Dear Parents and Carers,

Hard to believe we have been back a week already! It has flown by. To be fair, most weeks in a primary school have a habit of doing that as there is always a lot going on! The children, once again, have hit the ground running after the break, and it feels like we are all making the most of this final half-term of the year. 

Most days I spend some time on the playground and field at lunchtime. It is a good opportunity to catch up with staff and speak to lots of children (and is a welcome break from my office on some days!). Although there are times when things go wrong on the playground and children make poor choices, I am more often than not blown away by the friendly and positive atmosphere that is created by children and staff following the PRIDE code and looking out for each other. Watching the boys and girls play football, they are clapping each other, stopping the games if someone is hurt and demonstrating good sportsmanship throughout each game. Other children are sitting in circles, chatting or playing games such as duck, duck, goose and others are making the most of the play equipment that is being made available. Midday supervisors can have a tough job at times. It is an hour in the day, very different to the rest of a school day and some children find the lack of structure difficult to handle. The hard work of the midday supervisors, following the school's positive behaviour policy, taking care of all 412 children and providing support through games, equipment and variety is making a huge difference. A positive lunchtime leads to a positive afternoon in class! 

We are all now waiting for the next Covid update, coming on Monday and to see what impact this may have on schools. As always, if there are any changes to how we are running things currently in school we will keep you all up to date.

Fingers crossed for more good weather, looks like the weekend could be a warm one. Make the most of it everyone.

Mr Marks 

Deputy Head Teacher

^{Photo by Artem Kniaz on Unsplash}

Each week, we publish the latest achievements of the children at Orton Wistow Primary School.  You can find out the weekly results for:

• Attendance
• Class Dojos
• Dojo Masters
• House Points
• Reading Champions
• Shining Stars
• Times Table Rock Stars
• Golden Mile

Food Smart Award

By Ms Porter, Eco Lead

From previous communication, you will be aware that we have been working on ‘E for Eat healthily’ as part of our Eco code over the last two years. There was a little delay due to lockdown, however, we reached out to parents to help and have been impressed by how we were able to continue this work virtually. Many activities sent home included encouraging children to think about the range of foods that keeps us healthy as well as suggesting different forms of exercise.

Back in school we have noticed more children bringing in healthier snacks to school as well as choosing different foods at lunchtimes. During virtual assemblies, children learn about the importance of reducing sugar in our diets to keep our teeth and heart healthy. Mr Eardley often links his weekly assemblies to being healthy and shares what he and other members of staff are doing to keep active.

Due to the pandemic we were also aware of the increased importance of mental health and encouraged a home life ‘work’ balance for children. Activities for enjoying the outside were sent home. Lots of staff, children and parents took part in ‘Feel Good February’ to help us to keep happy despite what was going on in the world. We continue with these activities as part of our curriculum work as well as our physical development. I am sure your children will talk about taking part in the golden mile, the playground is always busy with children racing around!

Moving forward, we are hoping to increase the amount of food we grow in school for children to cook with and eat. Platform One are already well on the way with this, growing herbs and soft fruits to enjoy. Steps are in place to develop a planting area for children to use.

Thank you for your ongoing support, we know it isn’t always easy when children say they ‘don’t like’ something for their snack. However, you’ll be surprised if that is all they have they will eat it, especially if their friends have something healthy as well! We hope you continue to encourage your child to choose a school meal over a packed lunch sometimes too.

As recognition of all our hard work, we have been awarded the Food Smart award from Peterborough Environmental City Trust:

“Orton Wistow School have demonstrated that even through adverse times (such as the global pandemic) health and wellbeing should always be prioritised. They have been able to adapt the way they have been delivering key messages around healthy eating and lifestyles to ensure that even those who have not been in school can access support, guidance and learning opportunities. Well done.”

We are currently working with Healthy Schools who recognise what we have achieved so far and support us in continuing our journey. However, we would not be able to do this without your support. Whether this be sending in a healthy snack, choosing a school meal, disposing of waste responsibly or coming into school by bike, it all helps! Thank you.

Reading Certificates Summer Term 1

Congratulations to all the children who have received a Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate for reading at home with an adult...

Request for Newspapers for Year 5

Year 5 need quite a lot of used newspapers for their Art project in a couple of weeks.  They are making sculptures so need the newspaper to make the basic shape of their sculptures. If you have any old newspapers that you are able to drop into us at the school office, Year 5 would be very grateful.  Thank you!

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

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

^{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}