Hey Presto 102 Mar/2015

Free to the school community

ISSUE 102 1st March 2015

Coming Up…

PANCAKES — On Friday 6th February 2FT did an assembly about Shrove Tuesday, also called Pancake Day. It was 2FT's first ever assembly and they performed really nicely. The assembly was very interesting and amusing. We all loved it because it was funny and we have learnt a lot about Lent. Our favourite part was when Mr Wolf read his recipe book upside down! The assembly was so entertaining that it nearly made us clap in the middle of the show. Well done, 2FT! Reporters Zainab, Ladusha, Yuktaa and Anisha 2AM

W/C 2nd March Book Week , Poetry 2nd, Year 2 Tea Party - 2AA Trip to Bingham Hotel for afternoon tea.

Brent Music Concert - 4th Year 5 - Civic Centre 4th Tom Avery Author Thursday 5th — Early Years and KS1 dress up as a book character day 6th Year 3 Vikings Workshop 13/3—2SB - Mothers Day Assembly w/c 16th Assessment Week 17th Cycle Training Year 5 20th - Taster Day Preston Manor School year 5 x 30 23rd Year 6 Staying Staff Workshop 27th 3LJ Easter Assembly Friday 27th March - break up at 3:15pm Children back Monday 13th April at 8:40am

THE YEAR OF THE GOAT — On Friday the 13th, 2AA did an assembly about Chinese New Year. They started loudly and clearly and were confident while speaking, even when the animals came on some mooed, barked, oinked, squeaked and neighed. The animals were all arguing and then there was a flash of lightning and the Gods came out and said ‘Why are you arguing?’ The Gods decided the animals should have a race and see who the winner was. Eventually after racing, the rat was the winner and the other animals had their places. Wow that was a great assembly, thank you 2AA - Ayesha and Shatu 3SB

SNOW — on the 2nd of February we had snow fall but it didn't stop the Nursery children visiting our farm to stroke the animals and see the chickens, they loved it.

Inside this issue: Read On Get On 2 3 Harry Potter Quiz Club

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Anglo Saxons

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Expansion Update

PPPS NEWS — Our Summer Fayre will be on Saturday the 4th July.

MOTHERS DAY SALE FRIDAY 13th

To see the HEY PRESTO in colour check out the school website www.prestonparkschool.co.uk or email us with your views and stories on—heypresto@prestpk.brent.sch.uk— and check for upcoming events in school. The ‘app’ is free from the app store.

A recent Institute of Education study (Dr Alice Sullivan and Matt Brown) has found: Children who read for pleasure do significantly better at school than their peers. Reading for pleasure was found to be very important for children's cognitive development and was more important than the children's parents level of education. Children who are read to regularly by their parents at age 5, perform better in Maths, vocabulary and spelling tests at age 16. New technologies, such as e-readers can offer easy access to books and should be used to encourage reading.

TOP TIPS TO GET YOUR CHILDREN READING 1. Read anywhere and everywhere. While you are out with your children doing daily activities, read signs, letters, numbers and logos – so they know that writing means something.

2. Don’t just read books. Read anything – newspapers, comics, magazines, emails, mobile texts, electronic devices, road signs or even shop posters.

3. Be positive. Praise your child for trying hard at their reading. Let them know it’s all right to make mistakes. Turn off the TV! It’s easier for your child to concentrate if there are no distractions.

4. Children love to copy adults. If you sit down with a book or magazine for ten minutes, it doesn’t just give you a break, it sets a great example for your kids too.

5. Don’t read for too long. A good ten minutes is better than a difficult half hour.

6. Chat – talk about things you see in the book – who’s in it, what they did and where they went.

7. Let them read their favourites. It’s good practice to read the same books over and over again.

8. Act it out. Children can act out stories, this will help them to learn to tell stories based on what they’ve read and heard.

9. Ways with words. Talk about what different words mean and tell your child the name for anything they don’t know.

This is how children learn new words and helps them to become better readers.

10. Tell stories together. Talking about your day and what you did means sharing time with your child. We tell stories all the time, both real and made up and these stories can help your child become a reader and a writer of stories. www.readongeton.org.uk Acknowledgements: Thank you to Read On. Get On. Coalition members for their expertise in producing these tips, in particular, The Reading Agency, I Can and National Literacy Trust.

OUR BOOK DUE OUT NEXT WEEK PRICED - £7

FOSSILS - On the 12th of February 2015 it was a very exciting day for year 3 because we made fossils and also found real ones buried in the sand! First we got clay and flattened it in a plastic container, then we got a shell or an insect or a plastic dinosaur or toy beetle and our teacher put fairy liquid on it to make it come off easily from the clay. Next we pressed the toy down and took it off carefully to see the wonderful print it made. After we gave it to our assistant teacher to put plaster of Paris into the print.

