Keep up to date with all the news happening in the school at the moment. Articles are added during the week. Parents are encouraged to check regularly. Our weekly newsletter, emailed directly to parents, summarises content for the week.

• Great Big School Clean

  Thu 21 Mar 2024
  Great Big School Clean

  I am pleased to announce that Burnside will be taking part in the 'Great Big School Clean' campaign run by Keep Britain Tidy following the huge success of the project last year. Over the Easter holidays we are asking children if they can do their part to reduce litter in their community. As 2024 marks the 70th anniversary of Keep Britain Tidy, they have set everyone the challenge of collecting 70 pieces of litter! 

  This year we have a limited amount of litter picking equipment that we are able to loan to families to enable more people to take part. If you would like to borrow some equipment then please call into the school office to collect and sign out the equipment. We have high visibility jackets, gloves (in children’s sizes) and litter pickers. They will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Please return these in the first week back after Easter so we are able to start our summer Eco Warrior litter project. 

  If you would like to take part and do a litter pick with your child, please also take some photos and let us know how many bags or pieces of litter you manage to collect via email. We have certificates for any Litter Legends out there! 

   

  HEALTH AND SAFETY

  If you would like to do some litter picking for the Great Big School Clean, we recommend that you avoid:
  ● Potentially hazardous objects such as unidentified cans or canisters, oil drums and chemical containers.
  ● Sharp objects such as broken glass and disposable BBQs – these should be
  collected in separate containers not litter bags.
  ● Clinical waste such as needles/syringes – do not attempt to move them yourself. Make a note of their location and inform your local council.
  ● Hazardous areas such as deep or fast-flowing water, steep, slippery or unstable banks, sharp rocks, derelict buildings, busy roads and electric fences (which are identified by yellow warning signs).
  ● Working alone – all children must work alongside an adult.
  
  To avoid illness from poor hygiene, all those taking part in the clean-up must:
  ● Wear heavy-duty, protective gloves at all times.
  ● Cover any cuts (however minor) with surgical tape or a waterproof plaster.
  ● Keep hands away from mouth and eyes while litter-picking.
  ● Wash hands and forearms before eating, drinking or going to the toilet.

   

  Remember: No one is too small to make a big difference!

   

  Good luck and happy litter picking!

   

  Mrs Willis

  Eco Schools Coordinator

  

• 15 Hours of Free Childcare for 2-Year-Olds

  Tue 19 Mar 2024

   We are delighted to share some exciting news regarding childcare support in the UK. The government has made substantial investments with the aim of enhancing childcare services and making them more accessible for families like yours.

  1. 15 Hours of Free Childcare for 2-Year-Olds: Commencing in April 2024, eligible working parents of 2-year-olds will have access to 15 hours of free childcare support. This initiative seeks to provide early learning opportunities and alleviate the financial strain on families.

  2. Extended Support for 3 and 4-Year-Olds: Currently, eligible working parents of 3 and 4-year-olds can already access 30 hours of childcare support. This provision remains unchanged and continues to be a valuable resource for families.

   

  We are keen to gauge the level of interest among our families and the local community. If you believe that offering this extended support at Burnside would be beneficial, we kindly request you to telephone the school office to register your interest. Feel free to share this information with family members and friends, inviting them to do the same. The school office can be reached at 01670 736 052.

   

  Thank you for your continued partnership in nurturing our young learners.

• Sad Retirement News

  Fri 15 Mar 2024

  It is with a mix of emotions that I share the news of Mrs. Shaw’s retirement after an incredible 22 years of dedicated service at Burnside. As our esteemed Assistant Headteacher and Early Years Leader, Mrs. Shaw has played an integral role in shaping the lives of countless students during her 28 years as an educator. Mrs Shaw will leave us at the end of the Summer Term.

   

  Mrs. Shaw’s unwavering commitment to our school community has been nothing short of remarkable. She has not only imparted knowledge but also instilled values, kindness, and resilience in generations of young learners. Her passion for teaching and her genuine care for each child have left an indelible mark on our school.

   

  As a colleague, Mrs. Shaw has been a pillar of support. Her wisdom, patience, and unwavering dedication have inspired us all. Whether it was collaborating on projects, mentoring new teachers, or simply sharing a friendly chat, Mrs. Shaw’s presence has been uplifting.

   

  We will miss her infectious enthusiasm, her warm smile, and her ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Mrs. Shaw’s legacy will continue to resonate through the halls of Burnside long after her retirement.

