2020-2021
Big dreams are worth having…
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 2021
Calling all children and adults too!
Summer is a wonderful time to pick up a book and read for enjoyment - I know I will be doing just that with my early morning cup of tea!
Below are some reading challenges for over the summer holidays - choose a level of challenge and try to complete the different reading challenges. Please either upload your completed form to Google Classroom or print it out and return it to school when you come back in September. All entries will go into a prize draw and winners will be picked out in our first Gold Book assembly.
Enjoy, relax and keeeeeep reading!
Our online libraries which we have been using since our Lockdown learning will also be available all through the summer - please enjoy.
Class 2 Star of the Week
A big well done to Oscar who is our Star of the Week this week. Oscar showed great kindness and compassion towards one of his peers at sports day- what wonderful traits to have! Well done Oscar!
Class 2 Star of the Week
Harrison made me so proud this week. Some of our children in Class 2 were at a Football Tournament on Wednesday, but Harrison was not one of them. When our players shared their news of how well they did Harrison clapped for his friends. What an amazing, mature and respectful act- well done Harrison, a very well deserved Star of the Week!
Land Art in Class 2 inspired by the artist- Andy Goldsworthy
Class 2 Stars of the Week
Well done to our Stars of the week; Ollie, Jacob and Moira! Ollie and Jacob have been working hard this week and completing their work in good time. Moira has also been chosen for being a Super Star everyday and always brightening our day with her wonderful smile.
Class 2 Stars of the Week
Well done to our Stars of the Week! Jenson has done some great independent writing this week and had a super Yoga session today. Lucas has been making some great choices and being helpful around class. Well done boys, keep it up.
Class 2 Star of the Week
Well done to Freddie this week for his amazing progress, hard word and determination. Well done Freddie, keep it up!
Class 2 Stars of the Week
Well done to Joel, Dallas and Allegyra for being our Stars of the Week this week. This was awarded to acknowledge that their continuous hard work and efforts are noticed! Well done you three!
Connecting With Nature
Following Mental Health Awareness Week, it's been wonderful to receive so many photos of the children connecting with nature and I would love to share them with you here. I hope you feel inspired to get outdoors and connect with nature, whether that's for exercise, pleasure, conservation, creativity, mindfulness or whether you bring the outdoors into your home: the mental health benefits are tremendous. Thank you so much to all the children, parents and grandparents who got in touch to share their adventures- the photos and messages have been truly uplifting :)
Class 2 Stars of the Week
Well done to Ava and Darcey for being our Stars of the Week this week! These two always work so hard and I want them to know that I do notice how hard they work and I am so proud of them both! Well done girls.
Yoga in Class 2
Class 2 loved their Yoga session this morning, which was beautifully linked to our story book -'Katie in London.'
London Buses in Class 2
Class 2 have worked very hard over the last few weeks making their London Buses. They have gone on to write instructions explaining how to make London Buses step by step and this week they have created some leaflets for a London Bus Tour.
Class 2 Stars of the Week
Double celebration for Kian and Logan tonight at home! Logan got his name in the post box the most times out of everyone in class and Kian is always working so incredibly hard! Both boys have an amazing attitude towards school and their learning - well done!
Class 2 Stars of the Week
Well done to Oscar and Ashton for being the Stars of the Week this week for their wonderful progress with their reading!
Class 2 Star of the Week
Well done to Ollie who is our Star of the Week this week for his hard work at school and at home. Well done Ollie, keep it up!
Class 2's Star of the Week (Friday 30th April)
Well done to Jenson who was our Star of the week last week. Jenson got his name in the post box 8 times for all of his hard work! Well done Jenson.
Fun in the Sun in Class 2
We had a lovely first week back last week in Class 2, taking advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoying some outdoor learning.
Science in Class 2 and Star of the Week
This week in Science we have been learning about microhabitats. We loved exploring the school grounds looking for microhabitats and mini beasts that lived there. Also, a big shout out to Joel who was our Star of the Week today for his continued hard work and attitude towards his learning. Well done Joel.
Smalley's Spring has sprung!
Smalley School's Red Nose Day 2021!
Thank you everyone for sharing your smiles all through school today!
A wonderful first 2 weeks back in Class 2.
