Newsletters

Dear parents and carers,

It was lovely to have the opportunity to chat at this week’s parent’s meetings. We are managing a number of staff absences at the moment, and I was really pleased that the majority of meetings went ahead as planned. Thank you for all your positive feedback and for completing our parent survey. We are currently following up on individual concerns, but I am pleased to let you know that of the 162 respondents:

• 98% of parents said their child is happy at school
• 98% of parents said their child feels safe at school
• 97% of parents said their child does well at school
• 96% of parents said that the school has high expectations for their children
• 98% of parents said that the school makes sure its pupils are well behaved
• 98% of parents said they were able to support their child with reading and home learning.
• 99% of parents said they would recommend our school to another parent

98% of parents also stated that concerns which were raised were dealt with properly. As you would expect, we are following up on an individual basis with those parents who have specific concerns and this will continue after the half-term holiday.

Following an unprecedented period of multiple school closures and family stress, we are not surprised to see that 13% of parents feel that their child needs additional support from the pastoral team. All research shows that for children and young people, dealing with COVID-19 may result in heightened feelings of anxiety and worry and could exacerbate low-mood and other mental health conditions. Once again, if you expressed concern about your child, we will be following up on this after the break.

Covid

As you are aware, the number of Covid cases is increasing across all schools. I am pleased to report that our numbers remain relatively low. We currently have 4 pupils absent with Covid but are mindful there are numerous viruses in circulation. Please keep us informed if your child is unwell and telephone the office every day they are absent from school.

Parking and driving

Three parents have emailed me this week about inconsiderate and dangerous parking. Our community police officer is on site at regular intervals but we are ultimately dependent on parents taking a common sense approach and erring on the side of caution. Please drive with everyone’s safety in mind. It is a difficult site to monitor and without naming and shaming individuals, we rely on goodwill to change behaviours.

Parental Guidance from Leeds City Council

It is now apparent that school children (including primary school children) are discussing the new Netflix series Squid Game despite its PEGI rating of 15 and over.

An unexpected success in terms of viewing figures, Squid Game’s popularity is beginning to spread across various online platforms. There has been a slew of content created – ranging from memes to apps – that convey the violence of the show, so it is important for parents, carers and educators to understand the basis of Squid Game and the potential risks to young people who might be exposed to it.

Please see the link below to read more about what parents need to know about this new series. 

‘Squid Game’ Trending across Platforms: What Parents Need to Know | National Online Safety

Cross-Country 

Last Saturday children from Years 3 - 6 took part in the second race of the Leeds Schools Athletic Association Cross-country League, held at Cardinal Heenan Secondary School. 

Under 11 boys performed magnificently finishing first overall, in a very competitive field! 

“The track was very demanding covering one medium lap with a lot of difficult uphills” Ethan, Tom and Callum reported. 

Under 9 boys and girls both ran very well in their respective races with several children finishing in the top 20 in fields of 130 plus children. Both groups were able to score valuable points for their teams in the league. 

Sophie and Farrah represented under 11 girls and both girls preformed fantastically, with Farrah securing a top ten finish.

Both girls are eager to increase the number of female runners at these events.

“It would be great to have a full team of female runners. It’s a fun activity and a chance to represent school.”

If your child is interested in taking part in future cross-country races please contact me in the first instance. 

Mr McKeown 

Year 6 Leadership Day 

Last Friday, all Year 6 children travelled by coach to Yeadon Tarn, to take part in a range of exciting challenges. They impressed us with their communication skills as they tackled an orienteering challenge around the Tarn, following a map and solving puzzles as they went.

Team building games on land provided opportunities for children to develop their independence and to show leadership outside the classroom environment.

For the final activity children carried kayaks in pairs to the jetty and launched these into the water. 

It was a fantastic day and the year 6s demonstrated great skills and resilience. 

Mr McKeown 

Join the Arts Council!

Remember to either email me (harriet.heald@bramhopeprimaryschool.co.uk) or you can write me a letter and leave it on my desk in the Art Studio. I will notify the successful candidates at the start of next half-term.

Remember to tell me:

• Why do you love the arts (art, drama, music, dance)?
• Your vision for the arts at Bramhope Primary School (what would you like art, dance, drama and music to be like at BPS?)
• Why you think you would make a great BPS Arts Council member

I plan to hold Arts Council meetings on Thursdays after school until 4.30pm, starting after half-term.

I look forward to reading all your applications!

Mrs Heald

Housepoints!

The children really look forward to me announcing our ‘weekly winners’ in assembly - well done to everyone who has been awarded a house point this week!

The total housepoints for this week are:

Congratulations to Hepworth!

PTA news

1. Just a reminder that the PTA committee will meet on Tuesday 2^nd November, 7.15pm at school, in Mrs Colbourn’s office – everybody is welcome, please come along. We have heard that there will be cake waiting!
2. Pre-loved uniforms: we now only accept donations for cardigans, jumpers and PE kit.

Thank you

PTA Team

EYFS Training Day - 25 November

Please note that school will be closed to Reception pupils only on 25 November, for a training day. We will send a reminder out closer to the time.

Reception 2022 Open Days

If you have a child who is due to start reception 2022, please join us on one of our open mornings

• Thursday 4 November 09.30-11.30
• Monday 8 November 09.30-11.30
• Friday 19 November 09.30-11.30

Please contact the office to book a place admin@bramhopeprimaryschool.co.uk 

Please note we encourage one parent per visit to limit numbers.

Lunches

The New Winter Menus are now on the school website HERE.

Parents should order (through Scopay) in advance, before 13.00 on Thursdays, each week. This can be done for ad hoc days if you wish your child to have a packed lunch on some days.  

Please help us by telling your child what you have ordered for them. A number of children are choosing a different option to what has been pre-ordered. This means that we are running out of certain meals on some days. Thank you

Please contact the office if you need help with this: admin@bramhopeprimaryschool.co.uk

Morrisons Its Good To Grow

If you have not already done so please sign up to the Morrisons 'it's good to grow' offer for schools. Parents can sign up and earn us points towards gardening equipment when they shop!

For every £10 you spend (in store or online) at Morrisons, you’ll get a Grow Token to help your school get everything they need to get growing.

Click HERE to read more.

Download the MyMorrisons app today to start collecting Grow Tokens!

I hope everyone has an opportunity for some quality family time this coming week and look forward to seeing you again soon.