Welcome Back!

Our first week has passed by super-fast as is the way when everybody is so busy and engaged in their learning. We're looking forward to another busy and exciting term full of learning and rich experiences.

This week in Key Stage 1:
What a wonderful week we have had in Kensa! The children returned to school with so much enthusiasm and their attitude to learning has been phenomenal! We began the week with a ‘growth mindset’ morning where the children embraced some tricky challenges such as building card houses and dipping their toes into trays of baked beans to test their ‘have a go’ attitude. They learned that with the ‘power of YET’ we can conquer any problem. We might not be able to do something YET but with determination, there is nothing we cannot achieve!

The class have been excited to receive their new reading packs and I have been blown away by the response we have had from you at home. Keep it up! Reading unlocks gateways to other worlds!

This week in Key Stage 2:
Children this week have finished reading 'Journey to the centre of the Earth and have begun to develop their adventure story writing skills around this book. The children have begun their main driver-topic of Earth and Space and what is so fascinating about it. The children already know the planets and the order the orbit the sun; they also invented their own creative and funny mnemonics  to remember the order.

World Book Day:
Next Thursday (2nd March 20223), is world book day. We will celebrate the day by dressing up in costumes of some of our favourite book characters or comfortably in PJ'S or onesies. During the day children will take part in world book day activities and will end the day as a whole school having a story, hot chocolate and biscuits. 

Wear Red to school:
As a school we love to raise money for charities. This 1/2 term we would like to raise money for the Cornwall Air ambulance. On Friday 3rd March 2023, we will all wear red and bring any change we have in to support this vital and much-loved local charity.

Awards:
Star of the Week: James and Mabyn
Head of School Awards: Eloise, Milly-Mae, Jenson, Nyle and Thomas

What a fabulous end to last half-term we had! The children have been engrossed in their studies of Geography and Science. KS1 have explored habitats and delved into the geographical features of the Brazilian rainforest, while KS2 have journeyed through volcanoes: upstanding how they are form and erupt whilst in science, have looked at the properties of minerals and different types of rock; this concluded with a wonderful educational experience to the Natural History Museum (London) to use our knowledge of volcanoes during a 'Volcano Evacuation' workshop. 

Key Stage 1:
In Key stage one, I have been super impressed by the stories the children have written based on their learning of the 'Great Kapok Tree'. The really used their knowledge of adjectives, verbs and adverbials to good effect. I also loved seeing the wonderful development and effort being put into their handwriting. 

Key Stage 2 and The Natural History Museum:
KS2 have enjoyed their learning in Geography when understanding 'What makes Volcanoes so fascinating?'. Their knowledge of the subject is brilliant and was evident during their visit to the Natural History Museum. The children had an amazing day in London and wowed the museum staff with their knowledge of volcanoes and exceptional behaviour. We look forward to next year's visit to London. 

Safer Internet day:
On Tuesday 7th February, it was Safer-internet day which is a global supported day. As a school we spent some teaching time to delve into the topic of being safe online with this year's theme being: 'Want to talk about it?' We hope it tackled what issues really matter to children and young people? What changes do they want to see? How can we all work together to advocate for them moving forward?
Link: https://www.saferinternetday.org/in-your-country/united-kingdom

Children's Mental Health Awareness day:
On Friday 10th February we took part in a wellbeing day. The children came dressed in clothing of their choice with the theme of 'Expressing yourself'. It is important for the children to have self-awareness of wellbeing and know who they are. There were great themes of expression on display ranging from boxers to dancers; scientists to footballers.

Awards:
Star of the Week: Imogen and James
Head of School Certificates: Lilly, Isla, Ottillie, Harry, Todd, Lerryn, George

I can't believe that it is only a week away from 1/2 term. The children have been so engaged and enthused in their learning that the time has just vanished. It was wonderful to invite parents in on Friday to talk with the children about their learning in the wider curriculum. I know the children have enjoyed their work this 1/2 term and enjoyed sharing it with you. We look forward to hosting more events this year where families can see how amazing the children are in school. 

Learning in KS1 this week:
KS1, in maths, have been investigating and sorting 3D shapes; Reception have been exploring mass and balancing mass. During geography and science, the children have started creating some wonderful Biomes to rival Eden
Project's. Literacy has seen some lovely work in using coordinating conjunctions. Great work KS1 and Reception.

