Pilsley Primary School

Queen Elizabeth II

As a school we hold many of the qualities that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II held dear – dignity, integrity, duty and a passion for our children being our future.

We now enter a period of mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the school will continue to uphold these qualities to support our school community over the coming days.

Today we will talk to the children about what has happened, and help them reflect in an age appropriate way.

At this very sad time for our nation and people across the world, we stand together in our grief but should remember the life and achievements of our Queen.

The Pilsley Staff Team

Sensory room fundraiser!

As many of you are probably already aware, a number of staff members from Pilsley Primary School will be taking part in the Hardwick 10K road race TOMORROW!! Thursday 21st July 2022!

We are fundraising for a much needed, on site sensory room which will benefit all pupils and the community!

If you are able to donate towards such an amazing cause, please do so via the justgiving link below
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pilsleyprimaryandnurseryschool2022?utm_term=K8yk6ZeaE

In addition to the race fundraising, we will be holding a cake and plant sale after school tomorrow. Any cake or plant donations will be greatly received Thursday morning to the Willow Room.

We are also holding a raffle - tickets (5 for £1). Tickets will be on sale Wednesday and Thursday before and after school at the front and willow side of the school.

Thank you for everyone's support so far it has been truly overwhelming! 😀🏅🍰🪴🌱🌺

Help raise £1000 to help raise funds towards a much needed, onsite sensory room for our school Weʼre raising money to help raise funds towards a much needed, onsite sensory room for our school. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

Pilsley to Pilsley Staff and Governor Walk

Thank you so much to everyone that has contributed and sponsored the staff and governor walk so far … if anyone else would still like to contribute the link is here:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/amy-walters-350/updates/6ad9c?utm_term=xm5DKJrer&fbclid=IwAR0jcn17HQEyp-axtPaPrziPJ-RIKDJX7w4vReN1q4fFLBcrQQJVHN9FF6k

The children have their sponsored walk in school on Tuesday 22nd June, except Y6 who walk the following week.

Some of the staff at PPS will be walking from our Pilsley to Pilsley (near Bakewell) in hope of raising some much needed funds for the nursery playground. Please share far and wide and donate if at all possible.
Every little helps and we would be immensely grateful for anything you can spare 🚶🏼‍♀️🚶🏻‍♀️🚶🏻

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/amy-walters-350?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Yimbyprojectpage&utm_content=amy-walters-350&utm_campaign=projectpage-share-owner&utm_term=3DQEM4JZD&fbclid=IwAR2mLi6ciCvHAFTnnnoWVPfinUalz8IhbmOLXkpE9hcGeNOpVScwQQTH-MM

Help raise £200 to help fund new nursery playground equipment at Pilsley Primary school Weʼre raising money to help fund new nursery playground equipment at Pilsley Primary school. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

CLAY CROSS FOOD BANK
Just a reminder, if you are struggling with food over the Easter break you can self refer to the Clay Cross Food Bank for a foodbank voucher. Families can make up to two self referrals over the holiday period by messaging the Clay Cross Food Bank on facebook or by calling 07898878398. They are open as usual on Good Friday.

Hello,
If you are interested in applying for a place for your child at our School Nursery, please see the below flyer for more information. To view the links detailed in the flyer please follow the below link to our school website, where the application form can also be found.
https://www.pilsleyprimary.co.uk/key.../admissions-process-1
Many thanks
Pilsley Primary School

PILSLEY SCARECROW FESTIVAL
25th September - 6th November

Final entries to be submitted by Friday 23rd October - the scarecrow trail and judging period commences 24th October.

Entries can be submitted to Pilsley Village Fete Group on their page (not the school page) or by emailing [email protected]

There are 4 categories of judging:
JUDGES' CHOICE
VILLAGERS VOTE
FUNNIEST SCARECROW
MOST CREATIVE
. . each with a prize of a £10 Amazon voucher, plus a sweet hamper for the winner of judges' choice. There's no set theme so it's a great opportunity for families to get creative - all we ask is that entries remain family friendly.

Published on behalf of the Pilsley Village Fete Group

The BBC Own It app helps you take control of your online life!

