Whitehouse Weekly Bulletin 139

Friday 6th November 2020

Message from Mrs Hall

Welcome back to a new half-term at Whitehouse. Thank you for your continued patience, understanding and support regarding the many changes we have had to implement due to Coronavirus.  We will be holding virtual parent’s evenings this month and we are all looking forward to sharing the great learning that is taking place daily. You should have received this half-term’s newsletter stating what the children are learning.  If you haven’t received a copy these can be found on our website: https://www.whcps.org/the-whitehouse-curriculum/.

Attendance for the Week prior to Half Term

Class with the Best Attendance – Jaguars (98%)

Assemblies

The theme of our assemblies for the week after the half term holiday will be: World Kindness Day: Why is it important to be a good friend to others in person and online? (UNRC Link: Article 15: I have the right to be with friends.  Article 19: I have the right to be protected from being hurt or badly treated).  Resources related to this assembly will soon be available on our website.  To access them, simply go to Learning and click on our Enquiry Based Assemblies.

Poppy Appeal 2020

As a school, each year we are pleased to be able to support the Poppy Appeal and plan to do so again this year.  We will have a number of items for sale, including wristbands, key fobs, string bracelets poppy pins and snap bracelets, which children will be able to purchase for a donation.  Please be assured that this will be done in a Covid-safe way, Thank you as ever for your support in raising funds for this great cause.

Parents/Carers Evening

Please note we have Parents/Carers Evenings planned for Thursday 19^th November and Wednesday 25^th November.  These will be going ahead but due to the National Lockdown will take place virtually instead of face to face.  Further details will be coming out shortly on how this will work and how you can book an appointment.

Key Stage 1:

Lower Key Stage 2:

Upper Key Stage 2:

Year 6

The Tigers and Toucans classes have been busy before half term practising a piece about volcanoes and composing their own percussion accompaniment in their music lessons with Mrs Walker.  The children have worked extremely well as a team and performed their piece with confidence and accuracy to their classmates.

Payments

Can we remind parents/carers that due to the current circumstances we are unable to take money in school.  We would encourage where possible that payment is made online using either a debit or credit card, through Suffolk County Council using the following links:

Dinner Money: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/schools/school-meals-uniforms-and-trips/school-meals/.  Please note you will be asked which days your child will be eating a school dinner.  You can enter any dates as we do not use this information, but will continue to ask your child each day what they would like for lunch.   There is a minimum payment of £11.50 which is the price of five school meals.

Breakfast Club: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/schools/school-meals-uniforms-and-trips/pay-for-a-school-trip/

Christmas Cards

We know that the children at Whitehouse love Christmas and enjoy writing and sending cards to their friends and teachers. Unfortunately, this year to keep our school community safe we will not be allowing Christmas cards to be brought into school and handed out.  We are sorry and know this will be a disappointment to the children but hope you will understand the need to keep everyone safe.

Hardship Assistance

We know that for many of our families, the Covid-19 pandemic has made things very difficult in many ways.  We have recently been made aware of a fund that the school can apply to which may be able to help any of our families who are particularly struggling with a financial issue.  The need may include financing a replacement fridge, freezer or cooker, or you may struggle being able to buy school uniform or even struggle to feed your family.  Whilst we cannot guarantee the fund will be available and be able to meet your need, if you are struggling please do call the school and have a chat to Mrs Gotts, our Pastoral Worker.  She will be able to advise you further if an application can be made for you to receive some help. 

Dates for the Diary

Friday 13^th November – Children in Need (non-uniform day)

Thursday 19^th November – Virtual Parent/Carer Evening

Wednesday 25^th November – Virtual Parent/Carer Evening

Friday 27^th November – Breaking the Mould Day

Monday 7^th December – Flu Immunisations

Monday 21^st December – Friday 1^st January – Christmas Holiday

Monday 4^th January – PD Day (No school for children)

Friday 12^th February – PD Day (No school for children)

Monday 15^th February – Friday 19^th February – Half Term Holiday

Thursday 4^th March – Parent/Carer Evening

Wednesday 10^th March – Parent/Carer Evening

Friday 19^th March – Whole School SMSC Event

Monday 29^th March – Friday 9^th April – Easter Holiday