Dates for the Diary and some updates!

It is hard to believe that we are in the final half term of the year! It doesn't seem like five minutes since we were all taking the 'first day of the year in your uniform by the front door' photos! Here are some dates for your diaries for the rest of the school year.

• Fri 9th June: Reception's first dance lesson with Dudley Performing Arts- children should wear PE kit on Fridays this half term
• Fri 9th June: Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check
• Fri 9th June, 2.30pm: first Praise Assembly of the half term. Remember you'll be invited to attend if you child is being awarded 'Student of the Week' and you are welcome to attend if your child is bringing in an award from outside school. These are every Friday unless noted in the diary dates.
• w/b Mon 12th June: Year 1 Phonics Screening
• Mon 19th June: Class photos (including Ducks) being taken- all children in Classes D-S to wear uniform and bring PE kit in if it is a PE day.
• Tue 20th June: Year 6 dental checks (NHS)
• Tue 20th June: School Nurse working with Year 5 on changing bodies
• Thu 22nd June: Year 4 visit to Thinktank
• Tue 27th June: the first of 4 Transition Tuesdays, where children from Classes D-E will spend an hour getting ready for next year, learning about new teachers, new learning environments and new curriculum
• Wed 28th June: Year 1 visit to Hartlebury
• Thu 29th June: Sports Day (9.30 for Classes D, I and N, 1.30 for Classes G, L, E and S)
• Wed 12th July: Year 2 visit to Weston-Super-Mare
• Thu 13th July: School Nurse working with Year 6 on changing bodies
• Thu 13th July: Annual reports coming to parents for Classes D-S
• Fri 14th July, 9.45am: Reception dance performance- parents invited
• Tue 18th July, 2.30pm: Rocksteady concert- parents of performers invited, with more information to follow from Rocksteady
• Wed 19th July: Year 6 dress rehearsal of their play for Classes D-E
• Thu 20th July, 3.30pm-6.00pm: Classes D-S Parents' Evening (details re making appointments will be included in your child's report)
• Fri 21st July, 9.00-11.30: Transition morning for Classes D-E
• Fri 21st July, 10.00am: Year 6 performance for parents
• Fri 21st July, 2.30pm: final Praise Assembly of the year
• Mon 24th July, 2.30pm: Year 6 graduation assembly- parents invited
• Tue 25th July: Final day of the school year. Children finishing at 3.10pm, as normal

Please note that we are awaiting a date for Year 4 to work with the School Nurse. This will be shared asap.

Further updates:

PE days this half term are remaining the same, apart from Class D who need to wear their PE kits on Fridays (uniform Mon-Thu), for their dance lessons.

Some families requested for their 'Big Help Out' sponsorship money to be donated to Gracie's Go Fund Me page, which a kind parent volunteered to do on behalf of many of you. She has asked us to share that a total of £688.05 was donated in this way.

As I do every year, I would like to remind parents of the importance of making sure children bring sun hats and water bottles into school every day. Even if it looks cloudy in the morning, we can always trust the British weather to be unpredictable! Please also ensure children apply sunscreen before coming in. 

In recent weeks a number of children have made reference to film characters from inappropriate films. When we have spoken to parents, they have been very shocked as the child has not been exposed to the film itself. I would like to remind all parents that it is vital that any use of screens is carefully monitored. Avatars of such characters are becoming increasing present in YouTube videos, on Roblox and games such as Minecraft. Extremist groups are also using these platforms to start engaging with young people. Please make sure that you carefully monitor use of technology and talk to your children about E-Safety.

As always, if you have any questions or queries, please don't hesitate to speak to me or a member of SLT on the playground at the start of the day, call school on 01384818305 or email us at info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk.

Many thanks.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Sleep Workshop

When your child sleeps well, they are more settled, happy and ready for school the next day. Good-quality sleep helps your child concentrate, remember things and behave well. This helps them to be successful learners. Getting enough sleep also strengthens your child’s immune system and reduces the risk of infection and illness.

We know, however, that some children struggle to get a good night’s sleep, and this can be a very difficult time for parents and impact on the whole family.

Our School Health Nurse, Ruth Simpson, will be holding a sleep workshop for parents on Friday 19^th May from 9:15-10:15am.  This will take place in the community room. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

We hope you are able to join us.

The Big Help Out Charity Donation : 

As a school we have identified local charities that benefit our community in celebration of the King's Coronation. The children were involved in selecting the charities they would like to support. However from your response we understand that a number of you would like to donate money elsewhere. If you would prefer to donate to an alternative cause, we are happy for you to donate directly as an alternative to sending a donation into school. 

Thank you for your support.

Industrial action by NEU

Please see the file below for information on the industrial action on 27th April and 2nd May. At this point we anticipate that school will be open to all children on 2nd May.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Staffing update: Mrs Kindon

It is with sadness for us and excitement for her that I am notifying you that Mrs Kindon, our School Business Manager who many of you speak regularly to in our main office, is leaving us to pursue a new career outside the education sector. Her last full day here will be Friday 28th April.

We will very much miss her quick wit and sense of humour, friendly nature and, most importantly, her dedication to the children of Dingle Community Primary. 

We are currently advertising to find her successor and will keep you posted. Mrs Kindon has kindly offered to support in the transition to a new School Business Manager. 

Good luck Mrs Kindon! We know we will see you in our local community and we look forward to hearing about your new adventure!

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Industrial action by NEU

Please see the file below for information on the industrial action on 27th April and 2nd May. At this point we anticipate that school will be open to all children on 27th April.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Parent update and diary dates

I hope that you all had a lovely time over Easter and managed to get some quality time with your wonderful children. It was lovely to see them this morning!

I just wanted to share some information and dates with you.

PE days:

PE days are largely unchanged this term, the only slight change being Year 4 needing to come in kit on Fridays as they will be participating in lessons with Dudley Performing Arts. Therefore PE days this half term will be:

Class D: Tuesdays

Class I: Thursdays and Fridays

Class N: Mondays and Wednesdays

Class G: Tuesdays and Thursdays

Class L: Mondays and Fridays

Class E: Tuesdays and Fridays

Class S: Wednesdays and Fridays

Diary dates:

Here is information on diary dates for this half term and some for next.

Thu 20th April: Year 3 visiting Black Country Living Museum

Throughout May: Year 2 Key Stage 1 SATs

Mon 1st May: school closed- Bank Holiday (May Day)

Fri 5th May: Our sponsored walk (parents invited) and Afternoon Tea to mark the Coronation (See details below)

Fri 5th May: no Praise Assembly

Mon 8th May: school closed- Bank Holiday (King's Coronation)

Tue 9th- Fri 12th May: Year 6 Key Stage 2 SATs

Fri 19th May, 9.45am: Year 4 parents invited to watch the children's dance performance

Thu 25th May, 2.30pm: Praise Assembly (moved because of INSET Day)

Fri 26th May: school closed to pupils (INSET Day)

Mon 29th May- Fri 2nd June: half term

Mon 5th June: children returning to school as normal

Mon 5th- Wed 7th June: Year 6 residential visit to the Pioneer Centre

w/b 5th June: Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check

w/b 12th June: Year 1 Phonics Screening

Monday 19th June: Nursery-Year 6 Class Photos

Thu 29th June: Sports Day (9.30- classes D, I and N, 1.30- classes G, L, E and S)

Thu 13th July: Annual reports out to parents

Thu 20th July: Parents' Evening

Fri 21st July: Meet your new teacher morning

Tue 25th July: last day of the Summer Term

The King's Coronation:

To mark the King's Coronation we will be holding some special events on Friday 5th May. In support of 'The Big Help Out', the scheme by which the King is proposing everyone does something charitable to mark the occasion, we are holding a sponsored walk here at school. Your child will come home this week with a sponsor form and details of how to vote on which charity out community will be supporting through this. Parents are invited to come and take part in this event with their children at:

9am- Class D and Dingle Ducks

10am- Classes I, N and G

11am- Classes L, E and S

Later that day each class will be holding their own Afternoon Tea party, which will be planned by each class. If you would like to donate cakes or biscuits for the occasion, please send them into school with your child on Thursday 4th or Friday 5th May.

