Caring Curious Courageous

Enabling all children to learn and grow

Dear families,

As the academic year enters its final month, it is definitely getting busier at school rather than winding down. The curriculum and lessons are still in full flow with essential learning taking place. This week has been STEM week. The children have all taken part in science workshops and have been investigating, as scientists, in their classrooms. While this is happening, there are all the end of year extras, including: Year 6 rehearsing for their end of primary school production, the orchestra and those children learning the recorder performing for their families.

In the sporting world, some year 6 children took part in a borough dodgeball tournament and all the children have been practising for the Festival of Sports which will take place next week (please see times and dates below).

I am looking forward to seeing the science projects the children have undertaken at home after school today.

We are very excited to share with you a short film that has been made for the website. The film really does show how lucky we are to have such extensive grounds and be located far from the road. Please take a moment to watch it here and of course share it with anyone who is interested in The Vineyard for their children. Thank you to Grey Court School for lending us a member of staff and their drone, and to Ms Foster for organising it. 

Wishing you a lovely weekend,

Drone footage

Frances Bracegirdle

Headteacher - headteacher@vineyard.richmond.sch.uk

Festival of Sports reminder to families

The school gates will be open for 15 minutes before, and 15 minutes after the start of your festival of sport – this is to keep the children in school safe. For example 1:45pm start time – the gates will be open from 1:30-2:00pm.

Families will not be able to come and go from the Festival, families should stay for the full duration. Please arrive on time to avoid disappointment.

The Vineyard Walk - Friday 12th July

We are pleased to announce that The Royal Parks have approved our application to complete a whole school walk on Friday 12 July! This will end a fantastic week of sport festivals and physical activity. The whole school has been working on a Sustained Activity topic in PE this half-term and the walk will allow children to complete a level of physical activity over a sustained period of time, not to mention the social aspect, where year groups this year will walk parts of the new route together, supporting each other and offering encouragement.

Packed Lunch

Every child should arrive at school with a packed lunch and water bottle inside a backpack that is carried on their back. Check that the straps of the bag are the correct length (e.g. sitting snuggly on their back)

The whole school will have a picnic lunch together in the park before completing the last part of the walk back to school.

PE Kit

Children should wear their PE kit with athletic trainers for walking. The weather has been very unpredictable lately. Nearer the time, decide whether your child requires a waterproof jacket, cap or sun cream.

Volunteer Walkers

Thank you to those that indicated your interest in volunteering for the walk – you will be contacted with details early next week. Please expect a walk between the times of 10am and 2pm

Volunteer with your child’s class https://forms.gle/JTF5NUxMsenko5tu9

Attendance

Well done to all the year groups getting above 96%, particularly Year 5 who achieved 98.2% attendance. 

Punctuality

Punctuality is extremely important. The registers are taken at 8.45am, after which lessons start. Please help your child by supporting them to arrive at school on time. Thank you. Well done to Starlite class for arriving on time every day this week.

Frances Bracegirdle - Headteacher

Local charity fundraiser led by the School Council on

Friday, July 19th.

The School Council has selected a local charity, The Purple Elephant Project, that needs our help!

• The Purple Elephant Project supports children and their families when they need help with their thoughts and feelings (their mental health).

• The elephant is the symbol of the charity because it is one of the most nurturing animals - it is powerful and gentle.

• A big part of helping children and their families feel better is through listening; elephants are known to be ‘all ears’!

What we hope to achieve!

School Council – “As the School Council, we hope to raise money for this really important charity, so more families can get the help they need to bounce back from their problems and make them feel much better.”

The Purple Elephant Project offers…

• Play therapy
• Counselling
• Parenting advice
• Time to rest and reset for the whole family
• And much, much more

How are we going to raise money for The Purple Elephant Project at The Vineyard?

• Every child will be able to dress in grey or purple or dress up as an elephant if you wish!
• Create a drawing/painting of an elephant at home to create an elephant mural in our school.
• The School Council will be selling elephant themed cakes, biscuits and fruit - you can donate some of your own home made cakes or biscuits on the day for us to sell. 
• When? Friday, July 19th
• Your family can donate to the charity online HERE

Ms Reilly and The School Council 

Our Osmington Bay Trip by Year 6

"During our residential trip at Osmington Bay, we learnt skills such as responsibility, going outside our comfort zone and of course, exploring new things. Many overcame their fear of the giant swing; some even dared to go to the top." 

"Osmington Bay was an amazing experience: hanging out with our friends, facing fears and even making new friends."

"Osmington Bay was not for the faint of heart with daring activities, sky-high climbing and fun late night campfires. We highly recommend it!"

"Osmington Bay was quite a trip! I loved it and my favourite activity was the giant swing. Adrenaline was pumping and my friends were so excited. We screamed at the topic of our lungs as we were pulled down. We also did raft building and most groups were successful."

Summer holiday clubs 

There will be some clubs available over the summer at school. Find out more information by clicking the links.

KoosaKids     JA Sport   Sparskarts