Dear parents/carers,

Well, we have got to beginning of a very strange Easter Holiday. I hope that you are all well and the children are adjusting to these strange circumstances -  I am sure they are as I know your children are extremely positive and resilient; they are a real credit to you.

Home Learning:
During this time where work and useful learning links will be available from class pages, please do not put pressure on yourself to get all work done. The work and timetables of work are a guide and the tasks set are for children to practise skills and learning already completed and they should have knowledge to complete them. Any work, pictures or videos of work can be sent to class teachers - we will respond as often as possible and virtual certificates (worth house points) can be sent out to you and you will get a mention in the head's blog. I am also sure many of you are working in different ways too: baking, cleaning and DIY to name a few - these can be sent to teachers as well.
Nursery/Reception/KS1: aharrison@blislandprimary.co.uk and/or cpowdrill@blislandprimary.co.uk
KS2 and general help/enquiries: head@blislandprimary.co.uk

Key-workers and Vulnerable Children:
Currently Blisland is closed over the Easter Holiday. However, our academy trust is open and running hub schools for children of critical workers and those children who may be vulnerable. If you need to access these hubs as you qualify as a critical-worker or your child is vulnerable please email me so that I can make arrangements for you with the hubs. Our hub is Wadebridge Primary Academy.
If your situation changes please get in touch via email asap.

Have a lovely Easter, stay as busy as you can and let's keep our fingers crossed for a swift recovery to normality.

Best wishes,

Matt Avery (Head of School)

Dear parents and guardians,

I sincerely hope that you are able to take a deep breath this weekend and from somewhere with your children find a laugh and smile. We are of course shut from today to all pupils (except for those who have been identified as key workers or those further advised to attend school based on government criteria).

Please can I send my heartfelt gratitude to you all for the care and support you have given to your children during this difficult time, and for the support you have shown to us all at Blisland School. All of our staff truly care about the education and well-being of your children and all children in education - many of us will be working through this period, over Easter and beyond.

There has been work sent home many pieces of work and links set on class blogs. Please look here for work: we hope to update these pages as often as needed. If you need support, advice or you or the children would just like to stay in touch, please feel free to email my directly. My email has been included in communication emails sent to you.

Do stay safe, follow government advice which is to avoid social contact and keep distances. And of course, treat everyday like your birthday and wash your hands regularly for at least 20-seconds.

Lots of love to you all,

Matt Avery (Head of School)

Happy Friday.

Kahoot Quiz:
Last Friday evening we had a very fun and well-attended online quiz at school using 'Kahoot'. We raised £190 for the Cornwall air ambulance. Well done to all the winners, runners-up and raffle winners. Thank you to all those who were able support this event: a particular massive thank you to the PTA for their continued efforts in supporting school events and raising funds for the children, and to Barnecutt's Bakery for donating a huge selection of delicious Pasties and cakes. We hope to run another quiz in the summer term - looking forward to seeing more quizzers next time.

Sport Relief:
The children had a fantastic morning supporting and learning about the sport relief charity. We raised a little bit of money to help their cause and the children had a brilliant time dressed in their sports clothes. Thanks to all for supporting this.

Coronavirus (Covid-19):
As you are well aware, as a nation we are still trying our best to deal with the virus situation in the UK. As a school and trust we will continue to follow government and Public Health England advice (which is currently to remain open). Understandably you and perhaps your children are feeling concerned. If you have any worries regards to your children's health, please do come and speak to me at the earliest opportunity. We have at school held class and whole school discussions to reassure them. Children are following good hand-washing and hygiene routines set out by Public Health England on a daily basis. Below are some useful links for talking to your child/ren about the situation at present:
https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/schools


https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51861089

Glass Workshop:
On Thursday 12th March all of our children had the opportunity to create pieces of glass-art. I look forward to seeing them when they have been fired and finished. Thank you to Mrs Pearce for organising this.

Achievements:
Well done to the following children who received an award this week.
Star of the week: Henry G and Lowen M
Headteacher Awards:Jack S - for an excellent story; Roxanne C - for an excellent recount

Have a lovely weekend and see you all on Monday
Best Wishes,

Matt Avery (Head of School)

St Piran's Day Parade:
The children had a fantastic day celebrating St Piran's day on Thursday. The children came wearing some fantastic costumes (Well done parents and grandparents). KS2 represented our school amazingly during the Bodmin St Piran's day parade.