This day will be a red, white and blue themed non-uniform day. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for participating in the sponsored walk!

Further dates:

We will contact you with further dates as soon as possible, including for educational visits being planned for Years 1, 2 and 4 and for events next half term.

As you are aware, our increasing pupil numbers means that we had to put an end to our 'Open House Assemblies' as we were no longer able to hold this within fire regulation numbers of people in the hall. We do, however, now have weekly 'Praise Assemblies', with parents of 'Student of the Week' winners invited to come in via text message. This half term we are also inviting parents to attend if their child has brought in awards from outside school. These assemblies are held at 2.30pm on Fridays, unless stated in the diary dates. 

As always, if you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact us. A member of the Senior Leadership Team is always on the playground at the start of the day or you can call the school office on 01384818305 or email via info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Friday 24th March 2023

A report has been made to school of an adult making people feel uncomfortable with inappropriate remarks and behaviours earlier today. Police have been contacted and we ask parents to be vigilant and contact police if they see anything they are concerned about. 

Termly SEN Parents Meeting

Since January, I have been fortunate enough to meet with most of you to discuss your concerns and share current provision. I would like to take this opportunity to invite parents/ carers into school at the start of the Summer  term as part of the termly SEN review process. This will be a chance to further discuss your child's support and provision in more detail, as well as sharing strengths and successes.

You are able to book an appointment with the office. The following dates are available:

Wednesday 19th April

Thursday 20th April

Friday 21st April

I look forward to seeing you.

In the meantime, have a great Easter holidays.

Parental Survey

Below is a link to a survey for parents- if you could complete it, I would be very appreciative as the collected thoughts and perceptions will be used to inform how go about making our lovely school even better for the children of Dingle Community Primary School.

I really appreciate your time. Many thanks.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Friday 10th March 2023: school open

School is open today and all children are expected to attend. The current snow is predicted to stop this morning and we are able to open safely.

Registers will remain open until 9.30am so that you do not need to rush.

Due to supply issues, school meal service will be very limited today. We ask as many children as possible to bring packed lunches- meal payments will of course be refunded. Sandwiches and jacket potatoes will be provided where it is not possible for children to bring a packed lunch.

Many thanks. I will see you all shortly!

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Industrial action on 15th and 16th March: school expecting to be open as normal

Please see the letter below. We are expecting school to be fully open.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Parent update and diary dates

Hello everyone! We have had a lovely first week back, the highlight being World Book Day! Throughout the day we had a brilliant time, sharing stories. Teachers shared their very favourite childhood stories, with very personal explanations as to why they were so special, children heard anonymous story synopses and selected which one they wanted to go and hear, moving all over the school and during the afternoon our younger children were visited by our older children who read 'bedtime stories' to them which was so special that we've decided that this is going to become a weekly event at Dingle Community. Throughout the day we had a number of parents who volunteered to come in and share stories with our children- thank you, on behalf of our children, for giving up your time to help make their World Book Day 2023 even more memorable.

This should, as always, be a jam-packed, fun half term. Here are a few dates for your diaries!

Fri 17th March- Red Nose Day- see information below re non-uniform and our Big Laugh Joke Contest

Mon 20th March, 2.30pm- parental meeting for year 6 parents re Key Stage 2 SATs

Thu 23rd March, 1pm- mental health professional working with year 6 pupils on overcoming exam stress

Thu 23rd March, 2.15pm- parental session for year 6 parents with mental health professional on supporting pupils through year 6 SATs

Mon 27th March, 2.30pm- parental meeting for year 2 parents re Key Stage 1 SATs

Wed 29th March- Classes G, L, E and S are invited to bring in a decorated egg for our Annual Egg Decorating competition (winners to be announced in an assembly on Fri 31st!)

Wed 29th March, 9am- Dingle Ducks and Class D Easter Bonnet Parade (parents invited- Bonnets, as always, to be made at home)

Wed 29th March, 2.30pm- Class I and Class N Easter Bonnet Parade (parents invited- Bonnets, as always, to be made at home)

Thur 30th March, 2.30pm- parental meeting for year 1 parents re Phonics Screening

Red Nose Day Fri 17th March

This day will be a non-uniform day and we are asking children to bring in a donation of a silver coin. Children will also be invited to participate in our Big Laugh Joke Contest! If your child wants to participate, please practise an appropriate joke with them! They will share their jokes in class, each class will choose their favourite and these will then be performed in our final in Praise Assembly. School Council will choose the overall winner!

If you have any questions or queries, please ask! You can speak to the class teacher or member of the Senior Leadership on the playground at the start of the school day. Alternatively please call the office on 01384818305 or email us at info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

SEN UPDATE

Having spoken to many parents, I know the area of Special Educational Needs in school can feel very overwhelming. It seems to be full of acronyms and procedures. I understand  that the system can feel very confusing at times. In an attempt to shine some light on how the system works in school and within the authority, I have outlined the various stages of the Graduated Approach. Hopefully, it will make things a little clearer.               

PE Days

As we move into a new half term, children will begin new units of work in PE, with some classes participating in sessions with coaches from outside school- this means that there are some changes to PE days. PE days for this term are shown below and children will need to come to school in PE kit on these days from Monday 27th February onwards. 

Class D (Reception): Tuesdays

Class I (Year 1): Thursdays and Fridays

Class N (Year 2): Mondays and Wednesdays

Class G (Year 3): Tuesdays and Thursdays

Class L (Year 4): Mondays and Thursdays

Class E (Year 5): Tuesdays and Fridays

Class S (Year 6): Wednesdays and Fridays

Please ensure correct PE kit is worn. If you wish for your child to wear a long sleeved top with their kit, this must be a plain black hoodie or sweatshirt.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Industrial Action

Please see the letter below re teaching union strikes on Wednesday 1st March. At this point we are expecting school to be fully open as normal.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Parents' Evening Appointments

The electronic form for requesting appointments was removed at 9am 9.2.23, as was explained in children's Mid-Point Reports.

Many thanks.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Links for English lessons for remote learning Wednesday 1st February

Below are the links for today's English lessons, for where parents have struggled to access it.

Many thanks.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Industrial action by the NEU: impact on school

Please read the letter below regarding the industrial action being taken by the NEU and the impact on school.

If you have any questions, please feel free to speak to a member of Senior Leadership at the start of school on the playground, call school on 01384818305 or email us at info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk .

I will endeavour to keep you all as informed as possible and will, of course, notify you if there any changes to the plans outlined in the letter below.

Many thanks.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

A message from school's new Deputy Headteacher

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Ms Nichola Heather and I am the new Deputy Head and SENCO at Dingle Community Primary. 

Since arriving, I have been busy getting to know the children, who have all been very welcoming. I would also like to meet with parents over the coming weeks.  

I may already have contacted you. If I have not already been in touch and you would like an informal chat or a discussion about any concerns you may have, particularly regarding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities,  please contact school in the first instance via the usual email address or telephone number. 

I look forward to meeting you. 

Ms Heather

Dates for the diary

Hello everyone. I hope to find you all well and having a positive start to 2023.

I am writing to share a few dates for your diaries with you for the coming term. 

