Newsletters

Issue 341: 26th February 2021

Issue 341: 26th February 2021


A Message from the Deputy Head Teacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

Although I did watch Boris's speech on Monday evening, I was already aware of what he was going to say, and we are now looking forward to March 8th and seeing everyone back in school! This lockdown has seemed longer than the one back in March 2020 and I'm sure the shorter days and colder weather have had a part to play in that feeling. The announcement on Monday felt positive and I'm also looking forward to seeing family and friends face to face rather than via Zoom! Being able to take my boys swimming, to see their nan and grandad and to places further away will also be a relief. Dog walks are fun, but we need some variety! 

On Wednesday, the teaching staff got together to discuss what we need to do to prepare for all the children returning. Next week, Mr Eardley and I will write to you all with details about school reopening. We will of course stick closely to all government guidelines and advice, update our risk assessment and ensure we do everything we can to keep the pupils, staff and families safe. The advice that has already been shared with us states that we need to continue to do all the things we were doing from September with the addition of a few extras including the importance of all staff wearing face masks in communal areas. 

The Spring term has again been one like no other. I can't thank the staff, pupils and families enough for the parts they have played in making it a success up to this point. On March 8th we will have experienced reopening schools three times during the pandemic, and it feels like we have become experts at quickly changing the way we work, adapting to the needs of the children at our school and at the same time keeping a focus on the curriculum and the learning happening across all ages. 

I have been trying to get my daily exercise by cycling to school whenever I can. Every day this week more daffodils are appearing, Spring is definitely on its way!

Have a lovely weekend everyone

Colin Marks

Deputy Headteacher

 

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash



Children's Work

This week, we are proud to publish a piece of work by children in the Magpies, Squirrels, Cobras and Toucans.

25 Feb 2021
Foundation Stage 26.02.21
Owen from the Magpies made these Chinese Lanterns as part of our learning about the Chinese New Year. We all enjoyed this week of learning and creating decorations.
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26 Feb 2021
Years 1 & 2 26.02.21
In English, Gabriella from the Squirrels wrote this piece of descriptive writing.  In history, Logan wrote about Kings and Queens who have link with Peterborough.
Read more
25 Feb 2021
Years 3 & 4 26.02.21
During English, Elyse from the Cobras created a diary entry using exciting and descriptive adjectives. 
Read more
25 Feb 2021
Years 5 & 6 26.02.21
Zack and Jasper from the Toucans produced the first two slides of a flashback, where the short film 'The Piano' by Aiden Gibbons was used as the stimulus. 
Read more

School News

Art Challenge - Week 4

By Mrs McIntosh, Art Lead

The results of Last Week's Art Challenge

Last week's Art Challenge was to Create Something Inspired by Recycled Objects.

Congratulations to all of the children who took part and posted their work on Twitter #OWPSARTCHALLENGE.  Here is a sample of the brilliant pieces of art created by OWPS children:

To view more of the children's fabulous creations, please visit #OWPSARTCHALLENGE on Twitter.

This Week's Challenge 

This week's Art Challenge is to Recreate a Work of Art.  You can watch Mrs McIntosh's video all about it and hear her recap on the work produced last week.

The Getty Museum has also asked people to undertake a similar challenge. If you'd like to see ideas from their Twitter feed, you can use the hashtag #gettymuseumchallenge.

Post Your Work

Good luck with the challenge!  We can't wait to see your creations at #OWPSARTCHALLENGE. 

You can also email us at digital@owps.org.uk.  Please remember to state that you give your consent for photos to be published on the website and in the newsletter if you choose to send us a photograph.

Photo by Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash

World Thinking Day

What is World Thinking Day?

World Thinking Day is a celebration involving ten million girls from the scouting and guide movement. It has taken place worldwide every 22nd of February since 1926. It is a day of international friendship when all Guides and Girl Scouts can think of each other and celebrate their sisters all around the world.

World Thinking Day remains one of the most important dates in the guiding calendar, and every year the theme of the event encourages members to think about the big issues affecting them and their global community. Previous World Thinking Days have tackled the subjects of poverty, gender inequality, environmental sustainability and access to education.

