Term 1 - Past FS1 Notices

Phonics

This week in Phonics, we have been focusing on blending sounds to make words. The children practiced putting individual letter sounds together, such as ‘c-a-t’ to make the word ‘cat.’ They have been developing their listening skills, concentrating on the sounds each letter makes, and enjoying the sense of achievement when they successfully blend the sounds to form a word. We have also been encouraging the children to sound out simple words independently during our activities, helping to build their confidence and early reading skills. 

Mathematics

 In Mathematics, our focus has been on counting objects that cannot be moved. The children practised using their “pointy finger” to carefully point to each object as they counted, ensuring that each item was counted only once. This activity helped them to develop one-to-one correspondence, accuracy in counting, and concentration skills. We also explored different ways to represent numbers, such as using fingers, marks on paper, or counting aloud as a group, which allowed the children to see numbers in a variety of practical and visual ways. 

Library & Story Discussion

We had a special treat in the library this week when Miss Dellman read Just Right for Christmas by Birdie Black. The children loved listening to the story, joining in with repeated phrases, and discussing the events and characters. Following the reading, we talked about the themes in the story and encouraged the children to share their ideas and predictions, helping to develop their comprehension, vocabulary, and communication skills. 

Winter Show

It has been wonderful to see so many of you at our Winter Show! Thank you for supporting your children in learning their songs, actions, and lines. Your encouragement at home has been invaluable and has helped the children feel confident and proud during their performance. 

Winter Investigations

In our topic work, we have been exploring the winter season and investigating snow and ice. The children have loved handling ice, observing how it feels, melts, and changes form. We discussed the differences between snow, ice, and water, and encouraged the children to describe their observations using words like “cold,” “slippery,” and “wet.” These hands-on activities not only supported scientific thinking and observation skills but also sparked curiosity and conversation as the children shared their ideas with friends. 

It has been a busy and exciting week, full of learning, discovery, and fun! 

Phonics

This week we explored voice sounds, tuning into the noises we hear around us and imitating them with growing confidence. The children practised copying animal sounds, environmental sounds and playful nonsense sounds, helping them develop careful listening and early phonological awareness.
We also continued practising correct formation of the capital letter in each child’s name. The children enjoyed writing in sand trays and on whiteboards, building strength and control in their mark-making.

Mathematics

Our focus this week has been number recognition. The children played interactive number games, identified numbers in and out of order and began to recognise numbers in different contexts. They are becoming more confident spotting numerals in the environment and using them in their play.

Library & Story Discussion

During our Library session, we read The Slightly Annoying Elephant by David Walliams. The children were thoroughly entertained by the cheeky blue elephant who moves into a boy’s house and makes himself a rather demanding guest.
We talked about:

• how the boy might have felt when the elephant arrived unexpectedly

• why the elephant behaved in such bossy ways

• what rules we would set if an elephant came to live in our homes

• how we can take responsibility when we agree to something

The children shared imaginative ideas, giggled at the elephant’s antics and made thoughtful comments about kindness, consequences and looking after others.

Music

We have continued to practise for the Winter Show, and the children are becoming more confident with the songs and actions. We are very excited to perform for you on 10/12/2025.

A big thank you to those who have already sent the costumes into school — we really appreciate your support.

Chocolate Sale Thursday 4th December 

We’re excited to announce that Year 6 will be holding a Charity Chocolate Sale on Thursday, 4 December in support of our school’s chosen charities. If you would like your child to purchase a chocolate, we kindly ask that EYFS children bring no more than 500bz to school in a labelled envelope.  EYFS children will not consume the chocolate at school but will bring their purchase home at the end of the day. 

EYFS Winter Festive Performance 

EYFS children will have their performance on Wednesday, 10th December at 7:40am. Parents will be invited into the EYFS playground at morning drop off. The performance should take approximately 40 minutes. 

For the Winter Performance, FS1 children will need to wear:

• A white T-shirt

• White leggings

• A woolly hat and scarf

Please send these items into school clearly labelled, placed inside a labelled bag by  1st December 2025.

All the children will be learning a small line of a script for the show - we will stick this into their PO on Sunday and would really appreciate your support with practice at home. 

Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries.

Phonics

This week in Phonics, we continued exploring alliteration!
The children enjoyed playing a game where they matched objects to the monster whose name begins with the same initial sound. This helped them listen carefully to sounds and strengthen their early phonics skills.

We have also been continuing our work on correctly forming the capital letter in their name. The children practised writing in the sand, developing their fine-motor control and letter formation - all while having lots of fun!

Mathematics

In Maths, we have been focusing on careful counting. The children have been playing “missing number” games to help them recognise numbers and think about what comes before and after. We have also been practising counting objects accurately by pointing to each item as we say the number - helping the children build strong one to one counting skills.

Library & Story Discussion

During our Library session, we read a traditional Omani tale this week in celebration of National Day. The story is written in Arabic, so we explored it by looking closely at the illustrations while Miss Qasim translated and talked through the events. The children enjoyed discussing what they could see in the pictures, making predictions about what might happen next, and learning more about Omani culture through storytelling.

Arabic

In Arabic, we have continued to be busy practising our special song for Omani National Day! The children are very excited to perform and are enjoying learning the words and rhythm of this special song that celebrates the country they live in.

In class, we have been painting the Omani flag as part of our preparations for the National Day parade.

The children have enjoyed talking about the colours of the flag, what they represent, and why National Day is such a special celebration in Oman. This activity also supported their fine motor skills, colour recognition, and understanding of the world as they learned more about the country they live in. 

Oman National Day Celebrations 

We will be celebrating Oman’s National Day on Thursday 20th November. We look forward to welcoming students into school in traditional Oman National Dress or the colours of the Oman flag on this day. 

We are inviting EYFS parents to join us for a playground parade at drop off time . The parade itself will take approximately 20 minutes but you are then invited into the classroom to work alongside your child on a small arts/crafts activity finishing at approximately  8:30am.  Please enter through our EYFS blue gate at the normal time  and assemble in the bottom playground. Children will be led out to the playground after their registration.  

Please be mindful that you will need time to park before entering EYFS and the parade will start promptly at 7:40am. Parents must wear lanyards to be on site.  

Phonics

This week in Phonics, we explored alliteration! The children had great fun describing animals using repeating sounds, such as Slithering Snake and Busy Bee. We then extended this learning by using alliteration and adjectives to describe our friends - there were lots of giggles as the children came up with creative and funny ideas!

This week, we have been practising writing the capital letter in our names. The children had so much fun painting on glass to form their letters - it was a creative and hands on way to explore writing while strengthening their fine motor skills and letter recognition!

Mathematics

In Maths, we continued our exploration of patterns. The children built on their previous learning by not only continuing simple patterns but also creating their own using a range of 2D shapes. They demonstrated growing confidence in recognising and predicting what comes next in a sequence.

Library & Story Discussion

During our Library session, we read The Unhappy Goldfish by Paul Dallimore. The children engaged thoughtfully with the story, discussing how the characters might be feeling and what makes a good friend. It was a lovely opportunity to connect the story to our ongoing discussions about kindness and emotions.

Arabic

In Arabic, we have been busy practising our special song for Omani National Day! The children are very excited to perform and are enjoying learning the words and rhythm of this special song that celebrates the country they live in.

Oman National Day Celebrations 

We will be celebrating Oman’s National Day on Thursday 20th November. We look forward to welcoming students into school in traditional Oman National Dress or the colours of the Oman flag on this day. 

We are inviting EYFS parents to join us for a playground parade at drop off time . The parade itself will take approximately 20 minutes but you are then invited into the classroom to work alongside your child on a small arts/crafts activity finishing at approximately  8:30am.  Please enter through our EYFS blue gate at the normal time  and assemble in the bottom playground. Children will be led out to the playground after their registration.  

Please be mindful that you will need time to park before entering EYFS and the parade will start promptly at 7:40am. Parents must wear lanyards to be on site.  

We have loved hearing all about the children’s exciting weekends!
Even though this has been a slightly shorter week, we have certainly made the most of our time together and packed in lots of learning, exploration and fun!

