Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Buddhism Day

  Tue 29 Jan 2019
  Our children have had the most wonderful day, discovering aspects and features of Buddhism. They removed their shoes as they entered the 'sacred space' set up by Reverend and Mrs Johnson from Nottingham SACRE and then listened to the story of Buddha's Enlightenment, said a prayer using prayer beads and looked at a variety of artefacts. Activities continued in classrooms to ensure a really immersive day.

  

• Maths Visitors

  Thu 24 Jan 2019

  We have bid 'farewell' to our visitors from Shanghai this afternoon. We have had a fantastic two weeks observing Maths Mastery as taught by Mr Xie and Mr Vincent. It has provided an excellent first hand insight into the Mastery Model that we have adopted here.

   

  During this time we have welcomed over 200 teachers from the East Midlands through our doors and class 2 and class 4 have been observed by up to 50 of them at a time! The children have done us proud and the visiting teachers have all commented about their exemplary behaviour, positive attitudes and enthusiasm.

   

  We were delighted to be visited by Emma Patman and Jane Imrie the Assistant and Deputy Director of the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM). I am going to share Emma's feedback with you:

   

  I just wanted to thank you, on behalf of the NCETM, for the wonderful Showcase that I attended yesterday. From the cheery greeting that I experienced on signing in to the moment I left, I was made to feel very welcome in your school.

   

  Having hosted the Chinese teachers as a specialist myself, I know the hard work that goes on 'behind the scenes' to produce such well organised outward facing events. We really appreciate it.

   

  The showcase itself was great - I thought David Owen-Jones and Sarah Charlton represented the hub and the essence of Teaching for Mastery really effectively and this is not always easy. The lesson was great but I was so impressed with the children in the Year 2/3 class. They remained polite, focused and hardworking throughout - not seeming fazed at all by all the visitors behind them. The learning was apparent and challenge evident. The pupils were superstars and I am sure you are really proud of them. Please do pass on my thanks to them - I am sending virtual 'stamps' to them as a reward!

   

  Kindest regards and thanks again for being such great ambassadors for the programme.

   

  And Jane emailed Mr Owen-Jones to say,

   

  'Thank you very much for today's showcase event. You managed to create a buzz amongst the attendees and your presentation offered a good understanding of what you are trying to achieve through the teaching for mastery.

   

  Mr Vincent's lesson was thought provoking - it certainly got me re-thinking about the teaching of area and perimeter! You have clearly made him and Mr Xie so welcome at Langar - as have the children, of whom you must be very proud. Please pass on my thanks to you headteacher for her support for the programme.

   

  The work you are doing is so valuable in helping move primary maths teaching forward. Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment.'

   

   

   

  

• Reminders

  Thu 17 Jan 2019

  Outdoor Learning

  Outdoor Learning is a weekly session as part of our enrichment afternoon. The year groups taking part in each activity (cooking, French, dance, outdoor learning and swimming) are published at the end of each term in readiness for the new term ahead (e.g. on the December newsletter), this information is also on our website on the 'curriculum' pages. A wide variety of activities take place outdoors with Mrs George whatever the weather and ,although mostly planned in advance, can be spontaneous depending on what the environment and weather has to offer that day. Children must be suitably dressed in order to make the most of the learning opportunities on offer. This will require a change of clothes, extra layers when cold and a pair of wellies - much the same as if you were planning a day out as a family to a country park.

   

  Christingle

  We would love to welcome you to our Christingle service tomorrow. This is being led by year 6 at 2.30 in church. Children are invited to make a Christingle at home to bring in tomorrow morning. We will transport them to church, where they will be lit on trays during the service before being distributed back out to children at the end of the day.

  https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-you-can-do/fundraising-and-events/christingle/how-make-christingle

   

  French Club

  French club is cancelled next week.

   

  Rattle and Roll - Baby and Toddler Music Class

  There are spaces available in the baby and toddler music class that runs on Thursday mornings at 10.00 during term time. This is a wonderful class and an opportunity to get pre-school children used to coming into school. Feedback from Pre School Learning Alliance, who come through for a session following the public one, speak highly of Shona who leads it and the way in which she captivates the children. There is no need to book the session, you can just turn up next week.

   

  Residential

  Deposits for the year 5/6 residential must be paid, via SQuid, by 31st January in order to secure our booking at the Youth Hostel.

   

  Shanghai Maths Exchange

  The children in classes 2 and 4 have made us very proud this week. Having been taught maths by Mr Vincent and Mr Xie since Monday they were then observed by 40 visiting teachers from the East Midlands yesterday and another 26 today! They have remained completely unfazed and have amazed the visiting teachers with their positive attitudes, willingness to contribute to discussion and confident calculation and problem solving skills. We are set to host more teachers over the coming days and look forward to sharing with them our Mastery Maths approach and the impact this has had on our children.

   

   

   

• Lottery Bid - Multi-Purpose Track

  Mon 14 Jan 2019

  We are putting together a bid for Lottery funding for playground equipment. In order to secure a successful bid, it is imperative that the equipment benefits the community as well as the pupils and adults in school.