This year's theme is Peacebuilding. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts can undertake activities and work towards achieving a World Thinking Day Badge. This year, they are encouraged to Stand Up, Stand Strong and Stand Together.

You can find out more by visiting the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts website.

World Thinking Day at OWPS

On Monday, Mr Eardley gave a recorded assembly all about World Thinking Day. He looked at the history of the day and this year's theme, Peacebuilding. The children were invited to think about ways in which they could  contribute to world peace.  

The assembly was shared in the Digital Village section of the website and is available for all families and children to view.  You can also watch it by clicking here.


Feel Good Feb Round-up

By the Feel Good February Team

This Week's Theme - Kindness

On Monday, the Feel Good February team launched the last theme of the month: Kindness.  You can watch the video by clicking here. Thank you to everyone who took part.

A Message from the Feel Good February Team

As we reach the end of the month, the Feel Good February team would like to take an opportunity to say a great big thank you to everyone at school and at home who participated in the feel-good fun.

It’s been great to see how everyone has found ways to bring laughter to everyone through sharing jokes on Twitter (who can forget Mr Eardley and Mr Marks’ Witty One-Liners assembly!), connecting with family and friends as well as learning interesting facts about the staff.

It was also joyful to see so many people showing off their creative skills and lastly, showing kindness by giving and helping others. 

We hope that you have had as much fun and pleasure as we have had in participating in the Feel Good Fun and we hope that although February is drawing to an end, the joy of making others Feel Good continues throughout the rest of the year. 

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

World Book Day

Scholastic Books Live World Book Day Events Week

Scholastic and Travelling Books are celebrating World Book Day with a week of free events Monday 1st – Friday 5th March.

Parents and carers can register and book on events by visiting Scholastic Books Live World Book Day Events Week.

World Book Day Book Token

On Thursday 25th February 2021, parents and carers of OWPS children were sent a book token that is redeemable at participating bookshops.

To find out more information and to see a range of books offered at £1, please visit the World Book Day website.

The book token is also available to download on our webpage.



Mental Health and Well-Being News

A weekly section on how to maintain good mental health and well-being.

25 Feb 2021
Children in Need & Mental Health
Find out how BBC Children in Need is providing Mental Health and Wellbeing support to Parents and Children.
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Dining Car News

Find out what's happening in the school kitchen and learn more about the delicious food at OWPS.

25 Feb 2021
OWPS Census Day Lunch
We have an extra special menu in store for Census Day on 18th March 2021.
Read more
25 Feb 2021
Let's Cook!
This week Mrs McIntosh shares her recipe for ANZAC Biscuits.
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25 Feb 2021
OWPS Easter Lunch
On Wednesday 24th March 2021, we are having a special Easter Lunch at OWPS.
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Community News

Find out what is happening in the community, nationally and internationally.

25 Feb 2021
Fairtrade Fortnight
Fairtrade Fortnight takes place from 22nd February to 7th March 2021.
Read more
25 Feb 2021
Junior Bake Off 2021
Children aged 9-15 years old are invited to take part in this year's competition.
Read more
25 Feb 2021
St David's Day
St David's Day is held on 1st March 2021. Discover more about how it is celebrated.
Read more

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. Given the current circumstances, we would recommend all parents check with any providers regarding the status of these services, activities and clubs


Coming Up in School!

A calendar of up-coming events at OWPS

Book Week
All Day
From 08 Mar until 12 Mar
08
March
School Census
12:00pm – 1:00pm
18
March
Virtual Honours Assembly
9:00am – 10:00am
24
March
Easter Lunch
12:00pm – 1:00pm
24
March

Current Vacancies

24 Feb 2021
Midday Supervisor
We currently have a vacancy for a Midday Supervisor.
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Contact Us

If there is anything that you or your child would like to share with us for the newsletter, please email digital@owps.org.uk.  Please clearly state in the email if you give your consent to photos being published in the newsletter and on the website.

You can also contact us at digital@owps.org.uk if you have any comments or queries about the e-newsletter or website. We look forward to hearing from you!