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7th February 2025

Messages from the Principal, Miss Jarrett

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Dear Phoenix Infant Academy Community,

As we approach the cusp of our half-term break, I find myself marvelling at how swiftly time has passed. It seems almost inconceivable that we are already midway through our academic year. This final newsletter before half term serves as a poignant reminder of the rich tapestry of experiences and achievements that have defined our journey thus far.

The vibrancy of our school community was brilliantly showcased last Friday during the Eco Council's animal-themed dress-up day. Our halls were transformed into a menagerie, with pupils and staff alike embracing their inner creatures. This imaginative initiative not only brought joy and laughter but also raised an impressive £180 for the council's chosen charities—a testament to the power of our collective spirit.

Last week's focus on Children's Mental Health Week underscored our unwavering commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of our young learners. As we continue this vital work, we look ahead to next Tuesday's Internet Safety Day. I urge all parents and carers to engage with the crucial information provided in this newsletter regarding online safety—an increasingly critical aspect of our children's digital lives.

We were heartened by the enthusiastic participation in our recent Speech, Language, and Communication workshop. Your engagement in these educational initiatives is invaluable, and we hope the insights gained will prove beneficial in supporting your child's linguistic development. Thank you to our wonderful Resource Base Class teacher, Natalia for delivering this session. 

Our Year 2 pupils have once again done us proud, demonstrating exceptional prowess and sportsmanship at the Slough Sports Cricket Festival. I encourage you to peruse the Sporting Update section for more information.

Excitement builds as our Year 2 pupils prepare to culminate their Design and Technology project next week. We cordially invite parents to join us in savouring and evaluating the pizzas your children have meticulously designed and created. Please consult the calendar dates provided for your child's class-specific afternoon session.

To our Year 1 parents, a reminder that Monday morning presents an opportunity to celebrate this half-term's learning journey. Your presence and support in acknowledging your child's progress is both welcomed and appreciated.

As we stand at the midpoint of our academic year, I am continually inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm exhibited by our pupils, staff, and parents alike. Together, we are crafting an educational experience that transcends the ordinary, preparing our young learners for a future brimming with possibility.

Have a lovely weekend

Amanda Jarrett
Principal


SAFEGUARDING

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Safer Internet Day 2025: Keeping Our Children Safe Online

As we celebrate Safer Internet Day 2025, it's crucial to reflect on the role that parents play in ensuring a safe online environment for our children. This year's theme, "Together for a Better Internet," emphasises the importance of collaboration between schools, families, and communities to create a safer digital landscape.

Why Online Safety Matters

In today's digital age, children are exposed to a vast array of online content and interactions. While the internet offers incredible opportunities for learning and connection, it also presents risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online predators. As parents, your involvement is key to helping your child navigate these challenges.

Top Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe Online

  1. Open Communication

    • Encourage your child to talk about their online experiences. Ask them about the websites they visit and the people they interact with. Establishing open lines of communication helps children feel comfortable sharing any concerns they may have.
  2. Set Clear Rules

    • Create family rules regarding internet use. Discuss appropriate online behaviour, the types of content that are acceptable, and the importance of privacy. Make sure your child understands the consequences of breaking these rules.
  3. Use Parental Controls

    • Utilise parental control features available on devices and apps to restrict access to inappropriate content. Many platforms offer settings that allow you to philtre content and monitor usage.
  4. Educate About Online Risks

    • Teach your child about the potential dangers of the internet, including cyberbullying, sharing personal information, and interacting with strangers. Help them understand how to recognise and report harmful behaviour.
  5. Encourage Critical Thinking

    • Foster your child's critical thinking skills by discussing the reliability of information found online. Encourage them to question sources and verify facts before sharing content or engaging in discussions.
  6. Monitor Online Activity

    • Regularly check your child’s online activity, including their social media accounts and gaming platforms. Stay informed about the apps they use and the people they communicate with online.
  7. Promote Positive Online Behaviour

    • Encourage your child to be respectful and kind in their online interactions. Discuss the importance of empathy and the impact of their words on others.
  8. Stay Informed

    • Keep yourself updated on the latest trends in technology and social media. Understanding the platforms your child uses can help you guide them more effectively.
  9. Lead by Example

    • Model appropriate online behaviour. Demonstrate safe internet practises and show your child how to use technology responsibly.
  10. Engage with Resources

    • Utilise resources such as the UK Safer Internet Centre and Childnet’s Parent and Carer Toolkit for additional guidance and support in keeping your child safe online.

Conclusion

As we observe Safer Internet Day 2025, let’s commit to working together to create a safer online environment for our children. By staying informed, communicating openly, and setting clear expectations, we can empower our children to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

For more information and resources, visit UK Safer Internet Centre.

