Newsletters

PRESCOT PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER      FEBRUARY 2019

We're sure you have been keeping up with Prescot Primary’s new year via Twitter. As usual, there has been plenty going on inside and outside school. Here’s a little summary!

Memorable Experiences...

There was such excitement in school on Friday when an enormous T-Rex appeared in the corridor!

Year 1 have been exploring the world of dinosaurs this term. They have been classifying and describing, counting and measuring. The children have researched lots of facts and have been able to explain the strengths of each species. They have even been 'Dino-dentists', examining the shape of teeth and talking about their function.

After all this study, imagine how amazed the children were to meet Sophie the T-Rex and Jack, the baby Velociraptor! These animatronic creatures brought learning to life as the children watched their every move and heard their life-like sounds. Such a memorable experience!

After their meeting with dinosaurs, the children went on to dig for fossils, once again categorising what they found and matching fossils with similar characteristics.

Although not always as unusual as this, we do strive to ensure that every curriculum project includes a memorable experience - we believe that this helps learning to 'stick'. Y2 have worked as pirates and met visitors from the RNLI, Y3 spent the day dressed and acting in role at Croxteth Hall, Y4 are currently Shakespeare's players, Y5 became part of the Peasant's Revolt whilst Y6 relived WW2. 

EYFS News

Nursery and Reception have had another busy half term.  We welcomed some more new children and their families into Nursery and they have settled in really well.  Our Nursery children have loved the topic “Are dragons alive?” and were amazed when our very own dragon turned up in class!  They have also learnt lots about castles, people who lived in them and enjoyed making the most amazing structures using everyday junk materials. 

Reception have learnt lots about travel and places, through their topic “Are we there yet?”  They particularly enjoyed the story about The Naughty Bus and the sensory, messy, mark making that followed! #memorableexperiences

We enjoyed chatting to some of you at this term's coffee morning and both classes loved showing you round our learning environment during our Stay and Play sessions.  Thank you for coming.

Next half term is set to be one of our favourites, as both classes will be experiencing first hand the life cycles of a chicken and duck.  We cannot wait, it will be such a wonderful, first hand learning experience for all our EYFS children. We wonder if we will end up with the same breed as last year… they were extremely cute, we are sure that you will agree! Be ready for the chick and ducking photos that will fill our Twitter feed! 

Finally, please spread the word for our next EYFS Open Night on the 27th February.  We are already compiling lists for our September intake! 

Have a great half term.  Mrs George and the EYFS Team.

A lovely invitation

This year's 'Visit my Mosque Day' will be held on Sat 3rd March. Staff and children with parents are invited to attend one of our local mosques between 10am and 4pm on that day. Iman Trust Mosque: Elton Head Road, St Helens, WA9 5AU.

Book Fair!

When the Book fair comes to school, there's a renewed buzz about books that ripples through classrooms and staff rooms. We hope to provide children and families that 'book-shop' experience that is hard to find within Knowsley.

We know how much you all supported our 'Book Bus' visit in December, and once again, you have been amazing. We sold just over £1000 worth of books - which means lots of new worlds to discover as well as some funds for school to spend on books for the library. We will be welcoming a book fair back to school in the summer term.

Digital Leaders go to the bank!

 

The journey to Barclay's Technology Centre near Knutsford took 45 mins but it was well worth it. When we arrived the Manager greeted us and made a speech about how technology is used in Barclays. We were then given a tour of the huge building and saw lots of people busy at work.

One of the most amazing sights was an entire wall made up of white and blue credit cards. They spelled out the word 'Barclays' - we should give them some credit for that!

Another highlight was when we got a chance to look at how an ATM machine works. We each got a chance to take money out of the machine and talk about what each function on the machine meant. The ATM itself was much bigger than we expected and it was fascinating to see what was going on inside it.

We had a great day.

Written by Alfie and Paddy. (Y6 Senior Digital Leaders)

Rights Respecting School Award

As you may remember, we are working towards our Bronze Award in this UNICEF initiative. Staff and KS2 pupils have recently completed a survey that gathers their views on 'the rights of the child'.

Results showed that our children feel that they are listened to and that their ideas are valued. Our children feel safe in school and are aware of the 'rights of the child'. They also know how to help others in their community and help those who live around the world - this is a great legacy of our 'Sing for Songbirds' project.

One important point was that over 80% of our children like who they are; this makes us happy as we strive to build self-confidence across all areas of our curriculum.

Our Pupil Steering Group, below, will be exploring the results further and helping to write our action plan.

Find out more here:

https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/

Safer Internet Day 2019

This week, we all worked on activities centred around the concept of 'CONSENT'. Children explored different situations in which they may need to ask for permission or consent and then looked at similar situations that may occur in the online world.

Although we always mark Safer Internet day in school, we aim to make every day in school one in which the children feel safe using technology. As Year 3 prepare to take their iPads home for the first time, we are reminded of the need for parents and teachers to work together to keep our young people safe. If you ever feel concerned about how your child is interacting with the online world, please let us know.

Here is a useful website that may answer questions you may have:

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Careers Showcase

For the third year running, we hope to hold a Careers Showcase in late May. It is important for us all to raise aspirations for our children and make them aware of career opportunities and the skills, qualifications and characteristics that will prepare them for their chosen vocation.

