The Courier

Dear Parents

I hope that your week has gone well, and it has been a productive one for you and the family. With February finally here, I have seen the very first signs of snowdrops appearing in the hedgerows on my drive into work. They seem to be a little late this year, perhaps with all of the cold weather that we have had, but it's always such a welcome sight when they come along. I know a number of the children took part in the great garden bird watch last weekend, and in my hour in the garden it was already noticeable that the birds are changing their behaviour and pairing off for the spring that is to come.

With these little glimpses of a changing season, it's always tempting to look ahead too far. Winter can always come back to bite at any moment. In the meantime, the children have been hard at work here in school and enjoying the splashes of sunshine in the playground when they have come along.

One very nice initiative in the playground this term has been Year 6 play leaders setting up games for the younger children to take part in. This is a win-win situation in many ways, with the older children loving the responsibility of taking charge and the younger ones taking simple pleasure in the games that are provided. We do a lot of work on building responsibility and care into our school life, it is a key part of our ethos. This fits in very well with our school promise message at the moment which is ‘we are gentle and caring’.

On a similar theme, we have a visitor to our assembly next Tuesday from the Birmingham Children’s Hospital who will be presented with a cheque from the school for well in excess of £3,000. The fundraising towards this excellent sum has been a genuine community effort, which I know will be incredibly useful for the hospital in Birmingham that all of us hope we will never have to take our children to. Thank you to everyone who has contributed along the way over the last two terms or so.

I hope you all enjoy it restful time with your families this weekend. 

Joe Thackway
Headmaster

Please note the change of date for this meeting which will now take place on Thursday 23 March at 7pm. This is an important event for parents of children in Years 4 and 5 to attend, where we will talk about the different options available to the children when they transfer to secondary school in Year 7 and how to navigate your way through. There are pros and cons to different formats for this meeting and we are keen to meet your needs as best we can.

Please indicate on the link below, by Friday 10 February, whether you would prefer the meeting to take place in person in school, or as a Live Teams Event (where you can participate online and it is available for later viewing).  

Year 4 and Year 5 Destinations Meeting

Users posting fraudulent links on social media sites, usually via bogus accounts, is a common way for cyber attackers to attempt to gain credentials. These links are often posted as comments under legitimate posts, often pretending to be relevant to the original post. Clicking on the link would then prompt the user to enter credentials which would be stolen, or would attempt to download malware onto the device.

It has come to our attention that some phishing links such as those described above have been posted as comments on Princethorpe College Facebook posts, by unknown accounts. Our marketing team have been quick to hide and remove the comments and links, but it is important to be aware of this practice and avoid any suspicious links. Public facing social media such as the school’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter profiles can be targeted in this way, as can the social media profiles of any organisation, and we will always do our best to remove suspicious posts quickly.

The links in question purported to link to live streams of school hockey matches. The school does not live stream any sports matches, and would certainly not publicly post any links in the event we were to stream these. This is one example but please do beware of this practice both on school social media posts and all other forms of social media, in order to protect your accounts and data.

Friday 10 February 2023

If your child is going to the Disco, or going home to get ready before (Upper School Disco only), and will not attend their Co-Curricular clubs please can you let Mrs Tucker know in advance so we can ensure the children are in the correct locations at dismissal time. 

Please note paid for clubs will not be made up/refunded if they do not attend.

Further information on the Disco can be found here.

Crescent School

Weekly Calendar

Please click on the link below to view next week's calendar:

Weekly Calendar - 6 Feb 2023 

Please ensure children have the correct kit for their afterschool clubs. 

Below is a link to view the Lent Term Calendar.  Please note the following changes:

Please click below to view the lunch menu for next school week, children are able to have either the Main or Vegetarian option. 

Lunch Menu 6 February 2023 

Crescent School

Click on the link below to view the Music Lesson timetable for week commencing 6 February 2023.

Please ensure Children have their instruments in school as lessons may not be able to be rearranged.

Music Lessons - 6 February 2023 

The password has been emailed to parents. 

Action! Last week many children from Years 3 to 6 took to the stage to show off their acting skills. The children have been learning poems for their LAMDA exams in March and the performance showcased pupils reciting the poems with aplomb. In their drama lessons children have been building confidence, developing character, learning how to project and developing the use of gestures, emphasis and emotion to enhance their performances. 

