News

Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• The Munch Box

  Wed 25 Jun 2014

  The hugely popular Saturday morning CiTV cooking show, ‘The Munch Box’ which is going to be filming in London during the Autumn are looking for children. The show features a mix of cookery challenges alongside fun food-related games and the chance for the children to learn from a celebrity chef.

  They're looking for children aged 9-12 who love cooking, can do it on their own, and who have the confidence to come into a TV studio with two friends (who can help them out) to cook their favourite food in front of the cameras. In addition, they’d also like to speak to children of that age-range who are very vocal and have a great love of food to potentially be our ‘Masterchef’-style judges, telling the chefs what they think of their cooking! In both cases, they’re not looking for children who can sing, dance and have a background in TV performance, just children who can speak confidently and are able to cook or talk about amazing food.

  guy.lambert@cactustv.co.uk

  

• The Friends Free Coffee Morning

  Tue 24 Jun 2014

  Please don't forget that The Friends will be holding a FREE coffee morning on Wednesday 25th June 2014 from 9.15 am - 12.00 noon to welcome new Reception parents to the Dassett. 

  The invitation is also extended to parents of current pupils who would like to pop along for a chat and meet some of the new parents and Friends whilst enjoying a free cuppa and home-made cake. 

  The second hand uniform stall will also be set up. 

  We will be in the cafe area of Fenny Compton Village Hall.  Come along for a coffee with the Friends!

  

• Oh, What a Night!

  Sun 22 Jun 2014

  You came, you danced, you played and you had fun by the score. We had an amazing Friday night at The Dassett Midsummer Party and our massive thanks go to The Friends, as ever, and all of the many volunteers that made it such a night to remember.

  There were games galore with splat the rat, the grid game, human fruit machine, quoits, tattoos, ice creams, the BBQ, tuck shop and our fabulous Great Balloon Race - the first of which has been reported back already having been found after 1 day in Fulwell, Middlesex - 66 miles away! More information can be found on The Friends Facebook page.

  The bar did a roaring trade, as did the BBQ and our thanks go to Dave for once again running this.

  There were dancing kings and queens on the dance floor and another big thank you to Disco Darryl for another wonderful music and game packed evening.

  And of course a huge thank you to each and every one of you for supporting our Friends and the school and making it such an absolutely fun filled, fantastic and successful event.

  

• The Dassett MidSummer Party

  Mon 16 Jun 2014

  Our fabulous MidSummer Party gets under way at 6pm this coming Friday (20th) with the launching of The Great Dassett Balloon Race at 7pm to start the disco, so don't be late - pre selling balloons throughout this week. If anyone would like to participate in this but are not able to come to the event, please bring in £1.50 in an envelope, stating your name and class and BALLOON RACE on the front.  

  The balloons will also be available between 6 pm and 7 pm on the night, and will be launched at 7, when the disco will then start!

  The school will then be contacted by email and told where the balloons have been found. Whichever balloon has been found the farthest away will be the winner. This will be announced at the end of term!

  Come and eat, drink and dance the night away. There are games galore, bar, all weather BBQ, disco, tuck shop etc.etc. Come and join the fun. It is also a dress down day for a £1. Our massive thanks go, as ever, to The Friends.

   

  https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Friends-Of-The-Dassett-School/250058495179216

  

• Redesign of Website

  Fri 13 Jun 2014
  We hope that you like the redesign of the school website. This format enables us to upload articles, videos, pictures, examples of classwork much more quickly and easily and is much more user friendly. Do take a moment or two to have a look around and expect some great changes in the coming days.

• Freeze Pop Friday

  Thu 12 Jun 2014
  Don't forget your 20p!

  

• PGL Isle of Wight Residential

  Fri 06 Jun 2014

  Thank you to everyone for their kind comments and feedback with regard to the commentary throughout the Residential Weekend - we're very glad that you enjoyed having a small glimpse behind the scenes. In fact the page was viewed over 1400 times. We have posted pictures at the following link:

  http://www.thedassettprimary.co.uk/pgl-little-canada-2014-1/

   

  5.10
  Safely back at The Dassett. See you next year.
  
  4.35
  A34 approaching Bicester. Traffic busy but almost onto M40.
  
  4.10
  Passing Abingdon.
  
  4.00
  On A34, just passing Didcot Power Station. We are approximately 1 hour away.
  
  2.45
  They put us on an earlier ferry and we are back on the mainland, through passport control! and heading home.
  
  1.45
  We have departed Little Canada and are just arriving at the dock.
   

  12.00
  We are just finishing our morning activities of Giant Swing, Archery and Abseiling in the gloriously warm sunshine and will be going in for an early lunch today at 12.10pm. It has been another good one and the children have been super.
  Then we will also be having a treat for Harry's birthday before getting onto the coach and saying our farewells to PGL.
  I have a strong suspicion (or hope?)that some children will sleep on the journey home.
  Our ferry time is 2.30.

