MrsWild's blog
Manor Press 23 June 2008
Thought for the Week:
“We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes.”
John F. Kennedy
Head’slines
Visit to Spain
Our visit to Spain was every bit as good as we expected, if not better! “Amazing” is a word we heard a lot of, not just from our own youngsters but also from people we met along the way as they complimented our children on their behaviour and manners. We were bursting with pride for most of the time.
One of the girls described the visit as “a burst of knowledge and excitement”. Other comments from the children included:
A great pleasure. It was wonderful to see Spain as it really is.
An amazing experience. We experienced a great variety of activities. It was a time for friendship.
It was different from a normal holiday.
It has been a privilege and it was great to experience it with my friends.
It went too quickly.
I have enjoyed the variety of activities.
It has been like a great adventure.
I’ve enjoyed being with friends.
I loved the views and the wildlife.
If you want to see the real version of Spain, the culture and way of life go to the North not the South.
I loved the beach.
I enjoyed all the trips. They were different and amazing.
It’s been the most interesting week of my life.
Read more about our fabulous trip in FMfm...
Reports
Annual reports will be issued on Monday, 23rd. The accompanying letter will inform you of next year’s class teachers and will inform current Year 1 and 2 parents which class their child will be in from September. It will also include guidance on how to interpret the grades and levels given to your child(ren).
Infant Sports Day
The Infant Sports Day will take place on Monday, 23rd June, weather permitting. If the weather is unsuitable, then we shall try for Thursday and Firwood’s Got Talent will take place on the Monday.
Firwood’s Got Talent
Our talent show has been rescheduled for Thursday, 26th June. (See note above about Sports Day.)
Firwood’s European Football Championships
At the time of going to press, Mr. Lengden was busy preparing for this hard fought contest. Teams from Holland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, France and Croatia will compete for the much coveted title of European Champions.
Induction Day, Art Exhibition and Open Evening
Tuesday, 24th June is our Induction Day, Art Exhibition and Open Evening. In the afternoon we shall welcome the children who will be joining us in September and all the current pupils will move on to their next classroom and teacher. Our annual Art Exhibition will open at 3.30pm. This gives you the opportunity to view all the children’s wonderful artwork. You will be able to buy the framed piece completed by your own child, choose the frame to match your décor at home and order more copies for family and friends. Refreshments will be available. There will also be a Book Fair, courtesy of Mrs. Walmsley, and a New to You stall, courtesy of Mrs. Lockett.
At this time you will also have the opportunity to look round the school and chat to the staff.
Sun Awareness
We have designated next week as Sun Awareness Week – let’s hope we have some sun to be aware of. The children will learn about how to be safe in the sun and will have their own sun awareness passports.
Year 5 Parents’ Evening
Would Year 5 parents please remember to sign the list in the entrance hall?
Africa
We are fortunate enough to have secured a visit from the Hohodza Band, one of the best African traditional bands in England. Hohodza is a spectacular all African group from Zimbabwe, now based in Greater Manchester. The group includes traditional dancers, singers and musicians and carries out workshops for schools, teaching drumming, singing, dance, mbira and marimba playing.
The visit will take place on Wednesday, 25th June. The group will give a whole school demonstration and then work with each class to give the children a taste of what it is like to sing a traditional song or play an unfamiliar instrument.
Manor Press 16 May 2008
Reminders:
- Meetings for Residential Visit to Spain – Thursday, 22nd May @ 4pm or 7pm
- Year 5 Visit to Rishworth
Head'slines
We are pleased to inform you that parents are now able to log into the website. This will give you access to information not available to the general public, such as a more detailed Manor Press, more photographs and images and more detailed diary dates. Each class will also have its own “Home Page” which will give access to class specific information.
Today, your child should have brought home information regarding user name and password. The password will change each month and will be posted in the entrance hall. Your child should also have brought an amended policy on our use of photographs within School along with a new consent form.
Since we are eager to release our bank of photographs on the secure part of the website and add more to the public section, I would be grateful if you would kindly return the form on Monday. Should you happen to lose the form, you may download one from the website!!
May I remind you that we break up for half term next Friday at 3.30 / 4.00pm. Netball Club will still take place on that evening.
Thought for the Week
"Before speaking, consider the interpretation of your words as well as their intent.” - Andrew Alden
Holiday Club
Information regarding the May Half Term Holiday Club may be downloaded from the secure part of the website.
