10 March 2023

Arkholme Primary School News

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Contact us...

The quickest and easiest way to contact your child's teacher is to email the school office and mark it for the attention of your child's teacher.
Please contact the school office via email or phone 015242 21418.
Please do not message via Remind as these messages often get missed.

Click here to email the school office

Click here to email Mrs Ingram

Dear parents

It is very disappointing that we are having to forge ahead with industrial action next week. I know that this makes it very challenging for you but hope that you understand our frustrations.

Packed Lunches
We are noticing an increasing amount of chocolate bars and fizzy drinks appearing in lunch boxes. Please can you try and avoid sending in such items whenever possible. It can be a big distraction for some children knowing that they or other children have chocolate in their lunch boxes. Thank you for your help with this.

In-Term Time Holiday Requests
Now that we are into our second school year following lockdowns, there is an increased pressure on schools to get attendance back to pre-COVID levels. Please can I ask for your support in helping us to do this. There are very few exceptional circumstances for which I can authorise a request for leave in term time, the vast majority of these are therefore un-authorised absences. If holidays are for 5 days or more, they will also result in LCC issuing a fine.

Lancaster & District Schools' Singing Festival - Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd March 2023
Please note that the ticket sale deadline is Tuesday 14th March 2023 - we need to confirm numbers on the morning of Friday 17th March with the Festival organisers. Also, if you haven't already done so, please remember to give permission, via Parent Pay, for your child to attend the rehearsal on the morning of their concert. I would like to encourgae as many of you as possible to bring your children to the concernt in the evening. They have worked so hard rehearsing the songs in school and it is always a very special performance! Thank you.

Farewell
On Wednesday we sadly said farewell to Mrs. Morley. Carol has been employed at Arkholme School since September 2001. During that time she has given a tremendous amount of energy, commitment and support to both pupils and staff. We are all very sorry to see Carol go but wish her every happiness in her retirement!

Welcome
On Monday evening I attended the institution of our new parish vicar, the Revd. Lucie Lunn. Lucie will be leading her first service at St. John the Baptist Church, Arkholme, this Sunday at 09:30. If you were able to attend, I'm sure it would help to make her feel very welcome.

Joy Ingram

END OF AN ERA - We love you Mrs Morley, we do!!

An interview with Mrs Morley

Mr Pedder: As a leaving gift, I thought it would be nice for the children to interview you…

Mrs Morley: I thought leaving meant I was done with interviews!

Mr Pedder: I’m afraid not. The children have some questions for you. Over to them.

Hattie: When did you start?

Mrs M: I started way back in 2001. 22 years ago, if my maths is right…

Remy: Do you like your job?

Mrs M: I have absolutely loved all of my time at Arkholme, and I feel very lucky to have spent so much time here.

Anna: What’s the best residential you have done?

Mrs M: My favourite residential was to Brathay as I loved doing the canoeing and watching the children on the climbing wall. I wasn’t such a fan of the lack of sleep though!

Leah: What is your favourite memory of Arkholme?

Mrs M: That’s a really tough one as I have lots of lovely memories from my time here. If pushed, I would probably say it’s been watching you all grow up from being tiny toddlers in nursery and developing your own personalities. I’ve seen children grow all the way from reception to leaving to go to their secondary school.

Beatrice: What class have you enjoyed being in the most?

Mrs M: I started in nursery and loved it. I thought I wouldn’t want to leave! Then I went into Reception and thought, “This is fantastic!” I’ve thought this every time I’ve moved class. I moved from Reception to Robins, Robins to Kingfishers and then Kingfishers to Owls. Each time, I have loved the move and loved each class for different reasons. So, I couldn’t pick a favourite!

Charlie: Who is your favourite teacher?

Mr P: *cough cough cough*

Mrs M: I’m not answering. All of them!

Taylor: What is your favourite classroom?

Mrs M: When I first started Nursery, we were all were based together where Robins are now. We then joined with Reception and shared this space. So, I thought it was incredible when they built The Pod and they moved in there. It’s an amazing building and space!

