“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”
Charles Dickens
Message From Mr Sutherland
Message From Mr Sutherland
Merry Christmas everyone!
Christmas is almost upon us and Dunston Hill has been full to the brim with festive cheer over the last few weeks. We still have one week to go before the end of term, of course, and next week will be time for parties, singing and even more tinsel. From our Reception Nativity which was absolutely magical, to our Festive Family sessions with each year group, we have tried to embrace the magic of this time of year for all our children and families. You will also know that every class has had a visit to our Winter Wonderland Experience and even, I hear, had a visit from Father Christmas himself! Just a reminder that tomorrow is our Christmas Dinner day and Miss Tuart and I will both be helping to serve our children in the Hall. On Monday 16th December we will be taking the whole school, (Reception to Year 6), to St. Nicholas’ Church for some wonderful singing, (please note this is for children only), and then on Wednesday 18th December I look forward to joining our choir at the Community Church Service at 6.00pm. I hope to see lots of you there.
Can I also take this opportunity to thank you all for coming to our Christmas Market last Friday afternoon. I think it was the best attended that I can ever remember and, thanks to you, we raised an absolutely amazing total of £1644.00! The stalls were wonderful and everyone worked so hard. We are so grateful for your support with this and all our Christmas events, even more so as we know how tough things are financially for parents and carers, (as well as schools), and I can assure you that every penny you have contributed will go directly towards improving resources and experiences for your children at Dunston Hill. Thank you!
I would also like to take this opportunity on behalf of the whole school community to thank Mrs Gillian McTeer, who has recently stepped down as Chair and a governor at our school. She has played an active and supportive role for us for over two decades, helping to shape the school that we have become and will forever be part of our history and legacy. Thank you Mrs McTeer. Governors elected a new Chair of Governors at our last full governing body meeting who is Mrs June Lee. Mrs Lee has prepared the following introduction which I am delighted to post here in our newsletter as follows:
Dear Parents/Carers
I am writing to introduce myself as Dunston Hill’s new chair of governors. From the moment I stepped through the doors back in 2022, I was struck by the warm welcome, the calm purposeful atmosphere and the excellent behaviour of the pupils.
The staff of Dunston Hill are a strong team and go the extra mile for the benefit of our children. The school strives to ensure every child receives a quality education which will stand them in good stead to succeed in our ever-changing world. Pastoral care is particularly strong in our school and Ofsted recognised this in its report in 2022, “Pupils are treasured by the staff at Dunston Hill Community Primary School.”
As a recently retired Headteacher, I am honoured to be part of this wonderful school and will utilise my skills and experience in education for the benefit of all its pupils.The governors value your ideas and suggestions so please contact us via the school if you want to share them.
Best wishes for a lovely Christmas!
Mrs June Lee
That just leaves me to thank all the wonderful staff here at Dunston Hill for helping to make Christmas so special for all our families, on top of everything else they do day-to-day. I know you will appreciate a huge amount of work goes into making our school the very best it can be for everyone and they have my gratitude and admiration.
May I wish all our children and families a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year and we will see you again when school opens to children for Spring Term on Tuesday January 7th, 2025.
Very best wishes
Whole School Information
Honouring Remembrance Day at Dunston Hill
This half-term, we came together as a school community to honour Remembrance Day with a special whole-school assembly.
Each year group shared thoughtful insights and creative work, showcasing their learning about the importance of Remembrance and expressing gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The assembly was a poignant moment of reflection, as we observed a two-minute silence to show our respect and remember the bravery of those who served.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, we listened to the stirring sounds of the ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille,’ creating a powerful and reflective atmosphere.
We are proud of how our children engaged with this important event and demonstrated such respect and thoughtfulness. It was a memorable and meaningful highlight of the half-term, reminding us all of the importance of remembering and honouring those who came before us.
Lest We Forget.
Anti-Bullying Week
This year, the theme for Anti-Bullying Week was ‘Choose Respect’ which linked so well with our school rules! We kick started our week with Odd Sock Day and throughout the week, children took part in a range of activities within their classes. Year 3 looked at what respect meant to them and looked at how to use respectful language, Year 1 looked at different ways they could show respect to different people in their lives and Year 6 discussed how to be respectful when faced with a challenging situation, remembering to treat people as we would like to be treated. A lovely week sharing respect at Dunston Hill!
