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Monkton Park Newsletter Friday 15th July 2022

Extreme Weather Warning

During this spell of hot weather and particularly in anticipation of the extreme heat forecast for the weekend and the early part of next week, we will recommending the following:

To reduce or avoid time spent in direct sunlight as far as practicable. This means we will be asking children to utilising our shaded areas as much as possible.

All children should wear hats, drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen.

Please apply sunscreen before school and if necessary, send yourchild with an additional supply. Staff can oversee the self-application of sunscreen by children but should not generally apply it onto children themselves.

We will also ensure our first aiders are aware of the signs and symptoms of sunburn, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and know appropriate treatment.

The local authority is not advising that it is necessary to close schools or settings. School and setting closures remain at the discretion of the headteacher or setting manager if there are health and safety risks that cannot be adequately mitigated.

OPAL Platinum Award

We are delighted to announce that we have achieved a platinum award for our OPAL! This the highest award that we could achieve and reflects the hard work done by our play team over the past two years.

From Rachel Murray – OPAL Programme Trainer and Mentor

"The team at Monkton Park primary has achieved an amazing transformation of their playtimes, and I'd like to congratulate the whole school for the commitment and hard work that has culminated in their OPAL platinum award. This level award means that Monkton Park has some of the best lunchtime play opportunities in the country for all their pupils. During my final play visit, I observed children picnic-ing outside under apples trees, friends playing with bubbles, dancing, den building, handstand competitions, amazing playground chalking, trike and scooter riding, dressing up, tree climbing and much more. All the children were engaged in their play and the playgound had a very inclusive and equitable feel. The school respect all their pupil's right to play, and have provided generously to create a play environment that is rich in creative opportunities. The Play Team staff organise themselves to look after different zones, allowing the school to keep as much of their playspace open as possible, for as much of the year as possible. The team show great commitment to play and there are ambitious plans in place to further develop the site for play in the year/s ahead. This platinum award is a fantastic achievement and one that the whole school community should feel very proud of. Well done Monkton Park!"

Important dates coming up....

Tuesday 19th July - Y6 leavers' assembly @ 2pm (Y6 parents invited)

Achievement Awards

Well done to: Edward, Constance, Georgie, Evie, Ellie, Kaitlyn, James, Elise and Maiya

Star Writers

Well done this week to: Edward, Penny, Ella, Bea, Rose, Rory, Lorena, Archie and Maria

Hot Chocolate

Congratulation to: Rosie, Ellie, Fearne, Olivia, Penny, Summer, Isla, Eliza and Lucian

Governors’ End of Year Report

This has been another very busy year at Monkton Park School, as we have seen school life returning to relative normality after what has been a challenging couple of years. It has been exciting to see children enjoying being back in school, enjoying a full range of school activities including assemblies, playing together at lunchtime and with school trips and residentials taking place. Governors were fortunate to see this for ourselves when we spent the day in school for our recent Governors’ Day on 30th June.

As part of our overall strategic direction for Monkton Park School, Governors have supported a programme of improvements, both for the premises and the curriculum within the school. This year it has been good to see the progress made and the impacts that this is having. Examples include the new school library, classroom improvements, the running track, ongoing work to develop the bungalow as a resource for the school and community, plus some kitchen refurbishments coming very soon. For the curriculum, the year started with a strong focus on supporting the children to return to school after the disruption of the previous year. We have also supported specific initiatives for reading, writing and phonics, all of which are having a positive impact. In addition, the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) initiative has transformed children’s play during lunchtime and breaks. On Governors’ Day we saw for ourselves children enjoying playing creatively together and also taking responsibility for tidying their play equipment away afterwards! We’ve since heard that Monkton Park School has attained a 'Platinum Award' for OPAL, which is wonderful news and a huge credit to the OPAL Team in school.

We would like to say a big thank you to all the fantastic staff at Monkton Park School, who continue to make the school such a great place for the children. Several members of staff are leaving us this year and we would like to specifically thank them for their significant contributions to the school. Governors have been closely involved in the recruitment of new members of staff and we look forward to welcoming them to the team next term.

We would like to thank you all for your support over the past year, and we wish you a relaxing and enjoyable Summer.

Monkton Park Governors

ELSA support Summer Challenge 2022

Please use this link to the ELSA support Summer Challenge 2022.

https://www.monktonpark.wilts.sch.uk/parent-support-advisor

There are 30 challenges with a diary sheet for each. This diary will hopefully help children to stay positive over the holidays in a mindful and fun way.

Summer Thrive

FOMPS

Last week Thursday, the children enjoyed the Summer Party Disco. They had a choice of crisps, purchased some sweets and had lots to drink as it was a warm evening in the hall. The music and disco vibes were echoing through the school and the children had a fantastic time! Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make it happen!

The disco raised just over £550 for FOMPS, who are helping the school to fund the bungalow / community hub project.

We are looking forward to the next school year with lots of ideas of great events for the children.

If you like to get involved, please email fompspta@gmail.com to be added to the mailing list.

School Nurse

Our new School Nurse is called Megan Bowsher. From September she will be coming into school once a term for different drop in surgeries. The first session will be focusing on Toileting concerns and will take place on Thursday 29th September 2.30pm - 3.10pm in the school hall. Please feel free to drop in if you have any concerns you would like to discuss.

WPCC Short Breaks Bulletin

See the latest WPCC Short Breaks Bulletin for information about accessible activities, leisure and social opportunities for children and young people with SEND, and their siblings and families in the summer holidays.

https://www.wiltshireparentcarercouncil.co.uk/en/Short_breaks

Parenting Courses

Reporting Absences

Please (where possible) can all pupil absences be reported to the school office by 9am each morning. You can phone 01249 652395 and leave a message or email admin@monktonpark.wilts.sch.uk letting us know why your child won't be in. Many thanks

TD Days

Thursday 21st July 22

Friday 22 July 22

Monday 25th July 22 (in lieu of 3rd June bank holiday)

Thursday 2nd September

Friday 3rd September

Term Dates 2021 - 22

Term Dates 2022 - 23

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Monkton Park
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