joseph Locke Primary School.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 11:30pm.

We would be very grateful if parents could drive their children to this event or arrange transport between one another. If you are able to take additional children or are happy for your child to travel with another parent please let Mrs Fiddes know and we can then ensure that every child has transport and can attend the event. Children will be able to go straight home after the game and therefore will not need to return to school.

Your child will need to bring suitable football boots, football socks, a drink of water and a bag for their belongings. Your child must wear shin pads. Games will be played on 3G astroturf so please DO NOT wear boots with metal/plastic studs – rubber moulded studs and blades are fine. 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.

We will be using the annual ‘sporting fixtures and curricular activities’ consent form for this event so no additional paperwork is required to be completed.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Parents,

A number of parents have enquired as to whether the school can accept Childcare Vouchers for payment of Breakfast Club and After School Clubs, therefore we have registered the school with the following Childcare Voucher Schemes:

KiddiVouchers www.KiddiVouchers.com

Edenred www.childcarevouchers.co.uk

Computershare www.computersharevoucherservices.com

Unfortunately, the Government has closed the Childcare Voucher Scheme to new entrants but those parents already on the scheme can continue to benefit from the savings as long as their child remains eligible.

Should anyone wish to use their vouchers or have any queries please contact Mrs Rodgers in the school office. Please note we are unable to accept vouchers for clubs run by independent companies or sports coaches.

Thank you

Joanne Rodgers

Business Manager

Visit to National Coal Mining Museum

In support of the children’s topic next term on ‘Life down the mine’ we would like to take Years 3 and 4 to the National Coal Mining Museum on Tuesday 12^th February 2019 to experience life in the coal mines. The children will take part in an underground tour, a visit to the museum, a workshop and a look around the site to find out about a day in the life of a miner.

The visit leaders on the trip will be Miss Cook and Mrs Broadbent and the accompanying staff will be: Mrs Law, Miss Turton, Mrs Connelly, Mr Fearnley and Mrs King.

The coach company we will be using is Beewise. The coach will leave school at 9.15am and is expected to return to school by 3pm. If your child suffers from travel sickness we would suggest that appropriate travel sickness tablets are taken before school.

In accordance with the Governors’ Charging Policy for school activities, contributions towards the cost of journeys in school time are voluntary. However, an appropriate donation would be £7.50 per pupil which includes the cost of the coach, underground tour and workshop. We must point out that if insufficient money is collected, the trip will have to be cancelled. Payment will be via ParentPay and will need to be paid by Tuesday 29^th January. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties covering the cost of the trip, please contact Mrs Hurding.

Please ensure school uniform is worn on the day with suitable footwear and an appropriate coat depending on the weather. Please also bear in mind it will be cold whilst underground. Flashing trainers are not permitted on the underground tour. A packed lunch will be required and can be provided by school for children who are entitled to Scheme of Aid.

There is a gift shop on site and the children can bring a small amount of money (no more than £5) if they wish, however the children are responsible for looking after it.

Permission for trips can now be given via ParentPay using the tick box option. Please also add contact numbers for the day along with any changes to your child’s medical history via the tick boxes on ParentPay. This payment will show on there shortly.

Yours sincerely,

Miss Cook & Mrs Broadbent

A quick refresh of the after school club email for this half term. Thank you.

Dear Parents,

The following after school clubs will be running from January for 6 weeks:

Monday starting 7th Jan – N.B. the order of the sports may not run exactly in this order

KS1 Multi Sports until 4.20pm.

Week 1 – Kurling

Week 2 – Boccia

Week 3 – Hockey

Week 4 – Handball

Week 5 – Futsal

Week 6 – Tennis

The following children have received a place:

There are still places left if your child would like to try this club.

Tuesday starting 8th Jan

F2 Footy Stars until 3.50pm. £2.50 per week payable to the coach.

Daz’s Football ongoing weekly until 4.20pm. £2.50 payable to Daz each week.

Please note: Daz will be starting his club back up on Tuesday, 15th January

Wednesday starting 9th Jan

KS2 Tag Rugby until 4.20pm.

There are still a few places left if your child would like to try this club.

Thursday starting 10th Jan

Lego Club until 4.20pm.

Thank you

Dear All Parents,

St. Mary’s Church, Wombwell are having the following services that all are welcome to attend:

Sunday 23rd, 3pm Carol concert followed by mulled wine, juice, mince pies & biscuits on Sunday 23rd at 3pm.

Christmas Eve, 3pm – Christingle service and Nativity retelling with the help of all the children on the day, who would like to join in.

Christmas Day, 10am – Family Communion Service.

Thank you

Flu Spray

Please see attached our flu award. Thank you for your continued support. Flu Spray Award

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 14 (Dec 18)

Please find attached this week’s newsletter.

Party Day tomorrow (Wednesday) – Please come in your party clothes all day but be mindful of outdoor play. Fun and games to be had by all!

There will be NO OTHER choice of menu other than party food so please bring your child to school with a packed lunch if they will not be ordering this. Nursery children will hopefully all join in the fun and eat at their tea party. There are 3 yummy savouries and 3 delicious deserts for every child. Party Day is always a lovely atmosphere with the added addition of party games. Payment is via ParentPay. Thank you.

PTFA Disco for KS2 on Thursday night is a sell out! Still a few tickets left for KS1. Please remember, tickets will not be sold on the door.

Everyone is welcome to our Christingle Service in the hall on Friday at 2.30pm. You are very welcome to collect your children from their class at the end.

The staff at The Ellis would like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Parents,

The following after school clubs will be running from January for 6 weeks starting the first week back:

Monday

KS1 Multi Sports until 4.20pm.

Week 1 – Kurling

Week 2 – Boccia

Week 3 – Hockey

Week 4 – Handball

Week 5 – Futsal

Week 6 – Tennis

Please email to register your child’s interest.

Tuesday

F2 Footy Stars until 3.50pm. £2.50 per week payable to the coach.

Daz’s Football ongoing weekly until 4.20pm. £2.50 payable to Daz each week.

Wednesday

KS2 Tag Rugby until 4.20pm.

Please email to register your child’s interest.

Thursday

Lego Club until 4.20pm.

Thank you

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 13 (Dec 18)

Please find attached The Ellis News for this week.

Children can come in non-uniform and wear a Christmas jumper tomorrow for their Christmas dinner.

Don’t forget that our PTFA Christmas disco tickets are on sale every day this week after school and thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y1 and Y2 Parents,

Theatre Trip – 18.12.18

Year 1 and Year 2 children are off to Barnsley Civic Theatre to see ‘Jack Frost’ (A joyful Christmas adventure).

The theatre offered school the special school rate of £10 per child which includes the theatre ticket and coach travel. There is still time to log on to ParentPay to pay this and tick the box to give your permission for your child to go as without this your child cannot attend.

We will be leaving after registration in time for the production at 10am and will return before lunch.

We are hoping to have lots of fun!

Thank you for your support,

KS1 Staff

Dear F2 Parents,

F2 ‘Footy Stars’ After School Club continuing after Christmas

This club will carry on after half term so if your child is interested – even if they now attend – please email and I will start an expression of interest list. If I receive 10 names or less, every child will receive a place at the club. If we are over-subscribed I will give preference to those who have not previously attended to ensure that everyone gets a chance to join.

The club will start on Tuesday, 8th January 2019 from 3.20pm – 3.50pm and will cost £2.50 per week, payable directly to the coach, Adrian.

