Westdale Junior School news

Autumn half-term holiday

2009-10-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

Our autumn half-term holiday has begun.
School re-opens on Monday 2nd November.

We we everyone a happy and safe holiday.

Harvest Festival 2009

2009-10-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

There was an excellent turn out of parents, carers and other family members at our Harvest Festival again this year.

Each year group performed a special item it had prepared and everyone joined in the songs in between these. Year 3 recited a poem, Year 4 sang - in Spanish as well as English, Year 5 presented a short musical about water and Year 6 took us back to the difficulties of feeding families during World War 2 and also presented a poem.

At the end Mr. Caldwell gave a short message and Mrs Hayles congratulated all the children and thanked the adults for coming.

The Harvest Gifts that the children brought in were distributed to the individuals that families had recommended and the "left over" items were taken to the Friary Drop-in Centre in West Bridgford.

Year 5 pupils in "Abba" costume
(their songs were set to Abba music)

Important dates

2009-09-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

A list of important dates for events and activities for this term (and later in the school year) has been published on the "Parents' Page" today.

New school term begins

2009-09-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

School re-opens at 8.50 am today for the beginning of the 2009/2010 school year.
We hope that everyone had a good summer and look forward to seeing you today.

Have a good holiday

2009-07-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

School has now closed for the summer holidays.
We hope everyone has a good break and keeps safe.

IMPORTANT: swine flu

2009-07-18T00:06:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately, if perhaps almost inevitably, we learned today that our school has now joined the long list of those in Nottinghamshire and around the country which has a pupil with a confirmed case of swine flu.

A copy of the letter sent to all parents and carers today may be read by following this link: swine flu letter 17/7/2009

Further advice is given by the government and the Health Protection Agency.

We wish to do all we can to minimise the risk to everyone in our community and the current advice we have been asked to give parents/carers is that, if your child develops cold or flu like symptoms in the coming days please:

1. Keep your child off school.
2. Telephone your GP – explain the symptoms and state that your child attends Westdale Junior School where there is a confirmed case of swine flu.
3. Telephone the school and tell us that your child has these symptoms.

If urgent news affecting our school becomes available during the summer holiday weeks, we will continue to keep our website updated.

Thank you for you assistance and support with this matter.

Shine 2009

2009-07-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

During the past week, children in all classes have had the chance to "shine" and show their friends and teachers just how talented they are. Each year group and class has had a little talent show - anyone could take part - children sang songs, played instruments, told jokes, danced, did magic tricks, etc. for their friends and the children chose their favourites to perform again in front of the whole school on Friday morning. This produced a very entertaining show which was enjoyed by all. The photograph above shows all those who performed in the final show.

Sports Day 2009

2009-07-11T09:28:00.001-07:00

We were lucky with the weather for our Sports' Day on Thursday - there was plenty of cloud, but there was no rain! There were twenty teams (mixed Year 3, 4, 5 and 6) and twenty different activities for all the children to do. Lots of parents came to watch and everyone went home with a smile on their faces - and some with a medal around their necks too.

Pound a Poem

2009-04-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

For the second time, children from Westdale Junior School have had poems selected for publication in the national “Pound a Poem” competition. This year we have had TWO winners – and they will have their poems printed in an anthology which will be published and put on sale.

All the children at school got a chance (with everyone else up and down the country) to write poem about fruit and/or veg – they had a week to do it. We had lots of entries. Once the week had ended Mr Caldwell typed up all the poems without a name and all the other teachers chose their favourite out of each year group. The winners got their poems got sent to the pound – a – poem team. They were: Anthony Yr6, Lucy Yr5, Ella Yr4 and Heaven-Leigh Yr3

The runner-ups were Ria Yr6, Faye Yr5, Cait Yr4 and
Ryan from Yr3

Mrs Hayles was very impressed!

And we are yet to find out whether anyone in our school has got through to the next stage of the competition.

Athletics

2009-04-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Mrs Kilbane and Mr Jennings took some of the year 5 and 6 children to Wheldon School for an athletics competition against 7 other schools in Gedling.

