Year 5 Assembly
A special well done to Year 5 for their out of this world assembly yesterday. We had singing, dancing, facts and a quiz (congratulations to the winning group of parents – not that it was competitive)! Despite some outer space interference with our IT systems, the children showed great resilience, courage and performance skills. To finish off the week, Year 5 were mesmerized by the space dome experience, whilst Year 6 spent time in the dome experiencing the journey of evolution.

Fire Evacuation
Today, we held our unannounced fire evacuation. We did this during break time when the majority of our classes were outside. The children responded to this very calmly, given this was a different practice to one when we are all inside. We will be holding our lockdown practice before half term. I will write again following this practice to let you know.

Maths Coffee Morning Workshop
Earlier in the week, Mr O’Dwyer hosted a coffee morning and maths workshop. Attached to the email sent home today, you’ll find slides of his interactive presentation.

Trust Visits
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of joining other Trust leaders for a visit and learning walk at St Cleer school. These visits are always useful to see another school in action and share expertise across the Trust. Next Tuesday morning, we will be hosting our visit, where Trust leads and the Headteacher of Looe Primary will be joining us in a learning walk throughout our school.

Year 6 Stay and Learn – Friday 7th February
Next Friday, after drop off, Year 6 will be hosting their Stay and Learn session, where Year 6 families are invited to join their children for a shared learning experience. This event will focus on creative writing, helping children discover the joy of writing in a fun and engaging way. There will be teas, coffees, and exciting games to enjoy. Should the car park become busy at drop off, parents/carers of Year 6 can use the staff car park in the morning.

Farewell to Mrs Jess Valter
It’s with very mixed emotions that I let you know that Mrs Jess Valter (Year 2 TA and Breakfast Club TA) will be leaving us at the end of this half term. Jess has found making the decision so hard as, in her own words, appreciated the experience here at school and will really miss the staff and the supportive, collaborative atmosphere. Jess’ contribution to the school has been immense both in class as a TA, an HLTA, out in the playground and community, and of course rustling up tasty breakfasts in Bridge Kids. Jess has been offered an amazing new opportunity in the hospitality industry, and we wish her the very best!

Year Group News
Attached to the email sent home today (and posted on the Class pages of our website), you’ll find your child’s fortnightly Year Group News, which highlights some of the teaching and learning from the last couple of weeks and what’s coming up next. Do take a look to see what’s been happening.


Dates coming up

Monday 3rd February
Children’s Mental Health Week
House Event launch
14:00-16:00 KS2 Netball Skills Festival Wednesday

Wednesday 5th February
Year 1 Shackleton & Seaside Visitor
YR/Y6 Weight and Height Check

Thursday 6th February
Reception and Year 2 Trip to Eden Project
Year 3/4 Trust Dodgeball Competition at Callywith College

Friday 7th February
08:45-09:45 Year 6 Stay & Learn

Tuesday 11th February
Safer Internet Day

Thursday 13th February
09:00 Year 1 Assembly

Friday 14th February
School closed - INSET

Monday 17th – Friday 21st February
Half term break

Monday 24th February
Back to school

What a wonderful way to end the week, with our Year 4 Stay and Learn; thank you to everyone who was able to make it. The children certainly had a wonderful time being Division Detectives with you.

Next Thursday at 9am, we look forward to welcoming parents/carers from Year 5 to join their child’s year group assembly. Should the car park become busy, parents/carers of Year 5 can use the staff car park in the morning.

Please see below for some other announcements/important information.

Have a great weekend.
Chris Wathern


Reception and Year 2 Trip to Eden
Thank you for signing your children up for this trip. We do ask that the total balance is paid by Monday 3rd February. Unfortunately, should we not receive enough funds for the trip, we may have to cancel.



Coffee Morning & Maths Workshop – Monday 27th January 08:30-09:15
There is still time to sign up! Mr O’Dwyer will be hosting an informal maths workshop and coffee morning after drop off next Monday 27th January. During the workshop, he will be sharing some information about what maths looks like at WPA and the approach we take to ensure pupils develop 'KIRFs' (Key Instant Recall Facts). You will also have the chance to have a go at resources such as Times Table Rockstars to aid with home learning. We look forward to seeing you there, even if you can’t stay for the whole session.

Staying Safe Online
At the end of March, Mrs Orme and I are hosting a coffee morning about staying safe online. We will be sharing various materials and giving parents the opportunity to ask any questions and share tips they have to support our children staying safe online. Tuesday 11th February also marks Safer Internet Day, but we realise that helping our children stay safe online is a year-wide issue. For instance, only this week, we were made aware of a WhatsApp group used by some Year 6 children across a wide range of Wadebridge (and beyond) schools. We made our Year 6 parents aware about this group and followed up with the children as part of our PSHE curriculum.

On our website, under Staying Safe, click on Parent Downloads and scroll down to 'Documents' to access some resources which you may find useful in helping our young people keeping safe online. 

Fire Drill
To ensure we all know what to do should there be a reason to evacuate the building, we practice this each term. Last term, we let everyone know when the alarm would sound. Next week, we will be doing an unannounced drill, but letting the children know that it will be happening at some point during the week. Later in the term, we will be practicing our Lockdown arrangements and will let you know when this has taken place.

RHS Gardening Awards
We are delighted to have received our Level 1 Award for gardening. Mrs O'Dwyer and the children across the school have been working hard to prepare our gardening area and polytunnel. They have planted seeds which you can see growing ready to harvest as the year progresses.

Welcome to Mrs Jo Andrews
Next week, we look forward to welcoming Jo to the Nursery team. Jo was recently successful in securing the Teaching Assistant position and brings with her lots of experience working with our youngest children.