Manor Press 6th & 13th June 2008
Thoughts for the Week:
“The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does anything.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Head’slines
Well, we are really approaching the final hurdle, far too fast for my liking, and we have so much to pack into the next few weeks. Speaking of packing….. seventeen very excited children (and their mums) are currently busy packing suitcases in preparation for our five day visit to Spain on Monday. They will be accompanied by myself, Mr. Lengden and Mr. Woodward. The visit to Spain is the best residential visit I have ever been on and is made up of a wonderful mix of historical, cultural and geographical experiences for the children. Throw in the experience of being away from home and of living together in a small community and one has the makings of a perfect “trip”. We shall be staying in Santander and shall visit the Gugenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Carbarceno Wildlife Park, the Altamira Caves and Gaudi’s Caprichio in Comillas. We shall even have time to go to the beach and the swimming pool and enjoy some games of rounders and cricket! We’ll send you a postcard.
Please note that there will be no newsletter next week.
Firwood’s Got Talent
We shall be holding our very own talent show on Monday, 23rd June. All children who wish to show off any talents at all may strut their stuff. Sorry parents, this is just for the children.
The Leavers’ Ball for the Class of 2008
Our annual Leavers’ Ball has become the event of the year and this year promises to be just as exciting, and yes, Andy’s back!
Manor Press 23 May 2008
Head'slines
We have come to the end of a long and very busy half term. The children have worked extremely hard and we are thrilled with the progress they have made. Once again, looking back, we have accomplished so much. Our Year 3s have experienced their first visit away from home whilst our Y5s and 6s are preparing for our forthcoming visit to Spain, which will be the sixth residential visit for some of our Year 6 pupils.
Mr. Lengden has taken all the Junior children to the Lowry to experience Art workshops. We are looking forward to our annual Art Exhibition when some of the work completed in these workshops will be on display.
One of the highlights of the term for me is the launch of our new website which is a wonderful showcase for our vibrant school and fantastic pupils and staff. Once again I would like to thank Mr. Goldstone for his enthusiasm and constant support and flow of ideas. Thank you to those of you who have made suggestions for further development.
Another initiative which has come to fruition this term is the purchase of our picnic tables complete with parasols which have been sited at the back of school overlooking the field. During recent warmer days we have been able to eat our lunch outside and I foresee that parents will be arriving very early on Sports Day to get a ringside seat. These tables have been purchased with the money raised through “New to You”. I would like to thank Mr. Stafford (All in One Garden Centre) for his help in choosing and siting the tables and for enabling us to buy them at a discounted rate.
All that remains is to wish you a very restful half term week.
Thought for the week
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain
Value and Habit of Mind for next half term
Our Value for next half term is Responsibility.
Our Habit of Mind is Taking Responsible Risks.
Being adventuresome.
Living on the edge of one's competence.
Venture Out!
Thinking Skills will focus on Thinking Outside the Box.
Junior Greater Manchester Run
A Year 5 pupil took part in the Junior Greater Manchester Run last weekend. Read about it in FMfm.
Year 5 Visit to Rishworth
On Tuesday, our Year 5 children were invited to a Science and Maths Day at Rishworth School. This gave the children an insight into what awaits them at secondary school.
Manor Press 9 May 2008
Reminders:
- Class Photographs on Thursday 15th May
- Diary Dates now available to download
Head'slines
A very excited group of children, Mr. Lengden, Mrs. Batters and I set off last Friday for a residential visit to a centre in the middle of the Lancashire countryside.
When we arrived we had a quick look round, got changed and started our first activities. After a much needed dinner, the children took part in the night line activity which gives the staff the chance to tickle the blindfolded children with leaves etc, pretending that they are spiders and bugs. I drew the short straw and had to make the beds! Luis said that for a headteacher I had made a very good job of it. After a shower, we had supper and Mr. Lengden told us some ghost stories. His ghost stories are now legendary although Alice said they weren’t as scary as usual because of the Year 3s. We awoke (were awakened) on Saturday, too early, but, nevertheless, to a beautiful day. By 9 o’clock, we had had a filling breakfast and had started our activities. Over the course of the weekend the children took part in a number of activities which challenged their courage and determination. They included pond dipping (Alice was thrilled when she found “Daphne”!), archery, fencing, orienteering, zip wire and lots of other high rope activities. Our Year 4 children gained the highest ever score in an activity which required them to work as a team. I was very impressed with the empathy they demonstrated towards one another, their willingness to listen to everyone’s point of view and the sensitive way in which they spoke to one another. A really good example of this half term’s value – Co-operation.
It is always a privilege to take our children away and, once again, we were very proud of the way they conducted themselves.
A big thank you goes to Mr. Lengden and Mrs. Batters for giving up valuable weekend time to accompany the children.
