We have come to the end of another really successful half term with lots of exciting learning and events for our pupils. Year 6 entered a team in a national  IT competition where they shared their ideas for a working App based on plant identification. From the 9 finalists Nightingale were the winners. Well done Nightingale. We attended the youth summit in the civic hall and our pupils got the chance to discuss relevant issues regarding Leeds and the environment. We have had weekly sporting competitions in football, running, basketball and dodgeball across the academy and brought home a gold and three silvers. 

Polite communication

We have had a significant rise in the number of parents who are demonstrating unacceptable behaviours both towards staff and towards other parents and pupils. Whilst we appreciate that as parents you are passionate about your children it is never ok to to raise your voice or show aggressive behaviours towards others. Parents who display these behaviours will be asked to leave the site.

Arbor

Thank you to all the parents that have already signed up to Arbor. This will be our main system to communicate with you as parents. We will have a dedicated member of staff on site at our upcoming parents evening in March for all parents who still need help in signing up. 

Late Gate

We would like to apologise because on a number of occasions this week our late gate entrance has not been open. This has been due to staff shortages. We have now put plans in place to ensure that this does not happen again regardless of staff absence. Late gate should (Main hall entrance) be used rather than the main reception office if a pupil is late to school (after 8:50) 

Change of term dates

We would like to inform you of a slight change to term dates. Following the Easter holiday in April pupils will return to school on Tuesday 16th April rather than Monday the 15th April. This is due to staff training being held on the 15th. 

Lunchtime Community Challenge

We have launched a lunchtime community challenge competition for the children over the last 3 weeks. This is where the your child’s class earns points (KS1 earning points in 1s and in KS2 they earn points in 5s to help with counting) based on the following criteria:

 In the hall:

· Tables must be quiet (reasonably - no screaming, shouting etc)

· Children must be sat in their designated seat

· No getting up without permission - ensuring safety in the hall/walking etc

· Tidy table and floor before going out (any food waste to go into grey bowls on the table)

On the playground:

· Kind hands, feet and words (any arguing or fighting could result in your class scoring 0!)

· Children must walk quickly to their lines (they will try and run but fast walking only)

· Classes should be lined up within 10 seconds (teacher should blow whistle, remind children of expectations and count them down from 10)

· Lines must be quiet and straight - transitioning safely through school

· Children must be in line order

We had our first winners. In KS1 Peacocks and in KS2 joint first place winners were Kestrels and Wrens. They ALL got to come in non-school uniform on the last day. We are going to continue with the lunchtime community competition over the next half term with some more exciting prizes as well as pupil leadership responsibilities coming up. We will notify you and your child of these over the next half term. 

World Book Day 

World Book Day is celebrated nationally on Thursday 7th March 2024 following parent voice this year children will be able to dress up as their favourite book character costume or choose their own colour that they would like to wear. We will provide more details of these activities after the half term. You can find some more information, as well as great resources and activities online which could be done at home. Visit: https://www.worldbookday.com 

Comic Relief

15th March Comic Relief - We are holding a non uniform day on Friday 15th March for comic relief. Children can attend school wearing non-school uniforms in exchange for a small donation of at least 50p towards the Comic relief.