ISSUE 8 - June 2019

KEY DATES

July 2nd – Whole School Transition

day

July 2nd – Year 6 Transition day to

CCC

July 4th—American Lunch

July 5th—Core Values Campaign

July 10th—FOW Summer Disco

July 12th—FOW School Fete

July 16th -Year 6 Leavers Lunch

July 23rd—Year 6 Leavers Party

July 24th—Year 6 Parent Celebration

July 24th—LAST DAY OF TERM

September 3rd—NON PUPIL DAY

September 4th—NON PUPIL DAY

September 5th—Back to school

01884 33473

admin@willowbank.devon.sch.uk

Message from our Head of Teaching and Learning

Dear Parents/Carers, I would like to start by celebrating the success of our football teams who attended the Exeter City Beach Football competition in Croyde last week. We had two teams who performed fantastically well but most importantly showed team spirit and respect throughout. A huge thank you for all the parental support at Sports day this week, it was a great success. A special thanks to Mrs Snow for all her hard work and for organising such a great day. The children showed great team spirit, determination and sportsmanship. The leadership skills of the Year 6 Sports Leaders was noticed by all; we felt very proud to see their responsible, mature nature shining through. A big congratulations to Beech house for winning the trophy this year. Our summer fair is fast approaching on Friday 12th July and we have already had so many generous prizes donated from local businesses for our raffle. Any kind dona-tions for the raffle and toy sale would be much appreciated. The year 5 and year 6 children are organising the event this year, with help from the PTFA and I know they have many fun stalls planned - so be sure to come along and enjoy the afternoon. On the 13th June I hosted afternoon tea for the 24 children who had been awarded a head teachers award last half term. They were each awarded a certificate for achiev-ing something exceptional; each child was able to explain what they were awarded theirs for and it was lovely to hear the diverse range of reasons within the group. The afternoon was a real pleasure and I look forward to hosting the next one later this term - 14 children have already received an invite! As the weather has finally warmed up and the sun has come out please ensure your

child has a water bottle, a sunhat and some sun cream with them in school. Your child will come home with a letter today detailing the new class structure for September and informing you of their class teacher and location of their new class. We have made a few changes to class names and I am sure you will agree, they help to celebrate the beautiful countryside location that our school is within. With best wishes,

Mrs Sophie Hillson

Should you have a concern/

question about any aspect of your

child’s learning, please contact the

class teacher in the first instance.

If you require further assistance

after this; could you please make an

appointment to meet with the ap-

propriate person:

Class Teacher

Unit Lead/ Deputy Head of Teaching

& Learning

Head of Teaching and Learning

Foundation Stage Foundation Stage After the half term break, we completed our topic on Pirates. The children enjoyed developing their own stories within the role play area and writing postcards from the different destinations that they sailed. This encouraged them to use their senses and to structure their ideas before writing.

This half term our topic will focus on a variety of tradi-tional stories. We started our topic with the discovery of a number of clues that had been left in the class-room. Each of the clues were from either; The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack on the Beanstalk or Little Red Riding Hood. The children worked together and listened to one another’s ideas to sort the clues. Robins and Starlings were beginning to

share explanations that reflected their knowledge and understanding of these stories. They have begun to look more carefully at some traditional tales. Within Maths, they have been helping Little Red Riding Hood to calcula-tion how many apples she has left in her basket after the wolf took some away. P.E Kits Please can you ensure that all items of your child’s PE kit are clearly labelled with their name so that it is easier for us to return the correct items to the right person. If your child has any new items of school uniform, shoes or drink bottle, can you ensure that these are also labelled. Missing Reading Books We have a number of reading books that have not been returned, please could you take a look at home for ones that have not been returned yet and place them in your child’s book bag. Years 1 & 2 Year 1 and 2 rounded off the last half term with an exciting trip to the Bear Trail. The children

showed great determination and team work, climbing and swinging across very muddy obstacles and getting

soaking wet! Teachers were incredibly proud of the way in which the children con-

ducted themselves during this time.

We have also had a special delivery of some cat-

erpillars since arriving back from the holidays. The

children are observing the changes in their cater-

pillars daily and are very excited to watch them

develop into chrysalises and eventually butter-

flies. This links in with our new ‘Growing’ topic

where the children will be studying how plants

and animals grow.

Watch them grow!