We came first with 108 points beating the next school in second place by 2 points but this was only the heat so we have won a place in the district final. Rudy (one of the children representing our school) jumped a whopping 6.98m the farthest the competition organisers had ever seen. Other events were speed bounce, long jump, triple jump, seated throw and javelin. Finally we just like to thank Mrs Day and Mrs Collins for their help with transport.

(In the Gedling area final, we came fifth out of all the schools.)

Bird watch

2009-03-22T18:27:00.000-07:00

Mrs Tupholme and Mrs Birkett arranged a bird watch for all the people in gardening. It took place in Mrs Birkett classroom from 12:00 - 1:00. While some of the children were looking out for birds others made finger flexors and drew pictures. To encourage some birds to visit our garden Mrs Tuphlome put some bird feeders out. Despite all their efforts they only saw: 2 wood pigeons, 1 collared dove, 2 magpies, 2 blue tits, 1 robin and 1 blackbird.

Cooking Club

2009-03-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

Mrs Turville and Mrs Birkett have decided to start a cooking club after school on a Tuesday. It will work in a rota, as so many people seem to be interested. They will show the children how to make healthy food such as fresh pizza, healthy muffins and you can take the food you made home.

School Closed 5th February 2009

2009-02-05T00:23:00.000-08:00

Due to the weather and road conditions, we have had to close the school today (5th February 2009), together with our infant school and Carlton Digby School.

We apologise for any in convenience caused, but we do need to put health and safety concerns above all else.

Castle Avapillo

2009-01-16T13:09:00.000-08:00

On the 9th and 10th December year 5 and 6 performed a fantastic pantomime based on sleeping beauty but the princess was called...... PRINCESS THICK PEA WITH HAM SOUP.

Tragically the princess pricked her finger because the “wicked old crow” fairy cross put a spell her so she would fall asleep for a hundred years. But her fairy god mother, Fairy Nuff and sisters freed her from the spell and everyone lived “Happily Ever After”.

“I have never seen a better panto in my life!” exclaimed Mrs Hayles, the head teacher.

Christmas party

2008-12-22T15:31:00.000-08:00

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas parties. We had games and dancing in the hall with our friends (Y3 and 4 together the day after the Y5 and Y6 party).

We would like to thank all the parents for helping out and all the children for bringing some food. We all got put into teams. We collected points by dancing and playing games. The team that got the most points won a bag of sweets to share between them. Finally thank you to all the teachers who helped make such a brilliant afternoon.

Christmas Fair

2008-12-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

The Christmas fair was a great success and we raised over £700.

Everybody enjoyed it because of the fun games, great stalls and delicious cakes. Most of the teachers did a stall or game along side some of the parents. The tombolar, wii fit, cakes and crackers were the most popular games and stalls. Finally thank you to all the parents for getting infolded with the stalls and games.

The new playground markings

2008-12-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

New markings have been painted onto our playground to allow more different games to be played at break and lunch-time.

Our new playground markings are being thoroughly enjoyed by all years. Marked on the ground are four hop scotches, ladders, a number box and a circle target which are very fun. All of the markings are very entertaining, bright and colourful giving the playground more life.

Our Harvest Festival

2008-10-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Our harvest festival was a great success. All the years put on a brilliant performance. Every body complimented us on our singing, which was accompanied by our school orchestra.

Starting off our service, Year 3 acted out the story of stone soup and sang a song followed by Year 4 who chanted a poem about fruit picking then sang a Spanish song. Then Year 5 sang and spoke about development in the world. Last, but not least, Year 6 preformed a play about harvest past, present and future in the style of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

We ended with a talk from Mrs Hayles, our head teacher, and a song to finish it all off. We were very pleased that so many parents and friends were able to come and enjoy our service.

New Entrance Officially Opened

2008-10-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

Mr. Coaker (our local MP) came to officially open the new entrance hall at Westdale Junior School on 19th September 2008.

The attractive new entrance hall is very modern and creates an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. The glass and metal front allows people to see in and out clearly and there is a large, curved reception desk. The appearance of the entrance hall has been improved by a huge graphic of silver birch trees covering the whole of one wall and on another there are some examples of different children’s work.