Daisy: What was your favourite happy Friday?

Mrs M: I really enjoy the dressing up ones! So, one of those. Probably the crazy hair day!

Ezra: What has been your favourite thing this school year?

Mrs M: The whole school going to watch the Lion King was an incredible experience: seeing how much the children were engaged was wonderful, and I thought it was great everyone could go. The show itself was amazing too!

Abi: What was your favourite year?

Mrs M: I’m really not sure! All of them! They’ve all been brill!

Isabella: Which subject did you enjoy helping with the most?

Mrs M: Anything to do with Art or Design and Technology. I love seeing what you make! I have also enjoyed getting outside to learn by taking part in forest school.

Taylor: Did you like helping with IDL?

Mrs M: Yes, I’ve always loved helping you all in everything you do.

Ruth: What are you planning on doing when you leave?

Mrs M: We have a motorhome, so my husband, dog and I are going to go travelling around the country. We’re also going to go travelling abroad more as there’s loads we’ve not seen yet. My first trip is going to be on a Norwegian fjord cruise. I can’t wait! I’m also looking forward to relaxing more and spending more time with my grandchildren.

Darcy: Are you going to come back to visit?

Mrs M: Definitely! I will be at your leavers’ assembly for sure – as long as I get invited!

Anna: Will you miss us?

Mrs M: Of course! I’ll miss you all loads!

Bonus Questions!

Robyn: Do you like swimming?

Mrs M: I love it and I love taking you! I like watching you swim and seeing how much you’ve improved.

Connie: Do you like school dinners?

Mrs M: I don’t really have them often. I did really love the chocolate chip cookies Mel used to make though. The Christmas lunches are always delicious too and it’s great seeing everyone come together to enjoy them.

Adam: Do you like huskies?

Mrs M: I love huskies! I love all dogs.

Daniel: Do you like football?

Mrs M: I love watching football and I’m looking forward to watching my grandson play more

An interview with Mrs Morley

Mr Pedder: As a leaving gift, I thought it would be nice for the children to interview you…

Mrs Morley: I thought leaving meant I was done with interviews!

Mr Pedder: I’m afraid not. The children have some questions for you. Over to them.

Hattie: When did you start?

Mrs M: I started way back in 2001. 22 years ago, if my maths is right…

Remy: Do you like your job?

Mrs M: I have absolutely loved all of my time at Arkholme, and I feel very lucky to have spent so much time here.

Anna: What’s the best residential you have done?

Mrs M: My favourite residential was to Brathay as I loved doing the canoeing and watching the children on the climbing wall. I wasn’t such a fan of the lack of sleep though!

Leah: What is your favourite memory of Arkholme?

Beatrice: What class have you enjoyed being in the most?

Charlie: Who is your favourite teacher?

Mr P: *cough cough cough*

Mrs M: I’m not answering. All of them!

Taylor: What is your favourite classroom?

Daisy: What was your favourite happy Friday?

Mrs M: I really enjoy the dressing up ones! So, one of those. Probably the crazy hair day!

Ezra: What has been your favourite thing this school year?

Abi: What was your favourite year?

Mrs M: I’m really not sure! All of them! They’ve all been brill!

Isabella: Which subject did you enjoy helping with the most?

Mrs M: Anything to do with Art or Design and Technology. I love seeing what you make! I have also enjoyed getting outside to learn by taking part in forest school.

Taylor: Did you like helping with IDL?

Mrs M: Yes, I’ve always loved helping you all in everything you do.

Ruth: What are you planning on doing when you leave?

Darcy: Are you going to come back to visit?

Mrs M: Definitely! I will be at your leavers’ assembly for sure – as long as I get invited!

Anna: Will you miss us?

Mrs M: Of course! I’ll miss you all loads!

Luca: What is your favourite food and drink?

Mrs M: I love a great roast dinner with a glass of chardonnay.

Halle: Do you have any pets?

Mrs M: I have a springer spaniel called Livvie.

