BlogBook

Blogbook Absence Apologies

Apologies for lack of updates to the Blogbook during Term 2. All due to technical issues - now resolved.
Happy Christmas everyone!

Let It Be

part 1 / part 2



Rec/Y1 Nativity Movie

Y2 Nativity Movie

Term 2

Term 2 began today.
The last fortnight of Term 1 included the formation of a new Friends of Hawkes Farm committee. The school's Harvest assemblies took place on Wednesday 10th October. The school's new peer-mediation team were introduced to everyone in a special assembly and have already been used to successfully resolve a number of disputes.
Mr Thorn and Mr Alexander attended a Learning Platform demonstration day on Monday 15th October. Parent Evenings took place on Tuesday 16th and Thursday 18th and the last day of Term 1 was an INSET day which focused on school performance and results alongside priorities for school development.

Updates

The Friends AGM on Thursday 20th September failed to appoint a new Chair and other offices, so a further meeting is planned for Monday 8th October at 3.30pm.

All children had their annual photographs taken on Monday 24th September.

The Governors Curriculum Committe met on Wednesday 3rd October.

Today was Jeans for Genes day.

New School Year

The Governors' Formation meeting was held on Monday 3rd September, at the end of the inset day.
Children returned to school on Tuesday 4th September.
The month so far has been sunny and warm and children have been able to play on the field nearly every day, making up for some of the days lost to wet weather in the summer.
On Friday 7th September Mr Thorn attended a CAF (Coomon Assessment Framework) workshop at Hailsham Community Hall East.
Mrs Van Dijkhuizen and members of the new Eco-team launched the new initiative in assemblies on Monday 10th September.
On Tuesday 11th September, KS2 children were given a presentation about Peer Group Mediation and invited to apply to become peer-group mediators in school. Children selected will receive several mornings of training and preparation.
Later in the day the Senior Management team were given an explanation (by Janine Godly, the Pilot Leader for our area) of how the Making Good Progress Pilot would be implemented.
On Thursday 13th September Mr Thorn attended a Learning Platform briefing. During the next 2-3 months the Learning Platform for a county-wide procurement will be selected, after which a pilot group of schools will be identified for implementation in January.
Mrs Cobb attended a Hailsham Field Trials meeting on the morning of Friday 14th, and a local headteachers' meeting in the afternoon.

Term Ending

The term continued to be affected by the poor weather right up to the last. In the end neither KS1 nor KS2 Sports Day was able to go ahead. And the Y6 leavers' party (held last night) had to be an indoor affair. Y6 didn't seem to mind and, true to form (they have been a magnificent yeargroup), there were no complaints from them. They just got on with it enjoying the disco and barbecued food.

The Y5/6 production of Aladdin was performed to parents on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th July. Here are the links to the picture galleries and movie files.
Wednesday movie

Thursday movie

Wednesday gallery

Thursday gallery

Year 3 Drinks Fair

As the culmination of their design-a-drink DT week, Y3 held a drinks fair in the infant hall this morning. Each design team had worked during the week to create their drink, give it a name and produce an advertising campaign for it. Y2 came to the hall for the tasting. Tasters were limited to a certain number of drinks, which was where the advertising and marketing skills of the groups really came into play and impressed their teachers, Mrs Harley and Mr Alexander.

Mr Thorn attended a BECTA conference on Wednesday, and Mrs Cobb was out of school three days this week attending various courses and meetings.

The KS1 Sports Day was once again cancelled after overnight rain and heavy morning drizzle. The swimming school has once again been out of use following recent analysis of the water. The water was retested on Thursday with the results and hopefully a resumation fo swimming announced on Monday.

Mr Procter is still standing in for Mr Driver.

Picnic Day

The whole school had a special picnic/mufti day. Although the weather precluded sitting on the field, at least the afternoon was dry so most classes were able to eat their snacks and play games outside.

At the end of the day children took home their school reports and a letter from their next year-group telling them which class they would be in.

New Reception

Children who will be starting Hawkes Farm in September had their first taste of school this week, coming to spend an hour in class during the afternoo - autumn-born on Monday, spring-born on Tuesday and summer-born on Wednesday. On Wednesday evening it was the turn of their parents to come in to school to attend the New Parents' Meeting and meet the team of adults who will be working in Reception next year.

Mr Procter's Return

Mr Procter, who retired at Christmas, is back in school for a few days, covering for Mr Driver. It is hoped that the pool will be ready for use again at some point next week.

East Sussex Schools Book Award

Hawkes Farm hosted the presentations of the 2007 East Sussex Schools Book Award on Wednesday 20th June. The event was attended by six schools. The winning author, Rick Riordan, was unable to receive the award in person as he is American. But a message from the author was displayed:

Reading groups from participating schools had been reading the five shortlisted titles for several months before voting for their favourite book. Here is the Hawkes Farm Book Group holding up copies of all the shortlisted titles. Michael Morpurgo's Adolphus Tips came second.

