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MARCH NEWS

This newsletter is posted on the

website: www.molescroftpri

mary.netFrom the website it is possible to click on the SCHOOL

BLOG which is an online

photographic diary of life at the

school.

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Catch the Express to the Starlight Dear Parents, Carers, Governors, Friends, Staff and Pupils

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The Annual Theatre Club has become one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Molescroft Primary School calendar. Recent productions of, We Will Rock You, Oliver! Annie, Bugsy Malone, Cats and last year’s amazing Into the Woods have been huge successes and I know the children have been trying to second guess this year’s production.

As always it is not easy. It is often a surprise to parents that a primary school is treated in the same way as a West End Theatre. We have to apply for performing rights, pay royalties, hire scripts/scores, sign contracts and choose from within the narrow band of shows actually

available for production. Generally speaking most shows being produced professionally in the United Kingdom are off limits to amateurs.

So I am thrilled that the rights have been secured to present Andrew Lloyd Webber Richard Stilgoe and David Yazbek’s “Starlight Express” and before you panic, it will not be on roller skates, though scooters will feature! It was one of the longest running musicals in West End history, with 7,408 performances; It is also the most popular musical show in Germany, where it has been performed continuously since 1988.

"Starlight Express" is a nine year old boy's dream. In his dream, his toy trains come to life for a spectacular race across America. The competition between steam, electric, and diesel engines is fast and fierce with entries from France, Italy, Russia, Great Britain, Germany, Japan and the U.S.A. The trains take on their own characters and there is romance featuring the underdog steam train Rusty, who seeks the meaning of life through his misadventures.

He turns to his father for advice and is told he has to find the Starlight if he is to win the race, but which race is he running?

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R Monday Night is Theatre Club Night Continued from page 1. Did I say I was excited at the prospect?

There are fantastic opportunities for singing, dancing and acting for all our Year 4 to Year 6 pupils. As in the past Y4 to Y6 Routines Dance Clubs and Urban Dance Clubs will be preparing some spectacular routines for the show.

Rehearsals for Theatre Club will be held largely on Monday evenings after school from 3.30 p.m. and up to 6:30 p.m. though there may be some on other evenings for soloists.

The first meeting for everyone interested will be on Friday 17th March from 1:15pm to 2:15pm. At this rehearsal the story will be explained, and numbers looked at so that chorus groups can be arranged. Most importantly arrangements will be made to support those in Year 5 and Year 6 who wish to take on a solo role. There will be a lot of involvement for the chorus members. This is going to be a magical adventure for all those who wish to participate.

Whereas I realise that performing on stage is not everyone’s “cup of tea”, I do hope the children will once again want to be part of a great Molescroft tradition. Last year over 140 took part in Into the Woods.

Monday 27th March will be the main audition session from 3:30pm to 5:00pm for Year 5 and 6 only. This will be to audition singing talent and the ability to tell a story through song. There may be recalls on Wednesday 29th March. Final decisions will not be announced until after the weekend and after a public performance in assembly on Friday 31st March 2017.

Eventually there will be a rehearsal schedule meaning that children will not have to attend every Monday evening or indeed for the full Monday evenings. It will be important though that every child involved does attend when required and that once a commitment is made it is expected that everyone will see the project through to the end.

Children will be able to make a decision on whether they wish to remain with the production up to Wednesday 5th April, when final lists will be published. Meanwhile work start this month in lunchtime dance clubs. I realise some children have other commitments. We may be able to get round these if individuals see Mr. Loncaster. Children may bring a snack to the club to be eaten at a scheduled break time. The first rehearsal will be on the first day back after the Easter Holiday i.e Monday 24th April 2017. With the Summer Term being relatively short it will be a tough call to get everything ready in time.

IMPORTANT DATESTHURSDAY 6th July 3:30pm to 6:30pm First Rehearsal on the stage for everyone.Saturday 8th July 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Soloists only rehearsal on the stage.Sunday 9th July 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Full Dress Rehearsal for everyone.Monday 10th July Final RehearsalPerformance Nights 7 p.m. Wednesday 12th, Thursday 13th and Friday 14th July 2017.Pupils must be available for each night unless there are extenuating circumstances which should be discussed with Mr. Loncaster as soon as possible.

Costumes will largely have to be provided by members but support and advice will be offered. Some items will be prepared in school for which there will be a charge.

SOME OF THE MANY CHARACTERS Rusty, Pearl, Electra, Greaseball, Poppa, Dinah, Duvay, Buffy, Hip Hopper 1, Hip Hopper 2, Hip Hopper 3, Caboose, Dustin, Flat Top, Engine 1 – Nintendo, Engine 2 – Ruhrgold, Engine 3 – Turnov, Engine 4 – Pow/Trax 2, Trax, Purse, Joule, Volta, Wrench, Voice of Control

A very important section for parents about the audition process.

On occasions I receive letters and emails from parents, not expressing disappointment in the casting decisions but rather attacking the school for not selecting their child for a main part.The process of auditioning is competitive. The best person for each part is selected by at least five members of staff. This will include acting ability, projection and also the ability to sing with confidence the songs in the range in which they are written. It may be that one child who may be ideal for one part in one show is not at all well matched for a part in Starlight Express. This is, I guess “Show business”!

What we do, which is quite remarkable is offer every child who wishes, the chance to be in a full length West End show with all the lights, costumes, music and effects. Even if all 185 in Year 4 to Year 6 want to participate, somehow i will accommodate them. That is being inclusive. We will not however select a child to perform in front of 150 adults if the child cannot sing in the range and consequently would struggle. That would be cruel.

So Parents/Carers I ask you please to prepare your sons and daughters for the possibility of disappointment in the search for stardom. There are normally up to 50 children wishing to audition for a main part. There are not 50 solo parts. In addition though parents, I respectfully ask you to prepare yourselves for that situation when your son or daughter doesn’t get a main part. Stepping forward for audition is a brave thing to do, but for the majority it will end in a degree of disappointment.

M.A. Loncaster.