• Friday 13th January: our first Praise Assembly of 2023. (Each week, parents who are invited to attend will be contacted by text.)
• Thursday 19th January, 2.30pm- parental meeting for year 6 about the Pioneer residential visit
• Friday 3rd February: Mid-Point Progress Reports coming home to parents
• Thursday 16th February, 3.30pm-6.30pm: Parents' Evening
• Friday 17th February: Last day of the half term (Spring 1)
• Monday 20th- Friday 24th February: School closed (Half Term)
• Monday 27th February: Children return to school as normal for Spring 2
• Thursday 2nd March: World Book Day- please see information below.
• Friday 31st March: Last day of the half term (Spring 2)
• Monday 3rd- Friday 14th April: School closed (Easter)
• Monday 17th April: Children return to school as normal for Summer 1
• Monday 1st May: School closed (May Day Bank Holiday)
• Monday 8th May: School closed (Bank Holiday because of the Coronation)
• Tuesday 9th- Friday 12th May: Year 6- Key Stage 2 SATs 
• Thursday 25th May: Last day of half term for the children (Summer 1)
• Friday 26th May: INSET day- school closed for pupils
• Monday 5th June: Children return to school as normal for Summer 2
• Tuesday 25th July: Last day of the school year

For World Book Day, rather than the focus be on parents spending money on dressing children as book characters, we like to focus on the joy of reading. This year our focus is going to be on 'Sharing Stories' and really celebrating the wonder of books. We will be:

• asking children to come to school wearing pyjamas as the younger and older children will be teaming up at the end of the day to share a 'bedtime' story.
• giving children of options of where they go for story time based on the synopsis of the story being read by each teacher.
• holding a special assembly where teachers share their favourite childhood stories.
• creating class banks of book reviews to be added to our library, so children can get book recommendations from their peers.
• and holding a 'Book Swap Shop' so children can bring in a book from home and swap it for a new-to-them book.

We would also really like to ask for parents who are happy to read to a group or class to come in and share their favourite books- if this is something you would be interested in doing on 2nd March, please email me at info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk and I will get in contact.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel to email the info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk inbox, call or come and see someone at the playground at the start of the school day. Either myself, Mrs Wallis or Ms Heather (our new Deputy Head) is out and about as school starts.

The children have had a generally very settled start to the new term, having got over the post-New Year tiredness! Here's to a cracking term and a lovely 2023!

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Years 3-6 Christmas Carol Service

As you know, the Key Stage 2 children are going to Holy Trinity Church, Wordsley, for our Carol Service, and parents are all welcome to attend. The service will start at 2pm.

If you would like your child to be dismissed to an adult at the church, at the end of this, please complete the online form (link below) by 12pm on Tuesday 6th December. Please make sure that you have clicked 'submit'. 

Children who we do not have a response for will be taken back to school and dismissed as normal.

Many thanks. We look forward to seeing lots of you at the Carol Service!

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

LINK TO ELECTRONIC FORM REMOVED 6.12.22.

A message from Mrs Thomas re the High Acres Lights Switch on: Sunday 4th Dec

Dear Parents/Carers,

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and in school, things are no different. You may have noticed the huge Christmas Tree opposite our school and High Acres will be having a Christmas Tree light switch on to really get us into the Christmas Spirit. There will be stalls and a DJ as well as food and drink. But, most importantly, KS2 have been invited to sing at the event, just as the lights are switched on for the very first time, which is a wonderful opportunity. We will be singing a selection of Christmas songs for our community and have been working very hard in school to make sure that our singing is the best it can be.

The event will take place on Sunday, 4^th December and we will be singing at 4.45pm. We would love to see as many faces under the tree as possible. As it’s a Sunday, we are aware that some of you may not be able to make it. So, to gauge an idea for how many pupils will be attending, we would appreciate it if you could fill in the electronic form, the link for which is below. Children taking part should come to the school car park for 4.30pm. Parents must stay with them. 

It will be a lovely event and we hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Mrs Thomas

A few messages to be passed on...

Years 3 and 5

We have been informed that Wordsley School do not have adequate numbers of staff for us to go there for swimming next Monday (28th Nov), so this session has been cancelled. Refunds of monetary contributions made for this session will be processed via School Money.

The children from years 3 and 5 should bring PE kits with them to school on 28.11.22 as we will have PE instead of swimming.  

The planned swimming sessions for 5.12.22 and 12.12.22 are going ahead. 

Year 4

Year 4 have been having weekly guitar sessions with Mr Nicholls from Dudley Performing Arts. It is their final session on Wed 14th Dec and Mr Nicholls has requested that the children share their work through a performance. Parents of year 4 are, therefore, invited to school at 9.15 on 14.12.22 to see the class showcase what they have learnt in their guitar lessons.

Many thanks,

Gemma Anderson

(Hedateacher)

Classes D, I and N: Nativity tickets

If you would like to request tickets for the Nativity performance, please use the link below, complete the online form and make sure you click 'submit'!

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

ELECTRONIC FORM REMOVED 9.45AM 1.12.22

Dates for the diary

This half term is always a busy one, particularly with (dare I say the word??) Christmas! Here are some dates for your diaries, for events this term.

• Mon 14th November, 2pm- Year 1 Family Learning workshop
• Fri 18th November- Children in Need: non-uniform day (wear spots if you like!) and bring a donation of a silver coin. (If this is PE day for your child, please feel free to bring kit in to change into instead of children wearing them to school.)
• Mon 28th November- Wear Red Santa Appeal Day (If this is PE day for your child, please feel free to bring kit in to change into instead of children wearing them to school.)
• Thu 1st December, 5pm- DPP Christmas Film Night
• Fri 2nd December- Children making decorations for our Community Christmas Tree in school
• Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th December- Holy Trinity Christmas Tree Festival (including one from our school!)
• Sun 4th December- High Acres Community Association Christmas Lights switch on (Some of our children will be singing by the tree at 4.45pm)
• Thu 8th December, 2pm- Classes G, L, E and S Carol Service at Holy Trinity Church- parents invited to attend.
• Fri 9th December- Festive Clobber Day (in support of Save the Children's Christmas Jumper Day)- Wear something festive (festive colours, festive jumpers, tinsel on your head- whatever you fancy!) and bring in a donation of a silver coin. (If this is PE day, please feel free to bring kits in to change into instead of children wearing them to school.)
• Fri 9th December- School Christmas Lunch- details of booking will follow soon!
• Mon 12th December- Classes D, I and N Nativity dress rehearsal for the rest of the school
• Tue 13th December, 9am- Classes D, I and N Nativity- ticket request information to follow
• Wed 14th December- DPP Wrapping Room (where children can buy and wrap gifts for their nearest and dearest!)
• Wed 14th December, 2pm- Classes D, I and N Nativity- ticket request information to follow
• Thu 15th December- DPP Wrapping Room
• Thu 15th December- DPP Christmas Discos (3.30-4.30 for Classes D, I and N, 4.45-5.45 for Classes G, L, E and S)
• Fri 16th December- Class parties (Children to wear party clothes to school. School will be providing snacks.)
• Fri 16th December- last day of term
• Tue 3rd January- INSET day
• Wed 4th January- Children return to school as normal

Further information will follow about all of our DPP (Dingle Parent Partnership) events, but if you are able to give up any time to support these events, please call school on 01384818305 or email at info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk to let us know. Support is always very much appreciated.

We are supporting the Santa Appeal again this year and thoroughly appreciate support of any kind. Details of this are currently displayed outside each classroom and the 28th November (our Wear Red Day) will be the last day for donations of items or spare change.

As always, if you have any questions please ask. Either myself or Mrs Wallis is on the playground at the start of each day or you can call or email the school office, as above.

What a busy half term we are going to have! (I now have Mariah Carey on loop in my head, singing 'All I want for Christmas'...)

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

PE Days

Because of changes to swimming days caused by the unexpected Bank Holiday last half term, we have had to make some changes to PE days. New PE days are shown below and will be in place from tomorrow and children need to come into the school in PE kit of their allocated days.