When Mr. Coaker arrived he viewed the beautiful smelling sensory garden, full with lots of brightly coloured plants and flowers. Afterwards he went back inside to be interviewed by three year sixes.

He said that Westdale Juniors is a great school - really nice and a place where lots of good things happen. He also thought that it is nice to see the buildings improving as well. He said the first thing he thought was WOW! He was saying that he has always been impressed with our staff, children and thought it always looks good!

Mr. Coaker thinks that working with the Prime Minister is exciting and interesting and he finds the Prime Minister a nice man. Mr. Coaker wanted to be an MP because he wanted to meet lots of people and help them improve there lives.

Music Concert 2008

2008-07-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

On the 15th July, all of Westdale’s many musicians performed in front of their delighted parents after a whole term of practicing. Violins, recorders, pianos, guitars, ukuleles and even a trumpet was played at this amazing concert, together with some beautiful singing that was truly breath-taking.

The night started with some tunes by some talented musicians and then the choir and assembly choir performed the musical My Fair Lady. After what was a master class by the school orchestra, a few more musicians took to the stage and performed in front a stunned crowd.

The evening concluded with the Assembly Choir

performing three songs they had practised for the Music Festival, which was the week before. When it was over, a very proud Mrs Hayles stood up and gave her thanks and congratulations.

It was a certainly a night to remember.

Sports' Day 2008

2008-07-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

On Thursday 10th of July 2008 we had our annual sports day. Year 6 were the captains of the teams, and were excellent at putting the teams in order and supporting their team mates. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t stay dry, but luckily there was only a little shower and we could still proceed with the activities.

The sports activities were very enjoyable for all of the year groups and suitable for a wide variety of children. Everyone supported each other and didn’t upset themselves if they didn’t win a point for their team mates, they just said I will try again next time.

The winners (the three top teams) got a round of applause and a medal each to take home with them. All the children that took part enjoyed the day.

All the teachers, pupils and parents thought that sports day was a huge success.

The Road Safety Quiz 2008

2008-06-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

One June evening a group of children from our school took part in the Area Road Safety Quiz at County Hall. They did amazingly well and came 1st (by one point).

The contestants had to answer a range of questions, mainly based on the “Arrive Alive” Highway Code books, by pressing buttons on a remote control. The questions came up on screen, and there were three answers, a, b and c. Some of the questions were really hard.

Two adults supporting our team won the adult quiz as well – what a lucky night!

GARDENING CLUB NEWS

2008-05-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

May 2008

LOTS of interesting things have been happening in the Westdale Garden over the past few months, and more exciting projects are now underway. Check for updates on our new notice board, which is located in between 3S and 6J.

THE BIG SCHOOLS’ BIRDWATCH
Back in January we took part in the RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch, and had a pleasant lunchtime watching and counting the birds in the school garden. Our results are on the notice board, and the national results are now on the RSPB website at www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch

WILDSQUARE
We have also recently registered to take part in Wildsquare, another activity being run for children by the RSPB. Groups are asked to carry out surveys about wildlife in their square, and send in the results. Each Wildsquare is 1km by 1km and ours is the square km around school, including these streets: Digby Ave, Lambley Ave, Westdale Lane (near school) Holyoake Rd, Roseleigh Ave, Fernleigh Ave, top of Marshall Hill Drive, Unity Crescent, Newstead Ave, Oakleigh Ave, Blenheim Ave. The current survey is about Mammals, which runs from 12th March 2008 to 29th June 2008. We are asked to look out for mammals and record how many we see and when, or if we spot any tracks made by mammals. At school we have only spotted a few squirrels so far. (And a frog but he doesn’t count!) If anyone spots any mammals anywhere on the streets named above, please note down the date and time and let me know, so I can add them to our results. A list of possible mammals you might see is on our notice board, or you can print your own list with pictures from the website at www.rspb.org.uk/wildsquare

GROW YOUR OWN POTATOES COMPETITION
We are very excited to be one of around 8000 schools taking part in this competition, and will hopefully even be able to eat our results! We planted our special competition seed potatoes in March and they are now growing well and we are furiously watering! You can follow the progress of our plants by checking the height chart and photos on the notice board. We will be emptying our pots and weighing the potatoes towards the end of June, ready to submit our results to the competition organisers.