World Book Day:
What a fantastic World Book day we had! The Children looked amazing in their costumes, listened to stories, enjoyed breakfast and really recognised the value of books and reading. They also sold old books and delicious cakes to raise money.
The children will come home with a sponsorship for a sponsored read. We hope to raise money for new books to develop reading and comprehension skills.

Sports Relief:
Next Friday (13th March) is Sports Relief - the children can dress is sports clothes. Our school and sports council will run activities in the morning for each class. Any change you may have for the charity will be most appreciated.

Achievements:
Well done to the following children who received an award this week:
Star of the week: Amy I and Ottilie W 
Headteacher Awards:Lola - an amazing conversation poem.
Isla-Rose D - inventing playground games

Air Ambulance Fundraiser:
Many Thanks to you all for coming in wearing your red clothes to raise awareness and money for the Cornwall air ambulance before 1/2 term.
We have raised a total of .
Well done all 
Internet Safety Reminder from Last Week: 
TikTok and Robux: It has come to our attention that some online games and apps are becoming popular and pose some risks to children. TikTok: When you download the app, users can see all the content without creating an account although they are not able to post, like or share anything until they’ve set up an account on the app. You can set up your account by using your existing Google, Facebook, Instagram account, via email or phone. By default all accounts are public so anyone on the app can see what your child shares. However, only approved followers can send them messages. Users can like or react to a video, follow an account or send messages to each other. There is the risk that strangers will be able to directly contact children on the app. Children may be tempted to take risks to get more of a following or likes on a video so it’s important to talk about what they share and with who. 
Robux: 1.Whilst the games are aimed at 8-18 year olds, there are no age restrictions. This means both adults and young people can play and communicate with each other on the platform. All games are multiplayer and include a written chat feature, which is visible to players within each individual game. Users can also make and receive friend requests during gameplay and this means that they can chat to each other outside of the game. You can read more about the Roblox chat features and the way that these are moderated on the Roblox community guidelines and within their safety features. 2. Content: what content is available that might not be suitable for children The Roblox Studio is a section where players use their imagination and skills to create their own games and share these with others. The ability to create and play games can be very appealing to young people who like to create the content they see online. However, because content is user-generated it can mean that some games might not be appropriate for young children. For example, whilst the graphics are not very life like, some of the games feature weapons and blood. 3. Costs: How children might accidentally run up costs By creating games, users can earn Robux, the in-game currency. You can also buy Robux in the game. Players can spend money on items, such as membership to the Builders Club. . If game creators attract players and in-game adverts, they can earn a lot of Robux, which they can convert into real money. To do this, players must be over the age of 13, have paid for Roblox’s premium subscription, and have access to a Paypal account. This means that younger players would need to talk to an adult to be able to exchange their Robux for real money. If you have any concerns around online safety, please do get in touch; if a few concerns about a particular issue arises I can organise a parent forum meeting around this.


St Pirans Day and World Book Day:
After 1/2 term (the second week back) it is St Piran's Day and World Book Day on the same day - to make sure we can celebrate both we will hold World book day a day later. St Piran's dy will take place on Thursday 5th March - the children can come dressed as something associated with Cornwall or in Cornish colours and will have some Cornish learning activities during the day. The next day (Friday 6th March) we will celebrate World Book Day. The children can come in dressed in Pajamas (No onesies for hygiene and safety reasons) or as a book character. In the morning we will give all the children a special world book day breakfast as we red them a story. If you have any old books you wouldn't mind donating, please bring them in to us by Wednesday next week, we will be having a book and cake sale after.

Sad Goodbye:
We this week sadly announce that Mrs Jones will be leaving us to start a new role in a nursery near Wadebridge. Emily has worked with us for over 2-years and the children have loved her working with them. I am sure you'll joined me in wishing her all the best for the future and hope she visits when she can.

Kahoot Quiz night: 
Friday - 6th March ,iIn the evening, we will be hosting a quiz night to raise further money for the air ambulance. If you have your own iPad or iPhone, this can be used to take part in the quiz; if not, we do have some iPads. The night cost £5 per adult (children free), any sized quiz team, pasties provided kindly by Barnecutts. There will be two quiz games with 50 questions each and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each quiz. Tickets will be on sale until Wednesday 4th March at school or the village store. If successful, we will host another event in the summer to raise money for a school project to be decided. 
Achievements:
Well done to the following children who received an award this week: 
Star of the week: Sophie W, Izzy W, Alina J and Nyle P
Headteacher Awards: Izzy, Alina, Sophie for amazing writing, Charlie R, Sophie W and Erin M for an amazing creation story, Mason W for great writing progress and Zenna P for a great story.


