Sally Atkins 24/09/2021 Sally Atkins 24/09/2021

Stubbington, trees and robots

Yr 2

This week in year 2 we started our longitudinal study looking at the affect the seasons have on the plants in our school grounds. We thought about the question "Do the trees that lose their leaves first in the Autumn get them back again first in the Spring?" We decided to each choose a tree and track it over the year. First we needed to identify the types of trees in our school grounds, then choose one to sketch and have our photo taken with. We will keep revisiting these trees during the year to see what changes..

Yr 5

This week, robots have been leading the Year 5's learning. Using the short film, The Girl and Robot as our inspiration for our writing, we have also been sketching mechanical beings and using oil pastel to build up beautiful colours. We also used a circuit with a motor to make our robot models move!

Yr 6

This week our amazing yr 6 children have enjoyed a week of activities and adventures at our residential at Stubbington Study centre. The children have all been brilliant and it has been a pleasure to see their confidence grow and the smiles on so many faces. We have conquered an earthquake, walked along the sea shore, inspected mice and voles and even taken part in our very own Stanmore fashion show. Here are just a few of the pictures taken.

Sally Atkins 17/09/2021 Sally Atkins 17/09/2021

The Big Bad Wolf, time travellers and scientists

Yr 1

Maple Class has had an amazing start to the year! It has been so lovely to observe and participate in their amazing play and to see their creative ideas come to fruition. This week we have been marvellous mathematicians. We have been exploring various ways of representing numbers, including; making the number, drawing a pictorial representation and writing the numeral and the number using words! We have also had a visit from the Big Bad Wolf to support our Three Little Pigs focus! The Wolf was rather forgetful and told the children the wrong story! Luckily, the children were able to retell the story in their play! We are very proud of Maple this week, they have settled in amazingly and we can't wait to see what they create next!

Yr 2

This week year two made time travelling head bands and then travelled back in time to 1666. Once they arrived they discovered some buried items. After excavating them they discovered a bottle of wine, some cheese and a diary extract from Samuel Pepys. The diary extract mentioned a terrible disaster that happened in London. Once back in class they used the key words from the diary to do some google searching where they discovered that there had been a Great Fire. This has started our topic called "What if London hadn't burnt down?" where we will be learning all about the Great fire of London.

Year 3 and 4

In science this week, Birch Class started their longitudinal study. This year, they will be making observations, taking measurements and hypothesising about the changes that occur to a pond habitat over the course of a year. To start the study, the children spent time outside observing the pond and surrounding areas, noting the vegetation and wildlife. They linked what they observed to prior learning about lifecycles and seasonal changes. We are looking forward to seeing how this habitat changes throughout the year!

Yr 5 and 6

This week Yr 5 and 6 had to investigate if light shines in straight lines. With a length of hose, a sheet of plastic and a torch the children co-operated together to decide what was the best way to prove if the statement was true.

We found that the light did not shine on the table when the hose was bent as the light could not travel around the curves. We also discovered that as the hose has an opaque inside, the light was absorbed by the black material.

Chris Lindsay 11/09/2021 Chris Lindsay 11/09/2021

Stanmore Post - 10 September 2021

Dear Parents/ Carers,

This week we have begun work on our new topics. These have been carefully selected to build on prior knowledge and to engage the children with new learning. Throughout the week I have seen examples of excellence that the children are proud to share.

We have successfully appointed our new House Captains, Vice House Captains and Speak Representatives. We shared the outcomes and celebrated today in assembly. I would like to thank every child who put themselves forward. We were impressed with the high quality of the applications but also with how much it means to the children. Their aspiration to have a voice in the school is an indicator of the success of our improvement work. Naturally, there will be disappointment for some children. Please remind them that we are proud of them all and that there will be other opportunities, including sports leader, eco council, friendship ambassadors and librarians. Look out for photos of our pupil representatives on the website next week.

