Weekly Newsletter 10th September 2021

Headteacher News

Welcome back!

What a wonderful full week back at school this has been. The children have been fabulous and from

standing at the gate to walking around the school you can hear and feel the buzz of children

genuinely being pleased to be back. The children all look so smart and are eager to start fresh exciting learning journeys with their friends.

EYFS

The Reception children, brand new to Loose, have made a fantastic start and impressed us with their

enthusiasm for school. They have only had one visit prior to starting l ast week due to the pandemic

but they have coped brilliantly. They independently lined up and walked from the playground to

their classes where they met new friends and enjoyed many fun activities. We warmly welcome them to Loose and hope they will feel part of our school community very quickly.

Normality in school

Things this year are much more normal, with children having play and lunchtimes together (rather

than in bubble groups) and being able to use shared toilet facilities, toys and books. We are very

proud with each and every child who have, once again, adjusted superbly to another change. We

should remember that for many children they have not experienced the freedom to walk around the

buildings or site. They suddenly can appreciate all we have on offer at Loose and our spacious site

and wonderful environments!

We are delighted to be able to offer a wider variety of clubs for children to enjoy. Click here to see

the clubs on offer this term https://www.loose-primary.kent.sch.uk/page/?title=Extra+Curricular+Activities&pid=62

Uniform

Just a reminder about school uniform and why it is important for the children to look smart and

dress appropriately at all times. We strongly believe that our uniform is a vital part of us setting the

tone for our school and it helps to develop a sense of pride and high expectations amongst the

children. Please ensure that all items of clothing are clearly named, no nai l varnish or jewellery is

worn and earrings must be plain studs only. We do ask that children can dress and undress for PE

independently – practising top buttons, ties and shoe laces is essential as we are limited with the

extent of help staff can give at this time. We have contacted a few parents where children are

wearing black trainers or black skirt / trousers. Please ensure your child wears grey trousers, shorts

or skirt and black shoes and thank you for your support in ensuring your child feels part of our school

community. Click here to see our uniform expectations https://www.loose-

primary.kent.sch.uk/page/?title=Uniform&pid=33

Assemblies

We are delighted to be able to continue larger groupings for assemblies again this term, often with

more than one year group . However we are still not having whole school or key stage assemblies so we are afraid we will not be inviting parents to our Friday assemblies for the ti me being.

PTA Late Summer Festival

Thank you for bringing in items for the summer festival today. We have enjoyed our first non

uniform day of the school year. We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow on the field from 1.30pm!

Sarah Holman

Diary Dates

11 Sep - PTA Late Summer Festival 1.30-4.30pm

13 Sept - Meet the Teacher 3.40-4.00pm Year 4

14 Sept - Meet the Teacher 3.40-4.00pm Year 5

15 Sept - Meet the Teacher 3.40-4.00pm Year 6

21 Sept - Phonics Workshop Year 1 - 2.45pm-3.15pm Orchard Hall

23 Sept - Daily Mile Event (whole school)

27 Sept - Phonics Workshop Year 2 - 2.45pm-3.15pm Orchard Hall

28 Sept - Aquamarine Class Assembly - families invited

05 Oct - Turquoise Class Assembly - families invited

08 Oct - Parent Council Meeting

12 Oct - Restart a Heart CPR Sessions Kent Fire Brigade for Year 6

12 Oct - Tanzanite Class Assembly - families invited

14 & 15 Oct - PTA Circus

19 & 20 Oct - Outer Space Drama Workshops Yrs R-2

20 Oct - Parents Evening Consultations 4-7pm

21 Oct - Parents Evening Consultations 3.40-6.30pm

21 Oct - Kent 11+ test results to parents - emails from 4pm

21 Oct - last day of term

22 Oct - Staff Training Day - children return to school 1st November

Parent Council - New Recruits!

