Headteachers Update
What a busy time its been at Woolton Hill!
Year 4 have had a had a brilliant week at Stubbington. I really enjoyed visiting them on Wednesday and seeing how well they were working together as a team. I hope you've been keeping track of the updates via the blog and have seen the fantastic range of activities that the pupils have enjoyed. Their behaviour has been excellent and the children have been a credit to our school. I would like to thank the Year 4 team of staff for all of their hard work in providing this opportunity for our pupils.
Children and parents have yet again produced an amazing response to our request for cakes for this afternoon's Bake Sale. Not only has this been a chance to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, but we have also been able to raise funds for the Ukrainian Appeal. Thank you to all of our families for their efforts!
Well done to Year 6 who took part in Bikeability this week. The trainers commented on how responsible they were on the road and what a pleasure it was to teach them.
I hope you all have a relaxing Half Term break and we look forward to welcoming the children back to school at 8.45am on Monday 6th June.
Staffing Update
I begin this update with the sad news that Mrs Watson will be leaving St. Thomas' at the end of the school year. Mrs Watson has secured a wonderful promotion at another school in Newbury, and we wish her well for this exciting challenge. Mrs Watson will be greatly missed across the Federation - since she joined in 2012, she has made a big difference to the children who have gone through the school and has supported their families too, including as Acting Deputy Head. I would like to thank her for the contribution she has made to teaching and leadership and wish her the very best of luck for the future.
I am delighted to inform you that Miss Tice was successful on interview and will become a full-time teacher at St Thomas' from September. Miss Tice is a superb teacher and has already made a very successful start since joining our Federation and we are delighted that she will have her own class next year.
Sadly, Mrs Jordan will leave our Federation at the end of this school year to join a school in West Berkshire. Since joining the Juniors in September, she has quickly become a vital member of our team. I know Mrs Jordan will be a huge success in her new school - they are very lucky to have her.
Time has certainly flown by this year and we are excited that Mrs Dickson returns from her maternity leave in July. Mrs Dickson has already been back in school two days this week and the children were so pleased to see her!
Mrs Chivers has resigned her post of learning Support Assistant and leaves the Junior School this half term to take up a new position in the health sector. Mrs Chivers has been amazing with our children and she will be hugely missed. I would like to wish her the best of luck for her new challenge.
We have successfully recruited a fantastic new Learning Support Assistant who joins our team at the Junior School after half term. Miss Dunne is experienced in the role and I am confident that she will bring a lot of skill to our team.
INSET Days 2022 to 2023
Thursday 1st September
Friday 2nd September
Monday 31st October
Tuesday 3rd January 2023
Monday 5th June 2023
Wrap Around Care
I am delighted that Casa Clubs will be delivering our Breakfast and After School Club provision at the Junior school from September. In addition they will also be offering a holiday club, starting from Monday 25th July. Please click on this link to find out more information and to book a place.
For this provision to succeed the clubs need to be used. To help promote the provision and to help parents find out more Casa will be running FREE taster sessions for children where parents can bring their children along and find out more about the clubs. These sessions will take place between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on:
Thursday 16th June
Thursday 23rd June and
Thursday 7th July.
You are welcome to come along if you are interested in either the breakfast, after-school or holiday sessions. Click here to register your interest. They promise to be a lot of fun!
Governing Body
The Governing Body is also looking to recruit a new Clerk. This is a paid role and you can find out more by clicking here.
Lost Property
There is a growing number of items in the lost property box in the foyer of the school including many un-named jumpers and cardigans. Please pop in and take a look if your child is missing any items. Please can all school uniform be named to make it easier to return lost items to their owner.
Star Awards
Congratulations to the following children for their recent star awards. Star awards are displayed in school for a week and then sent home.
20th May: Luey P, Oliver P, Eva S, Jack B, Evie C, Toni-Lea E, James A, Emilia K, Grace G, Ava C, Abby C, Phoebe G, Elsa H, Yana M, Heather T
27th May: Jack D, Bertie J, Jasmine B-D, Khyah D, Eva H, Alice S, Rebecca B, Ava C, Abby C, Phoebe G, Rosie R, Imogen S, Heather T, Dylan Y and Mr Davies.
Hot Chocolate Awards
20th May: Nina H, Sofiia P, Niamh P-C, Nell W, Maddison S and Charlotte F.
27th May: Martin M-B, Brian S, Romeo H and George O.
Other updates
Quad Kids
A team of Year 4 and Year 6 children represented WHJS fantastically at the Quad Kids event organised by Team Kennet at Park House School on Saturday. They all competed in four events: a sprint, a middle distance run, a standing long jump and a vortex javelin throw. There are photo's of the event on the Newbury Weekly News website including children from WHJS. A big thank you to Mrs Bowden for giving up her Saturday to support the children at this event.
Tennis
A keen group of Year 3 children eagerly headed off to Park House for a tennis tournament on Thursday but unfortunately a number of the other schools didn't arrive. Not to be deterred out team enjoyed some tennis coaching from the event organisers and then demonstrated their skills in a mini tournament. Thank you to Mrs Jones for accompanying the children.