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About Mr Applegate

Posts by Mr Applegate:

Year 3 – Update

In English we have enjoyed reading and learning more about animals and their bones. We have been reading Gabrielle Balkan book, ‘A Book of Bones’ where we have discovered the Blue Whale is the world’s largest animal and is bigger than any dinosaur that ever lived.  This week we heard the book ‘Big Blue Whale’ by Nicola Davies and have watched a variety of video clips, looking at where they live, how they move and learning as much as we can about a whale. We are working towards writing a story about a whale and his journey. 

Key information for Year 3:  

  • Year 3/4 Easter performance – Last week the children brought home their letters for the evening performance, please can you sign these and return to your child’s class teacher ASAP. 
  • Song words – The children also brought these home last week – Please encourage and help the children to learn these. 
  • Reading – We are still completing our reading challenge each week. We are encouraging children to read a minimum of 3 times a week for 1 raffle ticket.  
  • Spelling – We will be using the next few weeks at school to test and assess the children’s spellings therefore we won’t be sending any weekly spellings until after Easter. In the mean time we have set up spelling shed with different spellings for the children to learn.  
  • Music concert – We have been preparing for this over the last term and we would like to invite you to come and see our performance on Tuesday 31st March in the morning. We will confirm timings next week as we are hoping to invite you into the classrooms too as part of our project outcome.  
  • Times tables – We have been testing the children and working towards awarding them with Ruby (2’s, 5’s and 10’s) and Emerald (3’s, 4’s 8’s and 11’s) certificates. We have seen some huge improvements in speed and accuracy with the children who have been using times tables rock stars. Can we encourage all children to use this to support their times tables knowledge. A huge congratulations to Kalel in 3SB who is currently in 6th place (out of whole of school) for his speed on rock stars! This is an amazing achievement! 
  • Finally, please can we ask for you to check you have the correct school jumpers at home as we have had some new jumpers go missing. 

Year 3 Team 

Coronavirus Update 11.3.20

Dear parents and carers,

With the number of confirmed cases growing nationally, so will the number of people who have come into contact with a confirmed case, or who know someone who has (ie secondary or by association).

You may be aware of information from Dandelions regarding COVID-19. We wanted to share further information so as not to cause alarm and to ensure facts are correct.

1) There has *not* been a confirmed case at Dandelions (nor at St Mark’s for that matter).

2) Two different parents have been in touch today to say that they, or someone close to them, have been in contact with another person who has a  suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus. No symptoms are being displayed. Both have liaised fully with 111. They and their children are choosing to self-isolate as a precaution until they know anything further.

3) As a school, I have been in touch with the Department for Education advice line. They have confirmed that there is no need to close, carry out a deep clean of the school, or change our normal operation. I explained what we are currently doing – including our current additional cleaning arrangements – and this was very satisfactory.

4) We understand that this could be concerning to you as parents and carers, and hence we wanted to be open with you. The advice from the DfE is to remain open, and children should continue to attend school unless informed otherwise.

5) As previously shared, if your child is displaying the symptoms of the coronavirus (a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath), then please refer to NHS guidelines, and phone 111. According to the NHS website, “You only need to stay away from public places (self-isolate) if advised to by the 111 online coronavirus service or a medical professional.” As a school, we are unable to provide medical information.

6) As previously shared, should we need to pass on any updates, we will do so through website and email, and possibly text. We will update you if we feel there are significant updates. We are also reviewing strategies for home learning should the need arise.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you wish to discuss this further. Thank you for your cooperation in these unknown circumstances.

Kind regards, Charles Applegate, Head Teacher.

 

Helpful Information:

The Department for Education (DfE) have opened a new helpline for parents to access, should they have any questions about COVID-19. With regards to medical questions, 111 is still the best contact to use. To contact the DfE about COVID-19:

Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)

The DfE also issued the following advice: No school should close in response to a suspected (or confirmed) COVID-19 case unless directed to do so by Public Health England.

