Dear Parents,
Over the last two weeks, I have had the pleasure of speaking to parents from across every year group. This has provided me with further insight into some of the issues that our parents are facing: I have also had the opportunity to share the superb learning that is happening in school. Where parents raised individual issues, I have passed on their details to the relevant member of staff who will be following up on the concern. Our improved provision after the mid–term break, particularly for languages, Arabic and Inclusion support will go some way to alleviate the concerns raised about the levels of current support and style of delivery. There will be a number of parents who have not been able to attend these catch-up Zoom sessions however, please remember that if parents have any concerns or queries, they should get in touch by utilising one of the many routes of communication we have.
This week in school it has been a delight to see the children so excited about their learning whilst dressed in pink! I have learned how to make banana ice cream in FS2 and I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to our children as they re-tell instructions and their class stories. The introduction of Talk 4 Writing across primary has already had a significant impact and I am delighted with the progress our students are making. I do hope your children are coming home and sharing the stories that they are learning and their S plans. Parents can find out more about Talk 4 Writing by visiting www.talk4writing.com
This week, our teachers and teaching assistants have completed their training on Power Maths, our new maths scheme across Primary. Already, our students are getting to grips with the new format of delivery and are becoming increasingly more confident. Students across KS1 and KS2 should by now have log-in details for My Maths and in, KS2, TT Rockstars. If your child does not know their log in details, please contact the class teacher.
As from 1/11, links to our phonics virtual classroom will be shared on canvas. These will include lessons on speed sounds, word time reading, spelling and reading longer words for those in Blue/Grey. These videos are live for 5 days only so please make use of them while they are available. If you are not sure what ‘Set’ sounds your child is working on, please email Mr. Mernagh via liam.mernagh@oryxschool.qa
As a school, we are mindful that sourcing our school uniform has been challenging for some parents. After the mid-term break, we would like to see all students returning to school in the appropriate school uniform as per our prospectus i.e. shoes should be black leather, hairbands kept to school colours and no jewellery except for flat stud earrings. We appreciate the anticipated support with this.
I do hope you all enjoy a relaxing mid-term break and have fun spending time together. Please stay safe.
Kind regards,
Andrea Smith
