Knockhall Academy Newsletter
9th October 2015
Issue No. 6 of Term 1
From The Principal
Next week is our Healthy School week and we have planned a range of activities for all children. Further details are in
the Newsletter and please note that next Friday is our ‘Healthy Hero’s’ day where children can come dressed as either a
Sports or Super Hero of their choice! It promises to be a fun day and a fun week! We are using the week to emphasise
healthy lifestyles and choices and with good reason. The North Kent area has the highest rates of childhood obesity in
Kent and we want to make sure that our healthy children do not fall in to that pattern. In addition there is no doubt
that healthy eating and physical activity promote achievement, success and self-confidence. When children don’t eat a
healthy lunch, it’s harder for them to concentrate at school and to muster the energy for after school activities. They’re
also more likely to reach for foods that don’t help them! By offering a healthy school lunch, your child will get the
energy they needs to power through the afternoon. A study published in 2008 in the “Journal of School Health”
examined the eating habits of nearly 5,000 school children. Children who ate more fruits, vegetables and protein and
fewer calories from fat, performed better on literacy tests compared to children with a high-fat, high-salt diet. There is
nothing more important than good physical and mental health and I hope we can all think carefully about that during
the next week.
I am very pleased to be able to announce that our new members of the Governing Body are:
Verity Rae-Martin
Parent Governor
Rev Andrew Avery
Community Governor
Both are very welcome and will attend their first Governing Body meeting next week. Thank you to all those who
expressed interest and showed such passion and commitment towards making Knockhall the very best possible school.
We are very privileged to have such strong support in the community and from parents. Working together we will
certainly be able to achieve great things for our children.
The Termly Learning Conference (or Parents’ Evening) takes place on Thursday and the vast majority of parents have
made their appointments. We look forward to welcoming you and you will receive your Data Dashboard Report for
Term 1 at the meeting. We will have refreshments available and members of the Student Council will be on hand to
assist and to register parents as they arrive.
Gifted and Talented Home Learning Books will be issued next week in preparation for some holiday homework!
Homework is set for all children at different levels according to age. Please do use the parents’ evening to discuss
homework with your child’s teacher.
Finally, the issue of parking on the yellow lines and across residents’ driveways continues to be an issue for some drivers
– especially as we have two entrances at the moment. You will have seen that the yellow lines have been re-painted.
During the next week the Police may be in attendance on certain days and may also take photographs of illegally parked
cars and issue fines. Thank you to the very great majority of parents and carers who do park responsibly. Those who do
not are:
a) Endangering the safety of children and other people
b) Likely to be prosecuted
Thank you for your support and have a great weekend.
Stephen.
1
Photographs
Van-Cols will return on Monday 2nd November at 9.30am to take photographs
of the year 2 pupils and any pupils who were not present on Monday.
To book an appointment using our on-line booking system please copy and paste the following link into
your browser:
https://knockhall.parentseveningsystem.co.uk
Please remember that it is illegal to take your child out of school during term time for a
holiday and doing so could result in a fine.
Important Information Regarding Communications
Dear Parents/Carers
We’re making communication easier, faster and more effective
We are pleased to advise that we’ve introduced a new text and email service – ‘School Gateway’. This means that we can
communicate with parents more quickly and cost effectively via email, text and smartphone app.
Save money by downloading the School Gateway app
If you have a smartphone, both you and school can save money when you download the ‘School Gateway’ app from your app
store (Android and iPhone). By doing this we can send you app messages (avoiding the cost of texts) and you can message us
back for FREE.
It’s quick and easy to do. All you need are your email address and mobile number that school holds on record for you. If you have
trouble logging in please call us on 01322 382053.
We’re aiming to get 50% of parents using the School Gateway smartphone app – please help us achieve this target.
If you do not have a smartphone, you will still receive text messages from the school.
Nursery and Reception Open Days for September 2016 Intake
We are delighted to welcome you to
Knockhall Academy Reception Open Day on
Wednesday 11th November 9.30am to 10.30am
and
Thursday 12th November 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Knockhall Nursery Open Day on
Wednesday 11th November 10.30am to 11.30am
and
th
Thursday 12 November 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Please contact the Academy office on 01322 382053 to book your place.
2
Next Week’s Dates for your Diary
Star Pupils
Brenda Correa - Year 6
Elliot Nimmo - Year 6
Rebekah Jones - Year 5
Liam Fisk - Year 5
Jo Garrood - Year 4
Finley Edwards - Year 4
Ayo Erinle - Year 3
Jasmin Taylor - Year 3
Louie Cooper - Year 2
Tyler Maidment - Year 2
Bailey Morgan - Year 2
Dylan Sey - Year 1
Lee Perry - Year 1
Ope Adulesi - Year 1
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
12 Oct
13 Oct
14 Oct
15 Oct
16 Oct
Parent/Carer
Learning
Conference
Healthy
Hero/Sports
Hero dress
up day
Yrs 5 & 6
Football Club
(after school)
Gym Club
(after school)
Groovy
Movers
(after
school)
Boom
Academy
(after school)
Years 3 & 4
Football
Club (after
school)
Key Stage 1
For safety reasons please ensure that you wait for your
child on the astroturf area at the end of the school day
to allow pupils to exit the building safely.