Phonics

This week in Phonics, we explored alliteration, initial sounds, and syllables.
The children really enjoyed investigating the sounds at the beginning of their names. We played games to listen carefully to the first sound and then found other children and objects that start with the same sound. For example, “Lilly likes lions” or “Sam sings songs”.

We also clapped the syllables in our names, counting how many “beats” each one has. This has been a wonderful way to build early listening and language skills and support confident communication. The children showed brilliant focus and enthusiasm - well done everyone!

Some ideas to support this at home can be found on Google Classroom. If you are interested we have access to Monster Phonics Parent Resources - please see link here

Mathematics

In Maths, we continued our learning about patterns. We practised spotting mistakes in simple repeating patterns, correcting them, and then continuing the pattern independently. The children worked with colour patterns, shape patterns, and even movement patterns during circle time!

We were so impressed with their problem solving skills and their growing confidence in explaining what they noticed - our pattern detectives did a fantastic job!

Library & Story Discussion

During Library time, we read The Lion Who Wanted to Love by Giles Andreae and David Wojtowycz.
This heart-warming story helped us talk about kindness, helping others, and making good choices. The children had thoughtful discussions about how to be a good friend, how we can support each other, and how everyone has something special to offer.

We also explored how sometimes being kind takes courage, and how we feel when people help us or when we help them. It was lovely to hear such mature and empathetic ideas from the children.

Music

In Music this week, we have been learning the classic song “The Wheels on the Bus.” The children absolutely loved it! We put a fun twist on the song by inviting the children to make up their own verses and add their own imaginative sounds. It has been wonderful to see their creativity and confidence shine as they contributed ideas and performed together. We have had so much fun singing, laughing, and sharing our fantastic new versions of the song!

Over the next few weeks we are going to be talking about Omani National Day and learning about the colours of the Omani flag and singing some Omani songs! We will be inviting you into school for a celebration morning - more details below!

INSET day 

Please be reminded that next Thursday 6th November the school will be closed due to a teacher conference for all teachers in Muscat. 

What a wonderful week we have had in FS1! The children were full of excitement as we celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Everyone looked fantastic in their colourful traditional clothes and thoroughly enjoyed taking part in a range of creative activities. We danced to lively Bollywood music, decorated beautiful Diya lamps, and worked collaboratively to create stunning Rangoli patterns using bright colours and shapes. Through these activities, the children learned how people celebrate Diwali and recognised that, just like many other celebrations, it brings families and friends together to share food, music, and joy.

Phonics
In Phonics, we have been exploring body percussion. The children have been listening very carefully to the sounds around them and practising copying and creating their own sounds using claps, stomps, clicks, and taps. We have also been identifying the initial sounds in our names, helping the children to tune into the sounds that words begin with - an important early step in learning to read and write.

Mathematics
In Maths, we linked our Diwali celebrations to our exploration of patterns. The children looked closely at the repeating colours in Rangoli designs and had a go at creating their own repeating sequences. These hands-on activities have supported their understanding of sequencing and pattern recognition — key early maths skills.

Library

During our Library session, we read Say Please, Little Bear by Peter Bently. This lovely story prompted thoughtful discussions about good manners, kindness, and how we can show respect to others through our words and actions. The children shared examples of how they can use polite language both at school and at home.

It has been a truly vibrant and meaningful week filled with learning, creativity, and celebration. The children have shown great curiosity and enthusiasm in everything they have done - we are very proud of them!

Phonics
This week, the children have been practising their listening skills through fun games such as “Black Cat Says” — our own version of the classic game “Simon Says.” They have also been enjoying singing rhymes and using body percussion (clapping, tapping, and clicking) to keep the beat. These activities help the children to listen carefully, follow instructions, and develop rhythm and coordination - all important early phonics skills!

Mathematics
This week in Maths, the children have continued to explore 2D shapes, including squares, triangles, rectangles, circles, hearts, ovals, and diamonds. They went on a shape hunt around the school to spot shapes in the environment and played a fun feely bag game, guessing the shape by touch alone! The children also talked about the properties of each shape, discussing how many corners and sides they have and what these look like. It’s been a hands-on and engaging way to deepen their understanding of shape and space!

