The children have now all settled beautifully into reception class. They have demonstrated such confidence and independence coming down to the classroom each morning and have grown comfortable with the flow of the school day. We are all now enjoying whole school play times outside and navigating lunchtimes, we are no-longer eating with our buddies, but running outside to find them to play on the big playground afterwards.

Today we expereinced an unexpected fire drill whilst we were in the hall lining up for lunch. We were so proud of how the children followed instructions and coped with the situation, especially as it was incredibly loud and possibly unsettling for some. They may well have told you about it, I hope it wasn’t the most exciting part of the day!

This week we have been mark making inside and out, taking inspiration from the story book ‘The Dot’. We also read ‘Peace at Last’ completing cutting and sticking activities linked to day and night and the bear family in the story book. We have talked about our families and started to draw those who are special to us. We have been practising our listening skills, ready to start our phonics learning next week, focusing on noises in the environment as well as listening to hear the initial sound in words.

Next week sees the start of full days in reception class. We will begin our phonics learning on Monday, we will also be be starting to have whole class maths sessions next week. Phonics and maths teaching takes place in the morning so if you think your child would benefit from remaining on a part time basis for longer, leaving after lunch at 1.15, on some days, then please do let me know.

The children are continuing to bring in photographs of their families, which is fantastic, thank you. If you hven’t already done so please do, the children love to see them up on the wall. Please also remember to send in a coat with your child every day, the weather can be so unpredictable at the moment.

Next week I am out of school on Tuesday and Mrs Blakeley will be the cover teacher for the day. We had a lovely morning on Wednesday of this week when she popped in to meet all the children and she is very much looking forward to teaching the class on a Friday afternoon as well.

Next week we have our parents information evening at 7pm on Thursday, I look forward to seeing everyone again then.

Thank you all for your support, have a wonderful weekend,

Jo Bentley

Please do not hesitate to email me with any questions or queries: jbentley@stjohnsprimary.org