You should have found your child's report in their book bag yesterday (Friday). You shouldn't find any reading books though as we are trying to gather all school books in before the end of term so we can audit our stock. If you have any books from school - library books. reading books, ditty books, please bring them back ASAP so that we can get on and see what we've got and what we need to replace. As we didn't need too many outdoor resources before the end of term and you raised so much money for the cake sale I am thinking of using the money that remains to get some new reading books to replace some of the older, less inspiring books that we have. In this way the money you raised will still benefit your children. I went down to our local library today  and the Hampshire libraries' reading challenge has already begun in earnest and they have plenty of early readers as well as all the picture books and information books so please do go if  you want books to read over the summer. The children still need to remember their speed sounds and key words for Year 1 so we don't take these from you. I will also be sending out a pack of games and activities to reinforce the alphabet and number work if you want to make use of them over the summer.

A great time was had by all on our trip to Moors Valley yesterday. We managed to get all the way around the play trail and do the tree top trail before lunch - many adventures to be had along the way. Everyone had a go at all the challenges and kept going despite the distance. They were rewarded with our trip on the train after lunch and a play in the playground. A super day and hopefully one they will remember. Thank you to the PTA for funding this visit and many thanks also to our parent/ grandparent helpers who had to lug  our lunches and spare water to their car and back so the children didn't have to and helped with the trickier bits of the climbing equipment. We appreciate the support.

Mrs Groves took a few photos which we hope to put up for you to see if you would like to come in on Friday 13th for our YR open afternoon. This is an informal opportunity for you to look through your child's books with them, chat with us if you would like to, and let them show you their classroom (and, if I check with Y1, possibly a peek at their new classroom too). Come in any time from 2 - 3pm. Reports will also be in book bags that afternoon so please look out for them when your child comes home.

Thank you to all those who came in and helped this morning it was great to see some Grandparents as well as parents and the children appreciated your support. They made some great vehicles which they wowed us with this afternoon, showing us their special features and racing them to see which went furthest and fastest. Lots of children have been wanting to do Show and Tell lately which is great for encouraging their confidence speaking to the class but we have said it needs to follow our transport theme.

I thought it only fair to inform you of a few more upcoming dates when your help and involvement would be appreciated.

Next Thursday, 28th June, we are hoping that the children will be planning and preparing their own salad to include the potatoes they have been growing. If you are able to help between 1pm and 2:30pm then please let me know via the school office.

On Friday 6th July it is our school's sports day. The children should have brought home a slip today informing you of which house they are in and what colour T- shirt they wil need to wear on the day. You are welcome to join us for some or all of the event. More details will be sent out to you next week as to timings etc.

On Thursday 12th July we will be going on a Forest walk and picnic and will need extra adults to accompany us. Please let me know if you can. (If any of our parent volunteers for Moors Valley would prefer to swap to this date please let me know when I speak to you next week).

On Friday 13th July in the afternoon I will be having an open afternoon (1.15 - 3pm) when you are welcome to come in at any time and look through the children's work with them and share with them some of the things they have enjoyed doing in Year R this year.

This half term our theme is journeys and we kicked off last week with the old favourite "We're going on a Bear Hunt". This week I asked the children for their ideas of a hunt we could go on together and their ideas were interesting and varied but the idea that got the most votes was a Cake hunt. In groups they came up with exciting scenarios for us to go through on our way and you can read the attached powerpoint to see the story of our very own Cake Hunt.

All the children who were here this morning helped to write a seed packet for a sunflower which they should have brought home. Hopefully inside you will find a couple of actual sunflower seeds. If you follow their instructions on the seed packet then you should get some great sunflowers blooming in the summer. I told the children to wait until they get back from any holidays before they plant them. Then they will be home to water their seeds and take good care of them.

Thank you to all of you who contributed towards our cake sale either by bringing in or buying cakes. We have raised over £200 towards our outdoor learning activities. Amazing! Special thanks to Kerrie Kay, Lucy Ladd and Nicky Crockett for all their time and effort in organising and running the event both yesterday and today.