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Penshurst Primary School

Head of School Weekly Blog

MRS M PRESTON

Welcome

On this page you will find weekly informative blogs. 

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Archive

  • Week 34 - Friday 6 June 2025

    Published 06/06/25

    Welcome back after the half term break. I hope you managed to make some lovely memories with your little ones. Please find below some highlights from our school community, celebrating both academic progress and extra curricular achievements. 

    Progress Evenings 

    This week, we held our final Progress Evenings of the year, providing an opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss learner development and set goals for the remainder of the term. These meetings are vital in ensuring that each child receives the support they need to thrive academically, supported by you at home.  

    If you were unable to attend or would like to discuss your child's progress further, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office to arrange a phone call with your child’s class teacher. 

    Year 6 SEND Meeting at HHS: Supporting Every Learner 

    Our first Year 6 Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) meeting at HHS took place this week. This session focused on tailoring support to meet the diverse needs of our learners, ensuring that all have access to the resources and strategies that will help them succeed. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported. 

    Year 5 Boys' Football Match vs. Wolfreton: A Display of Team Spirit 

    At the time of writing this, the Year 5 boys' football team were still to travel to Wolfreton for an away match. I am certain that the team will demonstrate exceptional teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the game. Lots of luck, boys! 

    Celebrating Creativity: Our School Art Gallery Event 

    This week, our school was transformed into a vibrant art gallery, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of our learners. Each piece displayed was a testament to their hard work and imagination, and the pride they felt in seeing their work exhibited was truly heart-warming. 

    We would like to extend our thanks to all the parents who generously supported this event by attending, purchasing artwork, and encouraging their children's artistic endeavours. Your involvement not only made the event a success but also reinforced the importance of the arts in our children's education. An added bonus is that the money raised by your generosity will be put towards resources for our learners, both inside and outside! 

    A special thank you goes to Miss Davies for her dedication and effort in organising this event. Her passion for fostering creativity and providing leaners with opportunities to shine was evident in every detail of the exhibition.  

    Response to the uniform queries 

    A few people have asked about the new uniform policy that is being implemented, specifically querying the absence of black trousers. This change is due to the increase in the number of black jogging bottoms and leggings that we have been challenged with in recent years. We anticipate that by sticking to grey, it will eliminate the confusion around acceptable styles. Thank you for your understanding.  

    Plea for help 

    As we embark on the implementation of Opal Play at Penshurst, we are receiving kind donations from all angles – thank you so much for this. We have recently been promised a shed for storage but have no way of transporting this. If you are able to offer your support with a vehicle and lifting, we would be eternally grateful. Please contact the school office if you are able to help. Thank you in advance. 

    As always, thank you for your continued support in making our school a vibrant and nurturing place for all students. Should you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out. 

    Mrs Preston

    Head of School

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  • WEEK 28 - Friday 25 April 2025

    Published 25/04/25

    My favourite part of returning to work after a break is being able to see all of our lovely children and chat to them about what they have been up to. As I walked around the classrooms on Tuesday morning to greet them, it was lovely to see the children sharing their experiences with their classes, and this is certainly something that I miss about having my own class. 

    We have managed to fit quite a lot into a short week this week.  

    Miss Loveridge, alongside Mrs Bourne from Hessle High School, held the Year 6 SEND Transition parent meeting, in which they explained the process of our learners with SEND being supported as they move to the secondary phase. We wish them lots of luck as this process begins earlier than for the remainder of the learners.  

    Our Year 5/6 girl Footballers played valiantly against Brandesburton. Alas, we can’t win them all, and they were defeated by an excellent team. However, Mr Vernon and Miss Careless commented on how fabulously the girls played and we wish them lots of luck for the next fixture.  

    Next week, we have some more exciting sporting fixtures. Be sure to check the round-up for details.

    As you may already be aware, the Netflix series Adolescence has been widely discussed over the last few weeks. The show provides a powerful, and at times difficult, look at the digital pressures young people face online and the role parents have to play in their digital wellbeing.  

    Free Parent Resources 

    To help, we’ve created a resource page. It’s packed with practical advice, conversation starters, and useful insights to help parents navigate the various challenges the series brings to light. 

    From setting boundaries around screen time to processing upsetting online content, the resources are designed to give parents the tools and knowledge to take the next steps in supporting their child’s digital wellbeing. The resources can be accessed at https://smoothwall.com/adolescence 

    Have a great weekend and see you next week! 