Sports Days :(

The bad weather which has already resulted in the postponement of KS1 Sports Day (now on July 13th) has also affected KS2 Sports Day. After continuous rain on Sunday, and more very heavy showers on Monday we have had to postpone KS2 Sports Day until Tuesday 3rd July.

UPDATE: KS2 Sports Day has now been put back to Friday July 20th.

Week's Summary

A decision was taken on Monday to postpone KS1 Sports Day because of heavy rain over the preceding weekend and a poor weather forecast for Tuesday 19th. It will now take place on Fiday 13th July.

There was a full meeting of the Governors on Wednesday 20th June.

The cricket team took part in the annual Herstmonceux tournament yesterday. Despite Zack's equalling of Gary Sobers' six-sixes-in-one-over feat in the final match, our team was not placed in the first three. But with no Y6 players in the side this year (our squad included one from Y2, two from Y3, with the bulk of the side from Y4) Mr Thorn is confident that Hawkes Farm's prospects for cricketing success in 2008 and beyond are looking good. In fact, just this lunchtime, he was talentspotting on the field and found a Y1 boy with a great bowling action.

The swimming pool has had to be temporarily closed, becuse Mr Driver, site manager is unwell.

Rehearsals for the Y5/6 production of Aladdin are well inder way.

Multicultural Arts Week

The school enjoyed an exciting week of multicultural arts activitites which included dance workshops, music workshops and drama workshops in a programme devised and organised by Mrs Harley, MIss Graves, Miss Porter and Mrs Stockdale.

Instead of regular Good Work assemblies, each class shared their experiences with the rest of the school by giving a short presentation.

Step aboard Y1's flight to Spain - Gallery
pictures by Katie Y6

PGL Gallery

Full PGL Gallery

Residential Visits

Year 6 left after lunch today for their 3-night/4 day PGL visit.

Their recent taking of the reins of Blogbook was cut short when Mr Thorn was called away to Pyke House to join the Y5 residential visit after Mrs Burke had injured her ankle and been forced to return home.

Pyke House -
5GB gallery






Playtime PhotoStory

Wildlife Garden - Official Opening

Hawkes Farm's new wildlife garden was officially opened this morning at 11am. A representative group fo children from all yeargroups attended the ceremony, while Mrs Izon, chair of the Friends, looked on as Mrs Cobb cut the ribbon.

RuneScape

Runescape should be allowed to be played.

The problem is that the firewall is blocking it.

Please could Mr.Thorn unblock it.

please, please, please, please.

East Sussex Book Awards...

At Book Group the children were asked to help judge the East Sussex Book award. This meant they had to read 5 shortlisted books- Spirit walker :) , Hitlers Canary :( , Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief :D , The Unluckiest Boy in the World :) , & The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips :D -
The East Sussex Book Award ceremony is coming up and Hawkes Farm school will be holding it, with the winning author possibly visiting, presentations, biscuits..., games, drama, and more...( well, that's what happened last year).

If you would like to read one of the books all five of the shortlisted books are on display in the school libary, when your next down there pick them up and have a look. Hitler's Canary is sooooooooo boring- just my view - so don't bother to pick it up! , the other shortlisted books are good, especially Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, that rules!( It got my vote)

[entered by Izzie B]

Manchester United

Manchester United have once again lifted up the premiership trophy and return it back into the rightful hands at Old Trafford. Unfortunately Manchester Utd lost their last game of the season to West Ham. Many complaints have been debated about the illegally transfered Carlos Tevez. The club was fined 5million pounds but premiership clubs in threat of relegation are enraged that points where not deducted. Manchester Utd have won the premiership 11 times so Old Trafford is used to holding upon the trophy stand. A recent unfortunate event for Manchester Utd took place on the weekend when Chelsea played them at the new Wembly on Saturday. The game was a little disapointing seen as it was the first Wembly FA cup final the game ended 0-0. But the second half of extra time saw Chelsea score a well worked goal. That was enough for Chelsea to win it and Manchester United went home empty handed. But hopefully better things and more trophys will come in the future for Manchester United.

[entered by Connor]

Prince Harry not going to Iraq

Man.u VS Chelsea at the new Wembley Stadium

On the 19th of May 2007 Manchester United played Chelsea for the F.A cup at the new Wembley Stadium. The first half was extremely BORING! The second half wasn't much more exciting! In the last two minutes of extra time Chelsea scored a goal. The goal was scored by Drogba for Chelsea to lift the cup.

Have you ever wanted to do motorcross ?