House Points
Congratulations to this week’s winners, Choughs. Overall, Swans maintain the lead, but there’s only 50 points between 1st and 2nd:

Swans – 4381
Choughs – 4331
Cormorants – 3870
Puffins – 3791

With our upcoming House events planned this term, anything can happen to the leaderboard.

Dates coming up over the next two weeks   

Monday 27th January 08:45
Coffee Morning & Maths Workshop with Luke O’Dwyer

Thursday 30th January
09:00 Year 5 Assembly

Friday 31st January
Space Odyssey workshop for Y5 and Y6 February

Monday 3rd February
Children’s Mental Health Week
House Event launch
14:00-16:00 KS2 Netball Skills Festival

Wednesday 5th February
Year 1 Shackleton & Seaside Visitor

Thursday 6th February
Reception and Year 2 Trip to Eden Project
Year 3/4 Trust Dodgeball Competition at Callywith College (6 children per school)

Friday 7th February
08:45-09:45 Year 6 Stay & Learn

It’s been a very busy and productive couple of weeks since the start of term. Alongside the children starting their new learning journeys, we have been holding Pupil Progress Meetings to review all children’s progress and next steps. We will be holding our next round of Parent Teacher Consultations after the half term break. However, in the meantime, should you have any questions about your child, please don’t hesitate in contacting your child’s teacher.

Attached to the email coming home today, you’ll find your child’s fortnightly Year Group News, which highlights some of the teaching and learning from the last couple of weeks and what’s coming up next. Do take a look to see what’s been happening. A copy can also be found on the class pages of our website.

KS2 Cross Country
On Monday, the weather was kind and over 40 of our KS2 pupils represented Wadebridge Primary in the second Wadebridge Area School Cross Country event of the year. All WPA pupils ran with smiles on their faces and enjoyed themselves. Some good results and personal bests recorded. Well done to all!

Year 4 Stay and Learn – Friday 24th January 08:45-09:45 (Hall)
A reminder that all Year 4 parents are invited to join their children in Year 4 at our next Stay and Learn on Friday 24th January. Come and join your child to explore some maths problem solving together. No need to sign up – we look forward to seeing you there.

Coffee Morning & Maths Workshop – Monday 27th January 08:45-09:15
Mr O’Dwyer will be hosting an informal maths workshop and coffee morning after drop off on Monday 27th January. During the workshop, we will be will be sharing some information about what maths looks like at WPA and the approach we take to ensure pupils develop 'KIRFs' (Key Instant Recall Facts). You will also have the chance to have a go at resources such as Times Table Rockstars to aid with home learning. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Uniform
Thanks for rummaging through the lost property and collecting items. Any remaining clothing has been passed on to FOWPA for their nearly new uniform sales or a local clothes bank.

There’s a lot in the media about schools enforcing their uniform policies with detentions and the like. We don’t follow this path, but instead ask for your support in sending your child in wearing the correct uniform. Thank you for supporting our uniform policy, as on the whole, the children come to school in the right clothing. From time to time, we do need to remind children about certain accessories and footwear. A copy of our uniform list has been emailed home today; a copy can also be found on our website. We have amended the wording slightly by removing the “don’t wear this, etc.” so it’s clear (hopefully) what the uniform is, rather than what it isn’t.

As always, should you need any support with uniform, please don’t hesitate in speaking with a member of staff. Likewise, should your child need any reasonable adjustments to their uniform, please speak with your child’s teacher or our SENDCo, Mr Smith.

Volunteers
Would you like to help out at our school, maybe on a trip, hearing readers, gardening or something else you could offer? Keep a look out for a separate message next week with further details on how to register your interest.

House Points
Congratulations to this week’s winners, Swans. Overall, Swans maintain the lead:

Swans – 4063
Choughs – 3933
Cormorants – 3597
Puffins – 3473

Dates coming up this month:

Monday 20th January
(pm) Year 6 Secondary Transition PE Session
Year 6 Bikeability runs until Thursday 13th February

Friday 24th January
08:45-09:45 Year 4 Stay & Learn

Monday 27th January
08:45 Coffee Morning & Maths Workshop with Luke O’Dwyer

Thursday 30th January
09:00 Year 5 Assembly

Friday 31st January
Space Odyssey workshop for Y5 and Y6

With very best wishes,
Chris Wathern

What a wonderful full and final week of the year we have had. Well done to all the children in Nursery and Reception for their sensational sing along. When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney was a firm favourite with the children and the audience. Congratulations to our KS1 children for performing so brilliantly in their nativity, Shine Star, Shine. All the children most certainly shone! Thank you to Wadebridge Cinema for hosting us on two occasions this week – the children so enjoyed watching the film (and the walk). To end the week, the staff certainly had a ball performing the annual panto to the children – oh no they didn’t – oh yes they did!

This week we also said a fond farewell to Abi Miskowicz; we wish her all the very best as she starts her new role at Truro and Penwith College – she will be marvellous. After Christmas, we welcome Mrs Carly Cassidy to the team. Mrs Cassidy will be teaching PPA across a range of year groups.

Thank you to you, our supportive parents, our wonderful children and our dedicated staff. It’s been a mammoth 15 week term – and despite its length, the staff have kept going providing memorable learning opportunities for all the children. I wish them, and yourselves, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday 7th January 2025.

With very best wishes,

Chris Wathern

It’s been a busy Friday, starting with a Trust-wide Head’s meeting at WPA this morning. As well as Bridge Schools working together throughout the year, we also have regular meetings at each other’s schools.

