Blean Primary School
‘Learning together to enjoy and achieve’
Whitstable Road, Blean, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 9ED
Headteacher: Mrs Lynn Lawrence BA Ed (Hons), NPQH
Telephone: 01227 471254
Fax: 01227 787247
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bleanprimary.org.uk
NEWSLETTER 7 – March 2015
Solar Eclipse
On the 20th of March there will be a partial solar eclipse. The eclipse starts at 8:45, with the maximum eclipse being at 9:31.
As the next one is not until 2026, we are hoping to view this in school using pinhole projections. This is the safest way of
viewing the eclipse. We will be discussing the dangers of looking directly at the sun as part of this. We would like to share
the following safety information from National Geographic.


Do not look directly at the sun. If any part of the sun is visible, no matter how little, it is extremely dangerous.
Observing the eclipse through binoculars or a telescope is particularly dangerous.
Appropriate filters, such as eclipse viewing glasses, can be used but please ensure they have no scratches. Smoked
glass, x-ray films, sunglasses, and camera filters are all dangerous and should be avoided completely.
Fingers crossed for good weather!
Mrs Whiteside
Science Subject Leader
Parking – Polite Reminder
We continue to receive complaints about inconsiderate parking, especially at the front of the school. Please do not park on the
zig-zag lines or block the entrance to the school visitor car park or any of the neighbouring driveways. Please also be aware
that double parking in the layby is dangerous. Parking is available at the University of Kent car park, to the rear of the site,
both in the morning for dropping off and in the afternoon for collection.
It is disappointing to hear that the Police reported that some parents/carers were rude to them on their first morning
monitoring the parking outside the school. May we remind parents/carers that they are role models for their children and
should, therefore, model courtesy at all times.
Shortly after 19th March Highways will be setting up a temporary camera to review the School Crossing Patrol site for Blean
School and this will also enable them to carry out vehicle and pedestrian counts. Highways will also be able to monitor the
traffic flow and the way the site is working.
Please make sure your children STOP and LOOK to see if there are any cars coming, before crossing the Staff Car Park
entrance. Thank you.
Philosophy
As a school we have begun introducing Philosophy 4 Children activities and games into our teaching across all curriculum
subjects to boost the children’s synthetic and divergent thinking. You may have already noticed a philosophy question as one
of your child’s homework activities. Why not try exploring this question at home… is it ever ok to steal?
Mr Gething-Smith
e-Safety tips for parents from thinkuknow.co.uk:
Talk to your child about what they’re up to online. Be a part of their online life; involve the
whole family and show an interest. Find out what sites they visit and what they love about
them. If they know you understand, they are more likely to come to you if they have any
problems.
For more advice and guidance visit thinkuknow.co.uk
Extreme Reading
Mathematics Curriculum
After the success of last year’s Extreme Reading
competition, we are going to be asking the children to once
again take a photo of themselves doing reading in an
‘extreme’ place (this needs to be a safe place agreed with
parents/carers first!). Please submit either hardcopies of
these photos to Mrs Buckley or electronic copies to
[email protected] by Wednesday 22nd April. We
will then share and celebrate our extreme reading photos
in assembly next term.
As part of our introduction of the new mathematics curriculum at
Blean, we have been investigating interesting new approaches to
help the children develop fluency with calculations and also a deep
conceptual understanding of the maths that they are learning.
Throughout the school we have introduced a new method from
Singapore called ‘the Bar Model’ which helps children to solve many
types of word problems. Look out for a training session for Parents
on this topic in the summer!
Thank you for your continued support,
Mrs Buckley
Leader of Reading
We have also begun trialling the use of high quality textbooks which
incorporate clear visual images to support children’s learning. These
are also based on the successful teaching methods used in
Singapore (one of the world leaders in mathematics education) but
they have been adapted for the curriculum in the UK. So far we
have been very impressed with how carefully each step in the
children’s learning is planned to ensure that all children master the
high demands of the new curriculum.
Finally, we have purchased maths practise software – RM Easimaths
– as an easy way for parents to support their children’s learning at
home. While it is sometimes set as homework, children can also go
on the site to brush up on skills and play maths games at any time.
If you have feedback about any of the new developments in maths,
I would love to hear your views. Please address your comments to
Kristen Weiss via enquiries on the school website.
Ms Weiss, Mathematics Subject Leader
Dyslexia
On the recent staff development day (2nd March), Rebecca Rice
(Educational Psychologist) worked with our team of teachers and
teaching assistants on furthering our knowledge and understanding of
dyslexia with a focus on ‘the Dyslexia friendly classroom’. There were
lots of enthusiastic and professional discussions around the subject of
dyslexia and we will be incorporating ideas and strategies discussed
into our teaching practice. An amended version of Rebecca’s
presentations is available to view on the website.
