SCHOOL NEWS & Key Dates
HEADTEACHER MESSAGE
As we come to the end of this half term, I think we can all agree it has been unusually wet—possibly the longest run of rainy days I can remember. I’m sure the return of lighter days and the first spring flowers after the break will be very welcome.
One of the many highlights of this half term has undoubtedly been our Woodland Wednesday sessions. Today, Tiddlers enjoyed building a teddy‑bear den, and they returned absolutely buzzing with excitement. It has been wonderful to see how much the children have embraced these outdoor sessions, and miraculously—not a single one was rained off!
We are also delighted that Mrs Welford will begin her Forest School training on the Friday after half term. We’re excited to continue growing the project alongside the PTFA and to keep enriching our children’s outdoor learning experiences.
I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable week ahead. A quick reminder that school is closed this Friday, and we return on Monday 23rd February.
WOODLAND WEDNESDAY
This week it was the turn of Year 1 to take part in Woodland Wednesday, and we thought we would let the children tell you all about their adventure!
In Orla’s words:
We used teamwork to build our shelter. It fell down a couple of times, but we kept going and did not give up.
Arthur talked about his shelter. They made it so the birds could climb on the shelter, but it still kept the Gruffalo safe and warm.
One group made a shelter with a toilet and a lovely warm bed.
Oscar and Harvey said:
We made a shelter with a chimney to keep the Gruffalo warm. We built the walls from sticks and leaves to keep him dry.
MRS CHARLTON AS A READER
My relationship with reading has varied over the years. I didn’t find it easy to learn to read, I couldn’t just look at a word and know what it was, which was how we were taught to read when I was young. So, my mum taught me using phonics and it all started to click into place. As a child, my sister and I were surrounded by books, with a bedtime story every evening – sometimes picture books, sometimes books we could join in with and others that were too challenging for us to read but were fantastic to listen to. I also loved listening to cassette tapes of stories, particularly The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson and the Just William stories by Richmal Crompton.
I remember Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome being a class text when I was in Year 5. I begged my mum to get me a copy of the book so that I could follow along as my teacher was reading. At secondary school, I became a librarian, helping others to find books they needed and ensuring everything was left neat and tidy. I really enjoyed Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, which we studied for our GCSEs.
Harry Potter was a huge deal when I was growing up, but I didn’t start reading the series until The Prisoner of Azkaban came out (don’t worry, I started from the Philosopher’s Stone). From then on, I had to get the book as soon as it came out, often going to the midnight releases. In my late teens and early twenties, I adored the Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic series, by Sophie Kinsella. I also read a fair few Jane Green and Lisa Jewell books – authors I still read now. I also read lots of children’s books, ahead of sharing them with my classes – the Beetle Boy series by M. G. Leonard are brilliant books.
In the past, I have definitely gone through times where I have gone months, maybe even a year without really getting into a book, but that has now completely changed. Since the revamp of the library and becoming a Reading for Pleasure school, I am always asking for book recommendations, be that for children or adults. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Crookhaven series by J.J. Arcanjo (think Hary Potter but for crooks), Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros and A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. I have also got back into listening to audiobooks (thank you Audible and your 99p for 3 months membership offers!), which are great for when I’m walking Coco (our black labrador).
I am currently reading The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, which was recommended by my husband. Between us, we read to our daughter every night (generally taking it in turns). We read a range of texts, sometimes picture books (Julia Donaldson being a firm favourite) but also some more challenging texts, like The Complete Collection of Winnie the Pooh.
MATHS CHALLENGE
Recently, four of our Year 6 children visited Moyles Court School to take part in an exciting maths challenge against 22 other schools.
The children were fantastic representatives of TPS, showing great teamwork, determination and mathematical ability.
The girls performed exceptionally well, achieving an impressive 4th place overall.
Well done, Year 6 mathematicians!
STEP INTO SPORT FESTIVAL
On 4th February, seven Year 5 and 6 children attended the Step into Sport Festival at TGS.
Throughout the afternoon, the pupils had the opportunity to take part in a range of engaging activities, including benchball, curling, seated volleyball and Little Sticks golf.
They approached each activity with enthusiasm, teamwork and a positive attitude, showing great determination as they tried new sports and developed their skills. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and represented our school impeccably, demonstrating excellent behaviour and sportsmanship at all times.
They were a real credit to our school, and we are very proud of how they conducted themselves.
ELMERS SUPEHEROES TOPIC
As part of our ‘Do all Superheroes Wear Capes’ topic, we have had lots of visitors in Elmers to talk about their job role!
This has included members of our school teaching staff who spoke to the children about their roles, and we were also visited by a charity worker from the Select World Travel Foundation, a psychotherapist, a design engineer and a representative from the Royal Air Force.
Arron and Rosie also came to visit us from Hampshire police. The children loved learning about their role, trying on different uniform, and sitting in the back of a real police van! The children listened with great interest, asked thoughtful questions and began to understand that being a superhero is often about helping, caring and solving problems.
It has been a wonderful topic that has inspired curiosity, respect and excitement for the world around us. A big thank you for those who visited us and made our topic extra special!
BREAKFAST AND AFTER SCHOOL CLUB BOOKING
Booking is compulsory for both Breakfast Club and Afterschool Club. Due to limited spaces, a place must be booked before the session begins.
Bookings can be made via your child’s Arbor account and must be completed at least 48 hours in advance of the session.
