Communication

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.

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 send £2.50 per guide into school.

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.

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. No additional consent is required for this trip.

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.

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.

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.

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. (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.

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. ( Year 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.

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.

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.

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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