Year R have been so interested in learning all about the Nativity story and can’t wait to share their acting skills at Church next week!

Year 1 & 2 brought us all a huge amount of Christmas joy with their Nativity play. Super singing children! Lots of fun was had by all.

Year 3 really enjoyed studying cave paintings and then replicating the styles using primitive techniques.

Year 4 had a very busy week of Design Technology and were delighted to take home their designs; hand sewn pouches and amazing boxes of delicious biscuits.

Year 5 are working hard on being performance ready for their play next week…lines learnt, costumes looking great and acting skills being polished. We can’t wait to see it everyone!

Year 6 had an amazing time at the Gordon Brown Centre and enjoyed their special day playing laser tag in celebration for such hard work this term.

We are aware that this is a tough time for some families. Money worries, the ongoing war in Ukraine, family separation or conflict, bereavement, loneliness and ill health are issues for many in our community. Please be kind to yourselves and others who may be struggling. See the advice below and know that you are in our prayers. 

Mrs Pinchess, Headteacher

Support for Mental Health

Please remember that you are not alone and there are always people to talk to. Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. Self-compassion is vital.

Our first suggestion is to think carefully about what is going well, to build on that and then look at what you can change. Social media, WhatsApp groups and some relationships can be toxic. If your phone keeps pinging and is affecting your sleep or happiness, take sensible steps and block numbers, limit access, or switch off it off altogether (even if this just for a few hours).

At school we have worked with Governors to find solutions to support families in financial difficulties. Please contact us if this is a concern so we can try to help. Remember, the Food Banks in Alton and Farnham are both available throughout the Christmas holidays. https://alton.foodbank.org.uk/

If you struggle with anxiety and depression please contact a medical professional and get the help you need. The Samaritans are available if you need to talk https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

If you are in danger due to a controlling relationship or domestic abuse there are agencies you can call for advice and support https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

We have further help and contacts on our website to support Well-being of children and adults https://www.bentleyprimaryschool.co.uk/page/?title=Wellbeing&pid=197

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Our super Governors will be serving the pupils and staff our special Christmas lunch next week on Thursday. There are both vegetarian and meat options. We encourage everyone to take part but packed lunches can still be brought in as usual.  The lunch will cost £2.80 please top up your child’s Scopay account or pay by cash via the office (unless your child is an Infant or is eligible for Free School Meals).  Remember to wear your festive jumper if you’d like to (remember that school uniform is absolutely fine too – there is no pressure to buy a new jumper or wear one if uniform is preferred!).

CHRISTMAS PLAY DVDS

The year 1 & 2 Nativity has been recorded by Wizard and the year 3, 4 & 5 amazing Christmas Play will be recorded next week too. It is a very special souvenir of your child’s performance and one the whole family can enjoy this Christmas. Wizard have great technology and the videographer said he had captured all the singing and speaking parts well.  DVDs are now on sale via scopay click here to order.  Any bought before 13^th December will be ready to handout on the last day of term, just in time for Christmas.

LIBRARY

Please make sure any library books are brought back into school by Tuesday morning at the latest to allow our Librarian, Mrs Hansen to get all the books ready for next term.

Celebration assembly

The whole school enjoyed a super awards ceremony on Thursday where reading, handwriting and times-tables certificates were all awarded. Please do check book-bags for certificates. We know every child has tried hard and please do celebrate their successes at home. Many children made considerable progress this term and we are really proud of the terrific results; which reflect lots of effort and practice, both at home and school. Excellent work and keep it up next term everyone!

We also awarded S.T.E.P. (Sorry, Thank You, Excuse Me, Please) certificates and badges to three children from each class today. Good manners are not only encouraged, but expected at Bentley and our children’s excellent manners and behaviour is often mentioned by parents, relatives and visitors who come to the school, as well as when pupils are out on school visits.

The following children have shown superb manners over the term, in many different situations and were nominated by their teacher and endorsed by all staff, for a S.T.E.P award:

Year R – Christopher, Heidi, Ruby

Year 1 – Eesah, Suki, Rose

Year 2 – Finley, Helena, Lauren

Year 3 – Freddie, harry, Neve

Year 4 – Agnes, Rhys, Will

Year 5 – Finn, Lessie, Rose

Year 6 – Kate, Ostap, Poppy

Forest Explorers Volunteer Opportunity

Forest Explorers is our new weekly ‘Forest School’ session, every Monday, in our lovely school woodland. We are seeking a volunteer who loves being outside (in all weathers!) to support Madame Jones with the weekly sessions. Experience is not necessary as full training will be given. For more details, pop into the office or email to ask for more information.

PTFA

We have raised a whopping £2,500 at the Christmas Fair and Christmas events. A big thank you to everyone who helped and the class reps for organising the class stalls. A special thank you to the Forresters for the brilliant family photoshoot last Saturday.

We look forward to seeing lots of you at the ‘mingle’ at the Hen and Chicken Saturday from 7pm in the barn. The football will be shown in the smaller barn and everyone is welcome! Soft drinks and hot beverage are available too for non-drinkers and drivers. The more the merrier! Even if you don’t have a ticket, please come along and you can pay on arrival – we’re sure The Hen and Chicken won’t run out of drinks!

A reminder that Thursday 15th is the Yr. 3 cake sale and we will also be selling some lovely, donated, second hand books. There are loads of great books to choose from to enjoy over the holiday. Please bring cash for both at pick-up time. 

Click here to find out what’s happening next week and

here to get more information about what’s going on in the local area