Welcome to this week's newsletter, which marks the half-way point in the academic year. As this is the final newsletter for this term, we are pleased to include your child's curriculum newsletter for Term 4. These are written by class teachers and give an overview of the learning that will be taking place next term in your child's class.

Last Friday, we celebrated NSPCC’s Number Day. We had a brilliant day and all classes were able to have fun with numbers through games, problem solving and collaborative work. It was fantastic to see so many children dressed up for the occasion too. Thank you for your support and for your donations, which will go directly to supporting the brilliant work of the NSPCC. If you still wish to donate, this remains open on Parent Pay for another week.

Safer Internet Day

This week, your children discussed online safety on Safer Internet Day (which was on Tuesday). We would encourage you to open up the conversation with children about their understanding of staying safe online. The Safer Internet website is a great source of information for parents. Also, lots of information is available on our school website online safety page, including how to set parent controls on your devices and how to keep your children safe on games and social media.

PE Kits

This year, we have allowed children to wear their PE kits on the day of their PE lessons. Please remember that PE kit is part of our school uniform, and there are similar expectations about what can be worn. We have chosen uniform items that are readily available at a low cost. Recently we have seen a wide range of colours and clothing being worn in school on PE days.

Children are expected to wear:

• Plain black PE shorts or black jogging bottoms.
• A plain white T-shirt. (School jumpers can be worn too if needed.)
• Trainers and socks with good grip suitable for outdoor PE sessions.

PTFA Newsletter

Have you read this week's newsletter from the PTFA? The PTFA send out their newsletter every week. Take another look for information about "Challenge 24" which was very successful last year, and the upcoming Food Festival on Saturday 9th March.

Lunchtime Resources

At lunchtimes, pupils have access to a range of large scrap material items for imaginative role play. We would like to update some of the items we have available - can you help? We would welcome donations of:

• old home phones
• computer keyboards
• old steering wheels
• half drain pipes/guttering (not broken)
• outdoor blankets/picnic blankets

Fidget Toys and Ear Defenders

A number of children in school need reasonable adjustments to be made, to help them focus and attend to learning in the classroom. These adjustments are made in co-ordination with the class teachers and SENDCo. Recently we have noticed some children bringing ear defenders and fidget toys from home. In order for pupils to use these tools effectively in class, they need a clear plan set up in accordance with their SEND needs. Children will not be allowed to wear ear defenders without these plans in place. If you have any further queries please discuss this with your class teacher.

Some Green Updates from our Green Team

• Recycle your Warhammer parts and pots: both Bristol Warhammer stores now accept these items for recycling. For more information: http://tinyurl.com/ytrv7zp9

• Bristol seed swap is happening on 11th February at the Trinity Centre from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. As well as an opportunity to exchange seeds,there will be speakers, stalls, cafe and a kids area. For more:  https://www.bristolseedswap.com/ 

• Local wildlife and community garden directory: put together by members of the BS3 Wildlife Group, this showcases some brilliant local 'patchwork' projects which are all vitally important to support wildlife in our city. All these groups are run by volunteers - why not get your family involved to help our local wildlife? Contact details are on the document below.

  Coming soon: a community garden on Somerset Terrace in Windmill Hill. We'll keep you updated as this progresses.

 Save the Date

Our annual trust concert will take place on Tuesday 26th March, featuring our KS2 choir and hundreds of musical children and young people from across the nine CST schools. Ticket information will be available after half term, but for now please save the date.

Other Information

• Aqua Disco at Jubilee Swimming Pool on Saturday 17th February:

• February half term holiday camps at Ashton Vale Primary School:

• Ideas for things to do in Bristol over half term, from "Bristol Rocks":

• Free half term storytelling activity session at Trinity:

• After school theatre workshops at Redcatch Community Garden:

• Foster carers needed to help local vulnerable children and young people:

• Home-Start is recruiting volunteers - can you help?

• This half term's bulletins from Families in Focus South:

• South Bristol Girls' Rugby open day on Friday 23rd February at 6:30pm:

We hope you have a fantastic half term break! School is now closed for one week and we look forward to welcoming all children back on Monday 19th February 2024.