Class D (Reception): Tuesdays

Class I (Year 1): Thursdays and Fridays

Class N (Year 2): Thursdays and Fridays

Class G (Year 3): Wednesdays (Swimming kit needs to be brought in on Mondays from the 14th Nov onwards)

Class L (Year 4): Mondays and Wednesdays (Swimming kit needs to be brought in for their final session on 7th Nov)

Class E (Year 5): Wednesdays (Swimming kit needs to be brought in on Mondays from the 14th Nov onwards)

Class S (Year 6): Tuesdays and Fridays (Swimming kit needs to be brought in for their final session on 7th Nov)

Please ensure correct PE kit is worn. If you wish for your child to wear a long sleeved top with their kit, this must be a plain black hoodie or sweatshirt.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Parents' Evening: Thursday 3rd November

Parents' Evening is being held in school on Thursday 3rd November, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm. We hope that as many parents as possible will be able to come to school, to find out how your child has got on in their first half term of the school year, about the progress they have made and about what their next steps are. 

To request an appointment, please complete the electronic form, using the link below to your child's class. Please make sure that you use the correct link. We will try our very best to accommodate requested times and you will be notified of your allocated appointment closer to the date.

The parental request links will be open until 9am on Friday 28th October so that appointments can be allocated. (Please note the links have now been removed.)

We really look forward to seeing you in school.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Reflexions Mental Health Support- drop-in Coffee Morning

Please see details on the flyer below about an informal session for parents to come in and discuss any concerns with a member of the wonderful Reflexions team.

A fond farewell

The very wonderful Mrs Byrne is leaving our team today- she is off to start a new chapter, continuing to work with young people, moving specifically into the field of Speech and Language. We're very excited for her and wish her all the very best in her new profession.

Mrs Byrne has been part of the Dingle Community team for several years and has worked with children across Early Years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. She has had a very positive impact on our pupils and we thank her for her hard work and determination to help young people reach their full potential.

We'll also really miss her cheery nature and her exceptionally quick wit and dry sense of humour. 

Mrs Byrne, enjoy your new professional challenge and thank you for everything you have done for Dingle Community Primary!

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

School photographs

The photographer will be in school on Monday 10th October and will take individual photos and sibling groups.

If you have a child that does not attend Dingle Community Primary and you would like them to be in a sibling group photo, please come to the Community Room at 8.30am. Please note, sibling groups where all siblings attend our school will be taken during the school day.

As a one off, the children in year 3 should come to school in their uniform and bring their PE kits with them to change into. Years 4 and 6 should also wear uniform and just bring their swimming kits.

SMILE!

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Dates for the Diary

Below are some dates for your diaries, including some really fun events that we hope you can join us for. Details can also be found on the calendar! We are all very excited that we are now able to hold family events again- they make such a difference to the children here at Dingle Community Primary.

• Fri 23rd September- the first of our new weekly Praise Assemblies (Parents will receive texts if their child has won student of the week!)
• Mon 26th September, 2pm-3.10pm- Class E Family Learning session with parents: postponed
• Tue 27th September, 9am-10am- E-Safety Workshop for parents (all years)
• Mon 3rd October, 2.45pm-3.10pm- Meeting for Class L (parents and children) about the statutory Multiplication Tables Check
• Wed 5th October, 9am-10am- Class S Family Learning session with parents
• Mon 10th October, 2pm-3.10pm- Class N Family Learning session with parents
• Wed 12th October, 9am-10am- Class D Family Learning session with grandparents
• Wed 19th October, 9am-10.30am- Class G Family Learning session with parents
• Wed 19th October, 2pm-3.10pm- Class L Family Learning session with parents
• Fri 21st October- final day of this half term
• Mon 24th-Fri 28th October- school closed for half term
• Mon 31st October- INSET day (school closed to pupils)
• Wed 2nd November, 2pm-3.10pm- Class E Family Learning session with parents NEW DATE
• Mon 7th November- additional swimming sessions for Classes L and S (because of missed session on 19th September)
• Mon 14th November, 2pm-3.10pm- Class I Family Learning session with parents

Our Family Learning sessions will be linked to the children's topics and will be lots and lots of fun. We hope to see as many parents (grandparents for Class D) here for the sessions. The opportunity to work with their parents in school is invaluable to the children. 

Our E-Safety Workshop are for parents to find out about how to ensure that your children are safe when using technology. They are being delivered by an expert in the field who is coming into school especially. If you would like to attend, please use the link below to complete a brief form to let us know. 

We look forward to seeing you at our events. if you have any questions, please feel free to speak to classteachers at the start or end of day, see myself or Mrs Wallis on the playground, email to info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk or call us on 01384818305.

Many thanks.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Praise Assemblies Friday 23rd September 2022 onwards

It has been such a long time since we were able to have parents in school for celebratory assemblies, or indeed since we were able to have whole school assemblies at all. Now we are finally able to do this, we have decided to make some changes.

Instead of our pre-pandemic monthly Open House Assemblies, we will now be having weekly Praise Assemblies. Each week teachers from each class from Reception to Year 6 will award 'Student of the Week' to one child from the group. If your child has won this special award, you will receive a text message inviting 2 adults to attend the Praise Assembly where their award is given out and their achievements are celebrated. Because of increased numbers of pupils on-roll, we can no longer accommodate the number of parents who attended Open House Assemblies. However having weekly assemblies with invited parents means we are able to celebrate the achievements of many more pupils across the academic year.

We will, of course, continue to celebrate Planet Points, Behaviour Badges and achievements outside of school in these assemblies. If your child would like to bring in awards from outside school, please send them in with your child on a Friday morning.

Many thanks for your continued support.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Queen Elizabeth II

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, we have now been informed that her State funeral will be held on Monday 19th September and that this has been declared as a Bank Holiday. As such the DfE has stated that all schools will be closed on that specific day. School will be open as normal until then and again from Tuesday 20th September.

We have made the decision to postpone our very first Praise Assembly with invited parents- it felt inappropriate to hold a celebratory event of this nature during the national period of mourning. Further information on these assemblies will follow in a separate message. Parental Phonics Workshops will go ahead as planned.

This week each class (D to S) will be spend assembly times working collectively to create and write cards of condolence, each class selecting their favourite image of Queen Elizabeth II and writing a class message explaining how important she has been. On Friday we will be posting these 7 cards to Buckingham Palace.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Family Learning Workshops: Phonics

As you know from our calendar of events, we are holding Family Learning Workshops, with a Phonics focus. This is a valuable opportunity to work alongside your child and gain an insight into how early reading is taught at our school, in order for you to use the same strategies when reading at home. It is through working together that we give our children the best chance to become skilled readers!

If you would like to attend this event please drop your children off as normal and then come round to the main school entrance to sign in.

These events are on:

Wednesday 14th September for class D (Reception)

and

Thursday 15th September for classes I and N (Years 1 and 2)

We look forward to seeing you and I'm sure the children will be excited to work with you!

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

PE days

PE days for this half term are shown below. Children need to come into the school in the PE kits.

Class D (Reception): Tuesdays

Class I (Year 1): Tuesdays and Thursdays

Class N (Year 2): Wednesdays and Thursdays

Class G (Year 3): Mondays and Wednesdays

Class L (Year 4): Thursdays (Swimming kit needs to be brought in on Mondays.)

Class E (Year 5): Wednesdays and Fridays

Class S (Year 6): Fridays (Swimming kit needs to be brought in on Mondays.)

PE days will start on Monday 12th September, with the exception of Year 5 who will have their first session on Friday 9th September. 

Please ensure correct PE kit is worn. If you wish for your child to wear a long sleeved top with their kit, this must be a plain black hoodie or sweatshirt.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

The new school year

Hello everyone. The staff team are back at work today and are very much looking forward to the children returning on Wednesday 7th September.

Please remember that the window for drop offs is 8.40-8.50 and collection at the end of the day is 3.10-3.20, with children coming in and out of their external class door, apart from year 6 who use the Upper School corridor entrance. If your child is in year 5 or 6, you will receive a letter on Wednesday about giving permission for your child to work to or from school alone. If you wish for your year 5 or 6 child to be dismissed alone on Wednesday, please us on info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk to let us know. Any years 5 and 6 pupils will permission to walk to or from school alone will now use their normal class entrance, rather than the main entrance, from this point forward. All other children must be accompanied by an adult and will not be dismissed alone.