Mrs Burnage (Inclusion Manager)
Governing Body
Dear Parents/Carers
As a Governing Body we thought it would be a good idea to have a regular slot in our school’s newsletter. I have been honoured
with first dibbs! For those of you who don’t know me I’m Florendi Panteli, a parent Governor, with Theo in Yr5 and Kiki in Yr3. I’d
like to tell you about the recent KCC Governor Training I attended on Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the changes in SEN
legislation. As a Governing Body we have a joint responsibility with all the staff to ensure that the ‘SEN Code of Practice’ is fully
implemented at our school. I learnt about the funding our school is entitled to for pupils with social, emotional and mental health
needs, and those with ‘disabilities’. The language used by the DFE with regards to this area has very much changed this year, as
have assessment levels and progress is now a key indicator of a child’s needs and learning. An example of this change is that a
‘Statement of SEN’ has now been replaced with an ‘Education, Health and Care Plan’, this is to ensure that a more holistic picture of
a child is given, so information from their doctors for example, as well as their teachers, is all reported together in one place.
Furthermore, I recently went to a Tea & Topics on Assessment, which was hosted by Miss Foster. As you are aware, National
Curriculum Levels have been removed and our school, along with other members of the EduCant Group which we’re a part of, have
formatted their own assessment procedure involving a 3-Step System for each year group. Miss Foster went through this with us,
along with information on times table expectations; Spelling Punctuation and Grammar (SPAG); KS2 National tests from 2016;
maths, science; computing and the Blean Strategic Overview for Assessment. There was a lot to take in! It was particularly
interesting to hear who the other local schools were in the EduCant group and how beneficial it was for us as a school to be a part
of that collaboration. Also to learn about the new 3-step system for each child which means that once they have reached their year
group potential, they will not move on to a ‘higher level’ as they would’ve in the old NC Assessment Criteria but instead, their
knowledge will be ‘broadened’ within a subject. Please feel free to find me on the Junior Playground where I tend to loiter during
school pick up if there is anything you would like to chat about - I have attached a photo of me for your ease!
Memorable Moments
Book Week
Both children and staff alike enjoyed our Book Week celebrations!
Children engaged in a variety of book related activities in their classes throughout the week. We also launched our sponsored
read for the Cambodian Children’s Charity. Please give generously as all of the money raised will go directly to purchase books
th
for the HAP orphanage children. All money needs to be with Mrs Buckley by Wednesday 18 March.
We all enjoyed dressing up on World Book Day on Thursday. Staff in each class dressed up as characters from a particular
book and decorated their class door as that book. Each class took a turn in going on a book hunt around the school to see if
they could guess which books the classes represented. How many can you guess?
Wise Owls
Just before half term, the Year Five and Six Wise Owls went on the bus to Guildhall by the Westgate Towers in Canterbury.
We met with the School Councils from 3 other Educant Schools
and shared the results of the questionnaires that were
completed from children, parents, staff and governors. Blean
School’s Top 10 British Values are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Family
If at first you don’t succeed ….
Hard work
Kindness – raising money
Respect for all religions
Saying sorry
Opening doors
Setting a good example
Staying calm
Picking up litter
Each School Council was then asked to pick the three most
important values to them. Our top three values were raising
money for Charity, Treating animals fairly and Freedom of speech. We shared how at Blean School we feel we demonstrate
these values. It was a great experience meeting a local councillor as well as our fellow School Council members. We have
planned to meet again next term and will share our experience with you.
By Jake, Lia, Freya, Bea, Evie and Rose
EYFS Trip to Wingham Wildlife Park
'Ruby and Sapphire children spent the day at Wingham Wildlife Park. We saw all sorts of different creatures and even got to
touch some of them! We had a great day and we learnt lots.'
Year 2 Nocturnal Animals Workshop
Year 2 had a fantastic day on Thursday when we were visited by a variety of nocturnal animals! We listened to a talk about
different owls, where we met an African owl, a Long-eared owl and a Barn owl. Then we had smaller workshops where we met
all kinds of nocturnal animals up close, including snakes, beetles, tarantulas and a Madagascan tenrec hedgehog. We
thoroughly enjoyed the day and the children are now animal experts!
Sport
Netball Report
On Wednesday 11th March, the Blean netball team went
to Whitstable Junior School to play a league match. In
the first quarter we played well, but scored no goals.
After a talk from Mrs Legge, we went back on the pitch
with new energy. In this quarter we upped our game and
scored two amazing goals one from Poppy and the other
from Katie. For the rest of the game no one scored on
either side. The final score was 2-0 to Blean. This was
our final game and we have won 2 and lost 2.
Netball Match against St Mary’s, Whitstable
On Thursday 5th March, Blean School netball team played at home against St Mary’s from Whitstable. Everybody
started the match well and at the end of the first quarter St Mary’s had scored 3 goals and we had yet to score.
St Mary’s were a strong team and very tall!
In the second part we began eagerly and scored our first goal. The opposition were still competitive and they
also scored.
For the third and fourth quarters, both teams played well and we began to pass the ball much more efficiently.
