A huge congratulations to our Y1 and YR pupils who took to the stage to be part of their respective nativities. Staff, families and the whole school population were thrilled to see their involvement. We do not take for granted how big an achievement this is. Lights, costumes, unfamiliar faces; all made for a potentially stressful experience. But our young people took it in their stride. We are so proud of them.

Now, just one final push as we prepare our own Gems Christmas event. We are very excited to have our families coming to visit us on the 18th December to share in some carols and festivities. 

As a staff team, we wanted to take a moment to thank all families for their commitment during this first term. It has felt like a huge team effort- settling two new pupils, everyone adjusting to the new building, liaising with each other, establishing routines and  familiarising ourselves with new mainstream staff. It does not happen without a lot of effort from all parties. So, thank you, from all of us.

We are all continuing to work hard with our set one and set two phonics. We are also increasing the amount of practical maths skills that pupils can work with and focusing on pupils understanding of “one more” and “one less”. These maths sessions will hopefully have an impact on our learning when we access the local shops on Wednesdays.

Have a wonderful break.

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 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.