Many of you are aware that last year we ran a number of before-school intervention groups. These are being planned as part of tomorrow's INSET day and letters will be sent home to invited children, who we feel will benefit, later this week. These clubs will not start until Monday 12th September.

If you would like to book Breakfast or After School Club, we will continue to do this online, via School Money. School lunches will also need to be booked using this system. A text message will be sent out when this is live.

Children will continue to come to school in PE kit for PE days. A text message will be sent to you this week to confirm these days and PE lessons will start the week beginning Monday 12th September.

A quick reminder that any emails from parents to school must be sent to info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk (as stated in the Communications Policy shared with parents last term) as this is the email address most frequently accessed. Emails from parents to other school email addresses will not be responded to unless there are periods of enforced school closure and remote learning- if this is ever the case, parents will be notified. 

I hope that you enjoy the next couple of days with your lovely children- we are really excited to see them on Wednesday morning.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Parents' Evening Appointments: Classes D to S

Parents' Evening is being held on Wednesday 20th July. The form for requesting appointments was removed at midday on Monday 18th July; parents were made aware that this would be the case.

Many thanks.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Weather predictions Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July 2022

What lovely burst of Summer we've been having! I hope that everyone has been enjoying the sunshine. Typically, it isn't predicted to last much longer!

You will no doubt have seen that the Met Office have issued weather warnings for the coming Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Precautions are in place to keep the children as comfortable as possible in school. These will include:

• Avoiding PE lessons after 11.00am
• Reducing morning playtimes and lunchtimes outside
• Encouraging children to drink more water throughout the day
• Keeping classrooms as cool as possible
• Breaking the day into shorter lessons with movement breaks and periods sitting outside in the shade

Please send your child in to school with suncream already applied and a sun hat. Most of our children are already wearing their summer uniforms and are keeping cool. On Monday and Tuesday, if your child does not have school uniform shorts or summer dresses, please feel free to send them in wearing their PE shorts with their school t-shirt. Children are also free to wear sensible sandals on these 2 days if you wish. 

Please see the government's 'Beat the Heat' flyer (link shown below) for further information. 

Many thanks.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Dates for the next academic year

Please go to https://www.dudley.gov.uk/residents/learning-and-school/school-information/school-term-dates/ for information on the term dates for the new school year. These have been added to our website calendar.

Please note that school will be closed to pupils on the following dates for INSET.

• Mon 5th September '22
• Tue 6th September '22
• Mon 31st October '22
• Tue 3rd January '23

There is also one more INSET date to be set- this will be shared with you as soon as possible.

Now that we are able to have parents back in school, the following parental workshops have been arranged and further details will come to you in due course:

• E-Safety- all parents invited- 9am, Tue 27th September '22 
• Family learning Phonics workshop- class D- 9am, Wed 14th September '22
• Family learning Phonics workshop- classes I and N- 9am, Thu 15th September '22

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Staffing updates for September 2022

It is with both excitement and sadness that I am writing to let you all know about some staffing changes for September 2022.

In September 2022 class teachers will be as below.

*New to the Dingle Community Primary team

Miss Potter and Mrs Miller are both wonderful teachers and will be in school over the next few weeks to meet the children and become familiar with Dingle Community Primary.

You may have noticed that Mrs Wallis (Assistant Head) will not have a class next academic year. This is because our wonderful Deputy Head, Mrs Stephen, has made the decision the pursue a new challenge and has accepted a job working with the Local Authority with an agency that supports provision for SEND pupils across the borough, leaving us at the end of this term. Many of our families, with children with specific needs, will have had the pleasure of working with Mrs Stephen directly and will know how passionate she is about developing practice for children with such challenges. Her new job is a very exciting opportunity to focus on this passion and we know she will have a positive impact on children across Dudley. After 26 years of dedicating her professional life to our school community, Mrs Stephen will be greatly missed; her drive, ambition and love for our children have had a massive impact on literally hundreds and hundreds of pupils, past and present!

To ensure that the children at Dingle Community Primary continue to receive the best education:

• Mrs Wallis is coming out of class to increase her capacity in supporting the day to day leadership of the school, whilst we recruit a replacement Deputy Head.
• Mrs Stephen, both through her new role and through some occasional work, will continue to contact families of children with individual specific needs and communicate with outside agencies for the Autumn Term, again whilst we recruit a new Deputy Head.

I am sure that you will all welcome Mrs Miller and Miss Potter to our team and will wish Mrs Stephen all the very best in her new adventure.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Parent workshop invitation 04.07.22 at 2 p.m.

Is your child feeling anxious about the upcoming move to another class or school?  Would you like some additional ideas of the best ways to support your child?

Lisa Bushell, our educational mental health practitioner, is hosting a session to inform you of ways to help your child manage their anxieties through this transition. Refreshments will be provided. 

Please use the link below to respond if you are interested.

Mrs S Stephen

(Deputy Headteacher)

Classes D, I, N, G, L, E and S Sports Day

The weather report looks promising for Sports Day tomorrow (Wednesday 29th July) so we are quite confident it will go ahead. Should there be a significant change, we will notify you via text. Times are:

Classes D, I and N at 9.30am.

Classes G, L, E and S at 1.30pm.

Please send your child into school wearing their PE kit, including their Planet team coloured t-shirt. Weather dependent, with the joys of the British Summer, please ensure your child has sunscreen on and brings a hat, a water bottle and a jumper/sweatshirt/hoodie.

If you wish to attend please come to the Key Stage 1 gate at the appropriate time and we will open the gates and take you around to the field.

Please note, for Safeguarding reasons parents and children will have allocated areas for the event. Please stay in these and please do not attempt to walk over to your child. There will be chairs out for parents to sit on, though you may wish to bring a camping chair just in case we have a huge turn out!

As always, please feel free to take photos of your children during their events, but please avoid photographing other children. Photographs of other children must not be shared in any way without their parent's permission. 

We anticipate that the afternoon Sports Day will finish at approximately 2.50, at which point children will return to class to collect their belongings and will be dismissed at their normal time, through their normal exits. There will be no changes to this unless the event finishes much sooner than expected.

Many thanks.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Nut-free school

Please remember that we are a nut-free school. This is because we have a number of children who have severe nut allergies and having nut products in school is incredibly dangerous for them. This does not apply to just peanuts- no nuts, e.g. hazelnuts in Nutella, are allowed in school.

As such, please remember that the following products must not be sent into school:

• Any nuts
• Any food containing nuts
• Any products, such as sunscreen, that contain nuts (Nivea for Kids, for example, contains almond oil)

Please read all product information carefully. 

Many thanks for your support in this very important matter.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

PE kits days

As you know, we are continuing with PE kits days, with children wearing their PE kit to school rather than changing for the lesson. Where there odd exceptions to this (such as Photograph Days and Non-Uniform Days), you will be sent a text in advance. 

In response to parents who have queried why these days change, this is because of the rotation of classes receiving specialist provision (such as Dudley Performing Arts Dance, swimming at Wordsley, Gymnastics with Dudley Gymnastics coaches) and where topics change from outdoor PE to indoor PE and the impact on timetabling the use of our hall. 

After Easter, PE days will be:

• Class D (Reception): Thursday and Friday
• Class I (Year 1): Tuesday and Friday
• Class N (Year 2): Thursday and Friday
• Class G (Year 3): Wednesday and Friday
• Class L (Year 4): Wednesday and Thursday (Please note children will also need to bring swimming kit in on Thursdays 7th and 14th July.)
• Class E (Year 5): Tuesday and Thursday
• Class S (Year 6): Tuesday and Friday

PE uniform must be adhered to. This is:

• Plain t shirt of the colour of your child’s planet team. (Embroidered ones are available at Totally Uniform but are not required.)
• Black shorts (black leggings or jogging bottoms may be worn during cold weather)
• PE pumps or trainers
• A plain black hoodie or sweatshirt, if you wish for your child to wear long sleeves on PE days.