As many may know we have a parent council at Loose Primary school to make sure parents opinions

and voices are heard. We have 6 meetings a year, always on a Friday afternoon, and welcome a

representative from each class. Please let the office know if you are interested by emailing

office@loose-primary.kent.sch.uk. Our first meeting is on Friday 8th October. You can find a page on

our website with information.

https://www.loose-primary.kent.sch.uk/page/?title=Parent+Council&pid=92

Assistant Headteacher News

Happy Friday everyone! Mr Hogwood here this week. We have all made it through the first full week

of school, and what stunning weather we have had (typical!) It has been fantastic to see all the

children settling in to their new classes and routines. Our Wellbeing Wednesday initiative is all about

birds this term. Each class will follow the journey of this egg to various countries around the world

and encounter different birds with different wellbeing skills to help them. The children have met

‘Roger the Routine Rooster’ this week and learnt the importance and benefits of having a regular

routine at bedtime, in the morning to enable them to stay calm and relaxed. They are already looking forward to finding out which bird we will meet next week.

There are always lots of wellbeing resources to support you and your child on our website

https://www.loose-primary.kent.sch.uk/page/?title=Wellbeing&pid=144. Do take a look, and any

questions or queries don’t hesitate in contacting myself or Mrs Dutch (our Families and Community Manager). Have a great weekend!

Inclusion Team

You may or may not be aware that every local authority must have a ‘local offer’ that is available on

the internet. A local offer gives children and young people with special educational needs or

disabilities (SEND) and their families information about what support services are available i n their

area. There will be many different types of services that children and young people may need,

including support services in school and specialist health services.

There are many voluntary organisations, support groups and advice charities active i n Kent that can help parents, often for free.

The ‘local offer’ or SEN information hub is available at:

https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/special-educational-needs

Scroll down and click on ‘Find local SEND services’ and you will find a community directory that is

available for anyone to find advice, support and help they need. Parents can type in their postcode

to see what is available in their area.

It is so important that there is a variety of opportunities available to children with SEND and their families in the local area. Do explore the ‘local offer’ to see what may support your child.

Mrs James (SENCO)

Secondary School Applications

Online applications for secondary school admissions opened on the 1st September and the national

closing date for all secondary school applications is midnight on the 1st November 2021. For

children sitting the Kent 11+ test, results will be emailed to parents after 4pm on the 21st October.

You can apply for up to 4 schools, putting them in order of prefere nce. It's in your best interest to list

4 schools. Naming only one school does not guarantee your child a place at that school or give your

child priority for a place over another child, neither does naming a school more than once. For

advice call 03000 41 21 21 or email kentonlineadmissions@kent.gov.uk. You can also find lots of

information on the following link:- https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-

children/schools/school-places/secondary-school-places#tab-2. National offer day is 1st March 2022.

British Values Update

This year, we will be ensuring that the children at Loose Primary School develop a knowledge and

understanding of our Patron Saints. With this in mind, we will be celebrating the 4 saints' days this

year. If you as parents/ friend of the school, feel that you have something which you could offer to

enhance this, please send me an email via the school office. Perhaps you would be willing to teach Irish dancing or could teach a group of children a Scottish recipe.

The agendas for the days are not set in stone so please do 'think outside of the box'.

The dates to note are as follows:

Tuesday 30th November - St Andrew's Day (Scotland)

Tuesday 1st March - St David's Day (Wales)

Thursday 17th March - St Patrick's Day (Ireland)

Friday 22nd April - St George's Day (England) - actual Saint Day is the Saturday 23rd.

Andrea Muir (Ruby Class Teacher)

Elmer Trail

I hope you had a chance over the summer to go on the Elmer trail and find our lovely Elmer on the

Loose at the museum! I will be putting together a small display this term celebrating our

involvement in the trail so if you have any photos of children taking part then please can you email

them to the office on office@loose-primary.kent.sch.uk for my attention. Can I please have these no

later than Wednesday 15th September. They don't have to be of children with our Elmer - they can any photos showing them enjoying finding any one of the 81 Elmers!

Thank you,

Becky Planck

Resident Artist

Parking Around Loose Primary

As most of you already know, parking at drop-off and pick-up times around the school can be

challenging. From next week our lovely year R children will be full time which could potentially

increase the number of cars parked around the school at pick-up time. We have already been made

aware of two parking related incidents this week, resulting in damage to a car and the need for

police involvement. Please can we ask that when parking for drop-off and collection you are mindful

of the Highway Code, our neighbours and other road users. But most importantly, please be mindful

of keeping all our children safe as they negotiate the pavements and crossover places on their way to and from school. Their safety is always our first priority.

