It is beginning to get lighter – and we are working exceptionally hard both in and out of the classroom. This week we have seen three teams of Years 3-6 pupils represent WPA in sporting events; two indoor athletics teams (one Year 3 & 4 and one Year 5 & 6) went to Launceston on Tuesday and enjoyed themselves hugely. Whilst they did not win, they did very well and were highly praised for their attitude both in the field and towards other competitors. On Wednesday, twelve plucky pupils swam in a local gala. Again, we did really well, but were not the overall winners. This time….

We are very lucky to have such wonderful surroundings and outdoor space – not least because we are able to take the learning outside too. This has recently been the case in Year 3, where they are currently (very much) enjoying learning about Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis. One of the homework’s offered was to make a volcano. I have seen many fantastic creations – from the small and beautifully formed; to Lego versions (never seen one of those before!); to larger versions with experiments attached. I was lucky enough to be there when Year 3 watched a home-made volcano erupt in front of them. We love what pupils do and make in response to a topic and our primary aim is to ensure that every child is interested in what they are learning so thank you for all of your support with this; it is very much appreciated.

There are lots of opportunities coming up to enter local festivals too – Fowey Festival entries are coming up (story writing, poetry writing and art work) and I was delighted to learn that WPA has clearly had a great deal of success in this festival in the past – do please look on the website and read the information that the office sends you to find out what you can do to take part. I can’t wait to see what creativity is produced.

We have thought a lot about Diversity this week as it has been our SMSC theme too – I was fascinated to learn that we had at least 5 different first languages (not including Cornish!) and many more religions and nationalities. We thought about what makes us different from others and how important it is to NOT all be the same, as otherwise a game of ‘Simon Says’ can be very tedious. As it was, the pupils were still all brilliant and clearly can listen when they want to as I found it very tricky indeed to catch any of them out in Assembly.

Movement in and out of the car park seems to be much better, but please do remember not to park on the exit road as it makes a huge difference to the flow. Clubs starting and lighter mornings help, as will the better weather when it comes so thank you too to all those who walk to school; it really does help.

I’m still keeping a close eye on uniform and presentation – I love seeing so many smart pupils; keep it up! – but I have seen some untied hair creeping in. Please remember that any hair on or below the collar needs tying back please.  

I wish you all a wonderful weekend and look forward to seeing you on Monday.

Ms Whitlock

It has been another busy week – a group of Year 5’s went to St Martin’s Church in Liskeard with pupils from every school in the Bridge Trust. They were brilliant! They had composed their own piece highlighting the very current issue of Climate Change, and they practised and then performed their composition in front of all of the other school representatives. They also joined in singing the choruses of all of the other pieces. I heard from several people how well behaved they were and how beautiful their singing was. We are very proud indeed and they will be performing to the whole school next week in Assembly.

Year 6 also went to ‘The Tide Centre’ to go climbing this week. Both Year 6 teachers said that their teamwork and their encouragement of each other was really gratifying to see and that they worked very hard to challenge themselves outside of their boundaries. Do go and visit if you can – it will be well worth it.

Smartness and uniform has been strong again this week; do please keep this up. Please also remember to wear school shoes and to tie hair that is collar length or longer up. Any questions, do come and see me or let me know via email – I’m always happy to help. The pupils look great and their smartness is also rubbing off into their classwork – long may this last.

Parking and drop off seems to ease when the road that leads to the school is clear – thank you very much for not parking on that road in the morning. Thank you too to all of the walkers – there are many of you and you do a great job of sticking to the field or the path.

Pupils can at times be difficult to see and there have been a couple of incidents this week where cars have not stopped at the crossing; if you drive to school, please do stop where possible as we do not want any accidents. I have seen lots of bright coats, but sometimes they are dark so please keep an eye out and keep them safe!

I wish you all a lovely weekend; It is due to be almost dry and fingers crossed that the rain stays away for a bit longer.

Ms Whitlock

It has been another whirlwind week (literally; thank you, Storm Brendan) but one where I have met many more children and have learned so much.

Thank you so very much for the huge effort that has clearly been made with Uniform – pupils are, on the whole, looking very smart with hair tied back and shirts tucked in. It is much appreciated – please keep it up!

The School Council met this week for the first time in a while. Council Members were extremely prompt and very keen to get projects going and to make positive changes to school life. They had two main themes this week; choosing a charity for the school to support this year and looking at how to help the school eat more healthily at breaktime. The most important thing to remember, the School Council thought, was that if you only eat less healthy things occasionally, then you don’t need to avoid them all of the time. So, we decided to keep birthday treats (phew) but to focus on break time snacks and working towards making sure that lunchboxes are well rounded and nutritious.  We will keep you updated!