The day started with a tour, expertly led by our House Captains who were “wonderful ambassadors for the school.” Additional feedback included, “Everyone spoke so positively about what they saw around the school. Engaged and focused children at this time of the year can be challenging. The children were delightful.” 

We then met to discuss a range of items, including furthering our use of IT across the Trust to continually develop teaching and learning; joint training initiatives; the Trust Alternative Sports Day next year at Looe Primary, and current Ofsted updates.   

Alongside this today, Year 5 had their Egyptian WOW Day; the Choir sang at St Breock Care Home and we held our final Celebration Assembly of 2024!

Next week promises to be an exciting mix of teaching, learning and other end of term events. Here’s to another successful week ahead.    

Winter Fayre
A huge thank you for raising £1062 in just an hour and a half at our Winter Fayre last Friday. Not only was it an amazing fundraising event, it was an opportunity to come together as a community. There was a fantastic buzz around the school – thank you for your support and to everyone’s involvement in making it such a success.    

Family Carols at Egloshayle
On a cold Tuesday evening, we held our Family Carol Service at Egloshayle Church. Thank you all for coming and making it a very special evening. Well done to all the children involved: our choir, readers and performers. A special thanks to Claire Charlton and the team at Egloshayle Church for making us so welcome.    

WPA Christmas Fun Run 2024
Thank you to everyone that donated! Online donations, plus change given and gift aid has resulted in us raising over £1000 for Children’s Hospice South West. All children, from Nursery to Year 6 ran brilliantly, and when they started to tire, the sports leaders cheered them on (along with some questionable singing of Christmas songs from Mr O'Dwyer and his megaphone ).     

House Points
Congratulations to this week’s winners, Puffins. Well done to all children earning points for their House this term. The overall winning House this term is Swans. As their reward, all children in Swans get to have a non-uniform day on Friday 10th January 2025.  

Swans – 3546
Choughs – 3434
Cormorants – 3088
Puffins – 2901  

Gardening at Wadebridge
Last week, we went up to the polytunnel on our school field. We did lots of digging, raking, weeding, painting plant pots and much more. We planted winter vegetables which everyone enjoyed. My group have been looking forward to what we could do next to upgrade and make our polytunnel a better place for wildlife and plants to thrive.
From members of the Eco Council    

Coffee Morning – Friday 20th December 08:45 (Reception Playground)
Our final coffee morning of the term takes place next Friday 20th December after drop off (outdoors!) in the Reception playground. Wrap up warm for some al fresco tea, coffee and Christmas tunes!   

Dates coming up  
Monday 16th Dec
09:00 KS2 Cinema Trip
14:00 Big Nursery & Reception Christmas Singalong with Parents and Buddies

Tuesday 17th Dec
15:00-16:00 Inter-schools Netball Competition

Wednesday 18th Dec
09:00 & 14:00 KS1 Nativity

Thursday 19th Dec
09:00 Reception & KS1 Cinema Trip

Friday 20th Dec
(am) Staff Pantomime for the children
Class Christmas Parties (unless notified on a different date from your class teacher)
Children can wear a Christmas jumper to school
School finishes for Term 1: 12:30 Nursery collection; 13:20 Reception-KS1 collection;  13:30 KS2 collection

21st Dec-6th Jan
Christmas holiday

Tuesday 7th Jan
Back to school

Friday 10th Jan
Swans - Non-Uniform Day

Monday 13th Jan
08:45 Coffee Morning
14:00-15:00 KS2 Cross Country
Term 2 ECAs begin 

It was wonderful to see so many parents, grandparents, children and former students at our Winter Fayre today. What a fantastic festive atmosphere. A huge thank you to everyone for coming, to our Christmas Choir, FOWPA and our wonderful staff.

Year Group News
Your child's year group news has been sent home by email today.

Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) – Term 2
A reminder that the sign-up closes on Monday 9th December.

Footballing Success!
On Thursday, the Girls’ Football Team participated in the Cornwall finals of the National League Trophy. All the players represented the school magnificently showing great respect, teamwork and skill. This round was for the strongest teams in Cornwall and we were very proud of our results grabbing 2 draws, 2 losses and 1 win.

Family Carol Service – Tuesday 10th December 17:00
We look forward to our family carol service next Tuesday at Egloshayle Church. This isn’t a ticketed event but is likely to be well attended. The rugby club, opposite the church, have kindly offered their car park. Please can anyone parking please do so carefully as they have an event later that evening, thank you.

WPA Christmas Fun Run 2024, Christmas Jumpers & Christmas Lunch – Wednesday 11th December
We have currently raised £412 for Children’s Hospice South West! If you haven't sponsored your child or shared the link with friends and family, please do. Donation link below.
Thank you to those that have donated so far, it is very much appreciated.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/wpa-christmas-fun-run-2024

Coffee Morning – Friday 13th December 08:45 (Reception Playground)
Our final coffee morning of the term will take place next Friday 13th December after drop off (outdoors!) in the Reception playground. Wrap up warm for some al fresco refreshments and Christmas tunes!

Year Group News
Every fortnight, attached to my email you will receive Year Group Newsletters for Reception to Year 6. These give you a brief overview of what the year group have been learning, what’s coming up and any important year group notices. These will also be uploaded to the year group webpage. 

As mentioned before, your first point of contact regarding your child, is the class teacher. If emailing teachers, please note they will respond to you when they can, as they are in class teaching most of the time. Please also note, some of our teachers are part time. Should you need to contact the class teacher urgently or give a message, e.g. your child isn’t going to an after school ECA, please contact the school office as normal and they will pass on the message. Thank you for your cooperation.