Archie: Is your pet crazy?

Mrs M: She used to be but she’s an old lady now and she’s calmed down a lot.

Thank you for all your time with us, Mrs Morley!

Below is a video of how we waved Mrs Morley off on Wednesday...... it was a very emotional day!!

https://youtu.be/CxB3fiYiSwE

BAKE OFF DAY!!

What a wonderful day. School has been full of wonderful baking smells and some fabulous creations. Everyone should be proud of their achievements today - school has been filled with wonderful happy sounds of the children Mrs Ingram and Mrs Proctor found judging the cakes very difficult, because the standards were incredibly high.

Here is a video of what was produced....

https://youtu.be/rpaASRzWumw

Week commencing 13 March 2023 at a glance:

Monday 13 March 2023 -
Kingfishers - Please wear PE kit
Owls - Please wear PE kit

KS2 School Choir - after school until 4pm

Tuesday 14 March 2023 -
Owls - Class Trip

Wednesday 15 March 2023 -
SCHOOL CLOSED TO ALL PUPILS

Thursday 16 March 2023 -
SCHOOL CLOSED TO ALL PUPILS

Friday 17 March 2023 -
RED NOSE DAY
Robins - PE with MFC, please come in games kit
Puffin class will be going to Forest School, so please wear old warm layers of clothes and bring your wellies and waterproofs!

Red Nose Day will be a non uniform day!! Please feel free to go crazy and be as creative as you would like. A donation of £1 would be wonderful.

In the meantime, we have ordered a small supply of Red Noses, which will be available for £2:20 - please see Mrs Proctor, in the office, if you would like to purchase any.

Music Lessons

If you have any outstanding payments, please can you bring your payments up to date, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Well done to all of you for remembering your instruments and making good progress. Mr Warriner has vacancies, so if your child is in Year 2 or above and would like to play an instrument, please email him directly.

Email Mr Warriner - Music lessons

In the classroom this week!

This week the Puffins have been reading the story 'Mr Bunny's Chocolate Factory' and have created posters to help the chickens get justice! We have been learning about the story of the 'Lost Coin', where we searched for the lost coin and had a celebration when we found it. In maths we have been looking at the days of the week and have been completing different challenges in 1 minute. We have learnt the 'oo' and 'ar' sounds in phonics.
On Friday we loved creating our Puffin Tree show stopper, we hope it tastes as good as it looks!

Happy weekend everyone.

Team Puffin

We've had another great week in Robins class!

Year 1 have been focusing on Subtraction upto 20. We have learnt how to subtract using two methods; a numberline and using number bonds. In English, we have started a new book 'Jack and the Beanstalk' and we have been visualising what Jack's house, the beanstalk and the Giant's castle may look like. Visualising and drawing is a great way of helping us with our creative writing. Mrs James can't wait to see Year 1's stories as the pictures were so amazing!
Year 2 have also been reading Jack and the Beanstalk and on Tuesday went on an unofficial school trip to the giants garden!! It was very exciting! Mrs Whitaker sadly had to miss this but it's ok because year 2 wrote an amazing description of the garden on her return. In maths we have started our 2 times table and have been solving some tricky problems!
In PE, we continued building parts of our dance routine 'Toy Story'. We have been learning how to create movement and expression through dance as characters in the popular Disney film. In RE, we continued learning about the Easter Story and were able to share our ideas on what is important about Easter. We then shared some Mini Eggs which helped us to learn that Eggs are a symbol of new life and the resurrection of Jesus at Easter.
In history we learnt how we know what we know about the great fire of London. We learnt about primary and secondary sources and read the diary of Samuel Pepys. We then wrote our own diaries. In art we had a very exciting lesson making tiles patterns inspired by William Morris.
Today YEAR 2 will bring home some homework. As we approach the summer term I think it is a good opportunity to practice some skills at home and get ready for our end of year assessments. Please return the homework by Tuesday next week. If you have any problems please let me know. All the tasks are short so it shouldn't take too long.
Finally, due to the strikes, Robin worship will now take place on Thursday 30th March. Thank you for your understanding.
Mrs James and Mrs Whitaker