Music
This week, the children have been singing the classic song The Wheels on the Bus. Through this familiar rhyme, we have been practising our oracy skills - taking turns, listening to one another, and joining in with actions and verses. The children have really enjoyed working together to keep the song going and using their voices confidently in a group!

Library
This week in our library session, we read Hank Goes Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck. It’s a heart-warming story about a little goose named Hank who feels different from the other geese, but soon discovers that being unique makes him special.

After reading, we talked about how everyone has their own strengths and qualities, and how it’s important to be kind, accepting, and proud of who we are. The children enjoyed sharing their thoughts and ideas about the story and discussing what makes them special too!

Pink Day Thursday 16/10/25

We will be participating in ‘Wear Pink to School’ day. We shall be talking about the importance of doctors and scientists, and that they help us get better if we are sick. Please send in a small donation of 500bza for the charity collection. NB Please no hair dye or make up - and wear sensible shoes.

Gate opening times

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.

We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. Please speak to us if you have anything important to let us know.

Focus Parent Meetings

Please remember to complete the questionnaire form and return it to your class teacher. These meetings give us a valuable opportunity to speak with you in more detail about your child’s progress, well-being, and learning journey. You will also receive an email from the Primary Office with the date and time of your meeting, which will take place on Sundays after school. Your child will also bring home a sheet to complete with you before the meeting to help guide our discussion.

• Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one to enjoy at home.

• Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ 

• Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform. 

• We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

• Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries. 

Thank you for your continued support at home - it makes a huge difference to the children’s confidence and progress in school. Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries.

Phonics
This week, the children have been having a fantastic time exploring the sounds of different instruments! They loved copying rhythms, discovering the fun of fairground instruments, and using instruments to match sounds, thinking carefully about whether they were loud or quiet.

It’s been wonderful to see them listening closely, experimenting with sound, and enjoying making music together. You might like to try a little musical fun at home too - perhaps clapping a rhythm or exploring sounds with kitchen utensils!

Mathematics
This week in Maths, the children have been exploring 2D shapes, including squares, triangles, rectangles, circles, hearts, ovals, and diamonds. They enjoyed playing shape bingo and using a “feely bag” to identify shapes by touch, which helped them learn in a fun and hands-on way!

It’s been great to see their excitement as they recognise and describe shapes both by sight and touch. You could continue the fun at home by spotting shapes around the house or drawing them together!

PSED
This week, we had a visit from the school nurse to talk about the importance of washing our hands. She brought a special piece of equipment called Percy, which has a light that shows up “germs.”

The children rubbed a special lotion on their hands and used Percy to see where the “germs” were hiding. After washing their hands, we checked again under Percy to see if the germs had disappeared. We discovered that under the nails is a tricky spot, and learned to rub our fingers together to make sure our hands are really clean. It was a fun and hands-on way to learn about hygiene, and the children really enjoyed seeing Percy in action!

Music
In Music this week, the children have been learning about feelings and how to express them through instruments and sounds. They explored how different sounds can show emotions such as happiness, excitement, or calmness. We also enjoyed singing some of our favourite songs, including “Welcome to Music” and “The Stomping Song.”

It’s been lovely to see the children using music to share how they feel and to build their confidence when performing together!

Library
This week in our library session, we read Bea’s Bad Day by Tom Percival. The story follows Bea, who is having a tricky day where things don’t go as planned. She feels frustrated and upset, but by the end of the story, she learns how to manage her feelings and find solutions to her problems. We discussed-

• Recognise and name different emotions, like frustration and happiness.

• Learn simple strategies for coping when things go wrong.

• Understand that everyone has challenging days, and it’s okay to feel upset sometimes.

• Talk about feelings and experiences with friends and adults, helping build empathy and social skills.

Gate opening times

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.

We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. Please speak to us if you have anything important to let us know.

Focus Parent Meetings

Please remember to complete the questionnaire form and return it to your class teacher. These meetings give us a valuable opportunity to speak with you in more detail about your child’s progress, well-being, and learning journey. You will also receive an email from the Primary Office with the date and time of your meeting, which will take place on Sundays after school. Your child will also bring home a sheet to complete with you before the meeting to help guide our discussion.

• Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one. 

• Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ 

• Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform. 

• We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

• Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries. 

Phonics
In Phonics this week, the children have been having fun exploring the world of instrumental sounds. They have been introduced to a variety of instruments, learning their names and exploring the different sounds they make. We experimented with playing them both quietly and loudly, and then compared this with how we can use our own voices to make sounds that are soft or strong. This playful exploration is helping the children tune into the concept of sound variation and supports their ability to listen carefully and respond to what they hear.

Mathematics
In Maths, our focus has been on sequencing and using the special words First, Next, and Last. We used our story of the week, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, to help us practise these words. The children enjoyed using a story map to retell the events in the correct order, which also supported their memory and storytelling skills. Alongside sequencing, we have been practising counting skills using real objects, which makes the learning practical and meaningful. We also had great fun joining in with number rhymes such as Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. These activities are helping the children not only develop their mathematical understanding but also grow in confidence when using mathematical language in everyday contexts.

Cooking
This week we enjoyed cooking porridge together. The children practised important skills such as cutting ingredients and stirring the mixture. We also had rich discussions about healthy food choices and thought carefully about which toppings we would like to add to our porridge. The activity was not only lots of fun but also a valuable way to build independence, develop fine motor skills, and learn more about making healthy choices.

Play and Exploration
Our playtimes have been filled with meaningful experiences too. The children continue to love spending time in the garden, where they feed and care for our tortoise, and they also help to look after Snowy, our school rabbit. These daily routines are wonderful opportunities for children to learn about responsibility, empathy, and how to care for living things. They take great pride in these tasks and love sharing what they have learned with one another.

Arabic
In Arabic lessons, we have been working carefully through our workbooks, which the children will soon bring home for you to see. These show some of the progress they are making and give you a glimpse of their learning. This week we have been practising greetings, learning the names of animals, and talking about the names of some family members. The children have really enjoyed these sessions, which have been interactive, engaging, and lots of fun!

Music
In Music, we have been developing rhythm and listening skills. The children used a drum to tap out the syllables in their names, which is a brilliant way to combine musical learning with phonics skills. We also sang our Welcome to Music song, listening carefully to Mrs O’Brien’s singing and repeating it back. The children loved singing the Walking Song again, which involved following instructions and performing actions at the right time – this required careful listening, concentration, and lots of energy!

Gate opening times

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.

We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. Please speak to us if you have anything important to let us know.

Focus Parent Meetings

Please remember to complete the questionnaire form and return it to your class teacher. These meetings give us a valuable opportunity to speak with you in more detail about your child’s progress, well-being, and learning journey. You will also receive an email from the Primary Office with the date and time of your meeting, which will take place on Sundays after school. Your child will also bring home a sheet to complete with you before the meeting to help guide our discussion.

• Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one. 

• Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ 

• Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform. 

• We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

• Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries. 

In Phonics this week, the children have been exploring environmental sounds. Together, we thought about the different sounds we hear around the house during the day and at night. We also listened carefully to the sounds of transport, comparing how different vehicles make different noises. The children enjoyed playing listening games and had lots of fun developing their early phonics skills.

In Maths, we have been learning about size. Using our focus story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the children compared objects and practised using vocabulary such as large/big, medium, and small. They particularly enjoyed linking this to the bears’ bowls, chairs, and beds, and then applying the language to objects around the classroom. We also introduced the concepts of tall, taller, tallest, short, shorter, and shortest.

This week, we also had a visit from the school nurse, who measured the children’s height and weight. The children loved talking about who was the tallest and who was the shortest in the class, linking this learning to their maths vocabulary.

In addition, we have been practising our counting skills by counting real objects and joining in with favourite number rhymes such as Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. These activities are not only building the children’s mathematical understanding but also helping them to grow in confidence when using mathematical language.

In our library session this week, Ms Qasim shared the story Gigantic by Rob Biddulph. The children were captivated by this beautifully illustrated book, which tells the tale of a small blue whale who doesn’t quite live up to his grand name. Through the story, the children explored themes of self-confidence, friendship, and celebrating our own unique qualities. They particularly enjoyed talking about the contrast between the whale’s name and his actual size, and many of them were eager to share their own ideas about what makes someone or something “gigantic.”

