WELCOME TO YEAR ONE

I hope that you have all enjoyed your summer holiday and everyone has been excited about coming back to school. I am sure that each and everyone in the class will make a great deal of progress this year but it would be great if we could work together. A copy of the Year 1 Long Term Curriculum Plan is included with this letter. You can support your child at school by the following:

· Arriving in school at the correct time;

· Reading with your child every day, or at least as much as you can, and making note in the Home/School diary.

· Talking about learning, supporting their efforts and acknowledging their achievments.

· Label everything that belongs to your child with their name (A permanent marker pen works just as well as anything else).

Equipment

Children’s PE kit should be in school at all times and PE will be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. PE kit consists of a plain white shirt, dark shorts and plimsolls or trainers. It would be really helpful if they could learn to tie their own laces or to choose Velcro fastenings for trainers. May I remind you that for your child’s safety and to conform to Suffolk county guidelines, earrings should not be worn on these days. Could you please also provide an old shirt for artwork, if you haven’t already done so, and ensure that Book Bags come to school every day.

Homework and achievements

In due course, in order to reinforce skills and understanding, weekly tasks will be set to do at home. Types of homework might include: language activities; learning key words on sight; spelling; and maths games / maths activities. On completion of homework and returning it to school, all children will receive a star for their star chart. Certificates will be awarded for 25, 50 and 100 stars throughout the year and stars are also awarded for behaviour, attitudes and achievements.

Concerns

If you have any concerns about any aspect of school do not hesitate to come and see me. The end of the day is probably a better time, as the mornings tend to be rather busy and hectic.

Finally, I would just like to add that I am looking forward to working with your child and to seeing them develop and flourish throughout the year.

Sarah McIlveen