   

  I have considered the best place for any equipment to be and it seems that the field, which obviously can be accessed by the public outside of school hours, is the most suitable. My first idea was a shelter. The plus sides of which being that it would encourage use of the field and outdoor space in all weathers, it would be a good meeting place for any groups and could be utilised during school time for outdoor teaching. The downside is that it could have the potential to attract large unwanted groups and ant-social behaviour. I thought the community wouldn't want this.

   

  My second idea was to install a multi-purpose track. This would be an all-weather 'running' track that would have clear signs to tell users how many laps they would need to do in order to complete a mile walk/run. The mile-a-day initiative has been widely publicised and we have had many parents asking about our willingness to take part in it before. The difficulty has always been where and when to do it. The track would offer an easy solution to this as families could complete the mile before or after school and even at the weekend alongside other members of the community as well as using at breaks, lunchtimes and during PE.

   

  I am seeking your views on this and would be grateful if you would pass this questionnaire on to any friends, family or neighbours to widen our opinion seeking. Please return these by Monday 21^st January so that we can get on with the bidding process. The questionnaire is saved in 'letters'.

   

  Thank you for your support.

• Head Teacher Commissioning Service

  Mon 14 Jan 2019

  A  service was held in church on Friday to welcome and dedicate me to my role as head teacher. Representatives from stakeholders in school were there to show their commitment to supporting me in my role and ensuring the best education and outcomes for the children of Langar Church of England Primary School. The service was led by Reverend Stephen Hippisley-Cox  and had contributions from our church wardens, year 6 children and Dr Anne Lumb.

   

  Reverend Hippisley-Cox asked stakeholders a series of questions that they pledged their commitment to. Our parents, for example, committed, with the help of God, to, ' work in partnership with the head teacher, staff and governors of the school by supporting them as they seek to provide educational excellence in a Christian context.'

   

  I also made a commitment. Reverend Hippisley-Cox asked, ' Education is part of the Church's mission in sharing the Good News of the Gospel. It recognises that all human experience presents opportunities for developing and deepening our love and knowledge of God and others. As the head teacher of this Church school you have a special responsibility to ensure that everyone in your school is valued and recognised as being a child of God, uniquely gifted by Him. You are also responsible for ensuring the school is rooted in Christian values, principles and beliefs; and that worship and religious education are central to the whole life and work of the school.'

   

  I feel honoured to be fulfilling this commitment here at Langar Church of England Primary School and look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure the best education for our pupils.  

   

   

  

• Mastery Maths Shanghai Exchange

  Fri 11 Jan 2019

  We are looking forward to welcoming our two  visiting teachers from Shanghai who will be arriving in the country on Saturday. This two week exchange provides a wonderful opportunity for both pupils and staff to gain an insight into the very successful Shanghai maths model that we have  implemented here under Mr Owen-Jones' guidance as a Mastery Maths Lead. The children in classes 2 and 4 will provide a base for both teachers over the coming two weeks and will be taught maths by them on a daily basis. Some of these lessons will be used as a training platform by The East Midlands Maths Hub and there will be up to 24 teachers observing lessons this week! The children have been primed for this and are looking forwards to welcoming these visitors.

• Welcome Back!

  Mon 07 Jan 2019

   

  Nyofella

   

  We had a fabulous start to the year this morning, with a visit from Keith Statham who came to collect the Reverse Advent Calendar. He was astounded by your generosity and kindness. We were moved to hear that the children of Nyofella have been talking about 'Langar coming' in the way our children were anticipating 'Santa coming'! The items will now travel up to Sheffield to be packed into a shipping container where they will then start a six week journey by sea to reach the children of Nyofella. We are looking forward to hearing from Mori, the head teacher, when they arrive.

   

  Reflection Garden

   

  We are delighted with our newly constructed reflection garden and it has been a pleasure watching the children enjoying quiet time there today. The maze shaped seating provides a unique setting for children to spend time talking, thinking and relaxing. Can you please ensure that you do not allow your children to climb on it as this is not what it is designed for.

   

  Commissioning Service

   

  On Friday at 2.30pm, representatives from the Diocese are coming to St Andrews, Langar for the commissioning service of the new head teacher. This is an opportunity for me to pledge my commitment to the role I have undertaken and for all stakeholders to pledge their support in helping me to fulfil this role. It is a short service and some of our children will lead readings and prayers. It would be wonderful to see you there.

   

  Clubs

   

  Clubs start this week. Please remember to sign up via the Rattle and Roll website if you wish to start On the Stage or music lessons.

   

  Shanghai Teachers

   

  Our colleagues from Shanghai will be joining us in school for two weeks from Monday 14th January.

   

  Christingle

   

  We do hope you will join us at the Christingle service on Friday 18th January at 2.30pm. Children are invited to make one at home to bring in that morning. Year 6 will lead proceedings which will raise money for The Children's Society.

  
  https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-you-can-do/fundraising-and-events/christingle/how-make-christingle

   

  And Finally...…

   

  The Bloor Family are fostering a Guide Dog puppy. As part of the socialisation training it is important that she gets used to busy and loud places. A school playground is perfect for this! It is our policy that we do not allow dogs on the playground other than assistant dogs so Tilly has been granted special permission! We hope you are in support of this.