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Merry Christmas everyone! 

Although the term didn't quite end as expected, it's been fun filled and memorable. A lot has been achieved in a short time and even more exciting things are coming in the Spring term. 

This newsletter is a roundup of the last few weeks!

Enjoy!

At the end of most terms we say goodbye to members of staff and whether they have been at Abbeys a short time or a long time it is always sad to see them go. Both Mrs Way and Mrs Fathima are off to pastures new. We wish you both the very best of luck and hope that you keep in touch! 

After Christmas, Marham will have Miss Ahmed as their new teacher. She has been in for the day to meet the children and is looking forward to January!

Over the last two weeks we have welcomed Mrs Labrooy and Mrs Shore to the team. Both are academic mentors funded by the National tuition partnership, who are focusing on COVID catch up interventions.

After Christmas, we are welcoming Miss Currie as a higher level teaching assistant in EYFS and KS1. In September, she will become an apprentice teacher trainee at Abbeys. Welcome to the Abbeys' family everyone!

     

We've been celebrating Christmas books this week and each year group has completed activities based on their text!

The books we chose were:

Year 5/6- The Christmas Crayons by Drew Daywalt.

Year 3/4- How to catch an Elf by Adam Wallace.

Foundation, year 1 and 2- Dear Father Christmas by Alan Durant.

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Work by James in Melrose class!

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SHOUT OUTS

Logan Hammett in Fountains class, recently did his very first grading at kickboxing! 

Logan came away with his  red belt. He got a  B-, and did so well! 

Well done Logan! I am very impressed and all your family are proud of you!

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Kaisan Himid has been busy again! He has achieved two things recently.  

He has completed his first term at drama school which he absolutely loves and he has also achieved blue belt in Taekwondo junior class and is only 2 more belts away from Black. 

Kaisan your parents are proud of you and and so are we!

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There have been a few muggings since my last Newsletter. Miss Henry was mugged- her smile and positivity brightens up the team. She has a can do attitude and is an asset to the school. Miss Rimmer was also mugged for her hard work and collaborative ideas. Miss Rimmer is creative and kind. She is always thinking of others!  Then, when she was least expecting it, Miss Dean was mugged by Miss Rimmer! For all of her hard work as the new leader of KS2, and I couldn't agree more. Miss Dean's always so enthusiastic!

You three are certainly on Santa's nice list!

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DISCO FEVER!

Before we had to add some restrictions into our school life we partied like it was 1999! The children enjoyed a fantastic Christmas disco and we brought back some classic dances like the Hokey Cokey and the boat song!

For some children this was their first ever disco and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was clear that Mr Godfrey and Mrs M had the best teacher moves!

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Wreath Making

Last Friday, we held our first parent craft session. It was wreath making and after school the teachers also had a go! It was really good fun and therapeutic. We hardly spoke as we were concentrating so much! As you can probably imagine not talking is quite a challenge for me! But we will definitely do this again!

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On Friday 9th December, we were feeling festive! Lots of fantastic Christmas Jumpers. But not only the pupils, staff and parents dressed up! Frenchie had her Christmas jumper on too!

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Claire and Karen raised £175 for new library books and wet play games by running a tombola at the Marc's Christmas Fair! Thanks for all of your donations!! We will also be having a raffle at the Nativity which has been rescheduled for the Friday 6th January! Something to look forward to!

If you have any spare time on your hands, we are always looking for volunteers for events, trips and reading - please email me- jfellowes@abbeysprimary.org

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Diesal the dog!

Frenchie must not steal all the limelight. Diesal has been coming in every Wednesday for a couple of years now and he barely gets a mention. Thanks to Helen his owner for volunteering with us at Abbeys every week. We love having you both as part of our school community. 

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ELFY has left the building!!!

Lots of Elfing about over the past few weeks! We even had an Elf appearance in assembly! The teachers at Abbeys really do go above and beyond!

