Whinstone Primary School Lowfields Avenue Ingleby Barwick Stockton-on-Tees Tel: 01642 750318 TS17 0RJ Fax: 01642 750988

Headteacher: Mr M Poppitt BEd. (Hons) Deputy Headteacher: Mr R Craig BA (Hons)

www.whinstone.org.uk

Friday 22nd January 2016

Newsletter 17

1) Cross Country Success!

On Tuesday 19th January the top ten runners from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 took

part in a cross country event at All Saints. Year 3 and 4 children had to run

one lap which was one mile and Year 5 and 6 children had to run two laps of the

field. The field was extremely muddy and a lot of shoes came off the runners

which made their socks get covered in mud! The top ten finishers got through

to the Preston Park Final – Grace K came 2nd, I came 3rd and my friend

Kaveesha came 10th. When I finished the race I took off my trainers and saw

my socks plastered in mud! It was a good thing that I brought spare socks to

change into! After the Year 6 children had raced, we returned to school. At

the end of the day I was exhausted and freezing but had a great time.

By Cerys Brown

On Tuesday 19th January, eighty children from Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 competed in an X-country festival at All

Saints. Twenty eight children made it through to the next round ‘Stockton X-Country Finals’ at Preston

Park. Whinstone did extremely well, with victories in most of the X-country races; Y4 Boys – Sam

Chadfield, Y5 Girls – Isobel McEwen, Y5 Boys – Lewis Gustard and Y6 Boys – Alex Main.

Everyone was extremely tired and a lot of shoes came off because the course was very muddy, making

people feel like they were sinking in the mud!

By Lewis Gustard and Alex Main

Lucie Ford: "It was muddy! It was wet and very cold. I enjoyed it though!"

Grace Martin: "I got really tired but I enjoyed every minute. I'm proud of myself as I came 23rd. I'd

love to do it again next year.”

Harry Wrench: "It was hard because we had to run a whole lap of the pitch. It was

freezing but fun!"

2) Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers

Please remember we are collecting Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers in the collection

box in the main entrance. Vouchers will be used for buying additional sports equipment

for use in school.

3) Attendance

Whole school attendance for the week is 97.5%. The best attending classes this week have been:

Reception and Key Stage 1 Year 2 Miss Young 100%

Key Stage 2 Year 3 Mrs York 100% (2nd week running – well done!)

4) Super Science at Conyers

On Wednesday, all of class 4AC travelled to Conyers for a science investigation

lesson into Light. The teacher was the “famous” Mr. Thoburn – he was hilarious

and a spectacular Science teacher! Firstly we had to write what we already knew

about light on a post-it note. Then we had to do some light tests using light boxes.

We worked sensibly to find out which things allowed light to pass through them

and which didn’t. We had to use the words transparent, translucent and opaque.

We also did some tests with coloured filters to show how light travels through

them. All of the investigations were amazing but at the end Mr. Thoburn did some

chemistry experiments which were really exciting! We can’t wait for the chance

to go again!

By Tom Oyston, Emily Hodgson, Ryan Edon and James Price

5) Basketball – Stockton Finals

On Wednesday the 20th of January, ten children from Years 5 and 6 went to

Billingham Marsh House to compete in the Stockton Basketball Finals.

Unfortunately we were knocked out at group stages and never made the semi-

finals after losing on points. Each player gave 100% and played well as a team

and they all enjoyed it. We were in league 2 with 3 other teams, there were 3

leagues, 12 schools in total.

By Dylan Marapira and Michaela Malley-Watts

6) Foundation Stage

We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to come into your child’s class and enjoy a fun session

of maths activities with them.

Morning Nursery—Monday 25th January 10-11am

Afternoon Nursery— Monday 25th January 2-3pm

Reception – Monday 25th January 2-3pm

All parents welcome!

We look forward to welcoming you!

7) School Dinners

Next week we shall be on week 4 of the school dinner menu rotation. Each day there is a choice of hot food

and vegetables, plus there is a cold alternative including sandwiches and filled wraps. All of which can be

accompanied by a side salad, a dessert and a drink.

The hot choices for the next week at school are:

Monday Pork & Vegetable Pie, Quorn Mince & Vegetable Pie (v), Fish Fingers

Tuesday Lasagne, Vegetarian Lasagne (v), Corned Beef Pie

Wednesday Chicken or Quorn (v) Casserole with Dumplings, Sausage Roll

Thursday Minced Beef or Diced Quorn (v) & Yorkshire Pudding, Pasta King (v)

Friday Tempura Battered Fish Goujons, Margarita Pizza (v)

8) Royal British Legion Appeal

Congratulations to everybody who contributed to the Royal British Legion Appeal at school

last November. This week we received notification that we raised £342.55 for this extremely

worthwhile cause.

