It is hard to believe that we are already in our third week of the new school year! It has been lovely to see the children continuing to settle into their new classes, routines and expectations, and there has been such a positive atmosphere around school. The children have been busy getting stuck into their learning and it has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm, confidence and smiles as they get to know their new teachers and classmates. We have lots happening over the coming weeks, so please do take a few moments to read through this week’s newsletter for all the latest news and reminders.

This week’s news is from Ash Class

Ash Class recently received a very special letter from Elmer the Elephant! He set us a challenge to design our own elephant, with each one representing what makes us unique and special. We thought carefully about our individual qualities, interests and personalities before creating our colourful elephants. We then brought them all together to create a wonderful “We Are All Special” display, celebrating the things that make each of us different and reminding us that being unique is something to be proud of!

Elmer sent us a challenge; we had to draw an elephant. Saoirse

Elmer asked us to draw our own elephant. Alex M

It had to represent ourselves. Sebastian

My elephant is gold and I like gold. Lottie

I drew some people on my elephant. My brother and me. Lila

I did red, gold and blue. Tom

I had a multicoloured elephant because I like multicoloured. Lola

A boat is on mine because I want to go on the sea. Sebastian

Reception Baseline Assessment

A quick reminder for our Reception parents that, during your child’s first six weeks in Reception, they will take part in the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA). This is a short assessment carried out by the class teacher as part of the children’s normal school experience. It helps us to understand what each child knows and can do when they start school, so that we can support their learning and development as they progress through Reception and beyond. There is no need for children to prepare for the assessment. For more information about the Reception Baseline Assessment, please follow the link below.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reception-baseline-assessment-information-for-parents

A gentle reminder about illness

As we move further into the autumn term, I would like to remind families of our guidance regarding illness. If your child has been sick or has had diarrhoea, they should remain at home until 48 hours after their last episode. If your child has a high temperature, they should also stay at home until their temperature has returned to normal and they are well enough to return to school. These simple measures help to reduce the spread of illness and protect our children, families and staff. Thank you for your continued support in helping us to keep our school community healthy.

Secondary School Open Evenings

Wednesday 23rd September: Blessed George Napier

Thursday 1st October: The Cooper School

Wednesday 7th October: Whitelands Academy 

Thursday 8th October: The Bicester School

Flu Vaccination offer for children aged 2 and 3 years - 

🎲 Learning through play at Noughts & Nibbles

Board games are great fun, but they also help children develop a surprising range of useful skills — from reading and following instructions, turn-taking and communication, to planning, strategy, problem-solving and decision-making.

They also give children a chance to practise something just as important: how to win well, lose well and enjoy playing together.

Noughts & Nibbles is Bicester’s local board game café, with hundreds of games for different ages and abilities, plus regular family gaming, Pokémon and D&D Youth sessions for ages 12–15.

So whether you’re looking for something different to do together at the weekend, a new challenge, or simply a screen-free way to spend a few hours, there’s a table waiting for you.

Find out more at noughtsandnibbles.com

Noughts & Nibbles — A table for every player.

Allergies

Just a reminder we have children in school with serious allergies please do not send your child in with items containing nuts, this includes chocolate spread, peanut butter and products containing a chocolate filling like Nutella or chocolate bars containing nuts. We have had a few occasions recently where we have found items have been sent into school in packed lunches which contain nuts.

Your PTA trustees are:

Lucy Crawford (Yr 4)

Emma Austin (Yr 3 and 5)

Catherine Ravensward (Yr1 and Yr5)

Jill Bali (Yr 3 and 5)

Charlotte Noakes (Yr2 and 5)