Newsletters

We believe that our children should have the aspiration and opportunity to ‘Live life in all its fullness’ and ‘Shine like stars in the sky’.
 
MESSAGES FROM MRS TAYLOR
Please see email regarding staffing sent directly to parents yesterday.
 
Spotlights from Learning…
 
In Rocket Class this week, the EYFS children have enjoyed learning about the story of Rama and Sita.  They produced some fantastic art work after their discussions!  Can they retell the story to you at home?
The Y1 children have been working hard on understanding the value of coins in Maths.  This is always a tricky concept for children, as they often see adults tapping their card to pay but rarely see loose change anymore!  Maybe this weekend you could dig out some coins from down the side of the sofa or empty out the piggy bank and see which coins your child can recognise!

In Comet Class, we have enjoyed having the Y4 and Y5 children with us to allow the Y6 children to focus on their SATs.  The children have thrown themselves into our project based on the story ‘Friend or Foe’ by Michael Morpurgo.  Miss M has been very impressed with their enthusiasm and insightful comments during discussion.  Many children have also drawn links with last year’s project based on Carrie’s War – what phenomenal memories you all have!   I wonder what you might have decided to do had you been faced with the moral dilemma that David and Tucky wrestled with in the story?
 
This week in Asteroid Class, my Year 6s have knocked it out the park in their attitude towards tackling their SATs. We couldn’t be prouder of them. In other news (!), our modroc Easter Island heads literally took shape and became something that again surpassed my expectations! Painting them yesterday was a creative process and they are looking forward to bringing them home next week! Do you know the history of the Easter Island heads and how many there are?
 
WORD OF THE WEEK
Our next word to explore is:  The children are encouraged to find out what the word means and perhaps use it in a sentence or explore its etymology.  Their efforts are then displayed in the hall.  Although aimed more at the KS2 children, everyone is welcome to join in.
 
Remember to look out for more details of our learning for the term ahead on our class pages on the school website.
 
Reminders…
FINAL CALL - JAM MESSY CHURCH
Many thanks to all those who have responded to sign up for our JAM Messy Church sessions on Monday 18^th May.  Please can any last responses be received by the close of today, including confirmation of attendance for any children who are normally at after-school club on Mondays.  This is so we have the right numbers for catering.  Many thanks

FIDGET TOYS
Just a gentle reminder that children are asked not to bring in toys or other personal items from home as these can be a distraction from learning or cause distress if they get lost or broken.  Where children have been identified as having sensory needs as part of their SEND, school sometimes provides fidget items as part of their provision following discussions with parents.  We have reminded the children that all other items should be left at home as recently there have been incidents of toys coming into school which do not benefit children’s learning or have posed a health and safety hazard.  Thank you for your help and please see below for some related information coincidentally just received from North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership.

Coming up…
SPORTS DAY
Families are warmly invited to join us on the afternoon of Tuesday 19^th May from 1.15 onwards for our annual Sports Day (weather permitting!).
Click here for all the details:
CHORISTER RECRUITMENT
Dr Ronny Krippner, Director of Music at Ripon Cathedral, will be visiting the school during assembly on Wednesday 20 May as part of their chorister recruitment drive for September 2026.
Children who love singing but are not able to make such a big commitment may be interested in taking a look at the following information about St Mary’s Youth Choir in Masham (where some of our children already attend).
FOREST SCHOOL
Next Friday, it will be the turn of Rocket Class (including Year 2) to take part in Forest School. Please can the children come to school wearing their forest school kit ready to add waterproofs on arrival.  They do not need to bring their uniform to change into afterwards.
 
News from the wider community
NEWS FROM THE BENEFICE
Our next Family Service will be on Sunday 24^th May at 9.15am.  This is the first Sunday of the half-term break so we realise that some families may be away.  If you are around and your child would like to read/help with the service, please let Miss Mandelson know.  All help gratefully received and all welcome.
See below for all the latest from the parishes in our community:
RESOURCES FOR THE GAMBIA
Some of you may know Linda Greensit, who lives in our village, and that she and her husband have links with schools in The Gambia.  Linda is currently collecting resources to send out for children and young people there and would be grateful for any donations of children’s books, sandals or sanitary towels.  You can either drop them to Linda directly or pop them into school for us to pass on.
 
MY EXPEDITION ROCKS…
…are hosting our usual holiday clubs during both May Half Term and the Summer breaks.  Both their Ilkley Cow & Calf and Brimham Rocks venues are Ofsted registered and able to accept childcare vouchers and support those making claims through UC. For more information, please contact John:
info@myexpeditionrocks.com
T: 01756 228801
E: info@myexpeditionrocks.com
W: www.myexpeditionrocks.com
 
NETBALL CAMP  For more details, contact: Vicky Palmer Head Coach
Instagram - Netball4alluk
Facebook - Netball 4 All Uk
Threads - netball4alluk
X - @netball4alluk
Email - vicky@netball4all.com
https://www.netball4all.com
 
RIPON WALLED GARDEN SPRING FAIR   
YORK FESTIVAL OF IDEAS  
Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing Updates
YOUNG CARERS

STOP PRESS – MESSAGE FROM NY SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN PARTNERSHIP
Safeguarding Advice for Parents and Carers: Viral “Squishy Toy” Trend
We are aware of a viral trend circulating online where children are encouraged to heat soft “squishy” toys (sometimes called NeeDoh or jelly cube toys) in a microwave.
This is extremely dangerous. When heated, these toys can burst and release hot contents, which may cause serious burns to the hands, face and skin.
What you can do:

• Talk to your child about the risks of copying online challenges or trends
• Remind them that not everything seen online is safe or accurate
• Ensure squishy toys or similar items are never heated or microwaved
• Encourage your child to come to you if they see something online that concerns them

If you would like more information and practical advice, please see the safeguarding alert here: SAFEGUARDING ALERT: Viral Trend Risks Causing Severe Burns to Children - Ineqe Safeguarding Group