Friday 17 December 2021

Merry Christmas!

Dear Parents/Carers

So, here we are at the end of the first full term at school for what seems like forever.

The Year 5/6 staff would like to say a huge thank you for all your support this term.  Your children have worked hard and been a credit to you and the school.

We would also like to thank you for all the gifts and cards we have received this week.  Your kindness and generosity is very much appreciated.  

Please have a safe, healthy Christmas with your children and families.  We look forward to welcoming you and the children back at Down Hall in the New Year.

If you are one of our families who do not celebrate Christmas, we wish you a lovely two week rest and best wishes for 2022.

All that is left to say is......

                                                   MERRY CHRISTMAS

                                                            AND

                                                    A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall

Friday 10 December 2021

10.12.21

 

Dear Parents/Carers


This week in Year 5/6, we have been completing our end of term assessments.  The children have all worked hard to show us the progress they have made this term.

Due to the assessments, homework will not be set this week.

In science, children have enjoyed making their own shadow puppets and preparing a show to perform for the class.

Christmas Jumper Day - Friday 10th December

All the children looked fab today in their Christmas jumpers. In class today, we read our latest letter from Thoko, the girl from Malawi which the money raised today will sponsor for another year's education. It is lovely to hear about the things that she can do and the hopes that she has for the future now that she is in full time education.




Next week, we will be continuing to work hard in lessons, as well as having some Christmas fun too.  

Have a lovely weekend.

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall




Friday 3 December 2021

03.12.21

Happy Friday everyone!

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who sent their children into school today in non uniform.  The money raised will go towards the building of the 999 Cenotaph.  In school today, children wrote letters of thanks to the emergency services for their dedication and bravery.

In English this week, children have been preparing to present instrucitonal speeches.  We are looking forward to seeing their presentations next week.

In maths, we have been working on area and perimeter.  The children have learnt how to calculate areas and perimeters of a range of shapes, including triangles, parallelograms and compound shapes.

Don't forget that next Friday (10th) is Christmas jumper day.  Children are invited to come to school wearing a Christmas jumper with their normal uniform.  Ties should be worn under jumpers please.  

Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that "All children have a right to an education." We take this right very seriously at Down Hall and just over 3 years ago, the School Council chose to raise money to sponsor a child to go to school who currently did not have this right.

We are now in our 4th year of sponsoring Thoko, a girl from Malawi, to go to school. It is through wearing our Christmas jumpers and making a donation on this day that pays for Thoko's education for the whole year


Have a lovely weekend.
Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall

Friday 26 November 2021

26.11.21

Happy Friday everyone!

It has been lovely to see so many of our children returning to school this week.  We are glad that they are all feeling better.

As you will be aware, due to Covid, we are required to keep the classrooms well ventilated.  Therefore, doors and windows are open during the day.  As the weather has decided to take on a wintery feel, we would encourage children to bring coats to school every day.

This week in Year 5 and 6, the children have enjoyed writing instructions.  They watched their teachers making a jelly on Monday and then wrote the instructions for what they saw.  Later in the week, they wrote instructions on something of their choice for others to follow.

On Friday 3rd December we will be taking part in the Unite The Uniforms campaign in honour of the millions of people who have served in the NHS and emergency services. Children are invited to come to school wearing the colours of the emergency services; red, blue, green or orange.  In class we will be thinking about how these people help us and why it is important to honour them.  We will make links to Children’s Rights and use our pupil voice to write letters of thanks, which we will send to our local services.  Suggested donation is £1, but please give as little or as much as you wish so that we can all join in the dressing up fun!  Donations will go towards building the UK’s first ‘Emergency Services Cenotaph’. 

Have a lovely weekend

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall

Friday 19 November 2021

19.11.21

Dear Parents/Carers

This week in Year 5/6 we have been participating in Anti-Bullying Week and Children In Need.  On Monday, children designed their own pair of odd socks for Odd Sock Day.  They wrote 'One Kind Word' on each sock as this is the theme this year.