Grandparents’ Stay and Learn
It’s hard to sum up the wonderful atmosphere created on Tuesday. We had over 130 special visitors come into school and share memories of the past with the children and with each other over a cup of tea in the Hall – beautifully decorated as ‘The Forgettory’. A special thank you to our School Choir, the House Captains, Miss Folland and everyone behind the scenes for making this such a successful morning. We will be creating a display in our Hall to remember the event. We are also considering ways we can host other events for the children’s grandparents/ older relatives in the future. We welcome any feedback from anyone who attended and/or show an interest in helping/volunteering at our school. Please email Mrs Orme: eorme@wadebridgeprimary.co.uk, thank you.

Year 6 Assembly
What an amazing first year group assembly. Huge congratulations to the Year 6 children and team of staff. The audience were treated to an immersive experience whilst joining the street party. From acting to singing to trumpet playing – well done Year 6!

A typical comment from the review cards on the table included: “It was just perfect. I felt like I was back celebrating at a street party when I was younger. Loved the singalong! Well done Year 6 – smashed it!”

Reception 2025 Stay and Play
Yesterday, we welcomed September 2025 families to our Reception Stay and Play session. It was wonderful to see so many new families as well as familiar faces come for a play session and a look around our Early Years environment. The children enjoyed the art and craft activities, as well as being able to access all of the resources and outdoor learning areas. We will be holding our final 'Stay and Play' session on Thursday 28th November between 10:00-11:00. We can't wait to see you there.

Road Safety Week
To mark Road Safety Week, we began with a special assembly on Monday. You may have also spotted a black Peugeot driving around the car park at 10mph too – it’s a lot slower than we might all think, and drive! A couple of our Year 6 children have also supported us to make a short film, with some reminders about the use of our school site, car park and drop off arrangements. Please find a moment next week to watch this video – a link will be emailed out early next week.

Year 3 Stay and Learn
Year 3 are looking forward to welcoming their parents to the first year group’s Stay and Learn next Friday 29th November between 08:45-09:45. Get ready to join your children for a maths investigation in the Hall. All Year 3 parents/other relatives welcome!

House Points
Congratulations to this week’s winners, Swans. Overall, Swans still maintain the lead, though other Houses are narrowing the gap:

Swans – 2961
Choughs – 2724
Cormorants – 2489
Puffins – 2262

Coffee Morning - Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing
It was wonderful to see so many parents at this morning’s coffee morning. As well as being on hand to listen and speak with parents, Mrs May and Mr Smith were able to show parents the dedicated spaces we use to support our children. If you couldn’t make it and want to get in touch with Mrs May or Mr Smith, please contact them on mmay@wadebridgeprimary.co.uk or jsmith@bridgeschools.co.uk or catch them in the mornings when they are around.

Our final coffee morning of the term will take place on Friday 13th December after drop off (outdoors!) in the Reception playground. Wrap up warm for some al fresco refreshments and Christmas tunes!

Compost Donation
A big thank you to Arthur’s parents (in Year 2) and Mrs O’Dwyer for transporting the generous donation of compost from the Green Waste company to our school site.

Winter Fayre – Friday 6th December 15:00-16:30
We look forward to welcoming everyone to our Winter Fayre on Friday 6th December. There will be a mix of stalls, games and refreshments on offer to both enjoy and raise money for the school. With FOWPA’s support, our main fundraising efforts this year are going towards improving the Key Stage 2 wet area/learning zones between classrooms, as well as additions to our outdoor learning and play environment. Further details about the Fayre and arrangements for all the other festive activities will be coming home next week. All the dates are below again for information.

FOWPA Christmas Jumper Sale
FOWPA is holding a pre-loved Christmas jumper sale on Thursday 28th November after school - all jumpers £1. Please donate any unneeded clean Christmas jumpers in the box in the main reception. Alongside festive wear will be our regular second hand uniform.

WPA Christmas Fun Run 2024!
The elf is returning to WPA once again and hopefully with some snow! On Wednesday 11th December all year groups will take part in our Christmas Fun Run in aid of a charity close to our hearts. For the last few years we have helped Children’s Hospice South West raise much needed funds to provide children and their families vital support. We are once again asking pupils to take on the fun run and high-five the elf and get as much sponsorship as possible. The route around the school grounds will be shared with pupils soon. The date of the run is also our Christmas Jumper and Christmas Dinner day, therefore the plan is pupils will be dressed in Christmas attire for the run! We will be sharing a JustGiving link like in previous years soon, so please keep an eye on your email and Facebook for the link. We appreciate any donation given, regardless of amount. Thank you!

School Emergency Closures
Following yesterday’s flurry, a timely reminder that in the event of an emergency (e.g. snow, flooding, no water or heating), leading to a decision to close the school, parents will be notified as follows:

• By mobile phone text message
• Email
• School website news feed and banner
• Local radio stations, if possible

In addition, providing it is safe to do so, a member of staff will be at the school gate to meet any parents and children who have missed the above messages. Should a decision be made during the school day, we will follow the same messaging as above, but supervise your children in school until they are safely collected.

Reminder: Please ensure the school office has your most up to date contact details.

Outdoor Learning

The children have been exploring the school field during their outdoor learning session. Some children went on our balance bikes, some went to the poly tunnel and others collect treasures for our classroom. At the firpit, the children enjoyed beans on toast.

Apple Crumble

Big Nursery went to the cooking room to make apple crumble with Mrs Smith. The children all washed their hands and put on an apron before they began cooking. They then carefully peeled some apples before cutting them. The children used the scales to measure the butter and flour before mixing it together to make a crumble. The crumble was cooked in the oven, then the children all had a taste. It was delicious.  