It is run by a fully qualified and insured coach and is for children to learn and develop football skills and techniques in a safe and fun environment. Places are limited to 10 and an adult needs to accompany their child.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Y1/Y2/Y3 Parents,

Lego After School Club at The Ellis C of E Primary School (Years 1-3)

We are pleased to be able to extend the Lego after school club running from 3.20pm – 4.20pm every Thursday from 10th January 2019 for 6 weeks until 14th February 2019. There are a maximum of 15 places available.

The club is organised, administered and supported by Kids With Bricks Ltd, an external provider who deliver after school clubs across the whole of the UK.

Lego and other resources will be made available. As well as completing a range of exciting educational challenges, students will have the chance to work both individually and to work in teams.

As an added bit of fun, students from the club will also take part in a weekly inter-school LEGO competition where parents can vote for their favourites and points are won for the national leaderboard.

BOOK ONLINE

The club costs £3.99 per child per session and is paid for termly in advance. All club places are reserved and paid for online. Just go to website www.kidswithbricks.com to book you child’s place. Note… Online sales close the day of the first session, places are limited.

Any problems please contact us on 07411 482996 bookings@kidswithbricks.com or speak to Miss Cook in school.

Kind regards,

John Gallacher

Kids with Bricks

Dear All Parents,

A reminder that St. Mary’s Church, Wombwell are holding their monthly Family Service this Sunday, 9th December.

It starts at 10am and is a shorter service with crafts for the children and a free breakfast is served beforehand from 9.15am.

All are welcome!

Dear F2-Y6 Parents, The Ellis Christmas Disco 2018

Please check the attached PTFA Christmas Disco Flyer for start times and ticket price details.

The tickets will be on sale at pick up time starting Monday, 10th and they MUST be purchased in advance, not on the door.

Thank you

PTFA

Dear Y2 Parents,

It was brought to our attention that there has been a slight mix up with spellings last week. We apologise for this. The spelling shed website is new to us and we are still fathoming out how to use it and how to set up lists that will show on certain dates etc. I think that in trying to be ultra organised we set up all the lists to appear weekly until February half term but may have forgotten to factor in half term week so they ended up a week out somehow! We will have a good look at it and on Monday we will send out a printed sheet (and email) with all the spellings on for the next half term, the date that we will test the children and we will ensure this matches the website.

So this week we will not be doing a spelling test – we will let them have a week off!!!! After all their hard work learning lines for the play, we think they deserve it!

On that note, we would like to thank and praise every child (and parent) for their hard work learning the lines for the nativity. We can can’t wait to do it next week and are sure that you will love our performances.

There are still a few tickets left but they are selling fast so if you want to get one, pop into the office or send the money to school with your child. Please could any remaining costumes be brought in by Monday for our dress rehearsal and don’t forget that children need to be back at school at 5.30pm on Tuesday and Wednesday next week for the evening performances.

Thank you for your continued support.
Year 2 staff

4^th December 2018

Dear Parents,

Your child may have already mentioned that as part of the IKIC Big Challenge they have been given an opportunity to sell to the public, in Barnsley town centre, on the 15^th December.

Children will have to be available on that date, with enough stock to sell for the full day (providing their items are eligible). They will need to arrive at 8:30am to start selling between 9:00am-4:00pm. Transport to and from the event is NOT provided by school. A packed lunch will be required. If your child has any medical needs, they will need to bring medication from home as I will not have access to their medication from school with it being a Saturday. You are welcome to stay with your child and help on their stall.

It is not a requirement of the competition for them to sell to the public, however the organisers say that they will provide another opportunity at a later date in case children cannot make this date. In addition, we will be holding a few pop up selling events at school between now and Christmas- the first one being Monday 10^th December 3:15pm-3:45pm.

I would be grateful if you could complete the reply slip below to let me know if you and your child would like to attend the 15^th of December. Please note there will be no power supply available at the event.

Kind Regards

Mrs E Edwards

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 12 (Nov 18)

Thank you to everyone who supported the Book Fair. With the commission raised we have been able to choose a variety of books to use in every class.

Thank you also to those parents who attended our Y1 and Y2 Christmas Book afternoon yesterday.

There will be more festivities coming up – we are all getting excited now as Christmas is looming!

Mrs R Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y1 – Y6 Parent/Guardian,

South Yorkshire STARS Christmas Themed Walk to School event – 12/12/18

The South Yorkshire STARS project is all about getting active on your way to and from school. To celebrate all that is healthy and fun about walking we would like everyone who can, to join us on a one off special Christmas themed walk to school day starting from the underpass on Hemingfield Rd. We are hopeful that this will encourage parents to park a little further away from the school gates in future.

There will be one walking route to school. The walk will start from the underpass, have pick up locations along the route at Briery Meadows and Hemingfield Green and then on to school. Pupils are invited to wear their Christmas jumpers or Christmas accessories like hats and headbands as part of the themed walk. The walk will start at 08:30 and we are asking parents to arrive for 08:25 for registration and to be in with a chance of winning some STARS branded goodies. One lucky participant will win a selection of Active Travel essentials!!! Just make sure your child is registered on the walk.

We are unable to wait for people to join us so please arrive on time to ensure that we arrive at school ready for the start of the school day.

Parents are still responsible for their children getting to school safely! The Ellis C of E staff, Miss Cook, will be joining us on the led walk along with Dave from South Yorkshire Stars.

It would be great if you could join us!

Meet at 08:25 for an 08:30 start.
0.5 mile
Pickup point at the top of Briery Meadows and at Hemingfield Green.

Arrive at school for 8:45

It would be great if you could join us!

Dave Atherton, Active Travel Officer for Barnsley

Are you eligible for help with your childcare costs – including the School Breakfast Club?

If you’re a working parent with children under 12 (or under 17 for disabled children), you can open an online account to pay for registered childcare, this can include the cost of our School Breakfast Club. The government will top-up the money you pay into the account. For every £8 you pay in, the government will add an extra £2. You can receive up to £2,000 per child per year – that’s up to £500 every three months. If you have a disabled child, you can receive up to £4,000 per child – that’s up to £1,000 every three months.

Am I eligible?

You, and any partner, must each expect to earn (on average) at least £125 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage).

If you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or you’re unable to work because you are disabled or have caring responsibilities, you could still be eligible.

You can’t get Tax-Free Childcare if either you, or your partner, each individually expect to earn £100,000 or more.

How can I benefit?

You can use Tax-Free Childcare all year round to help pay:

Registered childminders, nurseries and nannies
Registered after-school clubs and playschemes
Registered schools
Home careworkers working for a registered home care agency

You can use Tax-Free Childcare at the same time as:

You can’t use it with:

More information is available at www.childcarechoices.co.uk

Dear Y5 Parents/Carers,

It will be our last swimming lesson next week (7th December), children will need to bring some pyjamas or a T-shirt and shorts. Wath Leisure Centre have requested that children do not bring onesies.
Please note that children will still need their swimming costume/shorts, their swimming cap and a towel.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

Dear Y5 Parents,

Just a quick email to let you know that, weather permitting, we will be going on a walk around the village next Wednesday.

No additional consent for this is required.

Thank you

Maggi Brinkley

HLTA

Dear Y3 Parents,

Just a quick note to apologise for the delay in getting the residential photos to you on a disk. I haven’t forgotten, but with a very busy start to the new academic year (and the editing / checking photos of every group) this has taken slightly longer than I had anticipated! I will get the disks to you before the end of this half term.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kind Regards

Mrs C Trotter

Dear All Parents,

Half Price Book Fair

We will be opening the book fair at morning break time tomorrow and Thursday.

If you would like to send your child to school with a small amount of money to purchase a book (no more than £5 as most are cheaper than this) a member of staff will help your child choose an appropriate book.