Matt Avery

Sugar Smart Juniors:
This week KS2 children took part in a 'Sugar Smarts' workshop with Alex from Arena. They learnt which foods are high and low in sugar, scanned them using the change for life sugar app and looked at healthy eating. The children also learnt some playground games and activities to support the whole school in leading more active lifestyles.

Internet Safety: TikTok and Robux:
It has come to our attention that some online games and apps are becoming popular and pose some risks to children.
TikTok:
When you download the app, users can see all the content without creating an account although they are not able to post, like or share anything until they’ve set up an account on the app. You can set up your account by using your existing Google, Facebook, Instagram account, via email or phone. By default all accounts are public so anyone on the app can see what your child shares. However, only approved followers can send them messages. Users can like or react to a video, follow an account or send messages to each other. There is the risk that strangers will be able to directly contact children on the app. Children may be tempted to take risks to get more of a following or likes on a video so it’s important to talk about what they share and with who.
Robux:
1.Whilst the games are aimed at 8-18 year olds, there are no age restrictions. This means both adults and young people can play and communicate with each other on the platform. All games are multiplayer and include a written chat feature, which is visible to players within each individual game. Users can also make and receive friend requests during gameplay and this means that they can chat to each other outside of the game. You can read more about the Roblox chat features and the way that these are moderated on the Roblox community guidelines and within their safety features. 2. Content: what content is available that might not be suitable for children The Roblox Studio is a section where players use their imagination and skills to create their own games and share these with others. The ability to create and play games can be very appealing to young people who like to create the content they see online. However, because content is user-generated it can mean that some games might not be appropriate for young children. For example, whilst the graphics are not very life like, some of the games feature weapons and blood. 3. Costs: How children might accidentally run up costs By creating games, users can earn Robux, the in-game currency. You can also buy Robux in the game. Players can spend money on items, such as membership to the Builders Club. . If game creators attract players and in-game adverts, they can earn a lot of Robux, which they can convert into real money. To do this, players must be over the age of 13, have paid for Roblox’s premium subscription, and have access to a Paypal account. This means that younger players would need to talk to an adult to be able to exchange their Robux for real money.

If you have any concerns around online safety, please do get in touch; if a few concerns about a particular issue arises I can organise a parent forum meeting around this.

Library Visit:
This week KS1 and reception visited Bodmin library. Many of the children got their first library card and all were able to borrow a book. The children thoroughly enjoyed their visit and the activities. On Monday 10th Feb, KS2 will visit the library and explore the labyrinth of books. If you are yet to return your library consent form, please ensure it is with us by Monday morning.

KS1 Multi-skills Morning at Callywith:
Year 1 and 2 took part in a multi-skills sports festival on Thursday. They took part in mini-competitions and sporting activities led by students from the college. All children worked really hard and enjoyed the morning - representing our school superbly.

Kahoot Quiz night and air ambulance fund-raiser:
Next Friday - 14th February (Valentines) - we will be wearing red to recognise the work that our Cornwall-air-ambulance do. If you have any change that could be spared, it would be gratefully received and donated to the charity. In the evening, we will be hosting a quiz night to raise further money for the air ambulance. If you have your own iPad or iPhone, this can be used to take part in the quiz; if not, we do have some iPads. The night cost £5 per adult (children free), any sized quiz team, pasties provided kindly by Barnecutts. There will be two quiz games with 50 questions each and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each quiz. Tickets will be on sale until Wednesday 12th February at school or the village store. If successful, we will host another event in the summer to raise money for a school project to be decided.

Achievements:
Well done to the following children who received an award this week:
Star of the week: Lilly H, Ottilie W and Billy R
Headteacher Awards: Izzy, Alina, Sophie for amazing writing, Lilly H for such good progress in her reading, Carter B for great expanded noun phrases and Thomas H for his perseverance

Have a lovely weekend,

Matt Avery

This week at Blisland:

Song for bridge:
On Tuesday Years 1 to 6 visited St Martin's Church to perform their climate change song they wrote with Matt Douglas to the other 14 schools in our academy. The children also learnt songs written by the other schools. The children had a fantastic day, represented our school with such pride and sang beautifully. A huge thank you to the parents who were able to help with transport and to Matt Douglas for his work he did with the children.

