LATEST ENTRY

	New Year!
	19 Jan 12, 16:04 PM
	A belated Happy New Year! The website is experiencing some difficulties at the moment, so please bear with us. We've had a wonderful start to the year and we are looking forward to an exciting term. The class teachers will be sending the new topic letter home with information about this term's topic, including homework suggestions and tips for research. The new classroom is being used regularly by the children and the official opening will be on Friday 10th February at 3pm. You are all invited to attend and have a look around the space, if you haven't already done so. Here's to a busy term, reports and parent's evenings on their way!

RECENT ENTRIES

	Busy, busy, busy!
	15 Nov 11, 09:58 AM
	What a busy time it is at WBPS, the children are all working hard and enjoying their learning: Year 1's "Time machine" Topic was a fantastic success, parents and children were invited to come in and look at Year 1's transformed classroom; with an enormous time machine in the middle of the room, dinosaur bones and fossils to dig it was an amzing experience! The PTA have also been very busy, the Promise Auction was a fabulous evening, raising around £4,200! A huge thank you to all who came out to enjoy an entertaining evening.

	The new creative classroom!
	07 Oct 11, 13:38 PM
	A huge thank you goes out to all those parents who helped to paint the new classroom. The space is immense, we had to order more paint to cover the vast walls! We appreciate the precious time you gave up to help us. We'll keep you informed on the progress.

	Autumn Days!
	07 Oct 11, 13:35 PM
	The seasons are definitely changing! We are enjoying the beautiful colours of the trees but we are not enjoying the wet, windy weather! Thank you to all the parents who came along to the Harvest assembly led by the minister, Michael Peat. We discussed why we were wearing jeans and the children answered intelligently. Thank you to all the children and staff who wore their jeans in aid of such a worthy cause.

	Celebrations!
	19 Sep 11, 09:58 AM
	What an amazing week! We celebrated our Centenary last week; the children and staff dressed as Edwardians and looked fabulous. Lessons were based around the Edwardian period; the local History Group providing talks to each class and the kitchen cooking a past and present menu. On Friday, the whole school went to Church for a special Centenary service followed by the raising of the flag, designed by Anya Nevitt in Year 5. After school, past pupils were invited back to school to reminisce while looking at the wonderful displays of old photographs. Thank you to all who supported such a wonderful occasion, to the PTA for providing refreshments and to Miss Draper and Miss Kincey for co-ordinating the whole event!

	WELCOME BACK!
	06 Sep 11, 11:08 AM
	I can't believe how quickly the holidays whizzed by,now it's September and soon the smell of Autumn will be in the air! The school is full of well groomed children, with shiny shoes and big smiles. We are all really excited about the up and coming Centenary, please look for details on the website or contact Miss Draper and Miss Kincey for anymore information. We have a dressing up day on the 15th and 16th of September, the children and staff will all dress up as Edwardians. Mr Heys and I are continuing our shared leadership, with Mr Heys working Wednesdays and Thursdays and I'll be doing Monday, Tuesday and Fridays. As always, our door is always open. Here's to a fantastic term.

	Welcome!
	29 Jun 11, 13:41 PM
	On Monday we welcomed Mrs Goodall our new swimming teacher. Already she is enjoying herself and is meeting the children as they continue with their swimming lessons. As always, thank you to the parents who are able to help with swimming. If you are able to pop in and help with swimming and you have a current CRB certificate, please let the office know we do really welcome and need your help.

	Sports Day!
	29 Jun 11, 13:37 PM
	Hurrah! We finally managed to hold the Junior sports day on Monday. Once again, the event went smoothly; the children had a wonderful time and were supported by fellow pupils and family members. Thank you to Miss Worsley who organised both sports days and to the PTA who donated the drinks and ice lollies! The scores on the doors were as follows: the Red and Yellow teams scored 203 points, in second place were the Green team with 204 points and in first place were the Blues with 224 points! A very close competition this year! Well done to everyone!

	Where is the sunshine?
	13 Jun 11, 10:14 AM
	Fingers crossed for this week as we need 2 glorious afternoons for 2 sports days! We don't ask for much! This term is quickly disappearing, there is so much going on. Miss Draper's class assembly had all the children and parents watching dancing on their feet! Y1D were amazing! We have class photographs tomorrow and the summer fair on Saturday! Blink and the week's gone!

	Mis-match!
	20 May 11, 12:02 PM
	This morning Year 4 treated us all to an entertaining assembly based on the works of Roald Dahl. The children all wore mis-matched clothes! Hollie looked amazing as Mrs Twit! Rudy drew in an impressive style of Quentin Blake! What a talented bunch! Looking forward to seeing you all at tonight's Whaley Wander!

