Autumn 2 Newsletter (3)
As we approach the end of a busy half term, it is hard to believe that Christmas is almost here. It has been wonderful to welcome so many of you into school for assemblies, Christingle, and the Christmas nativity, as well as the KS2 performance, “A Musical Journey through Faith and Times.” The children have been exceptionally busy, learning songs and engaging in Christmas crafts. I have been blown away by the sewing and cross stitch skills of our older children.
I was delighted to accompany the choir and Mrs Jones to the grand opening of the RAF memorial garden in Pollington, where the children sang beautifully and represented us admirably.
A massive thank you to Mrs Davock, Mrs Scott, Mrs Cook, and the entire team for ensuring a memorable Christmas lunch.
The pantomime was a blast, and we received numerous compliments regarding the conduct and behaviour of all our children within the Federation. Well done to Mrs Jones, Miss Wales, and Dr Brewster for their enthusiastic participation on stage!
Thank you for all your support. Wishing all our families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to welcoming the children back in January.
Kind regards
Mrs Rawes and Mrs Batty
Attendance
Our Attendance to date is: 96.9%
Authorised Absence: 3.1%
Uauthorised Absence: 0%
Thank you!
A big thank you to Mr Scruton, Balne Lodge Christmas Trees, for his donation of our beautiful Christmas Tree. We hope you agree that the hall looks amazing set out for our whole school Christmas lunch ready for the festivities.
Fond farewell - Canon Eleanor & Mrs Bodle
It is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to two much loved members of our school community:
Oh, Canon Eleanor, with your big round glasses,
Your laughter, a melody that brightens our classes.
In worship you led, with grace and with cheer,
Your warmth and your wisdom, we’ll hold ever dear.
From pilgrimages shared, to stories that spark,
You’ve guided our hearts, igniting the dark.
With humour and kindness, you’ve shown us the way,
In our school’s cherished memories, forever you’ll stay.
As you journey ahead, know we’ll miss your sweet sound,
In the tapestry of our lives, your love will abound.
Good luck with love from all the staff, children and governors at Pollington-Balne Primary School.
An Ode to Mrs Bodle
Oh, Mrs Bodle, our guiding light,
For five wonderful years, you’ve shone so bright.
In Oak Class, your laughter fills the air,
With a smile so warm, you show us you care.
You lend a hand, always ready to assist,
In forest school adventures, you’re truly missed.
Helping each child, one-on-one with phonics,
Your commitment and kindness, simply iconic.
As you embark on this new journey ahead,
Know that in our hearts, your spirit is spread.
We’ll miss you dearly, as will Fred Frog,
A cherished team member, a true educational cog.
Good luck, dear Mrs Bodle, thrive and soar,
Your legacy in Oak Class will echo evermore.
With love and best wishes from your Pollington-Balne Family.
Well, Well, Well what a surprise!
Thank you so much for your understanding and support during our building works! We wanted to keep you in the loop about what’s been happening. As you may know, we faced some unexpected challenges with structural issues caused by rainwater runoff.
But we’re thrilled to share that the works are now complete! You can look forward to enjoying a fantastic new feature, along with a new toilet block and an improved learning space.
To add to the excitement, we discovered not just one, but two wells in our music room! This little surprise slowed things down a bit and changed our plans for remediation, as we needed to consider how the water courses were affected.
Meet the Governors and SLT
Our next Meet the governors and SLT session will take place in the hall on 27th January at 9:45am.
Don't forget to sign up to meet with Mrs Rawes, Mrs Batty, Mrs Carpenter and Ms Warren for a 10 minute chat at our next drop in session which is scheduled for 19.01.2025 from 3.30 to 4.30pm. Please make an appointment with the office.
Oak Class
Oak class have had a busy term learning all about how the seasons affect animals. We have loved reading the story The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson, and exploring different words to describe the dark. The children have retold the story and created their own about their favourite nocturnal animal (including Tarantulas). We have been collecting information about the weather using rain gauges and wind kites made by our Year One children we can tell that the seasons are changing.
Thank you for your support.
Mrs Batty & Mrs Bodle
Maple Class
This half term, Maple class has truly impressed Mrs Blades and Miss Yates in Design and Technology with their sewing work. They showed great focus and enthusiasm while learning and practising the running stitch. Their hand–eye coordination, patience, and willingness to improve were fantastic to see. The finished pieces reflect real effort and growing confidence. We are very proud of the progress everyone has made and the creativity they have shown throughout the term.