Parent/Carer Learning Conference and Open Afternoon Dates for your Diary
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Term 4
Term 5
Term 6
Parent/Carer Learning Conference - Thursday 15th October
Parent/Carer Open Afternoon – Thursday 17th December
Parent/Carer Learning Conference – Thursday 11th February
Parent/Carer Open Afternoon – Thursday 24th March
Parent/Carer Open Afternoon – Thursday 26th May
Parent/Carer Progress Learning Conference – Thursday 21st July
For safety reasons pupils should not be near the perimeter fence, therefore
please could parents/carers not encourage them over to the fence during the
academy day.
School Lunches
Please be aware that TCS does not give credit and meals must be paid for IN ADVANCE either at the Academy
office or on-line at www.totaleducationcatering.com
Parking
Please be mindful and respectful when parking near our Academy . Do not park
across residents driveways or on pavements.
3
Times of the Academy Day
Arrival
Morning Break
Reception
KS1
KS2
Lunch
Reception
KS1
KS2
Afternoon Break
Reception
KS1
KS2
Home
Children depart
Academy Term Dates 2015/2016
Term 1
1st September – 16th October 2015
Term 2
nd
2 November – 18th December
Term 3
th
4 January 2016 – 12th February 2016
Term 4
22nd February – 24th March
Term 5
th
11 April – 27th May
Term 6
th
6 June – 26th July
8.40am Recep & KS1
8.45am KS2
10.15am to 10.45am
(child initiated)
10.30am – 10.50am
10.30am – 10.50am
11.50am – 12.50pm
12.00pm – 1.00pm
12.00pm – 1.00pm
Staff Development Days will be on:
1st September 2015
2nd September 2015
4th January 2016
8th April 2016
8th July 2016
Child initiated
None
None
3.15pm Recep & KS1
3.20pm KS2
Key Stage 1
To ensure safety at the beginning and end of the school day please note that children in Key Stage 1 MUST
be dropped off and collected by a responsible adult. Please ensure that you wait for your child on the
astroturf area at the end of the day to ensure that all pupils can exit the building safely.
Please also note that children in KS1 must NOT bring leather footballs into school. Children are welcome to
bring in footballs to play with at break time but they must be plastic or foam.
Student Council
Head Boy - Louis Mooney, Head Girl – Olivia Ray
Deputy Head Boy – Liam Fisk, Deputy Head Girl – Jessica Clarke
Council Representatives:
Bailey Morgan, Emma Purnell, Freddie Falconer, Lillie Martin, Taylor Tedder, Poppi Maddison, Archie
Marsh, Annie Ellis, Callum Edwards, Mia Aldridge, Obaseki Ayere, Jo Hoadley, Teddy Young, Crystal
Matselele, Harry Muskett, Skye Watson, Louis Heath, Ellie Redsell, Ben Mooney, Evie Loveridge, Christian
Timothy, Aaliyah Tom
4
KEEPING HEALTHY WEEK
Next week we are celebrating what Knockhall already does to promote healthy living. We feel that we are
already very successful at this; however we do have actions which we are working on.
We had a very positive parent consultation this week regarding healthy schools and the new lunch box policy.
Everyone agreed that a healthy body promotes a healthy mind. As a result of this the new lunch box policy will
be in affect from 12th October. This promotes;
 at least one portion of fruit and one portion of vegetables every day.
 meat, fish or other source of non-dairy protein every day.
 a starchy food such as any type of bread, pasta, rice, couscous, noodles, potatoes every day.
 dairy food such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, fromage frais or custard everyday.
 only water or low sugar fruit juice
Packed lunches should not include:
 Any chocolate coated item, one cake or biscuit are allowed but encourage your child to eat these only
as part of a balanced meal
 Any form of sweets
 We discourage crisps but instead suggest seeds, vegetables, fruit, savoury crackers or breadsticks – we
will be promoting ‘crisp Friday’ where crisps can be eaten on Fridays
 Any fizzy, energy or high sugar drink
The school council will be running a ‘swap box’ which will offer pupils the opportunity to swap an item of their
lunch which is not included in the policy for a healthy alternative.
One outcome of this meeting was that it was felt by parents that they do not know enough about what we
already do as a school to promote healthy living. Below are some of the things which we currently support;
 Endorse breakfast and after school club where healthy eating options are provided
 Provide a healthy snack for KS1
 Provide free milk for under 5’s and the opportunity for parents to buy milk for over 5’s
 Have water dispenses around the school and water is available in class – we promote individual water
bottles from pupils
 Teach about healthy lifestyles within the curriculum, including a healthy body and healthy mind
 Employ specialist PE coaches for KS2-every pupil is entitled to 2 hours of PE every week
 Facilitate after school active clubs; dancing, football
Things that we feel we still need to improve on and are working on;
 Promoting active play at playtimes and lunchtimes-have play leaders and equipment for pupils to use
 Let the pupils communicate to parents in a newsletter regarding school healthy updates
 Providing an excellent dining experience for the pupils – we hope that our new lunch hall will help us
achieve this
We hope you will support us in educating the pupils about the importance of achieving a healthy lifestyle.