Where to find the latest information

 

Hand washing and moisturiser – 10.3.20

Dear parents and carers,

Thank you for your understanding and support with the current situation around hand washing. We are all adjusting to the extra tasks, and wanted to clarify a few points:

  • The Department for Education (DfE) guidance is for children to wash hands at key times each day, plus after going to the toilet. We are following this guidance, and this is why your children may be talking about washing hands a lot. It is usually at least 4 times per day, often more. They are managing this well.
  • We appreciate the impact this has on children’s skin. Therefore, if you would like to, please send your child in with a moisturiser under the following conditions:
    1. It does not have nut, almond or coconut oil as an ingredient (allergies!).
    2. You discuss with your child about using small amounts – children like to use lots, and the moisturiser then goes everywhere – including on their books and clothes when it hasn’t fully dried. Please also ask them not to share it with other children.
    3. It is labelled with your child’s name on it– we will take this as permission for your child to use it.
    4. Please avoid oily products such as Vaseline or Sudacrem, as this creates an oily film everywhere.
    5. Your child should give the moistuiser to their teacher, and it will be stored within the classroom.
  • All children will continue to use the school soap provided. Unfortunately hand sanitiser is simply not available (it can only be supplied to the NHS). We do ask that individual soap/sanitiser is not sent in, unless it is prescribed. Any prescriptions must go via the office, and a form completed.

If you have any questions, please contact the school directly.

Kind regards, Charles Applegate

Latest Newsletter: 9th March 2020

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Message from Mr Applegate

This coming Friday, we’re celebrating SportsRelief. If your child would like to, they can come into school in non-uniform, which could include a sports element to it. We’ll be doing an extra sports event on the day. Donations welcome, but not compulsory.

We had really good fun together on World Book Day. Thank you to everyone for supporting the event. We had a whole range of characters, apparently including a lion. Huge thanks to Mrs Chapman and Mrs Rosso for organising the day.

Well done to our Y6 pupils for their efforts in Bikeability last week. So amazing to see children who couldn’t ride a bike at the beginning of week do so at the end of the week. Fantastic progress and bravery!

And a huge well done to Phoebe F in Year 4 for her success in the DB Junior Cross Country League yesterday. She took bronze, and also led her team to gold – amazing!

Thank you for your continued generosity for our Capital Funds project. This shows up in Tucasi online payments, and it really makes a difference to our school.

Our Ofsted inspection on Tuesday went very well. There is no feedback given to our school, but the inspector was pleased to visit our school. Thank you to the parents and carers who took part in the inspection (chosen by Ofsted themselves).

We’ve been thinking a lot about drains this week. The Year 6 area has been particularly bad, as have the pathways behind the school. We are seeking quotes for work, but wondered if anyone knew of a company or person that may be able to help us out? To unblock the Y6 drain will cost around £1000. Installing drainage by the paths at the back of the school will cost tens of thousands easily – money we simply don’t have. Do you know a company or person who could help advise at least? Do let us know asap.

Coronavirus – we are adapting to the hand washing regime, and the children are being fab. Should we need to pass on any news, we will do so through website and email, and possibly text.

Finally – don’t forget to put Sat 28th March in your diary. It’s the FOSM Easter Egg Hunt. More details to follow.

Have a great week! Mr Applegate.

Sport Relief – this Friday!

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This coming Friday, we’re celebrating SportsRelief. If your child would like to, they can come into school in non-uniform, which could include a sports element to it. We’ll be doing an extra sports event on the day. Donations welcome, but not compulsory.

 

FOSM Cake Sale

We’re sorry to say this has been cancelled. It was due to take place on Friday 13th March 

 

Music Rehearsals and Performances for KS2 children only

March 2020

Wed 18th:  4.15pm – 5.30pm Part A Choir rehearsal and Chamber Choir at Bishopswood Junior School

Fri 27th:      4.15pm – 5.30pm Part b Choir rehearsal and Narrators at Bishopswood Junior School

 