Thank you to everyone who supported Children In Need today by making a donation and encouraging their children to come to school in their pyjamas.  They had a fun packed day completing activities, keeping fit with Joe Wicks, having a movie afternoon and 'bed time story' at the end of the day.

As you are probably all aware, we have had a few children and members of staff absent this week.  I would like to personally thank you for your support and patience.  Your children have, once again, been a credit to you and the school.  They have behaved brilliantly for the adults covering their classes.  We are all very impressed with them.

I would like to wish all our children, parents and teachers who are currently unwell a speedy recovery.  We are looking forward to welcoming them back to  school when they are better.

Have a lovely, restful weekend.

Miss Sharman



Friday 12 November 2021

12.11.21

 


Dear Parents/Carers

We hope you are all well.  As you know, there have been a number of positive cases of Covid this week in Year 5/6.  We would like to thank you all for being so supportive and making sure that your children have received both lateral flow and PCR tests.  

Unfortunately, both Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall have also tested positive and will not be in school next week.  Classes will be covered by Down Hall staff.  I am currently planning and preparing lessons for their classes while they are absent to ensure the children continue to recieve the same teaching and learning their usual teachers would provide.

If your child is off school and feels well, work can be found on their Google Classroom pages.  These will be updated daily, next week.  Please ask your children to submit work to me to be checked.  If they are feeling unwell, then we do not expect them to complete work.

We wish all of our children and staff a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming them back to school soon.

Miss Sharman 

Welcome Mrs Morris

Year 5/6 have welcomed a new ISA to the phase.  Mrs Morris will be working alongside 5/6 phase colleagues and will spend time in each of the three classes each week.  The children have made her feel extremely welcome and she is thoroughly enjoying working with them.

Plant update!

Those of you have been following the (slow) progress of our geranium cuttings will be please to know that we have had a little success.  Some of the cuttings began growing roots over the past couple of weeks and are now planted in compost.  Fingers crossed they continue to flourish!

Remembrance Day

On Thursday, we took part in the two minutes silence to remember those who sacrificed their lives in wartime.

The children have been buying poppies and other poppy merchandise this week.  The total will be announced at a later date.  The collection boxes were very heavy, so thank you to those of you who made a contribution.



ODD SOCKS DAY.  MONDAY 15th NOVEMBER

This term we are covering ‘Celebrating Difference’ in PSHE. In light of this, we would like to invite our pupils to participate in ‘Odd Socks Day’ to celebrate Anti-Bullying Week, which begins on 15th November.

All children have to do to take part is wear odd socks, it could not be simpler!


The theme of anti bullying week is ‘One Kind Word’ so we will be linking this to RRS.

In class, the children will design a pair of odd socks and write a kind word on each to share with their friends.

A24:  Every child has the right to the best possible health, including mental health.

A1:  Children’s rights apply to all children, everywhere, all the time.

 


Friday 19th November 2021

This year to celebrate Children in Need, we will be having a pyjama day at school on Friday 19th November. Children can wear their favourite PJs to school, however please remember that all children still need to wear sensible outdoor shoes so that they will be safe going outside, and to also bring a coat.


Suggested donation is £1 per child to raise money for such a great cause, but you can give more if you wish. There will be a bucket for donations at the gate during morning drop off. 


Have a healthy and restful weekend


Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall

Friday 5 November 2021

05.11.21



Dear Parents/Carers


A few announcements and reminders for this week:


School Council


Article 12 of the UNCRC states that every child has the right to have their voices heard in matters that affect them.  With this in mind we cannot wait to get the School Council up and running so that our children can share ideas, take discussions back to classes and ALL children can be involved in decision making in a democratic way.  A huge well done to everyone brave enough to put themselves forward.  Classes have now voted and the results have been counted!  Congratulations to our new School Councillors. Representing Year 5 and 6 are:


Ruby: Leo

Sapphire: Byron

Topaz: Ellie



Poppies

Next week, the children will have the opportunity to purchase poppies within class. As well as the poppies, there are some other Royal British Legion merchandise (such as key rings, wrist bands and stationery) which can be purchased. The suggested donation for these items are 50p for a poppy and £1 for other items. If you wish your child to get any of these, then please send them in with their money any day next week.