Motor cross is a very fun sport even though it costs quite alot to start. People come and watch and support who ever they want. If you did start you would have to be prepared to give up your Sundays. There are two different clubs you can join for a minimum of 40 pounds (for a member). One of the clubs is called MID - SUSSEX and the other is called GEST. Also if you did start to do motor cross you would have the excitement of riding a motor cross bike. Don't forget that when you are racing there will be other contenders as well as just you. Moreover if you start and ride two days in a row you would get a trophy for just taking part. Also if you come first in a 1 day race you will get a trophy at the end of the day.

[Entered by Craig, who can gve more information to anyone interested - or ask a question in the Comments box.]

New Films

Lately, there has been the film 'MR BEANS HOLIDAY' out at the cineama.Who ever has seen it would agree it is really funny and if you haven't seen it I would recommend the film whilst it is still on at the cinema!
Do you have any other recommendations?

(Entered by Madeleine and Karley)

The missing girl

In Portugal a young girl ( 3 when she went missing) was taken from her holiday park on the 2nd May 2007. The girl's parents were having dinner in the parks restrant. Although they checked on their 2 children ( their other child was younger) at around 10:00pm the oldest child was snatched from her holiday home. The person who took the young girl left no trace that he/she had been there.

If any one knows anything about the young girl/ or has seen her PLEASE contact your nearest police station as soon as possible!!!

(entered by Jasmin)

As you know in Spain a 4 year old girl called Madeleine McCann has gone missing.

People are now very anxious about going on holiday, but according to specalists going on holiday will not be a problem. The police think that Maddie is still in Portugal but we do not know if she has left Portugal.

[William and Michael]

Madeleine McCann's disappearance

Police are currently investigating the disappearance of a four-year-old British girl from a Portuguese holiday resort. Officers say that she was abducted from her hotel room and believe that she may still be alive.Young Madeliene McCann was taken away while her mother and father were having dinner at the local restaurant. They were all staying at an apartment in Praia du Luz when she was taken. Her family are in despair and have asked everyone to pray for their young girl. Police have suspected a few people such as a man who lived nearby but have released him as he did not have anything to do with it.

PGL!!!!!!!!!

On the 8th of june yr6 are going to PGL for 3 nights and are doing exciting activities , e.g quad biking, absailing, the mud challenge and the giant swing etc!!! Some of the teachers are going including: Miss Porter, Mr Lowe, Mr Alexander,Miss Bond ETC!

Are you looking forward about going to PGL?

please reply!!!!

[entered by Lillie and Katrina!]

Secondary School

Year 6 are looking forward to leaving Hawkes Farm and going to a secondary school. Most children will be going to HCC (Hailsham Comunity College). One boy is quoted as saying, "I am looking forward to HCC because I will get more freedom." Another boy who is going to a school in Lewes says, "I can't wait to go to Priory because I will be closer to home."

Entered by $amuel H & J@sper

Year 6 Take Over Blogbook For One Week

Year 6PL will be making blogbook entries all this week.

Term 5 Catchup

Term 5 began on Monday 16th April.
Meetings of the Governor committees took place during the first week - Finance on Tuesday 17th, Curriculum on Wednesday 18th.
Class and team photos were taken on Thursday 19th.
A meeting for Y5 parents about the visit to Pyke House was held on Thursday 26th April.
Interviews for two Team Leader posts (to replace Mrs Gent and Mr Lowe) were held on Friday 27th April. The Friends of Hawkes Farm held a family disco that evening.
Y4 visited Hever Castle on Tuesday May 1st. There was a meeting on the saem day for Y6 paretns regarding the PGL visit.
Mrs Cobb, Mrs Hughes and Mr Thorn completed the BECTA ICT self-review.

End Of Term

We said goodbye to Mrs Gent, Early Years leader, in the end-of-term assembly. She is moving to London. Pending a permanent appointment to the senior management team, her role as reception teacher will be filled in Terms 5 and 6 by Paula Symonds.

Snow White

Years 3 and 4 gave a memorable performance of Snow White and the 7 Dwarves on Thursday March 22nd. Photos in the picture gallery were taken by Mrs Harley. The movie was recorded during the dress rehearsal.




Picture Gallery

Movie

Children from Year 6, dressed in World War II period costume complete with gas-mask boxes and ration cards, spent the day at Newhaven fort today.

Earlier in the week a series of ICT sessions for parents got under way with trainer Mr John Cobb from Sussex Downs. The course continues on Mondays for ffive weeks.

On Tuesday Mr Thorn spent the day in Lewes assisting with interviews for the 'Primary Pool'.

After the brief taste of spring, temperatures have been very low throughout the week, with some heavy flurries of sleet on Tuesday.