It gives you advice when you need it, in real-time as you type! Helping you to make smart choices, feel more confident, and live your best life online.

The Own It app comes with a special keyboard. This can be used like any other keyboard, but it also gives you helpful tips and friendly advice as you write!

Track how you feel and improve your wellbeing. Packed full of gifs and emojis to help express yourself!

There are lots of fun quizzes, videos and articles to enjoy.

Best of all, the Own It keyboard and app is personal to you. Everything you type is kept completely private, and never leaves the Own It app on your phone.

https://www.bbc.com/ownit/take-control/own-it-app

The BBC Own It keyboard and app The Own It app gives you advice when you need, in real-time as you type! Helping you to make smart choices, feel more confident, and live your best life online.

Welcome to the Covid-19 Derbyshire County Council Scams Awareness Bulletin - This bulletin gives details of scams and tricks that our Trading Standards Department, other council staff and partner agencies have been made aware of in recent weeks. Please feel free to share this bulletin far and wide - you can send it to colleagues, family members or friends as it is a public bulletin.

Please click on the link to open the full article which gives more detail and example screen shots.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKDCC/bulletins/28e9149

Derbyshire County Council Scams Bulletin - Covid-19 Edition

FREE SCHOOL MEAL ELIGIBILITY

During the COVID-19 pandemic many families have seen their personal circumstances change dramatically and some have lost income.

If your circumstances have changed you may wish to check if you are now eligible for free school meals for your child.
Although schools are currently closed, during this school closure schools are providing alternative schemes such as supermarket vouchers.

To check if you are eligible, please follow the link below.
You can then either apply online or by contacting the free school meals team on 01629 536400.

https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/schools/your-child-at-school/meals/school-meals/free-school-meals.aspx

Free school meals - Derbyshire County Council Check if your child can get free school meals and apply to us. You could save £400 a year for each child and your children could benefit from a good hot lunch.

CLAY CROSS FOOD BANK
We are now working in conjunction with the Clay Cross Food bank to support families at this difficult time. Should you feel that your family are in need of this level of support please contact our Pastoral Manager, Mrs Walters by email at [email protected]
Kind Regards
Pilsley Primary School

https://derbyandderbyshireemotionalhealthandwellbeing.uk/
Emotional Health & Wellbeing: Transforming Health and Wellbeing for Everyone

This is an offer of advice and support for Mental Health and Wellbeing during Covid-19, social distancing, isolation and lockdown for your children, your family and yourself.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing affect all aspects of our lives and health choices. Mental wellbeing is about feeling good and functioning well, as individuals and as communities. It is also about our ability to cope with life’s problems and making the most of life’s opportunities.

Please see below important information for Parents/ Carers from the NHS on child illness during this difficult time.

Pilsley Parents, Carers and Families – Our Thanks

Last night we all stepped out of our homes and celebrated our NHS and Key Workers by “Clapping for Carers” (though there may have been a few pots and pans thrown in for good measure).

It was a community coming together to give thanks to those superheroes that are there for us day in and day out through some difficult times.

However, over the past two weeks we feel there have been some heroes in our local homes too. You have amazed the Pilsley Staff Team with your patience, perseverance and achievements with your children. You have made them laugh, cry, and smile every day (often at the same time) with the work, videos and recordings you have sent in to us. Your dedication, when there is so much else that needs to be done, is simply wonderful.

So we would like to thank you for inspiring us, and we will carry on helping as much as we can.

Take Care. Stay Safe. Stay Home.
The Pilsley Staff Team

Can parents please check important messages sent out via the School Jotter. Messages to parents from school are all sent this way now so please download onto your phone if you haven't done so already. Many thanks

Please see latest 'Information for Young Children' Covid-19 guidance uploaded onto our school website
https://www.pilsleyprimary.co.uk/key-information/coronavirus-updates

Pilsley Primary School - Coronavirus Updates Looking after your wellbeingYou might be worried about coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) and how it could affect your life. This may include being asked to stay at home or avoid other people.  This might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things you can try that could help yo...

Community Response Unit launched to help those in need!

The Derbyshire County Council Community Response Unit is now ready to take requests for assistance from members of the community who don’t have friends or family able to help them.