We've hit the ground running in Class 2 and enjoyed lots of learning. We've loved our shape work in Maths, using ipads, geoboards and art straws. We've sorted animals into their different habitats in Sciences and written newspaper reports about Greta! Well done Class 2, you've settled back into school beautifully.
The Embark Award.
We have relaunched this post from October, as the Embark Award is a unique, special award for our academy of schools and whilst we are at home, we could still be working towards achieving the goals. There are activities and experiences that we can't or must not do at the moment, but there are many that we can - We think that many of us could do number 25 on 'Family' after last weekend's snow! Please contact your class teacher children with a photograph/video of you achieving your goals and we will be able to award the stickers into your folders for when you return into school.
Good luck!
The Embark Award is part of the Trust’s wider offer to our children here at Richardson Endowed.
Your child has been given a folder in school with 100 activities in to enable them to access a number of experiences before they leave us at age 11.
The Embark Award is designed such that the children can carry out the activities at home or in school . They are linked to our core beliefs of Family, Integrity, Teamwork and Success!
If you feel your child has achieved one of the activities please send evidence, such as a photograph, to Google Classroom where they will be given the appropriate sticker to mark off their achievement in their luxury folder.
We hope that in the future folders will be able to come back and forth between home and school but at this time it is not possible. Therefore, please refer to all the information below, which is from the folder in school.
The children are so excited about this new project so please encourage and enjoy some new experiences together.
Saving our Environment - Spring term learning
Welcome back to the Spring Term and our brand new whole school and Embark theme of 'Saving the Environment'.
Each class has a special book(s) to inspire this term's learning - we can't wait to see this term's work blossom, hopefully just like the beautiful tree on our school driveway.
Please dive into your class book and explore the potential that it holds - please comment below with thoughts, feelings, facts and ideas about your book so far - at the end of the term - all comments will go into a prize pot and a prize winner will be picked at random - good luck!
Here are the front covers of all of the class books - aren't they beautiful? Front covers are so exciting, but wait until you get inside!
Well done to our Smalley Richardson Community!
We just wanted to send our thanks to all those parents who have embraced home learning over the past 8 days! Yes we know this is only day 8 and it probably feels like a month!
We understand that you are coping with so many different pressures at the moment. Even ensuring you have food in your cupboards is a task. Many of you are working from home, trying to do your own jobs and teach your children, often with no support from your wider families due to current restrictions.
The Government have instructed all schools to make sure online learning provision is much more rigid and challenging which we at Smalley have done, but we also know that this puts extra pressure on you! Please know that we understand that you are doing your best! Your efforts will be rewarded by the progress your children make and you are doing a good job!
Below is a song recorded by children in America to thank all the adults who are keeping people safe and well such as our NHS workers, teachers who educate, and parents who are doing a ‘good job’ in keeping their children safe and trying their very best to facilitate home learning.
Remember, there’s no job more important than being a parent! You are doing something quite extraordinary and we want to tell you so!
Thank you for all your efforts with home learning-they truly are appreciated by all of us at Richardson Endowed. Enjoy the song below:
Take care and stay safe!
Mrs Mason
Good Afternoon Children!
Dear Children,
I am sending this message to say how sorry we are that our school has once again been forced to close to so many of you! As the Prime Minister, Mr Boris Johnson, only spoke to the whole country at 8pm last night it didn't even give your teachers chance to explain to you how you are going to be learning for the next few weeks!
I am therefore writing this to say that from tomorrow your teachers will be contacting you each day on Google Classroom Meet. Later this afternoon I will send an email to your parents to let them know what time your live check-in is. We know that some of you will have brothers or sisters who will need to check in at the same time and we will try to avoid as many clashes where possible. Please do not worry if this happens; you may have to take it in turns! You will still be able to access all the work via Google Classrooms and contact your teachers during the school day.
Please try your best to work hard at home just like you do at school ! I hope to see you all soon !
Stay safe
Mrs Mason.
The Richardson Endowed Christmas Special
Christmas performances are a big part of any school year. Although we have not been able to invite you in to see our regular shows, each class has prepared their very own Christmas message. We hope our digital performances add a little festive cheer to your day.
Class 2 Star of the Week
Well done to Sophie who is our Star of the Week. Sophie always works incredibly hard and due to her commitment and positive attitude she has made excellent progress this term. Well done Sophie.