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R GOVERNOR OF THE MONTH: Ade AdamsonA NEW FEATURE

Following the Parent/Carer survey last Summer, it was suggested that in order to help parents to get a better knowledge of the governing body, a feature should be included in the newsletter.Below is the first such feature from our Chair of Governors: Mr. Adrian (Ade) Adamson. Parents/Carers are also reminded that earlier this month, every parent received an email with this year’s Annual Report for Parents from the Governing Body. This document gives a great insight into the work of the Governing Body.

I'm from Sunderland originally, but moved to Hull to go to University, studying Psychology and Biology, and just never went back. I had intended to go into teaching, but decided to join the local constabulary instead. I've now been a Police Officer for over 20 years, meeting my wife Nicola when I first started. I worked in uniform in Hull for 7 years before starting my CID career. In that time I've worked in various crime units, but have spent over ten years investigating sexual offences, internet offences and domestic violence. It's very hard sometimes, and can be extremely stressful, but it's also really rewarding work. I'm currently a Detective Sergeant working in the East Riding dealing with referrals for children and vulnerable adults. I also give talks at local schools and groups about internet safety.

I've been married to Nicola for over 17 years and we have two girls; one now at Longcroft and the other still at Molescroft. Both love it here and my eldest still visits now and again; always a mole. I've been a parent governor for just over four years and it's been a steep learning curve for someone without a background in education. I'm still learning. I've recently taken over as chair of the governing body after Tony stepped down. I've got some pretty big shoes to fill, but with the support of Michael, the incredible staff and the rest of the governors, I'm sure we'll continue to work hard and support the school now, and in the future.

MOLESCROFT S.T.E.M WEEK 2017S.T.E.M. Week is fast approaching in Molescroft Primary School. On Monday 6th March our young scientists will be delighted to know that Professor Brainstorm is to return. The professor has visited our school during STEM Weeks for the last seven years and performed amazing Science-based shows. This year he will be presenting a range of new and exciting productions.

The shows are differentiated across the formats to appeal to the different age groups and match the children’s Science experience.

A donation of £1.50 per child will be much appreciated. This will partially cover the cost of

Professor Brainstorm. Please send in a marked envelope on Monday 6th March 2017.

In addition all the children will be enjoying some great STEM activities led by special guests from the “real world” many of them parents of our children being role models for our future scientists and engineers. This includes Mrs. Hudson from McCain covering the “journey of the potato to oven chip”. In addition Commander Walker will

be looking at the physics of the Submarine with Year 6. Dr. Kelly from Reckitt Benckiser is discussing her work as a chemist and setting up some experiments. Our enthusiastic STEM coordinators Miss Baker, Mrs. Nicholls, Mrs. Hairsine and Mrs. Crofts, have been organising the week at Molescroft Primary School. Look out for the special STEM pack, which has been emailed to you with fun activities you may like to try, in order to bring STEM week into the home.

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R COMIC RELIEF Eurovision Joke Contest! Friday 24th March 2017We generally only engage in Charity Fundraising during the special fortnight in November. The exception is the annual Sport / Comic Relief day. This year it is Comic Relief.

There is no particular theme this year so I suppose anything goes within reason!

On Friday 24th March therefore, pupils (and staff) may come to school with a comic relief nose, and/or with Pyjamas or a Onesie to wear. Each class will during the week leading up to the big day have a competition to choose their entry into the “Eurovision” Joke

Contest to be held in Assembly at the end of the day. The winning joke from each class will be judged by a team of ”experts” and the winning entrant will receive the Red Nose Trophy.

At the end of the newsletter is a sponsor form. This is entirely optional. If children just wish to put a donation in a bucket on the day, this will be perfectly acceptable.

Why are pirates funny?Because

they Arrrr!

Arrigato THANK YOU

I have received many thanks for the Japan Festival and the International Evening. A common thread has been how the children have been coming home inspired by the country and have been amazing parents with their knowledge and understanding of this fascinating country. To achieve the three week festival and the International evening takes an immense amount of planning and engagement which began last June. Without the willingness of team Molescroft it just could not happen. I am indebted to them all. In particular I must thank all the members of the DIEDRE committee who start the planning for the programme; Mr. Williams and Miss Johns for the fantastic organisation, coordination and leadership of the entire package including the passport; the school office for all the contacts and background arrangements; the volunteers who made the Happis, the school kitchen for providing the catering, Mr. Morton for 1000 sushi samples and Mr. Platten without whose cooperation and flexibility the evening would be impossible. Of course we thank the fabulous artists, dancers and musicians, Judo Coaches (thank you again Mr. Platten), cultural leads and our very special guests from Japan who brought the country to life for us.

We are all grateful to our Business Sponsors: Beverley Building Society, Acklams Coaches and Lee Garden for ensuring that the donation requested from Parents/carers was pegged again at only £6. In addition I must thank all the parents and carers who so enthusiastically back the school in being able to provide such a monumental annual event (including the generous parent who paid double … thank you!) and of course most of all the children. Once again their enthusiasm and engagement and fantastic behaviour encourages us to plan for another extravaganza next year. They make it worthwhile, educationally, socially, for the good of the world we live in and our future citizens.

Sadly 20% of parents chose not to contribute to the event this year. This has never happened before and has led to a £500 hole in the finances. Please do consider contributing if you have not done, so far.

Without the backing of the community we cannot finance such events. You are all aware of the increasing financial constraints on the school’s budget. It is getting harder to maintain all our programmes though I am determined that your children will not be the first to get less than those who have got before. Remember the £6 donation goes part way to paying for all the cultural experiences your child enjoyed including Taiko Drumming, Bon Odori Dancing, Origami and Calligraphy workshops, Judo Lessons, a Happi to wear, Specialist Artists, and of course the International Evening itself. Of course we could cover these areas of the curriculum in a basic manner, but by bringing the curriculum to life like this inspires your children and enhances their learning experience. By blocking elements of the curriculum as we do, ensures that no two weeks are alike. The curriculum remains fresh and alive and the inspiration to read and write is never diminished.