Our Stanmore Enrichment Curriculum includes two residential visits. These will take place in Year 4 and Year 6 each year. Year 4 children will go to Minstead Study Centre in December for two nights. Year 6 children are excited about their residential visit to Stubbington on September 20th for 4 nights. It was good to see so many parents at the Stubbington parent information meeting this week. I am looking forward to hearing Year 6 share their experiences, inspiring younger children to look forward to these visits as they move up through the school.

As part of our Safeguarding responsibilities it is essential that we have up to date information including contact details, medical information and image consent. This year we will use the SIMs Parent APP to collect this information. For many parents, it will be possible to submit a no change response, for others there may be a change of contact details. Please complete this by Monday 20th September so we can make the necessary changes on our system. If you haven't used it before it is free to download to your mobile device and screen shots to help with this can be viewed here.

If your child has a known health condition, please come to the office to sign their health care plan for 2021-22. If your child has a new health condition that we should be aware of please ask for an appointment with Mrs Fenton via the admin office adminoffice@stanmore.hants.sch.uk. Thank you for your support in keeping our administrative systems up to date.

Breakfast Club

We are currently offering a Breakfast Club run by a member of staff, until Creative Kidz are in a position to start the provision of their Breakfast and After School Club. Please book via adminoffice@stanmore.hants.sch.uk by 3.00pm Fridays for the following week. Sessions start from 7.45am in the school hall and are charged at £5.00 per session payable via ScoPay.

Kind regards

Sharon Taylor

Sally Atkins 10/09/2021 Sally Atkins 10/09/2021

SIMS parents app

As part of our Safeguarding responsibilities it is essential that we have up to date information including contact details, medical information and image consent. This year we will use the SIMs Parent APP to collect this information. For many parents, it will be possible to submit a no change response, for others there may be a change of contact details. Please complete this by Monday 20th September so we can make the necessary changes on our system. If you haven’t used it before it is free to download to your mobile device. Please see the screen shots below to help you.

Chris Lindsay 04/09/2021 Chris Lindsay 04/09/2021

Stanmore Post - 3 September 2021

Dear Parents/ Carers,

I hope that you have had an enjoyable summer. It was a pleasure to welcome everyone back this morning. The children have returned ready to learn and I have been impressed with the calm and positive start today. Assembly altogether in the hall was a real highlight. We are all looking forward to more irresistible learning throughout the term, this year we intend to focus on our value of Excellence.

Next week you will receive an overview of the topics and subjects covered this term. As we are able to return to face to face meetings we have planned a series of curriculum events for parents. The dates are at the end of the newsletter. I hope that you will be able to attend to find out more about your child's learning this term.

The one way system is no longer in operation and there is no requirement to wear masks unless this is your preference. In school we will maintain good hand hygiene and ask that you continue to encourage this at home. Children in KS1 can now be collected at 3:10pm

Our teaching team remains very consistent this year. I am pleased to welcome back Miss Hurley from her recent maternity leave. Miss Sophie Adams joins us as a teaching assistant in Birch Class. Mrs Laver will return to teach in Elm Class once a week. The Leadership Team remain the same: Mrs Taylor Headteacher, Mrs Atkins Assistant Headteacher and Mrs Fenton Inclusion Leader and SENCO. We are always available to be contacted via the office adminoffice@stanmore.hants.sch.uk We will always do our best to answer your questions and provide support or advice where it is needed. Our teachers are also available if you have any important information to share with them. A quick question can be managed at the door but please make an appointment via the office if you would prefer more time to share any issues.

Thank you for sending the children back looking so smart in full school uniform, including school shoes. We would prefer children to wear the uniform with embroidered logo. School uniform is still available online from 'direct4logos Plain polo shirts and cardigan/jumpers in school colours can be worn in place of logo items and purchased at Tesco. Children should not wear hoodies, joggers, leggings or jeans. Please let the school office know if you have any difficulties with this. On PE days children should continue to come to school wearing PE kits and prepared for both indoor and outdoor PE sessions. Other items available with a school logo include a reversible bottle green fleece lined jacket, beanie and baseball style hats.