The book fair will still be open tomorrow morning (Wednesday) and after school on Thursday. Any book can also be ordered and will be delivered on Friday.

Thank you for your support. Any funds raised will be used to choose books from the fair to be used in classes.

Miss Saunders

Dear All Parents,

Nativity Tickets

A quick reminder that our Year 1 and Year 2 Nativity tickets will be on sale at the office from Thursday, 29th November from 3pm.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 11 (Nov 18)

Re Communication

Please inform school if anything upsetting has happened with your child to enable us to sort the situation. We are receiving secondary information which can escalate situations and cause conflicts between parents.

Thank you for your support.

Lost Property

If you have lost a silver necklace with a black stone, please collect it from the office.

Mrs Rachel Hurding

Headteacher

Dear Y6 Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in our Boys Football League against Churchfield Primary School. The match will take place on Monday 26^th November 2018 at Dorothy Hyman.

We will be leaving school at 1:30pm and aiming for a 2pm kick off. As there will be numerous games in the league we would be very grateful if parents would drive their children to the events. Children will be able to travel straight home with parents after the game and therefore will not need to return to school.

Your child will need to bring suitable football boots, football socks, a drink of water and a bag for their belongings. Your child must wear shin pads. The event will be held outdoors. If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. No money will be needed for the event.

The annual ‘sporting fixtures and curricular activities’ consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Half Price Book Fair starting tonight

If your child wishes to purchase a book that has sold out, all of the books can be ordered at the book fair.

Please can you ensure that any orders are placed by Thursday and then they will be delivered when the book fair is collected.

Many thanks,

Miss Saunders

Dear All Parents,

Christmas Fun

Everyone is welcome to the free event at St.Mary’s Church, Wombwell, on Saturday, 24th November, 10.30am-12pm.

Head Lice

Head Lice have been spotted in school again. We appreciate it is very frustrating when you treat your child and then they are seen with them again. Please ensure you treat EVERY member of your family to try and keep them at bay. Thank you.

Hemingfield Defibrillator

Hemingfield are raising money for a defibrillator to be placed in the local community. Please see the link below if you would like to make a donation.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rachel-saddington-2?utm_term=pdpJdgm6k

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Nursery Parents,

I am pleased to inform you that the Governing Body have agreed to support eligible working parents by offering free childcare of 30 hours in our nursery.

Please see the attached letter and application form for further information. 30 hour offer letter to parents November 2018 Parent Declaration Form Sept 18

Thank you

Dear All Parents,

Young Voices

Please be aware that your individual cheques for Young Voices will be banked early next week. A single school cheque was used to purchase the tickets so please be reassured that the tickets have already been ordered.

Book Fair

Our Book Fair will be starting after school this Friday. It will also be open all next week, every day before school, apart from Thursday when it will be after school.

Parking

Parking STILL remains an issue in school grounds. You MUST NOT come into the car park either at the beginning of the school day or at the end. This is for the safety of the children walking in to and out of school. We may have to speak individually to those parents who continually drive in.

Thank you for your continued support

Dear Y6 Parents,

On Thursday, 22nd November, we will be taking our Year 6 children on a trip to Oakwell Stadium for a trip run by Barnsley FC called Show Racism the Red Card.

We will be using Beewise coaches and leaving school at lunchtime. Children will still be able to order a school lunch to eat before we leave and will be setting off for the return journey at approximately 3pm.

As we are able to use the annual Sporting and extra Curricular Activity form for this trip no additional consent will be required.

Thank you

Mrs Edwards

Dear All Parents,

REMINDER – Foundation Open Day Tomorrow

If you know of anyone who is starting to think of schools for their children to attend please let them know that tomorrow will be a great time to visit, although they are always welcome at other times too.

Mrs Gay

To enable Mrs Gay to have more opportunities to meet with parents after school and to teach more Thrive sessions in school we have changed her hours. She will be working Monday to Thursday 8am to 4.30pm.

Mayor of Barnsley

We are delighted to say that the Mayor of Barnsley, CLLR Steven Green, will be visiting us this Friday to present our BRONZE modeshift STARS travel award. We will be having an assembly so that all of the children can meet him.

Mrs R Hurding

Headteacher

Dear All Parents,

St. Mary’s Church, Christmas Fayre – Saturday, 17th November, 10-2pm.

Craft and gift ideas, raffle, cakes for sale, free entry – All welcome!

Thank you

Dear All Parents,

Film Night Tonight (Thursday)

Our exciting Film Night, Paddington 2 is tonight!

Children can arrive for 6pm in their comfy pyjamas/onesies, all ready for bed afterwards. They are welcome to bring cushions, bean bags and blankets for comfort. Everyone loves a comfortable, cosy night in!

Snacks will be provided along with a drink but children are also welcome to bring a few of their own and we would like to encourage them to bring their school water bottles too!

Roll on 6pm tonight!

Thank you for your support

The Ellis PTFA

Dear All Parents,

A reminder that The Ellis School Auction Night will take place on 29^th November at 7pm.

All are invited, but before then we need your help!

Do you have any unwanted gifts you could donate to be auctioned off? Or do you know anyone (perhaps a local business) that would be willing to donate an auction lot to help our cause for new playground markings?

Examples of donations so far that will be up for auction; Bottle of whiskey, kids games, Tankersley manor spa day for 2, food hampers, signed footballs, Bose headphones, powered ride on car, several meal for 2 vouchers, cake moulds, Christmas candles – even a new front door!!

If you or your business can help, please get in touch!

Dear All Parents,

Our exciting Book Fair is coming soon! Book Fair

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to purchase some of the latest books at half price.

Please see the attached letter for details of dates, times etc and an example of just a few of the books on offer.

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Y6 Parents,

Your child may have already mentioned that as part of their learning we will be taking part in the Barnsley IKIC Big Challenge for the next couple of terms. This is an enterprise based learning opportunity where the children create and run a business in small groups or independently. There are several prizes and awards on offer from IKIC to recognise the hard work of the children; last year’s overall competition winner had an all expenses day out in Manchester at SnoZone and iFly!

Before half term, Mr Shaw came and introduced the project to the children and they begin to consider potential business ideas. This has obviously sparked a lot of ideas and interest as I know some children have already started making their products however we are officially starting next week so please do not panic if you weren’t aware of this yet.

The children can choose to run their business outside of school if they wish, however, there will be selling opportunities in school and as part of the IKIC project during the school day, so this is not a requirement of the project. I will send more information around the selling opportunities when I get confirmed details- your child does not have to take part in these if they do not wish to.

We will run our project workshops every Wednesday afternoon- so if your child has chosen an item that can be made here- please make sure the equipment needed is in school on that day. If your child cannot make their item here, this time will be used for marketing and promotion.

The products the children make have to be in line with trading standards- as they could be sold to members of the general public- so there are restrictions on what can be made, for example, no toys such as slime.

To get the businesses started school will invest £20 for each team. If you have already bought materials you must ensure your child keeps a record of what has been spent so that it can be paid back from any earnings. 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.

Last year 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.

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 E Edwards

The Ellis News 10 (Sept 18)

Dear Y1 – Y6 Parent/Guardian,

South Yorkshire STARS Walk to School event – 15/11/18

The South Yorkshire STARS project is all about getting active on your way to and from school. To celebrate all that is healthy and fun about walking we would like everyone who can, to join us on a one off special walk to school day starting from the underpass on Hemingfield Rd. We are hopeful that this will encourage parents to park a little further away from the school gates in future.