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R Our Friends need YOU AGM and TEA PARTY: Friday 10th March 2017 3:30pm in the Hall It is that time of year again and like last year we would like to invite you to a tea party straight after school on Friday 10th March at 3.30 pm in the school hall. Everyone is invited to find out just what we’ve been up to this year, how much has been raised and what we are now saving up for. There will be refreshments served and children are also welcome. It won’t be long and the ‘boring’ bits of the AGM will be kept short. 2017 is another crunch year for the Friends not least because our Chair and Finance Officers will be retiring their posts.

This will be a good opportunity to meet the current team and find out what they do and that it is quite fun being a Friend of Molescroft Primary School. It will be fast, fun, filling and informative. All over by 4:15pm at the very latest!

I am once again indebted to the Friends Association for their hard work and dedication across a very busy year. Under the enthusiastic leadership of Neil Theobald, the Friends have once again had an amazingly successful year and as you

know have funded the New Maths Mastery materials for all our pupils to work on ensuring that Molescroft is ahead of the curve. The next investment is about to be made so do come along even if you cannot stay until the end.

MODESHIFT STARS Silver award …next gold Modeshift STARS is the national schools awards scheme that recognises schools who have demonstrated excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable travel. The scheme encourages schools across the country to join

in a major effort to increase levels of sustainable and active travel in order to improve the health and well-being of children and young people.

This year we are working towards the gold level of award. To be successful we will be participating in the Safer Roads Humber Competition; a Walk to school week; an active travel bike breakfast for anyone that comes to school on a bike etc; a safety assembly about wearing cycling helmets; a family cycle ride from the school after school for our children and families who are interested; and facilitating a bike maintenance course for the Year 5.

The Friends Committee over the years has funded the most amazing investment into this school. The impact can not be over stated. Your children benefit from the work of the Friends every day they are here.

Nominations forms for chair and committee membership are available from the office and should be returned to the School Office by 3:30pm on Friday 10th March 2017 at the latest. They must be in an envelope addressed to Mr. Loncaster : Friends A.G.M.

Easter Garden The centre piece to our Easter Celebrations

We shall continue our annual tradition of creating an Easter Garden celebrating renewed life and hope again this year. The garden will be a focus for our attention in assemblies for the final week of term. Children are therefore encouraged to bring a small arrangement of spring flowers to school on Monday 3rd April. The

flowers should be in a plastic vase e.g. a cut down plastic bottle. Alternatively a small potted plant such as a spring pansy or primula might be preferred. All potted plants /bulbs are transferred to our grounds and bloom there for weeks and many return to bloom each year.

The flowers will be brought into assembly, hopefully they will then continue to blossom through to our final assembly of the term on Friday 7th April 2017

A focus for our Easter contemplations

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R FRIENDS EVENTS THIS SPRINGBags to School

The next bags to school collection is organised for Wednesday 8th March 2017. If you have any unwanted clothes, belts, handbags, shoes which you need to get rid of then this is your chance. We are paid by weight but please note we have now been informed that they can NO LONGER ACCEPT BEDDING, BLANKETS, TOWELS OR ANYTHING WITH BADGES AND THAT ALL DONATIONS NOW MUST BE ABLE TO BE REUSED. You will have received an empty bag via book bags before half term. Once you have filled them please bring them to school on the Wednesday morning and throw them over the fence onto the grassed area at the end of the school car park by 9am please. A FOMS member will be in attendance. Unfortunately, we do not have any storage facilities so bags cannot be brought before then. Should you run out of bags, any type will do.

Easter Egg Raffle

The popular Easter Egg raffle is back again this year. We hope to have a large display of eggs and the raffle will be drawn at the assembly on Thursday 6th April. Tickets will be on sale from Monday 13th March and will be 50p a strip to be sold in school at lunchtime by the pupil secretaries. Of course, in order to make it a success we are appealing to your generosity and asking for donations of Easter eggs, large or small. As usual all donations will be greatly appreciated and can be placed in the decorated trolley in the foyer. There will be mention of the activity in assembly and pupils will be reminded to consider carefully how much they think wise to spend on the raffle. I ask parents to have a similar conversation at home.

School Discos

The next school discos will be split over two separate dates. KS2 Spring Term Disco will be held on Thursday 30th March and KS1 and FY Disco will be held on Friday 31st March. As is now the custom, children will be sent to the exits that they normally leave school through. These will be manned by staff. Please wait there to collect children, not at the front door. Access to the site via the South Playground closes at 3:45pm. Please use the North entrance off St. Leonard’s Road. All gates to the Foundation Year will be open.

If anybody can volunteer to help at the discos or bake buns this will be greatly appreciated. Please complete the slip. Please assume your offer is accepted. There are 150 tickets available for each disco. There may be some availability on the days, but this cannot be guaranteed.

KS2 Spring Term Disco runs from 3:30pm to 5pm and costs £2.50 which includes a bag of crisps and unlimited juice. Hot dogs and buns will be on sale.

FY & KS1 Disco will start at 3:15pm so that the children can be delivered directly from class and runs until 4:30pm. The cost of £3 includes free drinks, a hot dog and bun. There will be nothing to purchase on the day. Please complete the slip on the Friends letter and hand into the Office to book tickets.

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R A CHANGE TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE DAYDetails were sent to parents earlier in the week.As you are aware, changes initiated in the Curriculum and most notably in the assessment arrangements have significantly raised the bar in terms of what is expected of our pupils most notably in English and Maths. In simple terms the general expectations have risen by a year. What was once expected of a pupil in Year 7 i.e. secondary school is now expected in Year 6. On top of this are the new expectations in Grammar. Many parents were genuinely shocked by what exactly their children are expected to know as demonstrated at parents’ meetings held last September for Year 2 and Year 6.

At Molescroft we launched an immediate reorganisation of the Curriculum for September 2014 and have continued to review this. In September of last year, the most significant decision was to take on board the Maths Mastery approach, to ensure a real embedding of understanding and security of understanding in Maths. We believe it will give our pupils a real sense of security as they face national tests.

