September 2022 Newsletter
Dear Parents/Carers,
The children have now been in school for four weeks – how quickly time passes! The staff and the children have been working really hard but there are a few things that we would like to ask your help with.
School Attendance and Punctuality
We have had a number of requests for leave of absence during term time. I would just like to remind parents that holidays during term will not be authorised by the school as this has a detrimental effect on children’s learning. Class teachers cover four lessons a day and children who miss this input, really struggle upon their return to school. This added stress to catch up can also make children feel quite anxious. I therefore ask that families consider this when planning their holidays or special family events.
I would also like to remind parents that lower school (Years 3 and 4) and upper school (Years 5 and 6) have different start times. Years 5 and 6 are expected in class no later than 8:45am and Years 3 and 4, no later than 8:55am. Some pupils with younger siblings have been coming in after the register has been taken and have therefore received a late mark.
To help with this, the school opens both sets of gates from 8:30am for all pupils. This makes it easier for parents dropping off in the morning and also provides pupils with some additional learning time to consolidate topics and get ready for the school day.
Reading and Homework
Please ensure that your child completes the required reading and homework each week. It is our expectation that all pupils read at least three times a week. Children are also required to complete their weekly homework on Google Classroom and learn their spelling words and multiplication tables. This work will help to consolidate material covered in lessons during the week. It is of vital importance that this is completed. If your child is experiencing difficulty with the homework, please speak to their class teacher.
Building Works
Work has begun on our Immersive Room. This is an exciting new project that we are all looking forward to using with the children. The room will have multiple projectors, a wind machine and an aromatherapy machine which will help to transform the classroom into an exciting new space! This will allow children to experience different settings such as a World War One battlefield, an Underground station platform or a snowy woodland, just to name a few!
We will be posting photographs on our Facebook page, Squirrels Heath Junior School – Havering, as the project progresses. The expected completion date is the end of October.
Meet the Teacher and Mental Health resources
If you were unable to attend the Meet the Teacher sessions earlier this term or the Mental Health Workshop earlier this week, you can view the resources on our website: https://www.shj.havering.sch.uk/Parents/Parent-Workshops. If you have any further questions regarding the information that was shared, please get in touch with us
Contact Information
Please ensure that you inform the school office as soon as possible if you move, change your mobile number or e-mail address. It is very important that we are able to communicate information to you, especially in case of emergency.
With all good wishes,