WORLD BOOK DAY
We are looking forward to World Book Day celebrations at Twynham Primary on Thursday 5th March.
In addition to the option to dress up as your favourite book character, there is also the chance to enter a brand‑new competition this year.
Over the half‑term break, we invite children to decorate a hard‑boiled egg as a favourite book character — perhaps a Mr Men friend, Where’s Wally, The Gruffalo, or anyone else from the stories they love. Finished creations should be brought to school on 5th March in a named egg box for safe keeping.
Three winning entries will each receive a £10 book token, and we can’t wait to see the imaginative designs that come in.
BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK IS COMING!
British Science Week will be happening this year between the 9-13 March, in preparation for our annual Science Fair taking place on 17th April!
This year’s theme is ‘Curiosity: what’s your question?’ leaving lots of room for individual ideas and thoughts.
Get thinking about it now. More information to follow closer to the time!
CLASS ASSEMBLIES
We are delighted to invite Parents and Carers to view their child's Class Assembly.
Please arrive by 2:45pm and enter via the School Hall entry door.
Details of the dates they will take place are provided below.
| 26 February | Year 5 |
| 30 April | Year 4 |
| 14 May | Year 3 |
| 11 June | Year 2 |
| 18 June | Year 6 |
| 25 June | EYFS |
| 2 July | Year 1 |
BCP LIBRARIES
BOURNEMOUTH BAY PARTNERSHIP
We are pleased to announce that we now offer full time and part time teacher training courses.
Our part-time teaching course offers a route into teaching for people balancing work, training, and family life. The course structure supports part-time employment, enabling you to maintain financial stability while developing your teaching career by training with Bournemouth Bay Teacher Training Partnership.
Bursaries are available for both training routes in eligible subjects.
THURSDAY DANCE CLASS
We have a new dance class for KS2 on Thursdays 3:05 to 4:05pm.
Please see the below link for booking and attached flyer.
Thursdays Crew (7 - 11yrs) at Twynham Primary School, Dorset | dh dance | Powered by ClassForKids
If your child is in receipt of pupil premium, please contact the school office.
FOLLOW TPS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Did you know TPS has accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter?
We keep these pages up to date with the latest news and events, so may serve as a handy reminder for parents.
If you would like to follow us on social media you will find the links to our Facebook and Twitter Accounts on our website homepage, at the top of the page. You will find a QR code below which will direct you to our Instagram page.
PTFA NOTICES
VACANCIES
To review all of the current Twynham Learning vacancies please follow this link.
https://www.twynhamlearning.com/187/staff-vacancies
Key Dates
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|
DATE | YEAR | START | END | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INSET DAY | 13 FEBRUARY | ALL | ||||
| HALF TERM HOLIDAY | 16 FEBRUARY - 20 FEBRUARY | ALL | ||||
| O2 YOUNG VOICES CHOIR | 25 FEBRUARY | 6 | ||||
| YEAR 5 CLASS ASSEMBLY | 26 FEBRUARY | 5 | 2:45PM | |||
| WORLD BOOK DAY | 5 MARCH | ALL | ||||
| SCIENCE WEEK | 9-13 MARCH | ALL | ||||
| RED NOSE DAY | 20 MARCH | ALL | ||||
| PTFA EASTER DISCO | 24 MARCH | 1-6 | ||||
| HOUSE DAY | 26 MARCH | ALL | ||||
| LAST DAY OF TERM | 27 MARCH | ALL | ||||
| EASTER HOLIDAY | 30 MARCH - 10 APRIL | ALL | ||||
| FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL | 13 APRIL | ALL | ||||
| SCIENCE FAIR | 17 APRIL | 3,4,5 & 6 | 2:30PM | 3:00PM | ||
| YEAR 4 CLASS ASSEMBLY | 30 APRIL | 4 | 2:45PM | |||
| MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY | 4 MAY | ALL | ||||
| YEAR 3 CLASS ASSEMBLY | 14 MAY | 3 | 2:45PM | |||
| HALF TERM HOLIDAY | 25 MAY - 29 MAY | ALL | ||||
| INSET DAY | 1 JUNE | ALL | ||||
| CLASS PHOTOGRAPHS | 3 JUNE | ALL | ||||
| PTFA CAR BOOT SALE | 7 JUNE | |||||
| YEAR 4 RESIDENTIAL TRIP | 9-10 JUNE | 4 | ||||
| YEAR 6 RESIDENTIAL TRIP | 10-12 JUNE | 6 | ||||
| YEAR 2 CLASS ASSEMBLY | 11 JUNE | 2 | 2:45PM | |||
| PTFA DOUGHNUT SALE | 12 JUNE | ALL | ||||
| YEAR 6 CLASS ASSEMBLY | 18 JUNE | 6 | 2:45PM | |||
| PTFA MUFTI DAY | 19 JUNE | ALL | ||||
| EYFS CLASS ASSEMBLY | 25 JUNE | EYFS | 2:45PM | |||
| SPORTS DAY | 2 JULY | ALL | ||||
| YEAR 1 CLASS ASSEMBLY | 2 JULY | YEAR 1 | 2:45PM | |||
| PTFA ENTREPRENEUR FAIR | 3 JULY | ALL | ||||
| PTFA SUMMER DISCO | 14 JULY | ALL | ||||
| LAST DAY OF TERM | 22 JULY | ALL | ||||
| SUMMER HOLIDAY | 23 JULY - 28 AUGUST | ALL | ||||