    Mrs Preston

    Head of School

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  • WEEK 27 - Friday 4 April 2025

    Published 04/04/25

    I hope this message finds you well. We have had an exciting week filled with engaging activities and memorable events! 

    Year 1 Dino Workshop: Our Year 1 learners had a fantastic time at the Dino Workshop. They learned about different types of dinosaurs, and participated in interactive activities such as archaeological digs. The enthusiasm and curiosity of the children were truly wonderful to witness. 

    Year 5 Boys Football Matches: Our Year 5 boys football team had thrilling matches against Skirlaugh and Brough. They showcased their skills and teamwork, securing a well-deserved victory in one match and drawing in the other. The learners demonstrated great sportsmanship and determination in both games. 

    New Nursery Starter Taster Session: We welcomed our new nursery starters with a taster session. It was a delightful experience for the children as they got acquainted with their new environment and made new friends. 

    Nursery Easter Bonnet Parade: On Wednesday, our nursery learners also participated in the Easter Bonnet Parade. The creativity and effort put into their bonnets were truly impressive, making the parade a colourful and joyous event. 

    Reception Easter Bonnet Parade: On Friday, it was the turn of our reception learners to have their Easter Bonnet Parade. The children proudly displayed their beautiful bonnets, and it was wonderful to see their excitement and pride. 

    Pupil of the Term Assembly: We held our Pupil of the Term assembly, celebrating the achievements and hard work of our learners. It was a proud moment for all as we recognised their dedication and accomplishments. 

    Easter Break: We will be closing for Easter today and will re-open on Tuesday, 22 April. We wish you all a restful and enjoyable break.

    Mrs Preston

    Head of School

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  • WEEK 26 - Friday 28 March 2025

    Published 28/03/25

    We hope this message finds you well. It's been an exciting week at school, and we wanted to share some highlights with you: 

    PFA Mother's Day Shop: 

    Our PFA Mother's Day Shop was a great success! The learners enjoyed selecting special gifts for their mothers or guardians, and we hope these tokens of love bring joy to your families. 

    Year 3 & 4 Prime VR Workshop: 

    Learners in Year 3 and 4 had an immersive experience with the Prime VR Workshop. They explored new worlds and learned about various subjects through virtual reality. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to engage with technology in a fun and educational way and from conversations I have had, both learners and teachers alike had the most wonderful time! Well done and thank you to the teachers for arranging this exciting event.  

    Rocksteady Concert: 

    The Rocksteady Concert was a huge hit! Our young musicians showcased their talents and hard work, performing a variety of songs. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and the support from the audience. 

    Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.  

    In other news: We have received a few queries regarding the recent messages about PE kits, and we would like to clarify our policy. 

    PE Kit Reminder: 

    Our uniform policy states that during the colder months, learners should wear a dark tracksuit or black shorts along with a PE T-shirt in their house colours. These items should be plain, without any logos, except for the school badge. Additionally, earrings should be removed, and long hair should be tied back. 

    Please ensure that your child is wearing the correct PE kit as per the policy. This helps maintain uniformity and ensures the safety and comfort of all learners during physical activities. 

    Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. 

    Have a wonderful weekend and we look forward to seeing you next week for the final week of the Spring term.  

    Mrs Preston

    Head of School

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  • WEEK 25 - Friday 21 March 2025

    Published 21/03/25

    We hope you've had a wonderful week. Here's a roundup of the exciting events that took place at our school this week: 

    Year 5/6 Girls Football vs Springhead @ Home 

    Our Year 5/6 girls football team had an exhilarating match against Springhead at home. The girls showcased incredible teamwork and sportsmanship, making us all proud. It was a close game, and the enthusiasm from both teams was truly inspiring. Once again, we can report a victory! Well done, girls! 

    Year 5 Planetarium Workshop 

    Year 5 learners had an out-of-this-world experience with the Planetarium workshop held in school. The children were fascinated by the wonders of space, learning about stars, planets, and galaxies. It was a fantastic educational experience that sparked curiosity and excitement about the universe. 

    Class Photographs 

    This week, we captured beautiful faces with class photographs. We will be in touch when the photographs are ready for viewing. 

