Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Please take a look at our new fortnightly newsletters for all our up-to-date exciting news!

  Wed 20 Sep 2023

• Changes to COIVD procedures

  Mon 28 Feb 2022

  As the COVID restrictions change nationally we are updating our processes in school.

   

  From Tuesday 1st March, drop off and pick up arrangements will return to pre COVID times.  Gates will open at 8.45am and doors will open at 8.50am.  At the end of the day gates will be opened at 2.50pm and pupils released at 3.00pm. Year 5 and 6 pupils, with written permission, can come to and from school unaccompanied.  A letter has been sent out today.

• Happy New Year

  Thu 13 Jan 2022

  We hope you all had a restful period over the Christmas holidays, and we wish everyone Happy New Year.

   

  Welcoming everyone back last week was a delight as always.  Teachers have planned an exciting term of learning. Years 1 and 2 have already had a great trip to the Birmingham Rep to see a beautiful production of 'The Snowman', this has been a delightful way to begin the 'Up, Up and Away' topic.  Class 4 have started their Arthog adventures this week as part of their 'Thrills and Spills' topic.  Groups of pupils are experiencing canoeing with the Arthog team.  While some of the children are a little apprehensive about the experience beforehand, they are showing great resilience in giving it a go.  Everyone is returning to school smiling, having had a great time and feeling really positive about their achievements, the trips are undoubtedly supporting the emotional health and well being of our pupils (and staff), while providing exciting experiences to talk and write about. The team work and friendship bonds that are evident is inspiring.

   

  Teachers will continue to share the work classes are doing on their class pages on the website so please take a moment to check them and chat to your child about their learning as the term moves on. 

   

  The calendar on the website also has key dates on.  As a quick reminder we do have 2 PD days planned following the early bank holiday in May (3rd and 4th of May) so the children will not be in school on those days.  We have also planned the additional Jubilee day for Monday June 6th, so pupils will return to school on Tuesday 7th June after the summer half term break.

   

  We are welcoming new members to our staff team this term.  Ms Cale is now teaching Class 19 on a Monday and Tuesday, as Mrs Roberts has moved to Class 4 to take over from Mr Peckham, who has moved on to a new role in the Local Authority. Mrs Gull joined us part way through last term to cover Mrs Loakes who has now started her maternity leave.  Mrs Taplin is also joining our team in Year 2 later this term.  As well as bidding Mr Peckham farewell, we also said goodbye to Steve Clarke last term, who had been the site manager for the last nine years.  Mr Saunders has now taken up this position, so you are bound to see him out and about around school.

   

  As you will know from the news, schools are still facing significant challenges as a result of the pandemic. Short Wood is no exception.  We are really grateful to the efforts of the whole team who, despite the challenging circumstances, are working to ensure we are keeping the day to day routines as normal as possible for the children and we appreciate the ongoing support of our community in trying to keep everyone safe.  We want as few disruptions as possible to the children's learning, however on occasions we are having to change things at quite short notice.  Thank you in advance for your understanding. Maintaining a broad and exciting, face to face learning experience is our priority.

   

  We wrote to everyone earlier in the week explaining the new rules about LFD tests replacing the need for a confirmatory PCR test when people are not showing any symptoms.  All results of LFD tests should be registered on the government website.  Only positive results need to be reported to school. As always, if your child does display any symptoms please do not send them to school, please seek a PCR test and await a negative result before sending them back to school. We will inform you of positive cases in your child's class, the advice then is to do daily LFD tests.  Please advise school of any positive results using the office@shortwoodprimaryschool.com email address.

   

  As always, our team here at school are always ready to offer help and support if you need it.  Teachers can be contacted via Dojo, they will endeavour to reply efficiently, and where possible within the working day.  Please be aware we do not expect staff to be working late into the evening so if you do send messages outside of the working day responses may not arrive the same day. If you do require an immediate response please contact the school office who will be happy to help.  Mrs Harris, Mrs Butele, Jane and other members of the management team are around and about the site at the start and end of most days so you can always catch someone to chat to. If you require a longer or more private discussion please contact the office and the team will make you an appointment with the appropriate member of staff.

   

  We look forward to an exciting term ahead.

   

   

• Happy Christmas

  Fri 17 Dec 2021

  This has been such an exciting week.  

   

  We started the week with whole school visits to Christ Church.  It was a pleasure to experience these visits with the children as we learnt about how Christians celebrate Christmas. We had a warm welcome from the team at Christ Church, for which we are really thankful.