This week in Kingfisher Class the children have completed their week-long weather diaries and have been making comparisons between the weather in the Amazon and the weather in Arkholme. They have enjoyed finding out the temperature every day and checking our rain gauges in the school garden. They have also finished making their bird feeders and hung them in the tree outside our classroom window. Just in time for the birds to enjoy some delicious seed in this cold weather!
In maths, the children have continued their work on multiplication with Year 4 exploring the links between multiplication and division. In English, they have been using metaphors and expanded noun phrases to write poems on a theme.
On Wednesday, the children took part in the Swim The Lune sponsored swim at Hornby Pool. Between them they swam 503 lengths! This is an amazing achievement. We calculated that this distance is equivalent to just over 5 miles which is greater than the distance between our school and Whittington! I have an individual list of the number of lengths everyone swam so please come and ask me if you need to know this information in order to collect sponsor money. Please can all sponsor forms and money be handed into the school office next week - I have more forms if needed!
On Thursday, the whole class led worship in the hall. The children made us all proud with their exploration of injustice. Thank-you very much for coming along to support them, it was terrific to have so many friends and family with us.
Have a great weekend everyone,
See you next week,

Mrs Burgess

The Owls have worked incredibly hard this week.
In Maths, we have continued our topic of percentages and also completed two past SATs papers. We then went through the answers to discuss them and to see where we could improve.
In English, we practiced prediction as a reading skill and completed a past reading paper.
In History, we looked at where the early Anglo Saxons settled and the evidence for them settling there. We also looked at how a lot of our place names today originated from Anglo-Saxon words and located different places on a map.
In PHSE, the children discussed their online identity and how to be respectful and stay safe online.
The Owls finished off a tough week with a really fun bake-off day. The children really enjoyed making a chocolate cake that looked like M and Ms were being poured from a packet on to it! They also enjoyed making their own owls to decorate the cake. We then continued our Art in the afternoon on our topic of landscapes.
Have a great weekend everyone!

Mr Pedder

WOW WORSHIP

Every Friday we hold a whole school WOW worship. We celebrate good work in school each week.

There are 3 categories:

Golden Book - this is to reward children who have worked hard, produced some great work or improved a great deal.

Celebrates Christian Values - this celebrates kindness, friendship, perserverance, respect, love or anyone of our Christian Values

and

Happy Ambassador

GOLDEN BOOK:

Puffins - Henry P for trying his best in maths.

Robins Year 1 - Iris for her creative and careful detail to her Jack and the Beanstalk visualisation pictures. Well done!

Robins Year 2 - Toby for super effort in his writing.

Kingfingers - Remy for his fabulous geography work this term and Isabelle Ward for her wonderful rainforest poem.

Owls - Leah has been amazing this week. Always trying her hardest and never giving up. She should be really proud.

CELEBRATES CHRISTIAN VALUES:

Puffins - Rory for always helping his friends.

Robins Year 1 - Archie for showing perseverance in all his work and coming into school with a smile! Well done.

Robins Year 2 - Laura for always helping her classmates.

Kingfishers - Luca for making thoughtful contributions to our learning.

Owls - Daisy for writing a lovely message in Mrs Morley's leaving card showing how thankful she was for her time here.

HAPPY AMBASSADOR:

Puffins - Angus for sharing his interesting facts about snakes and making us smile!!

Robins Year 1 - George for having a great sense of humour and always making Mrs James laugh!

Robins Year 2 - Rory who told me yesterday he's had a happy week.

Kingfishers - Harry for making his friends smile.

Owls - Charlie for being a fantastic sport at playtimes and showing off his awesome goalkeeping skills.

Gardening Club
If anyone would like to help run gardening club sessions please let Fay know on 07850114283. We’ve got big plans for Gardening Club this year so please get involved if you’d like!

Community News

Arkholme Parish Church - Weekly Bulletin

The Wagtail - local news