Bulletin 19th January 2018

Dear Parents/Carers

“When the world says, ‘Give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘Try one more time.’” Unknown

READING COMPREHENSION

Our picture this week is entitled, “Glow”. Credit: Kate Parker

Where is the light coming from? Is the girl the

source of the lights?

Why might she be glowing?

Does she have any special abilities?

Can she control them?

Does she use them for good or bad?

Is she the only one?

What are her thoughts at this moment?

SPELLZONE

All children involved with Spellzone should now have received their log-ins and sat

their ability test. Please do not panic if your child is initially given some easier spellings

to whizz through – this is sometimes because children have accidentally typed in an

incorrect word on their test e.g. cat instead of cap. If parents feel that their child is

able to complete those spellings easily, then you can simply ‘fast forward’ through

the activities by pressing ‘next’. Children will still be expected to then take the end

of unit test to show that they do indeed know all the words before the software

will ‘jump’ to the next gap in knowledge.

The software has 3 levels: starter level, main programme and advanced. Your child may

be asked to complete one or two ‘starter’ units before they are taken to the main

programme if a gap has been identified.

WELL-BEING

Our Assemblies this half term are focusing on Emotional

Health and Wellbeing. On Monday, Mrs Burningham talked

about ‘How are we feeling?’ and outlined some steps to

improving feelings of well-being and self-esteem.

Most people will have low self-esteem at some point in their

lives - 75% of young people have felt it at least once. It can be

caused by a number of things – comparing ourselves to friends,

problems with family or at school or with our health.

Sometimes it passes on its own or we can take steps to help

ourselves feel better. Tackling low self-esteem early can help

prevent depression or anxiety developing.

These are some of the steps which were discussed.

For children:

Step 1: Understand why you focus on negatives

What negative things do you think about yourself?

When did you start thinking these things?

What happened to make you think this way?

Step 2: Challenge the negative feelings

Find reasons why these negative things aren’t true. Include things that have happened that prove they

aren’t true. Maybe the thing that caused those feelings has stopped.

Write down a list of these things to keep and bring out next time you feel low.

Step 3: Focus on the positive

Write down your best feature, the last time you received a compliment; the last time you did

something for someone that made you feel good.

Step 4: Find good people

How do the people around you make you feel?

Spend more time with the ones who make you feel good and less with the ones who make you feel

bad.

Step 5: Get Active

Think about doing something you enjoy. If you already have a hobby, do it more often. If you don’t, try

something new. Only do hobbies you enjoy, don’t keep plugging away at something you don’t have to

just because you think you have to.

Step 6: Set yourself some goals

Choose something you know you can already do and challenge yourself. Achievements are always

positive.

Get help from your parents or teacher if you have tried these steps and you still have negative feelings.

They will be able to work with you on your own particular needs.

How can parents promote good self-esteem with their children? We have included some advice below.

For parents:

Do give children choices. Giving children choices - within a reasonable set

of options preselected by you - makes them feel empowered. For example, at

breakfast you might offer your child the option of eggs or pancakes. Learning to

make simple choices while he's young will help prepare your child for the more

difficult choices he'll face as he grows.

Don't do everything for her. Be patient and let her work things out for

herself. For example, it may be faster and easier to dress your child, but letting

her do it herself helps her learn new skills. The more she meets new

challenges, the more competent and confident she'll feel.

Do let him know no one is perfect. And explain that no one expects him

to be. The way you react to your child's mistakes and disappointments colours the way he will react.

Don't gush or offer insincere praise. Kids are masters at detecting insincere praise or baseless

compliments. Praise your child often, but be specific in your compliments so your words don't ring hollow. For

instance, instead of reacting to your child's latest drawing with, "Wow, that's great. You're the best artist in

the world," try something like, "I really like how you drew the whole family. You even included details like

Daddy's beard."

Do assign age-appropriate household chores. Give children responsibility for tasks such as setting the

table, walking the dog, and folding laundry. They'll increase their feelings of competency and bolster their

problem-solving skills.

Don't draw comparisons between your children. Instead, appreciate each one's individuality and special

gifts.

Don't call children names or use sarcasm to make a point. Never belittle your child's feelings. When

you get angry take a short break so you don't say anything you'll regret. And keep in mind; you can dislike a

child's actions without disliking the child. Be sure to illustrate the difference to your child.

