Friday, 12th September 2024

Year 5/6 Blogpost 12.09.24

Dear Parents,

Happy Friday. The children have loved coming back and learning all about World War II. Along with our usual learning, we also had a great day celebrating Roald Dahl’s birthday. The children looked amazing! 

We would like to thank all of our Parents/ Carers for making sure that full school uniform is worn. Children were reminded that shoes and not trainers should be worn this week, as in line with our uniform policy. 

We would also like to thank you for supporting the children to make sure that homework is completed. Without your support, the children are not able to make the progress that we would like this year.

Year 5/6 Homework Tasks.

CGP BOOKS

MATHS

Year 5 Pg 9 (Powers of 10)

Year 6 Pg 7 (Rounding whole numbers)

ENGLISH

Year 5 Pg 62 (Punctuating Speech)

Year 6 Pg 8 (Antonyms and Synonyms)

• Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading Record to take home.

• Spelling words - please practise these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down.

• Times table practise - next week we are looking at 5’s. Please practise these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down.

• TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practise on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for login details or message your class teacher using Dojo.

School councillor and House Captains.

School councillors were announced today so please see the newsletter for the results.

Next Thursday, we will be holding House Captain elections. If any of our Year 6 pupils would like to be considered for this role, please encourage them to prepare a speech or presentation to explain why they would be good for this role (these have been discussed with the children in class).

We hope that you have a wonderful weekend.

Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Miss Harvey

Year 5/6 Blogpost - Welcome to the New School Year

Dear Parents,

A huge welcome to you if you are joining us here in Year 5/6 and a big hello if you were with us last year! The children have had a very busy week and have all settled in well to their new classes. It is so great to see the children smiling when they are coming into school each day. 

Our weekly blog is the best way to receive communication from us. We will also use the Class Dojo from time to time when needed. If you have not received your child's log in please ask their teacher.

ROUTINES

• Messages to staff on the gate in the morning.

• Please ensure that children come on to the school grounds on their own.

• Please send in a note or email the office if collection arrangements are different to normal.

• Please call the office if collection arrangements change during the day.

• Please label all clothing including their tie.

• Ring the office if your child is off sick – must be clear for 48hrs before returning to school. 

• Please notify the office of any changes to mobile numbers or email addresses.

• Our PE day will be on Wednesdays.

• Snacks - Please provide fruit or vegetables for your child’s snack in a named, reusable container.

• Homework is set every Friday and will need to be handed in by the following Wednesday.

• Please ensure that you are signing your child's reading record and spelling notebook

• every week. 

YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS

CGP BOOKS

MATHS

Year 5 Pg 11

Year 6 Pg 6

ENGLISH

Year 5 Pg 33-34

Year 6 Pg 32-35

• Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. Shortly, you will be able to take a Reading Record home for your time to time.

• Spelling words from Spellingframe - please practise these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down. Your child also has a Spellingframe login. Here, you can access a range of games and activities to support spelling. This week our spelling rule is: Spelling Rule 37 - Endings which sound like /ʃəs/ spelt –cious or –tious

• Times table practise - next week we are looking at 3’s. Please practise these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down.

• TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practise on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for log in details.

EXTRA HOMEWORK

• School Councillor - if you would like to be considered for this role, please prepare a presentation for you to share with your class next week.

Remember, you can either type out any extra homework on a Google document and share it with your teacher or hand write neatly onto paper and bring it into school.
Please ask for help if you are unsure!

INTRODUCING OUR AMAZING YEAR 5/6 TEACHERS

MANUKA CLASS

Hi there. My name is Mrs Hurley and I am very excited to be your child's teacher this year. I cannot wait to get to know your child over the coming year. Mrs Holland (LSA) works alongside to support all our children. She will also be teaching every Tuesday afternoon whilst Mrs Hurley is helping other teachers. The happiness and safety of your child is very important to me, if you ever have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to come and see me. My classroom door is always open.

NIGHTSHADE CLASS

Hi. My name is Mr Greenfield and Mrs Wright is the class LSA. We are both looking forward to teaching your children this year. I am looking forward to getting to know your children more as the year progresses on unless they are Tottenham fans!

