Headteacher Newsletter 459

Inspiration and Enjoyment - Science Fair and The Big Sing

Last week, our Year 5 and 6 children were given fantastic opportunities to inspire and enjoy.
Firstly, Miss Brahimaj and Mrs Hodgson would like to congratulate all of our wonderful Year 5 and 6 pupils who took part in the CCS Science Fair on Tuesday - all 43 of them! The children had the opportunity to exhibit their STEM projects and compete against pupils from other local schools.

We are delighted to share that Woodland View had a number of winning entries as well as some commendations. Every child who participated made us incredibly proud with their hard work, commitment, and excellent scientific knowledge and understanding - we have amazing children at Woodland View!  

In the Key Stage 2 category, one of our Y6 pupils received 1st place for his wind tunnel project; two Y6 pupils took 2nd place with their project on computer functions; and two Y5 pupils came third with their project on wind turbines. Also, a special commendation was made to a group of three Y6 pupils who made their own metal detector!
We encourage all pupils who took part to bring their projects into school so that we can celebrate their achievements further during a school assembly.

Then, our Year 5 and 6 choir had a fantastic time performing at the Big Sing event at the Derngate. The children joined pupils from a number of other schools to perform a lively range of songs, accompanied by a professional band and in front of a wonderful audience.

They sang brilliantly and represented the school with great enthusiasm and confidence. It was a memorable experience for everyone involved and a real celebration of music and teamwork. Well done to all of the children who took part!

Events like this are such a valuable opportunity for children to experience performing in a large venue and to be part of something bigger alongside other schools. The atmosphere was incredible and the children returned to school full of excitement, proud of what they had achieved together.
 

Comic Relief and Easter Egg Tombola reminder

This Friday will be a non-school uniform day, so children are welcome to come to school wearing their own choice of clothes instead of their usual uniform. In return, we ask that each child brings in a sweet treat (such as an Easter egg, sweets or chocolates) which will be used for our upcoming Easter Egg tombola. Thank you in advance for any contributions - these are always very popular and help raise funds for the school.
 
It is also Comic Relief on Friday, so Comic Relief accessories or touches of red are very welcome if children would like to represent this charity. We will have a donation bucket available at drop-off and pick-up times for anyone who would like to contribute to this fantastic charity. Donations are completely optional, but we appreciate any support in helping raise money for such an important cause.

Please remember that children who have PE on Friday should still come dressed in clothing and footwear that allow them to take part safely in their lesson.

Friends of Woodland View – We Need Your Help!

Our Friends of Woodland View (PTA) is such an important part of our school community, but we are currently struggling to find enough volunteers to support our events.

Quite simply, without more help, we may not be able to continue running some of these much-loved events. This would be a real loss for our children - not only in terms of enjoyment, but also the opportunities and resources these events help to fund.
The money raised through Friends of Woodland View goes directly back into school, providing valuable resources, facilities and experiences that enhance your children’s education.

Our events bring so much to the community, including: cake sales and tombolas, second-hand uniform sales, school discos and cinema clubs, Summer Fair and Winter Wonderland, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts, book sales and tea towel projects, Breakfast with Santa and refreshments at sports days.

We are incredibly grateful to our small group of regular helpers who already give their time so generously - they do an amazing job. And we do have some parents who have helped out once or twice. However, we urgently need more people to step forward so that the responsibility can be shared.

Bex, who leads Friends of Woodland View, is always mindful not to ask too much of anyone. Despite this, we have come very close to cancelling events recently due to a lack of volunteers.

We completely understand that many parents work or have other commitments, and that for some, language may feel like a barrier - but please be reassured: everyone is welcome. Our team is friendly and supportive, and school staff are always there to help at events too.

Even a small amount of time can make a big difference.

If you think you could help in any way at all, please do get in touch:
friendsofwoodlandview@gmail.com
01604 765037

Together, we can keep these special experiences alive for our children.
Thank you for your support.
 

Parents’ Evening coming up

A reminder that Parents’ Evening for Foundation Stage to Year 5 will take place next week. Previous communications have included the full details, but we wanted to send a quick reminder to ensure everyone has the opportunity to book a slot.

Please respond to the previously sent Ping message to select your preferred appointment time, or contact the school office if you need any help making an appointment. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and how we can continue to work together to support their learning.
 

Achieve With Me - Thank you

Last week we were delighted to welcome so many family members into school for our Achieve With Me sessions. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us.

We hope you found the sessions useful and enjoyed the opportunity to see the children learning in the classroom and to work alongside them. It is always lovely for the children to share their learning with you, and we really appreciate the support you give in helping them to achieve their best.
 

Craft Barn Camp - Reminder

We are pleased to offer the Craft Barn holiday club on Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st March. There are still a few places remaining so if your child is interested in attending, please complete the form on the previous ping (dated 10th March.)

 

Family Learning Course - Neurodiversity

It’s not too late to sign-up for the free Introduction to Neurodiversity Course for parents.
Dates: 5 sessions on Wednesday afternoons from April 15th - May 13th
Time: 1:10–3:10pm

These sessions will be run by North Northamptonshire Council and will be a supportive and safe discussion group where parents can learn more about neurodiversity, school and county support, and also have the chance to reflect on strategies for family life and personal wellbeing. They are designed to be friendly and supportive, and will also give parents a chance to meet others and share experiences.

If you’d like to take part, please see the Ping sent on the 11th March or contact the school office for more information.
 

Thank you from 100 Ladles

Through some local connections, we recently received donations from school families towards the charity - 100 Ladles - which

supports the homeless. 

The following message is from Sharon at the charity, ‘Thank you so much to all the families, all the generous donations. We put these care packages together and distributed them to the homeless during our rounds and they were gratefully received. Thank you so much.’

Supporting charities such as this one, not only helps others, but it teaches our children the importance of empathy and compassion.

School Blogs

Please see the school blog pages to see what your child has been up to recently via the link https://www.wvps.northants.sch.uk/page/?title=Year+Group+Blogs&pid=75

Key Dates

Friday 20th March - Non-school uniform Mufti Day for Comic Relief and Easter Egg Tombola
Week beginning 23rd March - Parents’ Evening for FS-Y5 
Thursday 26th March - Easter Egg Tombola after school
Friday 27th March - term ends
Monday 13th April - School Training Day for staff
Tuesday 14th April - term begins 
Wednesday 15th April - Family Learning Course - Introduction to Neurodiversity - begins
Friday 24th April - Family Bingo - 6-7pm - in school - details to follow
Monday 4th May - school closed for Bank Holiday
Thursday 21st May - FOWV Discos - Details to follow
Further Ahead - all with details to follow
Thursday 18th June - Performing Arts Soiree - including children from Y2-Y6 
Sports Days: Tuesday 23rd June: FS at 9-10.15am, Y1-2 at 10.15am-12.15pm; Thursday 25th: Y5/6 at 9-11.30am, Y3/4 at 12.50-3.10pm 
Monday 6th July - Foundation Stage Graduation - 6pm 
Thursday 16th July - Y6 Leavers’ Performance - 2pm and 6pm
 

Yours sincerely, 
Mark Horsley