May 2020

Wed 6th:   4.15pm-5.30pm Chamber Choir rehearsals at Bishopswood Junior School

Thurs 7th:  4.15pm – 5.30pm Orchestra rehearsals at Costello School

Wed 13th:  4.15pm-5.30pm Chamber Choir rehearsals at Bishopswood Junior School

Fri 15th:      4.15pm-5.30pm Orchestra rehearsals at Costello School

June 2020

Mon 1st:    9.30am-2.30pm All day choir rehearsal at St Mark’s CofE Primary School (Children still need to attend, even though it is an Inset Day)

Fri 5th:      9.30am-2.30pm All day Orchestra and Dancers’ rehearsal at Christ Church Chineham

Tues 9th:  9.30am-2.30pm All day rehearsal for whole concert at the Anvil

Tues 9th    7pm Concert at the Anvil

Wed 10th: 7pm Concert at the Anvil 

Star Learners

 

 

 

Year R -Ben M, Ruby L, Jessica

Year 1 -Grace, Ava, Edward

Year 2 -Joe, Theodore, Elouise

Year 3 -Chloe D, Imogen, Bethany W

Year 4 -Ben M, Sienna, Sophie

Year 5 -Andrew, Jack, Zac W

Year 6 -Mia, Summer B

Attendance

KS1 Class: 1J 100%

KS2 Class: 4SH 99.67%

In our worship this week…

… we are thinking about International Women’s Day. We’ll be thinking about Rosine Bekoin, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, Malala Yousafzai, and Greta Thunberg.

We’ll be asking questions such as ‘how can we make the world a fairer place?’ and ‘how can we focus more on the needs of others?’

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Outstanding Money

As we are approaching the end of the financial year, please can you ensure that all dinner, breakfast club and trip money is paid and up to date. Mr Applegate

SCL Afterschool Club

blankDid you know? Our after school club has great features, including:

1. No deposit required. Simply pay as you go.
2. Bookings are online, quick and easy: www.stmarksprimary.net/scl
3. You can book the night before – no need to book weeks in advance, but you can do that too!
4. Children can attend after school clubs, and then go to SCL when they finish – and also pay a reduced rate.
5. There is plenty of space, and the club is financially secure. It’s here to stay.
6. An afternoon snack and meal are provided.
7. Activities at SCL are varied and fun.
8. Cost is £12/session, or £9 if attending later because of a school club.
9. Hours are 3:20pm to 6pm.
10. Child care vouchers are accepted!

Book Here

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Parent Questionnaire Results

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Parent Questionnaire Comments

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Hatch Warren Nature Group – Can you complete a quick survey?

blankSTOP PRESS – There will also be a drop-in session for residents on March 9th at Hatch Warren Community Hall between 4pm and 8pm to talk to members of Hatch Warren Nature Group and Officers of the Council.

Hatch Warren Nature Group has been restoring local wildflowers to amenity mown grassland around St Marks School for several years to improve biodiversity and have been pressing the Council to do more. As well as bringing colour and interest for all ages there is a particular desire for children to be able to experience nature and to help populations of insects such as bees and butterflies to recover by increasing the plants they depend upon for food.

Recently the Council announced it supported the further expansion of biodiversity in Hatch Warren and Beggarwood by building on what has been achieved by Hatch Warren Nature Group subject to a public consultation to be found at https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/yoursay. The consultation closes on March 27th. We need you to have your say!

The Council view this as a “pilot project” enabling them to learn and adjust to new methods of green space management. If successful the new approach would be rolled out across other areas of the town.

It is worth parents noting that In the State of Nature Report 2016 the UK was rated 190th out of 218 countries for biodiversity intactness i.e. 28th from the bottom internationally. Like people nature is subjected to rising pollution, of air, soils and water but also temperatures, rainfall and wind. This is in addition to habitat destruction caused by human expansion through farming (70%), homes, roads and commerce (10%) and fragmentation and degradation of what is left. Thank you for helping!

Dates for your diary

Spring 2Summer 1Summer 2

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Notices from last week

COVID-19 SCL Easter Holiday Club

The Department for Education (DfE) have opened a new helpline for parents to access, should they have any questions about COVID-19. With regards to medical questions, 111 is still the best contact to use. To contact the DfE about COVID-19:

Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday)

The DfE also issued the following advice: No school should close in response to a suspected (or confirmed) COVID-19 case unless directed to do so by Public Health England.