You will also know me well enough to know that the breadth of our curriculum is central to our ethos. The place of the Arts and PE are crucial to the development of the whole individual. We are about developing our young people for a life to be lived to the full and with rich experiences designed to open doors and opportunities. Some schools appear to have reduced the broad curriculum to a bare skeleton with little other than Maths and English.

We have however, to operate in the real world and as part of our 20 ideas campaign we have been looking at the structure of lessons and the school day itself. After considerable thought the following changes began today. The overall aim has been to increase the time available for English and Maths and also for PE, particularly in winter months, when the demand on the hall is at its greatest. The team have agreed to a new structure which will provide an extra 2 hours per week for English and Maths and extra PE sessions for all. We have been informed of a new expectation from the government that all children will do 1 hour of organised Physical activity per day. Half of this is to be in school. The other half evidently is over to you. Our clubs however can be used to support you in achieving your part. I don’t think there is an expectation that parents will have their own Ofsted Inspections!

So to achieve this the following has been put in place.

• Assembly has been moved to the afternoon every day.

• This has enabled us to redesign the Hall timetable and facilitate 2 new hall slots per day. Children will also benefit from a fitness unit every week from November to April, with full year groups enjoying this together in the hall.

• There will therefore be no playtime in an afternoon. This is not unusual and many schools follow this pattern. It was considered shortening the lunch break but getting everyone through the dining hall in just an hour is unlikely and even more concerning was the effect that it would have on lunchtime clubs, which offer so many experiences to our pupils.

• In addition, 9 hours each of RE, History and Geography per year will be specifically taught through English time. For example, research in History could lead to a report being written in English.

• Finally, after Easter the Food Technology Curriculum will be taught in PPA afternoons. Each child in groups of ten will engage in a cooking unit every term. These will be designed to teach cookery skills and will link to seasons rather than other curriculum units.

Clearly the children will at first be disappointed to lose their afternoon playtime, but they have been promised that for hard and sustained work, their teachers can take them on to the Adventure Playground for a release of energy.

The impact will be studied very carefully. I believe that the changes described above will ensure that our pupils will have the best chance to achieve the new challenging goals which are now expected of them. Equally important though it will ensure that the rich and inspiring curriculum which we offer the children will be secure. To lose that would be a betrayal of our children’s childhood and also I believe the needs of this country; to provide a generation of highly skilled, articulate and tolerant citizens equipped to be the next leaders, designers, inventors, innovators, discoverers and creators; for these skills are surely the bedrock of what this country does best.

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As always, I am indebted to the staff and volunteers who give up so much to offer extra curricular activities to our children. Below is a list of Clubs which operate at school. Clubs in bold indicate a change. Clubs in italics are provided through the Extended Schools Initiative, are NOT staffed by Molescroft, have a booking form AND usually incur a small fee. (CODE) indicates the location of/changing for club e.g Y5BN = Y5 room Mrs. Nicholls / (Y2JW) = Y2 room Mr. WilliamsDay Time Club Age Groups LeaderDaily

12:30pm - 1:00pm Lego Therapy (IC) (by invitation) Mrs. CharltonEnrichment Clubs: various days and times (watch out for separate letters from Mrs. Lazenby)

Monday 8am - 8:40am Enhancing Spanish (FY) Y5 to Y6 Mrs. Schravesande12:00 noon - 1pm Library is open to Y6 Children Y6 Mrs. Tippett12:00pm – 12:30pm Chess (Y6VT) Intermediate Mrs Coward12 noon - 12:35pm Routines Dance (Y2SP) Y3 Mrs. Bulless12:35pm - 1:10pm Routines Dance (Y2SP) Y2 Mrs. Bulless12:00pm - 12:35pm Spanish for Beginners (FY) Y1 to Y4 Mrs. Schravesande12:35pm - 1:10pm Spanish for Beginners (FY) Y1 to Y4 Mrs. Schravesande12:30pm - 1:00pm Craft Club (Y1) Y1 & Y2 Miss Spencer & Mrs. Dixon12:30pm - 1:10pm Talented Artists (Y4SL) By Invitation Mrs. Ripley

12:30pm - 1:10pm Inspiring Writing (Y5BR) Y5 & Y6 Mr. Rowsell 3:30pm - 4:30pm Basketball (Y5BR) Y5/Y6 Mr. Rowsell

Moving to Tuesday after Easter also NO CLUB on Monday 27th March 2017Sept 2017 3:30pm - 4:30pm Tag Rugby (Y4SM) Y3 to Y6 Tigers Sport Ed Trust

In light rain the club will continue outside. In heavy rain an indoor activity will be provided in Mr. Morton’s classroom.April 2017 3:30pm - varies Theatre Club (see schedule) Y4 to Y6 Mr. Loncaster

ATTENDANCE ORGANISED BY REHEARSAL TIMETABLE from APRIL 24th. Y5/Y6 Auditions 27th March 2017Tuesday

12 noon - 12:35pm Routines Dance (Y5BN) Y5 Mrs. Bulless12:00 noon - 1pm Library is open to Y4 Children Y4 Y6 Volunteers12:35 - 1:10pm Routines Dance (Y5BN) Y4 Mrs. Bulless12:30pm – 1:00pm Christian Club (FY) All Miss Fullam, Mrs Norman, Mrs Hulse

Please note this is a religious/faith club; in the style of a ‘Sunday School’, Parents/carers should inform the school if they wish their child not to attend

12:00pm – 12:30pm Chess for all (Y6VT) Beginners Mrs Coward 12:35pm – 1:10pm iPad Club (Y6MB) Y6 Mr Britton

3:30pm - 4:30pm Table Tennis (Atrium) Y6 Mrs Coward In light rain the club will continue outside. In heavy rain an indoor activity will be provided in Mr. Rowsell’s classroom.