Class 2 Star of the Week
Jacob has been making a huge effort in class since turning 7 and is now producing much more work, particularly in his writing! Well done Jacob, keep it up!
Reading, reading, reading
The class with the most comments about the books that they are reading will be announced shortly....
AND the winners with 19 comments are Class 2!
Well done children. Please keep reading and enjoying your books and enjoy using your special bookmarks.
A BIG well done and thank you to all of the children and staff that commented.. There are some beautiful books being read and it's a great list to look at for some recommendations.
Keeeeeeeeeeeeep reading!
Star of the Week
Well done to Ashton for being this weeks Star of the Week! Ashton has been working extremely hard with his column subtraction this week and was very proud of the work he completed, as was I!
Reading, reading, reading - at least 3 times a week please
WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED TODAY!
REMINDER
In our Zoom assembly on Friday, Mrs Mason shared with the children some information about the super reading training that some of the teachers had attended. One of the key messages from the course was all about the importance of reading regularly. We read all the time at school and that regular practise at home makes all the difference. Remember children, you signed your school agreement in September saying that you would read 3 times a week - go explore the exciting world of literature - go to places that you can only imagine. Even in Lockdown we can explore places we never knew were possible. Please share below in the comments the books you are enjoying at the moment - let's try to get every one to comment - tell your friends - share the good news of books and the power of being able to read.
Here is one to start us off - James in Class R enjoying his book - James, just like your top says, you are totally 'ROARSOME'! (original message 22/11/20 relaunched 2/12/20)
The class with the most reading comments in the box below will receive a class prize (closing date 8.30 am Friday, 11th December 2020)
Craft in Class 2
This week we have be making Florence Nightingale lamps and completing our sewing project where we have been sewing poppies using felt. Great work Class 2- your finished products look fantastic!
Star of the Week
Well done Lucas for being our Star of the Week. Lucas has impressed me so much with his reading this year and he is making excellent and rapid progress!! Keep up the good work Lucas!
PROUD!
Good morning children, in our Zoom assembly today, we celebrated our Stars of the Week - we felt very proud of our classmates and of ourselves.
Everyone has the right to feel pride in themselves and in the work that they do.
Ask yourself every day - "What have I done today to make myself feel proud?"
Please enjoy our special assembly song - maybe you would like to sing along with the words at home:
Poppy Field and Remembrance
What a busy and exciting week! In Class 2 we have been enjoying reading our new book 'Poppy Field' and alongside this we have been writing remembrance acrostic poems, sewing felt poppies, making spitfires, painting Union Jacks and improving our drawing skills by drawing poppy fields. Not to mention the visit from the tank which the children loved!
Class 2 Star of the Week
Well done to Florence.B who was our Star of the Week in today's assembly. Florence has been really engaged in our topic and she has taken and extended this learning at home. Florence has also shared some interesting family history with the class which was a pleasure to listen to. Thank you Florence.
Our Remembrance Service 11th November 2020
Today we held our annual Remembrance service in school, but this year of course things had to be different; instead of a hall full of children, parents and the wider community, our Year 6 pupils led the service from our school car park by the war memorial.
Our year 5 children were able to join us outside and Mr Reckless came to play 'The Last Post' and other war song favourites alongside Mr Mason on the drums. Mr Bower, from the Parish Council, came to lay a wreath along with Mr Wilton and Mr Aldred from the Smalley Old Boys. We also welcomed Mr Barham our local representative from the Royal British Legion. Our visitors stayed on the pavement at a safe social distance from our children.
Today was, of course, so different to our usual community event and yet, in other ways it wasn’t different at all. The reason being that our Year 6 led the service with confidence and such respect for the boys who came to their school, who played in their playground, who went off to war and never returned. What an honour and a privilege to see the children show such respect in the way they spoke, behaved and carried out their duties to remember our Smalley soldiers and the sacrifice they made for us.
Every child and adult in school took part in a minute’s silence, safe within their own class bubbles, they listened to the Last Post from the playground. Later in the day all the classes sowed poppy seeds to mark the occasion.
Thank you for your empty pop bottles -we hope you agree that they now look wonderful as recycled poppies to decorate our 'Rainbow Tree of Hope and Remembrance'.
