Welcome to this week's newsletter. Now that it's December, our traditional Christmas Hoops and Christmas Trees have gone up in every hall. We hope you will be able to come into school to see them soon, whether that's at the Winter Fayre today, or at a Reception or KS1 Christmas performance over the next few weeks. Children in KS2 have been practising hard with Mr Bailey for our Carol service at St Michael and All Angels Church next Monday. All the dates and times are on the website calendar and there are reminders below.

Staffing News

Miss Tucker has made the difficult decision to leave Victoria Park Primary School after the Christmas break. Such decisions are not taken lightly and I know you will join us in wishing Miss Tucker the very best of luck in future.

We are pleased to let you know that Mrs Shuker will be returning to Victoria Park Primary School and will teach Teak class from January until the end of the year. Mrs Shuker is an experienced teacher and school leader, who worked at our school for many years before taking a secondment to work at Whitehall Primary School as Assistant Headteacher. She has been part of our Senior Leadership Team and a teacher across KS2.

Christmas Performances and Events

Here is a reminder of our Christmas performances and events coming up over the next two weeks:

Carols in the Park - Friday 9th December at 5pm - Come and join us at the top of Victoria Park (near the house and playground) to sing some traditional carols with live musical accompaniment! Wrap up warm and bring a torch so you can see the words. Everyone is welcome.

KS2 Carol Service at St Michael and All Angels Church - Monday 12th December at 1:45pm - Children from Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 will be singing in the church along with some readings and musical performances. There are no tickets for this event; please arrive in good time to find a seat.

Reception Singing - Tuesday 13th December at 9am - this will take place in school in our main hall. Children will sing a few Christmas songs they have been learning in class. We can provide two tickets per child; please look out for an email next week about booking your space.

Year 1 Singing - Tuesday 13th December at 2:15pm - this will take place in school in our main hall. Children will sing a few Christmas songs they have been learning in class. We can provide two tickets per child; please look out for an email next week about booking your space.

Christmas Lunch - Wednesday 14th December - this takes place for children and staff during the school day.

Year 2 Nativity Production - Thursday 15th December at 9:30am and 2:00pm - Children in Year 2 will perform their Nativity production for parents and carers to watch. (Siblings will also be invited to one of the performances.) We can provide two tickets per child; please look out for an email next week about booking your space.

Non-Uniform Day - Friday 16th December - on the last day of term we will hold a non-uniform day so children can wear a Christmas jumper or other celebration clothes in school. (We will not be raising money for charity on this day, it's just for fun and celebration.)

National Online Safety

What Parents Need to Know about Social Media & Mental Health

Using social media has plenty of potential benefits for young people: it helps them stay connected to their friends, hear contrasting views on the world, find reassurance or support, and ease social anxiety. It also brings, however, a corresponding number of negative possibilities – including compulsive use, unhealthy comparisons with others online and exposure to harmful content.

Ironically – for a medium designed to enable engagement with other people – social platforms can actually lead to children feeling increasingly isolated and lonely, taking an obvious toll on their mental wellbeing. This week’s guide has our top tips on how trusted adults can support healthier social media habits in young people.

Basketball

Our year 5&6 basketball team took to the courts again for two weeks of fast-paced and dramatic games. Team A worked well as a team led by the skilful, encouraging and dependable Connor who was ably supported by Hiba, Ella, Michael, Adif, Asa and Jack. Meanwhile, Team B showed dedication and determination led by Anthony and then Oskar, who encouraged teamwork and an increased confidence in Aaron, Nazifa, Shaza, Rahma and Seren. Both teams improved their skills in a short space of time which resulted in third place for both in their respective leagues. Here's what some of the team have to say about their basketball experience:

• Hiba triumphantly stated that she'd "improved her speed and dribbling skills."
• Rahma noted that she was now able to "pass much quicker” and that she'd “really enjoyed it.”
• Michael commented, "I think I improved shooting hoops as I'm more accurate. I'm continuing to practise in school."
• Asa said, "I liked hanging out with my friends after school."
• Nazifa reflected that "I really liked how the captains Anthony and Oskar included everyone by encouraging everyone to pass the ball."
• Whilst Ella remarked "It feels so good when you get the ball from someone."
• Jack was delighted when we won 4-0 and Adif's favourite moment was when he scored his first basket.

We are proud of their positive attitude, determination, kindness, teamwork and growth mindset. They should all be proud of how they represented themselves and Victoria Park Primary School.

Rubik's Cubes

Do you have a spare or unused Rubik's Cube at home that you could donate or loan to school? Mr Kellow would like to run a Rubik's Cube club in terms 3 and 4, but will need lots of Rubik's Cubes for pupils to use. Please drop these into the school office if you can help. (Remember to let us know if it's on loan or donated!) Many thanks.

An Update From Bristol with Love for Ukraine

"On the 27th November, with the help of the Lord Mayor of Bristol and Father Christmas (yes, the real one!), we loaded 170 boxes of Christmas gifts for the children of Ukraine, into Frank and Debbie's van. Frank and Debbie set off immediately, escorted by the Blue Knights, on their journey to the Romanian / Ukrainian border at Suceava. On Tuesday the 29th, they arrived and met our Ukrainian Partners, The Volunteer Organisation of Ukraine's Defence. The boxes were swapped over and now begin the second part of their journey to the children of Ukraine. Many thanks to you guys, our amazing and generous donors! More updates to follow...

Best wishes on behalf of all at From Bristol with Love."

Other information

Click the poster below for details of a free community craft party taking place this Saturday at the Quaker's Meeting Hall on Wedmore Vale. Refreshments will be provided and there will be activities suitable for all age groups.

It's Winter Fayre day today! Our thanks go to the PTFA committee and all volunteers for helping to make this year's event a success. Have a lovely, frosty weekend!