In addition to this, the children have supported each other, giving constructive feedback as they learn about stage craft. 

Throughout the evening there were group performances, solos and duos and many children beat their nerves to give outstanding performances. 

I am extremely proud of everyone who took part and would like to thank all children, staff and parents for their hard work and dedication to making the event so fabulous. 

Mr Adkins has pulled together the photos into this great Vimeo to watch:

LAMDA Showcase

Please see information from TTRS below regarding changes they have made:

A recent change to the popular Jamming mode is one you need to know about as it will apply to your learners at some point.

Simply put, when a player is already acing the 10×, 2×, 5× or 11× table they won't be able to select them in Jamming.

In itself, that's not always a problem but becomes detrimental when it sways a competition, influences who earns certificates or means they're spending less time sharpening the facts that need more practice.

With immediate effect...

• So long as they can answer the 2s in under 2.6s/q on average, they won't be able to choose the 2s in Jamming
• So long as they can answer the 5s in under 2.6s/q on average, they won't be able to choose the 5s in Jamming
• So long as they can answer the 10s in under 2.6s/q on average, they won't be able to choose the 10s in Jamming
• So long as they can answer the 11s in under 2.6s/q on average, they won't be able to choose the 11s in Jamming.

What do I need to do?

Update the app on devices – if the TTRS app hasn't been updated since 2022, it'll need an update. The website is already good to go, as is any app version from 2023.

FAQs

Where is the average recall data coming from?

A player's average recall on each table comes from all game modes apart from Jamming. In other words, we know how they're doing on the 10s, 2s, 5s and 11s based on their answers in Garage, Gig, Studio, etc.

Will they be blocked from the 2s, 5s, 10s and 11s if any one of them is below 2.6s/q?

No, they will only be blocked from the ones on which they are below 2.6s/q. So they could be blocked from the 11s but not the others, for example.

What about tables other than 2, 5, 10 and 11 - do they get blocked?

All other tables in Jamming remain available regardless of how quickly they can respond. That's so Jamming is still a mode where they can make choices and enjoy timer-free rounds.

Does this only apply when Battle of the Bands are in play?

No, this block on specific tables in Jamming applies regardless of whether there is a Battle of the Bands in play.

Can they lift a block on the 2s, 5s, 10s or 11s?

The block on a table will lift if the pupil's recall time becomes slower than 2.6s/q in the other game modes. For example, a player has a block on the fives because they can answer sub 2.6s/q. However, when playing in other games their average recall on the fives drops to 3.2s/q. In that case, they'll be able to choose 5 again in Jamming.

All pupils in Years 3-6 will be playing cricket in their Games lessons in Trinity Term and we are hoping to have some cricket fixtures.  For those who would like to wear the kit we offer a cricket shirt, trousers and sleeveless slipover which can be ordered here. The cricket kit is not compulsory.

Cricket will also be played in Co-Curricular Team Sports for Years 5 and 6 after February half term.  Again it is not compulsory to wear the cricket kit. The cover photos shows the Year 5 boys in the cricket kit.

Summer Dresses can also be ordered here.  These will be worn after Easter with Blazers and white socks.

Please place all orders by Friday 17 February for delivery to school after half term.

Friday 3 February 2023 - 3.45pm to 4.15pm

On Friday 3 February, after school, we will have our Open Corridors event where we will share with you all the great work that we have been doing in school.

Please collect your child before entering through the front door where you will be welcomed in to look at all the great work in school from 3.45pm. Entry and exit will only be through the front doors. Last entry is at 3.55pm. On this day Years 5 and 6 will be dismissed through the pupil door. 

If your child is in a Co-curricular club then they will be expected to attend unless you arrange otherwise. Parking will be available on the playground.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Friday 17 February 2023

We will be holding a non-uniform day on Friday 17 February with all proceeds going to this term's chosen charity, Bwengu Projects. 

Please send a £1 donation with your child to be given to their form teacher.

Thank you.

Monday 27 February to Friday 3 March 2023

During the week commencing Monday 27 February parents are invited to come in to school from 8.15am to 8.40am to watch and support their child in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 while they quiz on their reading books.

