Author: Susan Shorten

Thomas Russell Infants’ School
‘Our children blossom through nurture and challenge’

Newsletter number 25 26.04.2024

School improvement
Although we still have nearly a term left of this academic year we have started to reflect on our school improvement work that has taken place this year, with a view to setting new targets for next year. Last week staff meet to discuss what they feel are out successes this year. A few that were mentioned were:
Giving children the opportunity to share their achievements from out of school in our Friday afternoon assembly.
The range of different extra curricular activities that we provide - during the year these have ranged from gardening in Reception to computing in Year 2.
Our new RE scheme which supports our work around fundamental British values.
The positive attitudes that our children show to their learning and what they are doing in lessons.
Our strong home/school links.
Our high expectations of children’s behaviour and the support that we provide for individual children with specific needs.
The high profile that we place on reading for pleasure.
The introduction of Drawing Club in Reception has provided the younger children with some fantastic writing opportunities.
Our high expectations of the children’s handwriting and presentation of their work.
The feedback we give to children about their work and how they can be even better.
A clear and well planned staff development programme along with the professional development opportunities that we provide for all of our staff.
The key role our governing board plays support the Co-Headteachers with the drive for improvement.
The development of continuous provision in Reception and how independent our youngest children are as a result of this.
Over the coming weeks we will be starting to formulate our new school improvement plan and we look forward to sharing this with you.

Email: tri-office@tri.jtmat.co.uk website: www.thomasrussellinfants.co.uk Twitter:@trisschool

Meningitis Research Foundation - London Marathon
A huge congratulations to Mr Drakeley who completed the London Marathon on Sunday. We all agree that it was a fantastic achievement. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our non-uniform day last Friday in support. We raised £207.26 which will be added to the amazing total that Mr Drakeley has already raised.

Clothing!
We would be very grateful of any donations of spare clothes for 5-6 year old children. Leggings, shorts, pants and socks please. (No school jumpers please) Please hand in any items to the year 1 team. Thank you.

Fund raising
Samuel (1L) and Layla (RC)‘s Dad Pete is climbing Snowdon tomorrow to raise important funds towards a new MRI machine for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, a charity which is really close to our hearts after the brain operation and care Samuel received there last year.
Anyone wanting to find out more or sponsor can do so here - https://www.justgiving.com/page/pete-trickey-snowdon-sunrise-walk-2024
https://www.justgiving.com/page/pete-trickey-snowdon-sunrise-walk-2024

PTA News
Summer Fair Wednesday 12th June
The Summer Fair is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together, have fun, and support our students. From games and activities to delicious food and entertainment, there's something for everyone to enjoy. But to ensure its success, we need volunteers like you to lend a hand.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent or family member, if you can spare 30 minutes or more, your contribution will make a huge difference. Volunteer opportunities include helping with setup and decorations, running games, serving refreshments and much more. No matter your skills or availability, there's a role for you!
If you're interested in joining us as a volunteer for the Summer Fair, please sign up using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAxEtY7eIjtf2MDJlAJr1bpUCuFfWEkf-LIBvwHyRXM9aC-A/viewform
Your support is invaluable, and we truly appreciate your willingness to give your time and energy to make this event a success. Together, we can create lasting memories for our students and families.
Thank you.
From Thomas Russell Infants' School P.T.A.
Becky, Gemma, Hardeep, Kirsty, Lily, Mae, Rachael and Sarah
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAxEtY7eIjtf2MDJlAJr1bpUCuFfWEkf-LIBvwHyRXM9aC-A/viewform

Stars of the week
RC - Ava for persevering with turn taking
RC - Ben for persevering with scissor skills
2MS - Billie for demonstrating perseverance when learning fractions in maths

Dates for your Diary
Lunch menu from Monday 29th April will be Week 2

Mon 6th May - Bank holiday
Fri 10 May - Country dancing and whole school singing to parents 2.30pm
Thurs 23 May - 1SB parents invited to forest school 1.30pm
Thurs 23 May - Crazy hair day (bottle donations for Summer fair tombola) and after school tuck shop
Fri 24 May - Inset Day school closed to pupils
Mon 27 May - Fri 31st May - Half term (school closed)
Tues 4 June - 2MS parents invited to forest school 1.30pm
Thurs 6 June - 1L parents invited to forest school 1.30pm
Wed 12 June - Sports Day & Summer Fair
Wed 26 June - Reserve Sports day
Fri 5 July - Inset Day - JTMAT Staff Training Day (school closed to pupils)
Wed 17 July - Year 2 leavers assembly to parents 2.00pm
Thurs 18 July - Year 2 leavers party 3.15– 5.00pm
Fri 19 July - School closes last day of term

Have a lovely weekend
Mrs Burton and Mrs Moore