Diwali

The children have been learning about Diwali, the Festival of Light. The children have been making Rangoli patterns using powder paint, coloured sand and rice. They also made Diya lamps using clay.  The children listened to some beautiful Indian music and moved their bodies to it. At the end of the week we had a Diwali feast where the children tried samosas, bahji's, popadoms and mango chutney.  

Children in Need & Wild Planet Trust Charity Non-Uniform Day
What a ‘Spotacular’ day we have had. It was wonderful seeing so many children and staff dressing up and raising money for Children in Need and our children’s chosen charity, Wild Planet Trust for conservation. An amazing £280.90 was raised which will be split between the two charities. Thank you for your support.

Reception Soft Play Experience!
On Thursday, Reception had a very exciting afternoon. They were fortunate enough to be offered a free session at Wadebridge Sports & Leisure Centre's new soft play area. The children had a wonderful time and did not stop smiling! We'd like to say a big thank you to the Leisure Centre for inviting us.

Year 6 Assembly
Next Thursday, Year 6 parents are invited to come and join the first year group assembly of the year. Further details were emailed to Year 6 parents yesterday.

Coffee Morning - Friday 22 November 08:45 (Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing) with Marsha May
Next Friday, it would be fantastic to see as many parents as possible at our next coffee morning. Mrs May will be on hand to talk about how we support children’s mental health and wellbeing at school. Every school needs a Mrs May! Come along for a cuppa, a catch up with other parents, and find out how we support and can further support your children’s well-being together.

Footballing Success
Earlier this week, our amazing boys’ football team had their first outing and took part in the ESFA qualifier. They played four games, winning three and drawing one. The whole team were AMAZING and put on a real show! They were excellent together and were especially good with their communication, hard work, dedication and not giving up. This took them all the way to the semi-finals where they won and qualified for the finals!
By Max 6W

Grandparents’ Stay and Learn - Tuesday 19th November 09:00-11:30
A final call to sign up! Currently, we have over 80 grandparents/older relatives joining us for a very special morning.

Please can you let the grandparents know to arrive after 08:45 if using the school car park, to allow time for the normal drop off arrangements. They can then make their way through the main entrance into the Library where we will sign them in.

Timetable:
08:45-09:00 Grandparents arrive
09:00 Refreshments and Choir Performance
09:20 Welcome and Introduction from the House Captains
09:30 Time to explore the ‘Forgettory’ & photo opportunity for children with their grandparents
10:15 Grandparents to visit classrooms and take part in activity
11:30 Grandparents leave school

House Points
Congratulations to this week’s winners, Choughs. Overall, Swans still maintain the lead:
Swans – 2647
Choughs – 2490
Cormorants – 2214
Puffins – 2077

Road Safety Week
Next week is Road Safety Week. Keep a look out for the ways we will be promoting road safety, including raising awareness of our 10mph speed limit around the school site.

Coffee Afternoon & Phonics Workshop – Wednesday 13th November 14:30
We have re-arranged this morning’s coffee morning to next Wednesday 13th November at 14:30 in the Hall. As well as enjoying a cup of tea or coffee before collecting your children, Mrs Yates and Mrs Clarke will be sharing our approach to the teaching of phonics and tips to help at home. Everyone welcome!

Grandparents’ Stay and Learn - Tuesday 19th November 09:00-11:30
A reminder that we are holding a special Stay and Learn for grandparents or other older relatives/friends. We will start the morning in the Hall where our special visitors will be treated to some tea/coffee and a mince pie. Following this they will hear the story ‘The Forgettery’ read by some of our children, and there will be a festive performance from our choir.

Our visitors will then go to the classrooms, where we ask them to share stories of Christmas past – if they have any objects to bring in to share too, that would be great. The classes will then make a memory box based on what they have seen and heard. These will be the inspiration for the children to make a decoration or object, some of which will be sold at our Winter Fayre.

We would like to ask for your help in sending in a photograph of the child/ren’s grandparent(s) so we can decorate the Hall. Please can these either be sent in with your child or emailed to secretary@wadebridgeprimary.co.uk by Friday 15th November. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to return any photos sent in with your child, as we will use them after the event for display. 

Trips, Residentials & Enrichment
Tonight, we look forward to the Year 3 sleepover, with a chip supper, fireworks, hot chocolate, film and popcorn! Earlier in the week, I also had the opportunity to travel to London as part of a pre-visit for the Year 6 residential next June; it’s going to be a fantastic action-packed trip. Take a look at the dates below for many of the wonderful enrichment and community activities still to come this term. The rest of the year dates can also be found on the ‘Events’ section of our website.

Children in Need & Wild Planet Trust Charity Non-Uniform Day – Friday 15th November
We invite the children (and staff) to come to school on this day dressed up as an animal of their choice. They may choose to combine this with the 'Spotacular' Children in Need theme! If you would like to contribute to this fund-raising event, please send your child to school with a voluntary donation in cash which will be collected by the teachers in class. Money raised will be split equally between Children in Need and the children’s chosen charity, Wild Planet Trust for conservation. As it’s Year 3’s PE day, please can they bring in their PE to change into, if wanting to dress up for the day, thank you.

Little Nursery Vacancy
We are looking to recruit a full time Teaching Assistant to join our Little Nursery team; Mon-Fri 08:00-15:00. For more information, please check our Vacancies page on the website.