   

  Please join me in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Shaw for her outstanding service. We wish her a joyful and fulfilling retirement, filled with new adventures, relaxation, and cherished moments with loved ones.

   

  Thank you, Mrs. Shaw, for being an exceptional educator, colleague, and friend. Your impact on our school community is immeasurable, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts.

   

• Be Safe, Be Smart, Be Kind

  Fri 15 Mar 2024 Headteacher

  As we approach the end of another week at Burnside School, I wanted to take a moment to share some reflections with you.

   

  Our school motto—“Be safe, Be Smart, Be Kind”—has been at the forefront of our discussions in the classrooms. It warms my heart to see how our pupils embody these principles. Their behaviour is nothing short of exemplary, and I couldn’t be prouder.

   

  Visitors, external assessors, and new families joining our school consistently praise our children’s excellent conduct. Their positive feedback reinforces the strong foundation we’ve built together. However, it’s essential to remember that our children are still learning and growing. They will inevitably make mistakes and occasionally make poor choices.

   

  Recently, I’ve been engaging with our pupils about the concept of rough play. What may begin as innocent fun can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Tears may flow without any ill intent, but it’s crucial for our children to recognise the impact of their actions.

   

  I’ve also emphasised the importance of thinking before acting ( Be Smart). This can be challenging, especially for our young learners. Yet, I was heartened to discover that even our youngest children, including those in Reception, have a solid understanding of our school’s behaviour policy.

   

  Let me reiterate: If a child intentionally harms another physically, their name will be moved to the red zone on the classroom behaviour chart. Additionally, they may be asked to spend part of the day in another class and, if appropriate, write a letter of apology to the injured child (taking into account their writing skills). Please note that children have the opportunity to move back up during the day and every day is a new start.

   

  As parents, your role is vital in reinforcing our school’s message at home. Please continue to discuss these principles with your children, promoting kindness, empathy, and responsible behaviour. Together, we can nurture a supportive and respectful environment for all.

   

  Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. Be Safe, Be Smart, Be Kind

• Parking Outside School

  Thu 14 Mar 2024

  Recently, I was contacted by the nursing home adjacent to our school. They have been facing significant challenges due to vehicles obstructing the entrance to their facility. On one particularly critical occasion, access was completely blocked, and an ambulance that had been called to assist one of their residents could not get through. As a result, the patient’s transfer to the hospital was delayed.

   

  I urge all parents and carers to park respectfully and considerately when dropping off or picking up children. Let us be mindful of the impact our actions can have on others. Here are some essential guidelines to follow:

   

  Avoid blocking access: Ensure that your vehicle does not obstruct the nursing home’s entrance or exit. Leave enough space for emergency vehicles to pass without hindrance.

   

  Use designated parking areas: Avoid stopping on the cycle path, across the entrance to school or nursing home, on double yellow lines.

  Emergency vehicles need clear paths to reach those in need promptly either at the school or at the nursing home.

   

  Set a positive example: Teach our children about responsible parking habits. Remind them of the importance of respecting the needs of our neighbours, especially those in vulnerable situations.

   

  By adhering to these guidelines, we can contribute to the safety and well-being of our community. Let us show compassion and consideration to the nursing home residents and staff.

• School Attendance

  Wed 13 Mar 2024 Headteacher

  Today, we had an incredibly positive meeting with the Educational Welfare Office (EWO), and I am pleased to share some important updates regarding our school’s attendance.

   

  Overall Attendance: 94% Our school’s attendance rate is currently at 94%, which is commendable. While it is slightly below the national target of 96%, it reflects the commitment of our pupils and families to regular school attendance.

   

  Class 2T Exceptional Attendance: Well Done, Class 2T! I am thrilled to highlight Miss Turnbull’s Year 2 class for their exceptional attendance. Every student in Class 2T has maintained an impressive attendance rate of over 92%. Congratulations to the students and their families for this outstanding achievement! 🎉

   

  Support from Mrs. Lawson As part of our commitment to supporting families, we have Mrs. Lawson, our dedicated School Attendance Officer, available to assist anyone facing challenges with their child’s attendance. Mrs. Lawson can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support. If you would like to schedule an appointment with her, please feel free to contact the school office.

   

  Remember, consistent school attendance is crucial for your child’s education and overall well-being. Let’s continue working together to promote positive attendance habits and ensure every student’s success.