Children In Need
This year, children and staff came to school in SPOTacular outfits for a £1 donation for Children In Need. We raised £355. A huge thank you to our School Councillors, who went above and beyond to help raise some extra money through cake making and a gorgeous guess the name of the bear hamper. Well done, everyone!
Winter Wonderland and all things Christmassy
Winter Wonderland – Ho ho ho! Santa has been, and what a great time the children have had in Winter Wonderland, toasting marshmallows around the fire and sipping hot chocolate with the elves. The highlight, of course, was getting to meet Santa, who took the children on a hunt for Rudolph. We really have had a wonderful time 🎄🎄
Reception Nativity – We are so proud of our Reception children for their wonderful performance of the Nativity. The children worked very hard to learn all of the songs and their lines, as well as stage directions. The youngest children in school really did something special. Clear speaking, fantastic singing and plenty of tears shed by our families. Thanks to the Staff Team in Reception for the hard work and effort they put in to making the show a huge success. Thanks also to our families for their support at the performance, and the purchasing of raffle tickets.
Festive Family sessions – Our children have loved singing songs for parents and carers as well as making Christmas crafts together. Thank you for your attendance at these – we have been blown away by the uptake of these sessions!
Family Learning
Toddlers – This will continue from Wednesday 8 January 2025: every Wednesday 8.50am-9.45am. We would love to see you there.
Family Forest – What a wonderful way to end the term! We made dens, toasted marshmallows, created Christmas trees, and even had a visit from Santa. Family Forest will start back after February half-term.
ADHD Parenting Programme – Over the last eight weeks, some families attended our first Parent Plus ADHD course, where we focused on helping parents and carers in supporting their child/children to reach their full potential. All our parents and carers felt that they benefited from the course and would highly recommend it. If you are interested in taking part in the course in the future, please speak to Mrs Cox.
Attendance
School attendance is essential. If your child has attendance less than 90%, they are classed as persistent absentees and their attendance in school is monitored and targets set. Children with 100% attendance will receive a certificate on the last day of term. School attendance is so important, and Mrs Cox, our Family Support Worker, is always ready and willing to help any families that need additional support. If you have concerns re: attendance, please get in touch with her.
A REMINDER holidays taken during term time are not permitted and will be unauthorised.
School Lunch
The menu for the week commencing Monday 16 September 2024 is Week 3. School lunch cost £2.80 per day payable in advance using the school app Schoolgateway.
As part of our Healthy Schools programme, we ask that children not bring crisps, chocolate or fizzy drinks in their packed lunches.
Due to allergies, please ensure that no peanuts or items containing nuts are brought into school, including in the form of Snickers, chocolate spread or peanut butter sandwiches. This is especially important to remember for children bringing in packed lunches or snacks.
UNIVERSAL INFANT FREE SCHOOL MEALS (UIFSM) are applicable for all children in reception and years 1 and 2 (KS1). However for pupils currently in year 2, in order for the free school meal to continue when they commence year 3 in September 2024, parents will need to apply to the means-tested scheme and can do so via Gateshead Council’s website at Free school meals – Gateshead Council , by telephoning 0191 4333729 or by completing the free school meals application form.
Forest School from January 2025
Children should come to school dressed in clothing suitable to the weather, a warm coat, gloves and a hat when cold. On their bottom half, they should wear black trousers you are happy for them to get dirty in, a school hoodie and a white T-shirt. They should bring their wellies to leave in a plastic carrier bag.
Tuesday – Year 3
Thursday – Year 1
PE from January 2025
Children should come to school dressed in their PE kit; school hoodie, white t-shirt, navy or black shorts/tracksuit joggers and trainers for the full day.
Monday – Year 3 and Year 6
Tuesday – Year 1, Year 2 and Year 5
Wednesday – Reception, Year 2 and Year 4
Thursday – Year 6
Friday – Year 5
Swimming
Year 4 children will commence swimming from Monday 13 January 2025 for the whole of the Spring Term.
Year 5 children will no longer swim on Monday.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Information regarding after-school clubs will be emailed to parents/carers on Monday 16 December 2024.
To watch out for…
We are looking forward to celebrating British Science Week in school week commencing 10 March 2025 – more details to follow in the Spring Term.
In Spring Term 1, Year 2 staff will be holding a Spelling and Handwriting Workshop and Year 1 staff will be holding a Phonics Workshop. Letters will be emailed in January 2025 with dates and times.