Thought for the Week
“To talk well and eloquently is a very great art, but an equally great one is to know the right moment to stop.” - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Holiday Club
Information regarding the May Half Term Holiday Club is available from the office.
Manor Press 2 May 2008
Reminders:
- All children should wear full Summer uniform and have a school sunhat from Tuesday, 6th May
- Netball Club starts next Friday for all children in Years 3,4 and 5
Head’slines
Over the course of the last three weeks I have been highlighting the core values which are important to us at Firwood Manor. Our fourth and final value is Universal Values – accepting that we are all different and recognising that we are all the same. Our Values programme helps youngsters develop values, principles and ethics that are respected, admired and accepted in all cultures around the world. Pupils are taught healthy social attitudes and a spirit of humanity, providing the ethical foundations and social skills to guide them through life. A variety of activities and experiences based on the understanding of universal values help pupils to make positive contributions to others, their school and the community.
As a result, Firwood Manor is “A Place where Everyone Matters”.
By the time you read this newsletter, a group of children, two staff and I will be enjoying outdoor activities in the heart of the Lancashire countryside. Let’s hope the weather will be kind to us! We’ll tell you all about it next week.
We wish you all an enjoyable Bank Holiday Weekend.
Thought for the Week:
“If you just communicate you can get by. But if you skilfully communicate, you can work miracles.” - Jim Rohn
New To You
An up to date New to You uniform list may be obtained from the office. Our new picnic tables at the back of school have been purchased with money raised through this scheme. A huge “Thank you” goes to Mrs. Lockett who organises this for us.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming Lessons will be back to normal from Tuesday, 6th May. Thank you for your patience whilst we were selecting our swimming team.
Holiday Club
Information regarding the May Half Term Holiday Club has been given to all of the children today.
Manor Press 25 April 2008
Reminders:
- Visit to the Lowry for Years 4 & 6
- All children should wear full Summer uniform from Tuesday, 6th May
- Reception children may come to school in their PE kit on Thursday mornings and should bring their uniform to change into after the PE lesson.
Head'slines
Thank you to all the parents who have attended the Parents’ Forums during the course of the last three weeks.
During the meetings I drew attention to our new website. The weekly newsletter will go onto the website each Friday and may be downloaded from there. From next week, the paper version of the Manor Press will disappear. If you would still like to receive a hard copy, please let the office know. However, please remember that Friday is Communication Day and that your child may come home with other correspondence from school.
Head’slines in the last two editions have included some thoughts on our core values – World Citizenship and Forward Thinking. Today I have included a few words about our third value, Leadership. Another of our new advertising phrases is “Firwood Manor – Your Child’s Route to Success”. From Year 4, our youngsters learn about the qualities which are essential for success, and, throughout the school, our education programmes encourage our youngsters to explore and question, to seek solutions, make informed decisions and solve problems, to demonstrate tenacity and to express themselves confidently. We aim to develop each pupil’s own potential for leadership, either as a motivator of others or themselves, discovering and aspiring to one’s own special area of excellence.
Consequently, at Firwood Manor we are SMART and SAVVY!!
Thought for the Week:
“Be careful of your thoughts, they become your words at any moment.” - Ira Gassen
Swimming
Having selected our swimming team for the Gems Gala next Thursday, we need one more week to practise. Consequently, swimming is cancelled for Reception, Miss Monaghan’s class and Year 2 children in Mrs. Batters’s class on Tuesday, 29th. If your child is in Year 3,4,5 or 6 and has not received a letter about the gala, he or she should bring PE kit on Tuesday not swimming kit.
Sun Safety
Attached to this entry, is our policy for Safety in the Sun. Sunhats may be purchased form the office priced £5. Please note that all children must have a school sunhat from Tuesday, 6th May.
Vacancies
For entry to the school in September 2008, we have vacancies in Years 1, 4, 5 and 6 only.
“Come fly with us. The view is great, our flock is fabulous, the journey is uplifting and the destination is out of this world.”
Manor Press 18 April 2008
Head'slines
Reminders:
- Parents’ Forum for Foundation Stage on Tuesday @ 7pm
The forum will give you the opportunity to find out more about our vision for our school and our Strategic Plan. It will also give you, our parents, the opportunity to ask questions and make comments about your child’s life at Firwood Manor.