    Red Nose Day (Wear Red) 

    On Red Nose Day, the school was a sea of red as learners and staff donned their brightest red attire to support a great cause.  Thank you to everyone who participated and made the day special. 

    Science 

    This year, British Science Week was filled with hands-on experiments and fun learning opportunities! Learners across the school engaged in a variety of activities, from online workshops and live lessons, to creating their very own balloon rockets, making ice cream, and even their own butter! It was a wonderful way for the learners to explore the wonders of science in an interactive and enjoyable way.  

    A highlight of the week was the incredible creativity displayed in our poster competition. We had so many fantastic entries showcasing the students' passion for science. It was tough to choose winners, but every child should be proud of their efforts! You can find some pictures over on X.  

    Thank you to all the learners for their enthusiasm and curiosity. We look forward to many more science-filled adventures! 

    Mrs Holmes 

    Important Notice: Gate Closure at 3:25 PM 

    Unfortunately, due to a handful of incidents involving unsupervised (and occasionally supervised) learners at home time, we will now be closing the school gates at 3:25 PM. They will then be reopened in time for you to collect your child(ren) from clubs if they attend. This measure is to ensure the safety and well-being of all learners. We kindly ask for your cooperation in picking up your children promptly. 

    Thank you for your continued support. Have a great weekend! 

    Mrs Preston

    Head of School

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  • WEEK 24 - Friday 14 March 2025

    Published 14/03/25

    What a colourful week this week! 

    This week, our community came together to celebrate Holi, the vibrant and joyous Festival of Colour. Holi is a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring and celebrates love, passion, and the triumph of good over evil. It's a time when people of all ages gather to throw colourful powders, dance, and enjoy festive foods. 

    Holi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, with stories that highlight the victory of faith and love. One of the most famous tales is that of Prahlad and Holika, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Another story celebrates the divine love between Radha and Krishna. These narratives remind us of the importance of love, compassion, and community. 

    This year's Holi celebration was a spectacular event filled with laughter and a rainbow of colours. The sight of everyone covered in vibrant hues was truly a feast for the eyes. One Year 2 learner turned to his teacher and exclaimed ‘That was so much fun, wasn’t it?’ Moments like that are what it is all about! 

    In other news: 

    Health Alert: We want to make you aware that chickenpox is still circulating in the school and the community. Please remain vigilant and monitor your child for any symptoms. If your child shows signs of chickenpox, we advise keeping them at home and consulting with your healthcare provider. Let's work together to keep our community healthy and safe. 

    Have a super weekend and we shall look forward to greeting you all on Monday! 

    Mrs Preston

    Head of School

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  • WEEK 23 - Friday 7 February 2025

    Published 07/03/25

    What an exciting week filled with various activities and events that we are thrilled to share with you! 

    Year 6 Boys Football Match: Our Year 6 boys played a fantastic match against Anlaby Primary Tuesday after school, securing a 6-0 victory. Congratulations to the team for their outstanding performance, and thank you to those parents who came to support our players! 

    Year 5 Robotics Workshop: The Year 5 learners participated in a Robotics Workshop, which saw lots of engagement and enthusiasm. It was wonderful to see them so involved and excited about technology and science.  

    Year 5/6 Film Night: Our Film Night featuring "Shrek" was well attended as always and enjoyed by all. Respectfully, please ensure the letters are read carefully as this stated that learners would not be allowed to walk home alone. However, we did receive a number of enquiries at the end of the film. It is to safeguard your children and our learners that we ask that they are collected at this time. Thank you for your cooperation. 

    World Book Day: We celebrated World Book Day with a "Dress as a Word" theme. The creativity and effort put into the costumes were truly impressive and I thoroughly enjoyed popping my head into classrooms to see the breadth of words on display. The children love to challenge the adults to guess the correct word! 

    Eco Furniture Delivery: Mrs Smith and I are pleased to announce that the eco-friendly furniture, made from collected bottle top tokens, has been delivered. This initiative has been a great success, and we appreciate everyone's contributions. 

    Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. 

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  • WEEK 22 - Friday 28 February 2025

    Published 28/02/25

    Dear Parents/Carers

    Yet another busy week has passed here at Penshurst.  

    On Thursday, a selection of our learners had a wonderful time at the TCAT Learner Conference, where the theme of "Aspiration" drove the day. It was truly inspiring to see our students engage with the various activities and discussions and collaborate with peers that they would not meet in their host school. Their behaviour was exemplary, and they were a credit to the school! 

