The Riverside Reporter

ISSUE 6 – 2nd November 2015www.riversideprimaryschool.org.uk

THIS TERM’S SCHOOL VALUES ARE TO SPOT OUR CHILDREN WHO ARE:

Y6 Football Team looking very smart in their new Football Kit

FACING NEW CHALLENGES

This week:Dates for your diary, trip to the Fire Station, Happy Puzzle

Day and much more…

From the Head’s Chair

It has been a bust couple of weeks at Riverside and apologies for the technical hitch in getting the newsletter out on the Friday before half term. We have all our systems back up and running now so |I hope this edition finds you rested after a well-deserved half term break.

Visit to the Fire Station – Maple Class, Mrs Barnard and Miss ShepherdAs part of our topic People Who Help Us, Maple Class went to visit the Maidenhead Fire Station. On arrival the first thing we saw was the fireman's pole which caused great excitement when one of the firemen came down it. We were then shown around the yard with all the fire engines and even saw the boat that is used on the River Thames in cases of emergency. We discovered where to look for water if there is a big fire and even had a go at using the fire hose. That was great fun! And finally we got to sit inside the fire engine and try out some of the equipment. Our teacher said that we were all impeccably behaved, but most importantly we all had a brilliant time. When walking back to school Musa said, "Can we go to the Police Station now?"

Happy Puzzle Day Happy Puzzle Day came to Riverside! Wow! What a great day, everyone from Reception to Year 6 took part in Penguin problem solving, puzzles and optical illusions. We used a wide range of maths skills as well as fantastic teamwork. Well done Riverside!

Football LeagueThe football league has kicked off with a flying start and the team were very proud to be sporting the new football kit. The first trio of matches took place on Wednesday afternoon, Riverside hosted and played against St Luke’s and St Francis. The team worked incredibly hard and showed great determination and sportsmanship. It was great to see so many supporters cheering on Riverside, thank you to the staff and parents who stayed to watch and cheer from the side line! A very big thank you to Mr Cranfield, who refereed all 3 matches and to Mr Floyd who ensured the pitch was ready for the game. Results

Riverside 2 – 0 St Luke’s

Riverside 0 – 7 St Francis

Head lice There have been a few cases of head lice infestation reported in school. We would therefore ask if you would take extra care in regular inspection. Current recommendations on the treatment of head lice are to wet comb hair (using conditioner) every other night for two weeks.  This ensures that you are combing for the duration of a head lice life cycle and will hopefully eliminate both the lice and possible nits from your child’s hair.It is also recommended that you check all family members for head lice and treat where necessary.  If you have any questions, or are finding the treating of your child’s condition

difficult, please visit or talk to your GP, health visitor or call our school nurse (Pauline Green 01753 638441 ) for further information

POLITE NOTICE: I have had several parents approach me on the playground to share their concerns about safety in the immediate vicinity of the school. If you are dropping off your child or picking them up in the afternoon, please park a little way from school and walk them in safely. Please don’t obstruct any path or driveways and please be very aware of the movements of small children and families around you. I have already spoken to a couple of drivers in and around the children’s centre and look forward to your support in this matter.

Nick StevensInterim Executive HeadteacherTel: 01628 621741 Email: riverside@rbwm.org.uk

Please ensure you bring lunch money in a named envelope and give to your class teacher. You may pay weekly or by term if you choose.

We will be sending out a data collection sheet. This ensures we have the most up to date information with regards to your child. Once received, please complete and return to the main office. Trouble reading the newsletter? We will upload each edition to our school website so you can translate the electronic copy into any language.

2015 DATES FOR YOUR DIARYDATE OCCASION WHO?

After school clubs will start the week beginning Monday 9th November

Monday 9th NovemberZumba Club Y3 – Y6 12.30pm – 1.00pm Years 3 - 6

Football Club 3.30pm – 4.30pm Years 2 - 6

Tuesday 10th November

Dance club – Yrs 3 & 4 …3.30pm – 4.15pm Years 3 and 4Willow Class Trip to Windsor Castle Willow Class Y5Riverside v Courthouse Netball League Match 3.30pm – 4.30pm Y5/6 Netball Team

Wednesday 11th November

Gymnastics – Yrs 3-6 … 3.30pm – 4.15pm Years 3 – 6 inclusiveNetball Club Years 5 and 63.30pm – 4.15pm Years 5 and 6

Diwali Assembly – Silver Birch Y3 2.45pm – 3.15pm

Silver Birch (Y3) ParentsGovernors

Thursday 12th November

Rugby Club 3.30pm – 4.15pm Years 4 - 6Multi – Skills KS1 12.30pm – 1.00pm Years 1 and 2

Monday 16th November

Individual and Family Groups School Photographs Whole school

TALKING HOMEWORKSpoken language lies at the heart of communication and without it there would be no books and no writing.  One of the best ways for children to improve their work at school is for them to become confident and articulate speakers.We believe that your involvement in your child’s learning is crucial and that you can make a real difference to the progress your child makes.  With this in mind I am introducing a new simple form of Talk Homework.  Each week in the newsletter I will send home a simple discussion task; it will be same for all children in school so families can do it together. The aim is to get children sharing ideas with their families and developing their vocabulary and imagination.Please help your child to discuss the question they have been given and particularly focus on why they think that.  It is vital for children to try to talk in full sentences and to use words such as 'because'. Please discuss the question at home and let the children know your opinions. Here are some simple guidelines for how to do it:

Set aside some time for ‘Talk Homework’; Encourage as many family members as possible to be home on Talk

Homework evening and consider discussing the question while having a meal together.

Don't just give your opinion, use the 'because' word to explain why you think that.

Give the possible opinions of two contrasting family members who are not present for the talk, and use the 'because' word to explain why they may be different.

Ask others around the table to give their opinions and to use the 'because' word.

Ask your child his/her opinion and ask them to use the 'because' word. You could link the topic back to something you remember from when you were

a child and say why things may be different now. We do hope you will enjoy joining in with this learning.

This Week’s Challenge:What have you done to help someone else this week (people you know and people you have never met)? What else could you do?