   

  We have finally managed to perform our Key Stage 1 performances at Sunnycroft this week.  We had to postpone on Monday due to the weather but thankfully as the milder weather came in we have been able to perform.  The children had very limited rehearsal time but, nevertheless, they were determined to do everyone proud.  Thank you to everyone who came to watch too, we really appreciate your support as always and understanding about last minute changes.

   

  Year 5 pupils did their final performance supporting the community members visiting Santa at Sunnycroft this week.  Despite some really chilly evenings our committed team have done several evenings singing and performing poems to spread some positivity and joy. They have received special musical badges in Golden Leaf today.

   

  Christmas lunch was a highlight on Wednesday and the sound of fun and laughter echoed across the corridors on Thursday afternoon as the classes had their parties, with a special message and gift from Santa himself!

   

  The chocolate tombola has raised over £600 this term.  Thank you to everyone who contributed, this will go into school fund to support the school trips coming up that are crucial to our creative curriculum.

   

  During the final Golden Leaf assembly of the term we have congratulated Mr Hill-Shaw and his wife on the safe arrival of his second daughter.  We have also wished Mrs Loakes well as she starts her maternity leave, we look forward to hearing her baby news in the new year.  On a sad note for us, we have said goodbye to Mr Peckham today.  He will start his new job with the local authority in January and of course we wish him well, although we will miss him.  

   

  Finally, we would like to wish you a happy, peaceful Christmas and New Year.  Please take care of yourselves and each other over the holiday period, find time to relax and build some cherished memories. Having time together and caring about each other is the best gift any of us can share.

• Christmas countdown

  Fri 10 Dec 2021

  We are definitely beginning to feel the hope and warmth of the Christmas spirit across school.  Just like the Christmas trees are sparkling, the children are too.

   

  Our Early Years festivities started on Monday with a visit from the Farm on Wheels, we welcomed back the donkey, a turkey, a rat and a chicken who joined in with the children while they told the Christmas story.  The turkey was particularly vocal during the songs! 

   

  We had hoped to do our Reception performances around the campfire but the weather conditions were too bad - following the wind and rain it wouldn't have been a safe location so we had to think again.  We didn't want you to miss out on these precious moments, so we arranged for parents to come in early today (Friday) to hear the Reception pupils share their songs. We realise the last minute changes to plans are difficult, so thank you for understanding and supporting us in this.

   

  KS1 have been visiting Santa at Sunnycroft this week as part of our ongoing partnership this year.  They have had the most joyful experiences and we are really grateful for the volunteers who have helped out on these visits.

   

  Year 5 have continued to be real superstars volunteering to sing at Sunnycroft after school to make those visiting Santa in the evening feel that extra 'Christmassey'. Despite the bitterly cold wind their singing was great and truly heart warming.

   

  Next week we hope KS1 performances will go ahead on the terrace at Sunnycroft.  Please wrap up warm if you are coming to watch and wear suitable footwear to be stood on the grass. We also have whole school visits to the church planned so everyone understands how this important Christian festival  is celebrated. Then we will have Christmas dinner on Wednesday and parties on Thursday - phew a busy week ahead!  

   

  Have a happy weekend - please stay warm and safe, we look forward to seeing you all next week for the last week of term.

• Time flies!

  Fri 26 Nov 2021

  Wow - it's hard to believe we have come to the end of another week, time certainly flies when you are having fun.

   

  Year 6 have been completing their hides this week we have some budding engineers, architects and wildlife experts in school. The way they have applied their skills from across the curriculum is impressive.

   

  School council met today with Mrs Kennedy.  They will be discussing a range of ideas and issues across school to ensure our pupil voice is shared.

   

  We are beginning preparations for our Christmas performances.  We are planning events to be outdoors either in Forest School or at Sunnycroft.  We will be dependant on the weather of course, we will keep you informed of dates and details.

   

  We had a team out competing in the Key Stage 2 Telford and Wrekin Boccia competition at Oakengates, they finished second in the league.  Coach was seriously impressed with how they represented the school. Well done.

   

  As it gets chillier please ensure you are sending children to school with appropriate coats and footwear.  We do try and get outdoors as much as we can.  Have a great weekend, we will see you all next week.

   

  

• Exceeding expectations

  Fri 19 Nov 2021

  This week has been another busy one in school.  As it has been Anti Bullying week nationally, we have been considering the theme of 'one kind word'.  Pupils across school have discussed and reflected on how their words can affect others and how being kind can make them feel better too.  We have thought about how important it is to be kind to ourselves - whether that is thinking kind things or choosing to do things that make us feel good.

