ASH CLASS

Welcome to Ash Class

It was so lovely to meet the new Ash Class and spend a short time together in school.

As I mentioned to you all, please read Kensuke's Kingdom over the holidays to prepare for our English work in September.  You also need to prepare all your equipment ready for the first day back.  Please bring your 'Super Six' in a small pencil case as well as some coloured pens or pencils and a pair of scissors.  You must make sure that everything is named and be aware that we are not able to share our stationary with our friends.

(Super Six - pencil, handwriting pen, rubber, sharpener, ruler and glue stick)

I am so looking forward to working with you all from September on all the exciting topics we have planned.  Our geography topic is "France", so if you happen to go over the holidays, please take some pictures or collect some 'French' things that could help our understanding of our nearest European neighbour. 

Enjoy the summer holidays.  Stay active, be creative and above all - be kind.

Have fun

Love Mrs Pontet x

Friday 17th July

Wow - what a year it's been!  We started back in September with our amazing Ancient Greece topic.  A trip to the British Museum, discovering how the Ancient Greeks have impacted our lives today and of course, making the 3D vases!  Christmas is always fun at our school - the carol service (mince pies included!), singing to the older residents in our community and my favourite, the inter house carol singing competition .  In the spring, we learnt all about North America.  Many of you were surprised that there are actually 23 countries which make up this diverse continent.  We all loved using the atlases and maps, as well as creating Power points to showcase our new knowledge.  A highlight of the year for me was STEM week.  Winchester Science Centre, activities and visitors, the inter-house engineering competition (finally Red House won something!) and the brilliant science fair, where everyone can investigate, explore and teach others about their favourite aspect of science.

This year was unfortunately cut short and I'm disappointed that we didn't all get to do all the fun things we had planned for the summer term.  But you have all been so resilient and coped better than I could have imagined during these strange times.  The Year 6's are well prepared for their move to secondary school and the Year 5's can continue their learning journey in September when we all return to school.

Have a great summer holiday.  Stay active and creative but above all - be kind!

Take care

Love Mrs Pontet x

Friday 10th July

Well that's it - the Year 6's have left and begin the next step in their learning at secondary school.  We've had a fun week even though many of our usual traditions couldn't happen.  I hope they feel like they left with happy memories and prepared for the move to 'big' school.

But I still have next week to look forward to as the Year 5's are allowed to come into school!  I can't wait to see you in person.  Even if you're not in Ash Class again next year, I will try to pop and say hello as I've missed you all so much.

I will also be busy ringing all of your parents to discuss your end of year report.  I hope you were all happy with your report and have not only seen how great you are but also some areas to work on next year.

And a big thank you for the lovely gifts that you gave myself, Miss Morris and Mrs Larkins.  We really appreciate it. 

Have a great week and I'll see you soon.

Take care

Love Mrs Pontet x

Friday 3rd July

I can't believe that this academic year is nearly over!  We've got two more weeks of school left, although the Year 6's last day is next Thursday 

I'm looking forward to seeing you all on our Zoom call on Wednesday and then seeing all the Year 5's back in school in the last week of term.  I can't wait to see you all in real-life instead of on a screen.

I'm so proud of all of you for continuing to work hard whether at home or at school.  These are exceptional times and you have all done so well to adapt to this new way of working. Each and every one of you is amazing and I'm delighted that Ash Class this year has been so fantastic even though it has been a tricky time.

As we move towards the summer holidays, always remember to be kind.  Kind to yourself and kind to others.  You never know how your kindness could brighten someone's day and make them feel better.

Have a good week and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Mrs Pontet x

Friday 26th June

Wow, what a hot week it's been!  I hope those children at home have managed to enjoy the lovely weather but also stayed safe too. 

Thank you to those of you who have sent your 'Ruckus' stories to me.  I have been so impressed that you're still working so hard at home and producing such fantastic writing.  Take a look at some of them below.

On Thursday, the Year 6's ran the Netherton and I joined in too!  You all know that I'm not a keen runner, but I did my best and completed the race.  I was so proud of everyone but particularly delighted that 3 members of our class came in the top three - LJ came third in the boys, Aya came second in the girls and Freddie was the fastest out of everyone! 

