Reception Class

Welcome back to Autumn 2!

This half term our topic focus is 'Let's Celebrate!' where we will be learning about the celebrations Diwali, Bonfire Night, birthdays and Christmas. We will also have a focus on Road Safety Week, Remembrance and Anti Bullying Week. During this topic we will look at traditions and compare them with other celebrations around the world as well as host some of these events in our own classroom! 

In Understanding of the World lessons, we will be solidifying our learning about the local area by going on a local walk around Adel and visiting Hickory's. As part of our history lessons, we will be looking at old toys and how they have changed over the years which links with Christmas gifts. In RE, we are learning about the Christmas story and how this story is very important to Christians. We will the perform our own version of the Christmas story to our school family as well as our own families. 

We are really looking forward to the Christmas countdown where we will be doing lots of fun learning including, writing letters to Santa, present lists, reading the stories 'Stick Man' and 'The Jolly Postman', making Christmas gifts and crafts as well as lots more wonderful things!

As the weather is beginning to turn colder, please ensure your child has a coat in school every day and they might want to start bringing a NAMED hat and a pair of gloves as we are always outside in all weathers! 

We know that this festive season can be a busy time for families, therefore there are a list of key dates below to add to your diaries. 

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

Here's to a wonderful second half term! We cannot wait! 

Thank you for your continued support. . 

The Reception Team. 

Important dates for your diary this half term- 

Monday 17th November- Local walk around Adel

Friday 21st November- ASJ Children in Need Day

Friday 5th December- Stay and Read-8:40-9:30am- Parents/Guardians welcome

Wednesday 10th December- Reception Christmas Story performance - 9:30am

Thursday 11th December- Christmas Jumper Day and Christmas lunch day 

Friday 12th December- French Day- dress in red, blue and white

Week commencing 15th December- Christmas party week- DATE TO BE CONFIRMED

Friday 19th December- Reception Polar Express Day - Come to school in pyjamas for the day

Friday 19th December- School closes for the Christmas break 

Monday 5th January 2026- School re-opens for Spring 1 term

Reading at home
Your child brings home 2 books a week. One will be a book that you can read to them at home and the other will be their phonics 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 MONDAYS and TUESDAYS this half term. 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 Mrs Rama