New Collection Arrangements

From today there was a slight change to the collection arrangements at the end of the day. These will continue next week.  Year 5/6 parents are invited onto the playground at the end of the day to collect their children.  Please be aware that if your child walks home independently, they will leave after the rest of their class have been collected.  

Homework

There will be no Year 5/6 homework this week.  Please ensure that your child reads and uses TTRS or Sumdog.  Homework from the CGP books will resume next week. 

Have a lovely weekend, enjoy the fireworks if you are taking part in Bonfire Night.  Stay safe!

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall 

Thursday 21 October 2021

21.10.21

Dear Parents/Carers

Here we are at the end of the first half term of the school year.  The children have worked so hard and we are very proud of them.

Although they have homework during half term, we would like them to have a good rest too.

Christmas Cards

Today, your child has come home with their Christmas card design which they can get professionally made into their very own cards. There is a covering letter which explains the process and how you can order your child's cards online should you wish to. If you have placed an order, tick the box on the sheet to show you have and then you must bring the design back into school on Monday 1st November as they are being collected to send to the print studio to be manufactured.

School Council Elections

In the first week back after half term, each class will be holding an election to choose one person to be part of our new school council. During half term, you might like to discuss with your child whether they would be interested in standing in this election. Discuss how a member of the school council needs to be a good listener but also able to express their own ideas and those of their class during meetings. Children choosing to stand might also like to create a poster and speech outlining why they think they would be a good candidate for the council. We look forward to sharing the results of the election at the end of our first week back. Happy campaigning!

Harvest Festival Collection

Thank you so much to all of you that have contributed to our Harvest Festival collection this year for South Essex Extended Services.  Every single donation does make a difference and is given to children and families in our own local community that need it the most. 
RRS A 27:  Every child has the right to a standard of living good enough to meet their physical, social and mental needs.



Have a lovely half term.
Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall

Friday 15 October 2021

15.10.21

Dear Parents/Carers

This week, in Year 5/6 the children have completed assessments in maths, English and reading.  They have all worked really hard and tried their best, which is all we ever ask of them.

Therefore, there is no homework this week. 

Thank you to those of you who have booked an appointment with us for next Friday's Parent/Teacher Consultations.  We are very much looking forward to seeing you.

We will send a Zoom link on Wednesday.  

Don't forget, Our Harvest Festival collection continues with a collection box at the gate and any contributions are greatly appreciated.  Here is the link to our Harvest Blog and to our Harvest Festival Samba song to get you in the mood!

Next Wednesday, children in Year 6 will take part in a virtual Crucial Crew event.  These have always been informative and beneficial in the past and we are looking forward to taking part again this year.

As you may have seen, a letter was uploaded this week detailing the new entry and exit times which will begin next week.  Children in Year 5/6 should arrive at school for the entry time of 8:45am.  The exit time will be 3:15pm.  More details are available on the letter, which can be found here . 

Have a lovely weekend 

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall


Friday 8 October 2021

08.10.21

 
Dear Parents/Carers

This week, in Year 5/6 we have been celebrating Black History Month by reading the story 'A House Like No Other'.  We have used it to inspire our own writing and even made wooden bead bracelets like the one our main character, Izzy, found in her Aunt's jewelery box.  The children have enjoyed the lessons and have produced some wonderful written work.

In maths we have been learning about coordinates, including translating, reflecting, rotating and enlarging shapes.

Best of all, the three classes have been mixing at break and lunch times.  It has been lovely to see the children playing together as a phase group again. 



Sapphire Class making bracelets - with a little help from Payton. 