   

  08.30
  Woke the children up at 7.20 and most children needed waking up, apart from one chalet of early rising boys who had woken up at 6.45 apparently! The chalets are empty, bags are packed (of sorts) and the children are just lining up for breakfast singing a very loud song about boa constrictors - ask them when they get home!
  They are all looking forward to their morning activities and also looking forward to seeing their mums and dads again this evening.
  I will post updates about our journey home later and will do one more report at lunchtime, before we say our goodbyes to Little Canada.

   

  MONDAY

   

  10.00
  Children all tucked up in bed and asleep by 9.30 after a really wonderful day where children have impressed themselves and others with their determination and support during our activities. Several children have commented about how nice it has been getting to know people both within their class or in the other class, either through being in the same chalet or activity group, and this is something they will remember forever. New experiences and challenges have surprised and allowed children to exceed their expectations and the sense of pride in achievements is great to see.

   

  8.00

  The campfire is burning bright and the children are in fine voice!
  Dinner was roast chicken, pasta with turkey or vegetarian wellington with the usual vegetables or salad and then jelly or fruit salad.
  The children have started to pack their bags and get organised for our departure tomorrow afternoon as there is no time after breakfast before we actually leave. It has been a fabulous day with such a variety of activities, some of which were quite calm (archery), muddy (sensory trail), speedy (quad bikes) or nerve-wracking (zip wire, climbing and giant swing). Children have all had a go and encouraged each other, which is all we ask, and lots feel that they are overcoming their fears or accomplishing things they did not feel they would be able to, especially after the giant swing. Mrs Hine can certainly confirm that it felt incredibly high at the top and the drop when you release the rope......well, there was a lot of screaming initially followed by huge grins and giggles (and not just from Mrs Hine!)
  We will be doing lights out slightly earlier this evening as it is catching up with the children - although some of them seem to be on a sugar high having been to the shop at 6pm. Have money, must buy, must eat!
  Final update of the day once lights are out.

   

  6.00

  Everyone visiting shop with a small amount of downtime before dinner. The evening activity for everyone is a campfire.

   

  4.10

  Half way through the afternoon. More muddiness and lots of screaming on the giant swing! Quad bikes and archery completes the selection for the afternoon - as many have said "this is epic".

   

  12.45

  Free time at the end of another busy morning. Some children are relaxing in and by the chalets, some are playing games with our PGL group leader, Alex, and some are in the Activity zone playing pool and table football. Fabulous behaviour means some independence for the children, as long as you are in groups of at least 3 at all times and have a watch in order to be back on time for lunch at 1.35pm. We are very pleased with everyone and their fantastic attitudes.

   

  11.30

  Breakfast was sausages, plum tomatoes, baked beans, hash browns as well as the usual porridge, cereal, yogurt and toast and all ate heartily!
  Just moved onto the second activity of the morning after zipping down wires and climbing the superb indoor climbing wall. Everyone participating enthusiastically and challenging themselves - even when feeling slightly nervous - and they are all accomplishing amazing things.
  It is hot, hot, hot and we are having a great time.
  Room inspections this morning were impressive with neat and tidy chalets with nearly every wet towel, T-shirt, swimming costume, pair of trousers, socks or shoes being hung over balconies to dry rather than being left in a pile in the corner! Excellent!

   

  7.30

  No children up before 7.30 and many still sound asleep at 7.45!
  However, now all up and about in the glorious sunshine enjoying each others' company and getting ready for room inspection. Breakfast at 8.35am and then straight into the days' activities including zip wire, indoor climbing, sensory trail, archery, quad biking and giant swing - all very exciting.
  Hoping to update mid-morning but definitely at lunchtime.

   

  SUNDAY

   

  10.00

  Final report of the day now that children are all tucked up and in bed. It is very quiet and the children have realised that non-stop activity weekend really does mean non-stop and are feeling quite tired, to say the least! They have loved their day, with the muddiness of the sensory trail and the capsizing in the sea. Everyone is being a good friend and at the end of the day, just before going to bed, we fed back what or who we felt proud of today or enjoyed most and several people nominated other members of their activity groups that they have begun to form new friendships with and supported during the day.
  It has been a pleasure spending time with the children and seeing them try new things or attempt to overcome fears, whilst being encouraged by their group. The food today has been fabulous and all children are eating well - how they still manage to find space for sweets I have no idea!
  So, a wonderful day, helped by the beautiful and unexpected weather, and we are really looking forward to a good night's sleep, ready for another action packed and joy filled day.
  More updates tomorrow.

   

  7.30

  A little bit of down time in the chalets and then dinner: Cowboy Pie!, Vegetable Lasagne, Chicken Nuggets, Treacle Sponge, Fresh Fruit and now, fully replete and renewed onto The Scavenger Hunt.