Learning in KS2 this week:
In KS2 the children have begun to design their cushions which they will stitch together after 1/2 term. They have thought hard about the design-brief and sustainability. It has also been wonderful to see their enthusiasm for learning about volcanoes (especially the more famous explosive ones): they have super knowledge around the subject. KS2 also enjoyed some Cornish dance instruction ready for St Piran's Day parade on Monday 6th March (Bodmin) They showed excellent rhythm and thoroughly enjoyed dancing to the Banjo. 

Safer-Internet Day:
On Tuesday 7th February, it is Safer-internet day which is a global supported day. As a school we will spend some dedicated teaching time to delve into the topic of being safe online with this year's theme being: 'Want to talk about it?' We hope it will tackle what issues really matter to children and young people? What changes do they want to see? How can we all work together to advocate for them moving forward?
Link: https://www.saferinternetday.org/in-your-country/united-kingdom

London (Wednesday 8th February):
We are very much looking forward to our visit to the Natural History Museum next Wednesday. Our workshop on Volcano Evacuation looks set to be a hit with the children and I know they can't wait to explore the museum, learn more about rocks, minerals and earthquakes. The parent briefing will take place on Tuesday 7th February at 2:30pm.

Boom Readers:
Just a little reminder that we are recording reads done by the children on Boom Readers. please listen to your child at least 3 times a-week as it does make a difference. For these children with regular reads recorded, there are prizes at the end of each term. If you require another login sheet, please let your child's class teacher know.

Children's Mental Health Awareness day:
Next Friday we want the children to take part in a wellbeing day. We ask that on Friday 10th February children come dress in clothing of their choice with the theme of 'Expressing yourself'. It is important for the children to have self-awareness of wellbeing and know who they are.


Awards:
Star of the Week: Jack 
Head of School Certificates: Ottillie, Freya Lerryn, Blake, George

Have a lovely Weekend

A great week! The children have been thoroughly engaged in their wider curriculum topics. KS1 have found out lots about Brazil, its weather and habits of its wildlife; it has also been lovely to see their knowledge of verbs and how they have used them in their writing. KS2 have been developing their sewing skills in DT and developing their knowledge of how rock types are formed and their link to volcanic activity. 

Learning this week in KS1:
There has been lots of change happening in Kensa class this week with the addition of a new role-play, small world and reading area. We are also delighted to welcome Mr Sandall, our student teacher from Plymouth University, who will be working alongside us for the rest of term. The children have had an amazing time investigating Brazil and discovering how the climate has helped to create the Amazon Rainforest.
On Thursday, we dressed up as Amazon explorers and had a go at packing our survival bag! The reception children have also had a wonderful week celebrating the Chinese New Year with their friends in nursery! What a lot of fun we've had! Please ask your child to talk about their week - sharing their new knowledge is a great way for them to consolidate their learning. We are so proud of the way that the children have embraced their learning amidst lots of change. Thank you all for a fantastic week! 

Rugby with the Cornish Pirates:
The school have thoroughly enjoyed their coaching sessions with Neil. They have learnt how to play the game, tactics, passing skills, teamwork and have had a lot of fun along the way. We learnt how muddy the children can get. KS2 are looking forward to a rugby festival hosted by 'the Pirates'; we will send letters out as soon as we have dates for it. A huge thank you to Neil and the Cornish Pirates. 

London (8th February):
Our KS2 class visit the Natural History Museum is creeping closer. Please check ParentPay for the instalments to pay. On Tuesday afternoon (7th February), Mr Avery will be hosting a parent-briefing about the educational visit. 

Safer Internet day:
On Tuesday 7th February, it is Safer-internet day which is a global supported day. As a school we will spend some dedicated teaching time to delve into the topic of being safe online with this year's theme being: 'Want to talk about it?' 
We hope it will tackle what issues really matter to children and young people? What changes do they want to see? How can we all work together to advocate for them moving forward?
Link: https://www.saferinternetday.org/in-your-country/united-kingdom

Awards:
Head Awards: Cadan, Lerryn, Todd, Amy, Zenna, Nyle

Happy Friday everyone. Another week has gone by, and the children have been working at full-steam. In KS2 the children have better understood what it means to have a positive identity online, they know physical features of volcanoes, have lots of new knowledge on adding and subtracting fractions and finally analysing properties of rocks. KS1 have been busily researching habitats of different creatures, learning about the rainforest in Geography and writing non-fiction texts about weather. 