Harvest Festival

Next week we will be starting our harvest festival collection for the children and families in our own community who might need a helping hand.  There will be a collection box at the gate from next week and any contributions will be greatly appreciated.  Here is the link to our Harvest Festival song to get you in the mood!  Harvest Festival Samba


Parent/Teacher Consultations

You are now able to book an appointment to meet with your child's class teacher on Friday 22nd October, 8:30am to 3:30pm.  Please use the Scopay app to secure your slot.  We will, once again, be using Zoom.  A meeting link will be sent to you nearer the time. 

Phase Emails

Please remember, that if you wish to contact your child's class teacher, you can use the phase email.  The address to use for the Year 5/6 teachers is: year5_6@downhallprimary.com

Your emails will be responded to as soon as possible by a member of staff.  This may not be until the following working day (or Monday, if sent after 4pm on Fridays.)

If you wish to inform a teacher of your child's absence, an appointment or a change in drop-off/collection arrangements, please contact the school office via text, telephone or email rather than the phase emails, as these are not checked regularly during teaching hours.

Have a lovely weekend

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall




Friday 1 October 2021

01.10.21

 Dear Parents/Carers

At last! The homework books have arrived.

This evening, your child will have brought home a CGP, GPS book.  The pages they are required to complete for homework are:

Year 5 Foundation - pg 43

Year 5 Targeted - pg 36

Year 5 Stretch - pg 44-45

Year 6 Foundation - pg 38

Year 6 Targeted - pg 36

Year 6 Stretch - pg 6-9

These page numbers are also displayed on our Google Classroom pages.  Homework needs to be submitted by next Wednesday.

Maths books arrived late this afternoon, so will be issued next week.

Maths homework for this week is on Google Classroom.


Height and Weight Check

As you may have seen on this week's newsletter, children in Year 6 will be having their height and weight checks on 18th and 19th October.  Parents in Year 6 should have received a letter via email.

Have a lovely weekend

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall


Friday 24 September 2021

24.09.21

Dear Parent/Carers


This week, in Year 5/6 we have been using the film 'Swallows and Amazons' as a stimulus for our writing.  The children have produced some lovely narrative and descriptive writing.

In maths, the children have been learning a range of methods for division.

Our Geranium growing is still in progress and we are hoping some roots will start to appear soon!

We are still waiting for homework books to arrive.  Hopefully they will be with us next week.

This week's homework is:

English

We would like the children to write a setting description based on a picture.  They have all been allocated this on Google Classroom, so please ask them to check.

Maths

Next week, we will be learning about prime numbers, factors and multiples.  We would like the children to find out what each of these are and write a definition to go with them.  Children often struggle to remember the difference between factors and multiples, so writing their own definition will help them.

Have a lovely weekend.

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall





Friday 17 September 2021

17.09.21

 

Dear Parents/Carers

This week, in Year 5 and 6, the children have been taking cuttings of geraniums in their science lessons.  They have been learning about asexual reproduction in plants and are attempting to grow their own from the samples they have taken. 

Fingers crossed, we should get some roots appearing in a few weeks.  Watch this space for updates.


Thank you to the Year 5 parents who have completed the Children's University survey which was posted on the blog this week.  If you are yet to complete it, please find details on the previous post.

This afternoon, your children will have brought home a copy of The Essential Guide To Schools.  Along with open day dates for local schools, there are some interesting articles on the importance of sleep for children, keeping children safe on TikTok and information on applying to grammar school.  Well worth a read!

On Monday, your child will be brining home a reading book and their reading diary (which contains Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 spelling lists), their log in details for Google, MyOn, Times Tables Rockstars and Sum Dog. 
Homework books will follow shortly.

This week's homework is:

In preparation for our art and design technology work, linked to our Mayan Project, we would like the children to research Mayan Masks.  They need to find out why they were used and begin to consider their own design.  This should be submitted by Wednesday 22nd September.

Have a lovely weekend
Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall

Wednesday 15 September 2021

Children's University - NFER

Dear Year 5 Parents

Down Hall are participating in an evaluation of  Children's University  

We would like to invite you to complete the following survey to indicate your interest in allowing your child to take part in Children's University activities if our school is selected.