The quiz platform is not available at home so this is a super opportunity for parents to share the experience.

Half-term is a great time for your child to finish reading a book and that will give you an extra excuse to see your child at work.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Friday 3 March 2023

It seems such a long time since we have dressed up for World Book day in school. This year we are celebrating it on Friday 3 March. To celebrate this we are asking the children to come to school dressed as a character from a book. Perhaps this is something you could create over half term.

We love our reading at Crescent school and hopefully this will encourage the children to be further inspired.

All we ask is that the children are dressed appropriately and safely for a day of learning.

Saturday 11 March 2023 - 10.00am to 12.00pm

We are opening our doors to prospective families for a Spring Open Morning on Saturday 11 March 2023 from 10.00am to 12.00pm. So please do share news of the Open Morning with family and friends.

It is a perfect opportunity to come and have a look around the school, meet key members of staff and find out why the school has been awarded excellent in all areas by the ISI in their recent inspection. 

Families are invited to book on to one of two sessions, 10.00am and 11.00am. After a short welcome presentation by Mr Thackway, Headmaster, you will be guided around the school where you will be able to watch sporting displays and listen to instrumental performances; there will also be the opportunity to visit classrooms and children can participate in activities.

To book your place please click here.

For more information about availability or about the Open Morning please call Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk.

Alternatively please visit our website www.crescentschool.co.uk for more information.

Tuesday 14 March 2023 10.30am to 12.30pm

The College's Open Morning will give prospective families a chance to visit the school on a normal working day, with Year 8 and 9 pupils acting as tour guides. The Leadership and Admissions Teams will be available to answer any questions visitors might have. Light refreshments will be available.

All are welcome, please book your place by clicking here.

Entrance Examinations Day for September 2024 entry will take place on Saturday 11 November 2023 from 9.30am to 3.30pm. The deadline for registrations, scholarship and bursary applications is Friday 29 September 2023.

If you have any questions please contact the Admissions Team on 01926 643201/297 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

This week the following children have achieved full JdV status:

• Jonelle (1Q) in English
• Joshua (2E) in English
• Aria (3S) in History
• Mya (6w) in English
• Feranmi (2E) in English
• Grace (5F) in English

Congratulations to you all.

Mrs Webb
Assistant Head

This weeks reading champions:

• 500k words: Nora 
• Double Millionaire:  Alex T

Well done both!

This week's Accelerated Reader Superstars are:

Top Quizzers are:

• 3S  Theo Mc
• 4C  Patrick
• 5F  Sam O
• 6W Ellie

Word Wizards are:

• 3S  Evelyn
• 4C  Edward M
• 5F  Alex G
• 6W Mya

Mrs Nelson
Teaching Assistant

Word Wizards for January, having read over 2.6 million words are 6W! 5F also read an impressive 2.6 million words but were pipped at the post by only 4,000 words.

Overall Top Quizzers, having quizzed in 127 books this month are 3S

Keep on reading!

Mrs Nelson
Teaching Assistant

Each week we have a Scientist and Artist of the Week who are recognised in The Courier with their work displayed in the school corridor.

Well done to this week's Scientists and Artists of the Week:

Scientists

• Emily (5F)
• Grace (5F)
• Maisie (5F)
• Shiv (5F)
• Grace M (6W)

Artists

• Alex (6W)
• Bella (6W)
• Lara (6W)
• Tegan (6W)
• Albert (5F)
• Timi (5F)
• Rachael (2E)
• Flora (2W)
• Max (2W)

Well done all.

Crescent School

Pre-Prep reading certificates have this week been awarded to:

• Alex S
• Feranmi
• Finn
• Gene
• Hannah
• Hermione
• Juliette
• Keevie
• Lily
• Olivia-Rose 

Garage and Gigs are the most important games to show your progress.

Pupils who have reached landmark % on automatic training mode in the Garage and Gigs and therefore are awarded JDVs for Maths Practice:

• Bella 6W completed 24% of the course.
• Esme 3S completed 24% of the course.
• Roisin 4C  completed 72% then 100% of the course

Results for Years 3, 4 and 6 against each other - average score per class member:

• 1st 4C 154
• 2nd 3S 82
• 3rd 6W 23

Most valuable players in the whole competition:

• 1st Matthew 4C
• 2nd Kian 3S 
• 3rd MingYi 4C

Well done, 4C! 🏆

Last week most improved speedsters in the studio are:

Random Battle between 1Q, 2E, 3S and 5F, 2 - 9 February 2023. 

