Newsletter Summer 2016

Newsletter – Summer 2016
School life is as busy as usual. I would like to say a big thank you to the Y6 who have, just this week, completed their
secondary SATs tests. They have all conducted themselves in a mature and sensible manner and I am sure that they
have done their very best. As I write this they are now playing cricket in the sun on the Bath Grounds, eating ice creams
and generally having a well-deserved chill!
We are still busy forging ahead with our conversion to academy status. We are working towards our deadline of
conversion for the 1st September 2016 and recently received our ‘Academy Order’ from the government. This means that
we can start to formalise the legal side of conversion, start predicting budgets and open new bank accounts. This is an
exciting new phase in Willesley’s development as we will be a lead school in the new Multi Academy Trust. The proposed
trust name will be ‘The Symphony Learning Trust’. This will not replace our school name which will remain ‘Ashby
Willesley Primary School’.
There are lots of events happening both sporting and curricular between now and the end of term - we will do our best
to keep you informed of these. Please keep checking the website calendar which is updated as events come along.
On a final note I would like to inform you that I will not be around school from the 19thMay for a few days as I will be
undergoing minor heart surgery. I hope to be back fighting fit either just before or after half term. As a result I will not
be able to make appointments to see parents or respond personally to emails. Should you require any immediate
response then either contact the school office or make an appointment with Miss Rainbow - (Deputy Head).
We have just had the 400th pupil start at school this term and we know that we are over subscribed for September
starters with 1/3 of our pupils from out of catchment. I am pleased that the fantastic reputation of Willesley school is
being recognised and the school is continuing to go from strength to strength; It is down to the committed staff team,
fantastic pupils and supportive parents. Many thanks for your continued support.
Matthew Brookes
Sporting Events: Our successes just seem to keep rolling in. Well done to everyone who has taken part in any sporting
team or event this term so far. Here are just a few….
Y6 boys won the Kirby Shield Tournament (football)
Y5 boys lost valiantly in the semi-final of the Rosebowl (football) against Ibstock going into extra time
Y5 mixed hockey area champions – through to the School Games in June!
More than 10 pupils selected for the area cross country
Y5/6 gained 2nd place in the area swimming tournament
Y3/4 hockey area semi-finalists
Foundation Stage were county champions in the cross country
Y5/6 area basketball finalists
Outside of school, a Year 5 girl has been chosen to represent the district at sailing and another Year 5 girl will
represent Great Britain at tennis next year.
AFDA – pupils met Muzzy Izzet and Steve Walsh - former Year 5 Hockey winners – Summer Games next!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
LCFC players
Year 6 have worked extremely hard in the run up to SATs and that we're really proud of their effort and attitude during
the tests. They have also enjoyed cricket as part of the Chance to Shine programme with Leicestershire County Cricket
Club on a Tuesday afternoon.
Year 5 have been doing lots of interesting things related to their Nature topic – including a visit to Battram Woods and
a local walk to find bluebells.
Year 6 – Cricket Coaching
Year 5 – Battram Woods
Year 4 attended their residential during April to the Hollowford Centre in Castleton, Derbyshire; it was amazing! The
children (and staff!) had a brilliant experience away; team building, canoeing, rock scrambling and high ropes plus a lot
more fun. A beautiful environment, great meals and time to be with friends. The children grew in confidence trying
new challenges working together as a team. We were so proud of them!
Year 3 went on a visit to the Egyptian Gallery at New Walk Museum in Leicester. The pupil’s behaviour was exemplary even the museum staff said so!
Year 4 at Hollowford
Year 3 at New Walk Museum
Year 2 have been busy learning about growing plants – so far potatoes, sunflowers and runner beans have been
carefully potted – let’s see how they grow. Even more exciting, the school was chosen to take part in a project with the
RHS and European Space Agency. The children were given two batches of seeds to plant; one set had been into space
with Tim Peake! The school has to report back on how well they’ve grown. Thank you to Teresa Westwood for
arranging for the school to take part in this special scientific experiment.
Year 1 put in a lot of practice ready to perform their class assemblies recently. We hope that you enjoyed their
performances based on Winnie the Witch (1AC) and Beatrix Potter (1JM). Thank you to parents for your support.
Foundation Stage have been thoroughly enjoying their topic of Knights and Princesses and this will be finished by a
visit, dressed as Knights and Princesses of course, to Ashby Castle later this week.
Queen’s Birthday Celebrations
The school is planning a whole school celebration event for the Queen’s Birthday on Friday
10th June. Look out for more information. Parents will be invited to attend during the
afternoon.
WASPS Update
It's been a busy few weeks for the WASPS as we prepare for the upcoming Spring Fair on Friday 20th
May. We've lots of fantastic stalls coming along selling a host of gifts, foodstuffs, treats and more. Our
usual Face Painter will be on hand and there's an array of games for all to enjoy.... and we mustn't forget the Spring
Bonnet finalist’s parade.
Your children may be involved in the entertainment during the evening; we also have some traditional springtime
dancers joining us. So stay for a glass of Pimms, sample a home cooked burger or hotdog and try our fruit and
chocolate surprise... You won't be disappointed!!
We're also looking forward to you seeing the artwork that each class has produced. These are all on display in the hall
and you'll be able to bid on Friday. Each canvas has been posted on Twitter for you to view beforehand.
Class 2RM’s canvas
Class 4LB’s canvas
Aside from the Spring Fair we're already looking ahead to the Music Festival. The children will be invited to showcase
their talents again in the 'Willesley's got Talent' competition and the finalists will perform at the festival. This is to take
place on June 24th, so please ensure you have this date in your diary. We'll hopefully have a band or two on hand to
entertain us too!
As always we'd love to welcome new members into the WASPS team. We've had a few come along in recent weeks but
we do need more in order to ensure we keep delivering successful fundraising events for the school and our children. A
spare hour or two is all it takes. Drop us a message at: [email protected]
Thank you and we look forward to seeing many of you on Friday.
WASPS
Governors Update
We are currently recruiting for two parent governors. Being a school governor is both a rewarding and challenging
experience. Governors provide strategic leadership and work in partnership with the headteacher and senior leaders in
schools to ensure that every child gets the best possible education.
Further information can be found on the governors section of our website: www.ashbywillesley.org.uk/governors
Nominations must be received by 3.30pm on Thursday 26th May 2016.
School Website: Please continue to check the website (www.ashbywillesley.org.uk) for latest news, calendar dates and
letters home. Follow us on Twitter @Willesleyschool to see lots of regular updates on school activities.