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OUR FUTURE ENGLAND TEAM

On a very cold Wednesday afternoon, our year 5/6 boys took on Rickley for their first ever football match as a squad. The team consisted of- Lewis, Albert, Artem, Harry, Bobby, Charlie, Sonny, Viren, Luke and Kai. We added Thomas Dunnett at the last minute, to cover absent pupils.

The boys played really well, I was impressed by their positive attitude and team work. They displayed the Abbeys' values of collaboration, kindness and resilience. Unfortunately, Rickley won the game 3-1 but we worked their socks off! Congratulations boys! You have lots to be proud of!

Special shout out to Viren who captained the squad and to all the parents/ carers who came along to cheer the team on! It was freezing! That's dedication. Thanks also to Miss Burton who supplied the oranges!

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England Vs Iran

I allowed the pupils one free pass to watch the first England game. It is safe to say, I have never seen them concentrate so much! It was a great experience for them to gather as a school community and share this special memory! Perhaps in their lifetime England may actually win the World Cup! 

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FINALLY THE FOYER WORK BEGINS!

Straight after the holidays work on the foyer will begin. The main entrance will be out of use for up to 14 weeks. Visitors/ Parents will use a temporary entrance down by the library [see photo below].

We are busy relocating Mrs Hickmott, the phone lines and doorbells so that this can all run as smoothly as possible. Breakfast club will come in via the kitchen entrance towards the left-hand side of the car park. 

It will be a bit disruptive for visitors to school, but hopefully it will be worth it in the long run, with a nice new, more secure, entrance to the building. As always the best way to contact the school is by email- Office@abbeysprimary.org

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As the children know, Father Christmas and I are great friends! He came to visit me and helped the teachers and I to select some children in the school that are ALWAYS children! They ALWAYS follow the golden rules, they are ALWAYS kind and hardworking and ALWAYS care for others in school and out. So congratulations to those pupils selected this time, there may be a visit from the Easter Bunny in March- who knows!

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The Headteacher’s Advent Calendar

By Mrs Fellowes

Guess what children!

Santa’s been to school!

He’s been seeing what we’ve been up to.

He thinks we’re quite cool.

He gave me these prezzies,

And told me to give them away!

So this is the Headteacher’s advent calendar,

There’s a gift for every school day!

Who is the first present for? I cannot pick.

So I have asked all your teachers,

They came back to me quick.

The first gift goes to Aaliyah it’s from Miss Tierney,

We hope that you like it, put it under your tree.

You are a superstar so kind and so sweet.

You’re always so smiley, your uniforms so neat!

The second gift goes to Shelby, it is from Mrs Clarke,

We all think you’re lovely and you’ve made a great start.

You’ve been working so hard and we wanted to say,

Here’s a prezzie from us, for Christmas day!

The third gifts for you Sonny!

It’s from Miss R and Miss B.

Because you are so kind, modest and caring,

You’re perfect you see!

And another teacher is joining in on day 3,

Nominating Tselmuun it’s obvious, you’ll see,

She perseveres and is kind, she’s settled in to stay,

so well done, you’ve been chosen by Mrs Way.

On the fourth day it’s you Jack,

chosen by Mrs Louis White.

You are honest and hardworking you try to make things right!

Your efforts have been noticed by us all.

You are simply amazing- a role model for our school.

On day five it’s Jaycee, nominated by Miss Dean.

She’s noticed your hard work you are always so keen.

So there’s a gift for you hiding under my tree.

Pop along to my office and you will see.

On day six it’s Reagan and Miss Harrison has chosen you!

You are so kind to others and you are helpful too!

So come grab your gift- it is waiting you’ll see.

And unwrap it on Christmas day! Put it under your tree.

On day seven it’s Rachel and Miss Cahill picked you!

You’re patient and honest, it really is true.

There really is no-one better to have this treasure.

Having you at Abbeys is really a pleasure.

On day eight it is Mr Godfrey’s turn!

He’s chosen two children- will he ever learn?

They are Zoha and Amie, he says you’re both ALWAYS great.

So come grab your prezzies and please don’t be late.