There will be one walking route to school. The walk will start from the underpass and have one pick up location along the route. The walk will start at 08:30 and we’re asking parents to arrive for 08:25 to be in with a chance of winning some STARS branded goodies. We are not able to wait for people to join us so please arrive on time to ensure that we arrive at school ready for the start of the school day.

Parents are still responsible for their children getting to school safely! The Ellis C of E staff, Miss Cook, will be joining us on the led walk along with Dave from South Yorkshire Stars.

It would be great if you could join us!

Meet at 08:25 for an 08:30 start.

0.5 mile
Pickup point at the top of Briery Meadows and at Hemingfield Green.

Arrive at school for 8:45

The South Yorkshire STARS Team.

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 9 (Nov 2018)

A quick reminder that the final date to order your school photograph to receive free delivery to school is the 18th November.

There are approximately 4 weeks remaining to be able to go online and order your photograph. After this date the link will be removed and you will no longer be able to log on.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear F1 Parents,

Parents’ Consultations – Monday 12th

Parent Consultations will be held in the headteacher’s office on Monday 12th November.

Please choose your appointment time from the list up in class.

Request for Old Spectacles

If you have any unwanted spectacles please send them in to use in our investigation area. Thank you.

Library and Home Learning

This will be sent home every Wednesday, please ensure it is returned on Monday morning.

Please could you also ensure that library books are well looked after for other children to use.

Thank you

Mrs Pollard

Dear Y2 Parents,

On Tuesday, 6th November, (first day back) Year 2 children will be walking to the cenotaph (weather permitting) at Hemingfield and Jump cemetery as part of our work on Remembrance Day.

Please send the children to school with a suitable coat and shoes for the walk there along with a water bottle.

No further consent will be needed as the annual extra curricular consent forms can be used for this event.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 8 (Nov 18)

Menu Change Tuesday 6th November (1st day back)

Burger in a bun or a hot dog with chips or jacket potato and baked beans.

Toffee apple crumble and custard or flapjack or traffic light jelly.

The usual ham sandwich and pasta options will also be available.

After School Clubs

Pilates – Mondays until 4.20pm.

The following children have received a place:

Sophie C, Caitlin R, Delaney B, Emilia A, Lucca C, Zac C, Oscar B, Oliver B, Jenson T, Jude M, Erin K, Ruby B, Lucas I, Matilda Sho’, Matilda She’, Tallulah S, Mia B, Millie B, Demi W, Darcie F, Lexi R, Holly B, Penny K and Evie H.

Street Dance – Wednesdays until 4.20pm.

The following children have received a place:

Holly C, Delaney B, Emilia A, Lucca C, Zac C, Jenson T, Jude M, Holly T, Erin K, Ruby B, Laila N, Matilda Sho’, Kelsey O, Lukas B, Seth B, Lottie F, Maddy W, Mia B, Millie B, Niamh S, Demi W, Darcie F, Holly B, Lola G, Ava T, Penny K and Evie H.

N.B. If you think your child should have received a place and their name isn’t shown please let me know.

Head Lice

As head lice are always in school but were particularly noted when we broke up please take the time in the holidays to thoroughly check everybody’s hair in your family. Thank you.

Poppy Appeal

If you would like to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal we will be selling items from Monday until the stock is depleted. As there is limited stock we will be keeping the limit to one item per child. Stock will be brought round to classes during the day

The following poppy items will be on sale: pencil 50p, eraser 50p, pencil sharpener 50p, ruler £1, clip on reflector 50p.

Your child is also welcome to buy a poppy in addition to one of the above items for a donation of your choice.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Parents,

The lego club is now full (please see the original letter below for full details of this club) and the following children have received a place:

Lucas I, Ben Cl, Holly C, Ben H, Sam H, Frankie W, Lewis P, Oliver P, Jacob V, Ciaran D, Myles B, Lucca C, Zac C, Delaney B and Eli D.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Y1/Y2/Y3 Parents,

Lego After School Club at The Ellis C of E Primary School (Years 1-3)

We are pleased to be able to extend the Lego after school club running from 3.20pm – 4.20pm every Thursday from 8th November 2018 for 6 weeks until 13th December 2018. There is a maximum of 15 places available.

The club is organised, administered and supported by Kids With Bricks Ltd, an external provider who deliver after school clubs across the whole of the UK.

Lego and other resources will be made available. As well as completing a range of exciting educational challenges, students will have the chance to work both individually and to work in teams.

BOOK ONLINE

Any problems please contact us on 07411 482996 bookings@kidswithbricks.com or speak to Miss Cook in school.

Kind regards,

John Gallacher

Kids with Bricks

Dear Parent/Carer,

Due to the success at the participation event, your child is included in the Year 5/6 Boys Football Finals event at Dorothy Hyman Stadium on Tuesday 6th November 2018. The event will start at 1.00pm and will finish for 3.30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:30pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches and parents are invited to spectate but must meet their child at the event.

The annual ‘sporting fixtures and curricular activities’ consent form will be used for this event so please onlyemail if this is something you do not wish you child to participate in.

*Please note, the league fixture arranged for Friday 9th November has been rearranged for Monday 26th November. A letter about this event will be emailed at a later date.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear F2 Parents,

I now have the 10 names for the ‘Footy Stars’ club for F2 boys and girls:

Ellis W, Noah D, Ethan D, Isabelle T, Eddie C, Oscar W, Jenson L, Henry B, Hayden A and Luke S.

Everyone who expressed an interest has received a place and an adult needs to accompany your child. Please go straight to the main entrance at 3.20pm to meet your child in the hall.

The club will start on Tuesday, 6th November from 3.20pm – 3.50pm and will cost £2.50 per week, payable directly to the coach, Adrian.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear All Parents,

School Photograph Information

We have been notified that the option to have your photographs delivered free to school has now been activated.

Also, there may be more images of your child online if you log on using their unique code.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear All Parents,

Here is this week’s newsletter. The Ellis News 7 (Oct 18)

PTFA Movie Night

A reminder that the PTFA tickets for the Movie Paddington 2 on Thursday,15th November are on sale all this week, £3 each. 6-8pm.

After School Clubs

Our new after school clubs when we return back to school will be Pilates on a Monday and Street Dance on a Wednesday.

Both of these are for KS1 and KS2. Places are limited. Please email Mrs Fiddes if you would like your child to join in one of the clubs. We will let you know before half term if your child has been successful.

Photographs

If your child was absent and DID NOT have their photograph taken the photographers are returning tomorrow so your child will not miss out.

We are also aware that a few sibling photographs were missed – these will also be taken tomorrow.

Don’t forget we close on Friday and have an inset day on Monday, 5th November.

Thank you

Mrs Hurding

Dear F2 Parents,

Our new club ‘Footy Stars’ for F2 boys and girls has been running for this half term.

The club will carry on after half term so if your child is interested please email and I will start an expression of interest list. If I receive 10 names or less, every child will receive a place at the club. If we are over-subscribed I will give preference to those who have not previously attended to ensure that everyone gets a chance to join.

The club will start on Tuesday, 6th November from 3.20pm – 3.50pm and will cost £2.50 per week, payable directly to the coach, Adrian.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child is included in the Year 5/6 Girls Football Finals event at Dorothy Hyman Stadium on Tuesday 23^rd October 2018. The event will start at 1.00pm and will finish for 3.30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:30pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches and parents are invited to spectate but must meet their child at the event.

Your child will need to bring suitable football boots, football socks, a drink of water and a bag for their belongings. Your child must wear shin pads. Games will be played on 3G astroturf so please DO NOT wear boots with metal/plastic studs – rubber moulded studs and blades are fine. If your child requires an inhaler they will need to bring this along with them. Please indicate this on the slip below. The cost of the trip will be funded using the Sports Premium Grant and therefore your child requires no money for the event.