   

  6.10

  Wow. Two more activities for everyone this afternoon so we've all had kayaking, canoeing, the sensory trail and The Matrix - Shhhh, and there are lots of very muddy and wet clothes....Luckily we have had amazingly beautiful, warm, sunny weather to dry them all and that matched only by the sunny, smiling faces of all of the children. Also fortunately all the children have managed to find the showers.
  They are in the shop at the moment and dinner is at 6.35 which will be followed by The Scavenger Hunt.
  There were quite a number of children who went 'accidentally' overboard today, much to everyone's amusement and they are all getting along famously. There are definitely the beginnings of some tired eyes so hopefully a good (early) night may be ahead of us. Final report after The Scavenger Hunt.

   

  2.25
  It is gloriously sunny and a really warm Summer's day. Buritos, salad, fresh fruit for a really well earned lunch and off to the third activity of the day. It's go, go, go, and everyone is having an amazing start to the weekend.

   

  1253
  Back at chalets after a fabulous morning and everyone very READY for lunch.

   

  1130
  Huge downpour during breakfast and have been basking in the sunshine ever since. On the beach and out at sea in canoes and kayaks, although in the sea on quite a few occasions! Much fun and laughter and great team building. Other groups Quad Biking and in the Matrix Shield - Shhhhh. Glorious day and everyone having a terrific time. Lunch will be most welcome at 1235.

   

  07.35
  The first update of the day, after a rude awakening at 5.47am by some very excited boys looking at what they needed to wear for their activities! They were sent back to bed and told not to re-emerge until 7am which they just about managed.
  Everyone slept well and have woken up with enormous smiles on their faces. The chalets are looking quite neat and tidy ready for inspection to win a prize for the best chalet at the end of the weekend. We have had a few really good rumbles of thunder but no rain so far.
  Today's activities include Canoeing and kayaking, The Matrix and Sensory Trail. Next update at lunchtime.

   

  SATURDAY

   

  9.50
  The children are all in bed after a busy day - lights out but not quite asleep yet! Hopefully it won't take too long as the children are all pretty tired. Everyone happy with their groups and chalets and we have had a super day with lots of smiles and laughter. Will report more tomorrow before our breakfast at 08.35 and first activity at 09.15. 

   

  7.35
  Everyone is well settled into their chalets and full of steak and mushroom pie, fish or vege sausages followed by lashings of ice cream. Evening activity is Find The Flag and they're off. Return to the chalets at 9.00 and lights out around 9.30.

   

  5.20
  Site tour for the children is happening as we type, then a small amount of chalet time and dinner is at 6.35. After dinner the first evening activity will begin!

   

  4.10
  Lots of children barely able to contain their excitement as we arrive, all safe and sound and getting settled into our rooms ready for dinner and our first evening.

   

  2.30
  At the port and sorting out rooms.

   

  1236
  Just passing HMS Victory.

   

  1230
  Had a great journey with one nature break! We are just arriving in Portsmouth where we will be having lunch overlooking the sea. Much D-Day excitement all around us. Our ferry is scheduled for 3.30pm.

   

  0930
  Departure time. Away on schedule and lots of very happy, excited children.

   

  FRIDAY

• June Maths Challenge

  Thu 05 Jun 2014
  KS1
  Can you continue the following patterns:
  1) 9:40am, 9:10am, 8:40am, _______, ________, ________
  2) 2:20pm, 2:35pm, 2:50pm, _______, ________, ________
  3) z, x, v, t, ______, _______
  4) B, e, D, j, _______, _______
  5) 11, 17, 24, 32, _______, _______
  6) 54, 42, 32, 24, _______, _______
   
  Lower KS2
  You will need to use a calculator for this challenge. You can use any of the +, -, x, ÷ and = keys and you can use them more than once in each calculation if needed.
  Part 1: Use four 4s to make 44 (eg. 4+4+44=52 so that is no good! Try another way)
  Part 2: Use five 5s to make 55
  Part 3: Use six 6s to make 66
  
  Upper KS2
  Put 4 coins in a row on the table, all ‘Tails’ side up. Turn any three coins over: this counts as one move.  You must turn three different coins to complete one move! How many moves will it take to get all the coins on ‘Heads’?

• Term Time Holidays

  Wed 04 Jun 2014
  With it being the Summer Term and holidays beginning to be in people’s minds, this is Just to remind you that new regulations regarding term time holidays came into force in September 2013. Headteachers shall not grant any leave of absence during term time, unless they consider there are exceptional circumstances relating to the request. Parents do not have any entitlement to take their children on holiday during term time and any application must establish that there are exceptional circumstances. The Headteacher must then consider whether these warrant the granting of leave. All applications must be made in advance and a letter must accompany a green leave of absence request form which is available from the school office. If the leave is unauthorised and still taken, then each parent of each child taken out of school is liable to a Fixed Penalty Notice.