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Wednesday 20th December 23 - Autumn Term Issue 7

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Headteacher Message

'Let all that you do be done in love'

1 Cor 16:14

It has been wonderful to see many children, parents & carers attend the numerous Christmas events throughout December.  Thank you to all the staff and FOGWS members who have worked hard to make these possible. Today we marked the end of this term with a celebration assembly. Congratulations to all those children who received a Platinum award today, however, I also wanted to say a huge well done to all the children at GWS.  Throughout the term the children strive to demonstrate the ASPIRE values and when we welcome visitors to school, they often comment on how polite, hardworking and friendly all the children are.

Thank you to all of our wonderful school community for your help and support over the past term. We all recognise how important it is that we work together so that the children feel safe, happy and achieve their full potential.

On behalf of all the staff, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and we look forward to welcoming all the children back on Monday 8th January.

Mrs Brooks


Governor's Message

What a busy end to an already busy Autumn term. I attended yesterday's Christmas dinner and helped serve the children their dinners. The tables were laid out beautifully and the dinner, of course was delicious! Thank you to all the children for their hard work this term. During the Governor's visits that we undertake, it is a pleasure to meet the children and see their progress.

Thank you also to all the staff for their commitment and dedication to the school.

On behalf of all the Governors, may I wish you all and your families a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

Mr S.Huggins

Chair Of Governors.


Awards

Platinum Awards

Well done to all of the children that received platinum awards for this half term.

  Platinum Awards 20/12/23
Australia Alfie L & Harriet S
Antarctica Aleksandra F & Fenley P
Africa Hope E & Albert H
Europe Ivy W & Elliot R
Asia Phoebe G & Harrington P
North America Thea R & Emily H
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Aspire Awards

There has been just 1 aspire award since the last newsletter - well done to Thea R 

 

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Hot Chocolate Friday

Well done to all of the 'Hot Chocolate Friday' winners for the last week.

Class 15/12/23
Australia Arthur P & Freddie F
Antarctica Bertie B
Africa James A
Europe Belle M
Asia Elisabeth A
North America Eva B
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News

13 Dec 2023
Boogie Woogie Nativity
A huge well done to classes Australia, Antarctica & Africa for a fantastic production of 'Boogie Woogie Nativity'  The children were all star performers and gave it their all on the stage!  We are very proud of you all!
Read more
15 Dec 2023
Class North America - Christmas Story
Class North America were asked to re-tell the Christmas Story in a practical way. They spent time making props and scenery. They performed their stories to Class Europe and Class Asia. 
Read more
18 Dec 2023
Breakfast club enjoy a hot breakfast!
Wow an amazing end to a very festive term at breakfast club! The children enjoyed a fabulous Christmas party with hot food and games. We purchased some new resources from the children's wish list and have definitely been getting in the Christmas spirit with crafting activities. From ever...
Read more
18 Dec 2023
Christmas Hat Making Parade
Congratulations to the winners from each class in our Christmas hat making parade. The children had lots of fantastic ideas for their hat designs. They then got the chance to parade around the hall to show the rest of the school their creations. Thank you to FOGWS for donating the prizes...
Read more
19 Dec 2023
Christmas Dinner Day
Well done to Mrs Mixture and the kitchen team for a fantastic Christmas Dinner. We enjoyed a lovely meal with festive music - the children were singing along and having great fun! Thank you to the FOGWS for donating the tablecloths, napkins and Christmas crackers - the jokes went dow...
Read more
19 Dec 2023
Christmas Carol Service
Thank you to everyone that attended the Christmas carol service.  We hope it got you in the Christmas spirit! Well done to the choir in their first public performance!  They sounded beautiful and we look forward to hearing more from them.
Read more

Notices

Memories of Great Waltham

Today each family will be receiving a book titled - 'The Halcyon Days of Cod Liver Oil'. This book contains history of Great Waltham in the 20th century.

The books have been donated to the school to be shared with our families.  I'm sure you will find these books very informative and heart-warming.


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Vacancies

We have a vacancy for a midday assistant and the YMCA currently has a vacancy at the after-school club at our school.

Full details on the job description and how to apply can be found here: 

Great Waltham C of E (VC) Primary School - Vacancies


A message from Essex Police

Are you planning on giving your child a new games console, mobile phone, tablet, or computer game this Christmas? Or do you have friends or family who are? 

Visit www.essex.police.uk/sortyoursettings  for practical things you can do to help make your child’s new device safer when they are online.  #StaySafe 


School Lottery - Thank you to all of you that support our lottery. 

Did you know that by taking part, not only do you support the school but you could win a local prize or even the main £25,000 pot! 

Also up for grabs in the draw before Christmas is a £3,000 Christmas cash bonus!

Lottery tickets can be purchased here - School Lottery - Please do let family members and friends know that they too can purchase Lottery tickets and help support the school. Each ticket costs £1 and 40p of this comes directly to the school. 

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National Online Safety

12 Top Tips for Children and Young People to Enjoy a Tech-Free Christmas

With Christmas right around the corner, millions of families are excitedly anticipating the chance to spend some quality time with each other over the festive season. When everyone’s engrossed in their phones or glued to their games consoles, however, genuinely meaningful moments with loved ones can often be difficult to orchestrate. 

Our Christmas guide will lend a hand: providing some advice on helping young people to set aside their devices for a while and live in the moment. Even if going full tech cold turkey feels unrealistic, implementing just a few of these tips could still decrease the amount of screen time in your home this festive season – enabling everyone to make the most of it.

Guide to - A Tech-Free Christmas

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School Calendar

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
All Day
From 21 Dec until 03 Jan
21
December
Non-Pupil Day
All Day
04
January
Non-Pupil Day
All Day
05
January
First Day of Term
All Day
08
January
First day for Y6 booster
All Day
16
January
Year 5/6 Online safety workshop
9:30am – 10:30am
16
January
KS1 SATs information meeting (Year 2 parents)
3:30pm – 4:00pm
16
January
First day for Y6 booster
All Day
17
January