The annual ‘sporting fixtures and curricular activities’ consent form will be used for this event so please onlyemail if this is something you do not wish you child to participate in.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear Parent,

Further to the asterixed email below we have now confirmed the date for the outstanding lego club session.

It will be on Thursday, 25th October, during lunchtime and we will ensure that the children receive their full hour. Staff will be notified of late children returning back to class after lunch on this day.

Thank you

*Dear Parents

Due to staff training lego club will be postponed this week.

Please rest assured that your child will not miss out as the session will be moved to an alternative day. As soon as we have this day confirmed we will email out to let you know.

Thank you and apologies for this inconvenience.

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Y6 Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in our first game for the Boys Football League against Holy Rood Primary School. The match will take place on Friday 19^th October 2018 at Horizon Playing Fields (Shaw Lane).

The annual ‘sporting fixtures and curricular activities’ consent form will be used for this event, therefore if you do not wish your child to participate please email Mrs Fiddes.

Please also email to let Mrs Fiddes know whether you would be able to take your child and any other children to the event and if not, whether you consent for your child to travel with another parent and whether you require them to be dropped off at school or home.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Parents and Carers,

Your child will have hopefully completed their cooking challenge and helped you make some delicious food. Please feel free to e-mail any photographs in to school so that your children can put them in their journal.

As the motto of the ABYYT scheme is ‘Be the change you want to see’, we have discussed how we could do this and the children will hopefully be surprising you with some random acts of kindness.

After the holidays, we will be taking a walk around Hemingfield and thinking about any changes which we, as a group, could make for our local community.

Thank you,

Mrs Brinkley.

Dear Parents,

Please find attached the poster with the full details on for our exciting PTFA movie night. Poster – Paddington

Thank you

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 6 (Oct 18)

MORE DATES

PTFA FILM NIGHT – Paddington 2

15th November 6pm to 8pm cost £3

PTFA Christmas Disco – 20th December

F2 and KS1 5.30 to 6.30pm

KS2 7.00 to 8.00pm

Don’t Forget

This Saturday 20th October – WEATHER PERMITTING Community Painting of the outdoor classroom. Please arrive for 9.30am (just for the morning) if you can help.

Children are welcome if you are happy they can independently play in the back playground.

29th November – AUCTION night – please come and support this event!

Thank you

Mrs Hurding

ASD Parent/Support Group Flyer

Dear Parents,

Please see the attached flyer.

This is for parents of children who have Social Communication and Interaction Needs or have a formal diagnosis of ASD.

Thank you

Y6 Visit to Crucial Crew- Thursday 25^th October 2018

Dear Y6 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 Thursday 25^th October 2018.

The visit leader on the trip will be Mrs Edwards and the accompanying staff with her will be Mrs Brinkley.

The coach company we will be using is Beewise. The coach will leave school at 9:00am and is 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. 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 complete and return the attached consent by email before Friday 19^th October.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Edwards

Dear All Parents,

Please find attached a flyer for St. Mary’s Church, Wombwell, Harvest Event taking place tomorrow, 13th October.

Thank you

Y5 Y6 Girls Football Competition

As you are aware it is also the Y5 Y6 DT afternoon on the same day. Your child will therefore not be participating in this as they chose the football option instead. Thank you.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 Girls Football Competition event at Shaw Lane, Barnsley on Monday 15^th October 2018. The event will start at 1.00pm and will finish for 3pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:30pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Parents are invited to spectate but must meet their child at the event.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Y5 Y6 DT Afternoon

Dear Parents/Carers,

Our Y5/6 DT afternoon on Monday 15^th October is fast approaching, as both classes have been learning about life of a Tudor ship, our DT challenge will be to make a Tudor ship.

If you have any materials available (fabric, boxes, etc.), we would be grateful if you could please send them into school.

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss Saunders and Mrs Edwards

Y5 Y6 Boys Football Competition 16.10.18

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Year 5/6 Boys Football Competition event at Outwood Shafton on Tuesday 16^th October 2018. The event will start at 1.00pm and will finish for 3.30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:30pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches . Parents are invited to spectate but must meet their child at the event.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Dear Y1/Y2/Y3 Parents,

Lego After School Club at The Ellis C of E Primary School (Years 1-3)

The club is organised, administered and supported by Kids With Bricks Ltd, an external provider who deliver after school clubs across the whole of the UK.

Lego and other resources will be made available. As well as completing a range of exciting educational challenges, students will have the chance to work both individually and to work in teams.

BOOK ONLINE

Any problems please contact us on 07411 482996 bookings@kidswithbricks.com or speak to Miss Cook in school.

Kind regards,

John Gallacher

Kids with Bricks

As we will be using the annual ‘sporting fixtures and curricular activities’ consent form for this event please can you ensure they are returned. Extra copies are being sent home tonight for those we are still waiting for. Thank you.

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 12:30pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches . Parents are invited to spectate but must meet their child at the event.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Wider Curriculum Lead

Auction – Back by public demand!

Thursday 29^th November – Doors open 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Major Clarke has offered to do an auction to raise funds to improve the main playground for our children.

Drinks and snacks will be available to purchase on the night. Please join us for a fun evening!

If you think you could donate something to our auction or have a contact for a business that might like to support us please pass the contact details on to the office or a PTFA member.

Thank you for your support.

Mrs Hurding

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 5 (Oct 18)

Parking

We have had several parking complaints recently. One lady was unable to get out of Chapel Croft to go to work this morning as her drive was blocked. Another resident repeatedly parks on the zig zags. Both of these are unacceptable and we have photographic evidence of both occurrences.

PLEASE PARK CONSIDERATELY!!

Photographs

Photographers will be coming into school tomorrow, 9^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.

Flu Sprays

If your child did not have their flu spray in school, you will be receiving an invitation through the post to attend one of their clinics. There will be a selection of dates available so hopefully you will find one that is convenient for you.

Thank you

Mrs Hurding

Dear Y2 Parents,

Just a quick update on TT Rock Stars and Spelling Shed. Everyone has been sent home logins for these, if you have any difficulty logging on, please let us know and we will look into it.

Firstly, a big well done to all the children who have been on TT Rock Stars. It is lovely to see how excited the children are to tell us about their achievements. Through our teacher login, we are closely monitoring how the children are progressing with their 10 times tables. Once we have seen a good level of accuracy and speed both on TT Rock Stars and in class, we will add the 5 times tables and then finally the 2 times tables.

Secondly, Spelling Shed is now up and running. We will add 5 High Frequency Word (HFW) lists each week. These are words which most children in Y2 are expected to spell with confidence by the end of the year. The word list will stay for 3 weeks and then it will be removed (although we will revisit them again at a later date). Some word lists such as mathematical terms (shape names, numbers etc) will stay for longer periods of time, maybe even for the year.

Starting on Friday 19th (and each Friday after that) we will do a spelling test in school on the next word list to see how children are getting on. Eg; Friday 19th Oct- HFW 1 (word list), Friday 26th Oct – HFW2 (word list).

This means that they will have 3 weeks to build their knowledge of each word list.

A final reminder that we have our PE afternoon on Monday (8th Oct), so please ensure that your child has their PE kit and trainers in school on that day and that any jewellery is removed. We also ask that any outstanding pink forms (permission forms to take children on local walks, sports trips etc) are brought back to school ASAP as we are unable to take a child on the PE trip on Monday without a pink form.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Mrs Trotter, Mrs Sutton and Mrs Green

The Ellis News 4 The Ellis News 4 (Oct 18)

Individual School Photographs

Photographers will be coming into school next Tuesday, 9^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.