This year, we have already been able to showcase careers in the construction industry and - as we have mentioned - in the banking sector. We always love to welcome visitors from our school community to talk to our children about their career.

Some of you have been part of our event before and we would love to invite you back, or you may know someone who really wants to shout about their job. If you are interested in helping us out, please register your interest by emailing: admin@prescotprimary.org.uk

Attendance

As always we would like to remind you of the importance of good attendance as key to achieving in school. 

In addition, there may be occasions when teachers feel that your child is too unwell to continue to be in school, we do not take these decisions lightly. In this case, you will receive a call and we would like you to make arrangements for your child to be picked up.

Punctuality – at the beginning and end of the day, or after school clubs, is also important – especially as it may impact on the wellbeing of your child/children. Our Y1 – Y6 children are welcome to come into school at 8.30am, when they can have a simple breakfast and start to warm up their learning muscles.

Due to EYFS staffing requirements, Reception children can only start at 8.40am.

Diversity

In recent assemblies, our theme has been 'Diversity'. We have explored difference, tolerance and kindness.

One topic that the children loved talking about was the idea of 'Family' and what makes their family special. We challenged the stereotype of the 'typical' family and looked how families are now portrayed compared to a generation ago.

We would love to celebrate our different families and will be asking you all to join in by taking a family selfie and sharing it with us via Twitter - or send in a photograph with your child. You decide who is on the photograph - pets included!

Thanks in advance!

KNOWSLEY NEWS

There are lots of vibrant opportunities to access here in Knowsley. Here are some on offer!

Pedal Players – Mischief through The Ages
The Pedal Players :Mischief through the Ages is an interactive performance experience for children and family audiences. Enrol on the N.I.T(Non -Intergalactic Travellers) training programme where you'll learn to be a time traveller. Managing mayhem , pulling pranks and discovering troublesome stories, myths and legends whilst saving the world ! Told through original songs, physical storytelling, live performance and interactive play. Stories are inspired by folklore , heritage and our world today.
 
Target Audience - 7-11 years.
This event is part of the GEM (Great Emerging Marvellous) Places an Arts Council England funded project that brings cultural activities to libraries in Knowsley.
 

Date, Times and where: Monday 18th  February 2019. Tickets cost £3 – if purchased off Event Brite booking fees are applied (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-pedal-players-mischief-through-the-ages)

Prescot Library
Aspinal Street
Prescot
L34 5GA
1st performance 11:00am  â€“ 12:00 
 
 
Stockbridge Village Library
The Withens
Stockbridge Village
Huyton
L28 1AB
2nd  performance 2.30pm – 3.30pm
 
If interested in doing a group booking  please contact Katy McLoughlin on 0151 443 5749 . There is limited capacity for both performances so it’s on a first come first served basis. 
 
American Wrestling Live  - Saturday 13th April 2019 – 7.30pm show
This family spectacular is back by public demand. There’s plenty of audience interaction cheering the goodies, booing the baddies, you never know who will be this year’s wrestling great. Good versus evil battling in the ring, who will be defeated this time?   This is a must for any wrestling fan so don’t delay purchase your tickets today. A fantastic show for all the family, guaranteed excitement for all! Free meet & greet with wrestlers after the show.
Book your tickets now at Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park, Longview Drive, L36 6EG or call the box office on 0151 443 2200.Tickets are £10 or  take advantage of a group offer of buy 10 tickets get one free
 
 
The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio – Saturday 20th April 2019- 2.30pm show
Immersion Theatre are thrilled to present a brand new, larger than life musical adaptation of the much loved classic , Pinocchio! Inspired by Carlo Collodi’s fantastical children’s book, this magical story leaps off the page and onto the stage in a vibrant re-telling of Pinocchio’s extraordinary adventures. Packed with comedy, audience interaction ,and a completely original score guaranteed to have you singing along from start to finish. This high energy musical promises to be the perfect treat for the whole family. You’ll have a whale of a time ,no strings attached!
Book your tickets now at Knowsley Leisure & Culture Park, Longview Drive, L36 6EG or call the box office on 0151 443 2200.Tickets are £10 for adults, £8 concessions (over 60yrs/under 16’s/disabled adults and carers or take advantage of a group offer of buy 10 tickets get one free.
 
 
 
Prescot Elizabethan Fayre
Prescot Elizabethan Fayre  is being held on Saturday  4th May  11am – 4pm  in and around  Prescot Church grounds, Church Street, L34 3LA  and Eccleston Street. 
 
The event is a free, historic, family event which celebrates the rich heritage of Prescot and the connection to Shakespeare.  The event has been running for over 12 years and attracts 2,000 visitors who get the opportunity to step back in time to enjoy and learn about life in Tudor times and  Elizabethan Prescot.  We would like to open up our Craft marquee to more stallholders to make the event more vibrant and would welcome any new stalls who can fit in with the Elizabethan theme.  Attractions on the day include pottery demonstrations, candle making, wood turning, calligraphy, willow weaving, a Tudor village with blacksmith and apothecary stall, Morris dancers and MATE Pop up Shakespeare Theatre.  
For further details, please contact Culture Development and Events Team on 0151 443 5749

Thank you for support during this busy term so far - especially during those snowy mornings when patience and care are key. Mrs Higgs is quickly becoming a legend in our area and she appreciated all of your gratitude during the recent cold spell. 

Enjoy the break!