​Hi all 
For staff who work INSET days
We won't be in school for our INSET day as we really don't know what covid rates will be like by then.  Instead, I am going to be asking you to do some online training and we might get together for a zoom staff meeting.  I think we need to keep the arrangements fluid and just wait and see what we need.  

The training will include Trauma and some PREVENT training.  I will send the links out to everyone but if you don't work inset days, please don't feel you have to do anything.  

Jill Digweed

We are nearly there, only 10 more get ups!
Our children like/need routine so please keep to normal timetables up to the end of term.  The only days where things will be different are Wednesday 15th in the afternoon for film and popcorn and then Friday morning on the last day where you can do Christmas activities. 
Try to resist putting up any decorations for as long as possible!  Once they go up you will notice a change in the behaviour of children.
Please remember that Christmas might not be a happy time for some children.  It might be the first Christmas where parents aren’t together or it might be the case that money is very tight.  If behaviour changes as we get near to the holidays remember that for some children school is their safe/happy place and they might be anxious about the holidays. 
Our library has moved!  It is now in the old PE store and hopefully all the books will be in place by the end of next week.  The old library is now called the intervention room!
Thank you to everyone who helped move things around.  I have to be honest – I have had enough of moving furniture! 
Next week we have the flu vaccinations happening.  Paul will be finding a space for them to happen so please be aware that space might be tight that day. 
Hannah Rowe has started to put up the Christmas display and the lights will be turned on next week. 
Don’t forget that Wednesday 15th is our carol concert at 5.30 and hopefully the weather will be good. 
 
A huge thank you for all your hard work.  I know it is tough at the moment but you are all doing an amazing job and make our school such a happy place.  Keep going, we have got this!

Please click the image to download the latest risk assessment

Christmas is coming!! 
We sent a letter out yesterday to parents listing what we are doing.  I have made the Christmas events as easy as I could with class parties just being popcorn and a film.   
If I have forgotten anything, please let me know! 
 
Covid 
At present the highest rates of Covid are in the primary age range.  Many schools in Bucks have had outbreaks with high numbers of staff catching Covid.  Quite a few schools have at least one-year group working remotely.  Somehow we are not seeing high numbers like other schools so please carry on being vigilant.  The situation could change very quickly so please be prepared for changes.  Teachers please make sure you have everything you need ready in case we have to quickly move to remote learning.   

• Make sure the CO2 monitors are on in each classroom and are working 
• Keep washing your hands 
• Try to keep your distance from children and adults 

• If the staffroom is busy, consider sitting elsewhere for your lunch  
• Remember to clean the handles when you have used the toilet 
• Wipe the photocopier when you have used it 
• Make sure there is fresh air in your room 
• Rotate the sitting arrangement in your classroom so that a child isn’t always sitting by an open door. 

If you are worried or have any questions, please come and see me.  If there is anything else, you feel we could be doing please tell me!  We are in this together and I need your help to keep our school going. 
 
Snow 
If there is snow, then the expectation (from county) is that we provide remote education.  Gemma and I have a page on the website ready to go with lessons from the oak academy.  My feeling is that if there is snow children should be able to enjoy it so there will not be an expectation from us that children need to complete any online learning.    
 
Displays 
This week I have shown a number of parents around our school and all of them have commented on the wonderful writing we have displayed.  Thank you! ​

Fire Drill
In general, the children were brilliant!  The year 3 children in particular were so well behaved and quiet.  Please remember to close doors as you leave if possible.  We had everyone accounted for in 3mins 25 seconds.

COVID-19
Reminders

• Please remember to use the wipes to clean the photocopier once you have used it
• Remember ventilation is key!  As the term goes on there will be more and more colds etc.  Last year we were cold but healthy!  So get those doors and windows open!
• Keep cleaning the surfaces with the wipes we touch regularly.  When you have been to the toilet use the wipes to clean the flush handle and the door handles.

COVID-19 is not over (even though Boris thinks it is all fine!) and we really need to continue to be careful. 

Oracy October!
(Oracy - the ability to express oneself fluently and grammatically in speech)
We have had a brilliant start to the term using vocabulary Ninja and now we want to develop the children’s talk even more.  During lunchtimes we are going to be encouraging the children to talk to the children on their tables about a given topic.  Ellie will be sending out slides, one for each day, which we would like you to display on your IWB during lunchtimes. 
If you have any questions about Oracy October please come and talk to me.  I am happy to go through the oracy map after school on Monday if people need help. 

A Fantastic Team
Thank you for all your hard work, the displays are looking amazing.  The team at IVJS are the best!
It’s the weekend!!!!!   Enjoy!!!

Pirate day was amazing! Thank you to everyone who made the day such a success, the children loved it. The year 3 children were able to do amazing parrot impersonations by the end of the day and were very proud of themselves!
I am finding it very difficult to remember how many weeks we have been back as it seems like ages, but in actual fact it is only 3! Just stop for a moment and think about what you have achieved in that time. You have made every child in your class feel welcome and happy. You have provided a safe and secure environment for the children, and started to make strong relationships with the parents. You are brilliant!
We had a look at the Humanities books this week and we were impressed at how much cross-curricular writing there already is in the books. The key thing to remember is that the books are a reflection of your expectations. Don’t forget that a photocopied sheet should only be used if it is really needed.
Covid – Please make sure you do 2 lateral flow tests a week. If you need more test kits please ask Gemma. We need to remain vigilant!

Next week:

• Monday – Staff meeting re action research and our appraisal system
• Wednesday – National Fitness Day
• Thursday – student Amber Hall starts in Y5
• Friday – Baraka out, tutor in to observe AM/JT

We will hopefully have a new LSA starting in Y3 – Laura Ramsley
At some point next week we will have a fire drill. Please make sure you talk to your class on Monday about what to do if the fire bell rings. If you are not sure of what to do please talk to PC/JD.


Have a wonderful weekend!