Do spend one-on-one time with your child. Whether it's grabbing a bite to eat or taking a bike ride, try

to schedule some alone time with your child at least once a week. This is a great opportunity to talk about

what's on their mind and to cement the bond the two of you share.

GRAMMAR OF THE WEEK

Today I have included a list of key words that children need to

know when thinking about grammar, according to appropriate year

groups.

From Year 3 onwards, children start to talk about main clauses and

sub-ordinate clauses. What are they and how do we teach them?

The MAIN clause in a sentence contains the main idea or action:

The SUBORDINATE clause in a sentence contains another idea

or action:

We can put these together to make a COMPLEX sentence:

because she was tired

Lucy went to bed because she was tired. Because she was tired, Lucy went to

bed.

Lucy went to bed

Can you identify both the main and the subordinating clauses in these sentences?

1. While looking through the window, Sophie saw the BFG.

2. Tom saw the maid when she came through the door.

3. Grandma said I could go out to play if I finished my homework.

4. Although it was late, Sean watched the film.

5. Mr. Smith bought the paper when he was on the train.

SPORTS REPORTS

On Thursday, Potley Hill 5/6 pupils played their first netball match against Westfields Junior School in Yateley.

Isaac M, Grace S, Hattie B, Lois C, Annabel R and Lily W were playing and the captain was Isaac M, who was

also the ‘Player of the match’.

It was a tricky game and the Westfields players were skilled and more experienced. Potley Hill played really

well as a team and communicated with each other well. Unfortunately, Potley Hill didn’t score any goals but

still worked very hard.

In the first quarter, Westfields scored 2 goals, in the third quarter 1 goal and in the fourth quarter 4 goals.

The game has left the team excited to play again together and to train and improve their teamwork and

tactics. They have picked up a few skills from the Westfields team. A quote from the Westfield teacher:

“Wow! If they carry on like this when they are in year 5, they will make a brilliant year 6 team!!”

Captain Isaac M said, “The team played well for our first netball match together.”

At the end of the game, both teams shook hands and said congratulations to each other.

The football squad also played on Thursday 18th, against Charles Kingsley’s school. Our team played very well

and we won 3-0. It was a tough game but we came out on top. The goals were scored by Callum, who

scored two goals and Leo who scored one, it was a very good header overall we played really well. By Callum

K.

PARENT COUNCIL

Our next parent council meeting is on Tuesday 6th February at 7.30pm in the staffroom. In order to be more

strategic in our meetings, we are going to carry out an analysis of the strengths and areas for development in

spelling and the setting of homework during the meeting. We will also spend a little time looking at the

Spellzone software for any parents who were unable to attend the earlier sessions.

CLASS ASSEMBLY

Next week we have our first class assembly of the term. Leopard Class (afternoon class) would like to invite

all parents and family members to their assembly on Thursday 25th January at 9.10am in the school hall.

TRAINEE TEACHERS

This week we welcomed Miss Annabel Pee, Miss Nadia Ali and Miss Rebecca Anstey to the school as part of

their training with Reading University to become teachers. They will be working in Ladybird, Hummingbird and

Flamingo classes over the next 8 weeks.

HISTORY WORKSHOPS

Last week was a busy one with Y5 & 6 enjoying a Greek workshop on Wednesday and Y3 & 4 likewise having

a lovely time learning about Stone Age times through role play and activities on Friday. These type of events

are really important in bringing the subject to life and getting children totally engaged in their learning. Thank

you to parents for providing such brilliant costumes and for sending in the voluntary contributions, without

which we would be unable to run such workshops.

PTA DISCO

The next school disco takes place on Thursday 1 February.

Reception and Infant Disco 5.30 – 6.45pm and Junior Disco 7.00 – 8.30pm.

Please complete the reply slip at the end of the bulletin and return this, along with the money in an envelope,

for the attention of Sara Bartlett PTA. This should be handed in via the office or your child's teacher.

The ticket price, which includes a juice drink (water is available too) and sweets, is as follows:-

Reception tickets are £2.80 each in advance (£3.30 on the door).

Years 1 to 6, tickets are £3.00 each in advance (£3.50 on the door).

Glow bands will be on sale at the disco at 20p each.

A gentle reminder that children are not allowed mobile phones at the disco.

To run this event we need 15 adult helpers for each disco. Please indicate on the reply slip if you are able to

help and a specific job will be allocated. Unfortunately we cannot allow younger children to attend while you

help as your full attention will be needed for the pupils attending the disco. Parents are politely asked not to

stay unless they are helping.

