This week in our Values assembly, pupils discussed our school behaviour routines and how they help to lead to a calm learning environment. We introduced our newest routine which is called "magnificent moving". When moving around the school we "move with pride on the left hand side" with our voices off. This is so that everyone can stay safe and focused on their learning. Children chosen for the Respect values certificate this week all show excellent behaviour for learning in the classroom and around the school - it was a hard job for teachers to choose just one per class!

VPPS Lantern Walk

Although the official Bedminster Lantern Parade is not taking place this year, children in Year 4 will still be taking part in Lantern making workshops in school over the next two weeks. This has been generously funded by the PTFA - thank you!!
We would like to host our own "mini" VPPS lantern walk on Wednesday 24th January 2024 in Victoria Park. We will gather at the top of the park (near the play equipment and coffee van) from 5:15pm to set off at 5:30pm and take a short stroll around the pathways in the park. This event will be finished by 6pm.

Children in Year 4 will be accompanied by their parents or carers and will carry their own lanterns, which will be illuminated in the darkness. This event is still awaiting approval from Bristol City Council to go ahead in the park. If our application is not approved, we will do something in the school playgrounds instead. Similarly, in the event of rain or high winds we will consider postponing the event.

Here are some pictures from this week's lantern making workshop:

Attendance

As a school we have a duty to promote good attendance at school.  There are many reasons why good attendance at school is beneficial to children; as well as securing educational outcomes, regular school attendance can facilitate positive peer relationships, which is a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing.
When a child's attendance drops below 90% it is important that we monitor this and work with families to help overcome any barriers to attendance. We aim to do this in a supportive manner and we understand that each child has individual reasons why their attendance may have dropped. If you receive a text or a letter about your child's attendance you do not need to panic; this is simply alerting you to where your child's attendance is and we will work together to try to improve this.

Is My Child Too Unwell for School?

Now that winter is in full swing, we know there are lots of illnesses around that may prevent children coming to school. It is really important we regularly teach our children about personal hygiene; e.g. using a tissue to blow their nose and throwing it in the bin, putting a hand over their mouth if they cough or sneeze, washing their hands regulary. This will help to slow down the spread of infections. Generally, children are well enough to come to school if they have a slight cough, cold or sore throat. If you are ever unsure if your child is well enough to come to school, the NHS have produced a handy guide to help with can be found here: NHS guide. If your child requires antibiotics or calpol to be administered in school, you can bring this to the office and complete a medicine form.

Moose Play Worker Job Opportunity

Moose are looking for an enthusiastic play worker to join their team. You must be able to work a minimum of 3-4 days per week 2.30pm-6pm during term time. Shifts during the holiday club are dependent upon demand. Experience of working with 4 to 11-year-olds and of organising play activities is preferred. A play or childcare qualification is desirable although not essential as training will be given. Please contact Sam at mooseplayscheme@hotmail.co.uk for further information.

Meet the Governor

Akram Al-Masnai says "I'm very pleased to be one of the parent governors at Victoria Park Primary School and to contribute to the success of the school and be an active citizen in the local community. I've been living in Bristol for 10 years and have children attending the school. In terms of my background, I have a master's degree in International Development at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law from the University of Bristol. I am a development practitioner with INGOs and the private sector. I have a deep understanding of the needs of busy working parents in ensuring the welfare of their children in their academic setting and understand the challenges other parents and children with additional needs can face on a day-to-day basis. I have professional skills and experience in management, children safeguarding, diversity, and inclusion, combined with my passion for making a difference in the lives of children who need particular care and attention."

Other Information

• Take a look at this leaflet from BeeZeeBodie.com for information about the FREE support they can offer children and families to stay healthy and happy.

• This discount code gives you 25% off the Bristol City Womens fixture against West Ham on Saturday January 28th, 2pm Kick Off. (Not to be confused with the FA Cup replay for the Men's team!) With this discount, Adults £10 will be £7.50 and Juniors of £5 will be £3.75.

• Warm space - BS3 Community Development have asked us to share with you details about the Warm Space hub that has been set up at Victoria Park Baptist Church. (See the flyer below.)

• Shine are back at Southville Primary School this February running Holiday Clubs. Your children can enjoy Creative Workshops, Performing Arts, Dance, Gymnastics and Mash-Up days! OFFER: Booking early gives you 20% off when you use the code Early Booker. (A full refund is available with 48 hours notice.) Visit myshine.co.uk

• PH Camps are running a multi-activity holiday camp in Whitchurch Primary School this February. These camps are open to children aged 4-14 from 8:00am – 5:30pm, Ofsted registered, and tax-free childcare & childcare voucher registered. The early booking discount is live until Sunday 28th January and prices start from just £23.85 a day when booking for a full week. For more information about these February camps, see the flyer below.

In this cold weather, we expect children to wear a coat when playing outside. The temperature in the classroom can vary throughout the day as the weather changes and the sun rises, so children should also have a school jumper or cardigan with them. Please make sure your child's coat and jumpers are labelled with their name written clearly in pen on the tag as we already have a large amount of lost property gathering in school since the start of term.

We hope you have a lovely weekend!