DAISY CLASS

Welcome!
I am Miss Harvey and will be teaching the year fives. Miss Chapman is the class LSA who will also be here with me to support your children. 
I love Down Hall, both as a member of staff and as a parent and I am looking forward to a fantastic year with your children.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to pop into class or message us on the Class Dojo.
If you would like to speak to us feel free to call the office and we will get back to you when we can. 

Have a fabulous weekend,
Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield & Miss Harvey

Friday 18th July Year 5/6

 

Friday, 18th July 2025

Friday 18th July Year 5/6

 Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Well, the end of year is now here. We have very much loved being the children's teachers and have been so proud of all of the achievements and obstacles that they all have had to overcome.    

We would also like to thank you so much for all of the kind words, cards and gifts that we have received. We hope that you have a wonderful summer and get to spend lots of time with your loved ones.

DIARY DATES

Return to school on September 2nd.

Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Friday 11th July Year 5/6

 Dear Parents/Caregivers,

This is a jam-packed half-term, so please keep your eyes open for news being shared on Dojo, newsletters and here on the blog.  

DIARY DATES

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9-10am

BAGS

Please could each child bring in 2 strong plastic bags on Monday. We will begin to send old books home from next week. If your child would prefer, they could take them home in their backpack a few books at a time.

***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' ASSEMBLY***

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am

Please feel free to come in to the hall from 8.45am (after dropoff)

YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5 and Year 6 

Please can you start to complete any sections of your homework books that are not already done.

Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

• Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.
• Sumdog/TTRS

We hope that you all have a fantastic, restful weekend. Keep Cool!

Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Friday 4th July '25 Year 5/6 Blogpost

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

This is a jam-packed half-term, so please keep your eyes open for news being shared on Dojo, newsletters and here on the blog.  

DIARY DATES

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm start

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9-10am

***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' PERFORMANCE ***

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

We have sung, danced and rehearsed as much as possible. We are soon going to be ready to show

Shrek the Musical.

Please could you encourage your child to learn their final lines and songs by heart.

Monday morning we will be performing to the school. As this begins at 9.30am, please could your child

be in school for 8.35am. Your child will be allowed to come to school dressed in their black clothing.

THEY DO NOT NEED TO BRING OR WEAR SCHOOL UNIFORM ON MONDAY ONLY.

They can then have it washed and ready for their evening performance on Wednesday.

Ticket Allocation

We will NOT be sending out physical tickets, however, we do ask that you stick to the 2 tickets

per child per evening rule. This is to ensure that we can safely fit everybody into the school hall

and it is also the fairest way to allocate places.

If your child cannot attend the evening performances please can you let your child’s teacher

know at your earliest convenience.

We can’t wait to see your children shine!

Mrs Hurley and Mrs Witherall

***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' ASSEMBLY***

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am

Please feel free to come in to the hall from 8.45am (after dropoff)

YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5 and Year 6 

Please can you start to complete any sections of your homework books that are not already done.

Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

• Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.
• Sumdog/TTRS

We hope that you all have a fantastic, restful weekend. Keep Cool!

Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Year 5/6 Blogpost 27.06.25

 Friday 27th June 2025

Year 5/6 Blogpost 27.06.25

 Dear Parents/Caregivers,

The children have enjoyed the cooler weather this week, as have we. We have all been busy writing our non-chronological reports, making batteries out of lemons and much more this week. 

Please make sure that you keep up to date with events and check not only the blog, but also newsletters and Class Dojo too.

NEXT WEEK - There will be no swimming next week on Thursday.

YEAR 6 LEAVERS BOOKS

If your child would like to have a Leavers Book signed in the last few days of school,

feel free to purchase one. Children will also have the opportunity to have their shirt signed.

Click on the link below for an example but any would do.

https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/school-notebooks/leavers-book/5052089372122.html

DIARY DATES

Friday 27th June - Reserve Sports Day and Year 6 Induction Days at Sweyne and Fitzwimarc Schools (Please see your chosen school for details)

Thursday 3rd June - Open afternoon to meet the new teacher (3-5:30pm) and Year 5 visit to Sweyne for an author visit (8:45 leave- 10:30am)

Tuesday 8th July - Year 6 performance to the school.