TT Rock stars will block 2x,5x,10x,11x on jamming if you are efficient at them, so you cannot pick easy ones just to score more points in the competition! 

Stay Calm and Rock on!!

Monday 6 to Friday 12 February 2023

Next week we will be supporting and engaging with this important week as we look at promoting positive mental health in us all. 

Alongside our PSHE lesson, we shall be engaging with different activities supported by the Place2Be charity to highlight the importance of connection and its benefits to our mental health and wellbeing.

Their theme this year is 'Let's Connect' and this gives a chance for our Wellbeing Champions out and about in the playground next week, promoting ways in connecting with each other better!

Thank you to those of you who sent in photos from the Big Garden Birdwatch last weekend. Please do have a look through the photos in the gallery.

Mr Thackway certainly enjoyed getting out into his garden to record the birds that visited and all the data that has been recorded will help the RSPB build a better picture of how birds are faring in the UK.

Some of the things the children have been learning...
We have continued our ‘Hot and Cold’ topic and used stories, Ridiculous and A Little Bit of Winter to think about animals that hibernate. We have explored which animals hibernate and why.  We have explored hot and cold colours and created textured cold collages and ‘hotpotch’ hot pictures.

In Maths we have been exploring number composition and used our knowledge to solve simple oral problems. We have introduced height and length and measured objects using non-standard units.

Some of the things the children will be learning in the coming weeks...
In preparation for Valentine’s day, we will be creating individual love potions and written love messages.

Our focus text in literacy will be ‘Stick Man’ and we’ll be writing labels, captions and exploring rhyme.

In Maths we will be revisting addition and subtraction. We will be exploring simple language associated with both and the numerical pattern between both operations.

In phonics we have been introduced to blends;

• lf as in self

• lk as in milk

• pt as in swept

• xt as in next

• tr as in tree

• dr as in drip

• gr as in grab

How to help your child at home…

• Please clarify sounds that are mis pronounced such as th (often said as f)

• Encourage the children to blend words when reading together

• Explore rhyming words

• Look closely at letter size and position when practising cursive writing

• Practice writing numbers 0-10, correcting any reversals

• Compare sizes of familiar objects using simple mathematical language

What’s coming up/notices/information...
This week we have introduced the ‘Mini da Vinci’ award in Reception. These are awarded in recognition of excellent work and/or effort. The children are very excited about Mr Thackway coming to class to present special ‘Mini da Vinci’ stickers.

In 1Q Maths this week we have been studying 3D shapes. We have discussed the differences between 2D and 3D shapes as well as looking at 3D shape properties. 

In English, we used the ipads to carry out research on our favourite nocturnal animals which we made notes on to later use in our writing. 

In Art, we made badgers using a dabbing process with cotton buds.

In Games this week, we created our own Maui moves in groups before presenting them to the rest of the class.

Ms Quirke
Class 1Q Form Teacher

Our project this half term has been about nocturnal animals in English and in Art, so we would like to show you some of the animals we have been learning about!  From bats to badgers and role play as foxes, we have had fun creating our classroom displays.

In Music Class 2W made up rhythmic patterns on percussion instruments. Working in pairs they took turns to play their pattern to their partner, who had to try to play it back.

In Design and Technology, Year 2 have been learning about food and where it comes from. The children have learnt how a healthy diet consists of a balance of varied food types. They have designed and created their own healthy pizza. 

Class 2W children love to read the levelled books online, answering the questions to develop their understanding, and to further consolidate classroom Maths learning every couple of weeks in our Computing suite.

Children from the Afterschool Focus Taekwando had their gradings last Sunday.  As you can see from the photo there was a lot of success.  Mr Perks said there was a very high standard from Crescent children.

Uma and Isabella have now moved to the Thursday night class due to their grading despite only being in Year 2 and Year 3.

There are still spaces in the club if anyone wants to join.  Taekwondo really is a sport anyone can enjoy and is an excellent way to improve your fitness, confidence and general well-being.