   

  Today we have been a sea of spots and stripes to spread a little kindness beyond Short Wood.  We have had over £470 in donations for Children in Need.  Thank you so much for all of your contributions.  If you haven't already donated and would like to please go onto Parentpay.

   

  We were proud to showcase our curriculum offer to a visitor from Telford and Wrekin's Education and Skills team this week.  She saw Forest School and outdoor learning in action and enjoyed talking to our children about their learning.  She was blown away by the quality of the art work on wolves completed by our Year 6s as part of their community and belonging topic.  

   

  Mrs Butele and Mr Saunders had the pleasure of taking 2 of our Year 6 pupils to Wickes this week to collect £100 worth of resources the store have kindly donated towards their DT project.  Elliot and Emily were total superstars and brilliant ambassadors for the school. They explored the materials and tools, used their maths skills to work out the best value products and generally impressed everyone they met.

   

  Our football team have had success this week, they are now heading towards the semi finals of the Telford and Wrekin Cup,  having beat St Matthews, Donnington 2-0. We are so proud of their efforts.

   

  We are still maintaining our Covid risk assessments as we are continuing to have positive cases in our school community.  The one way system remains in place.  Please do not send your child to school if they are displaying any symptoms, they need to get a PCR test.  Once they have a negative PCR result, and are well, they can return.  Without the PCR test, anyone with symptoms need to isolate for 10 days.  If your child is isolating, but are well, we will of course support you with home learning.  Thank you for your on-going understanding.

   

  Enjoy your weekend, we look forward to seeing everyone next week.

   

   

• Real life hero

  Thu 11 Nov 2021

  We were really proud to award a really special golden leaf today.  You may be aware of the story in the press recently about a man getting trapped in a cave in the Brecon Beacons.  As a result, hundreds of volunteers gave up their time to respond and rescue him.  One of those selfless volunteers was our very own Alan Braybrooke (aka Alan Arthog) from the Arthog outreach based at Short Wood.  As Short Woodies we are really proud of him, and we all agreed that if we were in need of rescuing having Alan's calm, resilient and positive approach would be reassuring.  There will not be many children who Alan hasn't worked with over time, as a member of our extended team.  Well done to Alan and the team of volunteers who without doubt saved the stranded caver's life by working as a team to overcome the challenges they faced. 

   

  Short Woodies paused at 11am on Thursday11th November to show their respect as part of the national 2 minute silence.  As part of the assembly Short Woodies spent time reflecting and thinking about the importance of using our words to resolve conflicts.  Thank you to everyone who has sent in donations for our poppy appeal this year, your support, as always, is appreciated.  

   

  Next week is Anti-Bullying week.  The theme this year is 'one kind word'.  Pupils will be taking part in assemblies and work planned in class around this theme.  We all know that words are powerful, using them to be kind to each other and ourselves is a real life lesson.  This will be a focus next week.  Please talk to your children about the themes of the week. Many children have been part of a World Kindness Day Assembly today and have heard about the benefits of kindness, physically and emotionally.

   

  Our visits to Sunnycroft have continued this week.  Class 9 had a fun learning experience as they explored the grounds.  We also know that some families are now visiting this gem in our locality at weekends too which is so good to hear.

   

  Mo from Animals in Hands was back too this week,  teaching the children in Years 3 and 4 all about animals that originate from different parts of the world and in particular The Rainforest.

   

  Have a kind weekend - why not set your own kindness challenges for the week ahead?

• Whizz, bang, wow!!

  Fri 05 Nov 2021

  This week has been a busy return to school. Monday started in spectacular fashion for Key Stage 1 as the focus of their celebrations topic shifted to bonfire night,  ending in a fabulous fireworks display on Monday evening. Listening to the excitement and enthusiasm of our Year 1 and 2 pupils was a delight. They have been learning about Guy Fawkes in history, this was followed up with some brilliant art work during our Key Stage 1 Art focus week.  Following the fireworks display on Monday they have been inspired to create amazing paintings and poetry. Thank you to everyone who attended to share the display with your children. 

   

  Year 5 have had their Arts focus week this week and are developing their artistic skills in painting landscapes inspired by their visit up The Wrekin earlier in the year.  We have altered the way we organise our curriculum this term to allow more time to be devoted to developing skills in different subject areas and ensuring they are building on previous knowledge and experiences through school.

   

  It was Class 19's turn to visit Sunnycroft this week, they enjoyed exploring the grounds, finding out about 'The Halliday' conservatory renovation project and hearing form Lou, from the National Trust, about the people who have lived at the house in the past.  The opportunity to practise mapping skills was taken up, while they were also able to compare these gardens to those they saw on their visit to the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham last half term.  The children are keen to return later in the year. 