In Music this week, the children have been learning a range of energetic action songs, including the Stomping Song and the Dancing Song. These songs gave the children the chance to combine rhythm, movement, and language, helping them to develop coordination as well as their listening and memory skills. They loved following the actions, joining in with the beat, and expressing themselves through movement. The session was filled with laughter, energy, and lots of enthusiastic stomping, jumping, and dancing, as the children grew in confidence and joyfully shared music together.

Gate opening times

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.

We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. 

Focus Parent Meetings

Focus Parent Meetings will begin next week, please remember to fill in the form and return to the class teacher.  These meetings will give us the opportunity to speak in more detail about your child’s progress, well-being, and to answer any further questions you may have. 

• Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one. 

• Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ 

• Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform. We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

• Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries. 

In our Phonics sessions this week, the children went on a Listening Walk around the school. At first, many of them said they couldn’t hear anything at all, but with a little encouragement to ‘switch on’ their listening ears, they soon began to notice a wide variety of sounds all around them. From footsteps in the corridor to voices and ringing telephones, the children were excited to discover just how much there is to hear in our environment.

We have also been helping Cool Blue, one of the Monster Phonics characters, to identify different sounds on the farm. The children really enjoyed this activity and it gave them lots of opportunities to practise their careful listening skills in a fun and imaginative way.

In Maths this week, the children have been exploring the concept of size. Using our focus story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, they compared objects and practised using the vocabulary large/big, medium, and small. The children enjoyed relating this to the bears’ bowls, chairs, and beds, and then applying the language to everyday classroom objects.

We have also been practising our counting skills by counting real objects and joining in with favourite number rhymes such as “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I Caught a Fish Alive.” These activities are helping the children to develop both their mathematical understanding and their confidence in using mathematical language.

Miss Suad was very pleased with how the children are picking up greetings in Arabic, they have also learned to introduce themselves and have started to count in Arabic. 

In Music this week, the children have been learning two new songs – the Welcome Song and the Walking Song. They had great fun marching along to the beat, and also explored moving their bodies in different ways by jumping, stomping, and dancing. These activities not only helped them to enjoy making music together but also supported their listening, rhythm, and coordination skills.

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.

We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. Focus Parent Meetings will begin in a few weeks, once the children are fully settled and the structured curriculum is underway. These meetings will give us the opportunity to speak in more detail about your child’s progress, well-being, and to answer any further questions you may have.

Thanks to those who attended the EYFS Learning Ladders presentation on Tuesday this week. We will share the slides with you soon.  All new parents will have received their log in details (to the parent email). 

Language for Learning

The Language for Learning team would like to welcome you back to the new school year. 

We are looking forward to supporting your children’s language learning this term. We have several groups taking place this term to support children with language acquisition which included: Speaking and Listening, Reading, Writing and Vocabulary. Should your child be invited to a small group intervention you will be notified via the Primary Office.

Alongside small, regular groups, in some year groups the team will be supporting children with their curriculum for a unit of work or specific activity. This work will usually be completed in class, however sometimes work may lend itself to being completed out of the classroom, in order to support further with a specific language focus. 

We also have a website with Tips and Tricks for you and your children to use at home. Click here for the Language for Learning website. 

Should you have any questions about the support your child is being offered please do contact the Language for Learning team.

• Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one. 

• Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ 

• Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform. We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

• Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries. 

We hope you all enjoyed the long weekend — the children have been very excited to share their adventures with us, and it has been wonderful hearing about the special things they did with their families.

It was lovely to see so many of you at the Meet and Greet sessions  this week. Thank you for taking the time to come along and learn more about life in FS1. If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to come and speak to us — we are always happy to chat.

This week, we began our Monster Phonics programme. The children were introduced to the friendly Monster character and had great fun using musical instruments to help explore sounds. They were very engaged and are already beginning to recognise how sounds play an important part in language learning.