PTA News & Events

We are looking forward to seeing you all at our Summer Festival tomorrow between 1.30pm and

4.30pm! We have a great music line up for the afternoon, remember to bring your camping chairs

and picnic blankets and come along and listen to Mr Zenn, Marlon Brathwaite (from the Real Deal band) and the Old School Samba band.

All stalls at the festival will be taking cash, with a card machine at the bar in addition to cash. Food

will be provided by The Real Grub Hub and Lotties Lollies, both taking cash or card payments. Entry

from the main Loose Road gate by donation. See you there!

The Circus is coming to Loose....

Look out next week for information on Happy's Circus, who are coming to school on the 14th and

15th October! We'll let you know more details and how you can buy tickets for these exciting

shows!

Marketing Photography

Loose Primary School has been invited to work with KCS to provide Photographic Images of our

school and pupils to use within their catalogues and on their website. KCS is one of the largest

suppliers to schools, nurseries, public sector organisations and businesses in the UK. We are

extremely proud to be able to showcase our wonderful school and pupils in this way. The

photography will be completed over a number of days and will have minimum impact on classes and

learning. We will use the permission sheets you completed in your child's starter pack (Consent form

- Use of images of children, point 5, Do you consent to your child's photograph being published by the

press or media) to check whether your child can feature in these images. Should you have any questions regarding the above, please contact Mrs Dutch (Family and Community Lead).

Learner of the Week

A huge well done to the children who got their achievement certificates in assembly this week.

Sapphire - Harper L

Diamond - Stanley T

Moonstone - Aurelian B

Aquamarine - Mia A

Tanzanite - Gabriella A

Turquoise - Ethan S

Amethyst - Joseph H

Sunstone - Ronnie B

Topaz - Reece F

Peridot - Leon M

Quartz - Max S

Zultanite - Dominic G

Waldron Drive

There is currently very little foot traffic through our Waldon Drive gate which is easily accessible via

the alleyway at the top of Old Loose Hill, please consider using this entrance to our school. There are

staff members on all of our 4 gates morning and afternoon and further staff to guide children to

their classrooms on the school grounds. Older siblings can walk their younger siblings to their classes too, should you wish to use alternative gates from the very busy Lancet Lane gate.

Contact Us

For general enquires email office@loose-primary.kent.sch.uk

For Extended Services queries email lasc.asc@loose-primary.kent.sch.uk

Phone Number 01622 743549

Community News

Hockey Heroes - aimed at KS1 (Year R to Year 2)

Maidstone Hockey Club are running a Hockey Heroes course starting Friday 17th September, 4.30pm

until 5.30pm. Hockey Heroes is a fun and welcoming 8 week programme aimed at children aged 4-8

that aims to develop both their physical and character ‘superpowers’, unlocking the hero inside them! More information here Hockey Heroes / Home (englandhockey.co.uk)

Return of Junior Hockey at Maidstone Hockey Club

The new hockey season starts at Maidstone Hockey Club on Sunday 5th September. For all ages and abilities. Please get in touch to give hockey a try, maidstonehockeyjuniors@gmail.com.

Introducing Rugby Taggers!

Rugby Taggers is non-Contact rugby for boys and girls aged 3 and over, located at Marden Primary

Academy in Marden Kent, every Saturday morning, all year round. Rugby Taggers sessions are

designed to introduce young children to rugby, underpinning the core fundamentals of rugby through fun and games.

Tiny Taggers: 3 to 5 years 9:15 – 10:00am

Junior Taggers: 6 to 10 years 10:15 – 11:00am

COMING SEPT 22 - Tag to Tackle: 11 -14 years 10:15 - 11:00am

All sessions are 45 minutes.

NO MONTHLY FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

Pay as you Play - £7 per session or

Purchase a Block of 5 sessions - £30 saving £5

FIRST SESSION IS FREE!

Visit our Website for all information you need: https://rugbytaggers.com/

To Book your child's FREE INTRODUCTORY SESSION contact Darren on 07834225584 or Carrina on 07704536927, alternatively email rugbytaggers@gmail.com

Come and join in!