3.40pm – 4.35pm Gymnastics (FYCP) Y1 - Y2 Head Coach of Meridian Gym4:35pm – 5:35pm Gymnastics (FYCP) Y3-Y6 & Advanced “ “ “

Wednesday12:00 - 12:35pm Routines Dance (Y6VT) Y6 Mrs. Bulless12:00 noon - 1pm Library is open to Y5 Children Y5 Y6 Volunteers12:35 - 1:10pm Routines Dance (Y6VT) Y1 Mrs. Bulless12:30pm - 1:00pm Jigsaw Club (Y2SP) Y1 & Y2 Miss Powers12:30pm - 1:15pm Frenchtastic next steps (FY) KS2 Mrs. McKie3:30pm – 4:30pm Boys Football (Y2JW) Y3 & Y4 Mr. Williams

In light rain the club will continue outside. In heavy rain an indoor activity will be provided in Mr. Wood’s classroom.Moving to Tuesday after Easter

3:30pm – 4:30pm Football Coaching (FY) FY TO Y2 Tigers Sport Ed Trust Children to change in FOUNDATION Room. Parents may support in the room, but not go further into school

In light rain the club will continue outside. In heavy rain an indoor activity will be provided in the changing room.3:30pm – 4:30pm Hockey Coaching (Y3KS) Y3 TO Y6 Tigers Sport Ed Trust

In light rain the club will continue outside. In heavy rain an indoor activity will be provided in Miss Spencer’s classroom.3:30pm - 4:30pm Code Club (IC) Y4 toY6 Mr. Médard de Chardon 3:30pm - 4:30pm Girls Football (Y3MW) Y3 - Y6 Miss Johns

In light rain the club will continue outside. In heavy rain an indoor activity will be provided in Mr. Wood’s classroom.Moving to Tuesday after Easter

3:30pm - 4:30pm Badminton (Parish Centre) Y3 to Y6 Tigers Sport Ed Trust 4:30pm - 5:30pm Badminton for girls (PC) Y3 to Y6 Mr. I. Brice

Enrichment Clubs: various days and times (watch out for separate letters from Mrs. Lazenby)PLEASE NOTE ALL EVENING CLUBS: THE COLLECTION POINT FOR PARENTS AND EXIT ROUTE FOR CHILDREN IS THROUGH THE MAIN FRONT DOOR. PUPILS MUST NOT LEAVE VIA THE Y5/Y6 DOOR OR ANY OTHER EXTERNAL

CLASSROOM DOOR.THE MAIN RECEPTION DOOR SWITCHES TO AUTOMATIC CLOSURE AT 4:15PM

ADULTS WATCHING THE OUTDOOR CLUBS MUST LEAVE THE SITE VIA THE NORTH GATE ONTO ST. LEONARD’S ROAD.

Access to the site via the South Playground closes at 3:45pm.

CLUBS: Making More of Molescroft FROM THE WEEK COMMENCING: Monday 6th March 2017

As always, I am indebted to the staff and volunteers who give up so much to offer extra curricular activities to our children. Below is a list of Clubs which operate at school. Clubs in bold indicate a change. Clubs in italics are provided through the Extended Schools Initiative, are NOT staffed by Molescroft, have a booking form AND usually incur a small fee. (CODE) indicates the location of incl. changing for the club e.g Y5BN = Y5 room Mrs. Nicholls / (Y2JW) = Y2 room Mr. WilliamsDay Time Club Age Groups LeaderThursday

12:00 noon - 1pm Library is open to Y2 Children Y2 Y6 Volunteers12:30pm - 1:15pm Frenchtastic for beginners (FY) FY to Y2 Mrs. McKie12:30pm – 1:00pm Sewing & Knitting (Y6VT) Y5/Y6 Mrs Coward12.30pm – 1.00pm Choir (Y6MB) Y3 - Y6 Mr Britton12:00pm - 12:35pm Gardening Club Y4 Mrs. Goff 12:30pm - 1:00pm Horrible Histories (Y2JW) Y1 & Y2 Mr. Williams3:30pm - 4:30 pm Netball Club (Y6VT) Y5 & Y6 Mrs. Mitchell-Smith

In light rain the club will continue outside. In heavy rain an indoor activity will be provided in Mrs. Tippett’s Room. 3:30pm - 4:30pm Ultimate Frisbee (Y3KS) Y4 - Y6 Mr. Médard de Chardon

In light rain the club will continue outside. In heavy rain an indoor activity will be provided in Miss Spencer’s classroom.3:30pm - 4:15pm Zumba with Street Dance (Y1EJ) Y1 & Y2 Mrs. P. Rimmer4:30pm - 5:15pm Tennis (Parish Centre) FY to Y2 Advantage Coaching5:15pm - 6:00pm Tennis (Parish Centre) Y3—Y4 Advantage Coaching

April 2017 3:30pm - 4:30pm Cricket Y3 to Y6 Mr. WilesIn wet weather an indoor activity will be provided in Mr. Britton’s Classroom.

Friday12:00 noon - 1pm Library is open to Y3 Children Y3 Y6 Volunteers12:00 - 12:35pm Urban Dance (Y4SM) Y3 - Y4 Mrs. Bulless12:35 - 1:10pm Urban Dance (Y4SM) Y5 - Y6 Mrs. Bulless12:30pm – 13:00pm KS1 Maths Enrichment (FY) By invitation Mr. Atkinson12:30pm – 1:00pm Guitar (Y6MB) Y2 - Y6 Mr Britton12:30 - 1:10pm Sewing Machine Club (Y3MW) Y6 Mrs. Koder

12:35pm – 1:10pm Stamps (Y5BN) Everyone Mrs. Coward12:35pm - 1:10pm Vocalise (Singing) (Y2JW) Y1 & Y2 Mr. Williams 2:15pm – 3:05pm Orchestra (Hall) By invitation Mrs. Walker 3:30pm – 4:30pm Boys Football (Y5BR) Y5/Y6 Mrs. Coward

In light rain the club will continue outside. In heavy rain an indoor activity will be provided in Mr. Rowsell’s classroom.3:30pm - 4:30pm Zumba with Street Dance (Own Classrooms) Y3 to Y6 Mrs. P. Rimmer3:30pm – 4:30pm Netball Club (Y3KS) Y3/Y4 Miss Spencer

In light rain the club will continue outside. In heavy rain an indoor activity will be provided in Miss Spencer’s classroom.PLEASE NOTE ALL EVENING CLUBS: THE COLLECTION POINT FOR PARENTS AND EXIT ROUTE FOR CHILDREN

IS THROUGH THE MAIN FRONT DOOR. PUPILS MUST NOT LEAVE VIA THE Y5/Y6 DOOR OR ANY OTHER EXTERNAL CLASSROOM DOOR.