Yours faithfully
Miss L Dial
Assistant Principal
5
Next week we will be celebrating Knockhall's fantastic efforts in promoting being a healthy school. The
children will be asked to take part in a ‘5-a-day Challenge’ where we will be recording how many
pieces of fruit and vegetables they eat from morning to end of school day - the challenge is to eat 5.
We are also launching our new Lunch Box Policy which is detailed in this newsletter.
During the week pupils will be taking part in themed lessons and activities related to a healthy mind
and healthy body.
Wednesday – after school come and make a smoothie using our smoothie bike, on the playground or
in the canteen (depending on the weather).
Friday - all pupils are invited to come to school dressed up for ‘Healthy Heros’. Children can come in
dressed as a sports hero or super hero to celebrate the end of the week and the end of the term.
A Message from KCC Highways
Temporary Road Closure – The Avenue, Greenhithe, Dartford – from 10th November 2015
It will be necessary to close The Avenue, Greenhithe, Dartford from 10th November 2015 for up to 2
days.
The road will be closed at the junction with High Street and Eagles Road.
The alternative route is via Eagles Road, Station Road and High Street.
The closure is to enable replacement works to a cover and frame in the carriageway to be carried out
by Southern Water Services.
KCC Highways, Transportation & Waste: keeping you up to date with what’s happening on our roads.
6
Cool Milk Scheme
Our academy provides a milk scheme that is available to all of our pupils and we would like to invite you to register
your child. School milk is free for all under-fives and is subsidised for pupils aged five or older at around £15.00 a
term.
Each pupil that registers with Cool Milk will receive a carton of semi-skimmed milk every day, which is delivered
fresh and chilled to the classroom. Their school milk will not only provide them with essential nutrients, but as it is
rehydrating and energy boosting it also bridges the gap between breakfast and lunch to help children stay focused.
Find out the top ten reasons to drink school milk at www.coolmilk.com/whyschoolmilk
How to register
Milk is completely free for all children aged under five and is subsidised for children aged five and older. Simply
register at www.coolmilk.com or complete the registration form sent home with your child this week.
My child is under five
 Just register by Tuesday at 5pm for your child’s free milk to start the following week.
 Free milk will continue until the Friday before your child’s fifth birthday. You will receive a payment
request three weeks before this time - if you wish your child to continue to receive school milk simply
make a payment.
My child is five or older
 Complete the registration form or register online as soon as possible. Shortly after registering your will
receive a payment request.
 You can pay Cool Milk either online, over the phone, at a local PayPoint or by cheque in half-termly, termly
or annual instalments.
 Please pay by Tuesday 5pm for your child’s milk to start the following week.
If you have any questions regarding school milk please visit www.coolmilk.com or contact Cool Milk directly on
0844 854 2913.
7
For healthy snack tips and recipes for lunch boxes and picnics please visit the Change4Life website at:
http://www.nhs.uk/Change4Life/Pages/healthy-lunchbox-picnic.aspx
8
Knockhall Academy
Attendance Percentages for Week Ending 09/10/15
Authorised
Unauthorised
Class
Caterpillars
Bumble Bees
Butterflies
Foxes
Badgers
Rabbits
Woodpeckers
Owls
Robins
Attendance %
95.0
98.6
99.0
99.2
96.9
98.6
93.9
95.7
97.1
Absence %
5.0
1.4
1.0
0
3.1
0
5.0
4.3
1.8
Absence %
0
0
0
0.8
0
1.4
1.1
0
1.1
Lates
1.7
0.7
0.7
2.4
2.3
1.4
1.8
3.0
6.1
Squirrels
Deer
Hawks
Hedgehogs
Leopards
Giraffes
Lions
Tigers
96.6
92.9
98.6
98.7
93.0
98.6
97.3
99.3
2.1
5.8
0.7
0.7
6.0
0.4
2.0
0.7
1.4
1.3
0.7
0.7
1.0
1.1
0.7
0
0
2.6
0
0
2.0
2.1
1.0
0.3
Academy Attendance Target 96.3%
Summary of Attendance since September 2015
2015/2016
Date Week
Ending
09/10/15
02/10/15
25/09/15
18/09/15
11/09/15
04/09/15
Number
On Roll
Overall
Attendance
479
480
472
470
468
468
96.7
96.6
96.8
97.2
96.4
95.8
Weekly
Attendance
97.0
96.1
96.0
97.4
96.6
95.8
Unauthorised
Absence
Persistent Absentees
Under 85%
0.6
1.2
1.3
1.3
1.2
2.5
4.4
5.8
5.7
5.5
4.5
3.4
Persistent
Absentees Under
80%
2.7
4.4
4.0
3.4
4.5
3.4
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