November Newsletter
Dear Parents and Carers,
Where has the month of November gone? It feels as though it’s flown by in school. We began the month with beautiful, crisp weather and the children enjoying breaktimes out on the field, surrounded by leaves. Since then it has certainly become wetter (and much colder!), but there has still been plenty going on in school that we’re excited to share with you.
One of the things we’re especially proud of is our Foxton Curriculum, which continues to be broad, rich, and engaging. Last year we made the decision to update our Design and Technology scheme, and we are really reaping the benefits this year. Earlier this month, the children in Otter Class made their own slingshot cars, and you may have seen on Facebook that the children in Badgers have produced the most beautiful waistcoats as part of their textiles unit. We have always valued DT, but the quality of the lessons and the outcomes has improved so much recently. As a result, the children are enjoying the subject more than ever.
Our writing outcomes are also going from strength to strength with the adoption of the Literacy Tree writing scheme. Every unit is now text based, and staff have been hugely impressed by the children’s improved stamina and the quality of their written work.
When the children returned after half-term, they were thrilled to discover that their forest fort had been enhanced - a lovely surprise! Gateley RJA kindly spent another full day over half-term improving our forest school base, completely voluntarily and at no cost to the school. It’s looking spectacular. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support. After Christmas, Years 3 and 4 will begin their forest school sessions with Rye every other Friday.
Our play leaders have been busy too, setting up and running their own clubs during lunchtimes. Meanwhile, Ms Hancock’s weekly Everyone’s Welcome club continues to be immensely popular with children across the school.
A huge thank you must also go to the FSA for organising another brilliant set of Halloween Discos at Robert Monk Hall. They were a huge success, as always. Looking ahead to Christmas, details of our Elfridge’s Gift Shop have now gone out to parents, and tickets are available on Parent Pay. This promises to be a lovely festive activity on the penultimate day of term.
On 5th November we were visited by Ady from BBC Radio Leicester and Avril from the Travelling Forwards Bus. They completed a three-legged mile around the school field - with every child cheering them on - raising money for Children in Need. We were very proud to support them live on air, and even more delighted that the funds raised will go towards the Travelling Forwards Bus, which provides valuable lunchtime activities for our children each half-term. Altogether, we raised around £150 for Children in Need!
Remembrance was observed by all children and all classes in a respectful and thoughtful way.
Last Thursday, we were proud to officially launch our new international partnership between Foxton and The Hargeisa Orphanage Center School in Somaliland. As part of the launch, pupils donated Eid boxes filled with gifts and essential items, as well as surplus school furniture which will be shipped to support our partner school. Staff from the Phoenix Resource Centre (who are facilitating the partnership) visited Foxton to speak with the children about the impact of their generosity and the importance of global connections.
Next week we will also be celebrating UK Parliament Week, with activities across school exploring democracy. This includes a whole-school vote- led by our School Council - on how Foxton should celebrate its 60th birthday in the summer term!
Dates for Your Diary
- Monday 24th November - UK Parliament Week being celebrated in school
- Monday 24th November - Karate Club Taster Sessions - all classes during the afternoon
- Tuesday 25th November - Y5/6 Sports Hall Athletics (3.45pm @ RSA)
- Thursday 27th November - Travelling Forwards Lunchtime Bus
- Friday 28th November - Rabbit Class Assembly (3pm)
- Tuesday 2nd December - Flu Vaccinations (consent forms emailed direct from NHS England)
- Wednesday 3rd December - Otter Class Richard III Leicester trip
- Wednesday 10th December - Infant Production (2pm)
- Thursday 11th December - Infant Production (6.30pm start, children to arrive for 6pm)
- Friday 12th December - Christmas Jumper Day and Christmas Dinner
- Tuesday 16th December - Fox Cubs' Theatre trip
- Wednesday 17th December - Decoration Making Workshops (2.30pm)
- Thursday 18th December - Elfridges (tickets can be purchased via ParentPay)
- Friday 19th December - Last Day of Term Carol Service (2pm @ Church) collect from school approx. 3pm
It'll be Christmas before we know it! To read more, please click here.