Flu Sprays

The nurses will be coming into school on Thursday to deliver the sprays to F2 to Y5 children.

Harvest Festival gifts for the food bank

It would be fantastic if you could donate tinned and dried food and / or packet goods for our Harvest Festival tomorrow. Thank you for your support.

Some MORE dates to add to the calendar

Community paint

Saturday 20^th October 9.30am

One of our Governors Steve Lodge has offered to organise a community paint in school. If you have a couple of spare hours from 9.30am to help us re varnish the outdoor classroom before the winter, please come and help, it will be much appreciated. Thank you.

Auction – Back by public demand!

Thursday 29^th November – Doors open 6.30pm, 7pm start to the auction.

Major Clarke has offered to do an auction to raise funds for school.

Drinks and snacks will be available to purchase on the night.

If you know of any businesses that might be able to offer new gifts that we would be able to auction please let PTFA/Dean Clarke or myself know.

Thank you for your support

Mrs Rachel Hurding

Headteacher

Dear All Parents,

A few of you do not seem to have received the list of important calendar dates so I am sending it again just to be sure. Calendar Dates 18-19

Please note, there has been a change to one of the dates – FS1 consultations are now going to be on November 12th.

We have now confirmed the date for the individual photographs on Tuesday, 9th October.

And finally, we have added Children in Need to the calendar on Friday 16th November. Please wear spots or pyjamas or both!

The sun is shining, so let’s hope it continues this weekend.

Thank you,

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Y2 Parent/Carer,

Your child’s class has been selected to represent the school in a Key Stage 1 Multi Skills Competition at Barnsley College, Honeywell Site, on Monday 8^th October 2018. The event will start at 1.30pm and will finish for 3.15pm. Children should arrive back at school no later than 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 1:00pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space constraints, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

The annual sporting fixtures and curricular activities consent form will be used for this event so no further consent will need to be completed. Thank you.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear Parents/Carers,

If you have any old and unwanted jeans, please could you donate them to School by Tuesday 2^nd October.

It is National Poetry Day next Thursday (4^th October) and we would like to use them as part of our ‘poem in my pocket’ classroom displays.

Many thanks,

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher

Dear Y1 and Y2 Parents,

Welcome back! We hope you all had a super Summer and are ready for another busy year ahead! We are!

Last year we sent out as many dates as we could at the start of the year and the feedback from parents was very positive. With this in mind, we have tried to plan visits, visitors and afternoons which parents are invited to, for the whole year so that you have the dates in your diaries. We have also included the cost of trips and whilst these are voluntary contributions, we must point out that if insufficient funds are collected, then we may have to cancel the trip. We have included a date in which we are asking for contributions to be paid by; however you are welcome to pay in smaller amounts using ParentPay leading up to the trip if you wish.

We hope the following information is helpful. (Please note that an email with the whole school dates on has been emailed to parents. These are extra dates, specifically for KS1 children).

Autumn 1 – ‘Eat Your Greens’ and ‘Fire! Fire!’ topic

15.10.18 – ‘Great Fire of London, Real History Alive.’ A visitor will come into school to spend the morning with Year 1 and Year 2 children. They will have the chance to learn about The Great Fire of London and be given lots of hands on opportunities which we would be unable to provide in the classroom. (We are asking for a voluntary donation of £4.50 to cover the cost of the visitor payable by 01.10.18).

Autumn 2 – ‘Party! Party!’ topic

06.11.18 – Year 2 children to walk to the cenotaph at Hemingfield and Jump cemetery as part of our work on Remembrance Day. (Weather permitting)

03.12.18 – Year 1 and Year 2 invite parents (or grandparents) to come and spend the afternoon with us completing lots of different activities linked to our Christmas/ Winter book, ‘Jack Frost’. 1.30pm onwards.

11.12.18 and 12.12.18 – Year 1 and Year 2 will be presenting their nativity at 6pm. Tickets will be on sale nearer the time priced £1.50 (adults) and £1 (children).

18.12.18 – Year 1 and Year 2 children to go to Barnsley Civic Theatre to see ‘Jack Frost’ (A joyful Christmas adventure). The theatre offers a special school rate of £10 per child which includes the theatre ticket and coach travel. (We are asking for voluntary donations to be payable by 7^th Dec 2018).

Spring 1 – ‘Out of this World!’ topic

21.01.19 – Year 1 parents (or grandparents) are invited to come and spend the afternoon with us making a moon buggy as part of our DT topic. 1.30pm onwards.

22.01.19- Year 2 parents (or grandparents) are invited to come and spend the afternoon with us making a moon buggy/cleaning machine as part of our DT topic. 1.30pm onwards.

Spring 2 – ‘Into the Woods’ topic

14.03.19- Year 1 and Year 2 invite parents (or grandparents) to come and spend the afternoon with us completing lots of different maths activities. 1.30pm onwards.

09.04.19 – Year 1 and Year 2 children to go to Squirrel Wood, Doncaster to take part in some really exciting woodland activities. These include den building, a treasure hunt, leaf trail, big wood art and having a fire and making popcorn! All activities are led by very experienced and well qualified leaders. (We are asking for voluntary donation of £12 to be payable by 29.03.19).

Summer 1 – ‘Chocolate’ topic

This is a very short half term, but we are sure that it will be filled with lots of chocolatey fun!

21.05.19 – Meeting for Year 2 parents about the Whirlow Farm residential providing parents with details about what to pack etc. The meeting will be held in the Y2 classroom at 5pm.

Summer 2 – ‘Oh It’s a Jolly Holiday’ topic

19.06.19 – Year 1 parents (or grandparents) are invited to come and spend the afternoon with us sewing a purse / wallet as part of our DT topic. 1.30pm onwards.

20.06.19 – Year 2 parents (or grandparents) are invited to come and spend the afternoon with us sewing a purse / wallet as part of our DT topic. 1.30pm onwards.

24.06.19– 26.06.19 and 01.07.19 – 05.07.19: Year 2 residential to Whirlow Farm, (second payment of £25 to be paid by 07.09.18, third payment of £25 to be paid by 21.12.18 and the final payment of £25 to be paid by 29.03.19 with thanks).

We are also hoping to arrange a walk to Elsecar Park during the summer term. (Weather permitting). Date to be confirmed nearer the time.

We appreciate that this is a lot of information, but hope that as it covers the whole year, it gives parents ample notice for open afternoons and trip contributions. Should other events come up, we will endeavour to give you as much prior notice as we can. Letters, permission slips and emails will be sent our nearer the time which will provide you with extra information.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to pop in and ask any KS1 staff.

Kind Regards

Key Stage 1 Team

Whirlow Farm Trip Payments

Dear Y2 Parents,

Just a quick reminder that the second instalment of £25 was due on 7th September.

We realise this was at the start of a busy half term and may have got missed. Please could you pay this as soon as possible.

Thank you

Mrs Trotter

Dear Y5 and Y6 Parents,

We have been notified by a parent to say that Wath have an open day on Thursday, 11th October and Kirk Balk is today, Thursday 27th September.

You may want to contact them for more information if this is something you would like to go to.

Thank you,

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Parents/Carers/Grandparents,

Our school PTFA are having their first meeting of the year on Tuesday, 9th October at 3.30pm in school. (Members’ children are welcome to come and play in the library).

Our PTFA are always looking for new members to help with their fundraising events.

The meetings are very informal and are an opportunity to discuss the best ways going forward to raise money for school to pay for extra treats and resources for our children to use in school.