Where to find the latest information

SCL Easter Holiday Club

There is a 10% discount if you book early using code EGG10. This discount code expires on 20th March.

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Regular notices

Hire Our FacilitiesSCL After School ClubSCL INSET CareLearning This TermZones of RegulationINSET 20/21Music Dates

Hire our Facilities!

St Mark’s boasts a large hall, a smaller hall, a kitchenette, a very large field and playgrounds. Our hire rates are very competitive. Our facilities can be hired for:

  • birthday parties
  • fitness classes
  • sport events
  • celebrations
  • training events
  • meetings
  • and more!
Find out more

SCL Afterschool Club

blankDid you know? Our after school club has great features, including:

1. No deposit required. Simply pay as you go.
2. Bookings are online, quick and easy: www.stmarksprimary.net/scl
3. You can book the night before – no need to book weeks in advance, but you can do that too!
4. Children can attend after school clubs, and then go to SCL when they finish – and also pay a reduced rate.
5. There is plenty of space, and the club is financially secure. It’s here to stay.
6. An afternoon snack and meal are provided.
7. Activities at SCL are varied and fun.
8. Cost is £12/session, or £9 if attending later because of a school club.
9. Hours are 3:20pm to 6pm.
10. Child care vouchers are accepted!

Book Here

SCL INSET Day Childcare

There is great SCL provision at St Mark’s for our INSET day on Friday 3rd April. Click here to book.

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What’s my child learning this term?

Zones of Regulation

Your child may have been talking about feeling ‘red’ or ‘yellow’. What does this mean? Well, St Mark’s are adopting a really helpful way for children to identify and talk about their emotional state- even when they are angry or anxious! Identifying the colour helps  children to know how to move towards a more settled state, which may not always been straight to green. It also enables them to know ‘it’s ok to feel this way’, although we are still responsible for our actions. Why not talk through it with your child?

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INSET Days – 2020/2021

  • Thur 3rd Sept 2020
  • Fri 4th Sept 2020 (School starts Monday 7th Sept)
  • Mon 4th Jan 2021
  • Thur 1st April 2021
  • Mon 7th June 2021

Music Rehearsals and Performances for KS2 children only

March 2020

Wed 18th:  4.15pm – 5.30pm Part A Choir rehearsal and Chamber Choir at Bishopswood Junior School

Fri 27th:      4.15pm – 5.30pm Part b Choir rehearsal and Narrators at Bishopswood Junior School

 

May 2020

Wed 6th:   4.15pm-5.30pm Chamber Choir rehearsals at Bishopswood Junior School

Thurs 7th:  4.15pm – 5.30pm Orchestra rehearsals at Costello School

Wed 13th:  4.15pm-5.30pm Chamber Choir rehearsals at Bishopswood Junior School

Fri 15th:      4.15pm-5.30pm Orchestra rehearsals at Costello School

June 2020

Mon 1st:    9.30am-2.30pm All day choir rehearsal at St Mark’s CofE Primary School (Children still need to attend, even though it is an Inset Day)

Fri 5th:      9.30am-2.30pm All day Orchestra and Dancers’ rehearsal at Christ Church Chineham

Tues 9th:  9.30am-2.30pm All day rehearsal for whole concert at the Anvil

Tues 9th    7pm Concert at the Anvil

Wed 10th: 7pm Concert at the Anvil 

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Year 1 ‘On the Move’

What a great start back with our new project, On the Move. The children have had fun exploring different types of transport using arts and crafts and also wrote about their favourite modes of transport.

We all had a great time on our visit to Milestones, where the children could explore first hand all the different vehicles and how they have changed over time. Thank you to all the helpers that came on the day and made the trip possible. 

We also had a great time on Thursday where we learnt about our book, ‘Books are Rubbish’ as part of World Book Day. It was great to see all the children dressed as their favourite book characters and they loved talking about the book their character was from. We enjoyed making predictions about the end of the story and created our own ‘super vegetables’ to save the day against the Evil Pea.

Year 1 Team

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