7C

Red Nose Day/Science Week

Children dressed in red today in honour or Red Nose Day (pictures to follow).
It was also the end of Science Week, during which teachers in all year groups had adapted their timetables so that children could carry out a range of interesting hands-on science activities.
Year 4 have been joined by two American trainee teachers, who will be with us for a further six school weeks.
At yesterday's staff meeting, Mr Lowe introduced the new numeracy framework. Year 3 teachers have already been trialling it, and the rest of the school will begin to use the new framework during the two summer terms.
Miss Porter has been indisposed, but rehearsals for the Year3/4 show (performances next Thursday) have continued in her absence under the direction of Miss Graves and Mrs Burbidge.
Following Mrs Gent's resignation, Interviews took place yesterday for a temporary one-term appointment in the Reception class. Mrs Gent was Foundation Stage leader and literacy co-ordinator, so a permanent appointment to the senior management team will be made after Easter.

Spring

click image for slideshow

Daffodils are in bloom, the sun is out and the days are lengthening. Frogs have been active in the 'old' school pond.
Mr Driver has attended swimming pool training over the past two days.
Mrs Cobb was at a local area headteachers' meeting in Eastbourne today.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, we had our second learning platform demonstration, when a representative from Serco showed us the Facility platform.
Thursday's staff meeting was mainly about test results, target setting and self-evaluation. Mr Thorn showed staff the RaiseOnline website, and Mrs Cobb talked through a section of the 'SEF form'.

Book Week

Book Week concluded with presentations of prizes for the best costumes in our Dress As A Book Character day yesterday. The Puppeteers gave two shows this morning - a series of short sketches involving a large number of puppets.
Other visitors during the week - the programme for which was organised by Mrs Gent - have included a storyteller; an illustrator (Pam Smy, whose recent work includes a picture book by the popular author, Juila Donaldson, and illustrations for two cricket stories that include calypso verses by John Agard; and a graphic artist, who really inspired Year 5 with his demosntration of different comic-strip and manga styles and techniques. And all through the week the Book Fair has been open at the end of the school day and done a storming trade.

What's more there have been two Parent Evenings this week! So a busy time has been had by all.

9C Bright

Fronter Demonstration

There was a demonstration of Fronter - one of Becta's approved Learning Platforms - after school on Tuesday, attended by members of the senior managament team and representatives from most of the local schools.

There was a Governors meeting after school on Wednesday, with several new governors attending for the first time.

Today, Hawkes Farm hosted a special Music day for Gifted & Talented pupils, with children from four or five schools participating. The day ended with a short performance for parents.

Work on the new wildlife area has resulted in a disturbance of toads in the old pond (following the transfer of pondweed from one pool to another), with the result that KS1 children saw several toads on the playground this afternoon.

The weather has been mild and wet. 11C

Comic Slideshow

Photos form the Staff Comedy show (see below) DID materialise! Click the image for a slideshow...

Staff Comedy Show

At the request of the school council, the staff performed a comedy show for the children this afternoon, to help raise money for children in Uganda. Children donated 50p for the privilege of watching the show. The acts were:
1 The Weakest Link
2 The Tweenies
3 Goldilocks, with guest appearance by Mr Hot Chilly
4 Dinner Ladies (Mr Lowe and Mr Alexander)
5 I'd Do Anything (duet Miss Porter & Miss Graves)
6 Line Dance
7 Finale - Amarillo, reworded

If any photos of the acts materialise (altohugh I think the show was too entertainingly engrossing for anyone to think about photographing it) they will be added in due course.

7C Overcast

RaiseOnline

The Governors and Senior Management Team received training from Martin Kaliszewski in the use of RaiseOnlie and the interpretation of attainment and achievement data this morning.

www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/esp provided an eLearning module on the same subject.

On Monday, Mrs Cobb, Mrs Hughes and Mr Thorn continued working throught the Becta self-review framework for ICT. Yesterday, Mr Thorn assisted with the interviewing of prospective PGCE candidates at the University of Brighton.

We are in the middle of a brief cold snap. It was -2C at 9am, and 4C at midday, with snow forecast for toninght and tomorrow.

Into February

We head into February with continuing mild weather. 12C today.

On Wednesday after school Y6 children and their parents attended a short presentation from HCC. This week's staff meeting reviewed the recently revised Drugs Education and Religious Education policies.

No More Snow

Mrs Cobb returned to work today, feeling much better.

The snow did not return and the temperature is once again back in double figures.

A group of children who recently attended a special afternoon in Eastbourne for pupils Gifted & Talented in PE received certificates at the end of this morning's KS2 Assembly (about Holocaust Memorial Day). Four of them have been selected to take part in a further even during the coming week-lon holiday.

12C