Although we improved, we could not catch St Mary’s up and they won 8-3 in the end.
Well done everyone and thank you Mrs Legge for coaching us throughout the match.
Handball tournament
th
On Wednesday 4 March, the Blean handball team went to
Canterbury High for a handball tournament. Both teams were
strong and played well. Team B won their games, winning loads
of goals. In the quarter finals, Team B lost and was knocked
out. Team A played hard towards the end but only got second.
Written by Holly McDonald
Dates for your Diary
Term Dates
Term 1
Staff Dev. Day
Mid Term
Break
Term 2
Christmas
Holiday
Term 3
Staff Dev. Day
Mid Term
Break
Term 4
Good Friday
Easter
Monday
Easter Holiday
Term 5
May Day
Mid Term
Break
Term 6
04.09.14 – 24.10.14
26.09.14
27.10.14 – 31.10.14
Tanzanite
Aquamarine
Topaz
Amber
Tiger’s Eye
Emerald
Onyx
Amethyst
Quartz
Jet
Moonstone
Ruby
Sapphire
Citizen of the
week
17 March
19th March
20th March
03.11.14 – 19.12.14
22.12.14 – 02.01.15
05.01.15 – 13.02.15
06.02.15
16.02.15 – 20.02.15
23.02.15 – 01.04.15
03.04.15
06.04.15
02.04.15 – 17.04.15
20.04.15 – 22.05.15
04.05.15
25.05.15 – 29.05.15
01.06.15 – 24.07.15
Cup Winners
Obsidian
th
Cassia, Toby, Rose, Evie, Whole
Class, Rachel, Poppy, Michael,
Lara, Sophie
Oliver, Oliver B-L, Esme, Charlie,
Ben, Whole Class, Amelia, Alicia,
Blaise, Elliot
Nelson, Jake, Molly, Millie,
Robert, Charlotte, Lucas, Rayfe,
Lara, Joe, Honor, Theo
Sarah, Emily, Keira, Marvin,
Ethan, Oscar, Nia, Cerys, Jimmy,
Lily, Ellie, Whole Class, Ted
Deniz, Polly, Theo, Katie,
Charlotte, Callum, Katie, Callum,
Tommy, Polly, Aylin
Rose, Jaspar, Ollie, Morgan
Toby, Jemima, Tom, Michael,
Jack, Leyla, Nate, Joshua
Connor, Seth, Daniel, George,
Rosa-Mae, William, Olivia, Ethan,
Rudy
Jack, Maisy, Nancy, Louis, Lois,
Zoe, Phoebe, Jack, Sophie
Zoya, Sam, Fela, Sam, Will, Leah,
Camilla, Dora, Joe, Jacob
George, Nicola, Ayooluwa,
William, George, Isabel, Oliver,
Eleni
Daniel, Theo, Emily, Elijah,
Daniel, Scarlet, Lyra, Scarlet, Ellis
Kaja, Martha, George, Rowan,
Ana, Gabriel, Mia, Rahul
Alfie, Roxy, Eliot, Asha,
Sebastian, Lilly, Lacie-Rae
Mrs Prior, Tamara, Mrs Lawrence
25th March
26th March
27th March
30th March
31st March
1st April
1st April
2nd – 17th April
20th April
29th April-1st May
25th-29th May
1st June
9:00am EYFS Stay & Play
10:00am Onyx Class Assembly
2:35pm EYFS Stay & Play
World Poetry Day
9:30am Year 6 – Walk for Water
3:30-4:30pm Infant Disco
5:00-6:30pm Junior Disco
10:00am Emerald Class Assembly
Cultural Evening
6.30-7.30pm Tea & Topics –
Assessment
6:30pm Year 4 Kingswood Parents
meeting
Whole School Photographs
8:45am-5:30pm Year 5 to visit
Kingswood
Year 3 visit to Synagogue
10:00am Year 4 Easter Assembly
2:30pm PTFA cake sale
2:30 School Ends NO activities
after school.
Extended School will run from
2.30pm-5.00pm.
Easter Break
Term 5 Begins
Year 4 to Kingswood
Mid Term Break
Term 6 Begins
Sickness Procedure
Please remember to keep your child off school for 48 hours
after a bout of sickness or diarrhoea. Please leave a message
on the absence line on 01227 471254 option 1 or email
[email protected].
Thank you.
Dinner Money
Our meal provider is GS Plus. The price of a school meal is
£2.25. The following options are available for payment:
Payment at least one day in advance on line at
www.gsplus.org/kent/pay; phone payment line 01634 673166
Mon – Fri 8.15am – 3.45pm, cash to school in an envelope
marked with your child/ren’s name(s), class, amount and dates
payment relates to.
Thank you.
Dining Hall Awards
Priscilla (Sapphire), Charles (Sapphire), Camilla (Quartz), Lucy
(Amber), Gabrielle (Aquamarine)