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Dear Parents
Project Planet
Thank you to Year 4 for their uplifting Harvest Performance of Project Planet. From the word go the children were fully engaged and committed to singing their hearts out. They acted beautifully and performed to a very high standard. Their enthusiasm was infectious as they shared the powerful message that we should look after our wildflower meadows and encourage wildlife. Thank you, Miss Knight, and the Year 4 team, it was wonderful.
Harvest Donations
Thank you also for the generous donations that you have provided. Mrs Douglas has made four or five trips delivering the goods which were gratefully received by the ‘Three Pillars’, who feed the homeless and support the local community. Well done everyone.
IMPORTANT - Online Safety Habits
We spoke to Year 6 yesterday about a serious online safety issue that I want to share before half term. It is important to inform all parents as problems are occurring in lower year groups and we want to help you establish good habits in managing online safety at home as soon as the children have access to mobile devices.
The Year 6 classes were spoken to about a WhatsApp group that many of them belonged to called, ‘Get to 1000’. It appears to be linked to other Apps such as Roblox, Tik Tok, Twitch and Snapchat.
It was very concerning to the Year 6 children and has been making several of them feel anxious due to the number of messages they received, and they had not been able to delete themselves from the group. They need support from their parents, and we tried to contact WhatsApp as well for advice. It took one parent two days to take it down as it immediately pings back again. Last year in a similar situation an adult had infiltrated a group posing as a child.
As a school we do not advocate smart phones, but we are aware that some children who walk home need to communicate with their parents. A call only phone is safer. However, parents have choice in the decision unless the government ban smart phones for young children. Phones are handed in to the teachers and are not to be used on site.
Please check your children’s phones twice a week, they must always share their pin with you and if they change it or have deleted messages take their phone as a consequence, until they can prove that they will use it responsibly. We know that this has worked for other parents. Please also be aware that WhatsApp groups can be hidden from you and you may need an open and frank discussion.
Please spend some time talking to the children, age appropriately and ensure you know what the children are doing and that they are safe. It’s never too soon to start talking about online safety.
Sports in School This Week
This week Year 5 & 6 won a football tournament with eight schools without conceding a goal! Amazing. Year 1 & 2 went out for a football tournament and were very skilful and they had a really fun time and scored a lot of goals and Rufus scored a hat trick! Year 5 attended a Multi-Sports Festival enjoying a variety of different sports.
Goodbye Mrs Foster
After working here for many years as a lunchtime supervisor, the time has come for Janet Foster to retire. We thank her so much for all she has given to the children of Bridgewater over the years and wish her a very happy retirement.
Abington Park Gardening Group
A huge congratulations to the children in Years 2 - 6 who took part in the Peace Garden Project in Abington Park. On Wednesday evening, Mrs Bentley went to an awards ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Northampton, where the garden was recognised with an award of 'Outstanding'.
Do visit the Peace Garden during the half term holiday to see the hard work all the children put in!
Inclusion Coffee Morning
The Inclusion Coffee Morning will take place on Monday 4th November between 9am – 9.45am in the STEM room. Miss Valentine will be sharing strategies to support reading including logging into BoomReader and motivating children to read at home.
Reminder
Don’t forget it’s the Diwali Parade tomorrow, in town at 6pm where you can see Year 3 and their fabulous, illuminated lanterns as dusk falls. It’s a wonderful, memorable community event.
Have a great half term week and we look forward to seeing you all back in school on Monday 4th November.
Alison Harvey
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