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

Tuesday 15th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am

***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' PERFORMANCE ***

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

We hope you are well. Please make sure you are keeping up with all of our end of year events in Year 6. Everything you need to know is either in the school newsletter or on our Year 5/6  blogpost. We are very busy preparing for our Shrek the Musical production and the children are very excited. Could you please ensure that your child has the appropriate costume if they have been asked to get one sorted. Sweyne has very kindly lent us a number of costumes and props for which we are extremely grateful for.

Please could you encourage your child to learn their lines and songs by heart.

Ticket Allocation

We will NOT be sending out physical tickets, however, we do ask that you stick to the 2 tickets per child per evening rule. This is to ensure that we can safely fit everybody into the school hall and it is also the fairest way to allocate places.

If your child cannot attend the evening performances please can you let your child’s teacher know at your earliest convenience.

We can’t wait to see your children shine!

Mrs Hurley and Mrs Witherall

***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' ASSEMBLY***

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am

Please feel free to come in to the hall from 8.45am (after drop off)

AUTHOR EVENT WITH ANDY SHEPHERD - SIGNED BOOK OFFER

Today some of the children joined the brilliant author ANDY SHEPHERD for a book event.

She is the author of the beloved THE BOY WHO GREW DRAGONS. Andy introduced the children to her enchanting new series, THE WOOD WHERE MAGIC GROWS. She talked about the magic of stories and nature in her interactive event packed with fascinating facts about trees and creative inspiration.

IMPORTANT – Parents, you can order the book from Our Bookshop - link available until Sunday...
https://www.ourbookshoptring.co.uk/product/the-wood-where-magic-grows-an-enchanting-new-series-from-the-bestselling-author-of-the-boy-who-grew-dragons/
Our orders of signed books and free merchandise will be collated and delivered to us the following week .

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM BEN AT OUR BOOKSHOP - Please include your child's name and class so the books can be labelled up for the event. Postage is not required; we will deliver all the books to your school the following week.

YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5 and Year 6 

Please can you start to complete any sections of your homework books that are not already done.

Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

• Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.

• Spelling words - please practice these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down. This week we are up to:
• Spelling Rule 39
• TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practice on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for login details.

We hope that you all have a fantastic, restful weekend. 

Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Year 5/6 Blogpost 20.06.25

 Dear Parents/Caregivers,

This is a jam-packed half-term, so please keep your eyes open for news being shared on Dojo, newsletters and here on the blog.  

What a day! Sports Day was such a fabulous one. Thanks to you all for making it a good one. 

YEAR 6 LEAVERS BOOKS

If your child would like to have a Leavers Book signed in the last few days of school,

feel free to purchase one. Children will also have the opportunity to have their shirt signed.

Click on the link below for an example but any would do.

https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/school-notebooks/leavers-book/5052089372122.html

DIARY DATES

Friday 27th June - Reserve Sports Day and Year 6 Induction Days at Sweyne and Fitzwimarc Schools (Please see your chosen school for details)

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am

***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' PERFORMANCE DATES***

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

We have currently begun rehearsals for Shrek the Musical. You will have received a letter today with some details regarding this. It would be very helpful if the children could please watch the film, this will get them in character mode.

Your child will be expected to be in school around 5pm for hair and makeup.

We are hoping that it will take around 1.5-2 hours, more details will follow...

Children will need to go home at normal time and return to the office 5:00pm to change into their costumes and have their faces painted on both nights.

Should anyone be able to offer some artistic or creative skills, we would love to hear from you if you have any spare time. Sweyne have kindly offered some backgrounds and props and we are very grateful.

***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' ASSEMBLY***

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am

Please feel free to come in to the hall from 8.45am (after dropoff)

YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5 and Year 6 

Please can you start to complete any sections of your homework books that are not already done.

Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

• Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.

• Spelling words - please practice these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down. This week we are up to:
• Spelling Rule 38
• TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practice on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for login details.

We hope that you all have a fantastic, restful weekend. Keep Cool!

Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Year 5/6 Blogpost 13.06.25

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

This is a jam-packed half-term, so please keep your eyes open for news being shared on Dojo, newsletters and here on the blog.  

We are looking forward to Sports Day next Friday and hope that the weather is kind to us. Details have already been sent out but please read our weekly newsletter.