Please use the link below.  The introduction to the survey gives more information about Children's University.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS FOR YEAR 5 PARENTS ONLY

https://surveys.nfer.ac.uk/uc/eecu_rd/?ses_password=wt399v16

Thank you in advance for your support.

Miss Sharman

Friday 10 September 2021

10.09.21

Dear Parents/Carers

So, here we are at the end of the first full week of the new school year.  The children have, once again, made us extremely proud this week.  They have worked hard and behaved impeccably.  

This week, they have been impressing us with their writing, as well as their scientific knowledge about plants.

For homework this week we would like the children to:

  • Research the life cycle of an animal, thinking about the different stages it goes through.  This should be submitted as a Google Doc, shared with their teacher.
  • As always, they should also be working on their multiplication tables and the Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 spellings.  
  • They should also be reading at home daily, either from a book or using MyOn.

Homework books will be sent home in due course.  Children will be expected to complete the pages set by their teacher.  Each week, the pages they are expected to work on will be posted on the blog and on Google Classroom.
Children will receive an email to their Google accounts inviting them to join their current classroom page.

Please remember that all school uniform needs to be labelled with your child's name.  We have already had a number of jumpers and cardigans left behind which are unnamed. 

Have a lovely weekend.
Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall


Friday 3 September 2021

Welcome Back!

 Dear Parents/Carers


We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you and your children back to school.  Your children have done you proud over the last couple of days.  They have settled in brilliantly and have already shown us how sensible, kind and hard working they are.

We would also like to thank you for assisting us in a smooth return to school. As you are already aware, the decision was made to carry on as we were before we broke up for the summer with staggered entry and exit times etc. Please see the letter below which was issued in June if you are unsure of arrangements.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AqvnhZaWaeNok1zgc6w7PeT7X_8Khl7W/view

We will be reviewing current arrangements next week, so please keep an eye on the school website as this is where we will let you know when changes will be implemented.

If you have any questions regarding these arrangements please email year5_6@downhallprimary.com

Have a restful weekend.

Full week for all of us ahead next week!

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall



Friday 16 July 2021

Goodbye Year 6

 Dear Parent/Carer

Today we said our final goodbyes to the Year 6 children.  They thoroughly enjoyed their Pizza Party on Thursday afternoon and have spent today saying a fond farewell to Down Hall.

Miss Sharman has been working with Year 6 children this week to make a video in place of a leavers' assembly.  It is currently in 'post production' as Miss Sharman has had to be camera woman, director, script writer and editor! Phew! Plus, there was, of course, the obligatory technical problems!

It should be uploaded to Google Classroom at some point over the weekend.  Please remind your children to check.  It is best to watch it on an IPad if possible.  

Don't forget, Parent/Teacher consultations are taking place via Zoom on Monday.  Booking has now closed and you should have been sent your meeting invitation this afternoon.  We have everything crossed that we won't have any issues logging in etc.  If there are any problems, please telephone the school office or email the 5/6 email account.  If for any reason something goes wrong during the meeting, please remain in the waiting room and we will do our best to reconnect you.

Please note, that the Year 5/6 email account will not be monitored between Wednesday 21st July and Wednesday 1st September.  

A letter with details regarding the return to school is available on the school website.

All that is left to say is a huge thank you to all of our parents for your continued support this year.  Have a lovely summer.  Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you in September.

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall



Friday 9 July 2021

09.07.21

 Dear Parents/Carers

The end of the year is almost upon us and is creeping up a little too quickly, as it means we are nearer to saying goodbye to our Year 6s.

This week, we have been busy working on an end of year alternative to the assembly that we usually do.  Watch this space next week!

On Wednesday, Year 5 and 6 took part in their sports day events.  Unfortunately, we didn't manage to get the throwing and jumping done, so we will do the rest next week.

It has been a football frenzy at Down Hall this week!  Each class celebrated England's win on Wednesday night with a sing along on Thursday.  Although very tired, the children did their best and we all had Sweet Caroline in our heads all day!