I hope the Year 5's enjoy some Bushcraft activities next week and that you manage to send me some photos - you know I love to hear how you're all getting on at home.

Have a lovely week.

Take care

Love Mrs Pontet x

P.S.  Don't forget to upload your results for the sporting challenges this week.

Friday 19th June

It was so fab to see the Year 5's on Wednesday.  Although, I've never known you all so quiet - the mute button on Zoom is great!!

In school, the Year 6's continue to work on transition activities to prepare them for their move to secondary school. So next week, we've set some online learning for Year 5 from some of the fantastic resources available.  I hope you enjoy them.

Next week is also "Sports Week".  Miss Morris and Miss Shepherd have devised a sporting challenge for you to try and win points for your house.  Please have a go and join in.

Thanks to everyone who has sent work in to me.  I hope you enjoy looking at examples on the class page and seeing how everyone else is getting on?

Enjoy the weekend and spoil your dads on Sunday.

Take care

Love Mrs P x

A message from Mrs Akers

Dear Children and Parents of Ash Class

It was so thoughtful of you to make me a card and deliver the rose plant to me when my husband sadly passed away. 

I am really touched by your kindness. It has been a great comfort to me and my children, James and Molly, to know that you have been thinking of us while we are experiencing such deep sadness.

As you can see from the photograph we have planted the rose plant in our garden and it seems very happy flowering beautifully in it's new home.

I'm sure Year 6 are glad to have returned to school and are enjoying being taught by Mrs Pontet again. I know she missed you all very much and continues to miss year 5. I hope your learning is going well at home Year 5.

Thank you for thoughts and prayers

I hope to see you before the end of term

Much love

Mrs Akers

Friday 12th June

Our first 'full' week in school has gone really well and I had a fab birthday on Wednesday. 

The Year 6's are working really hard and I am looking forward to working on our complete stories next week.  We have got into a routine and are making sure we are preparing for our move to secondary school 

Year 5 have been sending in their work - which is great to see.  Please keep this up as I love seeing how you're all getting on.

I'm really looking forward to seeing all the Year 5's next week as we're going to have an online chat.  I've really missed you all, so am excited to be able to have a good catch up!  We'll let you know exactly when this will be  - I'll keep you posted.

Please have a look at the video I made in class in the video section of the website.  We filmed me doing some modelled writing to help with your English work.  I hope it feels familiar and that you're back in class with me.  Thanks to Mrs Larkins for filming it 

Have a fab weekend and see you all soon

Love  Mrs Pontet x

Friday 5th June

I've been back at school all week and on Wednesday, the Year 6's joined me!  It has been great to see them and get back to learning all together again.  They have all coped so well with the new rules of social distancing and hand washing and I'm also delighted that the quality of work hasn't slipped - they've all done some fantastic writing already.

Year 5 - I miss you and am sad that you're not back too.  But all the English and topic work we are setting is exactly the same as we are doing in school.  I'd love to see some of your work, so please continue to email it in to me.  I'll add examples of work from home and school onto this page, so that you can see how your classmates are getting on to and be inspired as well.

Please remember to keep active at home.  In school, we have a daily fitness challenge as well as our skipping.  It's important for not only your physical health but your mental health too.  Let me know what you get up to.

Enjoy the weekend.

Take care

love Mrs Pontet x

Tuesday 26th May

It's half term but I've been in school looking after some key worker children but I've also managed to sort out our classroom so that it's safe for our return from next week.

It looks a bit different - I've had to move the sofa and bookcases.  But hopefully it will work really well and keep us all safe.

I'm so looking forward to seeing the Year 6's from next Wednesday and hopefully the Year 5's soon too.

Have a fab half term and enjoy the lovely weather.

Take care

Love Mrs Pontet x

Monday 18th May

I can't believe this is the last week of this half term!  I'm delighted by how well you've adapted to your home learning and have loved seeing all your work and hearing what you've been up to.

