Newsletter12th May 2017

Message from Mrs Bennett-Odlum

Preparing children for life

Dear Parents and Carers,

The Summer term has started extremely well and the children have settled quickly into their busy routines.

We have begun the term with a series of coffee mornings hosted by the Friends of Windlesham and the School. These social events have provided an ideal time for families to meet Mr Ingrassia as he settles into his role of Assistant Headteacher. We have also been able to thank the Friends of Windlesham for all the excellent fundraising work that they do for the School. As a group, they welcome any help with the events that they are planning so please do feel that you can get involved.

We are looking forward to the whole School photograph which is taking place on Tuesday, 16th May. Please would you check that your child is wearing the correct SUMMER school uniform on this day.

The School photograph will take place in the morning. The details for the correct uniform are listed opposite in the blue box. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a dry, warm day.

The Children’s ParadeWe had the most wonderful day on Saturday, 6th May at the opening of the Brighton Festival with the Children’s Parade. The weather was very kind to us all as the sun shone brightly. The theme this year was ‘Poetry in Motion’ and Mrs Ball had designed a very exciting structure for the School which you can see more fully on page 3.

A huge thank you to all the parents, carers, families and friends who were able to come along and support us.

I would particularly like to thank Mrs Ball for creating such an amazing design for this event. The main structure looked stunning especially when the wind blew and the fabric attached to the head dramatically swirled. The children wore their eye-catching creations and the overall look was very effective. Many families have been involved in workshops with their children and clearly enjoyed taking part in the Parade itself. Please see page 3 for a sample of the many great photos, along with a caption competition!

Reporter: Mrs Bennett-Odlum

Black outdoor shoes Jumper Shirt for boys (shortsleeve) Shorts for boys (optional for Year 6) Tie Beige socks for boys Summer dress for girls Short plain white socks for girls (no lace or frills)

Hair accessories (Windlesham colours) Nursery uniform: Yellow polo shirt and sweatshirt with logo Smock

All School uniform can be purchased from Trutex Schoolwear: 40 Blatchington Road, Hove BN3 3YH. Tel: 01273 739676 www.hove.trutex.com

Uniform for the School Photograph

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A balanced healthy lunchboxPlease remember when you are preparing lunchboxes that we are a nut-free school. It is important to check labels as many products may contain a trace of nuts.

Please do not include any sweets in your child’s lunchbox. A balanced, healthy lunchbox is really important.

Also, please could we ask all parents and carers to check the Portal to ensure you have informed the School about any allergies your child might have.

Prefects for this term3K Amelia Shaw Fiontan Warde-Robinson

3M Isaac Grace Orla Magee

4B Monte Batten Katie Connolly

4C Harry Underwood Eli Wolfe-Naughton

5CM Zac Papanicola Jamie Peasgood

5M Molly Christie-Miller Harry Short

Other children will be offered the opportunity to be a Prefect during the term.

School Council3K Fiontan Warde-Robinson Rhea Ayling

3M Henry Boyle Zoe Cheal

4B Sophie Vera George Daiches

4C Ben Kimberley Daisy Boyle

5CM Oliver Blount Nathanael Andrawos

5M Ra Healy Elizabeth Rimmer-Leeming

Y6 Max Outhwaite, Maria Veness Tia Elyas and Alfie White

General information

Introduction of new behaviour management strategiesAt our INSET day on Monday, 24th April 2017, staff received training in Restorative Justice. This is a behaviour management tool to help deal with disagreements and issues that arise during the School day. This will run in conjunction with the School code of conduct as an additional tool for staff and children to help resolve any issues quickly and effectively. Reporter: Ms Colley

Speech and Drama Exams On Wednesday, 22nd March, a New Era examiner visited the School to examine our Junior Drama group taking a Choral verse exam. Huge congratulations to all those involved. A Distinction Mark was gained which is very good. The certificates have now arrived and they shall be presented at assembly very soon.

Reporter: Ms Patching

Arundel 1274Bodiam 1083Lewes 1016

House Point Totals for the Spring Term Congratulations to all members of Arundel.