Thank you for your continued support, The PTA.

YEAR 6 SATS INFORMATION EVENING

This year’s SATs tests for Year 6 pupils will take place during the week beginning Monday 14th May. We will

be holding a meeting for Y6 parents regarding revision and the format of SATs tests on Wednesday 7th

February at 6pm. The PowerPoint will be emailed after the event to all Y6 parents in case you are unable to

attend. However, it is strongly recommended that parents come along so that items can be explained in detail

and answers given to any enquiries.

‘TOP HAT OF THE WEEK’

Child/ren Reason

Caterpillar Mason H For using his Green creative thinking hat to make a stained glass rocket.

Ladybird Sophia B For using her Green creative thinking hat when making a stained glass

rocket.

Flamingo Harrison H For using his Yellow thinking hat and settling down well to tasks in the

morning.

Hummingbird Alfie T-L For using his White thinking hat and his knowledge of time to help him

work out how many hours in 3 days, 4 days etc.

Puffin Mitchall R For using his Green thinking hat in Art. He paid close attention to the

shape of his face when drawing it.

Dolphin Sienna G For using her White and Green thinking hats to solve problems in

Maths.

Whale Luke J For using his Black, Green and Yellow thinking hats to improve his

Morris dancing routine.

Shark Elizabeth R For using her White thinking hat to apply spelling rules.

Leopard Callum K For using his White and Green thinking hats to work logically through

reasoning questions in Maths.

Lion Empress E For using her White and Blue thinking hats to produce an excellent set

of written instructions.

Tiger Arran K-G For using his Blue thinking hat in history to ask meaningful questions.

CALENDAR DATES

DATE EVENT

W/c 22nd January Streets Ahead training for Y1 & 2 (pedestrian safety)

Thursday 25th January Leopard Class Assembly at 9.10am

Y5/6 Futsal tournament at Samuel Cody 4-6pm

Wednesday 31st January E-Safety evening for all Yateley parents at Frogmore Infant

School 6.45pm

Y5/6 Cross Country Fun Run at Wavell TBC 4-5pm

Thursday 1st February Caterpillar Class Assembly

PTA Disco

Friday 2nd February Y1/2 walk around Yateley

Monday 5th February Assessment updates to be sent home to parents

Tuesday 6th February

Art Exhibition for cluster schools “My Community”

Parent Council meeting at 7.30pm

Wednesday 7th February Yr 6 SATs information evening for parents

Y5/6 Cross Country League Race 4-5pm

Thursday 8th February Puffin Class Assembly

Y5/6 Athletics event 3-6pm at Samuel Cody

W/c Monday 12th February Half term

Wednesday 21st February Y3/4 trip to Wisley Gardens

Y5/6 Cross Country League Race at Calthorpe 3.30-4.30

Thursday 22nd February Tiger Class Assembly

Y5/6 Basketball tournament at Samuel Cody

Friday 23rd February Termly Mathletics reports to be sent home to parents

Tuesday 27th February Y1/2 trip to Windsor Castle

Wednesday 28th February Y5/6 Festival of Running at Frogmore 4-6

Thursday 1st March National offer date – Secondary Schools

Flamingo Class Assembly

Thursday 8th March Lion Class Assembly

Y1/2 Multi-skills Festival at Samuel Cody 3.30-5

Friday 9th March YR Mums afternoon

Thursday 15th March Hummingbird Class Assembly

Y5/6 Tag Rugby Festival at Samuel Cody 4-6

Thursday 22nd March Ladybird Class Assembly

Y3/4 Tag Rugby Festival at Samuel Cody 4-6

Monday 26th March Y3/4 production to rest of school

Tuesday 27th March Y3/4 production to parents at 2pm

Wednesday 28th March Y3/4 production to parents at 6.15pm

Thursday 29th March Last Day of Spring term

Monday 16th April 1st day of Summer term

Tuesday 17th April Parent Consultations

Thursday 19th April Parent Consultations

Friday 4th May INSET

Monday 7th May Bank Holiday

W/c Monday 14th May Y6 SATs

Monday 14th – Wednesday 16th May Y4 Residential to Marchants Hill (PGL)

Thursday 24th May PTA Disco

W/c Monday 28th May Half term

W/c Monday 11th June Phonics testing for Y1

W/c Monday 9th July Y6 Residential to France

Monday 16th July End of Year Written reports to be sent home to parents

Friday 20th July Last day of summer term for children

Monday 23rd July INSET

Monday 3rd September New academic year – likely to be INSET though not yet

finalised.