    Also this week, Mr Vernon hosted the first football match of the year against Kirkella St Andrews. Although we were defeated, an incredible time was had by all. Well done, Year 6! 

    We are excited that next week, Imam Abid Salik from Hull Mosque will be visiting Penshurst to do afternoon workshops and an assembly about Ramadan and Eid.  

    Please find below a note from our Year 3 teachers: 

    As part of our Stone Age day on 26 March, in addition to the virtual reality visitor, the learners are going to be doing some designing and creating of their own Stone Age village. To support this, we are asking for any donations to support the year group with this activity such as: 

    • Straw/sawdust 
    • Matchsticks/Lollypop sticks 
    • Shoe boxes 
    • Playdough  
    • Foil 
    • Battery powered tea lights 
    • Plastic cattle/pigs/goats (to be returned) 

    Please see the pictures below for ideas. 

      

    If items can be brought in on, or before, Wednesday 26 March, it would be greatly appreciated. 

    Once again, thank you for your support. 

    Miss Coates and Miss Daniels. 

    A few polite reminders for you this week: 

    1. Blue Badge Holders: Please be mindful of where you park and be respectful of Blue Badge holders parking nearer the school.  
    2. Curriculum Overview: The curriculum overview is available on our website. We encourage you to review it to stay informed about what your child will be learning this term. 
    3. No Dogs on Site: A gentle reminder that dogs are not allowed on school premises. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all our students. This is with the exception of registered therapy dogs.  
    4. Edurio Survey: Please take a moment to complete the Edurio survey. Your feedback is invaluable to us and helps us improve our school community. 

    Thank you for your cooperation and support, and I hope you have a super weekend.  

    Mrs Preston

    Head of School

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  • WEEK 21 - Friday 14 February 2025

    Published 14/02/25

    We’ve had a busy final week at Penshurst this week. 

    On Wednesday, a selection of our learners had an incredible opportunity to connect with nature through the "Rewilding Youth" program, hosted by the Humber Forest Visitors. The learners played a key role in shaping our forest area through tree-planting, and I thoroughly enjoyed the moment when one of them proudly took me on a tour of the newly planted area. It is wonderful to see these learners having deeper appreciation for the environment.  

    Later in the day, the PFA Friendship Disco brought joy and laughter to our school community. The event was a fantastic success, with the highlight of the night possibly being the year 6 boys serenading the Year 6 girls and vice versa in a sing’off! I’m not sure there was a winning team, but it was entertaining, nonetheless. A big thank you to the PFA and all the volunteers who made this event possible! 🎉💃 

    Reports 

    Please look out for learner reports which will be distributed by the end of today. These reports provide valuable insights into your child's progress and areas for improvement. We encourage you to review them carefully and reach out to your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns. 

    Parking Reminder 

    We kindly ask all parents to be mindful of parking on Winthorpe Road and Penshurst Avenue. This week, we had a report from a resident of a car rolling backwards into their own Needless to say, this could have been a child and so we politely remind you to ensure your vehicle is securely parked and consider using alternative parking areas if necessary. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. 

    Health Alert: Chickenpox and Scarlet Fever

    Lastly, we want to make you aware that chickenpox is still circulating in the early years and the community. We have also been notified of 2 cases of scarlet fever in our Nursery. Please remain vigilant and monitor your child for any symptoms. If your child shows signs of chickenpox or scarlet fever, we advise keeping them at home and consulting with your healthcare provider. Let's work together to keep our community healthy and safe.

    Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Have a wonderful half-term break and I look forward to seeing you upon our return. 

    Mrs Preston

    Head of School

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  • WEEK 20 - Friday 7 February 2025

    Published 07/02/25

    This week, parents/carers of learners who access the DEN were invited to share their child’s learning experiences and a wonderful time was had. The learners thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Mrs Cox and their parents/carers, and we would like to thank you wholeheartedly for supporting with this.  

    Also this week, we held our NSPCC Number day on Friday, in which all of our learners were invited to dress with the theme of Number, whilst taking part in a wide range of number-related activities. It was great to see how creative the learners had been with their imaginative outfits!  We are pleased to confirm that along with the PFA you have raised an amazing £172.70, well done! Thank you for your support with this.

