Issue 29 - 10th May 2024
Dear Families,
Next week, children in Year 6 will sit their SATs. It is essential children come to school and on time otherwise they may not be able to sit the tests. It is important to ensure children have plenty of rest the night before to set them up for the day ahead. We have engaged in lots of practice tests so they are well versed in the process and this should reduce undue anxiety. We see the tests as an opportunity to show what children can do and there should be no other pressure or worries than this. The tests are sent away to be marked externally and the teachers share the outcomes with the children on the day their reports come out. This is done on a one to one basis so children can ask questions and be supported whatever the outcome.
Year 6 children only are invited to come to school at 8.30am on all four days of SATs week where breakfast will be provided and they will have the chance to not feel rushed before they start each day. They will be met on the playground by their teachers at this time.
It would really help our year 6 children if parents across the school could make a concerted effort to ensure their children are on time for school this week. Some children will be taking their SATs in rooms across the school and late arrivals can cause disruption to these children. Children behaved impeccably during our mock SATs week and I look forward to seeing the same behaviours demonstrated next week.
Have a good weekend!
Emma Fordham
Headteacher
Key Messages
Safeguarding – Late Collection
We understand there are times when parents are late for collection but please remember that children must be signed out from the office. Please can parents not come into school from any other door than the main reception to ensure that children are signed out appropriately.
External Clubs for Dance and Musical Theatre
We hope children have enjoyed our new dance and musical theatre clubs. These clubs will end at the end of this half term but I am pleased to tell you we are in the process of looking for a new provider to provide similar clubs for the children to join. Watch this space…
It will soon be possible to sign up for the football club, which will be running again after half term, please see the sign at the front of the school for more details. There are limited free places on this club. Please contact Mrs Fordham if you are interested in these spaces.
Parent Singing Assemblies
There are a handful of spaces left on the lower school sing along on Friday 14th June. All other dates are now fully booked.
Lower School – Friday 17th May and 14th June 9.00-9.25am
Upper School – Friday 24th May and 5th July 9.00-9.25am
Year 6 Graduation Events
Year 6 Graduation Events
Some parents in Year 6 will have had children who have already come up through the school and moved onto secondary school but for others, this may be your first child who has reached Year 6 at Almond Hill. We believe it is important to recognise the hard work, achievements and memories that are made in the time children are here which is why we hold ‘graduations’ for all children in Year 6. It is a wonderful opportunity to really celebrate with families and would love for as many parents to attend as possible. Due to space limitations in the hall, we can allow up to 3 guests per child. The graduation will run from 2pm-4pm on the day so where possible, please arrange alternative collection for younger siblings. We like to keep as much of the event a surprise where we can but can assure you, you won’t want to miss it! Nearer to the time, children will be given 3 tickets to bring home to give to their guests. These will need to be brought with you on the day of your child’s graduation. We know that families will want to attend but I must stress that we will be up to our maximum capacity for fire regulations so will not be able to allow additional people to attend.
Monday 15th July - 6S
Tuesday 16th July – 6B
Wednesday 17th July - 6C