11th November 2022
Dear Parents and Carers,
The children have made some fantastic progress in school this week. In our Investigators hub, where children are learning through the ‘Over Sea, Under Sea’ topic, they have created some amazing drawings of sea creatures such as an octopus and a crab. Another pupil was able to draw lots of different features of the weather when given clues. Across the school pupils have extended their engagement; one of our younger pupils engaging for 3 minutes on his literacy work including reading back the sentence he had created. In other literacy levels one pupils has traced his name with more control and another has started to write descriptive sentences. Another pupil was able to read out some of the ‘tricky words’. A number of pupils have made progress in their toileting; one pupil going for the first time ever at home! Other pupils have developed their social skills with one pupil demonstrating great listening, learning and sharing for the whole week which is fabulous! Another has been good at managing his feelings and regulating himself. Finally, a number of children have made progress in their communication. One pupil has made some really good vocalisations and interactions. Her eye contact and focus on others is really developing. She also held a small pot of glitter and poured the glitter on to her firework picture! One pupil has been struggling to pronounce consonants at the end of words and has managed full words with a clear last sound this week, for example, bus, boat, bag, yogurt!
Safety in the dark
With the clocks having gone back and the nights drawing in, it can be quite the adjustment to our routines – from picking up children from clubs to walking the dog, common daily activities can be very different experiences in the dark!
For example, did you know that a number of deaths are caused when reversing on a driveway and hitting a child? First Aid for Life offers some reminders to stay safe wherever you are going and whoever you are with, to help avoid the additional risks of accidents the dark can bring.
If you are going to be out and about with children when it is dark, remember to wear something reflective or use reflective accessories such as a reflective clip-on or armband. Fluorescent clothing does not work after dark so the message is fluorescent for day, reflective for night.
Christmas – 43 days away!
For many children the second half of the autumn term is exciting as it includes many festivities and family get-togethers. Other children can find the next few months really stressful, not least of all autistic children or children coping with trauma.
Beacon House Therapeutic Services and Trauma Team have amongst their many resources, ideas for coping with Christmas: ‘The Christmas Storm: Surviving & Thriving At Christmas’ which can be downloaded here: https://beaconhouse.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-Christmas-Storm.pdf
Attendance Focus
For the week leading up to half term, the classes with the best attendance were;
- Explorers hub – Ladybird, Pelican, Sealion & Zebra classes
- Investigators hub – Badger, Husky & Gorilla classes
- Engineers hub – Crocodile class
Diet & Nutrition Workshop
On Monday 21 November, 1pm – 2.30pm, our Family Liaison Officer, Kaarina, we will be holding a diet and nutrition workshop for parents/carers. Kaarina will be joined by specialist paediatric dietician, Molly Brennan and special school nurse, Nicola Clist who will be on hand with expert advice. We know of the challenges some families face when it comes to meal times and diet, so they will hope to offer some top tips and suggestions and answer any questions you may have. We hope to run this workshop in person but depending on numbers and the level of interest, we may extend this to Zoom as well. Therefore, please could you let Kaarina know as soon as possible if you would like to attend the workshop and your preference for in person or virtual. Email Kaarina at kdougherty@palatineschool.org
Don’t forget the Warm Space Hub
With the clocks having changed and colder weather coming, don’t forget the Warm Space Hub on Tuesdays from 4pm – 8.30pm at Old Palace, Glebe Road, Worthing, BN14 7PF. The Warm Space Hub is open to families with children aged 0 to age 10/11 (year 6). Children will be given a free hot meal and a drink and parents will be offered tea/coffee, soup and bread (free).
With rising energy prices, financial hardship is very real for many as the cost-of-living soars and it is with this in mind that the Warm Space Hub wants to reach out to families that maybe feeling the ‘pinch.’
There is no cost and families do not have to commit to going every week. The venue is able to hold a considerable number of people, however, they do need to know in advance if you/your family will be attending and also details of any allergies for catering purposes. Please let Kaarina know kdougherty@palatineschool.org
Help for Households – find out what support is available to help with the cost of living, including income, benefits, bills, allowances and childcare. Click here.
(https://helpforhouseholds.campaign.gov.uk/housing-support/)
Have a lovely weekend!
Very best wishes,
Catriona
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