On Monday of next week, the registers will remain open until 10am.  This means, that if your child stays up late and watches the football on Sunday, they can come into school a little later than usual and won't be marked as 'late'.  

Have a lovely weekend

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall


Friday 2 July 2021

02.07.21

 Dear Parents/Carers

The end of term is fast approaching and our lovely children in Year 5 and 6 have been as busy as ever this week as it has been assessment week.

The children have worked so hard to show us what they can do and we are extremely proud of them.  They will be pleased to know that because of assessments, no homework will be set this week.

It seems the weather has brightened up, which has meant we have been able to do some lessons outside this week.  

We are hoping to complete our sports day events in PE next Wednesday, if the weather allows.  

You may have read in this week's newsletter that Parent/Teacher consultations will take place on Monday 19th July between 8:30 and 3:30.  If you would like to book an appointment with your child's class teacher, please do so using Scopay.

Once you have booked your appointment, we will send you a Zoom link from the Year 5/6 email address.

Have a lovely weekend - enjoy the football if you're watching it!

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall



Friday 25 June 2021

25.06.21

 


Dear Parents/Carers

This week, children in Year 5/6 have been learning classic poetry.  We have been studying The Highwayman.  Children spent some time learning a verse each to recite.  They all tried exceptionally hard and most managed to remember and recall the poem well.

Hares About Town

This summer, if you head into Southend, you are in for a "hare-raising" surprise! The Hares About Town trail starts on the 1st July. There are 30 hares dotted all around the town, each with their own story to tell. Accompanying the hares are over 50 leverets, including our school leveret Lenny. 

Miss Wakefield and Mrs Holmes were very lucky to have a sneak preview of all the Hares on Tuesday. They are AMAZING and include a hare that has been created by one of the parents at school. Mrs Cairns' hare "View of Lepus" can be found in Priory Park.

We have been given some trail maps to sell, on behalf of Fair Havens. The suggested donation for these is £1 and we will be selling them at the gate, after school next week. 

PE Kit Reminder

Please be reminded that PE kits must consist of: plain navy blue shorts, school T-shirt and black
trainers (not plimsolls). In winter, children should wear a navy blue track suit or sweatshirt
for outdoor lessons.
It has been noticed that some children are wearing PE tops, trousers and shorts which are
black or have logos e.g. Puma and Nike. 

We appreciate that if PE kit no longer fits, people are making do with what they have until the summer and this is fine, however, please be mindful of our uniform policy when restocking in the holidays.

Next week, we will be taking part in phase group sports days during our PE lessons.  We will remain in our class bubbles and have organised this in line with Government Guidelines. 
We will announce the winning house in the newsletter next week.

Have a lovely weekend
Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall.

Friday 18 June 2021


Dear Parents/Carers

As we come to the end of another busy week in Year 5/6, we would like to thank our wonderful Year 5 children for working so hard in class this week while the Year 6s have enjoyed their 'Isle of Not Quite' activities.  As Year 6 were unable to attend both their Year 5 and Year 6 residential trips due to Covid, we decided to give them a week of activities which would be as close to what they would have done had they attended The Isle of Wight.

Unfortunately, the weather was unkind to us on Thursday and Friday and we missed out on one outdoor activity which we will organise for another day.  We were lucky enough to be able to enjoy the brand new adventure playground, sail paper boats, and enjoy an ice-cream outside.  The week was finished off nicely this afternoon, when the children received their hoodies.

Year 5 didn't totally miss out on the fun.  Maths this week was co-ordinates and today they enjoyed a game of Battleships in their lesson.  They have been painting abstract pictures in art and were treated to an ice-cream with their Year 6 friends.

Please note that on Monday we will be continuing our 'Changing Me' topic in PSHE.  Children will learn about how their bodies will change as they grow up.  There is a letter detailing this on the web site.  If you have any questions, please email the Year 5/6 phase.