BIG LOTTERY GRANt
We were very pleased to receive a grant for £3,750 from The Big Lottery Fund, in January, to develop our school gardens. We are planning to create a wildlife area including a pond, and an outdoor classroom area where groups or classes can go to work. Watch this space!

ECO-SCHOOLS
With all this hard work going on Gardening Club is also going to encourage the school to work towards gaining its first Eco-Schools Award. The awards are all about helping schools become more sustainable, and increasing awareness about and responsibility for environmental issues. We will look at topics such as saving energy, reducing litter and increasing recycling. Hopefully we will be awarded our Bronze Award before too long.

GO GREEN FOR SCHOOLS ASDA VOUCHERS
Asda are running a voucher scheme for schools until the end of June, where they give customers vouchers every time they re-use a carrier bag or buy a ‘bag for life’. Schools can then collect these vouchers and exchange them for fun eco-equipment to help children help the environment. I realise that Asda is probably not the nearest supermarket for most people, but if you happen to go, please take your own carrier bags with you, collect the vouchers and bring them in to school. We will see if we can collect enough to get any equipment.

CHARLIE DIMMOCK
A competition called ‘Be Ace of Spades with Charlie’ has been launched by EBLEX, formerly the English Beef and Lamb Executive, to get more children growing their own fruit and vegetables. Schools and members of the public are being asked to nominate pupils for a gardening lesson with Charlie Dimmock! We think this is just what we need! Anyone can nominate a school by emailing tuckin@goodrelations.co.uk or by visiting http://www.beefyandlamby.co.uk/scripts/iaxpage.php?sub=beef&header=tuckin before 16th June 2008. We would like as many people as possible to nominate our Gardening Club, as we are working very hard to grow as much as possible in our gardens, and to develop our wildlife area and outdoor classroom, and would really appreciate some guidance from an expert!

DONATIONS OF POTS OR PLANTS
Gardening Club is always pleased to receive any donations of surplus plant pots, plants or seeds you may have at home. Thank you for those already donated, some of the seeds were planted last week! Also, if any parents, grandparents or friends would like to join us, we have a large area to garden, and lots of enthusiastic helpers! We meet every Wednesday lunchtime (weather permitting), and you would me most welcome. Just let one of us know that you would like to come.

Many thanks,
Mrs Tupholme, Miss Birkett and Mrs Roberts.

Y6 Weekend at Caythorpe PGL

2008-05-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

Year 6 went to Caythorpe from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th March for an activity weekend.

When we got there, everyone was full of life and couldn’t wait to get started on the activities. We met our leader, Belle, after we got off the coach and we were shown to our rooms. As soon as we had done some unpacking, we went to a field behind the apartments to play some games with PGL leaders while Belle went to talk to our teachers. We were split up into teams and played a series of games. Then all the children, accompanied by the teachers, went to the dining hall and ate their tea.

After tea the children went on a tour around the site, Belle told us which activities they would be taking part in and, what time we would be doing it. When it was dark, we all met in a field to play some unusual relays and a team competition dropping an egg in a cup attached to a balloon from a great height. The children were split up into four teams called The Cheese Brains, The Super Smurfs, The Demented Smurfs and The Funky Doorbells to try to protect their egg as much as possible!

The next two days were busy with an amazing series of activities which included the High Ropes, the Low Ropes, Jacobs Ladder, Abseiling, the Climbing Wall, Outdoor Initiatives, Archery and Fencing. As well as these great challenges, we had a disco on the Saturday evening and we also enjoyed sleeping in our bedrooms with a small group of friends.

International School Award

2008-04-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

We are very pleased to have been awarded the International School Award (Intermediate category: Developing Internationalism).

The International School Award scheme is run by the British Council to recognise schools that have raised the profile of internationalism in their curriculum. In achieving the Intermediate Level, we have demonstrated that our curriculum, in the last year, has included three international activities (including the special International Day we had in the Autumn Term) and the link that we have established with a school in France.

Thanks to Mrs Roberts, Miss Turville and Mme Venn for helping us to get this award.