Cornish Pirates:
Unfortunately the Cornish Pirates Rugby sessions had to be rescheduled today. Neil will be in next Friday (20th Jan) and the Friday after (27th Jan). The children are excited that he has invited our school attend a Cornish Pirates Rugby festival. Dates and timings for this will come home next week. 

Mrs Elliot:
We are super-pleased to welcome Mrs Elliot to our school. She and the children have had a great day getting to know each other and we are excited about the future learning experiences they will be having together.

KS2 London Visit:
This week, letters went home with more information about our visit to the Natural History Museum (London) on Wednesday 8th February. We are all very excited about the visit and know that it will be a very valuable educational and social experience. Please check ParentPay for how to pay the instalments. There will be a 'trip briefing meeting' held for Parents on Tuesday 7th February at 2:30pm. 

September School Places:
For those parents with a child who will be school-age from September, Sunday 15th January is the closing date for applications.

Reading:
We all know what an important skill reading is and I am really please how well our children progress with their phonics and reading. Please try and listened to your child read at least at least 3-times-a-week and upload reads to Boom Readers. Older children can upload their reads but please talk to them about what they have read. Children who read 3 times a-week will receive a half-termly prize.  

Awards:
Head Awards: Jack C, Megan I, Bella D
Star of the Week: James, Billy, Blake 

Have a lovely weekend. 

Welcome Back, and a very Happy New year to you all; we hope you've all enjoyed a lovely Christmas and managed to avoid the seasonal colds that were around. It has been wonderful to have the children back after the Christmas break, and they have all been amazing at starting where they finished off from last term with the real love of learning. They have all been getting into their new wider curriculum and science themes: including 'Habitats' in KS1 and Volcanoes in KS2 - the school has been full energy and a buzz about their new topics and learning. 

Key Stage 1 and Reception:
You would have received confirmation of our appointment of Mrs Sally Elliot who will be the class' full-time teacher from Monday 16th January. Mrs Harrison will still have some teaching commitments for this class and further commitments across the school. We look forward to officially welcoming Mrs Elliot next Friday.

Village Games night:
Next Saturday (14th January) the Village hall are hosting a family games night. More information is attached in the poster below. 

Cornish Pirates Coaching:
Next Friday (13th January) and Friday 20th January, Neil (our Cornish Pirates Coach) will be in for KS2 to complete their rugby coaching from before Christmas after the ice interfered with its delivery. Children in KS2 will need PE kits and possibly a change clothes/footwear if the weather outlook doesn't look good.

Reading, KIRF Maths, TT-Rockstars and spellings:
Reading, maths and spellings remain our focus for home learning. New KIRF math sheets will be sent home next week, spellings for KS2 will go back onto the class page. Please aim to read with your child at least 3-times a week and fill in the online reading record on 'Boom Readers'. If getting online proves difficult, please let us know and we will give you a paper diary and transfer for it to 'Boom Readers'. Children who have joined our school recently will receive logins for Boom Readers, TT-Rockstars and Numbots next week. 

Have a lovely weekend. 

Happy Christmas!

I can't believe how quickly the Autumn term went. The children have been amazing, which is no surprise as they always are and as a school, we are always so proud of them. They have completed some lovely work, made good progress and learnt so much. All of this led to the children having a wonderfully busy final week of term. 

Thank you to the PTA for helping to fund the visit to the Pantomime, the children thoroughly enjoyed it and were a wonderful credit to the school. Also further thanks to the PTA for providing the children with a wonderful end of term party and moving things around so quickly after we had to rearrange our Pantomime visit due to the icy conditions. The children loved the food, disco and getting to meet Father Christmas. 

On the last day term the children celebrated the incarnation of Jesus by taking part in a 'Christingle' service. Thank you to Reverend Robin for hosting us: it's always lovely for the children to visit and feel so welcome. 

A note from Mrs. Powdrill:
We say a sad but fond-farewell to Mrs. Powdrill we will miss her working at our school and hope she keeps in contact. I have copied in a little note from her to you:

'Thank you all for the kind messages, it's been a pleasure teaching all the children at Blisland. Best wishes, Mrs Powdrill.'

New Appointment:
We are pleased to announce that we have appointed a new teacher: Mrs Sally Elliot, who will join our school in the new year (Date to be confirmed)

Have a Safe and Merry Christmas.