    Speaking of NSPCC – here is an important message from them: 

    How Safe is WhatsApp for Children - NSPCC 

    WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging apps, used by over 2 billion people in 180 countries. It allows you to send and receive messages, as well as make voice and video calls. You can connect with people individually or join group chats where lots of people can contribute. All you need to set up a WhatsApp account is a phone number. However, children and young people can easily subvert the restrictions placed on its access. Although rated at 16+, all that is required is a phone number. All it takes is one child in a class to be on WhatsApp, and all the others will wish to join. This can lead to increased vulnerabilities for child users. The NSPCC has released its own analysis about the dangers of the app. If interested, please follow the link below:  

    https://bit.ly/4hIIGL8  

    I look forward to seeing you next week for the final week of this half term. Once again, thank you for all of your support. 

    Mrs Preston

    Head of School

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  • WEEK 19 - Friday 31 January 2025

    Published 31/01/25

    We’ve had an exciting and productive week at school this week, and I wanted to share some highlights with you: 

    • Nursery learners have been engaging in bird watching, sparking their curiosity about nature. 
    • Reception classes have been thoroughly enjoying their music lessons, especially playing the glockenspiels with Charanga music! Learners have also been captivated by the story of "Shu Lin’s Grandpa," enhancing their literacy and comprehension skills. 
    • Year 1 learners have been learning about money management by spending "penguin pounds" in various activities. 
    • Year 2 has been delving into the life and works of William Morris, exploring his contributions to art and design. 
    • Year 3 learners have been exploring coding and programming through Scratch, developing their problem-solving abilities. 
    • Year 4 have been busy with their weaving projects, showcasing their creativity and fine motor skills. 

    We look forward to more exciting learning adventures next week! 

    Speaking of next week... 

    Next week, NSPCC Number Day will be held on the 7th February. On this day, learners will be participating in a range of number-related activities. They are also invited to dress up imaginatively, incorporating the theme of Number. I look forward to seeing what they come up with! 

    Also next week, as part of our plan to increase learners’ exposure to a wide range of careers, a visitor from Reckitts will be giving an assembly on Wednesday. We will also be sending out our comms to parents, looking for volunteers from all sectors to support the school. We look forward to your responses.  

    Polite reminders: 

    • We would like to remind parents that the show "Squid Game" is rated 15+ and is not suitable for children. Please ensure that your children do not have access to this content as we have had instances of learners discussing, and acting out, Squid Games. Thank you for your cooperation.  
    • As you are aware, we are a no-smoking and no-vaping school. Whilst not found on the school site, a pipe containing what smelled like cannabis was found just outside the Penshurst Avenue gates on Thursday evening. We must remind parents that this is a serious safeguarding concern for our learners and that should we find such items again, we will need to call the police.  
    • We have been notified that a number of parents have been emailing the SEND email address, and these have not been coming through. Please find the email address here: ppssend@hessleacademy.com 

    I hope you have an enjoyable weekend. As always, I look forward to seeing you on Monday.

    Mrs Preston

    Head of School

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  • WEEK 18 - Friday 24 January 2025

    Published 24/01/25

    I hope you are all well on this blustery and wet Friday! 

    This week, the NSPCC's "Speak out Stay safe" programme was conducted for our Year 2 and Year 5 learners, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and skills to stay safe from abuse and neglect. The workshops included engaging activities and virtual assemblies tailored for different ages, helping children understand the importance of speaking out and knowing where to seek help if needed 

    Also this week, the learners had a fantastic time watching Paddington, a delightful film that brought lots of laughter and joy. It was heartwarming to see them so engaged and enjoying the adventures of Paddington Bear. The event provided a great opportunity for learners to relax and bond with their classmates in a fun and safe environment. Our Governors meeting was held on the same night, and I was so incredibly proud of how the learners walked silently past the room in which the meeting was taking place. Honestly, you would not have known they were there if you couldn’t see their grinning faces! 

    We understand at Penshurst that each and every learner is unique with their own ambitions and dreams, and to support this, we are working on a plan to improve how we inform learners about the vast array of careers out there. We would love to get parents involved in this and so please keep a watch out for further communications from Miss Davies, who will be contacting you to ask for volunteers! 

    For now, have a restful weekend and I look forward to seeing you next week.  

    Mrs Preston

    Head of School

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