THE MAIN RECEPTION DOOR SWITCHES TO AUTOMATIC CLOSURE AT 4:15PMADULTS WATCHING THE OUTDOOR CLUBS MUST LEAVE THE SITE VIA

THE NORTH GATE ONTO ST. LEONARD’S ROADAccess to the site via the South Playground closes at 3:45pm

CLUBS: Making More of Molescroft FROM THE WEEK COMMENCING Monday 6th March 2017

AVA FLORENCE A gymnastics Career well on track Ava did extremely well recently in the Yorkshire gymnastic grades. She passed with highly commended.She was amazing and really held her nerve in a really pressured environment. She was one of only 28 girls in the whole of Yorkshire competing at this standard. We are very proud of Ava and all our Moles who seem to be popping up in sporting categories all over the

place. This includes Dylan Jacobsen. Dylan has been selected for shadow squad trials with Leeds United Football Club, which clearly Dylan and all his family were thrilled with, as he is one of only three boys from a total of eighty in the Yorkshire academies to be asked to the trials.

Despite a recent injury we wish Dylan every success as he develops his potential Footballing Career.GOLDEN MOLES:

AVA FLORENCE & DYLAN JACOBSEN

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RSNOW POLICY: IMPORTANT The following is taken from the school’s Safeguarding Policy and should prepare parents/carers for what to expect when it snows. The school will only close without prior notice as a last resort. The Head Teacher or his representative will remain on site until the last child is collected.

Policy in Practice What the school does to assist in the event of icy weather conditions It is not practical to grit the entire site, but as part of the gritting policy, safe routes round the site and across the South Playground have been identified and will be gritted before giving access to the site, thereby minimising the risks to children parents and visitors. The car park will also be gritted.

Children are not allowed to make slides on the playgrounds. Playgrounds are gritted if practical before 8:30am and when not, by morning break. At playtimes a decision as to whether children are to be allowed outside will be made by the senior teacher on duty in conjunction with a member of the Senior Management Team.

Children may not throw snowballs on the playgrounds. However if the field is covered by thick snow pupils may be allowed to play on the field in the snow, make snowman and throw snowballs. Those not wishing to throw snow (or indeed be hit by snowballs) should stay on the playgrounds. The school believes that playing in and throwing snow is part of a child’s life experiences.

In extreme cases the Headteacher may decide that there is no option but to close the school if there is presented a severe health and

safety risk. This is done by the Chair of Governors and the local radio stations will be informed. A severe Health and Safety Risk would be presented if insufficient staff could reach the school or indeed the health and safety of staff meant that they should leave early. Due to the location of the school it is expected that the school will be able to remain open. Closing a school at short notice including closing mid way through a day poses considerable difficulties for parents and will only be taken as a very last resort.

A complete heating failure in the winter and/or a loss of the water supply would however result in the school having to close.

Good communication is essential. Parents receive a copy of specific instructions during the autumn and winter months via the monthly newsletters and the website. Children have the processes explained to them in the classroom. It is expected that parents adhere to these instructions and pass all relevant information to friends and relatives who may also come to school to bring and fetch children. Parents/Carers are asked to be responsible and plan more time for their journey, suitable footwear for having to walk further, wrapping up to keep warm etc....parents should not expect to be able to park close to the school at these times! Parents and visitors are expected to use the gritted paths rather than walk across the snow and ice.

Snow Policy and Procedures - information for teaching and support staff

In the event of disruption caused by heavy snow the prime concern of the school must always be the safety of the pupils and staff.

It is expected that all staff will make every reasonable effort to undertake the journey to school. It is appreciated that the journey may take longer than normal and

therefore some staff may not be able to arrive before the normal start of school time. In the event of severe weather, a decision to close the school for day pupils will be made by 7am. The Head Teacher will contact Radio Humberside and Viking Radio to ask them to broadcast the information.

PARENTS WILL BE INFORMED BY TEXT IF THE SCHOOL IS TO CLOSE.

Updates will be posted on the Twitter section of the school’s website. www.molescroftprimary.net

In the event of the normal timetable being suspended, a programme of activities will be organised for pupils who arrive at school. Teachers and Teaching Assistants will be delegated to supervise these activities.

Rather than a full closure it is more likely that the school will remain open on a reduced capacity. In such an event, parents/carers will be asked if it is possible to make alternative arrangements for pupils. Where this is not possible the school will remain open for those who need to come to school or for those who cannot go home in the case of an unexpected early closure. As the number pupils remaining decreases, they will be moved to other classes or the hall.

The school will only close without prior notice as a last resort. The Head Teacher or his representative will remain on site until the last child is collected.

School Meals are Excellent Value.

Adult Guests for dinner. I am delighted that our meal service is so popular with not only our pupils but also with adult guests. There is however a limit to capacity for visitors. If you intend to come to school to have lunch, please do not promise your child that you are coming unless you have a definite booking reserved. We can take bookings up to a week in advance until capacity is reached. I thank you for your understanding.

PUPIL DINNERS MUST BE PREPAID, no more than £2.30 will be accepted in arrears. Money must be sent to the classroom in a labelled envelope. PLEASE DO NOT SEND LOOSE MONEY. Each room has a post box through which letters and money (providing it is in a labelled sealed envelope) can be sent to the school office.

Meals are advertised on the website and there is always the salad with two wraps option.Children can self serve salad, vegetables and fruit salad and can have second portions.* Please note; there are occasions e.g at Christmas, during the show week, and on sporting tournament days when it is not possible to accommodate extra adult guests at lunchtime. The same applies on the first week in September when the priority is to reestablish systems for our pupils particularly our new starters.

Continuing our International Journey of culinary delights “Around the World on a Plate” we have some specials, which our children can look forward to.