We are so sad that we couldn’t invite you all to share in this special day in our school calendar but we hope you enjoy the photographs and feel proud of all of our children, as we do.
Stars of the Week
Well done to Reuben who was our Star of the Week today. Reuben has been working so hard since September and made great progress. Keep up the hard work.
I also want to congratulate Oliver who was our Star of the Week before half term. Oliver has also been working hard and showed lots of resilience during the last week of half term. Well done Oliver.
Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing
As we approach another lockdown, it is more important than every to take care of our mental, as well as our physical health, and to seek help. This can feel a very challenging, distressing and anxious time for children, young people and adults alike. There are lots of useful telephone support lines on the website below which has a section for parents and carers, as well as links to NHS support and other support services and campaigns. Please do visit the website if you have any concerns at all, and obviously please also feel free to contact us in school.
Derby and Derbyshire Mental Health and Wellbeing website
Please also clink on the link below for the 'Mental Health in Derby and Derbyshire for Children, Young People, Parents and Carers' leaflet for further support and guidance.
It is a very difficult time for all concerned and we do appreciate that in school and are here to support our children, parents, carers and community so please do seek support and remember we will help in any way we can.
Please take care, stay safe and as far as possible do what makes you and your family happy to protect your mental health and wellbeing. Go for walks as a household, tell jokes, play games, eat and sleep well and keep fit and healthy.
Stay safe and best wishes from Team Smalley
Poppies
This is an idea being shared through social media.
During the first lockdown, we all put rainbows in our windows. Due to the Remembrance Services being cancelled, why don't we all colour a poppy picture and display them in our windows? Lest We Forget.
Please click on the link below to find some poppy colouring pages. It would be lovely to see our Smalley windows decorated.
Smalley School's online Pumpkin Parade 2020
Thank you for all of the gorgeous pumpkin photographs - please enjoy the slideshow!
Can you spot Mrs Reckless' pumpkin?!
Our Online Pumpkin Parade
The Smalley School tradition, for the last few years, has been that on the last day of half term children have excitedly brought in their amazingly carved pumpkin for a Pumpkin Parade. Our wonderful PTFA have served hot chocolate, marshmallows and cookies and kindly given prizes for the winning pumpkins; parents and children have wandered around looking at the gorgeous designs and enjoyed chatting and wishing one another well for the holiday ahead. Unfortunately this could not take place today, but just for now, let's capture the tradition in a different way.
If you're carving a pumpkin this week, ready for the 31st of October, then please send us a photograph to receptionhomelearning@richardson.derbyshire.sch.uk
We will then create an online pumpkin display - celebrating our pumpkins.
We can't wait to see them children.
Wishing you and your families a very happy half term. Keep safe and enjoy your time together.
Looking after our wellbeing
We're so pleased to be here in school supporting the children, staff and community in keeping mentally (and physically) healthy and we understand that children, like adults, need to talk now more than ever. We're here for the children and we keep checking in on their wellbeing. It's good to talk and, as we approach the end of term already, let's keep the conversation going, keep supporting each other, keep sharing our thoughts, fears, worries, hopes and dreams. We love having all of the children back in school and we love seeing their resilience, hope, positivity and emotional intelligence. Be kind, be accepting, be patient and care for yourselves and each other :)
Class 2 Star of the Week
A big well done to Oscar this week for being the Star of the Week! Oscar has worked hard all week and has shared his kind and caring work that he did to help other people during lockdown, which we have been discussing in our topic work this week. Well done Oscar.
Class 2's Time Capsule
Class 2 have collected lots of memories from home, written lots of information about 'Lockdown 2020' and put it all in a time capsule for Smalley children of the future to find. Yesterday we found a special place in the playground to bury it.
World Mental Health Day 10th October 2020
World Mental Health Day 2020 is the most important one yet. The months of lockdown and loss have had a huge impact on us all, and prioritising mental health has never been more important than it is now. Our mental health is just like our physical health: everybody has it and we need to take care of it, children and adults alike.
This year's theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is 'mental health for all'.
