Wow! How quickly this half term has flown by! We have loved getting to know the children as they have settled into life at St Mary’s.

Next term, we are looking forward to exploring an exciting new topic all about celebrations that are important to our class and our local community. We will discover the special occasions, traditions and festivals that are meaningful to us and the people around us.

In the first week, we will learn about the Hindu celebration of Diwali.

We will be:

• Learning the story of Rama and Sita
• Learning about Mehndi patterns
• Learning our first Phase 3 sounds: j, v, w, x
• Develop spatial resasoning and positional language through obstacle courses and puzzles
• Exploring clay to mould a Diva lamp Diwali

If your family celebrates Diwali we would love it if you could send in any photos, outfits or would be happy to come in and chat to the children. It is such a valuable experience to hear about a celebration first hand. We also hope you have had a wonderful Diwali.

Maths game of the week:

We are continuing to develop our understanding of numbers on a dice. Try playing ‘make my number’. Collect 6 small objects that are all the same e.g. pebbles, pasta, small toys. Take turns rolling a dice and then ask your child to make the number in the same pattern. Then ask your child to rearrange to prove the amount doesn’t change when the shape does.

Show and Tell:

After the holiday we will begin Show and Tell. We invite the children to bring in one object that they wish to share with the class. An insect group shares each week. Children like to share certificates they have earned, photos of special days or special objects. Children are not allowed to bring toys in. The objects will be shared through the week as we have time in class.

Holiday Memory Homework:

Attached to the newsletter is the holiday homework and new topic web. If you are unable to print at home copies will be available in class after the half term. Please complete by Wednesday 4th November.

Dates for your diary

Tuesday 20th October - Reception, Years 1 & 2 Parent Consultations

Wednesday 21st October - Reception, Years 1 & 2 Parent Consultations

Thursday 22nd October to Sunday 1st November – Half-term holiday (Tech & WOW Camp at St Mary's)

Monday 2nd November – Children return to school

Sunday 8th November – PTA Fireworks Night, 4:00–6:30pm

Wednesday 11th November – Armistice Day: Year 3 lead Remembrance Collective Worship, 9:00am – parents welcome

Monday 16th to Friday 20th November – Anti-Bullying Week

Monday 16th November – Odd Socks Day: wear school uniform with odd socks to celebrate our differences

Wednesday 18th November – Reception trip to Odds Farm Park

Thursday 19th November – “Uniquely Us!” Non-Uniform Day: celebrating our differences and showing kindness. Please bring an item for the Christmas hampers.

Friday 4th December - 3:30 - 5:00pm - PTA Christmas Event 

Thursday 10th December – Reception, Years 1 & 2 Book Look, 3:15–3:45pm

Friday 11th December – Christmas Discos: Reception–Year 2, 3:30–4:45pm; Years 3–6, 5:00–6:15pm

Tuesday 15th December – Reception Nativity performance for parents – morning

Tuesday 15th December – Beauty and the Beast at Watersmeet – afternoon

Wednesday 16th December – Christmas Jumper Day, Christmas lunch and afternoon class Christmas parties

Friday 18th December – End of term – school finishes at 1:30pm

Wishing you a wonderful break. The Reception Team