Reception Class

Welcome back to the second half term of spring. We hope you all had a lovely half term and managed to spend some time together as a family. It has been lovely to return to brighter mornings and some sunny spells- long may this continue so we can be outside even more after what has seemed like a long, wet winter!

Our topic this half term is 'Animal Mania' where the children will be learning about different African animals including their habitats, diet and physical features. We will then move onto exploring Africa and African traditions in more detail and comparing Kenya with England. In our expressive arts, we will be studying the work of Edward Tinga Tinga and creating our own impressions of his work. We will also be learning how to mix warm colours to create a sunset. In maths, we will be focusing on numbers 9 and 10 and exploring these in depth, including compositions of 10 and conceptual subitising. We will also cover length and height at the beginning of the term. 

Throughout this term in RE, we will be learning about the Easter story and considering the question- why do Christians put crosses in an Easter garden? The final week of term, will be exploring the season of spring and growing some of our own peas and potatoes. 

Communication is really important to us therefore if you have any questions or concerns, please come and speak to one of the team. 

Let's hope we continue to have a brighter half term ahead!

Thank you for your continued support. . 

The Reception Team. 

Important dates for your diary this half term- 

Thursday 5th March - World Book Day - Wear Pyjamas

Tuesday 10th March - Stockeld Park School Trip

Wednesday 18th March - Animal Handling Workshop (To Be Confirmed)

Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th March - Parent Consultation Evenings

Tuesday 31st March - Stay and Play - Orienteering- 2-3pm

THURSDAY 2ND APRIL- School closes for Easter break

FRIDAY 3RD APRIL- GOOD FRIDAY- SCHOOL CLOSED

Monday 20th April-  School reopens for Summer 1 term

Reading at home
Your child brings home 2 books a week. One will be a book that you can read with your child at home, which is based on what we are currently learning in phonics and the other will be their phonics level reading book. Please read their phonics books with them at least 3 x a week. The first read can be read together, the second read read by your child and the third child read by your child with a focus on comprehension. 

We aim to listen to your child read at least once a week and books are changed on a Thursday. 

Communication

3.15pm Pick-up

At 3.15pm, the children have been leaving the classroom via the same door they enter school, one at a time. If someone new to us is picking up your child, or there is a change to the usual routine, please let us know at morning drop-off, via the office or by email.

At home-time and after school, please do not allow your children to play on the climbing frame or other equipment in the ‘Garden’ area or on the school field. This is for health and safety and insurance reasons. Thank you.

Outdoor Learning

In Reception we love to be outside in our garden, exploring on the field or visiting our Conservation Area. We try to go outside in all weathers (and particularly enjoy the rain!) so, if you haven’t already, please provide your child with an all-in-one waterproof suit or a waterproof coat and trousers, along with wellies to avoid lovely new uniforms from becoming not-so-lovely. These would be best left in school if possible please. Please provide a named coat hanger on which we can hang the wet waterproofs! Thank you. For indoors, we ask that each child keeps their pair of pumps in school, we will send these home at the end of a term for you to check their fit. Please name everything that comes in to school. 

PE

Reception’s PE days will be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please ensure your child comes to school dressed in their PE kits on this day with a suitable pairs of trainers. 

Milk and Water Bottles

The children have a snack (fruit or vegetable) each day and are always encouraged to try all new foods. They will also receive cow’s milk each day until they turn 5, unless specified by yourselves. This will begin at the start of the children’s first full week of school, Monday 15th September. If you would prefer your child not to have milk, please let the school know. Once children are 5, their milk will need to be paid for as outlined in previous information received. Please be aware that there is a delay between your payment happening and your child being added to our school milk order. Children have access to their water bottles throughout the day and are encouraged to drink regularly. Please ensure children have their names on their water bottle and bring fresh water to school each day. The children are able to re-fill their bottle throughout the school day as needed.

Book Bags

It is helpful if children can bring a book bag to school each day so they can bring home drawings and books etc. We would also appreciate a spare set of underwear and socks being kept in your child’s bag. This could be in a spare bag, left on your child’s peg, or inside their book bag.

Communication 

An 'open door' policy is really important to us here at Adel St John so if there is anything you wish to discuss or mention, please let one of the Reception team know. Mornings tend to be our busiest time so after school is preferable, where possible. We are all here to ensure your child has a smooth transition into school life so please speak to us if you have any concerns and we will work together to support them. 

You can also email us and our email addresses are given below. Please be aware that we may not be able to check these when we are teaching the children but we will aim to get back to you as soon as we can.

anna.griffin@adel-st-john.leeds.sch.uk

katie.pape@adel-st-john.leeds.sch.uk

As always, thank you for your continued support. 

Here's to a wonderful half term! 

Miss Griffin, Mrs Pape, Miss Kane, Mrs Appleton. Miss Mackenzie and Miss Battye