Many thanks,

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Jubilee Picnic Party: Thursday 26th May

At the moment the weather is looking promising for Thursday and we are optimistic that our Jubilee celebrations will be outside and that, therefore, parents will be able to come and join us! If anything changes, we will let you know via text!

Things you need to know and a few reminders about Thursday's celebrations:

• Parents are invited to join us at 1.30pm- please come to the key stage 1 gate like you normally would at the start and end of the day.
• The children will be making a little bit of food themselves and all children will be provided with a few snacks. You may want to bring some nibbles yourselves!
• We will be selling ice lollies, with all finds raised going to the DPP. These will be 50p each. If you are not joining us but would like your child to buy an ice lolly, please send them in with their 50p on Thursday morning. 
• If you are joining us, please bring a picnic blanket and/or chairs.
• When parents arrive, we'll go round to the playground for a brief performance. The children will then go to their classrooms to collect their food. You will then be able to collect your children from their normal class doors to take them to the field for the picnic.
• We have asked for the children to dress in red, white and blue that day. As part of our New Challenges Week the children have all tie dyed their own t shirts for the occasion! These are coming home and should not need to be washed, but you may wish to do so to make sure all excess dye has gone and/or if your child is sensitive to particular laundry products. 

Fingers crossed the weather prediction continues to say Thursday afternoon will be dry! We are having the loveliest week here for New Challenges Week and our Jubilee Picnic Party would be an awesome way to finish it off!

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Dates for the diary

Please remember to send children into school wearing comfortable clothing they can do physical activity in all week next week, for New Challenges. It is going to be a really exciting week!

For the visits to the Red House Glass Cone please remember that your child will need to either bring a packed lunch with them or order a grab bag via School Money. (Please remember that lunch orders for next week close at 4pm today.) 

We are optimistic that our Jubilee Celebration Picnic will be able to go ahead, providing the weather predictions don't change! If you are planning on coming, please come to the school gate (Key Stage 1) at 1.30pm, armed with a picnic blanket and/or chairs and children will be brought to you on the field. You may want to bring a few picnic snacks with you too! We will text throughout next week with updates on whether or not this is likely to go ahead.

Here are a few diary date reminders and dates for events planned for next half term:

Week beginning 23rd May: New Challenges Week

• Mon 23rd May: Classes I and N visiting the Red House Glass Cone
• Tue 24th May: Classes G and L visiting the Red House Glass Cone
• Wed 25th May: Classes E and S visiting the Red House Glass Cone
• Thu 26th May, 1.30pm: Jubilee Picnic Party
• Fri 27th May: school closed to pupils (INSET day)
• Mon 30th May- Fri 3rd June: school closed (Whitsun Half Term break)
• Mon 6th June: children return to school as normal
• Mon 20th June, am: photographer in for class photos
• Wed 29th June: Sports Day (Classes D, I and N at 9.30am, Classes G, L, E and S at 1.30pm)
• Wed 13th July: classes D to S reports out to parents
• Tue 19th July: Meet Your New Teacher morning
• Tue 19th July, 2.15pm: Rock Steady performance
• Wed 20th July, am: Year 6 performance and Leavers' Assembly- time TBC
• Wed 20th July: Parents' Evening
• Thu 21st July: Last day of term

Many thanks. Any questions please speak to me on the playground at the start of the day or contact using school's phone number (01384818305) or email address (info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk).

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Year 1 dance performance

As class I's dance unit comes to an end, parents of this class are invited in to see a short performance at 9.45 on Friday 20th May. This is limited to 2 adults per child. If you wish to attend, please come to the main school entrance. 

New Challenges Week (beginning Monday 23rd May)

From Monday 23rd May to Thursday 26th May all of our children will be participating in New Challenges Week, dedicated to children learning completely new skills, focussing on the emotions this evokes and on building resilience and independence.

During the week they will take part in all sorts from learning the alphabet in British Sign Language, to running a mile, to cooking something, to accessing an inflatable assault course (Ducks to class N) or a climbing wall (classes G to S).

Classes I to S will also be going to the Red House Glass Cone, to learn the art of glass fusing. The children will walk and this visit falls under those allowed with your child's 'Annual Consent Form'. On the day of their visit they will either need to bring a packed lunch or order a grab bag via the School Money online ordering service. These visits will be:

Classes I and N on Monday 23rd May

Classes G and L on Tuesday 24th May

Classes E and S on Wednesday 25th May

Throughout the week the children will need to come to school in clothes that are appropriate for physical activity- this does not need to be PE kit! Just make sure they are comfortable with movement and are wearing appropriate footwear. (Please note class L will be going swimming as planned.)

Thursday 26th May will be a red, white and blue themed non-uniform day. But please do not go to any trouble for this. The children will be learning the art of tie dyeing during the week and making their own t shirt for the occasion which will come home on the Wednesday afternoon.

At 1.30pm on Thursday 26th May we will be holding a Jubilee Party- the children will wear the t shirts they have made, sing the songs they have learnt, munch on the food they have prepared and adorn the school with the decorations they have made. Weather permitting, this will be outside and parents will be invited to attend the picnic party with their child. We have everything crossed and will keep you updated about whether this can go ahead!

We would very much appreciate volunteers to help with our Jubilee Party and if anyone can do a load of washing on the Monday or Tuesday night, to help set the tie dyed t shirts, I would also be very grateful. If you can  help with either job, please call or email the school office.  

Please remember that school is closed to pupils on Friday 27th May for an INSET day.

If anyone has any questions about New Challenges Week, please don't hesitate to come and speak to me on the playground at the start of the school day or contact the school office. It should be a superb week!

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Communication between parents and school

Thank you so much to all of the parents who were able to attend our pop-in sessions last week- there was a lovely atmosphere in school, the children were brimming with pride, showing off their work, and it was an absolute joy to have adults back in the building, celebrating the achievements of the wonderful children of Dingle Community Primary.

Like I said before Easter, now that we are coming out of the pandemic and COVID restrictions have eased, it is important that we return to in person communication, as much as possible, so that we can work effectively together for the best of the children. Please feel free to talk to staff for brief conversations at the start or end of the school day- staff will be doing the same- and contact school to arrange meetings where lengthier conversations are needed.

Obviously communication changed significantly during the lockdowns, to support remote learning. There are elements of this that will remain in place, and some procedures that will return to pre-COVID! To help ensure that everyone is clear on how communication will occur, a Communications Policy has been written and has been discussed and agreed by our Governing Body; this is posted below. It outlines the different communication strategies that can be used and response times for these. Class emails are no longer in use and all email correspondence must come through the info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk inbox from now on.

Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. As you know, we have returned to a member of Senior Leadership (either myself, Mrs Stephen or Mrs Wallis) being on the playground at the start of each school day, so please feel free to come and see us, or feel free to call or email the email address above.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Home/school communication

As life continues to slowly but surely return to normal, we as a school are constantly reviewing our practices. Open home/school communication is key to working together for the best for the children and we need to return to pre-pandemic practices with parents in school, celebrating our children's achievements and working together to support them through their challenges. 

As such:

• Face to face conversations between teachers and parents are now encouraged.
  • If either parents or staff need to briefly pass on information at the end or start of the school day, both people are now welcome to approach the other.
  • If a longer discussion is needed or it is not a convenient time, both parents and staff can, of course, say this and an appointment will be made via telephone call or email with the school office. 
• The class email accounts will no longer be used- these will be closed at the end of term.
• From Monday 4th April we will return to a member of the Senior Leadership Team (Mrs Anderson, Mrs Stephen or Mrs Wallis) being available to talk to on the playground at the start of each day.
• Seesaw will, moving forward, only be used to share homework and any work that teachers or parents wish to celebrate, or to support the occasions where remote learning has to take place.