Last but not least we put it on the radiator near the windowsill to dry. The next day we slid the fossil out of the container then took off the plaster of Paris with our hand and saw our fantastic fossils in the clay. Would you like to do this at home? If so then come and speak to any of the year 3 children and they will be able to explain how to create your very own fossil. Reporters: Widad and Hanifa in year 3

Our Musical Assembly – On Monday

the 9th we had an amazing violin, viola, cello and double bass performance. A Musician came and played a beautiful song ‘Happy’. Although I am sure everybody loved it, I liked the double bass best because it made me feel calm – by Naba 4PS

Harry Potter Evening – On Tuesday 2nd, we had a

special evening where the theme was the books Harry Potter by J K Rowling.

We dressed up like characters from the stories and were put into teams. That was fun as we had to sit in a chair with the sorting hat and voice put us into the ‘Houses’ at Hogwarts School, Gryffindor, Slytherin, Huffle Puff and there was lots of activities for us to do. In Mr Ryans group there was a table was with potions and we had to describe and write about them. In Miss Johnson groupthere was a hidden’ feely’ table where we had to put our hands inside and think about what was we touching some things were gross. On Miss Currie’s table we made delicious cupcakes with dragon’s blood and blue bogies, yuck! Lastly on Mrs Patel table we made some dragon’s eggs. We won points as teams for all the different activities and received certificates. It was great fun Yasmin, Shreeya, Krrish, and Zakaria 3LJ

Year 5’s Showcase on Ancient Greece was Classic! With models they had made of mythical creatures, writing and drawings of the Gods and Goddesses, masks and Pandora Boxes made it an amazing exhibition of their work that parents and the children in the school who came to view on Thursday the 12th. Viewing the work you could see how much they had enjoyed this history topic by the effort they had put it — Mrs French

SCHOOL DIRECT - Preston Park Primary School Partnership Train to teach on the School Direct Programme in a partnership of 12 London schools, in collaboration with Goldsmiths College.

Each of the schools in our vibrant partnership provides an exciting and vibrant environment in which to learn to teach. We offer outstanding learning opportunities for students to hone their teaching skills and to reflect on their developing good practice. A professional studies programme complements your practical leaning, enabling you to develop your understanding of teaching in a wider context. Further theoretical underpinning is provided by tutors at Goldsmiths on regular university days.

Goldsmiths College, University of London, has been training teachers since 1904 and is renowned as a leader in the field of education research and teacher training. Students completing the School Direct programme are awarded a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). All our trainees are salaried. Trainees are placed on the unqualified teachers’ scale with a starting salary dependent on prior experience. To find out more contact Sharon Dillette, Assistant Head Teacher at Preston Park Primary Telephone 0208 904 3602, or email sdillette@prestpk.brent.sch.uk Website – www.prestonparkschool.co.uk The twelve schools in our partnership are: Preston Park Primary HA9 8RJ John Donne Primary SE15 2SW Surrey Square Primary SE17 2JY Ivydale Primary SE15 3BU Kensington Avenue Primary CR7 8BT Grange Primary SE1 4RP Adamsrill Primary SE26 4AQ Robert Browning SE17 1DQ St Joseph’s Primary SE1 1NJ Boutcher Primary SE1 3BW Goose Green Primary SE22 8HG St Paul’s Primary SE17 3DT

Quiz Club – The Quiz Club Championship first round took place on the 4th February, at Michael Sobell Sinai School. We first were given remote controls by a man, these had buttons on 1,2,3 and 4.Some of parents came and they took some photos. Eventually after a while we started the competition. We struggled at first but we tried and tried and finally won the last question. Maks (year 6) knew the answer as it was about space and he loves this topic. We won the completion and got a special quiz club badges. After all the people left we got on the bus and came back to school. If you want to see our prize, look in the trophy cabinet in the front office Denis 3SB

Support and help for parents and carers if you are experiencing financial or emotional strain which can be overwhelming or if you think you need advice or guidance, these listed organisations are free support services, accessible to all, should you need a bit of a helping hand. *Please note that Preston Park School is no way connected with these organisations. Please call or go online to find out more. Details were correct at time of going to print. www.gingerbread.org.uk — UK charity providing expert advice, practical support and campaigns for single parents. 0808 802 0925 www.netmums.com — Chat forum and database providing support and information for parents on issues such as PND and special needs. Meet other parents, find out about classes, free activities and more. www.timeout.com — Search this London wide directory for free activities to get the kids out and about for nothing! You can even sign up to their newsletter. www.stepchange.org — Expert debt advice. Free debt management support. Telephone 0800 138 1111 www.citizensadvice.org.uk — Helping people resolve their legal, money, housing and other problems. Ring 03444 111 444 www.samaritans.org — A registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress. T: 020 8961 6181 Brent Family Front Door Service: 0208 937 4300 (main switchboard). If you have any concerns with regards to the welfare of a child, once through to the main switchboard there is an automated step by step guide on using the service to help you.