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Events

Can you come up with a caption to go with this photograph of Mrs Bennett-Odlum and Mr Ingrassia at the Parade? The winning entry shall receive a bottle of wine and appear in the next newsletter. Please either email info@windleshamschool.co.uk with your suggestion or drop it in to the School Office, no later than Friday, 19th May. Good Luck!

The Children’s Parade 2017An early but sunny start to the Parade set us up nicely for a fun morning. The children had been working on their birds since early January and it was wonderful to see them all together wearing their completed creations. During the Parade the children ‘flew’ with their birds much to the delight of the crowd. Our thanks to Mr Gifford and Mr Ingrassia for controlling the North wind, and preventing it from blowing us away. Our personal thanks also go to the parents and carers who helped us at the weekly workshops. Are you ready for the next one?

Reporters: Mrs Ball and Ms Groves

Caption Competition

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We are fortunate to have been part of a charitable link with Brighton College and the registered charity, ‘Reading Spots’. Reading Spots is a charity formed by youth and teacher volunteers in the UK and in Ghana. The aim is to support the creation of community libraries in Ghana, responding to the thirst for reading amongst children and adults in rural areas. The organisers strive to improve the very limited access they have to books and to develop educational opportunities and literacy, especially for children. The libraries are managed by Ghanaians and are entirely self-sufficient after their creation.

Ben Thompsett, a former Windlesham pupil and university graduate, specialises in documentary film making for social change. He joined forces with Reading Spots and flew out to Africa at the end of last term, but not before he paid a visit to Windlesham School. Year 3 children were delighted to meet with him before he set off. The children were extremely interested in the class discussion with Ben in our library and were concerned that all children, no matter where they are, should have access to books. They played a big part in sorting and boxing up books to go to this worthy cause.

This is what Ben had to say:“As an ex-pupil, I was overjoyed to visit Windlesham again and accept the kind contribution of books from the children. I was impressed to see the effort and enthusiasm they had put into supporting this project, and it was a pleasure to answer their insightful and thoughtful questions. Every book counts. Books genuinely help to make a change in vulnerable people’s lives, adults and children alike.

During my recent visit to meet with the Year 3 children, in the Windlesham library, it was clear they understood how much their support means to the Ghanaian people who will be receiving these books. I will be returning from Ghana having documented the efforts of this charitable cause on film. I’ll come back to Windlesham again to say thank you, and to show the children where their books have gone and what a difference it has made.

Thank you for making me feel so welcome. I have such fond memories of being at Windlesham and meeting the children was a memorable and enjoyable experience."

Reporter: Miss Thompsett, School Library Co-ordinator

Books for Ghana Project

Loading the School minibus

Year 3 with Ben collecting the books

The school children in Ghana unpacking the books

General news

Ben as a former Windlesham pupil

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General news

New Development of Gym and 180 Building

Windlesham’s Friendship Club

Astrid in Year 4 and the DengineersAstrid shared some very exciting news in one of our Upper School assemblies recently. She entered a competition to design her dream den for a CBBC programme called ‘The Dengineers’. We have now heard that Astrid has been successful and amongst the huge number of applications, Astrid’s design has been selected which is fantastic news. Her den will now be built in her garden. It will be complete by the 8th June.

The CBBC team contacted Windlesham School and secretly interviewed me in my room, a couple of weeks ago. This interview will be included as part of the programme in December.

We are thrilled for Astrid. She is a very talented artist and certainly a talented designer. Reporter: Mrs Bennett-Odlum

At Friendship Club, just before the Easter break, the group enjoyed decorating biscuits. However, it had a twist! Everybody got into pairs and one person sat on the other’s lap. The person on top gave directions to the person beneath on what they wanted on their biscuit. Of course, the person behind couldn’t see - they had to have complete trust in the person on their lap! Although it was a fun activity, it was also helping build many values and skills like teamwork, co-operation and communication. We had to be considerate to what the other person wanted, follow instructions and share with the rest of the table as well. Everybody got a turn at each role. A great (and sugar-filled) time was enjoyed by all.