Please make sure that all uniform items are clearly marked with your child's name, it really helps when sweatshirts or P.E. kits are mislaid and without a name it is very difficult to return it to the right child. Thank you for your support with this. Wearing uniform is an important part of our 'belonging value. https://www.stanmore.hants.sch.uk/uniform

Kind regards

Sharon Taylor

Chris Lindsay 25/07/2021 Chris Lindsay 25/07/2021

Stanmore Post - 23 July 2021

Dear Parents/ Carers,

We have had a really enjoyable and eventful final week of the Summer Term. As part of our Stanmore Enrichment Curriculum we are committed to supporting Charity events. During the past few days, the children rose to this challenge, making a difference to two very worthwhile causes.

We were involved with a Winchester University project featuring Hannah Williams from ‘The Voice. Neil Valentine and Hannah came in to perform with us and record an amazing song to raise money for the charity Shelter. The children had worked hard to rehearse for this and were brilliant at performing like popstars. Hannah thanked the children commenting;

‘Singing, enthusiasm and behaviour all top notch.’

All the children took part in ‘The Race for Life,’ raising an incredible £288.39 Thank you to everyone who donated so generously to Cancer Research UK. The children completed a staggering 425km (262 miles) between them, showing true persistence and resilience on a hot day.

Key Stage 1 and EYFS children completed their Sports Day and Year 6 had a special Leavers’ Service where we marked the occasion by recognising their achievements as individuals and as a year group. I would like to thank The Friends of Stanmore Primary School who organised Leavers’ Hoodies and a Leavers’ cupcake, expertly baked by Jess Hancock. I would like to wish our Year 6 Leavers’, children and parents, all the very best for their future. I would like to extend my thanks and best wishes to members of our support team: Mrs Stanley, Mrs Scarr and Miss Noel D’Avila who are leaving for new opportunities. Best wishes to Miss Joyce as she joins her new school and to Mrs Laver for her retirement, I am delighted that Mrs Laver will return from retirement one day a week in September. I hope that all our Leavers keep in touch.

See more of our events in our last week of term and Race for Life.

This year has been challenging but it has been a successful year overall for the school. We have remained a strong community despite the restricted attendance last term. The children have thrived and you will have noticed by the quantity and quality of the work in the books, how hard they have worked. Every day I am greeted by polite and positive children and adults and it is a pleasure to be part of the school.

I hope that you all have a very happy, healthy and safe summer.

Best wishes,

Sharon Taylor

Sally Atkins 23/07/2021 Sally Atkins 23/07/2021

Race for Life

On Tuesday 20th September the whole took part in Race for Life to help raise money for Cancer Research. It was a very hot day and the children were amazing in keeping themselves hydrated and cool and also for their persistence. As a school we ran / walked / jogged 2125 laps (which is 425km) and many children were able to think of a special someone that they were running for.

Well done to everyone who took part!

Everyone has helped to make a difference, you should be really proud of yourselves!

Sally Atkins 23/07/2021 Sally Atkins 23/07/2021

Last week at Stanmore Primary School

KS1 Sports Day

On Monday KS! took part in their sports day. Despite the hot weather the children were cheerful all day and everyone had a great time - especially in the water race. Well done everyone.

Making flapjacks in Yr 3 and 4

In year 3 and 4 we were thinking about the design and packaging of products. Our task was to design and make a snack, that contains fair trade chocolate.

We decided on flapjacks, with chocolate chips and a drizzle of chocolate on top. They looked great (if slightly sticky, as we did it on the hottest day of the year so far!)

Year 3 and 4 became ROCKSTARS

This week, Year 3 and 4 became rockstar performers!

Neil Valentine and Hannah Williams came in to perform with us and record an amazing song that is helping to raise money for the charity Shelter.

The children had worked hard to rehearse for this and were brilliant at performing like rockstars, especially with the props!