We are very much into December now and in the full swing for the build-up to Christmas. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to watch our Christmas Nativity at Bilsland Hall this year. The children this week have been practising the lines and songs with much gusto and still have found the energy to learn so much - we have seen some very good maths and writing this week. 

Carnglaze Carverns:
Last week KS2 performed at Carnglaze Caverns as part of a whole trust (Bridge Schools) music and arts festival. The children performed brilliantly, acting out their emotive evacuee story and finishing with a rendition of we will meet again. To see the performance, please follow the link: https://www.blislandprimary.co.uk/Class/Nessa
Thank you to the whole trust for this opportunity and particularly Laura Yeo our Trust Misic lead. 

Sponsored Read:
You may recall last term we ask you to support the children with a sponsored read for raising money for books from usborne Books. It was truly amazing that you raised over £300 pounds and our books have this week arrived. The children leave to read and listen to books, and our new selection, thanks to you all, is a welcomed addition. 

Christmas Nativity:
Our Christmas Nativity takes place next Friday with an afternoon and evening show. Our dress rehearsals are on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Please can children be dropped at the village hall on these days, unless they are Breakfast Club. 

Santa by Steam:
Our youngest members of school had a lovely day out visiting the Bodmin steam rail. The departure by steam and rumble of the mighty diesel locomotive proved to be very exciting! While enjoying a scenic ride looking out over bridges and through dark tunnels, there was a wonderful surprise... Father Christmas! The children all spent time speaking to him and going into detail about specific Christmas wishes. Christmas has well and truly begun. 

Awards:
Head Awards: Thomas H and Ottillie S
Star of the Week: Cadan M, Emma R and Mason W

Another super week of learning, creativity and enthusiasm. It has been great to see the continuous improvement of our younger children's reading, Year 2's writing shows wonderful improvement and the whole of KS1's artistic skills this week when learning about printing has been ace. In KS2, the children the children have been developing their knowledge of writing techniques needed to create information leaflets. They have also been preparing for next week's performance at Carnglaze Caverns. 

Cornish Pirates:
The whole school this week enjoyed the coaching providing by Cornish Pirates. They continued to develop their passing ability, along with their communication skills. I know that the coach has been thoroughly impressed with the children's development and hard work. 

Children in Need:
The children had a great day raising money for Children in need. They show such empathy when understanding why the charity is needed. The children enjoyed wearing non-uniform and spots. Well done to Emma who correctly guessed the number sweets in a jar and to Mani, who won the whole school game of hide and seek. A big well done to our school council who organised our events for the day. 

Boom Readers, Reading Diaries:
It has been great to see children begin to record their reads on Boom Reader. If you find connecting to app difficult for any reason, please do keep using the paper reading records and ensure the children get at least 3 reads each week. 

Awards:
Head awards: Billy R, Nyle P, Cadan M
Star of the Week awards: Amy, Zenna, Lola, John

We will Remember them

Well done to all of our pupils, of every age, who showed such good respect, gratitude and curiosity as we observed the 11th hour, of the 11th Day, of the 11th Month. The children reflected on service and sacrifice and thought about our British values of liberty and democracy and how some gave everything in the name of it. Beautiful 3D silhouette art created by KS2 will be on display at the church. A big well done to those children who came wearing uniforms of groups they represent such as rainbows, brownies, guides, beavers and cubs. I know many attended parades on Sunday with pride. 

Children in Need:
The school council have met recently and have decided they want to support the 'Children in need charity'. They want to raise money by hosting some games such as blind guessing items and foods, guess the number of sweets in a jar and a whole school game of hide and seek; they also ask children to wear non-school uniform with a yellow theme and try to have as many spots as possible. Our school council ask that children bring a contribution of £2. Children in need is on Friday 18th November 2022.

Boom Readers:
Our online reading records are all set up using 'Boom Readers'. Children will have their own login QR code to record their daily reads online via a computer or App. Boom Reader allows you and your child to record their reading and for school staff to record reading too, then monitor how often and well children read. We know how much children love to read and listen to stories, and we're sure this will app help and motivate the children. Please check your child's bookbag or rucksack for the letter with login details. 

Cornish Pirates (Wednesdays):
We are fortunate enough to have a link with the Cornish Pirates Rugby team and they will be coaching at our school until Christmas. KS2 had their first session this week which was amazing. The children learnt key aspects of communication, speed and teamwork. Next week, the coach has said he can stay a little longer and offer some coaching to our KS1 class.