Unit 3 It’s been busy, busy, busy in Unit 3. To celebrate the end of SATs, Year 6 took part in an exciting practical science week. They planned different types of science investigations, made predictions, researched and tested theories and wrote a formal science report. Our favourite investigation was making lava lamps using oil, water, food colouring and effervescent tablets. Have a look at our video on the Unit 3 web page; the reaction was quite spectacular. Year 5 have been working really hard with Exeter Chiefs

and Exeter City Football club. Representatives from

Exeter Chiefs provided a fantastic P.E session for Year

5s, focussing on team work, respect and integrity. They also delivered a workshop highlighting the difference

between mental health and mental illness. Year 5 were fascinated to learn about the connections between

our brains and bodies and emotions and actions.

Years 3 & 4 All Around the UK! We started our new theme off with a red, white and blue day. During our Wow day, we had a treasure hunt around school where we had to identify which items were from which country. We also tried a range of foods from all four countries in the UK and we had to describe the taste, texture and smell. We were delighted to have Exeter Chiefs back in to hold a one of PE session with Year 3/4. We learnt about keeping our bodies and our minds healthy. We have also had the opportunity to do PE in our school field where we have been participating in games of rounders and cricket. More recently, we have been participating in track and field activities in preparation for sports day. In English, we have been creating non-chronological reports about England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ire-land. We have been using headings and subheadings, fronted adverbials and rhetorical questions.

Congratulations to Avocet class (again) who have achieved

the highest attendance for the month of May! Well done.

98.7%

Continued….

Year 5 are also celebrating after completing a hugely successful 6 week sports programme, delivered by Exe-

ter City football club. The programme included practical sessions encouraging physical activity, team work

and respect. Classroom sessions focussed on nutritional education, building awareness of the importance of

a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Following on from the Year 6 visit to Exeter College, Hawk Class were visited by Mr Murray from the college

computing department. The children were given the opportunity to take apart a computer to look at the

inside. They were also lucky enough to have the opportunity to explore virtual reality technology and try out

a headset. Year 6 thoroughly enjoyed the lesson and learnt a lot about the inside of a computer.

It was all smiles in Year 6 this week following a

fantastic trip to Go Ape in Haldon forest. The

children wowed the adults with their bravery,

team work, kindness and respect for each other.

They climbed high and low ropes, flew through

the air on zip wires, took part in team games and

played together in the park. It was lovely to see

them support each other to overcome fears and

enjoy the freedom of an outdoor setting.

“I enjoyed Go Ape because I faced my fear of height and completed the course. Now I love heights”. Hannah

“It was great to get outdoors”. Natalie

“It was extraordinary! The best day out ever” Tulaila

Information and reminders

May Bank Holiday change– Please be aware that the Government have made a change to next years May bank

holiday. It has moved from Monday 4th May to Friday 8th May 2020.

Thomas Moore– Discount days. On 13th, 14th and 15th July Thomas Moore's (our uniform supplier) have a 10% discount offer running, exclusive to Willowbank, it’s a great time to buy next years school uniform. PE Tops– We have changed our PE uniform. We now ask that all children wear the same green polo t-shirt.

Lost property Mantas in Kingfisher class has lost several jumpers, all are named. Jonathan in Kingfisher class has also lost a jumper which is named. Please can you look at home in case your child has brought it home by accident. Thank you.

Calling all Dads – Please download the MYEd app! Every time we send a text to those families where the dads

don’t have the app it costs the school money! Texts are FREE with the app.

National Trust membership—The school has recently purchased an National Trust Annual pass. We are excited

by the opportunities it offers to the children in the school. And look forward to visiting properties next year.

No Nuts– Please remember that we are a nut free school. Please ensure that no nuts or foods containing nuts are

brought into the school. This is for the well being of children and staff in the school who have severe nut allergies.

We also have a member of staff with a severe allergy to Kiwi’s , therefore please may we ask that these are also not

brought into school. Thank you

School Dinners- In 2014, the Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) policy was introduced, stipulating that

all children in England's state funded schools in reception, year 1 and year 2 should be entitled to a free school

lunch. Free School Meals (FSM)- families of children (regardless of year group) may be eligible if in receipt of cer-

tain benefits or on low income. Further details can be found in our Pupil Premium information leaflet available from

the parent information board in reception.