Children’s and Families Information services: 020 8937 3001

School Bird Watch on Monday 9th at the Wildlife Afterschool Club we went to the Nature Area and in the shed we sat and watched the birds eating on the feeders. We saw 1 Robin, 2 Magpies, 10+ Pigeons, 10+ Starlings, 3Seagulls flying overhead, 4 Green Parakeets, and some Sparrows. We have never seen so many birds, who were having a good feast. By Melissa 4CJ and Shekinah 4RC

MRS SHAH’S RECIPE OF THE MONTH — Gingerbread Men - Ingredients -

Page 5 350g / 12oz plain flour, 175g / 6oz light soft brown sugar, 100g / 4oz butter, 1 medium egg, 4 tablespoons of golden syrup, 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, 1½ teaspoon of ground ginger. Method — Put the flour, butter, ground ginger and bicarbonate of soda in a mixing bowl.

Mix it all together with fingertips until crumbly. Add sugar, syrup and egg and mix until it forms a firm pastry mix. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4 Using the rolling pin, roll out the pastry to about 5mm thick. Make sure the surface and the rolling pin are well dusted with flour. Cut out the shapes with a knife and/or pastry cutter. Place the cut out pastry on a greased or non-stick baking tray, each 2cm apart to allow for them spreading out. Put the baking trays in the pre-heated oven. Remove after 15 minutes (check after 10 minutes).

Find a selection of anything you like to decorate the gingerbread men and house. We used cake icing with raisins, chocolate chips and edible silver balls. Put a blob of icing on the gingerbread men where you want a decoration to stick. Enjoyed by Nursery

Terrific Tag Rugby - On Thursday 12th, the Tag Rugby Squad left in the morning to go to Gladstone Park, that's where the matches were We arrived early, therefore we started to prepare and practise for our friendly matches. Our great team scored 23 tries and other teams scored 8 tries against us. We all switched around during other matches which was fair. Unfortunately we were one try away from getting into the semi-final. Even though we didn't get in we still had a laugh and walked out with our heads held high. Thanks to Shrestha, Raffy, Maks, Mya, Zaki, Jawad and Cameron for being in the Squad and also to Mr Brett for being a great coach and coaching us afterschool on Friday afternoons. Reporter Michelle 6IB

BRAZIL — Hello, I am off to Brazil this

Anglo Saxon Workshop – On Wednesday 25th Feb-

August with a volunteer organisation called I to I teaching children from disadvantaged backgrounds in the slums of Rio de Janerio. This organisation work across the world providing facilities to help children with educational and recreational needs. I will be working in a team in one of the biggest shanty towns in Rio. The aim of the project is to reach out to some of the poorest street children of the favela, giving them a new interest In life. I will be providing these children with a creative and stimulating education.

Please give as much as you can to this wonderful organisation. Any donation will be appreciated greatly Mrs Ruparelia http://www.gofundme.com/

ruary year 4 had an exciting workshop about the Anglo Saxons. We had 3 terrific activities to complete so we know what chores the Anglo Saxons were out of clay. We were also taught to make flour from wheat seeds in a Quern Stone.

Textiles – each group had limited time to do the activities. We made beautiful bracelets and pieces of clothing with a special weaving machine, the activity was long and we had to be patient. Games - all of the games were really interesting because some of them were quite modern and some were creative. One game was made from a piece of tree trunk and it was a bit like ‘connect 4’ but you have to get three in a row. We were allowed to solve riddles and create our own Anglo Saxon Name. Pottery - We also made bowls from clay the way the Anglo Saxons used to make them. First we had to get 3 pieces of clay not too small and not too big. Then with one piece flattened we made a circle, with the other two pieces roll them so they look like sausages and then carefully place them onto the circle piece. These are then pressed together and when finished it looks really cool. By Mia, Shazirah and Joanna 4PS

UNDERWEAR NEEDED — IF YOU HAVE ANY CHILDREN’S PANTS, KNICKERS AND SOCKS THAT ARE TOO SMALL, THEN PLEASE GIVE THEM TO THE OFFICE

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The building is progressing well, the weather so far this winter hasn't been too bad. Brickwork is complete. Inside the classrooms are being fitted out and landscaping is also underway. Please check the website and display board at the front of the school for updates. Below Mr Hall, Mrs Saad and Pamela get a tour inside and are looking forward to moving in.

HOT MEALS AGAIN AFTER EASTER

TED says with all the new solar panels on top of the new building we will be generating our own electricity.

Dear Driving Parents - Local safer neighbourhood team and parking enforcement officers will be patrolling the area in March/April after numerous complaints from residents. We appreciate your support by not parking over the grass verges, over our neighbours driveways and not on the single yellow line opposite the school (no Parking Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. Event day 8am until midnight). If parking is a problem please leave earlier for school so you can park appropriately for the safety of all the children.

Brent Metropolitan Police

WOW— was the 4th February, when children walked, cycled, scooted and took public transport to school. Behind our new building is really beginning to take shape and will be ready soon. Next WOW day is Wednesday 4th.