Astrid discovering the surprise news from CBBC on Brighton Pier

Reporter: Maddy Pickering, Year 6 Having fun at the Friendship Club

Ms Waller, Head of Finance and Operations, is pleased to report that Windlesham School has been notified by the Planning department at BHCC that permission will be granted shortly for a new development on the School site. This process has taken longer than expected so our projected start date for the new build of summer 2017 is no longer viable. The preferred start date for work is the summer holidays in order

to allow for the demolition and maximum amount of work to be completed without disruption to pupils’ learning. Therefore, it is anticipated that construction will commence in July 2018, barring any setbacks. We shall keep you informed of progress towards this exciting new development and shall invite parents and carers to see the full plans once they are formally approved.

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Year 6 Trip to the Isle of WightYear 6 had an incredible time on the Isle of Wight trip to Little Canada in March. The trip began with a visit to Spinnaker Tower where the children had the opportunity to experience the dizzying heights by walking across the glass floor. The scenic views were captured on camera, as well as a few selfies. A quick lunch stop was enjoyed by the docks before the children boarded the ferry. As soon as we arrived, the children were glad to find out their room mates and activity groups. In the evening, the children took part in some wacky races. Everyone got involved, racing for their lives and acting their hearts out to provide much entertainment for all! The following day, the activities included abseiling, archery and climbing Jacob’s Ladder. Despite the weather conditions, the children mastered new skills and showed great encouragement towards each other. After getting drenched, spirits were lifted in the evening with Passport to the World. The children executed excellent team skills and demonstrated an interesting knowledge of different countries. Another day of fun-filled activities followed and on the final night the children attended a disco with other schools. It was an opportunity to celebrate a brilliant week, dress to impress and show off their disco moves.

Once again, another fantastic trip that the children, and the teachers, will always remember.

Reporters: Mrs Mack and Miss Baig

Year 5 pupils and staff are very excited about their forthcoming trip to Rippledown in Kent. They leave on Wednesday next week.

School Trips

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Special Farewell Event

Thursday, 6th July 2017 at 6.00pm

A reminder that we shall be hosting a special event to say farewell to Mrs Bennett-Odlum. This will take place at the ‘End of Year Presentations to Pupils in Years 3 to 6’ at BHASVIC.

All our families are invited to attend these celebrations if they would like to. Parents and carers of children in the Lower School are welcome to attend with their family. Further details will follow.

Summer Term Dates

WEDNESDAY, 17th MAY – FRIDAY, 19th MAY Year 5 Rippledown Trip

MONDAY, 29th MAY – FRIDAY, 2nd JUNE INCLUSIVE Half-Term Holiday

FRIDAY, 7th JULY Term ends

MONDAY, 4th SEPTEMBER Autumn term starts

Please refer to the School Website for 2017/2018 Term Dates: www.windleshamschool.co.uk

DiaryOnline Safety for Parents and Carers on Thursday, 15th June Would you like to know more about keeping children safe online?The FOW are sponsoring this meeting for parents and carers of pupils in Years 4,5 and 6 in the School Hall (directly after the Year 5 FOW Coffee Morning at Dyke Road Café). The session is from 9.30 am - 11.30 am.

The meeting is being run by Brighton-based Safety Net to support you as your child moves into the digital world. The session includes useful information on how to broach the subject of e-safety, current websites, and videos that you can watch with your children at home, as well as a Q&A session.

Please visit our website for more details: www.facebook.com/events/422167261487286/

Diary

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Swimming GalaThis year’s Brighton & Hove Schools Swimming gala took place at the Prince Regent Swimming complex during our school Easter break. With many of our swimmers away on holiday, it presented a great opportunity for several children to make their debuts representing the School team. The children who swam performed brilliantly.

Windlesham School retained the McClean Shield, came 2nd overall in the girls competition and were 1st in the overall boys competition. A great performance!

The team: Austin, Olivia, Alex, Tilly, Bella, Harry, Kitty (Year 6); Truly, Zac, Lily, Max, Ra, Ollie (Year 5), Eli, Harry, Mia, Emma, George, Zachary, Katie, Hermione (Year 4). Reporter: Mr Lambert

Mrs Bennett-Odlum - sponsored event

Brighton Mini MileThis year, as part of the Brighton Marathon weekend, we had a group of pupils taking part in Mini Mile events on Saturday, 8th April. The races were open to all pupils in the Brighton and Hove area over the age of 7 and was very well attended. We had a great team of enthusiastic boys and girls, some of whom raised considerable amounts of sponsorship for some very worthwhile causes. We even made it into the official promotional video click here >

Well done to all who took part and we look forward to putting together an even bigger team for 2018. Reporter: Mrs Fox

Sports news

Mrs Bennett-Odlum is currently involved in a special fundraising event. On the days that she is not working in School this week, she is supporting a very good friend, Ian Maskell, who has organised a sponsored London to Brighton wheelchair 'push'. Ian is paralysed following a cycling accident he had 4 years ago and is now wanting to thank all the charities who have helped him during this time.