Tuesday 7 February is officially Safer Internet Day, a day where children, parents and teachers focus and celebrate the very best ways to keep young people as safe as possible while using the internet. As you know here at Crescent we place a great deal of emphasis on teaching our pupils the importance of Digital Citizenship, of not just keeping themselves and others safe online, but also in becoming digital producers and creators themselves. Through this we hope to empower Crescent pupils to play a positive and active role in the online world which become such an enormous part of their lives, not simply just to be passive consumers but active contributors, to help to shape and inspire a much better digital world of the future.

Of course this would not be possible without the support of parents, and the theme for this year’s Safer Internet Day is ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online’, creating a safe space for frank and open discussions with children about the internet, how they see it, and what issues really worry them. During Computing lessons over the week we will be encouraging our pupils to do just this, to talk openly, honestly and without fear about how they feel about the online world, what makes it brilliant, and what stresses them out.

It’s never too early or too late to start an online safety conversation at home, and to keep it going. Having these conversations with children about their online lives can help you gain a deeper understanding about what they love doing and what they are concerned about. It also gives them the confidence to open up if things go wrong and gives you the opportunity to support them when they need it the most. If you would like to do this at home but don’t know where to start, please take a look at this guide, or the weblinks below, full of fantastic tips for getting started:

https://www.internetmatters.org/safer-internet-day/

https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2023/top-tips-for-parents-and-carers

If you would like any further help with this, or are after more detailed guidance on anything in particular, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Year 5 and 6 girls were all delighted to pull on their boots and head out on to the field on Wednesday afternoon to practise their footballing skills. They began their Games lesson with some skills training and finished with a quick game. It was cold and quite muddy but that didn’t stop everyone having a lot of fun. It was super to see everyone getting involved and giving it their all.

What a great way to spend a February afternoon. 

We shared some photos on social media and were delighted to see the Youth Sports Trust then shared them on!

Please ensure children have the correct kit in school for their PE, Swimming and Games lessons. We have had numerous children this week not bringing in their gum shields and therefore were not able to play in a competitive game of hockey. 

We do lend Football boots and shin pads to children, however we have a limited supply, and would be happy to accept any football boots you may have at home which are too small etc.  Similarly, please return any borrowed boots and shinpads. 

Thank you for your assistance with this.

Friday 10 February 2023

We look forward to welcoming all children to our school disco on Friday 10 February. The event will be run by a professional events company with support from Friends of Crescent volunteers.

The Pre-Prep disco (Reception to Y2) will be 3.45pm to 4.45pm.

The Upper School disco (Y3 to Y6) will be 5pm to 6pm.

Please note, all Reception children must be accompanied by a parent/carer for the entire event. 

Children in Year 1 and Year 2 attending the disco will be taken to the hall by their teacher. They will be given time in class to change clothes.

Drink and a small snack included. There will also be additional games and spot prizes.

Parents are to collect children from the Pupil Side entrance at 4.45pm. If children are signed up to After School they will be escorted there by a teacher.

The school is a mobile free zone. Parents are respectfully asked to keep their phone out of sight and not used at all times.

Friday 17 February 2023 - 3.30pm to 4.45pm

Please come along and support the FoC by buying cakes and sweets, all priced at 50p each. All the money raised at these market day events goes towards privilege time for Year 3.

Friends of Crescent

Please see below for useful school contact information:

• My School Portal: MSP Login
• SOCS: SOCS Login

Click here to view the term dates for 2022/23 and 2023/24.

Crescent School

The following items are stocked in the School Office and can be added to your account:

• Winter hats
• Scarves
• Gloves
• Ties
• Swimming hats
• Sports socks
• Hair bands
• Hair scrunchies
• Hair clips
• Sun hats
• Music group badges - Choir, Orchestra, String, Brass and Wind

Please do contact admin@crescentschool.co.uk in if you need any of the above items.

Crescent School Office

The Foundation has the following vacancies:

Princethorpe College

• Head of Academic PE
• AV and Theatre Technician
• Grounds Supervisor
• Admissions and Marketing Administrator

Crackley Hall

• Aftercare Leader

Full details and information on how to apply are available on the Foundation website here:

www.princethorpe.co.uk/join-us

Should you know anyone who might be interested in these posts, please do share this information with them.