Help is available for people across the county if they are:
Self-isolating because either themselves or a member of the household is at risk
Struggling to meet basic needs because of financial, social or health restrictions
Pregnant
Have underlying health conditions
Aged 70 or over.

Volunteers from over 200 different organisations will be able to help with shopping, fetching prescriptions or offering a befriending service.

Volunteers could be asked to help with food shopping and delivery, checking up on people who are isolated with a phone call or online help to prevent loneliness and check whether there is anything they need, or collecting and delivering prescriptions.

How to get help:
Residents needing help should visit
https://derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/health-and-wellbeing/health-protection/disease-control/coronavirus/community-response-unit/if-you-need-help/if-you-need-help.aspx
or phone 01629 535091. At this stage the phone line will only be available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm.

How to give help:
Organisations are still looking to recruit more volunteers. Anyone who wants to help and is aged 18 to 70 and fit and well should visit
https://derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/health-and-wellbeing/health-protection/disease-control/coronavirus/community-response-unit/if-you-want-to-volunteer/if-you-want-to-volunteer.aspx
to register their interest.

Some organisations are looking for volunteers to offer a befriending telephone service, so anyone who wants to help but can’t leave their house could offer this kind of assistance.

Many thanks

Please see link to Coronavirus updates on our school website with a wellbeing booklet with some advice and tips for wellbeing activities whilst off school:
https://www.pilsleyprimary.co.uk/key-information/coronavirus-updates

Pilsley Primary School - Coronavirus Updates Looking after your wellbeingYou might be worried about coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) and how it could affect your life. This may include being asked to stay at home or avoid other people.  This might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things you can try that could help yo...

Saturday, 21 March 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

We know that we are facing some very difficult times ahead. The government have asked us to maintain social ‘distancing’ by minimising contact with others and over the next few months many families may end up having to self-isolate. All of us have that constant worry about what will happen to our families, young or old.

But you need to know your children’s teaching teams are ready. Our staff have worked so hard over the last few weeks, not only to be there for your children as they become unwell or more anxious, but also to prepare for what’s coming next. I could not wish for a more caring, skilled and dedicated staff team.

In just a week they have developed an online learning approach that we aim to be the ‘anchor’ your children need over the coming months. We strongly believe that if you can get your children in to a routine of accessing the work provided on Seesaw (or Tapestry for Nursery children), then we can maintain the structure they need during these difficult times. Not only will it provide a timetable for their day but also the reassurance that those teachers they have learned to trust are there for them. It will give a purpose and focus to their day, and we hope some relief for you.

But please remember, our children can hear everything that is going on around them, they will feel our constant tension and anxiety. Like you, they have never experienced anything like this before and won’t understand the reality of being trapped at home and not seeing their friends. Over the coming weeks you may well see an increase in anxiety, anger and irritable behaviour. This is normal. What they will need is to feel comfort, to know they are loved, to have the support from their family so they can feel that it’s going to be okay. It will make so much difference.

So, please do follow the routine the work will provide, it will have such a positive influence on your children. But remember to play outside. Go for walks, do messy play, bake, garden, sing and paint. Build dens and towers, laugh and play together. These are the things that reduce anxiety.

We will do our best to be there for you, and your children.

Take care of yourselves

Mr N Snape
Headteacher and The Pilsley Staff Team

For detailed advice got to https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do Find out about the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19) and what you need to do.

A HUGE well done to our Y3/4 football team for their super performance in the tournament on Tuesday. They won their league and qualified for the final. It went to a nail-biting penalty round where they only just missed out on being crowned the winners.
A fantastic performance all round.
Well done!

REMINDERS:
School is CLOSED tomorrow (Wednesday 11th March) for a mid week Inset day - pupils return as normal on Thursday.

We are celebrating World Book Day this Friday - we look forward to seeing pupils dressed as their favourite book character!

We have had two amazing Science Fairs this week. The children in Key Stage 1 put together some fantastic challenges and experiments to share with their family and friends that had everybody buzzing. The entries for the Balloon Rocket competition demonstrated some superb ingenuity.

