In assembly on Monday, we learned about Diwali, the Hindu "festival of light" which has been taking place this week. We found out how it was celebrated across the world, in Britain and by families within our own school community.  We also reflected on what was similar and what was different about how Diwali was celebrated compared to other important festivals in our wider community. Over the rest of the week, children in every class have been creating artwork with a Diwali theme. It was great to have so many of our children wearing their celebration clothes to school today today to mark the festival.

Our Values Certificates were awarded in our Friday Celebration Assembly. This week's winners were Dylan, Benaiah, George, Sonny, Rowan, Barney, Ezra, Josh, Rafi, Chase, Mikey and Belle.

Year 1 Windmill Hill City Farm Trip

This week Year 1 went down to Windmill Hill City Farm to learn all about seasonal changes and how this affects the farm. We found out what they did with all the autumn leaves (and poo). We picked and pressed apples to make fresh apple juice and we even fed the animals. Thank you to the adults who came along to make it possible. We had a wonderful time!

Harvest Donations

Thank you so much for all your generous donations for Victoria Park food bank.  Today the school council delivered all the donations and they were very greatfully received.  The children helped sort all the donations and learnt how the volunteers  run the foodbank.  The children were excellent ambassadors for our school and were polite and respectful throughout the trip, we are very proud of them.

Attendance and Punctuality

We have had a great term for attendance and have managed to stay above our school target of 96%.  Thank you everyone for your continued support in ensuring your child is in school every day.

These are the results for last week in school.  Next term we will be announcing the winning class for term 1 for Attendance and for Punctuality.

Well done Lime and Hazel class.  Hopefully next term we will see more classes who are achieving no children being late to school.

Term 2 Curriculum Newsletters

Each term we provide a Curriculum Newsletter per year group. These are written by class teachers and give an overview of the learning that will be taking place each term in your child's class. The term 2 newsletters for each year group can be found here.

PTFA Holiday Cards

It's that time of year! Holiday card order forms are going home with children this week. This fundraiser helps raise money for extra school activities and subsidies to keep costs down for families on school trips. 

Please place your order using the details on your child's order form by *Thursday 30 Oct* Any questions, just send to the PTFA at victoriapark.ptfa@gmail.com. Thank you!! 

Flu Nasal Vaccinations

A polite reminder, School flu vaccinations will be on 13th November

The flu vaccination is for all students from Reception to Year 6, please remember to complete the consent form whether you do or do not want the vaccination at https://imms.sirona-cic.org.uk/flu/2025/consent?v=4

In order to maximise the uptake of the vaccines we will be offering community clinics for students who have missed their vaccination in school for any reason i.e. if parents have not completed their e-consent forms, or if students were absent on the day of the session. Schools will be sent information to send to parents regarding how to book these additional clinics.

Rock and Pop Band Lessons with Rocksteady 

We partner with Rocksteady Music School to deliver fun and inclusive rock and pop band lessons, right here at Victoria Park Primary School! These weekly music lessons take place in school and are led by professional musicians who make learning music fun.

It’s the perfect way for children to learn new musical skills, make friends and have a great time – all at school! Rocksteady lessons are also shown to amplify confidence, wellbeing and social skills. Here’s what else you need to know:

• There’s no experience necessary and all instruments for lessons are provided.

• Watch as your child performs in their end of term concerts, showing just how far they have come.

• Children learn up to 300 instrument, band, and performance skills, whilst playing songs they love.

• Children can achieve an Ofqual-regulated Music qualification, accredited by Trinity College London, without having to take a single exam.

• You’ll receive regular progress updates, including photos and videos. There’s a money-back guarantee for the first month and you can cancel at any time. 

Places are offered on a first come, first served basis. 

Sign your child up for band lessons online at rocksteadymusicschool.com/parents

If you have any questions about Rocksteady, call 0330 113 0330 (Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm, local rate) or email info@rocksteadymusicschool.com.   

Have a Greener Halloween

Halloween can be a lot of fun but can also be very wasteful. Did you know many Halloween costumes are 90% plastic and many will only get used once? In the UK, we throw away around 18000 tonnes of pumpkins every year. As well as reusing your outfit or passing it on, there are lots of ways to use up your pumpkin. You can toast the pumpkin seeds for a healthy snack and make a lovely soup from the flesh.

Here are some other ideas for a greener halloween:

https://globalactionplan.ie/blogs/green-halloween/

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-have-plastic-free-halloween

Important Dates for Term 1

• Friday 24th October Last day of term

Important Dates for Term 2

• Monday 3rd November INSET DAY
• Tuesday 4th November First day of term
• Monday 10th November School Photos
• Thursday 13th November Nasal Flu Spray
• Wednesday 26th November Parents' Evening
• Thursday 27th November Parents' Evening
• Friday 19th December Last day of term

Art Lab Holiday Club

Soccer Shooters Holiday Club

Our camps are all about building confidence, skills, and positive memories in a brilliant, supportive environment. 

Here’s the text that can be shared. 

Exciting Half Term Football Camp at SBL Sports Centre! We're excited to share some fantastic news! Soccer Shooters Bristol East is running their popular Football Camp during the upcoming October Half Term, and we'd love for your child to join for fun, skills, and confidence-building. 

Soccer Shooters camps are designed to help children build confidence and skills in a fun and supportive environment, making it the perfect way to keep them active and engaged during the school break. 

Camp Details: 

• Dates: October 27th, 28th, & 29th (Three days) 

• Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM 

• Location: SBL Sports Centre 

Special Offer: 

Book Now and Save! For this final week of bookings, we're offering a special discount: 

Get 15% OFF when you book all 3 days of the camp! Spaces fill up fast, so don't miss out on this great opportunity to secure your child's spot at a reduced rate. 

How to Book: 

You can find all the details and book your child's place quickly and easily: 

• BOOK VIA LINK: https://shorturl.at/j1SFy 

• Scan the QR Code in the attached flyer. 

Try a Free Filmmaking Class with Sparks Film School Bristol Central!

Young filmmakers can explore every aspect of movie-making — from directing and camera work to acting and editing — in fun, practical weekly classes.

Saturdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm (starting 8th November)
Ages 7–14
Cotham School, Cotham Lawn Road, Bristol, BS6 6DT
 Your first class is free!
Book your free trial at https://sparksarts.co.uk/product/filmmaking-trial-class-at-sparks-film-school-bristol/

Swimming Pool Halloween Disco

Chess Club