New School Website

Over the past few months we have been working on refreshing our school website. This started with the individual phase group pages and now includes the whole of the website. We have added lots more photographs of our wonderful children and premises and hope to add more in the future. We have also had a little rearrangement of the information available to hopefully make it easier to access the information you need. There is also a "Children's Hub" tab at the end of the taskbar which gives quick links to many of the common learning platforms that your child might find useful to support their learning. We hope you like the changes and a massive thank you to Mrs Balkwill for working so hard in driving this project through to completion! Visit our lovely new site here:

https://www.downhallprimary.com/home

Classes For Next Year

One reason to visit our new website today will be to check out the letter that explains arrangements for classes in September. The letter explains how the classes will be organised in September and, on Monday 21st June, your child will come home with a slip of paper that will tell you exactly which class they will be joining in September.

Phew!  Lots going on, it must nearly be the end of the school year!

Have a lovely weekend.

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall

Saturday 12 June 2021

Summer is finally here!

Dear Parents/Carers

Next week in Year 5 and 6, Year 6 children will be taking part in a 'virtual trip' to 'The Isle of Not Quite.'  Like you, we were disappointed that the usual residential trip for the Year 6s didn't go ahead this year.  We wanted to do something special for them, so they can create memories of their final few weeks at Down Hall.  During the week they will take part in activities, in school, which will mirror some of the things they would have done on the Isle of Wight.

We hope they enjoy it, embrace the silliness and make some life long memories.  Photos to follow next week!

End of term reports

On the 8th July, your child will receive their end of term report detailing their progress and areas for future development. Although there are no formal assessments made this year, due to the National lockdown at the beginning of Spring Term, the report will contain an indication as to whether your child is working towards or working at national expectations. There will be an opportunity to discuss this report in a Zoom parent/teacher meeting after you have received the report. Further details of all of this will follow shortly so keep an eye on the weekly newsletter!

Sunny weather

Hopefully this won't jinx things!  As summer seems to have made an appearance this week, please ensure that your child wears sun cream, brings a hat if they need it and a full water bottle each day.  We are trying to spend as much time outside as possible and we all need to be predicted from that big yellow thing in the sky..... I seem to remember it being called 'the sun!'

Sapphire PE

This coming week, Sapphire class will have an extra PE lesson on Thursday.  Therefore, they will need to wear PE kits on Wednesday AND Thursday this week.  Miss Reale, who is working in Sapphire class, needs to teach a PE lesson as part of her teacher training.  Miss Sharman will also be present at the lesson.

Finally, we would like to wish you all a wonderful weekend. 

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall


Friday 28 May 2021

28.05.21

 Dear Parents/Carers

Year 6 Parents

For those of you who have children who will be starting at Sweyne Park in September, we have uploaded the latest letter from the headteacher and other documents to the 'Transition' section of the Year 5 and 6 pages on our website.  Please go to 'Classes' and click on Year 5/6.

As you may know, Miss Sharman currently has a student teacher working alongside her in Sapphire class.  Miss Reale would like to introduce herself:

Dear Parents/Carers, 
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Miss Reale and I have been working with Miss Sharman in Sapphire Class as a student teacher. I will be working in Sapphire Class until the end of the school year. It has been great to teach the children so far and I am looking forward to welcoming them back after half term.
I hope you all have a lovely half term. 


After half term, Year 5 and 6 will begin their PSHE unit on 'Changing Me'.  A letter to parents about this has been uploaded to the school website.  

Have a lovely, restful half term and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts!
Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall 

Friday 21 May 2021

21.05.21

 Dear Parents/Carers

Year 5/6 teachers would like to thank you and your children for supporting Dementia Awareness Week.  In Class, the children made forget-me-not flowers and wrote messages of support for people suffering from dementia.  They also decorated biscuits with blue icing in class on Friday.  Your generous donations, made at the gate, will help with research into finding treatments for this awful disease.  It will also help support families who care for someone with dementia.  Thank you so much!  The children and staff looked great in their denim too.

Don't forget, next week is the last week before half term.  I am sure the children are looking forward to having a week off.  