Eco Council
On 5th November the Eco Council had an exciting meeting about reusable glue sticks and other eco-friendly stationery. We tested out all of the items our visitor brought in, including reusable glue sticks and whiteboard pencils. We are going to teach our classes how to load the glue sticks and refill them. He was very kind explaining that we should use them because of the amount of waste found every year in Cornwall. Glue sticks build up large amounts of plastic waste which is either burnt or thrown into rivers or seas, and that is not good! We believe that by using reusable glue sticks the same plastic will be used again and again and again!
From Abi Year 6

Poppy Appeal
Thank you for everyone’s support in raising money for the Poppy Appeal by buying the various items during the week. Our House Captains did a fantastic job running the stall during their breaktimes. We will let you know how much money was raised as soon as it’s handed in and counted. Next Monday, we will marking the national period of reflection at 11:00 in school. On Sunday, we will be laying a wreath on behalf of the school at the Remembrance Sunday service in Wadebridge.

Big Nursery and Reception Christmas Singalong with Parents and Buddies – Same day, change of time
Apologies for any inconvenience, but we have needed to change the timing of this event to 14:00 on Monday 16th December.

 
























FOWPA Quiz
What an amazing Quiz Night last Friday! With support from parents/carers, WPA staff, local businesses and the FOWPA team, £1500 was raised to fund improvements to the school. A special thank you to Robin Moorcroft and his team, as Quizmasters!


FOWPA Bake Off and Cake Sale
Wow, what a turn out for the Great WPA Bake-off! We had fantastic entries from the children and all of their bakes sold out within 30 minutes at the afternoon sale, raising £180! So sorry if anyone didn’t get to choose a bake, but thank you for all of the support received. It was wonderful to see the children supporting each other’s creations.

The bakes were judged by the Mr Wathern and the Year 6 House Captains and they must have had a tough job! In Thursday’s assembly, the following winners were presented with a certificate and special tea towel:

Nursery – Noah
Reception – Summer
Year 1 – Olivia
Year 2 – Bertie
Year 3 – Evie
Year 4 – Edrick
Year 5 – Salvador
Year 6 – Seth

If you would like to consider helping FOWPA with future fundraising, we are looking for new recruits. We’re a small team of busy adults who want to help our school thrive, so any amount of time helps. Please contact FOWPA or the office if you’d like to get involved. Your support means so much to our school.
Thank you!
FOWPA

PE Days after Half Term
Please note your child’s PE day lessons after half term and when they need to wear their PE kit.

Monday
Reception
Year 2
Year 4 with Pro 20

Tuesday
Nursery
Year 6 with DT Coaching

Wednesday
Reception
Year 5 with DT Coaching

Thursday
Year 1 with DT Coaching

Friday
Year 3

Children in Need & Wild Planet Trust Charity Non-Uniform Day – Friday 15th November
Friday 15th November is Children in Need Day. As we have recently voted to support the Wild Planet Trust as our chosen charity this year, we have decided to hold an animal themed non-uniform day to raise money for both of these worthwhile charities. We invite the children to come to school on this day dressed up as the animal of their choice (they may choose to combine this with the 'Spotacular' Children in Need theme)! If you would like to contribute to this fund-raising event, please send your child to school with a voluntary donation in cash which will be collected by the teachers in class. Money raised will be split equally between Children in Need and Wild Planet Trust for conservation.

NSPCC Workshops
On Wednesday, we had two visitors from the NSCPP to run some workshops with our Year 2, 5 and 6 pupils. In an age appropriate way, the children were helped to understand: abuse and how to recognise the signs of abuse; that abuse is never a child’s fault and they have the right to be safe; where to get help and the sources of help available to them, including the Childline service.
"Buddy (a cuddly toy) helped us to understand that if we speak out, we can stay safe. So if someone is being mean to us, we can speak to a parent or a teacher. They gave us a toolkit and now I know who my safe person is."
Milo, Year 2

Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs)
A reminder that after half term, all after school ECAs start again. The teacher-led ECAs will finish on Friday 6th December. External providers (Pro20, DT Sports and Dance) finish as per sign up.

Pro20 and DT Sports
Please see the posters emailed out today to sign up your child to Pro20 and DT Sports for after half term. Early booking is advised! We thoroughly benefit from their coaching support during our PE lessons in school and highly recommend them for after school activities if your child is interested.

ParentPay
Just a polite reminder to check your ParentPay account to ensure it is not in arrears, thank you.

Head bump Bands
If your child has a bump to the head, as we do now, we will try and contact you by phone as well as sending home the first aid slip. From now on, in addition, your child will be given a yellow head bump band to wear around their wrist to indicate to any member of staff at school (including after school ECAs & Bridge Kids) and anyone collecting your child, that they have had a bump to their head.

Woodwind Lessons
This week we said farewell to Janet Elston who has been teaching woodwind lessons to our children for many years. It was very kind of the children to bring in leaving gifts and cards and we know Janet will be missed. This week the children were introduced to their new teacher, Amanda Rice who will be teaching woodwind after half term. If you are interested in your child taking up external music lessons (keyboard, guitar, brass, woodwind or percussion), please get in touch with the office.

Lunchtime Supervisor Vacancies
We are looking to recruit two Lunchtime Supervisors to join our team; Mon-Fri 11:30-13:00.

We are looking for someone who:

-Enjoys working with children
-Has high expectations of behaviour and positive strategies to support children
-Will support the school values across lunchtime For more information, please check our Vacancies page on the website.

Poppy Appeal
After half term, our House Captains will be going around the school to sell poppies and other items to support the Poppy Appeal. Please send your child in with some coins if they want to buy something.