In Key Stage 2, all the year groups shared their learning and demonstrated an experiment or two! It was clear they had enjoyed their science this year. The Elastic Band Car competition was a superb event with some remarkable ideas as they attempted to get their car to travel the furthest. Though some never quite got going, others zoomed along, it was great to see the involvement of everyone in trying out their inventions.

On behalf of Rykneld Homes
Please see flyer for the Pilsley Community Roadshow. There will be lots of fun free family activities!!
25th March 3.30-5.30pm, Pilsley Village Hall.

Year 1 to Year 6 SCIENCE FAIRS
Please check the latest newsletters sent via the School Jotter about the Science Fairs next week.
KS1 Science Fair 3rd March - you can collect your straw & balloon from your class teacher.
KS2 Science Fair 4th March - some materials to assist you can be collected from your class teacher.
Instructions for the Science Competitions are included on the newsletters.

The Healthy Living Centre have teamed up with Swim England to run 45-minute sessions for children from the age of 2 up to 11 years old where our qualified Disney activators take 10 fun and exciting activities based on core aquatic skills with the aim of inspiring children to keep healthy and learn a key life skill. No swimming ability is necessary, but all activities are suitable to do with or without swimming aids.

The sessions will help build up children’s confidence in water through fun games such as creating ice magic like Elsa, floating in Anna and Olaf’s boat, guiding Kristoff and Sven through the enchanted forest and learning to roll like a troll.
Parents/Guardians are required to join in on the session where we are encouraging families to come along.

Sessions take place at Queens Park Sports Centre every Sunday at 9:15am - 10:00am and start from February and continue weekly for the rest of 2020.

The sessions are Autism friendly for ages 3 to 11 years old and will be held with a more relaxed atmosphere with the lights dimmed and the blinds closed. Our Activators have been specially trained to meet the needs of children with autism.

These will run alongside our new Autism family general swimming session, where we are hoping to encourage families to attend with a comfortable environment that helps introduce children to swimming in a fun and relaxed way, avoiding the more noisy and boisterous nature of regular swimming sessions.

The first Autism session will take place at The Healthy Living Centre on Sunday 23rd February at 3.15-4.00pm and will then take place on the last Sunday of each month for the remainder of the year.

Customers do not need to book in blocks for the sessions, they can attend as many or as few sessions as they like – there is no commitment to these sessions.
The cost of the sessions is £5.60 for a family of 2 (1 adult + 1 child) or £8.20 for a family of 3 or more and can be booked via our receptions.
(Queens Park Sports Centre 01246 345555)
(The Healthy Living Centre 01246 345666)

Anyone attending 8 or more of the sessions will be eligible to get a 10% discount when enrolling onto a set of our swimming lessons at either site (new customers only).

Pilsley Primary School have done it again, they have not only played the best that they could in the Local Basketball Tournament at Tibshelf Secondary – but they won! What an amazing achievement. We had two teams enter and both tried their best in every way. It was a true pleasure to see. Everyone fought for the ball, kept the pressure up right to the end and they loved every minute. We are so proud of them, no moaning, no grumbling (even through one of the girls fractured her finger – she still played on). Thank you Year 5 and Year 6 boys and girls – it was super. Now for the District competition on February 12th. Mrs Aldread.

There’s only one week to go until the January 15 deadline to apply for your child’s primary school place. Have you applied yet? Choosing the right school for you and your child is an important decision in a child’s life. Don’t leave it too late! Apply here: https://crowd.in/tID6yW

We hope you have all had a lovely break to recharge the batteries. Looking forward to hearing all about your holiday activities in classes.
Just a reminder that all pupils are back tomorrow, Monday 6th January 2020.
Wishing you all a very happy new year 🎉

Thank you to all who have donated towards Christmas Jumper Day today, so far we have raised a fantastic £219.57 for Save the Children!

In addition we have also raised an amazing £448.50 for school from the sale of raffle tickets, calendars and the KS2 disco. These funds will be used to purchase new reading books for school.

Thank you!!