Reminders:

OVERVIEW OF HOMEWORK FROM JANUARY

Year R Year 1 Year 2 Year 3, 4 & 5 Year 6

At least 4 x

weekly reading

for 15 min

Maths Targets

Word packs

(linked to

reading)

1 x spelling per

week starting

Spring term

At least 4 x

weekly reading

for 15 min

At least 2 x

Mathletics tasks

set each week

At least 2 x

10min spelling

on Spellzone

At least 4 x

weekly reading

for 15 min

At least 2-3 x

Mathletics tasks

set each week

At least 2 x

10min spelling

on Spellzone

Times Table

Rock Stars at

least 2 x weekly

At least 4 x

weekly reading

for 15 min

At least 3-5 x

Mathletics tasks

set each week

At least 3 x

15min spelling

on Spellzone

Times Table

Rock Stars at

least 2 x weekly

At least 4 x

weekly reading

for 15 min

At least 4 - 6 x

Mathletics tasks

set each week

(until Revision

time)

At least 3 x

15min spelling

on Spellzone

(until Revision)

Times Table

Rock Stars at

least 2 x weekly

YR 1\2 WALK

As part of our Geography topic “Where do I live?” Years 1 and 2 will be taking a walk into Yateley to explore

the features of the village. We will be walking during the afternoon of Friday 2nd February. Please ensure

your child has comfortable walking shoes, a coat and water bottle in school on this day.

We would welcome any parent/grandparent help during this afternoon, so please speak to your child’s class

teacher if you would be willing to take a little walk into Yateley with us.

E-SAFETY EVENING FOR PARENTS

As local cluster schools, we are holding an e-safety information evening for parents on Wednesday 31st

January at 6.45pm. Sharon Girling, an ex-police officer, will be leading the evening. This will take place at

Frogmore Infant School and we strongly encourage you to attend what always is an eye-opening evening for

parents!

CLASS ASSEMBLIES & PRODUCTIONS

Each class, apart from those in Y3/4 who will be doing the end of term production, will be inviting parents in

to watch an assembly this term. The Spring term is always incredibly short and time for learning is extremely

precious. For this reason, most of the assemblies will be used to show off what the children have been doing in

a ‘show and tell’ type format – this will help us to avoid lengthy rehearsals! The dates for each are as follows

(all at 9.10am):

Thursday 25th January: Leopard Class (afternoon class)

Thursday 1st February: Caterpillar Class

Thursday 8th February: Puffin Class

Thursday 22nd February: Tiger Class (afternoon class)

Thursday 1st March: Flamingo Class

Thursday 8th March: Lion Class (afternoon class)

Thursday 15th March: Hummingbird Class

Thursday 22nd March: Ladybird Class

On Monday 26th March, Y3/4 will perform their show to the rest of the school. Parents will be invited on the

afternoon of Tuesday 27th March with a final evening performance at 6.15pm on Wednesday 28th March (NO

CHILDREN UNDER SECONDARY SCHOOL AGE WILL BE PERMITTED).

Email: adminoffice@potleyhill.hants.sch.uk www.potleyhill.hants.sch.uk

Ma.........................................................................................................................................................................

Reply Slip - School Disco – Thursday 1 February 2018

I would like:

…..… Reception tickets at £2.80

…..… Infant tickets at £3.00

…...... Junior tickets at £3.00

Total enclosed: £ ……………………… (Cheques are payable to Potley Hill School PTA)

Child's name: ……………….………………………………........………….. Class: ................................................

If your child has any medical condition you feel it would be helpful for us to know (or has an inhaler/epiPen

held at school for them), please give details here: ...........................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................. ________________________________________________________________________________

Helpers: I am able / unable to help at the Infant Disco / Junior Disco

Name: …........................................................................ Signature……………………………..……. Parent/Guardian

If you are able to help please can you provide your email and/or mobile number as we will allocate jobs before

the event to help the disco run more smoothly.

Email: ............................................................................... Mobile Number: ………………………...............

Do you hold a current DBS? ................................................

If yes please can you confirm your reference number: .........................................................................

ny thanks