Farewell Year 6

Year 6 celebrated all their hard work over their time in Stanmore this week with a leavers service filmed for parents to watch. The children thanked adults that have had an impact over the past few years and were all given a ‘child most likely too’ certificate voted by their peers.

6 BEST award were also given as were an Elm and Juniper children’s champion award.

Thank you so much to Jess Hancock for the delicious cupcakes. the children were thrilled to receive them. Well done to all the winners and also to the rest of the class who made our decisions very difficult. We will miss you all lots xx

Special visitor

As part of our final week, Juniper invited Bonnie the dog into school. The children made dog biscuits, designed their own crufts circuit and tried to persuade Bonnie to take part in an obstacle course. The children looked after Bonnie beautifully and found her obstacle avoidance very amusing.

Chris Lindsay 17/07/2021 Chris Lindsay 17/07/2021

Stanmore Post - 16 July 2021

Dear Parents/ Carers,

This week we have had two fantastic Sports Days. I am very proud of the way in which the children participated. All of the keys for success were evident: cooperation, persistence, resilience, respect, organisation and confidence. For some children, Sports Day is a day where they are at their BEST. We have some really talented young athletes in our school. All of the children who took part were able to encourage each other to achieve their personal best and I am proud of all of them. We noticed that some children were quite anxious about Sports Day which is surprising considering the lack of audience. I realised that this is their first 'event' in a long time. We may need to remind them in the future that it is perfectly normal to experience nerves or 'butterflies' and that this is natural adrenalin that can be used positively in performance. We are looking forward to our KS1 and EYFS Sports Day on Monday.

Year 5 and 6 sports day

Year 3 and 4 sports day

Children will be bringing their books home next week so that you can enjoy sharing their work from this year. Please can you send them to school with an extra bag. On Friday they will celebrate the end of term in their classes. They are allowed to bring in a snack to eat during the afternoon. Please don't send in any products containing nuts as we are a nut free school.

As you will be aware, the Government is expecting that we will move to Step 4 of the COVID-19 Roadmap from 19 July. With cases rising again, particularly amongst younger people we will need to remain cautious as restrictions are eased. Children will stay in their bubbles until the end of term and we will continue with the one way system until September. You may prefer to continue to wear a face covering for now but we will follow the national guidance on this. Next term one of the most significant changes to expect will be that pupils will no longer be required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case. From the 16th August, contacts of positive cases will instead be advised to undertake a daily COVID-19 test.

It has been lovely to return to enrichment activities this term. Yesterday Children in Year 2 and Year 3 were all matched to an instrument that they will begin to play in an exciting Hampshire Music Service opportunity for the Autumn Term 'Beyond the Beat.' Throughout the summer term, children have enjoyed: Listen to Me, Empty Classroom Day, Empathy Day, Young Shakespeare Company production of 'A Mid-Summer Night's Dream,' Stanmore Reading Festival, Sports Day, Hawaiian Disco, Winchester College River Trip and St Catherine's Hill trip, Year 6 activities week and Leavers' Service, Year 6 and Year R summer productions, and some transition activities. You can see more photos of our work here.

We are looking forward to returning to more whole school events in the Autumn Term.

Best wishes,

Sharon Taylor

Sally Atkins 16/07/2021 Sally Atkins 16/07/2021

Yr 1 and 2 Gargoyles and Cathedrals

Year 1 and 2

This week in Year 1 and 2, we have been exploring gargoyles and their role at Winchester Cathedral! The children were surprised to find out that gargoyles were used as a draining system to help keep cathedrals dry and prevent cracks in the stone. The water travels through the gargoyles mouth and away from the building! Gargoyles were also important due to their stoic and threatening demeanour: they were perfect for warding off spirits and anyone who would do harm to the cathedral. We began by sketching from images of gargoyles and then delved deeper by looking at the mythical creatures that gargoyles were modelled from. The children then sculpted their own gargoyles from clay, using many techniques such as modelling and carving to create exaggerated features and frightful detail!