Ian is currently pushing his way from the London Eye to the i360 in his wheelchair following the flat, waterside route. He started on Saturday, 6th May and Mrs Bennett-Odlum has now joined him. He is travelling quite fast in his wheelchair so she is hoping that she can keep up! She is keen to support Ian's charities who help people with spinal injuries and can see how sheer determination can achieve so much. To read more, please click here >

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Year 3 Ancient Egyptian WOW Day On Friday, 28th April Year 3 descended upon Windlesham dressed as Ancient Egyptians. This marked the start of our final topic of the year. There were plenty of Egyptian Pharaohs, Mummies and even Anubis, God of the Dead. First, we really enjoyed sharing some research we had completed for our homework over the holidays. Next, we made Tutankhamun’s death mask using blue and gold to represent the famous River Nile and wealth. Our favourite part of the day was food tasting; we were very brave trying anchovies, sardines, beef, chicken and raw onion. We are now really excited about the rest of the topic and can’t wait to hear more about what goes on inside the pyramids.

Reporters: Miss Kennedy and Mrs Mack

Topics of interest

The refurbishment of the School reception area has freed up a sofa and chair which have been moved to the library, creating a lovely, cosy space for the children and their books. The children are really enjoying this space. We have a special treat in store for our Lower School Reading Celebration on the 7th June. The award winning author, Rob Biddulph, will be coming to Windlesham School to join in the celebration. Reporter: Miss Thompsett

News from the Library

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Friends of Windlesham

Remember FOW is here to represent the whole parent body. If you have an idea or would like to get involved, please get in touch!

It’s a great way to meet new people and a fabulous way to have a positive impact on the school.

FOW Coffee Mornings from 8.30am - 10.00am Dyke Road Café/ School Hall We have been hosting a set of regular coffee mornings where, as parents, we can get together, build friendships, spend time with members of the School management team, have a voice in FOW and hear interesting speakers on matters highly relevant to our children. Tea, coffee and light bites are provided. The remaining coffee mornings for this term are on the following dates:

Thursday, 18th May: Years 1 and 2

Tuesday, 6th June: Years 3 and 4

Thursday, 15th June: Years 5 and 6 ** ** This coffee morning will finish at 9:30am and will be followed by the e-safety workshop for Years 4 to 6 parents and carers in the School Hall. This is a very worthwhile and pertinent topic with this age group. Please see page 6 for additional information.

Please come and join the fun, meet other parents and help the Windlesham community

Want to get involved or simply join in the fun? Please email chairperson@friendsofwindlesham.co.uk

SAVE THE DATE!! ANNUAL AGM with new quiz night, eats and bar on Tuesday, 19th September from 19.00 - 21.00.

190 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 5AATelephone 01273 553645

www.windleshamschool.co.uk

Newsletter Editor: Mrs S BlaylockWindlesham School Trust Limited. Registered company no. 1172432 (England & Wales). Registered charity no. 269264. Registered office: 190 Dyke Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 5AA.

FacebookFor photos and details of recent trips and events, don't forget to check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/WindleshamSchool which is regularly updated with news of the latest events and activities.

Last minute news

One last item of news ... Inter-house Poetry Recital Competition for the Upper School

We would like to inform you about an upcoming house poetry competition for Years 3 to 6. Each house will hold auditions for a poetry recital. Children can perform it in a group with up to five people, or by themselves. There will be no props or costumes so children should get creative.

It can be any theme! The auditions will be in the houses on Friday, 26th May during assembly. Children will need to sign up by the house boards on Monday, 22nd May. Each house will be rewarded with house points for the number of people that sign up, so please encourage your children to get involved! Reporters : Madeliene Pickering, Kitty Hudson and Olivia Simmonds (Year 6)