YEAR 6 TRANSITION VISITS

We have now completed our discussions with members of staff both Sweyne and Fitzwimarc School. Several teachers came to visit our Year 6 pupils to make sure that they knew what to expect in the move from Down Hall to secondary school. It was really lovely to speak about each of our children and families so positively.

YEAR 6 LEAVERS BOOKS

If your child would like to have a Leavers Book signed in the last few days of school,

feel free to purchase one. Children will also have the opportunity to have their shirt signed.

Click on the link below for an example but any would do.

https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/school-notebooks/leavers-book/5052089372122.html

DIARY DATES

Monday 16th June - Thursday 19th June- Book Fair

Friday 20th June - Sports Day (all day from 9.00am - parents welcome)

Friday 27th June - Reserve Sports Day and Year 6 Induction Days at Sweyne and Fitzwimarc Schools (Please see your chosen school for details)

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am

***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' PERFORMANCE DATES***

Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July – Year 6 Performance 6pm

We have currently begun rehearsals for Shrek the Musical. You will have received a letter today with some details regarding this. It would be very helpful if the children could please watch the film, this will get them in character mode.

Your child will be expected to be in school around 5pm for hair and makeup.

We are hoping that it will take around 1.5-2 hours, more details will follow...

Children will need to go home at normal time and return to the office 5:00pm to change into their costumes and have their faces painted on both nights.

Should anyone be able to offer some artistic or creative skills, we would love to hear from you if you have any spare time. Sweyne have kindly offered some backgrounds and props and we are very grateful.

***YEAR 6 LEAVERS' ASSEMBLY***

Tuesday 14th July - Year 6 Leavers' Assembly 9am

Please feel free to come in to the hall from 8.45am (after dropoff)

YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5 and Year 6 

Please can you start to complete any sections of your homework books that are not already done.

Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

• Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.

• Spelling words - please practice these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down. This week we are up to:
• Spelling Rule 37 - Word list Endings which sound like /ʃəs/ spelt –cious or –tious
• TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practice on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for login details.

We hope that you all have a fantastic, restful weekend - especially all of the dads/ step dads/ male role models - enjoy your special day.

Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall

Year 5/6 Blogpost 06.06.25

 

Friday, 6th June 2025

Year 5/6 Blogpost 06.06.25

 Dear Parents/Carers,

We've had a great start to the beginning of Summer 2 and are pleased to see the children back with smiles and ready to get back into the swing of things. This is a jam-packed half-term, so please keep your eyes open for news being shared on Dojo, newsletters and here on the blog.  

Swimming Next Week

**Please note****

Due to District sports taking place on Thursday, we are swapping our swimming day to Wednesday INSTEAD of Thursday. Please make sure that the children bring their kits in with them, and any items of clothing are labelled to avoid losing/ misplacing the uniform. 

DIARY DATES

Thursday 12th June- District Sports (KS2) Friday 13th June- PTA Father’s Day Sale Friday 13th June- Father’s Day Tea 3.15pm Monday 16th June- Thursday 19th June- Book Fair Friday 20th June- Sports Day (all day from 9.00am- parents welcome) Tuesday 24th June- Yr 3/4 Food and Farming Day, Writtle Friday 27th June- Reserve Sports Day

YEAR 5/6 HOMEWORK TASKS - CGP BOOKS

Year 5

Maths - P58 & 59

GPS - P72 & 73

Year 6 

Maths - P76 & 77

GPS - P68 - 71

Please also ensure that your child is regularly:

• Reading: Remember 15-20 minutes reading to an adult every day is the optimum and should be continuing into Year 6. Please also encourage your child to read by themselves and then discuss the text afterwards, sharing opinions, their favourite part or questioning what happened so as to ensure that your child is understanding the text as well as reading it. All children have a Reading record to take home.

• Spelling words - please practice these at home by revising them from your spelling and times table notebook and by writing them down. This week we are up to:
• Spelling Rule 38 - Word list – spelling ending in cial and tial
• TTRS/Sumdog - lots of practice on these amazing programmes that complement what we learn at school. Please see your reading diaries for login details.

We hope that you have a lovely weekend!

Mrs Hurley, Mr Greenfield and Mrs Witherall