Winter Fayre Postponed

Unfortunately, we have had to postpone the PTFA Winter Fayre planned for tomorrow (Saturday 7th December). This is following advice we have received about the possible impact of the severe weather tomorrow informed by the weather warnings issued by the Met Office.

Instead we plan to run the Fayre immediately after school on Wednesday 18th December. Over the weekend, the PTFA will be sending out a call for volunteers to help set the fayre up in the afternoon- which will be essential if we are going to run the event that day.      

This week in assembly, Mr Gunner spoke to the children about International Day of Persons with Disabilities which took place on 3rd December. We looked at how throughout history people with disabilities have made huge contributions to society in a range of areas. We used the lives of famous figures such as Stephen Hawking and Dame Sarah Storey to think about our school value of determination. Our Values Certificate winners have all shown determination in school this week. They are Oren, Toby, Summer, Rufus, Fred, Rae, Manyse, Arie and Henry. Well done!

Author Visit

At the start of this week, we had the privilege of welcoming authors and  illustrators, Steve Gunning and Chris Wheeler to our school, sparking excitement and creativity across Years 1 to 5. Steve and Chris shared their first book, Santa's Secret Agents which tells the humorous story in rhyme of how Santa is helped all year round in keeping an eye on the children, so that he can reward them at Christmas with wonderful gifts (or not). Each page is illustrated with Where's Wally type detail and the elves, who are on watch, are hidden in the pages. During their workshops the children were read the book in an engaging and interactive way and were able to hunt for the hidden elves amongst the detailed illustrations. Following the reading, Steve and Chris spoke about the book and the children were given the opportunity to ask any questions they had. The children were enthusiastic, listened intently and were outstanding representatives for our school. Many children impressed Steve and Chris with their insightful questions about storytelling and becoming an author. It was a memorable day that highlighted our children's enthusiasm and love of reading.

Winter Sing at the Bristol Beacon 

On Wednesday, KS2 choir took part in the incredible Winter Sing at the Bristol Beacon. This came after months of hard work, practice and dedication! They spent the whole day at the Beacon practicing their 10 songs with over 400 other children, before performing to over 1,500 people in the evening. It was a truly memorable festive event, and all children that took part should be so proud of their achievements! 

Athletics Event

On Tuesday, children from year 5 and 6 participated in Sportshall Athletics, an event organised by the Ashton Park School Sports Partnership. Every child took part in a range of track and field events with their combined efforts counting towards our team total. Fantastic determination was shown throughout the event, which resulted in the team winning bronze medals for their effort! 

Victorian Day

Year 2 have had a brilliant morning experiencing life in a Victorian school. We have had very strict teachers, practised our dictation and deportment and played some fun Victorian games. We have mostly decided we quite like our school how it is now!

Christmas Dinner

If you would like your child to have a Christmas Dinner on Thursday 19th December, please book via the school gateway this weekend.

Polite Notice: Office Capacity and Bringing Items into School 

Recently the office have been spending a lot of time delivering lunch boxes, water bottles, swimming kits, coats, musical instruments etc that have been brought into the office during the school day. Please be mindful to give these items to your child to bring into school with them. Many thanks

Bookings for Shine afterschool clubs

Please see the Shine club programme due to run from January 2025, until Easter. The clubs launch online to book next Thursday 12th December at 12.30pm.

Book via Shine at Victoria Park

Cancellation: if your plans change after bookings any clubs, you can cancel any booking with 6 days notice for a credit or refund. This can be done via your Shine account.

Childcare Vouchers: Shine accept Childcare Vouchers and the Government Tax Free Voucher Scheme. You can choose your method of payment via your Shine account.

Contact: Shine can be contacted by 01174 033 033 or info@MyShine.co.uk.

Shine Clubs are popular and therefore we recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment.

Coffee and Chat for Parents of Pupils with SEND

A few parents have organised a coffee morning for parents of pupils with SEND, taking place in The Community Room, Monday 9th of December, Come from 9am (after drop off) until about 10.30am. 

"This will be another informal get together, a chance for parents of children with SEND, either with or without an EHCP, to meet each other with no fixed agenda other than to try and positively support each other, and hopefully feel less alone in our parenting of our SEND kids."

There's no need to book, please just turn up.

Important Dates for Term 2

• Saturday 7th December 12:00-2:30pm PTFA Winter Fayre
• Monday 9th December 9:00-10:30am SEND meeting in Community Room
• Thursday 12th December at 9:00am Reception Christmas singing performance for parents and carers
• Monday 16th December at 9:00am Year 1 Christmas singing performance for parents and carers
• Tuesday 17th December at 2:00pm Year 2 Performance
• Wednesday 18th December at 9:30am Year 2 Performance
• Wednesday 18th December at 1:30pm KS2 Carol Singing in St Michael and All Angels Church
• Thursday 19th December Christmas Lunch in school (for pupils)
• Friday 20th December Christmas Jumper Day (and last day of term)
• Monday 6th January 2025 INSET DAY

Remember that you can see all of the term dates and INSET days on the term dates page of this website. These and other important dates are also on the website calendar.

The Christmas & Winter Guide for Families in Bristol

The Christmas & Winter Guide for Families in Bristol has been published. This guide includes lots of events and activities and for a variety of budgets and some free activities.

https://bristolfamilyblog.com/bristol-christmas-events

FREE author event on at Bristol Central Library

There is a FREE author event on at Bristol Central Library next Thursday evening.

For any football- mad kids, we have an event with Matt Oldfield and Seth Burkett, talking about their series of football books, the Football G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time).  Matt is the author of the ever-popular Football Heroes books, which are rarely left on library shelves as they are so in demand!

The event is free and will last approximately one hour, with the chance to get books signed at the end. It starts at 5pm in the children’s area of Bristol Central Library. We strongly advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

Poster attached and link to Eventbrite here.

Ashton Park Sports Centre Holiday Clubs