Dates coming up
Friday 25th October
School Closed – INSET Day

26th October – 3rd November
Half term break

Monday 4th November
Back to school
Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) re-start
(pm) Year 6 Secondary Transition PE Session

Wednesday 6th November
ESFA Girls’ Football Qualifier

Friday 8th November
08:30 Coffee Morning & Phonics Workshop with Mrs Yates & Mrs Clarke
18:00 Year 3 Sleepover

Saturday 9th November
09:00 Year 3 Sleepover Collection

Monday 11th November
(pm) Year 6 Secondary Transition PE Session

Thursday 14th November
Reception Soft Play sessions at Wadebridge Leisure Centre

Friday 15th November
Children in Need & Wild Planet Trust Charity Non-Uniform Day

Monday 18th November
(pm) Year 6 Secondary Transition PE Session

Tuesday 19th November
09:00-11:30 Grandparents’ Stay and Learn (see separate email invite sent out on 23rd October)
(am) Year 1 Hearing re-tests

Thursday 21st November
09:00 Year 6 Assembly
13:30-14:30 Reception intake 2025 Stay and Play

Friday 22nd November
08:45 Coffee Morning & Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop with Mrs Marsha May

Monday 25th November
14:00-15:00 KS2 Cross Country

Thursday 28th November
10:00-11:00 Reception intake 2025 Stay and Play
Year 6 Coding Workshops

Friday 29th November
08:45-09:45 Year 3 Stay and Learn


It’s been a fantastic and full half term! I’m sure everyone is looking forward to a well-deserved rest. On behalf of everyone at school, thank you for all your support and have a wonderful half term break. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Monday 4th November.

Best wishes,
Chris Wathern

English

In English this week, the children finished writing up their information booklets all about natural disasters.  Exploring the features of this genre first and planning their booklets have enabled the children to make their own ones interesting for the reader. They are looking fantastic, and we cannot wait to share them with you in our PTCs.

Maths

Our maths learning journey has been based around addition and subtraction.  The children have explored adding and subtracting 1s, 10s and 100s in different ways, using number lines, partitioning and the column method.

Wider Curriculum

To finish our learning journey based around rocks and natural disasters, the children have explored art based around waves.  First, the children discovered two artists Maggi Hambling and Katsushika Hokusai. As a class, we discussed describing their work, how the art made them feel, what was similar and different about their work, what they noticed about the brush strokes, textures, colours, feelings and atmosphere, and finally what they think each artist thought about the sea.

Over the two weeks, the children experimented with different materials and mediums with creating their own waves.  Using a colour wheel, the children trialled colour combinations to produce a range of tones.  Our final challenge was to apply our learned artist skills to create wave art, using brusho for the background.  As true artists, we showcased our art in a class gallery.

Autumn 1 – Weeks 6 and 7 – Apples, apples and more apples.

We have been making the most of harvest time by collecting and learning with apples. We learnt about the life cycle of an apple tree, we painted with apples, we dissected apples and looked at them under magnifying glasses. We even cooked delicious apple crumble and got to taste it during our Friday morning snack time!

Literacy
Now that we are few weeks into our phonics programme, we kindly ask you to practise their sounds lots and lots at home. By practising saying the sounds and doing the actions daily or a few times a week, the children will become more familiar and confident with them. This helps them to build up their quick recognition of the sounds. Every week, a letter formation sheet is stuck into your child’s Home Learning Phonics Book and an information sheet on every sound will be sent home. Again, by practising forming these letters at home, the children will become more fluent and confident.

Maths
Last week, we were learning to count carefully with both objects and then pictures. The children have been learning to put their objects in a neat line to help them count carefully and accurately without getting in a muddle. When counting pictures that cannot be moved, the children have been using their pointy finger to help them to count. We have been using the apples at the maths table to help facilitate object counting. See if they can show you their awesome, careful counting at home. This week, we have been learning all about the numbers: 1, 2 and 3! We have been learning to recognise these numbers using a range of concrete and pictorial resources. We have also been subitising these numbers.

For the last week of this half term, we will be learning all about pumpkins! We’re so proud of how well the children have settled into school throughout their first half term. It’s been a long one full of lots of learning! We look forward to seeing many of you next week at the parent teacher consultations. 

Have a great weekend, 

The Reception Team

We are excited to share with you what the children have been learning over the past two weeks in Year 5. It’s been a busy and productive time!

Maths
In Maths, the children have been focusing on Multiplication and Division. They’ve worked hard on consolidating their understanding of multiplication tables and have begun learning efficient strategies for solving division problems. We’ve also explored the relationship between the two operations, helping the children to see how multiplication and division are connected. 

English
In English, the students have been exploring Film Narratives. They’ve been analysing a short film all about a time traveller, identifying key features such as plot structure, character development, and themes. The children have particularly enjoyed discussing how the film tells a story through both visual and spoken language, and they are beginning to draft their own creative narratives based on these ideas.

History
The children have continued their learning about ancient Egypt, focusing specifically on Tutankhamun and the role of the River Nile in Egyptian civilisation. They’ve been fascinated by the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb and have explored how the Nile was vital for farming, transport, and trade in ancient times.

Black History Month
As part of Black History Month celebrations, the children have learned about influential Black figures throughout history. They’ve engaged in discussions about the importance of equality and diversity and have been inspired by the stories of people who have made significant contributions to society.

We are proud of the children’s engagement and enthusiasm as well as their continued progress.

We look forward to seeing many of you at parents evening next week...

Have a lovely weekend,

The Year 5 team. 