On day nine it’s Mrs M’s turn and she’s chosen Ronny!

You’re kind and you’re caring- as nice as can be!

You cause no hassle and you listen to us!

So come grab your prezzie for causing no fuss!

On day ten, it’s Hafsa and it’s ruined my rhyme!

Miss Sadia has picked you- it isn’t a crime.

You're practically perfect in every way,

So there’s a gift here for you, for Christmas day!

On day 11 we have another two!

Miss Proctor and Miss Henry have chosen you!

Dexter and Freya B, you really are neat,

You deserve these gifts for being so sweet!

It’s day twelve and Mrs Chambers has selected Mercia,

To come and grab a present- you have nothing to fear!

You’ve adapted to Abbeys and our unique ways,

You are hardworking and resilient and you deserve all this praise!

And that’s it! The terms over and we’ve had so much fun!

What’s that you say? I’ve not chosen anyone!

I’ve had a good think and I can safely say,

one young boy is always making my day!

So come and take the last present Andrei, as I’ve chosen you!

You must share it with David as I have noticed him too!

You are sweet and kind and it is lovely to see.

You really make Abbeys a nicer place to be!

Now that is really it, this poem is done.

I am sorry there’s not a present for everyone!

I really hope that you’ve enjoyed the Autumn term?

It’s been busy, but fun, I’ve had a lot to learn!

Now it is time for a lovely rest,

 I am so tired- it’s just been the best!

Thanks to you all and your families and the staff,

We have hard days, but we do have a laugh!

So enjoy the holiday - whatever you do!

We will see you in 23, goodbye 22!

Reading at Flowers House

Last week, some of our year 5/6 pupils went to read to the elderly at Flower's House. They read Christmas stories and spoke about Christmas. Special shout out to Zararr who read so confidently to the group! Well done children, you represented Abbeys and you made the residents' day!

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DINNER IS SERVED!

On Monday, we had our 1st Dolce Christmas lunch. It was amazing. Many children enjoyed roast turkey, veg and roast potatoes! For pudding there was yummy ginger bread or sticky toffee pudding [my favourite]. 

Don't forget to order for after Christmas. The menu has changed and there are some excellent choices. Whilst it is really convenient to be able to order on the day with Dolce, I must remind all parents that this should be done at home and it is not the responsibility of the school. 

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DIARY DATES

Inset Day
All Day
03
January
School Re-opens
All Day
04
January
Whole School Pantomime
2:00pm – 3:00pm
06
January
EYFS and KS1 Nativity
5:00pm – 6:00pm
06
January
After School Clubs Start
3:15pm – 4:00pm
12
January

This fabulous cake was donated by Ziyaan's Mum [Year 1]. Rather than eat it myself, I was persuaded to have a little competition.

Guess the weight of the cake!

The winner was Claire Howell. 

The cake weighed 2.55kg!

For more fabulous cakes follow- @SHAFSWEETTREATS on Facebook or @SHAFSSWEETTREATS on Instagram. 

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Did someone say cake?

Year 3/4 have been making mug cakes! They had a great time and it is really simple!

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Christmas can be a difficult time for some. It is important to check on loved ones and friends. No one should feel alone, but if you do, and you have no-one to turn to check out the links attached. Or email me. 

Feeling lonely at Christmas

Christmas can be a time of excitement for many children, young people and their families, however, it can also be stressful and lonely for some individuals. There are several websites offering support and advice on how to cope during this busy time.  

  • Christmas and mental health - Mind 
  • Top tips for looking after your mental health at Christmas | Mental Health Foundation 
  • YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds 
  • Mental health services - NHS (www.nhs.uk) 

Kooth are hosting online live forums and discussion boards over December to support families. On the 19th December they will talk about Loneliness, if you're interested in this event you can sign up to Kooth.

     

Thanks to everyone for all the support and kind words throughout my first term as Headteacher. It has been a busy time and I wish everyone, staff, pupils and parents/ carers a lovely Christmas and a very happy 2023!