We are also very aware that it has been a long time since we had to start restricting parents coming into school. Again, this is going to slowly start to change but we must be cautious with this. We have already started to bring parents in for performances, with restrictions to keep everyone safe. Our next step is to enable you to come and see your child's work- it has been such a long time since this has been able to happen!

So, we have arrange sessions for years 1-6 parents to be able to come into school to look at books with your children and for class D to have a drop in session.

If parents from years 1-6 would like to come in and books with children, please come to the main entrance for your time below and you will be taken through to the hall, so that people have space to socially distance if they wish:

• Years 1 and 2: Wednesday 27th April, 9.00-9.45
• Years 3 and 4: Wednesday 27th April, 2.15-3.00
• Years 5 and 6: Thursday 28th April, 9.00-9.45

Reception parents, if you wish to come to the pop in session, please go to the normal start of day entrance at  2.15 on Thursday 28th April.

We shall not be returning to sending paper newsletters home- parental feedback has been positive about being able to return to this section of the website to check correspondence whereas paper letters often go missing! However, now that things are more settled, we will be returning to sharing dates of any events half term at a time. These will be posted to the website and a link sent by text message. Keep your eyes peeled for notification of the Summer 1 dates!

Thank you for your continued support- it is only by working together that we can do the very best for our wonderful children. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Events in the coming week and Easter celebrations

Tickets will be on sale, from Monday 4th April to Thursday 7th April, for our annual DPP Easter Egg raffle. The number of Easter egg prizes is huge and there are some vegan-friendly, lactose free prizes for children with dietary requirements. If you wish for your child to purchase any tickets, please send money into class with them. Tickets will be 20p each and the raffle draw will take place on Friday 8th April.

All children, from Dingle Ducks up to year 6, are invited to participate in our egg decorating competition! If you would like you child to participate, please send their decorated eggs into school with them on Wednesday 6th April- they will be on display in the hall so that all of the children across school will be able to see the entries and the winners will be announced on Friday 8th April, in an assembly via Teams so that the whole school can celebrate with them. Please make sure that any entries to the competition are labelled with your child's name and class.

On Tuesday 5th April our Rock Steady children will be performing! Parents of the Rock Steady children are invited to come into school at 2.30pm- this will be limited to 2 adults per child and we encourage parents to take Lateral Flow Tests prior to this and refrain from attending if they have a positive result. All years 5 and 6 pupils will see the 2.30pm performance and years 3 and 4 will see their rehearsal earlier in the afternoon.

Gemma  Anderson

(Headteacher)

Dog fouling near school

As you may be aware, we have had an issue with irresponsible dog owners not cleaning up after their dogs in our local area, despite signs displayed and the dog waste bin outside our school. Please be aware that:

• Following this issue being raised, we have been visited today by a Local Authority representative who has stated that further signs are being erected. 
• The fine for not cleaning up dog mess is currently £75- fines have been issued and the council will continue to issue these.

Obviously we ask all dog owners to be responsible and for all members of our school community to encourage others to do the same.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Forwarded by request of the Local Authority Team:

To ALL PARENTS & CARERS: sparkle and shine with these amazing FREE (funded) anonymous, evidence based, online courses for all! 

1. Understanding your pregnancy, labour, birth and your baby (antenatal)
2. Understanding your baby (postnatal)
3a. Understanding your child (0-19+ yrs, main course)
3b. Understanding your child with additional needs (0-19+ yrs, main course)
4. Understanding your teenager’s brain (short course)
5. Understanding your brain (for teenagers only!)
6. Understanding your child’s feelings (a taster course)
7. Understanding your child’s mental health and wellbeing (accompanies 3a and/or 3b)
8. Understanding your relationships (coming soon!)

Additional information can be found in the leaflet posted below.

Ukraine

The current situation in Ukraine is obviously very much in the minds of adults at the moment, but some of your young people may also be aware of the conflict and may want to talk about it.

In school all staff have been given the advice from Save the Children on how best to discuss this with young people and we are following this in order to help overcome anxieties around this situation. A link to this has been shared below as you may find the support useful if you and your children are discussing this at home.

Should you, as a family, wish to make donations of items needed or money, please use the link below to the Express and Star who have details of ways to do both.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Red Nose Day- Friday 18th March 2022

This year's suggested Primary School theme is 'Superheroes'.

With this in mind, this year, in support of Red Nose Day, we will be holding a non-uniform day on Friday 18th March, asking all participating children to bring in a donation of a silver coin. We are asking children to dress as one of their heroes. This could be:

• A superhero character
• A superhero of their own creation
• A personal hero (such as their favourite footballer, a relative they admire, an artist they are inspired by... the list could be endless!)
• As a profession they see as heroes. (They could be a vet, a fire fighter, a carer... again the list could be endless)

If your child's class has PE that day, we don't want them to miss out on paying tribute to their hero, so send them in with their kit in a bag to change into on the day.

All children will participate in other fun activities during the day and all monetary donations will go to Comic Relief.

Thanks, in advance, for your support of our charity day.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Year 6 Parents' Meeting

At 2.30pm on Tuesday 8th March, we are holding a meeting with parents of class S to discuss SATs and the Pioneer visit.

This meeting will be held in the Community Room and attendance is limited to 1 parent per child. 

Please come to the main entrance to be let into the meeting.

Many thanks.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Where has this half term gone???

Spring 1 has been both a wonderful and incredibly challenging half term. Christmas seems like a very distant memory! The children and staff have worked hard throughout January and February and I am sure that everyone is looking forward to some well-deserved chill time next week! As we are so close to half term, I thought it would be worth contacting you all about a few things.

Please remember that school is closed this Friday (18th Feb) for INSET. The children will return to school as normal on Monday 28th February.

It is World Book Day on Thursday 3rd March. This year there will be lots of arts and crafts going on during the day, some of which include using fabric paint. Because of this we are asking children to come to school in non-uniform, wearing clothes that you don't mind getting paint and the such on!! We would also like to invite children to bring their favourite book in with them.

Please be aware that class email addresses and Seesaw accounts will not be being checked by teachers during the half term break. If you have anything that needs to be shared with school, including any positive COVID-19 results, please email info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk as this email account will be checked periodically.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Year 2 African Drumming Day: FAO year 2 parents

As you are aware, the children in class N are participating in an exciting day on music on Thursday. As was stated on the letter that came home, this day will end with a performance for parents; you were told COVID measures would be shared in due course.

As such, in line with gov.uk and local authority guidance:

• The performance will begin shortly after 2.30. Please come to the main door at 2.30 for entrance.
• Numbers are restricted to 1 parent per child.
• Parents who are attending are encouraged to take a Lateral Flow Test that day and not come to school if it is positive.
• Parents are asked to wear masks when in the school building, unless you are medically exempt and have informed school in advance.
• Parents are asked to maintain social distancing at all times. 

Many thanks.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Parents' Evenings Spring 2022, Reception to year 6

Parents' Evening consultations will, because of the continued challenges of the pandemic, be via telephone. These will be during the week beginning Monday 14th February. The electronic forms for requesting appointments have now been closed.

You will receive mid-point reports on Friday 11th February- these will be sent home with the children.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Carols on the playground: years 3, 4, 5 and 6

If you are attending today's Carols on the Playground, please read the following COVID-19 measures:

• I would ask adults attending to carry out Lateral Flow Tests before attending and not come to school if there is a positive result.
• As you will be in proximity of others for longer than normal, I encourage parents to wear masks whilst on the playground this afternoon.
• Social distancing from people in other households must be adhered to whilst on the playground.
• Chairs will placed as barriers on the playground to set up a zone for year 5/6 parents (closest to the field) and year 3/4 parents (closest to the school building)- You must remain in these zones.
• The children will be taken back to classes to collect their belongings and to be dismissed at the end of the day.
• Once the children return to classes year 3/4  parents will be asked to move to outside the relevant classes and then the year 5/6 parents.
• Please feel free to take photos and videos of your own child during the performance. Please be mindful of not blocking the view of people behind you. If any other children are visible in photos of videos, these must not be shared with other people without permission of the children's parents.