Parking—Following a complaint from local resident please can we ask you again to be mindful and respectful to our

neighbours when parking at school. I

Bike and Scooter rack—We are excited to let you know that Councillor John Berry has donated funds to school for

us to purchase scooter and bike racks. These are now in use and we would like to encourage families to walk to

school.

Our main form of communication to parents/carers is by using email. Many seem to go into junk

folders. You can search for emails using the search bar and by typing ‘@school’, then move the email

into your inbox. We understand it is annoying when you miss an email but unfortunately there is

nothing we can do to stop it from happening at this end, we have investigated this already. Don’t

forget that any letters we send out are always available in paper form from the Parent Information

Board.

Calling all Gardeners! Volunteers needed– We are looking for volunteers to help us with dig-

ging, gardening and tidying on Tuesday afternoon (tbc) If you can help, please let the office or

Miss Mogford know.

Donations needed– We would be grateful of donations of cushions, materials, small dolls such

as Barbies and toy cars please, if you are able to donate any of these items please drop them off

in the school office. Thank you.

Personal details– Are your details up to date? If any changes occur, please remember to inform the school office.

It is important that our records are kept up to date. When we start the new school year in September we will send

home a data collection sheet, for you to check and return.

Dinner monies– As we are approaching the end of term, please may we ask that outstanding dinner monies are

paid as soon as possible. Thank you

Meal Time Assistant / Playworker Vacancy Required to start asap, an active, warm and caring individual who enjoys working with children to join our MTA team. You will need to be reliable, show initiative and be able to organise play activities with the children. We are looking for someone enthusiastic, reliable and punctual. The postholder would be available for term time only from 12.00 – 1.15pm, Monday to Friday, 38 weeks a year. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and expects all staff and volun-teers to share this commitment. DBS clearance is essential. An application form is available on the school website.

Cullompton Twinning Association invites you to celebrate Bastille Day with a themed treasure hunt and children’s outdoor games, on Sunday, 14 July 2019, 10am 1pm

At Kia Ora, Farm & Gardens Knowle Lane, Cullompton, Devon. EX15 1PZ

@cullomptontwinning or diana-

speaight@hotmail.com

Disco – Wednesday 10th

July 2019

Yes it’s creeping towards the end of term so a celebration is in order, it’s time to get your dancing

shoes on for the Summer disco.

Foundation & KS1 – 5.45pm – 6.45pm

KS2 – 7.00pm - 8.00pm

Exciting news….. we are be expanding our range of treats to include milkshakes, hot dogs, fruit

kebabs and hopefully a chocolate fountain as well as the usual pocket money toys.

£1.50 a ticket. Fast track tickets will be available the week before the disco from the FoW team.

Please note tickets are not available from the office.

Parents who are collecting from the first disco may drop their older children into the library. We

kindly ask that all other children wait outside until we have seen the lower school children safely

out.

Summer Fayre – Friday 12th July 2.30 – 4pm

We are in full swing organising the Summer Fayre and this year we are kindly being helped by a

team from Year 6 and Year 5.

There will be lots of games to enjoy, stalls and for the adults the Pimms and Prosecco tent will offer

welcome refreshment on a sunny afternoon.

How can you help?

Do you own a business or work with someone that might be able to donate a raffle prize, if so

please get in touch. We really appreciate the support we receive from parents and the local

community and all raffle donations will be thanked via our Facebook page, school Twitter account

and newsletter.

The donation bin will be available from the beginning of July in the school office, we welcome

donations of good quality toys, tombola prizes and any other goodies that you can spare.

We would also like to run a plant stall this year and are seeking donations of plants.

The cake stall is always well received and once again we will be seeking donations of cakes.

Stalls to rent – we have some tables to rent on the day. The cost of the table is £10 which is

payable upon booking. If you are interested please contact us via our Facebook page.

Parents are welcome to collect their children from 2.30pm to explore and enjoy the fayre together.

Once children are collected they become the responsibility of their parents. If you are unable to

attend the fayre until 3.25pm your child well remain in their class.

Remember to keep up to date with all FoW news via the Facebook page.

Notices

July 23rd

Year 6 Leavers’ Party

Thomas Moore

Discount days

13th, 14th & 15th July

3rd and 4th Sept are Non Pupil days

May bank holiday 2020 change!

WAS Monday 4th NOW Friday 8th!

Back to School

5th September