Christmas Raffle – Reading Books
The school has received a kind donation of a large number of raffle prizes from the same lady who gave us our ‘Christmas Bags’ last year. These are in the form of ‘mini hampers’ with a toy and some chocolate. As these have come too late for our concert raffles we have decided to put these up as prizes this week. Any money raised will go towards Reading Books for Foundation 2 and Year 1. The raffle tickets are the usual 20p each, with one prize guaranteed per class with additional prizes being drawn as a school. This will be drawn during the Christmas Jumper assembly on Friday. We understand that Christmas is an expensive time of year but do appreciate your support.

Parent Information on Height and Weight Checks for Reception and Year 6 children - latest update can be found on our school website at: https://www.pilsleyprimary.co.uk/parents/height-weight-checks-f2-y6-pupils

Pilsley Primary School - Height & Weight Checks (F2 & Y6 Pupils) Derbyshire County Council, Live Life Better Derbyshire has recently taken over the delivery of the National Child Measurement Programme.  All parents/carers of children in Reception (F2) and Year 6 will receive a letter sent to their home address which will give a full explanation of the programme ...

FOOTBALL KITS

We have been made aware that a member staff from Tibshelf Infants is going out to The Gambia in February and is hoping to take football kits with her for the children there. She will be visiting a local school to distribute these.

The children in The Gambia are passionate about football, and so she hopes the football kits will make a difference to the lives of the local children there.

At this time of year in particular, new football kits are often given as presents, with older ones being left unused or going into clothing banks.

Therefore, if you do have any that you would be willing to donate for this cause, please bring them to the school office here at Pilsley by the end of January 2020 (and we will pass on to Tibshelf Infants).

Many thanks

Well done to our KS2 pupils on 2 fantastic Christmas performances yesterday! In addition, we raised £243 for school equipment/ resources from the raffle so many thanks to all who contributed.

Please see below poster on behalf of St Mary's Church regarding the Christingle Service...

QWell offer free online counselling if you are 18+ and a parent or carer in Derbyshire, as well as an online wellbeing community for adults.

Their services include:
▪ Free online counselling if you are 18+ and a parent or carer in Derbyshire
▪ A safe and confidential environment for people to get support via instant chat with an online counsellor.
▪ Access to counsellors and website materials to explore emotions and learn self-help and self-management skills.
▪ Browse online magazine and submit articles, join conversations in forums and post questions to the community.

To view the QWell website please see the link below providing more information on how to access these services.

https://www.qwell.io/

Qwell | Home I finally feel academically and mentally prepared to live a life that I want. I now have the confidence to make the life I want to have, regardless of what happens.

Hungry Little Minds - Government Campaign
Simple, fun activities for kids, from newborn to five Many little things light up hungry little minds. Kids take everything in, and even the smallest things you do with them can make a big difference. They love it when you chat, play and read with them, even when they’re too young to understand everything. Whatever the time and wherever you are, you can turn almost anything into a game. Every little thing you do together will help set them up nicely for the day they start school. Please see below link to the website for further information on the Government's Hungry Little Minds Campaign.

https://hungrylittleminds.campaign.gov.uk/

Hungry Little Minds Your child’s brain grows the fastest during the first 5 years of life. As a parent, you play a huge role in feeding your child’s mind and helping them to communicate. Check out our top tips for simple activities that you can do with your child as part of your daily routine. You may not realise h...

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped, supported and donated to Children in Need at school last week. We have raised a total of £226.21 and this will be paid direct into the Children in Need charity fund. Thank you all again.

It’s National School Meals Week and thousands of parents are already signed up for the free school meals their child is entitled to - so don't miss out! Having a healthy nutritious lunch at school helps keep kids healthy and helps them learn giving them the best start in life - and it’s quick, easy and confidential to register online. Find out more here
https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/council/news-events/news-updates/news/derbyshire-parents-encouraged-during-national-school-meals-week-to-apply-for-free-school-meals.aspx

APPLYING FOR YOUR CHILD'S INFANT/ PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACE 2020/2021.
If your child was born between 1st September 2015 and 31st August 2016 you will need to apply for your child's place at primary school before midnight on the 15th January 2020.
You can apply online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/admissions or call 01629 533190.
For further information please see the booklet below.