Dear Glebe Families
I hope this Gazette finds you well and that you had a restful half term break. We have had a very settled return to school this week and it has been wonderful to see our children fully engaged in their learning.
I am delighted to share with you the exciting news that some of our Year 6 children took part in the Rayleigh Town Council school quiz on Monday afternoon. Competing against other local primaries, they demonstrated their knowledge and teamwork, ultimately securing first place! As a result, they have earned a spot in the finals on 11 March. Let’s give a big round of applause to our self-named Glebendors for their fantastic achievement!
Furthermore, I have been immensely impressed by the exemplary learning habits displayed by our Year 6 children this week. They have shown great focus and dedication to their studies. Similarly, our Year 5 students have displayed impressive knowledge about Benin and our Reception class has demonstrated excellent sitting and listening skills during their teacher-guided sessions. Well done to all our children for their hard work and commitment to learning.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to the entire school community for their exemplary response during our fire drill on Wednesday. In just three minutes and fifty seconds, we successfully evacuated the building, setting a new Glebe record.
Looking ahead, we have some exciting events and dates to mark in your calendars. In a couple of weeks, we will be welcoming back Mrs Howard from her maternity leave. We are thrilled to have her back with us. Additionally, we have Comic Relief on 15 March, where we will be celebrating and fundraising for a worthy cause. Our Year 6 children are eagerly anticipating their residential trip at the end of this term and Year 5 will be hosting their enrichment event and lunch for parents.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We value your partnership and appreciate your ongoing support.
Warm regards
Mr Clarke
Headteacher
Certificates
A huge well done this week to:
1D: Thomas T & Grace P |
1M: Charlie W & Mercer S |
2N: Cillian W & Danny A |
2VC: Lola H & Kieran O |
3/4 J: Oliver P & Priya N |
3/4 P: Henry A & Leo M |
3/4 R: Aubrie T & Grayson P |
|
5A: Kunmi A & Leo W |
5HL: Max R & Albie C-T |
6A: Lenora H & Jada-Rose G |
6L: Isaac L & Tilly B |
Attendance: Our school target is 97%
Year to date 94.2%
We expect pupils to be in school everyday.
We will not authorise term time absence except in exceptional circumstances and where appropriate, Essex County Council will issue fines.
Classes:
RS: 96.4% | 3/4R: 96.7% |
RP: 92.9% | 3/4P: 91.7% |
1D: 96.3% | 5A: 95.3% |
1M: 96.0% | 5HL: 94.7% |
2N: 94.1% | 6A: 94.3% |
2VC: 100% | 6L: 95.3% |
3/4J: 94.7% |
This week, the class with the highest attendance was 2VC with 100%. Well done! The attendance reward will be coming your way.
Staffing Changes
There are some staff changes to announce for the Summer term. The first is Miss Hembling’s departure from our school after ten years of dedicated service. Miss Hembling’s immense contributions as SENCo and Assistant Head have left an indelible mark on our community and she will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt wishes for every success in her new role at a special school, where we are confident she will excel.
Furthermore, we bid farewell to Mrs Walker at the end of the term as she embarks on her dream role as a SENCo at a school in another local authority. We wish Mrs Walker all the best in her new endeavour.
As we plan for the Summer term, I would like to outline the alternative arrangements:
Mrs Coote will step in as interim SENCo for the Summer term.
Mrs Johnson will be the Year 3/4 Phase Leader.
Miss Lucking will be the Year 5/6 Phase Leader.
Mr Clarke will oversee KS2.
Mrs Rose will oversee Early Years and KS1.
Mrs Howard returns from maternity leave to teach 2VC at the end of the week.
I want to express my gratitude to all of you for your continued support during this period of transition as we navigate through recruitment processes and operate with a reduced SLT.
Lunchtime Star Players
Well done to Poppy M, Clara B, Poppy J, Omotayo A, Leo L, Harry K and Elvis S.
Influential Figure of the Week – Greta Thunberg
Born in Sweden in 2003. Greta is an environmental activist who challenges governments to do more to fight climate change and other environmental issues. She has given many speeches at high-profile political events, including the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference when she was only 15.
Music Moment of the Week
‘Rondo alla Turca,” also known as the “Turkish March,” is the third and final movement of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K. 331. Mozart composed this sonata in 1783 when he was around 27 years old.
The “Rondo alla Turca” is one of Mozart’s most famous and recognisable compositions. It is characterised by its lively tempo, catchy melody and distinct Turkish-influenced themes.
5 March – Year 5 trip to Layer Marney Tower.
7 March – World Book Day.
8 March – FOGP Mother’s Day event.
11 March – KS2 at Sweyne Park to watch their school production of Matilda the Musical JR.
12 March – Year 3/4 Portals of the Past workshop.
21 March – Class photographs.
25-28 March – Year 6 residential trip to Danbury.
27 March – Year 2 trip to Barleylands.
28 March – Last day of term. After school club finishes at 4.30pm.
On Monday, some of our Year 6 pupils took part in an inter-school quiz hosted by Rayleigh Town Council at Down Hall Primary School. We are very pleased to announce that we won this heat and have moved on to take part in the final on Monday 11 March. Our quiz team showed great resilience to overcome their significant nerves on the day and were a credit to both the school and themselves.
Attention all children! Are you ready to be a hero? At our school, being an attendance hero means showing up every day ready to learn, grow and have fun with your friends. Be: Here, Ready, Every day, on Time!
Being an attendance hero is super important because when you come to school every day, you help yourself and your classmates to succeed. You get to be part of exciting lessons, fun activities and make memories that last a lifetime!
Remember, every day counts and every child plays a special role in our school community. So, put on your cape, grab your backpack and let’s be attendance heroes together. We believe in you!
Congratulations to Jack P who was awarded the Chief Scout’s Bronze Award at Beavers. This is the highest award a Beaver can earn!
During half term, Charlie B got to meet some players from the Harlem Globetrotters at OVO Arena. Charlie was so happy as it’s a sport he loves!
Crafty Katie is available for all children; please see the poster below for dates and further information. For parents in receipt of the holiday activities vouchers, please note that these can be used with Crafty Katie. Vouchers are due to be issued by Wonde on 4 March.
Caterlink Food Choices
Please let the school office know what your child is having to eat if they will be late to school. The kitchen deadline for school dinners is 10.30am. Jacket potatoes and grab bags will be available after this time, subject to availability.
Grab Bags
Please note that cheese grab bags are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Ham grab bags are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.