Monday 13th March – Commonwealth Day: Feature Country JAMAICA Jamaican Chicken with rice & beans followed by Coconut and Jam Sponge with ice cream.

Friday 17th March – St. Patrick’s DayIrish Stew with mashed potatoes followed by Apple Crumble with custard.Thursday 6th April – Easter FeastRoast Chicken and Stuffing with Roast Potatoes, vegetablesEaster Chocolate Crunch Nest

Anyone wishing to know the details of any allergens in any of our meals provided can get the information from the school kitchen. Please telephone the

normal school number 01482 861762 in order to be transferred.

Crofty’s Restaurant Around the World on a Plate

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Please be aware however that the further ahead into the future dates are, there is a chance that events may have to move due to unforeseen circumstances.May

Mo 1st May Day Bank Holiday Tu 9th Europe Day Lunch8th - 12th Y6 SATS Mo 15th AM Class Photographs being taken TBCTu 23rd - Fr 26th ENVIRONMENT WEEK & Y6 RESIDENTIAL VISIT Fr 26th School Closes for Half Term

JuneFr 2nd – 18th June ICC Cricket Champions Tournament in EnglandFr 2nd Coronation Day 63 Years todayMo 5th School Reopens

Tubs Complete for Judging.Theme is Tubs of Culture Celebrating Hull: UK City of Culture

Tu 6th Sweden National Day Lunch We 7th 7pm Meeting for Parents/Carers of children due to start school in

SEPTEMBER in the Hall Mo 12th Russian National Day Lunch Tu 13th Y2 Handball TournamentWe 14th 4pm - 6 pm Induction Evening for new FYWe 14th 9am – 12 noon Y3/Y4 CRICKET TOURNAMENT We 14th 1pm to 3:30pm Y5/Y6 CRICKET TOURNAMENTTh 15th 4pm - 6 pm Induction Evening for new FYFr 16th Dinner Dates for Sept FY children to 23rd June at 11:30AMSu 18th Fathers DayWe 21st 6pm Full Governing Body MeetingTh 22nd 6pm Meeting for Parents/carers for the 2018 RESIDENTIAL VISIT Mo 26th Reports Published this week year group at a timeMo 26th Women’s World Cup Cricket in England to 23rd JulyTu 27th Toddlers Party and last session of the yearMo 26th Moleympics am KS2: Note Change of DateWe 28th Moleympics am KS1: Note Change of DateTh 29th 5:00pm - 9:00 pm EXHIBITION OF WORK EVENING /

CULTURAL EVENING CELEBRATING HULL CITY OF CULTURE & Friends Family & Fun Night.

Fr 30th All Indoor After School Clubs Close tonightJuly Mo 3rd to Th 6th 9am Show Set up.

PARISH CENTRE CLOSED UNTIL FRI 14th JULYTu 4th - Fr 14th Festival of Summer Salads for dinner served in the AtriumTh 6th 3:30pm Theatre Club 1st Rehearsal on StageFr 7th Sports Day Reserve: Note Change of DateSa 8th 1PM TO 5PM Soloists rehearsal on stage Su 9th 1PM TO 5PM Dress Rehearsal for musical Tu 11th FY and Y1 Summer VisitsTu 11th 1:30pm Theatre Club Performance to School Y1 to Y6We 12th 7pm MUSICAL Th 13th 7pm MUSICALFr 14th 7pm MUSICAL Tu 18th 8:50am Special Assembly for sports awards We 19th 8:50am Special Assembly for end of year non sporting end of year

presentations;Fr 21st 9:00 to 10:30 am LEAVERS CONCERT to KS1 & FY & Y3/Y4 Fr 21st 10:30 am LEAVERS CONCERT to Y5 & Parents and Carers of Y6Fr 21st 12:00 noon LEAVERS Lunch Fr 21st 1:45 pm FINAL ASSEMBLY: Just presentations, The review of the year,

Behaviour Awards and goodbyes. Fr 21st 3:20pm Procession of Y6 pupils applauded out of the school by other pupils.

Thursday 19th October 2017: HISTORY OF HULL FESTIVALDates are subject to alteration. Please check newsletters nearer the event in case of a change.

Advance Warning Dates for your diary

Toby Clausen has had a very successful weekend recently at the Yorkshire swimming championships. It is already a great achievement to qualify for the Yorkshires but Toby actually made it to the final (top 10 boys) of the 50m backstroke this year and came third, taking 2 seconds off his personal best time! This is the first medal at the Yorkshire indoor championships for the Beverley Barracudas club since it was founded - the head coach announced this to the whole club recently. In addition, Toby's time (36.82 seconds - the winner swam it in 36.33 seconds, so Toby was a hair's breadth away) means he has qualified for the North East Regional championships (one stop off from the nationals!) in Sunderland in May.

Toby still has the 100m Yorkshire races to come (last weekend in February), so watch this space…

“Toby’s personal best just got better”

Sports Mole Toby Clausen: proving that Moles can swim!

We follow Toby’s Swimming career with great interest. Maybe Toby will become our first Olympian!

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SwimVictory-AnEarlyChristmasGift!

AfterseveralyearsofbeinginthetoprankingsattheannualBeverleySchool’sClusterswimmingcompetition;Molescrofthavefinallycomeoutontop!Backonthe29thNovember

ourintrepidswimsquadandMrsCharltonmadethetriptoBeverleyLeisureCentretocompeteagainstschoolsfromallovertheLongcroft/GrammarSchoolcluster.

InaseriesofexcitingracesusingavarietyofstrokestheMolescroftSwimSquaddeliveredagreatvictoryandallwonGoldMedals.Racesincludedfrontcrawl,backstroke,breaststrokeandfreestyle.Therewasalsoaseriesoffreestyleandmedleyrelayracesaswellastheindividualevents.

Theexcitingnewsisthatwearenowthroughtothenextround,duetotakeplaceonthe23rdMayandticketsforfinalistswillbesentouttotheschoolsometimeinlateFebruary.Ontherun-uptotheeventitishoped(fingerscrossed)thatwecanmakeuseofsomespecialhelpintheformofagrandparentwhoisanOlympicswimmingcoach-sokeeppractisingandkeepaneyeontheSportsBoardinschoolformorenews.AdampenerhoweveristhatsadlythedateclasheswiththeResidentialVisitandthereforeY6teammemberswillnotbeabletoparticipate.

