this week at Bentley.....

It has been really lovely to see everyone back in school this week after the half term break.

Yesterday we marked World Thinking Day and it was great to see every branch of the scouting movement represented in school – Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Squirrels, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. The children wore their uniforms and badges with pride. As you will know, Lord Baden-Powell lived in Bentley at Pax Hill and our school has close links with the community of people who now call Pax Hill their home. The choir and Year 6 visit at Christmas to sing carols and Year 3 will be visiting over the next few weeks to take part in some craft activities with the residents.

Year 5 are beginning to get excited about their residential visit to Calshot next week. I know they have a busy weekend ahead as they pack their bags and make sure they have everything they need. We know they will have a brilliant time and are looking forward to reading all about it on their blog, which will be posted to the website every day next week.

Mrs Miffling

Acting Head Teacher

Attendance

This week’s whole school attendance is 94.8%.

Although the government sets a target of 95% for primary schools, our governors have set a target of 98% for our school. This is because an attendance rate of 95% still means that your child would have had approximately ten days of absence throughout the year; this is considered to be a significant loss to learning.

The class with the best attendance this week is…Year 5!

World Book Day

We will be celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 7th March.

Here are some of the activities we have planned for the day…

Dress up as your favourite book character. If you have the book that your character is from, bring it to school on the day.
A special book themed collective worship.
A story swap with all the adults and children in school.
A blind date with a book.
Lots more book themed activities throughout the day.

Happy reading everyone!

Mrs Blake – English Leader

Reading Challenge from Mrs Hallett.

I would love to set you all a challenge for World Book Day. There is nothing I love more than curling up with a good book - my current favourite place to read is tucked down on the floor by the side of my bed, where I am nice and warm from the radiator! Although this is cosy, it’s not particularly imaginative and I am sure you can think of much more creative places to read a book!

Your challenge is to find a more creative place to read than me. Please email a photo of you reading in a creative place - there will be a winner from each class for the most interesting ideas!

Parents, please email the photo to WBD@bentley.hants.sch.uk

Please ensure you include your child’s name and class in the subject of the email. I cannot wait to see all of the interesting places you can think of to read!

Mrs Hallett

Our guinea pigs

Thank you to the Bingham and Forbes families who took our guinea pigs home to look after them during the Christmas holiday and half term. We hear that not only did you provide a warm home for them, but they also were given lots of love, treats and even presents - they were completely spoilt!

Thank you also to the Wellstead family for their generosity as they have provided a new hutch for the guinea pigs. They will be delighted with their new home.

We are in need of newspaper for both the hutch and for one of our activities for World Book Day (to wrap up the books for 'Blind Date with a Book'). If you have any at home, please can you pop it into the box in the main reception area. Thank you!

CALSHOT BLOG

Year 5 go off on their exciting residential to Calshot Activities Centre on Tuesday, returning Friday. The daily blog can be access here or by clicking the ‘Calshot 2024’ tab on the home page, so that you can follow all the amazing things they get up to. Have fun year 5!

PTFA

Leap-tastic Obstacle Challenge

To celebrate 2024’s extra day, all children will be taking part in the PTFA’s leap-tactic obstacle and jump challenge on February 29th! This activity will take place during the school day. Please ensure all children have their PE kit and water bottle in school. Every child that takes part in this activity will receive a prize and we would greatly appreciate a £2 donation to cover these and the equipment.

Please visit www.pta-events.co.uk/bentley to pay the £2 per child.

Pizza Kit Deliveries

Pizza kit deliveries are back! Friday 8th March Follow the link below to order your pizza and cookie kits. All kits will be ready for collection at pick up. They were so yummy last year! AND they support the school.

https://doughies.co.uk/products/bentley-ce

The deadline for ordering these are Saturday 2nd March!

Following feedback from parents regarding volunteering and having more notice of the dates where help is needed, we have made signup sheets for all the remaining events this term. Please have a look and see if you’re able to help.

Leap Event- Thurs 29th Feb volunteersignup.org/7M83R

Golden Ticket- 5th, 7th, 8th March. volunteersignup.org/QHFPF

Pizza delivery- Fri 8th March. volunteersignup.org/JH7BH

Film/Games- Fri 15th March volunteersignup.org/KP44D

Thank you in advance!