Things are starting to feel festive in Gems. We are beginning our Y1 and YR Nativity rehearsals and there are lots of new songs to learn and enjoy. We will be in contact to confirm the pupil’s respective performance dates. We hope you will be able to join us as they are always wonderful events and an important learning curve for all Gems pupils. Costume requests and songs will be provided so you can practise at home.

We also plan our own Gems Christmas event, which we will announce soon. Watch this space.

We have just finished Science STEM week where all Gems pupils took part in a variety of science experiments. They made their own shakers and even sampled some chocolate fireworks made by our very own Miss Jeffs!

We took time to make some poppies and remembered all those affected by war with a moment’s silence.

We are all continuing to work hard with our set one and set two phonics.

Pupils continue to access Terrace Gardens and our older pupils have worked on their shopping in Sainsburys which helps with all aspects of communication and social awareness. 

We are delighted to welcome Mr Burton back to Gems and thank Miss Rozales for all her work with us.

Have a relaxing weekend.

All the Gems team.

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

  

  

 

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.