Thinkingtothefuture-weareoftenshortofreallyconfidentBOYswimmerstomakeupoursquads.Everthoughtofacareerinswimmingboys?Maybesomethingtothinkaboutandhaveagoat;hangupthefootiebootseverynowandagainandhaveagoatthelocalpool!

AndGIRLS-keepswimming!

Inthemeantime;hugecongratulationstoallourswimmers-Goodluckinthenextround.

TheSquadandYearGroupsTheRaces

Sports Mole A belated report on our AMAZING Swimming Team

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R Green Mole:

Our Big Bird WatchYear 2 and 3 investigating and making birds nests

Joshua- "Its really hard for birds to build nests."

Abigail- "When birds make their nests it looks really easy, but when we did it, it was really hard."

Gabby- " We learnt that birds need soft things in their nests as well as hard things to keep it strong."

Charlotte- "Isn't the bird hide fab, look what we can see through the spy hole!"

On Mondays Wednesdays and Thursdays children from year 1 to year 6 get their chance (approximately every 14 weeks) to attend the Really Wild Club. The children engage in a range of activities from our Green Curriculum. They may find themselves, pond dipping, planting the vegetables, harvesting, creating bird feeders or as below investigating the birds skills in nest building.

PLEASE PIN THIS PAGE TO YOUR HOUSEHOLD NOTICEBOARDFEBRUARYMon 27th 8:50am School reopens after the Half Term Holiday

Fairtrade Fortnight beginsMARCHWed 1st 12 noon St. David’s Day Lunch at Crofty’s Restaurant

3:15pm FOMS 2nd Hand Uniform SaleFr 3rd AM Y2 visiting St. Mary’s Church

3pm Announcement of Theatre Club 2017 ProductionMo 6th S.T.E.M. Week begins with Professor Brainstorm returning with 3 shows

4pm Y6 Football League Match6pm FOMS

We 8th 8am to 9am FOMS Bags to School: Unwanted clothes collectionTh 9th 4pm Table Tennis Tournament at LongcroftFr 10th 3:30pm FOMS AGM Tea PartyMo 13th FOMS Easter Egg Raffle Tickets go on sale

12 noon Commonwealth Day Dinner at Crofty’s Restaurant4pm Y6 Football League Match

We 15th 6pm Full Governing Body MeetingTh 16th 8:50am Governor Visit Morning: Maths MasteryFr 17th 12 noon St. Patrick’s Day Lunch at Crofty’s Restaurant

1:15pm Preliminary First Meeting of the Theatre Club (Change of date)3pm Presentation of Second Batch of Crofty’s Rucksacks for the Homeless

We 22nd Deadline for all Derbyshire Medical and dietary formsFinal Payment Date for Residential Visit to Derbyshire

Fri 24th Comic Relief Day “Pyjamas and Onesies” and the Eurovision Joke Contest1:15pm rescheduled Green Team Meeting

Su 26th Mothers DayMo 27th 3:30pm - 5:00pm Theatre Club Audition Night (Y5/Y6 only)Tu 28th 4pm Orienteering Competition at Grammar SchoolWe 29th 1:15pm Big Weed and Allotment Preparation Afternoon

3:15pm FOMS 2nd Hand Uniform Sale5pm Parish Centre Committee

Th 30th 3:30pm - 5pm FOMS KS2 Spring DiscoFr 31st 10am Live Theatre Club Auditions in Assembly

3:15pm - 4:30pm FOMS FY & KS1 Spring DiscoAPRILMo 3rd 3pm Creating an Easter Garden in Assembly

3:30pm Consultation eveningTh 6th 12 noon Easter Dinner at Crofty’s Restaurant

3:30pm Consultation EveningFr 7th 3:30pm Launch of the Red Box Enterprise project in conjunction with

Beverley Building Society3:30pm School closes for the Easter Holiday

MONDAY 24th 8:50am School Reopens for the Summer Term. THIS DATE MAY NOT CORRESPOND WITH NEIGHBOURING SCHOOLSMo 24th 3:30pm Theatre Club recommences (see timetable)Tu 25th Y3 Swimming Programme Commences for 10 weeksYours sincerelyMichael Loncaster

Head TeacherPLEASE ALSO REFER TO THE ADVANCED DIARY DATES PUBLISHED WITHIN THE NEWSLETTER

DIARY

Here’s how your sponsorship could help:

Name:is going to: for Red Nose Day 2017

Full name Home address Postcode Totalamount

Datecollected

A. Person A House, A Town AB12 3CD £15 DD/MM/YY

* You must be a UK taxpayer and understand that if you pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all your donations it is your responsibility to pay any difference.

could help someone with dementia in the UK take part in an activity session, where they can socialise and exercise their minds.

could buy four mosquito nets to help protect African children from deadly malaria while they sleep.

could fully vaccinate an African child against five deadly childhood diseases.

£2 £4 £10

If you pay UK tax* and tick the Gift Aid box the Government will give us 25% on top of your donation. We use this to help cover our running costs. It won’t cost you a penny.

Please give your full name and home address and tick below or we can’t claim Gift Aid.

Please sponsor me

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JAPAN: INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Parents/Carers please consider returning this form to school if you haven’t already done so. PLEASE REFER TO THE FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER FOR DETAILS Name of child(ren) Year Group

__________________ __________________

__________________ __________________

__________________ __________________

I am able/unable* to pay £6 per child towards the cost of the JAPAN International Workshops, activities and costumes for my child(ren)(Those in receipt of income support can claim remissions from the school)

I enclose £ _________ towards the cost of this year’s International Festival. Please make cheques payable to Molescroft Primary School.

Signed _________________________________ Parent / Carer *

Please delete as appropriate

Thank you for your support, without it we cannot continue to offer these amazing extra activities and events.Together we make a difference. M.A. Loncaster

Head Teacher