Many thanks! I hope that you enjoy the children's singing!

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Nativity Tickets

If you have requested a ticket for the Class D, I and N Nativity, this will come home with your child today. Please remember tickets were allocated as 1 per child ( so 1 ticket for the Wednesday OR 1 ticket for the Thursday).

There are an incredibly small number of spare tickets for the 9am Thursday 9th December performance. These will be issued on a first come first served basis at the office, again only 1 per child. Once this small number of tickets have gone, they're gone!

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Christmas Events- update for parents

Thank you for everyone who has supported 'Film Night'. The tickets for this have now all been sold and the link on School Money has been removed. If you have purchased a ticket for this, your child's name is on a list that will be checked off when they get here at 5.30pm on Friday 3rd December- remember to bring your child to the main entrance.

The link to the form for requesting Nativity tickets for classes D, I and N was posted with the last newsletter. Please be aware that this will be removed at 12pm on Thursday 2nd December so any ticket requests must be made before then. Please remember that tickets are very limited because of guidance on COVID-19 and are being allocated as 1 per child, so you must select which performance the adult is attending.

You are now able to purchase tickets to the Christmas Discos via School Money! If your child is in Ducks, Class D, Class I or Class N and is coming to their disco, please feel free to send party clothes in with your child on the day and we will make sure they are changed before the disco starts.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Christmas cards and gifts

As you are aware, we are eager to provide the children with as normal a Christmas experience as possible, but obviously have to consider the pandemic and take measures to keep everyone safe. 

With this in mind children will be able to bring Christmas cards into school but these will need to be quarantined before they are given out. If your child would like to bring cards into school they are able to do so on:

• Monday 6th December 
• Tuesday 7th December
• Monday 13th December
• Tuesday 14th December

Cards will be kept safe and then distributed at the end of each of the 2 weeks.

Similarly, should you and your child wish to send any gifts into school for any staff, these also have to be quarantined. As such any gifts should be sent into school with your child by Tuesday 14th December at the latest. Please also bear in mind that gifts, whilst always very much appreciated, are never expected.

Many thanks for your continued support in our COVID-19 measures.

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Toddler Group: Can you help?

In the run-up to Christmas, if you happen to be having a sort out and have any of the following to get rid of, please donate them to our Dingle Ducklings Toddler Groups. We would massively appreciate any spare:

• Foam play mats
• Duplo
• Board books for toddlers
• Children’s musical instruments
• Toy cars
• Dolls and dolls clothes
• Happyland toys

If you do have any of these items that could do with a second home, please bring them to the main school office.

Many thanks!

What a bargain!

We have received a very kind donation of 50 Frozen advent calendars that contain jewellery and charms for each day, so have decided to sell these, first come first served, for £4.00 each. Similar items are currently available online for between £15 and £20, so this is a real bargain!

All money raised will be added to the DPP funds raised in our run up to Christmas and will be used to benefit the children at Dingle Community Primary School.

If you would like to purchase any of these advent calendars, come to the main office with your money. Once they're gone, they're gone!

Mrs Anderson, on behalf of the Dingle Parent Partnership

PS Please excuse my questionable photography and my reflection in the shiny packaging!

The Dingle Parent Partnership needs you!

Following our DPP meeting on 11th November, we are asking parents if they are able to help out, in any way, with our events in the run up to Christmas. Any help is really appreciated. Even if you are can help out with one or two things, it is always appreciated- you do not need to feel that you need to commit to everything!

If you can volunteer to help out with any of the jobs below, please call the school office or email school at info@dingle.dudley.sch.uk. 

• Supervising Film Night on 3rd December
• Helping wrap our selection boxes before 10th December
• Helping with selling mince pies and drinks at 2pm on 8th December, 9am on 9th December or 2.30pm on 14th December
• Helping with Wrapping Room on 13th or 15th December
• Supervising the Christmas Discos on 15th or 16th December
• Tidying up after the class parties on 17th December

If you are able to help us with any of these things, please get in touch.

Much appreciated,

Sent on behalf of the DPP

TV, Film and Gaming classifications and guidance

As you have no doubt seen in the media over the past weeks, lots of schools across the country have contacted parents, urging them to be vigilant because of youngsters watching the Netflix series 'Squid Games'. I am aware that a very small number of our pupils have seen parts of this series, which is violent in content.

This series is classified as a '15', which indicates that primary aged pupils, the oldest of which are 11, should not be watching and that the content is inappropriate. I would like to ask parents to be mindful of the age guidance for films, television and video games that children have access to. The websites below are really useful and provide information on how to keep your children safe and reasons that this is so very important.

https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/inappropriate-content/learn-about-it/

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/parental-controls/

Parents' Evening appointments November 2021

As you know, we are constantly reviewing our COVID-19 risk reduction measures, in line with government guidance and Local Authority direction- whilst things are returning to normal, we are still facing a pandemic and the restrictions that come with this.

Following direction from the LA, requesting that current control measures remain in place, I have made the decision that Parents' Evening appointments this term will be via telephone. We can't wait to get you into school to see your children's work and we will arrange this as soon as we are able.

The link for the electronic booking forms was removed on Thursday 4th November; parents were notified in advance that this would be the case. 

These appointments will be approximately 5 minutes long and will focus primarily on how your child has settled into their new class, the progress they have made so far and their next steps. 

Please remember that class email addresses and Seesaw accounts are still live for you to use to communicate with your child's teacher. 

Many thanks,

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

Reading- in school and at home

A message from Miss Harris, English Lead

Reading is a vital skill and it is our aim at Dingle Community Primary School that all children reach a good standard of literacy, as well as developing a love of reading.

There are many ways in which children are heard read by adults at school every day to support and assess their progress.

• In daily guided reading and/or phonics sessions, children have the opportunity to read aloud as well as discuss their understanding of a text.
• Across the curriculum, further opportunities are taken to hear children read within their science, history, geography or RE lessons for example. This ensures children are being exposed to a wide range of age appropriate fiction, poetry and non-fiction texts.

Your child’s reading level is periodically assessed, using Salford Reading tests, Running Reading Records and observations by school staff, to ensure they are accessing texts at the correct level.

In addition to this, children are supplied with a home reading book and diary where their reading can be recorded.

• Children are rewarded for their reading at home and books and diaries are checked (and books are changed if necessary) on a regular basis. 
• Your child may see that some children read parts of their home readers to an adult in school- this is because of individualised provision for specific children and because this may done periodically to help ensure that children's home readers are appropriately challenging. 
• It is recommended that you aim to read (and discuss texts) with your child a minimum of three times a week to support their progress.
• It is important that even older children are heard read by an adult to help develop their fluency, vocabulary and comprehension skills with more challenging texts.
• If you would like any support with choosing age appropriate texts for your child to read at home, school would be happy to provide you will a suggested reading list for their age group.

100 years of the Poppy Appeal

As this year marks 100 years of the British Legion Poppy Appeal, we will be working together to create a whole school display of poppy art.

To help us with this, please send your child into school with an empty plastic drinks bottle, like a Coca Cola or Pepsi bottle, by Thursday 14th October. It doesn't matter what size- a mixture of large and small will make our collective art look beautiful.

Many thanks,

Gemma Anderson

(Headteacher)

A message from Rock Steady

Would your child like to play in their very own rock band?

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Rocksteady in-school band lessons are the perfect opportunity for your child to learn new skills, develop friendships and have the time of their life.

Watch this short video to see what learning in a band could do for your child’s well-being: https://www.rocksteadymusicschool.com/watch-video/

Parents' Evening telephone consultations

The electronic form requesting appointments is no longer available. Should you want to request an appointment to discuss your child's report, please contact you child's teacher using the class email address.