Attendance: Whole school: 92.7% so far this term.
It is very important that children are at school as often as possible as it will give them the best chance to learn with consistent input. We really need attendance to be above 96% to have the best impact on your children’s learning. Reminder we are unable to authorise the majority of absences and persistent absence could result in fines from the local authority. Over the coming weeks, if your child's attendance has dropped below 96% you may receive a letter informing you of this and offering support to improve attendance in school.

Reading at Blisland:
Reading at Blisland a strength and we want them to have a life long love of books and reading. All classes have a class book they are read, have group and whole class guided reading sessions regularly and a vast array of books to choose from. We want to further improve what we do and what the children experience, so we have last week sent home information packs and bookmarks to support reading at home. Also included was letter about a library visit and applying for library cards. Please return forms asap. If you would like any advice or have any questions about your child reading at home, please ask your child's class teacher. Further to this, coming home today is a letter informing you of the dates for our school visits to Bodmin library.
 
Achievements:
Well done to the following children who received an award this week:
Star of the week: Henry for amazing poetry work all week and Jack C for his perseverance
Headteacher Awards: Billy R, Ava M, Emily S, Jack S, Brianna W, Alina S, Lola W
Learning Character awards: Billy R, Ava M, Lerryn C

Have a wonderful weekend,
Best wishes,
Matt Avery (Head of School)

We have had, once again, another fabulous week at Blisland. In KS2 the children have produced fabulous conversation poems, acrostic poems and rhyming couplets about WW2 spit fires. KS1 continue to produce amazing work in literacy and science around animals, their habitats and whether they should be kept in zoos.It is a joy to see your children learn with such enthusiasm.

Reading at Blisland:
Reading at Blisland a strength and we want them to have a life long love of books and reading. All classes have a class book they are read, have group and whole class guided reading sessions regularly and a vast array of books to choose from. We want to further improve what we do and what the children experience, so we have this week sent home information packs and bookmarks to support reading at home. Also included is letter about a library visit and applying for library cards. Please return forms asap. If you would like any advice or have any questions about your child reading at home, please ask your child's class teacher.

Attendance:
Whole school: 92.9% so far this term. It is very important that children are at school as often as possible as it will give them the best chance to learn with consistent input. We really need attendance to be above 96% to have the best impact on your children’s learning. Reminder we are unable to authorise the majority of absences and persistent absence could result in fines from the local authority. Over the coming weeks, if your child's attendance has dropped below 96% you may receive a letter informing you of this and offering support to improve attendance in school.

Achievements:
Well done to the following children who received a headteachers award:
Henry: Very emotive spitfire poem
Thomas: supporting others with their emotions
Jenson: Super arostic
Erin: Super maths knowledge for multiplying methods Roxanne: Amazing reading of Goldilocks and the 3 bears
Amy: Excellent Homework

Forest school:
Our EYFS children had a lovely time on Wednesday having a campfire and taking their learning outdoors.

Have a lovely weekend, best wishes,

Matt Avery

Happy New Year! 
I hope that you all enjoyed your Christmas break. All news and information can now be accessed solely on the school website. Please check the events page for important dates.

This term:
KS1and reception will be focusing on the Enquiry question: "Zoo or not to Zoo?" They will learn about animals, zoos and whether we should put animals in them. The children will also get the chance to take home our "Pet" Meerkat.
KS2 will be focusing on the enquiry question: "Why do humans fly?". They will look at the history of flying and how it has impacted on the world. If you think you could offer any support with the our school topics, please do get in touch.

Attendance:
Whole school: 92.7% so far this term. It is very important that children are at school as often as possible as it will give them the best chance to learn with consistent input. We really need attendance to be above 96% to have the best impact on your children’s learning. Reminder we are unable to authorise the majority of absences and persistent absence could result in fines from the local authority. Over the coming weeks, if your child's attendance has dropped below 96% you may receive a letter informing you of this and offering support to improve attendance in school.PTA:
A huge thank you to our PTA who have supported our school with such endeavour and made Christmas vey special for the children. Thank you also to those who were able to attend the AGM: we have many exciting fundraising ideas already which will raise money for enriching the children's experiences immensely. On Friday 14th February we will be hosting a Kahoot Quiz night to raise money for the Air Ambulance; children can also wear red on this day and any donations gracefully received.

Achievements:
Well done to the following children who received a headteachers award:
William and Henry: Persuasive leaflet
Billy and Thomas: Money Maths

Stars of the week this week:
Ava: Great independent writing and perseverance
Carter: Super maths knowledge for multiplying and dividing

Have a lovely weekend, best wishes,

Matt Avery