What an incredible first half term for all our Gems pupils. We want to say a big thank you to all the families for working with us as we settled into the new building. There has been a really positive feel around the place and the two new pupils have settled brilliantly and already feel part of our special Gems family.

Do let us know how you are finding the reading records. We welcome the feedback, and we appreciate that all pupils have their own unique approach to reading and everyone finds difficulties and successes in different ways. A love of books will always be a good thing in our opinion, and we are thrilled with how often Gems pupils’ direct staff towards the calm corner when they want a quiet read.

Monkey Does not Listen has really captured Gems pupils’ attention and they have shown increasing awareness of the plot and the feelings involved. 

Y1 pupils are now exploring set one and set two sounds and we are proud of their efforts.

We have been so happy to resume our community outings over the last few weeks. Pupils have accessed Terrace Gardens and most recently our older pupils did some shopping in Sainsburys and communicated with the shop staff. We look forward to branching out even further next term.

We have also had a brilliant end to our week as Katie Varney (Head of SALT) came to Gems to lead a session for us. She was really impressed with how the children are progressing and is excited to introduce our new SALT who will arrive after half term.

We wish all our families a great week, and we look forward to seeing you for a busy November and December. Have a relaxing time.

All the Gems team.

Please email srp@vineyard.richmond.sch.uk with any queries and the Gems team will be happy to help.

       

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Attention bucket makes up a large part of our timetable. Pupils have progressed and responded positively to the many stages of this process. It is a fairly easy process and something you could do at home should you be interested. 

https://www.kidztz.com/attention-bucket/

Please continue Phonics work at home if you can. There is no expectation to know all phonics. All pupils are on a journey, and we want them to work at the pace that suits them. 

We also recommend “reading for pleasure” as much as possible. If stories are too difficult, even just looking at the pictures and seeing what their attention is drawn to, is great for developing concentration and awareness.

We will continue to send home differentiated reading packs. Again, this is just for confidence building.

We find that LittleBig Foxes, Number Blocks and RWI songs on their websites are a great source of fun and education. 

 

Key messages

• If you are late in the morning and we have gone to OT, please bring your child to the main office and someone will help you from there.

• Reading Records will be sent home weekly. Please read with your child even if the text is too difficult. Looking at the pictures and exposing them to language will always be beneficial.

• Please practise writing and saying the Set 1 sounds at home, using the phonics website by Ruth Miskin to help you. 

• Y1 pupils will move on to set 2 and 3 sounds but at a pace that works for them.

• Would families please be so kind as to donate some general cooking supplies to help with our Thursday sessions. e.g., flour, oil, eggs, butter, lifelong milk, cupcake cases. This is not compulsory. Donations welcome.

• Drop off time is 8.40. Pick up time for Gems pupils is 3.05. Please try to be prompt so we can maximise the time we have to set up for the next day’s learning.

• Please ensure that you have notified the school if you are going to be late. Gems registers MUST be completed by 8.50.