In the library, we read a story that highlighted the importance of good manners. The children then enjoyed learning and singing the “Please and Thank You” song together in class. This has been a lovely way to reinforce polite language in everyday routines.

During Music, the children explored rhythm by drumming out the syllables in their own names. They especially loved visiting Mrs. O’Brien in the Circus Room, which is quickly becoming one of their favourite spaces in school.

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.

We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. Focus Parent Meetings will begin in a few weeks, once the children are fully settled and the structured curriculum is underway. These meetings will give us the opportunity to speak in more detail about your child’s progress, well-being, and to answer any further questions you may have.

If you are still experiencing problems logging onto the Google Classroom please let the Primary Office know and we will endeavour to support you.

The FS1 timetable is uploaded into a folder on the Google Classroom.

We will use the Google Classroom for extra messages from class teachers and upload photographs of special occasions for you to enjoy.

During the course of the year, we will also upload optional activity packs and resources to use at home.  Should school close for any reason, you will also need to join the classroom with your child. 

Learning Ladders at Home presentation

Tuesday 16 September, 7.40 am, Primary Multi Purpose Room.

Please enter school via main reception and you will be directed to the location. You will receive an individual login to our Learning Ladders assessment program which will enable you to look at all the weekly observations on your child.

• Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one. 

• Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ 

• Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform. We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

The children have loved being in school these last two weeks, and it is a joy to be greeted each morning by their warm smiles. They are all getting used to the routines and expectations. Thank you for all your support. 

This week, the children enjoyed their first music session with Mrs. O’Brien, their first library visit with Miss Qasim, and they also had a taster session of Arabic!

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.

We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. Focus Parent Meetings will begin in a few weeks, once the children are fully settled and the structured curriculum is underway. These meetings will give us the opportunity to speak in more detail about your child’s progress, well-being, and to answer any further questions you may have.

EYFS Meet and Greet

Monday 8 September, 3.30 pm

We look forward to meeting our parents in the FS2 classrooms and then across in the Oryx theatre to  share  information, routines and expectations. Please enter school via main reception. 

Learning Ladders at Home presentation

Tuesday 16 September, 7.45 am, Oryx Theatre.

Please enter school via main reception.
You will receive an individual login to our Learning Ladders assessment  program which will enable you to look at all the weekly observations on your child.  More details at the presentation above.

Google Classroom

You have been sent Google Classroom invitations to your child's school email account.  This will provide you with the class timetable and class list of names. We will be uploading photographs and activities during the course of the year - so please join the classroom as soon as possible. 

FS1 Google Classroom code:   kk6cecy

• Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one. 

• Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ 

• Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform. We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

Dear Parents 

We have had a wonderful start to the year! We have loved meeting you and your children over the staggered start sessions please be reminded we will have one more staggered start session on Thursday 28th August and then we will be in full time from Sunday 31st August (7.30-12.30).

Our team; Miss Kaila, Miss Afrah and Mrs Al Busaidi are so impressed with how the children have started their FS1 journey.

They are settling well into their new classroom environments and loving the indoor and outdoor provision. 

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7.10 am and will close at 7.30 am. Being punctual is essential each day as the FS2 children do structured phonics and maths sessions at this time.

We are available at the gate to answer any quick questions or listen to any information regarding your child. Focus Parent Meetings will begin in a few weeks after the children are settled and the structured curriculum has started. These meetings are a chance to speak in more detail about how your child is settling in and to ask/ answer any further questions.

Meet and Greet Event

We look forward to meeting parents at our Meet and Greet event which will be on Monday 8 September at 3.30pm. Please park at the top car park and make your way to the FS1 classrooms.  After a presentation in the classrooms by the teachers there will be a further EYFS information session in the Oryx Theatre. 

Google Classroom

You have been sent Google Classroom invitations to your child's school email account.  This will provide you with the class timetable and class list of names. We will be uploading photographs and activities during the course of the year - so please join the classroom as soon as possible. 

Library: Library will be on TUESDAYS. 

Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure.

FS1 children do not need a PE uniform.

We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

Big trolley bags on wheels are not appropriate for our setting due to the number of steps. If your child wishes to bring a bag - a small rucksack is sufficient.