9) New Zebra Crossing on Lowfields Avenue

Next week work should begin (weather dependant!) on the construction of a new

zebra crossing across Lowfields Avenue where our current crossing patrol is

sited with Terri Clarke. Terri will temporarily move further along the road while

work is taking place.

10) Whinstone Parent/Guardian E Safety Survey

We would be really grateful if you could complete our e-safety survey which can be accessed from the

homepage of our website until 29th January. You will not need to leave your name, the questionnaire is

anonymous. www.whinstone.org.uk

E-Safety is about the protection of children whilst they are using the internet and digital technologies.

This includes: risk-taking and inappropriate behaviour by children and young people; risks and

inappropriate behaviour by others to children and young people; illegal activity.

Whilst our school strives to empower your children with the knowledge to stay safe, it is important that

you have a good awareness of the risks and dangers yourself.

There are 18 questions that should take you no longer than five minutes to complete. The results of this

survey will give us a better understanding of any risks or knowledge gaps so that we can help you.

Mrs Woodley, Computing co-ordinator

Yours sincerely,

Mike Poppitt

Headteacher

To Parent/Carers of primary and secondary schools in Stockton on Tees Re Chelsea’s Choice – an applied theatre production to raise awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation and other safeguarding issues.

Dear Parent / Carer During the week commencing 8th and 22nd February 2016 Stockton’s Local Safeguarding Children Board (SLSCB) has supported the organisation of Applied Theatre specialists ‘AlterEgo Creative Solutions’ to engage with secondary schools within Stockton with their highly innovative production of ‘Chelsea’s Choice’. The play has now been seen by over 200,000 young people around the UK. It consists of a 40 minute production and a post-show question and answer session which have proven highly effective in raising awareness of:-

Healthy Relationships

Safe Internet Use

Risky Behaviour

The Grooming Process

Child Sexual Exploitation

Where young people can go for help and advice Child Sexual Exploitation is a highly sensitive subject and every care has been taken to ensure that the production is hard-hitting and relevant without being graphic or offensive. The issues are raised and discussed in a manner entirely relevant and suitable for the target age group.

“The Government believes that local initiatives like ‘Chelsea’s Choice’ have a key role to play in preventing grooming and exploitation and in helping keep children safe from this heinous crime.” - Rohini Krishnamurthy, Child Safeguarding Division, Department for Education.

With high profile cases around the country currently making the news on a regular basis, it is the duty of everyone to raise awareness of this subject. Councils, charities, support agencies, schools, parents and carers all need to engage with and acknowledge this issue in order to give young people the tools and knowledge that they need to keep themselves and their friends safe. During the tour we will ensure that the appropriate support is put in place should any of the young people wish to discuss the issues raised. A representative from Barnardo’s will be present at all performances Parents and carers are invited to one of the free performances of Chelsea’s Choice which will take place on the dates and venues below:-

Tuesday 9th February at Northfield School, Time 6-00 pm Wednesday 10th February at Conyers School, Time 6-30pm Thursday 25th February at Northshore Academy, Time 6-00pm Whilst the production will only be seen by target age groups (i.e. 12 years+) in secondary schools and colleges, we have extended our invitation to primary school parents/carers so they have the knowledge and understanding of all the issues to support their children effectively

Should you have any questions about the production please contact your child’s Headteacher or Pauline Beall, SLSCB Business Manager, 01642 527632 or Linda Russell-Bond, VSHT /Senior Adviser, Education Improvement Service. 01642 526385. Yours faithfully

Colin Morris Chair of SLSCB Linda Russell-Bond VSHT/Senior Adviser

Attention Muggles! – Harry Potter Book

Night is back On Thursday 4 February we will once again be visiting the magical world of Wizards, Witches and Muggles as

Harry Potter Book Night returns.

This event gives new and existing fans a chance to share the wonder of J.K. Rowling’s unforgettable stories and

to introduce the next generation of readers to the unparalleled magic of Harry Potter.

The free drop-in event is taking place at Stockton Central Library from 4pm to 7pm, there is guaranteed fun for

all the family!

Activities will include:

Come in fancy dress to be entered into a prize draw

Magician

Test your Harry Potter knowledge with our quiz to be in with a chance of winning prizes

Face Painting

Make your own potions

Crafts

Come and meet owls, snakes, lizards and rats from Kirkleatham Owl Centre

Sweets and treats to buy from Remember Me Tearooms

And much more

Please find attached posters and flyers for the event these will be sent to you in the internal post as well please

could you display them in your venue to promote this free event to the children, young people and families that

you work with.

Please note we are a validated learning provider as part of the Children’s University project so if you school is

taking part in this scheme any activities that the children attend can be added to their passport.

If you would like any further information then please get in touch,

Lucy Carlton-Walker

Children & Young Person’s Librarian

Telephone: 01642 528501

Email: lucy.carlton-walker@stockton.gov.uk