If you would like any support with setting up parental controls please do speak with either your child's class teacher or a member of the Senior Leadership Team.  

By taking these proactive steps, we can ensure that our children not only enjoy the benefits of the internet but also stay safe while doing so. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a safe and positive online experience for our pupils.


ONLINE SAFETY TIPS:

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Celebrating our Children!

In Reception we have been learning all about 2D shapes. Blackbird class were really excited as we went on a 2D shape hunt all around the school. We found lots of circles, rectangles, squares. However, it was tricky to find a triangle! Next, we learnt all about the 3D shape - a cube. We know how many faces, vertices and edges it has. We are amazing mathematicians!

In our outdoor learning environment, a group of children from Blackbird class persevered to build a police car. They used many different materials such as the blocks and the foam bricks. Block play supports so many areas of learning such as their physical development, personal and social development, their critical thinking ideas and lots of rich opportunities to widen their communication and language skills. 

In Science Year 2 have been learning habitats and have been thinking about how humans can both harm and help animal habitats.  Hadiya wrote a very thoughtful piece of writing challenging us all to think about what we can do to support the birds, animals and insects around us. 

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Student Leadership

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Thank you to everyone for supporting Eco Council's Dress up as an animal day.  We raised an amazing £185 which will go directly to the 2 charities Eco Council have chosen - WWF to support endangered animals and then closer to home Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. 


The Nest

The pupils in the Nest had a fantastic time on their trip to Thames Valley playground! They enjoyed exploring the exciting play equipment, making new friends, and experiencing the fun outdoor space. 

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Sporting Updates

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Y2 Cricket Festival

A huge well done to the 12 children who attended the Slough School Sports Network cricket Festival this week. Not only did we look professional in our Phoenix Sports tops but we were also recognised for being 'engaging' with all the cricket stations we played at. 

In line with our school values, we were also told by several of the Sports Leaders and organisers that we were the most polite too!

Another opportunity for Phoenix to showcase how proud we are - always! - of our amazing learners.  

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ATTENDANCE

Well done to all parents/carers who continue to ensure their children attend school regularly.

This week Year 2 has the highest attendance of any year group across the school. Well done!!

The class winners in each year group can be seen below.

All attendance expectations can be found on our website.

Please do get in touch if you would like any support getting your child to school and on time.

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RECEPTION CLASS WINNER

Well done to Blackbird class who won the attendance trophy this week with 96%.

Keep it up!

YEAR 1 CLASS WINNER

Well done to Kingfisher class who won the attendance trophy this week with 96%.

Keep it up!

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YEAR 2 CLASS WINNER

Well done to Falcon class who won the attendance trophy this week with 99%.

Keep it up!


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Dates for your Diaries

Children's Mental Health Week
All Day
From 03 Feb until 09 Feb
03
February
Year 1 Curriculum Celebration
9:00am – 9:20am
10
February
Falcon Class Assembly
1:15pm – 1:35pm
10
February
Safer Internet Day
All Day
11
February
Eagle Class - Parent Invite to Pizza Tasting (D&T Lesson)
2:45pm – 3:15pm
11
February
Buzzard Class - Parent Invite to Pizza Tasting (D&T Lesson)
2:45pm – 3:15pm
12
February
Falcon Class - Parent Invite to Pizza Tasting (D&T Lesson)
2:45pm – 3:15pm
13
February
Dot Day
All Day
14
February
Non-Uniform Day for �1 to raise money for the Baby Bank's 10th birthday
All Day
14
February
Half term
All Day
From 17 Feb until 21 Feb
17
February
EYFS Parents Evenings
All Day
25
February
Falcon Class Parents Meetings
All Day
26
February
Fostering Team Coffee Morning
9:00am – 10:00am
26
February
Eagle Class Parents Meetings
All Day
27
February
Magpie Class Windsor Castle trip
All Day
27
February

Learning with Parents

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Hurray .... we have made it past 10,000 comments, photos and audio clips shared this year on Learning with Parents. 

We have seen a HUGE increase in parents accessing the platform this half term which has been amazing to see; we love seeing the pictures and listening to the audio clips of your child reading. The children have also received treats and prizes across the different classes for reaching their targets of 5 times per week. 

As we are halfway through the year (almost) - can Mr Bowskill dream BIG and we reach 20,000 comments, photos and audio? We need your help and support ... who knows, if we reach 20,000 maybe Mr Bowskill and Miss Austin will perform a dance to the children in our Celebration Assembly? 

Keep reading - keep sharing!


Community Notices:

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Wishing you all a lovely weekend. 

TOGETHER WE SOAR!