This week is meant to be hot and sunny, so please try to get outside and enjoy it. Maybe you could help in the garden, wash the car or spend some time with your family on a bike ride or walk?

It is also the final week of our book study 'Holes'.  I hope you've enjoyed all the tasks we've set.  I think the make up design was a particular favourite of our class!  

As the topic, I'd like you to learn some more about our amazing planet.  Although this is a challenging time for all of us, I have been glad to see that our environment has benefited with reduced pollution and animals roaming.  So have a think about what you think makes Planet Earth so wonderful and what we can do to help it.

I've been busy planning for after half term.  Our topic, whether at home or school, will be "Crime and Punishment". We'll be looking at how this has changed over the past 2000 years and having discussion topics which are relevant to us today.  I'm really looking forward to it!

Remember to stay in touch and let me know how you're doing.

Take care and stay safe.

Love Mrs Pontet x

Monday 11th May

For Year 6, this week should have been SATs week.  I know some of you, like me, will be disappointed that you've worked so hard and now can't show how well you've progressed and some of you will be relieved that this year the exams have been cancelled.  Either way, remember that the skills and knowledge that we've been working on do still matter, they will help you at secondary school and beyond.  So please keep up your great work at home, doing some sort of maths and English everyday. 

It seems like you may be back with us for a few weeks before you head off to The Piggott or wherever else you are continuing your education - and I look forward to it!

Year 5 - you too are sending in some fabulous work.  I love seeing it and knowing that you're adapting so well in these strange times.  Please keep it up!  I can't wait to see how you demonstrate your learning all about the Mayans.

I hope you have managed to write a letter to an old person in the community (see Mrs Hughes email) - it is so important to help those who are more vulnerable, feel part of the village community and know that we are thinking of them.  

Please keep in touch - you know I love a chat  and am really missing hearing all your news and what you're getting up to!  So please drop me an email to let me know how you're doing, as well as asking any questions or sending work in.

Take care and stay safe.

Mrs Pontet x

Monday 4th May (Happy Star Wars Day!)

Thank you for all the work you've sent in.  I also love hearing about what you've been up to whilst at home.  If you haven't contacted me yet, please do - I'd love to hear from you!

I've been busy at home.  Planning, emailing and completing my Open University course all about science.  I've also been reading a lot (as usual).  I try to mix up what I read: fiction, non-fiction, magazines, travel guides, I've also reread 'Holes'.  I've particularly enjoyed 'The Book of Gutsy Women' by former First Lady, Hillary Clinton. It's full of short essays about some truly inspirational women throughout history.

Obviously, I can't stop baking!  I  even had a go at piping. And yes I did have jam and cream with the scones 

I hope you are all coping ok and feel that the home learning is going well.  This situation won't last forever and hopefully we'll all be back in school before you know it.

Keep in touch with news, work and questions.

Take care

Mrs Pontet x

Monday 27th April

Thank you so much to everyone who has sent in photos of what they're up to and also examples of work that you have been doing at home.  It's lovely to see that so many of you are enjoying the home learning tasks and are working so hard!

As well as preparing work and communicating with you, I have had time to do more baking.  Although I am having to limit myself to twice a week, as I just eat everything I make (not very healthy).  But I think of the saying "a little of what you fancy, does you good", so I won't stop completely!

I've also been watching quite a lot of travel shows on TV.  As you know, I love to travel and have been inspired to plan some trips all around the world - for when we're allowed to do so.  I've particularly loved the BBC's 'Race across the World', where teams have to travel the length of South America on a limited budget (no flying on planes permitted).  I am considering whether to apply for the next series, as it looks like an amazing experience.

Please remember to send me some work this week.  I do love to see how you're all getting on.

Be good and stay safe.

Love Mrs Pontet x

Monday 20th April

So, we should all be back together in school today, but in these extraordinary times, it is not to be!

I hope you are all safe and well and behaving at home .

Today marks the first day of our home learning page.  Please just try your best to do some maths and English everyday - you don't have to do everything.  I have also put some other activities on this page if you'd like to do them. 

