Issue 411: 20th January 2023

Dear Parents and Carers,

After a break from the freezing temperatures we saw before Christmas, we have seen a harsh return of cold days this week! However, it does not stop what we do every day at OWPS, making the most of the outdoor spaces we have available. Please make sure your children are suitably wrapped up and name their extra belongings such as scarves, gloves and hats. Our lost property always fills up quicker this time of year. 

Industrial Action

I know many of you will have considered what the possible impact of industrial action (strikes) taken by teachers over the coming weeks could have on you and your families. Following on from the letter written to you by our CEO, Stuart Mansell, I will keep you informed of any impact to OWPS as soon as I can. Schools have been asked to remain open to all if possible but we may be in a situation where partial or full closure is the decision we have to make if staffing levels mean we can not open safely for our pupils. I appreciate your patience and support at this time. 

Young Voices

This week, we invited the parents of the children in our school choir to come and listen to some of the songs they have been learning for the Young Voices event in Birmingham next week. I managed to sneak out of a meeting to listen to some of the songs, and I was blown away by the children's confidence and beautiful singing voices. Thank you to Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Francis for working with the group and for organising this wonderful opportunity. 

Kindness to others

We talk a lot in school about the importance of being kind to others. It is one of our Golden Rules. The vast majority of the time I see children showing others respect, being thoughtful and looking out for each other. OWPS is an inclusive school, and we have children with a range of needs, some of which are complex, and they require a lot of support. At OWPS, we remind the children about the importance of treating others with respect and recognising that we live in a world where everyone is different, and that we should show kindness to all. We hope that parents can reinforce this message at home too.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Mr. Marks

Headteacher   

^{Photo by Ioana Kortis on Unsplash}

Each week, we publish the latest achievements of the children at Orton Wistow Primary School.

FOWS Update January 2023

By Jo Watson, FOWS Chair

Preloved School Uniform Rail – Now located in the school reception

In 2021 FOWS set up an online preloved school uniform page, however we became aware that some parents found it difficult to access the site. In September we set up a rail in the school office for parents to help themselves.

We currently have a range of school uniform available (Jumpers, cardigans, and t shirts) all in a good and freshly washed condition and looking for a new home .

Please come and help yourself, no payment necessary but if you can afford to donate £1 per item it would be appreciated (payable to the office staff), and all proceeds go to FOWS.

If you have any uniform to donate, it can be left at the school office - we accept jumpers, cardigans, t-shirts and any other items with the OWPS logo on.  Sorry but due to space limitations we cannot not accept trousers, skirts or dresses, these will be donated to a local charity shop.

Upcoming events

Donation day Friday 27^th January – Do you have any unwanted Christmas gifts cluttering up your home? On Friday 27^th January we are accepting donations of unwanted gifts in return for wearing trainers to school.  Please leave your donations with volunteers on the playground or with the office.

FOWS School Disco Thursday 2^nd February – It's time for pupils to get those dancing shoes on.  £3 per child with a drink and snack included.  Fully supervised by teachers and volunteers, so children can be dropped off at the gate for an evening of fun (sorry, but we don’t have the space to allow parents to stay)   

• Foundation/KS1 4.30-5.30
• KS2 5.45-7pm

Heritage Trails Around Nene Park

By Jess McIntosh, Art Lead

Our assembly on Tuesday was made extra special by a visit from Nene Park’s Louise Thurlow. Louise came to talk to us about the ‘Walking in Time' Heritage Trails around Nene Park. Louise showcased the historical secrets that lie underneath our feet in and around Nene Park. She also explained where we can see these hidden glimpses of the past - how exciting! Walking in Time is a series of four self-guided walks exploring the heritage of Nene Park and the landscape of the lower Nene Valley, west of Peterborough. These circular trails are… 

• The Artis Trail explores the unique heritage of the Nene Valley from the Bronze Age, the Roman period and up to World War II. 
   
• The Botolph Trail explores the unique heritage and wildlife of the Nene Valley in and around Ferry Meadows, exploring Bronze Age, Roman settlements, Edwardian landscapes and industry along the River Nene.  
   
• The Three Lakes Trail explores the heritage and wildlife of the Nene Valley in and around Ferry Meadows, exploring settlements from Bronze Age to Iron Age and Roman. Then it looks at changes along the river when boat transport was superseded by rail. 
   
• The Emperors Trail which explores the Roman Empire left clear signs of its presence on the landscape such as the line of Ermine Street, the main route north connecting Roman London (Londinium) with York (Eboracum) which is still visible. 

There are also interactive maps to accompany each trail. Using it whilst out walking you can enjoy creating your own Roman army, try on a virtual Roman helmet and step through a portal to view a Roman Praetorium. 

The trail leaflets are available to pick up from the Visitor Centre in Ferry Meadows and can be viewed digitally using the links below.  

https://www.nenepark.org.uk/walking-in-time-heritage-trails 

We would love to see you exploring these trails. Remember to tag us in any Tweets as we can share these and encourage others to join in the fun!  Twitter @OWPSart_culture.

Parents' Evenings on 7th and 9th February 2023

The teachers are looking forward to meeting with parents at the virtual parents' evenings on Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th February.

Next Thursday, we will send out more information and details of how you can book an appointment on SchoolCloud.

Discover what is coming up in the OWPS Dining Car.

Read about what is happening in the local community.

^{Disclaimer: Orton Wistow Primary School does not endorse any products, services or activities that appear in the Community section of this newsletter, and is not responsible for any contract entered into by either party. Given the current circumstances, we would recommend all parents check with any providers regarding the status of these services, activities and clubs}