   

  As our partnership with Sunnycroft develops more of our pupils will use the site as a place of learning.  We have also been invited to use this enchanting site as a backdrop for some of our Christmas performances and celebrations.  We hope to share these plans soon.

   

  We are mindful that rates of COVID infections are still high locally.  Please continue to use the lateral flow tests that can now be collected free from pharmacies, or you can have them delivered to your door if you order online.  Please do not send your child to school with any symptoms, get a test first.  Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping everyone as safe as we can.

   

  Next week we have the photographer in school on Tuesday 9th November.  We will be doing individual photos only this time.  We look forward to seeing the children's best smiles!

   

  As the weather is getting chillier please ensure your child comes to school everyday with a warm coat and suitable footwear.  We will continue to do our weekly outdoor learning sessions, so they need their kits, including wellies, in school.

   

  A letter was sent out this week with dates for the month ahead.  

   

  With bonfire night and Divali celebrations this week we have been talking other children about how to be safe around the celebrations and to not forget our pets too, who can find fireworks really stressful.

   

  Have a safe and happy weekend we look forward to seeing everyone next week.

• Arthog home and away!

  Fri 22 Oct 2021

  This week has been one of adventure, team work and creativity for our Year 6 pupils in particular.  On Monday a group accompanied by Dr Saunders, Coach B, Miss Taylor and Mel set off to Arthog in North Wales for their residential.  The pictures on the gallery page of our site have shown how much fun they have had. The staff have reported amazing team work, courage with tricky new challenges and super Short Woodiness all round.  A highlight for Mrs Harris was receiving a video of 'Power in Me'  performed from the welsh hillsides.  Back in school the Year 6 children have had their Arthog adventures at home.  They have done some amazing outdoor learning, including some beautiful natural Art work inspired by Andy Goldsworthy.  They have canoed with the Arthog team and written some powerful poetry too.  What a week - phew! Half term will be needed to recharge!! 

   

  Class 5 visited Sunnycroft this week to explore their grounds.  Everyone had such a great time.  They searched for clues and images, they identified different plants, comparing them to those they saw at during their Botanical Gardens visit, and had a great time playing freely in the open space.  Thankfully the weather brightened up through the morning so they could enjoy a picnic lunch too.  Children in Reception had planned to visit too this week to use their apple press, however the weather beat us on this occasion, hopefully we will be able to rearrange this visit soon.

   

  Year 5 had the chance to develop their scientific knowledge and understanding of how animals have evolved and adapted to their environment with a visit from Mo from Animals in Hands. This not only improved their scientific knowledge, but also supported their emotional health and well being as they handled the animals and understood the importance of each species.

   

  We are excited to share that we have also received money from Wickes this week to purchase equipment to support the STEM week in Year 6 following one of our pupils writing to the store.  Thank you to Wickes for supporting this project.

   

  We have also been awarded a grant to develop our music curriculum outdoors from Universal Music UK Sound Foundation.  We will be using this to develop our outdoor spaces by putting a range of musical instruments around the site.

   

  Our school council badges were given out this week.  Each class discussed and demonstrated their understanding of democracy as they voted for a member of their team to become the representative on the school council.  These pupils will be working together to share their classmates views and ideas about school.  They will meet with the Head Teacher, the Governors and other key members of staff across the year to work together. 

   

  You will now be receiving regular online safety newsletters by email, with relevant and up to date information and guidance.  The online world continually evolves at a pace that can be difficult to keep up with.  Online safety is taught across our curriculum but we wanted to support you at home too.  We hope you will find this a useful resource.

   

  You will be aware of the rising number of COVID cases nationally and  in the locality.  We continue to implement a range of controls in school, including increased ventilation, a cleaning regime, and regular testing for staff.  The one way system is still in use,  and we do ask everyone to take responsibility for their own social distancing around the site.  Children in Year 5 and 6, with permission, can walk to and from school but all other pupils need to be accompanied by an adult around the site.  We have had to step up measures for 2 classes on the advice of the public health team.  This has meant resuming the bubbles for those groups, they have played at different times in the MUGA and had lunches delivered to class.  Staff have remained within these bubbles too.  All staff have been asked to wear masks in communal areas, if you are visiting school please have a mask available. After the half term break we will be reviewing our measures in light of the latest guidance and will inform you of any changes, thank you as always for your ongoing support.

   

  Today is the last day of half term, we return to school on Monday 1st November.  We hope you all have a fun half term and find time to relax too.