FOWPA Bake Off and Cake Sale – Monday 21st October

Don’t forget to bring in your bakes to the Hall next Monday morning. Then join us in the Hall for a HUGE bake sale from 3pm. From FOWPA

Lunchtime Supervisor Vacancies
We are looking to recruit two Lunchtime Supervisors to join our team; Mon-Fri 11:30-13:00. We are looking for someone who:

-Enjoys working with children
-Has high expectations of behaviour and positive strategies to support children
-Will support the school values across lunchtime

For more information, please check our Vacancies page on the website

Dates coming up

Friday 18th October
19:30 FOWPA Quiz Night (Wadebridge Town Hall)

Monday 21st October
08:30 Drop off FOWPA Bake Off entries in Hall
15:00 FOWPA Bake Sale (Hall)
No Teacher-led Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) this week (Pro20 and DT Sports running as normal)

Tuesday 22nd October
15:30-18:10 Parent Teacher Consultations (PTCs)

Wednesday 23rd October
NSPCC Workshops for Year 2, 5 & 6
15:30-18:10 Parent Teacher Consultations (PTCs)

Friday 25th October
School Closed – INSET Day

26th October – 3rd November
Half term break

Monday 4th November
Back to school
Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) re-start
(pm) Year 6 Secondary Transition PE Session


Have a fantastic weekend, and if you are going to the FOWPA quiz tonight, good luck!
Best wishes,
Chris Wathern

Life was 'gruelling' in Victorian times!

During our history topic on Victorians, we have learnt a lot about the lives of the poor, unfortunate inmates of a workhouse.  We have discovered that they endured a very poor diet which included 'gruel'.  This porridge based 'food' was used as an inexpensive way to fill us the hungry workers. 
We had a go at making some and those who were brave tasted some.  There were mixed reviews but most decided that it tasted pretty disgusting and would not like to eat it again. 
Take a look at how it was made.

Microsoft Forms for Trips
You may have noticed we have started using MS Forms instead of paper letters for trip permissions. As well as helping ensure no letters get lost in transit between school and home, it also saves on paper, the impact on the environment and cost. We have a few ‘live’ forms for parents to currently complete: Year 3 Sleepover; Year 4 Trip to Bodmin Jail and Year 5 Residential. If not done already, please complete the form as soon as possible using the links sent out separately by email. If you have any questions, please contact the school office who are happy to help.


Coffee Morning & Shared Reading Workshop
It was wonderful seeing parents at our coffee morning and shared reading workshop today with Mrs Reeve. If you couldn’t make it, please check today's email for a copy of the presentation and some tips on supporting your child with reading at home. Our next Coffee Morning is on Friday 8th November, where Mrs Yates and Mrs Clarke are sharing our approach to phonics. All are welcome to stay for the phonics workshop or just for a cuppa and a catch up.


Pro20 Football INSET Day – Friday 25th October 09:00-15:00
On Friday 25th October, school is closed as staff are joining other schools within the Trust at Brunel School focusing on developing writing. Whilst we are closed, Pro20 will be hosting a Football Day. 


Wadebridge Leisure Centre Holiday Club
Wadebridge Leisure Centre are hosting a holiday club on Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st October. Please book directly with them.


Year 6 Bikeability Date Change
Bikeability sessions for Year 6 will now take place from week beginning Monday 20th January. Further information will be shared nearer the time.


Lunchtime Supervisor Vacancies
We are looking to recruit two Lunchtime Supervisors to join our team; Mon-Fri 11:30-13:00. We are looking for someone who:

-Enjoys working with children
-Has high expectations of behaviour and positive strategies to support children
-Will support the school values across lunchtime

For more information, please check our Vacancies page on this website


House Points
Congratulations to this week’s winners, Choughs. For a fourth week running, Swans have the most overall points, but the other Houses are catching up fast:

Swans – 1535
Choughs – 1317
Cormorants – 1239
Puffins – 1114


FOWPA – The Great Wadebridge Primary Academy Quiz

*Still lots of tables left to sell – please come and support our school*
£20 per table, max of six people. There will be a bar on the night, prizes for the winning teams and a raffle where you can win some beautiful hampers, filled with lots of goodies. Get your tickets now! 


FOWPA Bake Off and Cake Sale – Monday 21st October
All children are invited to get creative and bake cupcakes, cookies or traybakes for a HUGE bake sale in the school hall on Monday 21st October from 3pm. Each home-baked entry needs to be dropped off at the school hall on Monday 21st October after drop off in the morning. Please label all plates/boxes/containers with name and class, so these can be returned to your child’s classroom. Each entry MUST come with an ingredients list for allergens…PLEASE REMEMBER WE ARE A NUT FREE SCHOOL…and without the list we sadly cannot sell your yummy bakes! The winners of each year group will be presented with a certificate and commemorative tea towel in assembly by Mr Wathern. All of your yummy bakes will be sold at the end of the school day. Please feel free to donate what you see fit during the sale. All children and parents/carers are welcomed, and all proceeds go towards FOWPA fundraising initiatives for WPA. Let’s get creative…HAPPY BAKING!
From FOWPA


Dates coming up
Friday 11th October
18:00 PTC booking opens

Monday 14th October
(am) Little and Big Nursery Soft Play Sessions

Friday 18th October
19:30 FOWPA Quiz Night (Wadebridge Town Hall)

Monday 21st October
08:30 Drop off FOWPA Bake Off entries in Hall
15:00 FOWPA Bake Sale (Hall)
No Teacher-led Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) this week (Pro20 and DT Sports running as normal)

Tuesday 22nd October
15:30-18:10 Parent Teacher Consultations (PTCs)

Wednesday 23rd October
NSPCC Workshops for Year 2, 5 & 6
15:30-18:10 Parent Teacher Consultations (PTCs)

Friday 25th October
School Closed – INSET Day

26th October – 3rd November
Half term break

Monday 4th November
Back to school
Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) re-start
(pm) Year 6 Secondary Transition PE Session