We have to provide information to the Department for Education (DfE), which dictates how much funding the school receives. As you know, the more funding we receive, the better provision we can provide for your children.

One of the key funding categories is how many children take up Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) on census day. All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free meal (hot dinner or sandwich) every day. Some parents choose not to take this offer and supply their children with a packed lunch.  We always try to ensure that on census day one of the more popular meal choices is available. On this day, we have a themed dinner day the ‘American Diner’ and as a result our menu has changed to hot dogs, burgers (vegetarian option available), fries and donuts, but remember there is also the school sandwich option you can order which is also very popular for many children.

We would like your help to try and encourage your child to take up the UFSM offer and if at all possible, test it out next Thursday.

First and foremost, welcome back! I must say, for the first time in a long while, life felt somewhat normal during the summer holidays, and it was lovely being able to meet up with friends and family. I was lucky enough to spend some time on the beach in Wales, and probably enjoyed a few too many ice-creams in the process! It has been wonderful coming back into school and hearing about all the fun and exciting things the children have been up to over the holidays; it sounds like you have made the most of the summer break.

Secondly, I need to tell you how incredible impressed I am with how brilliantly the children have been upon returning to school. Honestly, they have come back to school with such a fantastic attitude and so well behaved; it is wonderful to see that they have such high expectations for themselves, and a determination to be the best they can be. As parents, you really should be proud.

As you are aware, this year we have decided to name our classes after peaks and mountains starting at Roseberry, a distinctive hill in North Yorkshire, and ending at Snowdon and Ben Nevis, the two tallest peaks in the UK. The idea behind this was to symbolise to children how they achieve greater feats as they grow through the school, and that although the challenges become harder, the rewards become so much richer. We want children to believe in their own abilities; every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing, and the best view comes after the hardest climb.

This year we have been fortunate enough to employ an additional teacher for each year group, allowing us to take children into smaller groups for more focused teaching. Children have been so warm and welcoming to our new staff members, and have taken to this new way of learning brilliantly.

Something else that is new for this academic year is our Jobs Board. At Bloxwich Academy Primary, we want to offer children the opportunity to not only develop educationally, but also socially. We want to instil a sense of responsibility and purpose, helping our older children to become well rounded citizens as they grow in maturity. The Jobs Board contains roles within the school community that they can apply for such as lunchtime monitor, librarian or playground buddy. The response from children has been unprecedented, and it is great to see such enthusiasm.

Most of you will have now received letters advising of the extra-curricular clubs and activities we have planned for this term for our different year groups. Places are limited therefore we ask that you return consent slips as soon as possible. We also have an array of Good to be Green events taking place over the coming weeks; please make sure you have returned your child’s consent slip so that they can take part.

During this first week back, children have been participating in a range of memorable experiences linked to the topics they will be learning about this term. Teachers have really enjoyed creating these activities for your children, and have taken plenty of pictures which can be found further along in the newsletter. I hope you enjoy reading about their experiences as much as the children enjoyed taking part.

Thank you for your continued support and your hard work over the holidays, ensuring the children returned with such positive enthusiasm. Take care and enjoy your weekend!

Ms. S. Shepherd

We have had a magnificent year in Science. The whole academy was involved in planting daffodil bulbs around the school grounds, and it was wonderful seeing them grow and bloom.

We held an engaging whole school topic around endangered animals, and this allowed the children to talk about current events and issues sounding real life problems in society. All the children found out about the reason why animals are endangered and how these events impact on the environment.  

If you have a love for science, why not have a look at these websites to find out some fun summer science activities.  

https://funlearningforkids.com/summer-science-experiments-stem-activities/

https://go.walsall.gov.uk/Portals/0/Uploads/Summer%202021%20Activities%20Booklet.pdf  Please take pictures of any fun experiments, nature walks or science related activities that you have completed and share them with me in September. I’m looking forward to seeing what interesting things you find out. 

This year has been like no other but what a year it has been! School has been buzzing with all the sports and extra-curricular activities taking place throughout this academic year. Pupils have had the opportunity to try activities they may never have tried before and develop their knowledge and skills which has been fantastic to see.

Reception children had the opportunity to attend Lego Construction Club and make some wonderful creations. Year 6 and 3 had the chance to explore the world of Fencing. Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 have all had the opportunity to experience and learn more about trampolining, it has been great to see the progress that has been made.

It was fantastic to be able to get out and about and take year 5 and 6 pupils to some local football competitions at Willenhall E-ACT. Year 3 and 4 also represented school at an athletics event over at Streetly Academy. The organisers were particularly impressed by Bobo’s (Year 3) long distance run; what a fantastic performance he displayed! Year 6 tried Ultimate Frisbee for the first time at a local competition, both teams managed to win 3 out of their 6 games; which is amazing considering this was their first real attempt at this activity.

Sports Day brought us beautiful weather and was fun filled from start to finish. The packed program of activities meant the final few races were completed during PE lessons the following week. Pupils got creative and made eye-catching posters and banners to support and cheer on their houses. There were some impressive performances from children across the school on the day including:

Target Mat Throw – Thailia-Rose (Nursery), Jorgia (Reception), Noah (Year 1) and Millie-Rose (Year 2).

• Shot Put – Fatima (Year 6), Ava (Year 5)
• 200m – Reese (Year 3), Brandon (Year 4)
• 100m – Alfie (Year 3), Brandon (Year 4)
• High Jump – Julien (Year 5) & Caden (Year 6)
• Long Distance – Afie (Year 3)

I would like to say a big thank you to all primary staff, house captains and the six sixth Form BTEC Sport students who all had a key role on the day and worked hard to make sports day possible.