Have a lovely weekend.

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall

Sunday 16 May 2021

14.05.21

 

Dear Parents/Carers

Lots of messages for you this week.

Diary Dates:

Thursday 20th - School funding census day.

Friday 21st - Wear denim for dementia day.

Monday 24th - Deadline for school photo orders.

Next week is Dementia Action Week. We will be holding a Denim for Dementia day on Friday. Children are welcome to come into school wearing something denim with their school uniform. A collection bucket will be available at the gate for donations.

We know that dementia touches the lives of many of our parents, carers and staff and are proud to support such a worthwhile cause. Any donations you are able to make will be hugely appreciated.

Year 6 Parents

We would like to share this interactive workbook to support children transitioning from Year 6 into Year 7. Follow the link to sign your child up. We hope you find it useful.

Interactive Workbook

The Right To Be Heard!
As a Gold Level Rights Respecting School we believe that children's voices should be heard.
Over the next two weeks children aged 6 years and over will be taking part in The Big Ask
survey in school. See this week's newsletter for more details. 

Message from Mrs Hurley

WHOLE SCHOOL SUMDOG ESSEX COMPETITION

Calling all of you amazing mathematicians! 

You have been entered into the Sumdog Essex Competition. Taking place 14 - 20 May

I will be monitoring how well each class is doing. The winning class will be announced in the school newsletter and will get to use the BRAND NEW wildflower adventure playground!

Let's show our Down Hall community what great mathematicians we are!

Good luck.

Mrs Hurley 👍

Phew! What a busy couple of weeks!

We hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall



Friday 7 May 2021

07.05.21

 Dear Parents/Carers

Year 6 Parents:  Don't forget, our online hoodie shop closes next Friday at 4pm.

If you haven't ordered one for your child and would like to, please scroll down and use the link on last week's blog, or go to the page on the Year 5/6 class section on the web site.

This week, children have enjoyed using equipment in PE for the first time since Lockdown 1.  Children in Year 5/6 are taking part in athletics and tennis during PE and have thoroughly enjoyed finally being able to use equipment again.

Have a lovely weekend 

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devin and Mrs Witherall

Friday 30 April 2021

Year 5/6 News

 Dear Parents/Carers


Year 6 Hoodies

As you may have seen on the school web site, our online shop for parents to purchase leavers hoodies for the children in year 6 is now open.  Please note that it will close on 15th May at 4pm.

Some parents have found the size guide on their web page tricky to decipher.  I agree that it is a little confusing.  Therefore, I have created a one sheet size guide which will hopefully be clearer.

If you would like to purchase a hoodie, please go to the following site and log in with the details below:

Shop URL: hoodies4schools.co.uk/order.html

Institution Name: Down Hall Primary

Event ID: DHP21


Hoodie Size Guide


If you have any questions regarding hoodies, please email Miss Sharman using year5_6@downhallprimary.com


Year 5/6

This week, children had their individual and sibling photographs taken. In response to COVID restrictions, they were taken outside this year and look great!


Don't forget Monday is a bank holiday and that children and staff be enjoying a long weekend.

Enjoy!


Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin, Mrs Witherall


Sunday 25 April 2021

Coming soon.....

 Dear Parents/Carers

For those of you who have a child in Year 6, please keep an eye on the blog, newsletter and Year 5/6 class page on our website.  All Secondary transition information will be shared with you as we get it.  

Also, Miss Sharman has been busy organising the hoodie order for this year.  Year 6 usually have them for the Isle of Wight, but even though the trip is not going ahead, you will still be able to order your child a school hoodie to keep as a memento of their time at Down Hall. An online shop will be opened for you to place your orders soon.  Details to follow.

All other leavers news will be shared with you as we have it.

Please remember that it is individual school photographs this Thursday (29th) information on this was share in this week's newsletter.  As usual, sibling photographs will also be taken.  COVID guidelines will be followed at all times as these take place.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Miss Sharman, Mrs Devlin and Mrs Witherall