If you think this is something you would be interested in joining then please feel free to turn up for the meeting or message Davina for more information d.hulme@theellis.org

Many thanks

The Ellis PTFA

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child has been selected to represent the school in a Key Stage 1 & 2 non-competitive Goalball event at Joseph Locke School, on Friday 5^th October 2018. The event will start at 1.30pm and will finish for 3.00pm. Goalball is a sport where they have to practise shooting, accuracy and passing whilst sitting down.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 1:00pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately parents are not able to attend this event.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear All Parents,

Please find attached our latest Ellis News. The Ellis News 3 (Sept 18)

Please be aware that we have had an isolated incident of whooping cough in school which starts as an irritating cough and then progresses to the whooping sound. We do not expect any further incidents but felt we should make you all aware as it is not very common.

Thank you for your continued support,

Mrs Hurding

Dear Y1 and Y2 Parents,

We are very excited to let you know that we have arranged for a visitor to come into school to work with our Year 1 and Year 2 children during the morning of Monday 15th October. She will lead several workshops linked to the Great Fire of London and children will be able learn lots more about our historically based topic, ‘Fire! Fire!’.

It is the same company we used for our Florence Nightingale topic last year and both Mrs Wise and Mrs Trotter were very pleased with the visitor themselves, their knowledge, delivery of content, resources and the engagement of all the children. It was a fantastic morning with lots of hands on opportunities for all the children. We are confident that this visit will prove as exciting, fruitful and educational as the last.

In order to cover the cost of the visitor we are asking for a voluntary contribution of £4.50 payable via parentpay. We would be very grateful if any contributions could be paid by Monday 1st October. If insufficient funds are raised then we may not be able to go ahead with the visitor.

We have lots of other things planned including two more exciting trips and we will send out a full years newsletter on Monday with all the dates, trips, and parent afternoons (eg; maths afternoon, DT etc) which we hope will be of use.

Thank you as always for your support. It is much appreciated.

Kind Regards

Mrs Trotter (KS1 leader).

Dear All Parents,

Please can you bring in any Summer Reading Challenge certificates and medals your child may have by Friday so that we can show them to the rest of the school in our Gold Awards assembly?

Thank you,

Abbey Saunders

Dear All Parents, The Ellis News 2 (Sept 2018)

The Ellis News 1 (Sept)

Our weekly Ellis News is attached along with an information flyer on Thrive. Thrive Poster

Please also find attached our list of important calendar dates. Calendar Dates 18-19

This is not an exhaustive list and additional events and trips will be added as and when.

If you have only recently received a flu vaccination consent for your child, please still return this to school even though the deadline has passed. Thank you.

Inconsiderate parking is becoming dangerous especially at the bottom of Garden Grove. Please avoid this area as it is causing a lot of congestion. Please also remember not to drive or park on school grounds due to the safety of the children.

Please note, new ParentPay logons will be sent by the end of this week.

I have also attached the weekly menus. Menu 1 Menu 2 Menu 3

Thank you

Mrs Hurding

Dear F2-Y6 Parent/Carer,

We would love for your child to use Spelling Shed as part of their school work and home learning.

We are excited to introduce the programme across school, we have trialled Spelling Shed with past pupils and found that it raised standards, the pupils enjoyed the games and were more engaged with spelling in school.

The Spelling Shed helps children to practise spelling via a simple game. The game gives four different degrees of support in the form of difficulty modes; Easy, Medium, Hard and Extreme. Higher levels allow a higher score to be achieved but children can practise as much as they like on lower levels before trying to gain high scores.

Spelling Shed also allows for homework and whole-class “Hive” games as a more fun and interactive form of a spelling test. Your child’s teacher will set lists of words that your child should practise and will monitor their progress.

Once your child has their login information they can access the online games via https://play.spellingshed.com.

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

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

English Lead/Class Teacher

The Ellis C of E Primary School

01226 753383

Dear Parent/Carer,

Your child’s class has been selected to represent the school in a Year 3 and 4 Multi Skills Competition at Netherwood School, on Thursday 4^th October 2018. The event will start at 1.30pm and will finish for 3.15pm. Children should arrive back at school no later than 3:30pm.

Your child will have their lunch before leaving for the venue at 1:10pm.

Children will travel to and from the venue via Beewise Coaches. Unfortunately due to space constraints, parents are not allowed to attend the event.

As always, participation in this event is dependent on your child showing good behaviour in school.

An annual consent form will be sent home with your child tonight, which, once completed can be usedas consent for this trip and future similar trips of this nature.

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

Yours faithfully,

Miss Cook

Dear Parents,

I will be running a free workshop for all parents / carers and grandparents of children within our Foundation Stage (F1 and F2).

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

It will take place on Thursday, 27th September at 1.15pm and will be repeated again at 5pm.

The workshop will last for approximately half an hour and refreshments will be available free of charge.

I look forward to seeing you all there.

Mrs Pollard

September 2018

Attendance and Punctuality

Dear Parents and Carers,

These are the procedures in place to deal with attendance and punctuality.

Punctuality

In the morning doors open at 8.55am to enable children to get to their classrooms ready for a 9.00 am start.

School finishes at 3.20 pm. (F2 3.10pm). Parents should ensure that they are at school at 3.20 pm to collect their children. If parents are not able to collect their children at 3.20 pm then alternative arrangements must be made by the parents so that the children are picked up on time.

Please ensure that school are aware who will be collecting your children from school.

Parents are also asked that they ensure that their children are picked up on time from their after school activities.

We accept that there are odd occasions when parents will be unavoidably delayed in picking up their children. If this happens you must telephone the school office as soon as you are aware that you will be delayed so that arrangements can be made to keep your child at school until you arrive. As pupils are of primary school age it is the parents’/carers’ responsibility to ensure that their children arrive at and are collected from school on time.

Absence from School

From September the 1^st 2013 the DfES Statutory requirements states that parents do not have the right to take their child out of school for holidays during term time. Amendments to the Education(Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 make clear that headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you wish to take your child out of school under these circumstances the ‘Leave of Absence in Term Time due to Exceptional circumstances’ form should be collected from Mrs Gay, completed and handed in to the office.

Attendance and punctuality will be taken into account prior to a decision being made with regards to exceptional circumstances.

If your child is ill the school should be contacted as soon as possible, preferably on the first day of absence, to give the reason for your child’s absence and a possible return to school date.

If school have not received a phone call to give a reason for the absence by 10.15 am, you will be contacted by the Attendance Officer.

Please note that attendance and punctuality are monitored rigorously both by school and the Education Welfare Service. When a child’s attendance level drops below 96.7% parents will receive a phone call and may be asked for evidence of a doctor’s appointment regarding any further absences. Mrs Gay will work with parents to improve attendance as poor attendance at school can result in fines for the parents.

If your child’s attendance drops below 90% it is classed as persistent absence and a letter will be sent home.

Medical/Dental Appointments

Wherever possible, medical/dental appointments must be made out of school hours.

Attendance statistics are collected regularly throughout the year by the DfES and in order for school to achieve a good attendance record we rely on the support of parents/carers.

Thank you for your support in ensuring that we have good attendance and punctuality rates.

Yours sincerely

Mrs T. Gay

PSA / Attendance Officer

Dear F2-Y6 Parent/Carer,

We would love for your child to use Spelling Shed as part of their school work and home learning.

Once your child has their login information they can access the online games via https://play.spellingshed.com.

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

Thank you for your continued support.