Get into a good routine Monday to Friday.  Have breakfast and then do some work, have a break and then do a bit more.  Personally, I would suggest a couple of hours 'work' in the morning and then after lunch do something creative and/or active.  If you'd like to carry on working in the afternoon - fine, it's whatever suits you best.  I'd love to see photos of what you're all up to.

Check out my video  - perhaps you could do something similar?

Whatever you do - be kind.  Obviously to other people but also to yourself.  Don't be cross if you can't do something (yet!) and forgive yourself when things go wrong.

Any questions, news or work to share - just let me know via the school email.

Stay safe 

Mrs Pontet x

Tuesday 14th April

Hello all, hope you are keeping well and have been able to enjoy the lovely weather in some way. 

I have been branching out with my baking and trying some non-chocolate based treats - Simnel cake (only enough marzipan for 8 disciples!), lemon drizzle and cinnamon buns!  Because of all this cake, I've made sure I've kept up with my fitness training and am now doing my Pilates class online too!  I've also enjoyed exploring my local area by foot.  I live near Reading University and I've found their lovely gardens and lake.

Just to remind you that our home learning pages will have activities and tasks at the weekend. It's a good idea to keep reading, writing and practising your maths every day, even if just for a short time - just do your best!  Please don't worry.

I look forward to hearing from you through the school email.

Take care and stay safe.  Mrs Pontet x

Tuesday 31st March

Hello Ash Class, I hope you are all keeping safe and healthy.

I've been in school this week, looking after some of the children whose parents are key workers but since I've seen you last, I have managed to keep myself busy.

I've obviously done quite a bit of baking - chocolate cupcakes, chocolate brownies, choc banana bread (think there's a bit of a theme!).  I've also been keeping up with my fitness training online and going for a walk every day. My son and I have been learning some new card games and he's trying to teach me how to play some games on the Playstation! (I'm not very good).

I hope you are all having fun at home as well as completing some of tasks we set you.  I will put more work on the Phase 2 home learning page after the Easter holidays - please check it out!

I'd love to hear how you are getting on, so please send me photos and/or messages to the school office email. If you send photos, I'll put them on this class page.

Take care and stay safe.  Love Mrs Pontet x

School Closure Information

Ash Class - I miss you already!  Please, please stay safe and at home.  But try to get some fresh air every day - in your garden or walking in the local area.  Keep yourselves busy with lots of different activities - some school based, some home based.

Every day, Monday - Friday you should be competing a variety of school based tasks. (see packs given out on Friday)

30 minutes of Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar

1 hour of English

1 hour of Maths

1 hour of science / geography / art etc

Also, make sure you do something active such as dancing, skipping or trampolining as well as lots of reading.

I'll add more tasks and information every week, so please check back at least once a week.

Always remember,  above all - be kind!

Ash Class is taught by Mrs Pontet, ably assisted by

Miss Morris and Mrs Larkins.

Year 5 and 6 are important years, both academically and socially and we have many exciting things to look forward to!

Useful websites:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00rfvk1 - 500 words story competition

http://primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/    For any topic work help

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/ 

http://www.andythelwell.com/blobz/guide.html    test your scientific knowledge

https://uk.ixl.com/ela - a fun grammar website

https://uk.ixl.com/math  - maths practise

Please remember.....

• always have a good reading book in school
• PE is on Mondays and Thursdays, so always have the correct kit on those days
• to have your super 6 stationary every day                               and
• to continue to demonstrate a positive attitude in all you do!

Upcoming dates:

Tuesday 7th January - Everyone back in school - Hurrah!

Wednesday 29th January - Visit Maidenhead Mosque

Wednesday 29th January 6pm - PGL/SATs and Bushcraft parents meeting

Wednesday 12th February - Leadership Programme at The Piggott School

17th - 21st February - Half term

Monday 9th March - Friday 13th March - STEM week

Monday 9th March - Whole school trip to Winchester Science Centre

Tuesday 24th March - Class photos

Wednesday 1st April - Easter service at St Marys Church

Friday 3rd April - End of term

11th - 14th May- Year 6 SATs week

15th - 19th June - Year 6 PGL week

29th June - 1st July - Year 5 Bushcraft trip