“Celebrating Tomorrow by Creating Today” is one of our new advertising phrases and appears on the new signs outside school. One of the aspects which sets our school apart from other schools is the fact that we always have an eye on the skills our children are going to need to be successful in our fast changing world and organise our curriculum accordingly. Our education programmes help our youngsters become flexible thinkers who are able to question existing thinking and adapt and creatively meet the demands of the future. They are provided with opportunities to develop their Information and Communication Technology skills and expand their horizons through enquiry, exploration and decision-making in order to excel in the present and shape the future.
The development of these skills pervades most of our lesson planning. Consequently, our children can:
- THINK
- FEEL
- DECIDE
- and, where necessary, CHANGE
Thought for the Week:
“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” - Rudyard Kipling
Squaddie Stars
Three more children have been awarded the Bronze Star by Miss Wright for being super squaddies on the playground.
Year 3 Road Safety Walk
All of the Year 3 children will experience a “Hazard Awareness” exercise next Monday afternoon. This has been organised by the Oldham Road Safety Unit. It will involve going off site but the consent forms you signed at the beginning of the year will cover this visit. The children will be accompanied by Mrs. Lord from the Road Safety Unit, Mrs. Batters and Mrs. Patterson.
Manor Press 11 April 2008
Head'slines
Reminders:
- Tuesday 15 April is Fairtrade Tuck Day
- Parent's Forum for Years 3 and 4
- Meeting for the residential visit
The children returned to us on Monday looking very refreshed and have settled back into the routines very easily and calmly. The term ahead looks to be as exciting as ever.
The football team is playing in the Chadderton Schools Summer League and we look forward to some excellent games and results. The cross country team, which has been practising since September, will run in the competition at Bridgewater next Saturday where the Year 5s are hoping to retain the title, they won last year as Year 4s.
The staff have planned some wonderful “Our World” topics. Year 6 will be studying China and are already enthralled by recent events in China, including the preparation for the Olympic Games. Year 5’s topic is Africa. Miss Byram is also planning a visit to the museum in Liverpool. Year 4 will be travelling the world on the voyages of exploration during which they will look at the main features of each of the continents. Mr. Woodward and Mrs. Batters’s classes will be looking at Egypt, both ancient and modern. Miss Monaghan’s class will, I am sure, become enchanted by India, ably assisted by Mrs. Mistry, who will be bringing in her saris and will also be sharing her culinary expertise with the class. The children will also visit the Hindu temple in Oldham. This will provide them with the opportunity to compare the temple with the church they visited last term.
The topic in the Foundation Stage is the Teddy Bears’ Picnic and the children have had a great time this week in the Garden Centre. The Nursery and Reception children are also enjoying our new outdoor play equipment. Thank you to Mrs. Greenwood and her team for organising such a stimulating outdoor area for the children.
If any parents have anything to add to these topics in the way of information, artefacts or contacts, please let us know.
The “Our World” topics are so important to our value of World Citizenship. Our children learn about the world and the people in it from an early age, developing an awareness of different cultures and countries. By exploring the world they become socially, culturally, economically and environmentally aware, and will adopt a global perspective to better understand how they can make a difference in the global community.
Thought for the Week
“True eloquence consists of saying all that should be said, and that only.” - Francois de la Rochefoucald
Cross Country
Please note that the Bridgewater competition has now been rearranged for 19th April. All the arrangements are as before. Please meet at Bridgewater at 8.55am. There will be another practice next week and then Cross Country on Fridays will cease until the Autumn Term.
Supermarket Vouchers
Thank you for helping us to collect supermarket vouchers. Recently, we have “purchased” software, musical instruments, baking equipment, bikes, a scooter and sports equipment with these vouchers. They are really useful in helping us to supplement our resources and we are grateful to you for bringing them in.
Tesco allow schools to bank vouchers for the following year so that larger items may be obtained. Last year we did bank a substantial number of computer vouchers so that we may be able to have some more expensive equipment this year.
Welcome!
Welcome to the new Firwood Manor Website - we hope you enjoy it. We're working hard to bring you more content on a regular basis. Parents and pupils will soon be able to log in to access more detailed information. If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact the webmaster.
Manor Press 14 March 2008
1. Head’slines
2. Thought for the Week: “All thinking begins with wondering.” - Socrates
3. Holiday Club
4. Next term’s Value and Habit of Mind
5. Business Meeting
6. Parents’ Forums
7. Parking
8. Diary Dates
9. Menu
Manor Press 7 March 2008
1. Head'slines
2. Thought for the week: "Joy in looking and comprehending is nature's most beautiful gift." - Albert Einstein.
3. Holiday Club
4. Business Meeting
5. Strinesdale
6. unicef
7. Unwanted Visitors
8. Reminders
9. Diary Dates
10. Menu