Miss A Saunders

English Lead/Class Teacher

The Ellis C of E Primary School

01226 753383

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Year 5 Educational Visit to Cannon Hall 21st November 2018, Y6 19th November As part of our Victorians topic this half term we have arranged a school visit to Cannon Hall to experience ‘life below stairs’. The purpose of this trip is to enrich our curriculum and give children an experience of what it was like to work for Mrs Spencer Stanhope during the Victorian period. Children will be experiencing life as kitchen staff, laundry maids, kitchen maids, under butlers and footman.

The total cost per pupil for the trip is £17.50 (including lunch) and can be paid through Parent Pay. Children will travel via coach which will leave school no later than 9:05am and return before home time. Your child will not need to bring a packed lunch as they will be cooking their own Victorian lunch.

I would be extremely grateful if you could send your child in Victorian clothes, ideas include:

Girls Boys:

Mop cap flat cap

Plain light blouse or shirt light coloured plain shirt

Plain dark long skirt large colourful hanky

Shawl (optional) long dark trousers

Dark boots or shoes black boots or shoes

Please could you complete the permission slip below and send with your child to school at the earliest possible opportunity.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me, I am available before and after school. Thank you for your continued support.

Miss Saunders

Year 5 Class Teacher

Dear Y5,6, Parents/Guardians,

I would like to explain below the expectations of Y5,Y6 and what will be sent out each half term and each week.

Home Learning Projects

Thank you for the projects that have been brought in so far, they are fantastic. Every half term I will send out a sheet with some home learning project ideas on them relating to our topic. These are open ended tasks which will allow children to be creative in the way they want to present their learning. This half term our topic is ‘The Tudors’ and therefore our activities are based around this. There are some ideas on the sheet but please feel free to be creative and allow your child to present their learning in whichever way they want to. Your child may want to complete one longer task over the half term however they are welcome to complete more than one activity. Please do not feel obliged to complete them all though, I have just listed various starting points as ideas! When your child has fully completed their project, please bring them into school so we can celebrate their learning together. If it is something which cannot be transported to school (or has been eaten if it is food-related!) it would be lovely if you could send in a photograph of it or email a photograph to school using theellisprimary@gmail.com

Reading

Thank you to everyone for your support in reading during Year 4, some children have really impressed me, remembering their reading diary every day. As a school we encourage children to continue reading at home as it is a vital part of developing all areas of English- including writing. If your child doesn’t enjoy reading books allow them to read using technology, it still counts! Newspapers and magazines as well as other non-fiction texts (like football programmes) also provide great opportunities for potentially reluctant readers. Please ensure that your child’s reading diary has been signed and that it is in school every day. We expect children in Years 5 and 6 to read at least three times per week.

Spellings

Spellings will be given out every Friday, children will have a week to practise and will be tested the following Friday, this is in preparation for SATS in Y6. A good strategy for learning spellings is to use the strategy ‘LOOK – COVER – WRITE – CHECK’. This follows the simple process of LOOK (allow your child the chance to look at the word), COVER (as it says cover it up, no peeking!), WRITE (write the word down), CHECK (check the spelling against the word, discussing what errors have been made if any). Repeat the process as they practise the word again. There are also some amazing interactive games on Spelling Shed- your child has a log on in the front of their spelling journal and reading record. I will set weekly tasks on Spelling Shed, these will be related to the spellings allocated on a Friday.

Maths

I have sent home some mathematical problems and puzzles for your child to have a go at (if they would like to). I will be awarding Class Dojos to the children for any completed tasks. They can be done weekly or, alternatively, they can save them and bring them in before the end of the half term. I intend to discuss the solutions in the final week of the half term. If your child does not complete them that is fine, this is completely optional.

Thank you for your continued support. I can’t wait to see some of their fantastic projects!

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher

Tudor Project Ideas-

Make a model of a Tudor house.

Write a story about a passenger on the Mary Rose.
Write a poem about the Spanish Armada.
Research and create a Tudor meal.
Research the style of clothing from the era.
Find out about Henry VIII/ Mary Queen of Scots and which castles/places they visited (Gainsborough Old House, Sheffield Castle, Manor House, Bishops House)

The list is by no means exhaustive, please feel free to be creative and go with your own interests

Miss A Saunders

Class Teacher

The Ellis C of E Primary School

01226 753383

Dear F2 Parents,

If your child will be attending the F2 Footy Stars club next week please go straight to the hall using the office entrance and staff will bring your child to you.

Thank you

11^th September 2018

Dear Parents / Carer

I’m writing to inform you that our year 5 children will be taking part in the Young Leaders Award this year. We’re really excited to be involved in this programme which has been designed and written by the Archbishop of York Youth Trust. For more information visit www.abyyt.com.

The Young Leaders Award aims to equip young people to be the change they want to see in their local communities, and through a number of interactive lessons and practical challenges our pupils will be involved in serving their community and making a difference. The award is currently available at Key stage 2, 3 and 4, and there are thousands of students across the North of England all taking part in changing their communities for the better.

We have started the programme today and look forward to all that our pupils will do to serve the local community. There may be opportunities for parents and family members to get involved in the community action projects that will take place later in the year, and we will be in touch with more details nearer the time.

At the end of the award each student will receive a certificate in our whole school award’s assembly to celebrate and share their success.

Thank you in anticipation for your support with this venture.

Yours sincerely

Mrs M Brinkley

HLTA KS2

Dear F2 Parents,

Thank you for your interest in the Footy Stars After School Club. Everyone who expressed an interest has been able to receive a place and there are 3 more places if anybody else would like to join.

I have the following names down:

Noah D, Ethan D, Oscar W, Jenson L, Henry B, Luke S and Ellis W.

The club will start on Tuesday and run initially up to the end of half term and we can re-assess it then. Your child can wear any kit, either football or PE kit.

If you have any further questions regarding this new club please contact me. I will attach the original email at the bottom for you to look back on if you feel the need.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear F2 Parents,

We have a new club for F2 boys and girls called Footy Stars which will be run by a fully qualified and insured coach.

The club is for children to learn and develop football skills and techniques in a safe and fun environment. Places are limited to 10 and an adult will need to accompany your child.

The club will start on Tuesday, 11th September from 3.15pm – 3.45pm and will cost £2.50 per week, payable directly to the coach, Adrian.

If you think your child would be interested in joining this club please reply by email and I will put your child’s name down on the register.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear Parents,

The following children have received a place at the after school clubs below:

Monday KS1 Multiskills – Caitlin R, Isla P, Jenson T, Sam W, Millie B, Oscar B, Matilda Sh, Zac C, Tallulah S, Matilda S, Oliver P, Seth B, Lucas I, Charlotte R, Jude M and Frankie W.

Wednesday KS2 Multiskills – Holly C, Isla S, Holly T, Callum S, Harry TF, Lukas B, Emilia A, Jacob W, Mia B, Eliza A, Hazel G, Oliver B, Darcie F, Noah Sh, Alfie B, Lucca C, Demi W, Delaney B, Erin K, Isaac K, Ruby B, Aidan C, Ben R, Lottie F and Elliott Mills.

The clubs start at 3.20pm and finish at 4.20pm and are free of charge.

Children will be taken into the hall to get changed and collection after the club is from the main office entrance door. The sports coach will let the children out as their parents arrive.

If your child no longer wishes to join the club, please email me. Likewise, if you feel your child should have received a place and their name is not on the list please let me know.

Thank you

Hayley Fiddes

Dear KS2 Parents,

Just to let you know that the 48 spaces for Young Voices filled very quickly this year. The children have been given a set of words to bring home and we will send ticket and order forms out in September.

There are a lot of words to learn, so have a look at them over the holidays and we will start rehearsing when we return in September.

Kind Regards

Mrs C Trotter

The EllisChurch Of England Primary School

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