I am working on short term measures to hopefully improve the drop off and parking situation, but with immediate effect, please remember that the drop off lane means drop off. Please do not park your car in this lane. We will be monitoring this as much as we can and are also looking to try and ease the congestion caused due to cars parking on the exit road. Please bear with me – I share your frustration and anything that I can do, I will.

Again, please do let me know, either by email, popping in or making an appointment if there is anything on your mind; I want to hear from you.

In the meantime; I hope that you have a lovely weekend. Fingers crossed that it’s a dry one…

A photo of the school council hard at work will follow next week – along with some ideas for healthy snacks suggested by the School Council themselves.

Ms R Whitlock.

This will probably be my last Blog as Head Teacher of WPA. I have really loved being with you all this term. This is an exceptional school with wonderful children, talented staff and very committed parents, carers and local community. The new head teacher, Rebecca Whitlock, will be very happy here.
The photo shows the highly successful and enjoyable Christmas Fair. Thank you, FOWPA and all of you, for your hard work and support. We will know this week how much was raised for the school.
SWANS TEAM TO WEAR CHOICE OF CLOTHES ON THE LAST DAY OF TERM
Remember that the last day of term is Friday 20th.
KS1 finish at 1:10pm and KS2 finish at 1:30pm.
Swans earned the highest number of Team Points, so the Swans House are allowed to wear their own choice of clothes on Friday as their reward.
Now it only remains for me to wish you all a very Happy Christmas!

Don't forget that it is the Christmas Fayre on Wednesday 11th December 2.30-4.30! Please remember your raffle tickets, and send cakes and Tombola donations to reception.

The photo shows our School Choir on their visit to Windmill Court Care Home in St Minver. The gentleman in the picture was enjoying his 87th birthday with the children. The Choir entertained all the residents with their Christmas songs.

Christmas is in the air at WPA! The sounds of Christmas songs, carols, nativity play rehearsals echo around corridors and classrooms and the excited anticipation of the children builds each day. The School Council decorated this stunning tree in the entrance hall.
Join us in the festivities!

Christmas Fayre Wednesday 11th December 2:30pm-4:30pm
Please support!
FOWPA would welcome donations for the Tombola, for example, Chocolates, Wine, Beer, Soft Drinks, Bubble Bath, Toys, Sweets.
There will be some Elves at the school gates and school office on Thursday and Friday this week to collect your offerings!

Christmas Carol Services 6:00pm Tuesday 10th (Y3/Y4) and Thursday 12th (Y5/Y6) at Egloshale Church
Please join us for a celebration of the true meaning of Christmas. A letter went out today to KS2 with a reply slip so that you can confirm your attendance.
        

It was a privilege to take fourteen of our Year 5 pupils to the Chatter Matters afternoon at the John Betjeman Centre. The young people engaged in activities with the older generation. Memories were shared while playing "I Spy" using old photographs.
Maddy wrote,
"I really enjoyed this experience. I sat next to a lovely lady called Jan, and we talked about our hobbies and lives in general. I would love to do it again."
Dulcie said,
"I loved it so much because we got to have a chat and know the older people much better. I loved talking with the elderly people."
This link with the Memory Café and Chatter Matters is so valuable for both the children and the older people. We must continue and develop this important link.
         

 Would you like to find out about becoming a School Governor?

Becoming a School Governor is an important and valuable way in which to support our school.
Find out more by going to Information/Forms on this website.

https://www.wadebridgeprimary.co.uk/Information/Forms

Wadebridge Primary Academy is a happy, purposeful place in which children can learn in a safe and supportive environment. We have fun and also think about others.

Look at the fun we had wearing pyjamas to support Children in Need!
            

The Bake-Off was great fun and a tremendous success. We were honoured to have the actual three Judges from TV to judge for us! Many thanks to all who baked amazing cakes for us; all very yummy but also cleverly around the theme of animals and nature. FOWPA raised £183 from this event.
It was followed by a rather soggy but wonderfully supported Firework Display, organised by Year 5: a very successful community event.

Friday 15th November is PYJAMA DAY for Children in Need

Children can wear their pyjamas to school and bring donations for Children in Need

PS Please note that in the absence of newsletters, do look at the latest news on the News Section of the school website. It is currently labelled Newsletters.