   

  Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

• SEND coffee morning and planned 1km run

  Wed 13 Mar 2024

  First and foremost, thank you to everyone who participated in the recent coffee morning for parents and carers of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

   

  The meeting was a wonderful opportunity for us to come together, share information, and provide support to one another.

   

  During the meeting, a fantastic suggestion was made: organising a fund raising event to raise funds for enhancing our school’s resources dedicated to supporting pupils with additional needs. Both Mrs. Burnip and I wholeheartedly embraced this idea, recognising its potential impact.

   

  Our plan is to host a sponsored pupil and parent 1km run during the upcoming summer term. Here are the details:

  • Pupils: Students can either complete the run alongside their classmates.
  • Parents and carers: You are invited to join your children in this fun and meaningful event.

   

  We are currently working on finalising the date for the run, and we will share this information with you soon. In the meantime, consider this your cue to start your training! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

  We are genuinely excited about this initiative and  appreciate your unwavering support. Together, we can make a positive difference for our pupils with additional needs

  

• Red Nose Day

  Tue 12 Mar 2024

  Friday 15th March 2024 is Red Nose Day/Comic Relief

   

  This will be a non uniform day, donations would be greatly appreciated.

   

  Thank You for your support

  

• Greggs Childrens Cancer Run

  Tue 12 Mar 2024

  Children's Cancer Run

  Sunday 19th May 2024

   

  Please join us for this year's Greggs Children's Cancer Run (please remember all children must be accompanied by a parent)

   

  The cut off for our early bird rate for runners is 31^st March so get your school signed up now and promote the run to your school community to ensure they can take advantage of those early bird rates.

   

  This year we have a new feature that allows your school to have an online team fundraising page with a shared school total. Please encourage your pupils to sign up online, anytime from now, and select your school name as their team when they enter. They can sign up here: 

  https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/ChildrensCancerRun2024

   

  Support around safeguarding and online fundraising pages:

  This year we have a feature where all participants can join their school team fundraising page, which we think is a great tool for encouraging the school community to come together. However, we would advise that once your pupils have registered, that on their fundraising page they go to ‘edit display name’ and change their display name so that it does not include their full name. So for example, just first name or initials. If they do not do this then it is possible for external participants to see a child’s full name and the school they go to. Here is an article that may help: 

  Logging in and editing/ updating your personal fundraising page | Enthuse Help Centre.

   

  We would appreciate if you could spread this message with families planning on attending the run. Please do let us know if you have any questions around this and we look forward to seeing you in May!

   

  Run Pack

  Your run pack, complete with run numbers, start times and children's t-shirts, will be sent direct to your home address or via your school (if you have said you are running for a school) in late April/early May. If you have any queries in the meantime please check out our FAQs on the event website or feel free to contact the team at contactus@childrenscancernorth.org.uk

  T-shirts

  All children's t-shirts, which are included in their entry fee, will be enclosed in their run packs.

  If you have purchased an adult technical t-shirt for £10, or other merchandise with your registration, we will post these out separately to your home address. If you haven't ordered an adult technical t-shirt yet they will be available to purchase on the day.

   

  You can also find our paper sponsorship forms here: Childrens-Cancer-North-Sponsorship-form.pdf (childrenscancernorth.org.uk)

  

• Digital Leader Video

  Tue 12 Mar 2024

  Dear Parents and Carers,

   

  We are thrilled to share with you an exciting initiative led by our Digital Leaders at Burnside Primary School. These remarkable students have created a captivating video to promote internet safety among our school community.

   

  In today’s digital age, it is crucial that we equip our children with the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world safely. The internet offers incredible opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection, but it also presents risks. As responsible adults, we must work together to ensure our children’s online experiences are positive and secure.

   

  The Digital Leaders have put together an engaging video that covers essential topics such as:

   

  Privacy and Personal Information: Teaching children to safeguard their personal details and be cautious about sharing information online.

  Cyberbullying Awareness: Recognizing signs of cyberbullying and promoting kindness and empathy in digital interactions.

  Online Etiquette: Encouraging respectful behaviour, empathy, and good manners in virtual spaces.

  Safe Social Media Use: Providing tips on using social media platforms responsibly and understanding the impact of online posts.

  We invite you to watch this informative video with your child. It serves as a valuable resource for discussions about internet safety at home. You can access the video on our school website:

  Digital Leaders Internet Safety

   

  As always, we appreciate your partnership in fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for our students. Together, we can empower our children to make informed choices online and navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

   

  Thank you for your continued support.