Parent/Carer Consultations (week commencing 17 February 2025)
Nursery Stay and Story parent/carer session on Thursday 13 February 2025.
Reception Stay and Count parent/carer session on Friday 14 February 2025.
Staff Vacancy
There are 2 positions available in the school kitchen at Dunston Hill/Kingsmeadow School.
Catering Assistant
10 hours per week (1130 – 1330 Monday – Friday)
Grade B
For more info please contact CateringandCleaning@gateshead.gov.uk
Lower Key Stage Two News
Year 3 have had a busy term and have made super progress across the curriculum! They have worked hard to develop their knowledge of all things rivers. They now know many of the parts of a river, including: the source, the mouth and the estuary. They have looked at how the River Tyne and its surroundings have changed over time and thought about the changes erosion has made to our coastline. The children loved seeing photographs of familiar places such as the Tyne Bridge and the piers at North and South Shields. River work has also linked closely to our year group story, ‘Rhythm of the Rain’.
Year 4 have had some lovely highlights this half-term! In our History work, we were able to experience and explore some real Roman artefacts through the Tyne and Wear Museums Service’s ‘Boxes of Delight’ programme. We found out lots about life around Hadrian’s Wall and look forward to our educational visit in the Spring Term to help us cement this knowledge in our minds! Our RE work this half-term has culminated in making Christingles for our Christianity unit. This has really helped us to develop our understanding of symbolism in religion and the important part symbols play. Another highlight has been our tennis sessions with Coach JJ and Coach Charlie where we have been learning and practising a lot of drills and skills with some mini-games against each other.
Upper Key Stage Two News
Year 5 have continued to work exceptionally hard this half-term, and they have shown great enthusiasm for their learning. They have particularly enjoyed Geography and learning more about Brazil, and comparing this to their own environment. They have conducted their own research and discussed the impacts of Brazil’s climate, biome and rainforest habitat. Year 5 went on to create some fantastic information leaflets, tourist brochures and educational posters to demonstrate this learning.
They have loved getting into the festive spirit this year! We invited our parents/carers in to school to join us for a Festive Family session. The children enjoyed competing in a Christmas Quiz and creating some new decorations to proudly display at home and in the classroom. The children helped get everyone in the Christmas mood with some brilliant festive songs.
It has been all go for Year 6 aswell who have loved their topic of The Victorians, which they incorporated into their parent/carer workshop. The children shared facts, recited poetry and sang before getting crafty! We are very much looking forward to the many festive treats we have left, including Winter Wonderland and Christmas lunch!
Beyond the festivities, Year 6 have really gotten themselves into our evolution and inheritance topic, which will stand them in good stead for our future writing unit after the Christmas break! The Year 6 team would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our parents and carers for their continual support.
Times Table Rockstars – TTRS
Children in Year 2 onwards are continuing to enjoy challenging one another on Times Table Rock Stars. In recent weeks, 5C have been leading the way with some top scores! Who will top the leaderboard next?
On 6 December, we had an extra focus on TTRS as it was ‘Doubles Day’. Children were given the opportunity to use their hard earned coins to purchase some unique Doubles Day items from the TTRS avatar shop. Please keep encouraging your children to access TTRS as a way of supporting them in developing speed and accuracy with their times table knowledge.
Climate Crew
Our lovely Climate Crew have concluded our Autumn Term beautifully by raising awareness of Global Warming during a whole-school Climate Change Week. This was launched in conjunction with Alex from Educating Futures (Northern Gas Network). The children gave a fantastic presentation about what they thought Global Warming was, and shared some great tips on how we can make positive steps towards reducing our carbon footprint. Throughout the week, every child from Reception to Year 6 took part in a bespoke workshop that linked with their Geography studies and which gave them a deeper insight into climate issues. The week was a great success and there was a wonderful buzz around school! We can’t wait to continue our work in tackling carbon emissions, and we have something incredibly exciting ready to launch in the new year. Watch this space!
Sports News
This half-term, children across school have displayed excellent sporting skills for Dunston Hill at a range of sporting events. Some of which have included: Durham County Girl’s Football, Years 5/6 Athletics finals and Playground Leader training. We are excited for more sporting events next term.
SEND/Nurture
Christmas time can be a rollercoaster of emotions for children as they are out of their normal routines. Take some time to check in and practice a little Christmas Calm – 9 Calming Christmas Activities for Kids – Calm Ahoy Kids