Mrs Blades, Miss Yates and Mrs Firth
Ash Class
Our class has been busy exploring the world around us through science by investigating different senses and how we use them every day. In maths, we have been learning all about shapes and discovering where they appear in real life. We’ve also been enjoying a collection of stories by the same author and looking closely at the rhyming patterns in various Julia Donaldson texts. It’s been an exciting time of learning, discovering, and having fun together!
Mrs de Bethel and Mrs Poskitt
Willow Class
The children have been diving into our theme of adventure stories, myths, and legends, with a special focus on the tale of King Arthur. After exploring the key events of his life—from pulling the sword from the stone to becoming a legendary leader—they have begun transforming the story into a collaborative tapestry. This has helped them not only deepen their understanding of the narrative, but also think about how stories can be told through art and symbolism.
To bring their tapestry scenes to life, the children have been developing a range of textile skills. They have been practicing running stitch, cross stitch, and whip stitch, carefully layering these techniques to add texture and detail. Using appliqué felt pieces and attaching sequins has allowed them to add colour, character, and sparkle to the artwork. The project has been a wonderful blend of storytelling, creativity, and hands-on craftsmanship, and the children are very proud of their work.
Mrs Jones and Mrs Burton
Sports
Children have represented our school in a number of fixtures this term including athletics, dodge ball and football matches. The Boys football team have earned a slot at the finals next year! Well done to everyone that has taken part, in some changeable weather conditions, but always with a smile on their face.
Birch Class
In Birch Clas we have been working hard on our assessments all week. I am proud of every single one of them!
In Science we have been considering the adaptations of animal species to suit their different environments.
We have also been learning how to cross-stitch. We have made our own festive designs and we are enjoying learning a new skill. It is certainly challenging our perseverence and determination! A big thank you to Sue and Diane from the Selby Swans WI, who have a life time of experience in all things cross stich. They have been a great source of support and encouragement to everyone in our class.
Mrs Habbishaw and Mrs Firth
To all at Pollington School.
As a member of Pollington Parish Council, I was present at the opening of the Memorial Garden on Tuesday 11th November. We were delighted to have a group of children and members of staff from the school. The children behaved impeccably and remained silent and still during the two minutes silence! (Must have felt a long time for them) They then entertained us with a couple of Vera Lynn songs from the Second World War. Their singing was amazing and carried well in the open air. All those present
passed comment as to how well the children performed and behaved. Well done to all those who took part. Great Job!! The school should be very proud of you all!
I attached a few photographs of the occasion and thank you all very much for your attendance.
Regards
Ken Wilson
Parish Councillor
Reminders
Carols in Church
We do hope you can join us at 1.30pm on Friday 19th December in Church, when the whole school will come together to sing carols. You will be able to take your child home after the service has finished.
Parking
We kindly remind all parents and visitors to park safely and considerately while on school premises. Please refrain from parking on yellow lines, as this can obstruct traffic and create safety hazards. If you are using the visitor car park, we ask that you vacate your space promptly after dropping off your child, allowing others the opportunity to use the facility. Where possible, we encourage families to walk or adopt a ‘park and stride’ approach to reduce congestion and promote a healthier environment for our students. Thank you for your cooperation.
Safeguarding our children
We would like to remind parents and carers that if you arrive after the gate has been closed, it is essential to bring your child into school through the main office. Please be aware that there are no teaching staff on duty after this time, and the doors to the school are locked for security reasons.
Additionally, the pre-school has requested that parents, carers, and grandparents refrain from holding the gate open for others. This measure is in place to safeguard all our children and to ensure we are aware of who is on site at all times. Thank you for your cooperation.
Upcoming Events
Spring Term
05.01.26 - Training Day
06.01.26 - School opens to pupils
12.01.26 - Mini pedestrian - Reception class
12.01.26 - Scooter training - year 4
12.01.26 - Moving on workshop - year 6
13.01.26 - 4-5pm Dodgeball yr 3 / 4 - 3G at TSS
14.01.26 - 2:15pm Rescheduled Willow Class Stay and Read / worship
16.01.26 - 9am Sarah Gladstone – parents Esafety
27.01.26 - 2.15pm stay and read Maple Class Worship
27.01.26 - 9:45 am Meet the Governors and SLT
27.01.26 - 4 – 5 pm Dodgeball Y 5 / 6 – Sports Hall TSS
02.02.26 - Parents Eve
03.02.26 - Parents Eve
10.02.26 - 4-5pm Football Y 3 /4 - 3G TSS
12.02.26 - PTA Valentines Disco
13.02.26 - 3.10pm School closes for half term
23.02.06 - School opens to pupils