One of the activities that World Mental Health Day are promoting is making time for 'Tea and Talk'. A cuppa, whether that's tea with friends, or milkshakes or hot chocolate with your children, is a great way to unwind and also provides an opportunity to talk. Remember, when asking how someone is, always ask twice and always actively listen to their response. Are they really ok? Don't forget also that it's ok not to be ok: we can all feel low. Be there for each other. We at Richardson Endowed Primary are here for you all too.
If you would like to take 'Tea and Talk' further, mentalhealth.org.uk are encouraging 'Tea and Talk' fundraisers (Covid secure of course):
Click here if you would like to take part and download a 'Tea and Talk' pack.
There are so many websites, apps and online resources that promote wellbeing and support mental health so let's make use of them and let's talk and support each other too.
For tips on everyday living visit mind.org.uk and there are more opportunities to fund raise through this charity too.
There are lots of ways to support children with their wellbeing which can be vital if your child is feeling low but which also offer lovely calming, bonding opportunities for all children (and adults) generally. Visit the Calm Zone on Childline's website for fun games, calming breathing activities and mindfulness exercises which are really lovely to do.
Yoga makes you feel amazing and is wonderful for your mental health. Why not try yoga as a family? There are lots of yoga tutorials on YouTube and many are aimed at children too. Or why not try the poses for children attached here:
Also invaluable is meditation and breathing. There are some great apps which can be really beneficial at bed time in particular for children. InsightTimer has a lovely section for children and is free, or why not try some of these exercises:
I hope you are all keeping safe and well this weekend and please enjoy doing something to promote your own, and other's wellbeing, whether that's any of the above or just being with family, doing something your love, being out in nature or having a laugh! A new book at home has given myself and my son a giggle this Saturday as we've really enjoyed telling each other silly jokes:
Laughter really is the best medicine!
Stay safe and wishing you all a happy, healthy World Mental Health Day 2020.
Learning in Class 2 this week
In English this week, we have been learning all about the story of Moana in class, exploring the theme of 'hope'. Next week we will be re-writing the story. I have included the links to two activities which can support your child in practising when and where to use full stops and capital letters.
https://www.roythezebra.com/reading-games/full-stop-1.html
https://www.roythezebra.com/reading-games/capital-letter-1.html
Please be aware the game does begin with advertising for the learning scheme, this can be skipped.
In our Maths lessons we have been learning to count forwards and backwards in 2 and 5s from 0 and in tens from any number. Next week we will be counting in 3s from 0. Follow the link below for the Duck shoot game to practise these counting skills.
http://www.ictgames.com/mobilePage/duckShoot/index.html
Class 2 Star of the Week
Well done to Ava for being awarded the Star of the Week today. Ava was chosen because she always does the right thing as well as always working really hard and trying her best. Well done Ava.
Class Two's Star of the Week
Well done to Maeve for being Class Two's Star of the Week in today's assembly! Maeve has been working super hard and at a fast pace, always keen to please and trying her best. Well done Maeve.
Odd Todd and Even Steven
Today we have been recapping on odd and even numbers before we start our work on the 2 times tables. Follow the link to find a game which helps you practice your odd and even numbers. https://www.topmarks.co.uk/learning-to-count/coconut-odd-or-even
Busy day in Class 2
Class 2 joined in with a special, virtual, Friday assembly with Mrs Mason this morning. We all sat our smartest and listened to what Mrs Mason had to say to us all. Next Friday, Mrs Mason is looking for a Super Star learner from each class for next week's assembly.
We have also done some painting today and explored the school website and phonics games on the ipad. Please be aware that all Class Two pupils will be taking their phonics screening assessment before Christmas so please practice lots of reading at home and revising the sounds from the different Letters and Sound's phases. Teach Your Monster to Read would act as a good revision aid.
Place Value in Class 2
In Class 2 we have been doing lots of revision on place value, learning the value of tens and ones in two digit numbers. We have enjoyed playing games together on the interactive whiteboard and the children have asked to play them at home!
Here are the links:
http://www.ictgames.com/sharkNumbers/mobile/
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/learning-to-count/place-value-basketball
Welcome back!
Good morning children! We can’t wait to see you this morning ready to start a new year at Smalley Richardson! Your teachers have been working so hard to get your classrooms ready for learning again! You will have lots of new rules to follow to help keep everyone safe but we know you can do it!
See you very soon,
from Mrs Mason and everyone at school