Issue 446: 15th December 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

Our final newsletter of 2023, in many respects, it feels like we have arrived at the end of term in the blink of an eye, yet take a moment to study the tired eyes of pupils and staff and a break is exactly what we all now certainly crave!

It comes as no surprise when you consider the pace school operates; the continual commitment to providing children with a safe, happy and stimulating environment is a rewarding demand. They say it takes a village to raise a child, I’d say it takes very special people to run a school. Thank-you to our teachers, support staff, SEN team, catering, midday, office and site staff for a very successful 2023 at OWPS.

This week has been packed to the brim with festivities. Christmas Dinner Day was executed with military operation and the hall was a buzz of Christmas cheer and festive clothing. Many adults commented on the polite nature of the children as they collected their lunches and sat with their peers. Thanks to everyone who came along to our Christmas Fayre last week, your generosity was very much appreciated. The Christmas Sale held in school this week was another huge success, with FOWS providing a wonderful array of items…we hope many family members will be delighted with their individually chosen gifts. Year 6 also visited Alwalton Church to take part in a Christmas service. They represented the school superbly, singing songs and sharing readings with confidence.

Next week

As the term draws to a close next week, staff will be clearing out cloakrooms, lockers and drawers by Tuesday 19th, so your child should return home with all of their belongings ready for the holidays. Please take a look for any finished library books you have at home and return them by the end of term. Children are still welcome to change books in the library until Tuesday to continue reading over the holidays.

Wednesday is the last day of term and is toy day in school. Children are invited to bring in a game from home to share with their classmates throughout the day. Please encourage your child to consider their choice of game carefully, the best options are often board or card games that allow for multiple players. No electricals or valuable items please.

I wish all of our Wistow families a very Merry Christmas. I hope the holiday gives you the opportunity to spend some quality time with your loved ones.

I look forward to seeing you again, fresh-faced, in 2024!

Mrs Fidgett

Director of Learning

_{Photo by Davies Designs Studio on Unsplash}

Each week, we publish the latest achievements of the children at Orton Wistow Primary School.

FOWS Update

Dear Orton Wistow School Community,

As we eagerly approach the Christmas holidays, it brings us great pleasure to share the collective success of our recent festive events—the Christmas Fair on December 8th and the Elfridges Sale on December 13th. These occasions not only filled our school with Christmas cheer but also contributed significantly to our ongoing efforts to support Orton Wistow Primary School.

Christmas Fair: £3,450 Raised! 

The Christmas Fair on December 8th was a resounding success, thanks to the overwhelming support of our incredible community. With laughter, joy, and festive spirit in the air, we managed to raise an impressive £3,450! We are also working with some parents who can access match funding through their employers, which could help us bump this total up even further.  This incredible sum will go a long way in supporting various initiatives and projects that directly benefit our students and enhance their learning experience.

Elfridges Sale: £1,689 Generated! 

Following the success of the Christmas Fair, the Elfridges Sale on December 13th continued the wave of success. The school community once again came together, demonstrating their generosity and commitment to our school. The result? A fantastic £1,689 was generated, providing additional funds to further enrich the educational journey of our students.

Heartfelt Thanks to Parents, Carers, Teachers, School Staff and the wider Community 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of these events. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and support are the driving forces behind our fundraising activities. Without your active involvement through donations, attendance and volunteering your time, these events would not be possible, and the vital funds we raise would remain unrealized.

As we reflect on these achievements, we're reminded of the strength of our community and the impact we can make when we work together. FOWS is always on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers to help plan, organize, and run future events. Your involvement, big or small, can make a significant difference.

If you are interested in becoming a part of our passionate team, please contact us at fows@owps.org.uk We welcome new ideas, perspectives, and, most importantly, your valuable time and energy.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!  We are now off to enjoy a glass of prosecco or 3 before the fun starts again in January with an unwanted gift donation day on Friday 19^th January. 

Warm regards,

Jo Watson Chair, Friends of Orton Wistow School (FOWS) and the Comittee

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FOWS Donation Day

FOWS will be having a donation day on 19.01.24. Bring your unwanted gifts for FOWS and wear your funkiest socks to school.

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Word Millionaire's

As part of our reading scheme in KS2, children embark on their journey into Accelerated Reader.  After a child completes reading a text they take an online quiz, which records their word count and then at the end of each half-term, we see if we have any 'Word Millionaires', across  the key stage. 

Congratulations to the following children who have joined the Millionaire's Row this half-term:

Cian C, Alex B, Dominic C, Florence M, Alice T, Susnato M. And to Mason P who is now a 'triple millionaire!'.

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BBC 500 Words 2023

Our very own Miss Tansley was lucky enough to be chosen to be an official judge for the BBC 500 Words competition for this year. Her love of reading and writing really shone through. 

Read about what is happening in the local community.

^{Disclaimer: Orton Wistow Primary School does not endorse any products, services or activities that appear in the Community section of this newsletter, and is not responsible for any contract entered into by either party. We would recommend all parents check with any providers regarding the status of these services, activities and clubs}