	Bird watching!
	17 May 11, 09:13 AM
	On Friday, Year 3 were extremely excited as they brought in their binoculars to observe the birds around school. Namely a family of Great Tits who are currently nesting in one of our bird boxes. This box has a camera which sends pictures/videos to Y3's class computer, the children have enjoyed logging the bird's habits and observing the chicks growing! It's all very exciting and the whole school have been into the classroom to learn about the birds!

	Book characters!
	06 May 11, 13:17 PM
	Wow! What a wonderful assembly this morning. The children and staff had risen to the challenge superbly, well done to the winners! There were Pippy Longstockings, witches, princesses, super heroes, dalmations to name but a few. The staff all wore costumes based on Roald Dahl books, my personal favourite was the Wonka Bar, A.K.A me!(Mrs Walton!)The door displays were of a high standard this year, with the winning doors going to Year 2 for Gulliver's Travels and Year 6Mcp Where's Wally? Well done to everyone's fantastic efforts!

	Welcome back!
	03 May 11, 20:32 PM
	I hope you have all had a lovely Easter break, the weather has been gorgeous, I just hope that that wasn't our summer! This is a very short term of 4 weeks, but as usual lots going on. If you have been into school today, you may have noticed that the old outside toilets have been knocked down during the holidays! Fencing has been erected around the site. This week is Governor week, school governors will be popping into school to get involved with school life. It was lovely to see Mrs Winter in today with the Infants. We will be celebrating book week also, children will be decorating their classroom doors based on a book of their choosing. I have spent some time in Year 6McP this afternoon, helping the children with their door - Where's Wally? On Friday it will be book character assembly, if you are new to the school this is a day when all the children dress as their favourite book character for the day, a special assembly is held, where the children take part in a class parade. Staff also dress up too!! We hope you can make it to the assembly.

	They've hatched!
	08 Apr 11, 10:25 AM
	It was hard to say who were the most excited when the Year 1 chicks hatched, the staff or the children! Two gorgeous chicks are chirping away in Year 1, the children have been finding out about chicks and how long it takes for the eggs to hatch, Miss Draper will take them home for the weekend and bring them back on Monday in a new home ready for the children (and adults) to get a closer look!

	School Bank
	08 Apr 11, 10:21 AM
	Thank you to all our budding savers who came to deposit their hard earned pocket money this morning. WBPS School Bank opened its doors for business today. Congratulations to all the Bank staff from year 6 who did a marvellous job, keep up the good work!

	Funky Dancing!
	06 Apr 11, 10:19 AM
	The dance and drama club have performed for the whole infants this morning, showing off their impressive dance moves! Mr Heys and I were very impressed; the children had more co-ordination than us!! Also, I am very excited as in Year 1, all the children are patiently waiting for the eggs in the incubator to crack open! Fingers crossed!!

	Bag of Cheers!
	29 Mar 11, 13:09 PM
	Celebration assembly has a new twist! The team captains and myself have taught the children various ways of celebrating achievements, other than clapping! So ask your child to demonstrate these cheers at home: rapper, rollercoaster, cup of tea, football, cheerleader, cowboy, seal and Beethoven!!

	Red Nose Day
	21 Mar 11, 09:46 AM
	Wow! The children and staff looked so colourful on Friday, everyone wore an item of red clothing to support the worthy charity. The Red Nose assembly was a hoot! Children shared their funny jokes with eachother, my particular favourite being: Why are pirates called pirates? Because they arrrrrr!! :) After school, the PTA had a cake sale and the children had such merriment throwing wet, soggy sponges at Mr Heys, Miss Draper and Miss Millns. Thank you to everyone who joined in, the money will be counted and announced in due course.

	Always something going on!
	15 Mar 11, 14:16 PM
	Wow! I had to tell you about the fantastic dancers in Year 2, Molly Tinkler is a dance champion, and along with her sister Grace, a past pupil and British champion, came to demonstrate some funky moves, cha cha cha darling! The whole class (including staff) were taught how to dance by the Tinklers! What fun! Year 5 and 6 were treated to a wonderful percussion session today also! I'm sure photos are on the way!

	Welcome!
	15 Mar 11, 08:50 AM
	I can't believe how quickly my maternity leave has gone, it's so good to back! I have spent some time absorbing the new curriculum around school, there is such a buzz of excitement when I enter the classrooms and see the children happy and engaged in their learning. The topics and displays are amazing! On my first day back I decided to pop into Reception to introduce myself, what a lovely bunch of children - they proudly showed me round their Gruffolo den and introduced me to an African snail called Lesley! Year 4 produced some informative data based on litter around the school, they even interviewed Mr Spencer our caretaker about the litter problem! Comic Relief is on Friday, I'm looking forward to hearing some 'age appropriate' jokes from the children, but not looking forward to the sponge a teacher (may have to sneak out quietly - shh!)

	Ofsted Press Statement
	07 May 10, 16:54 PM
	School Achieves Top Marks. Whaley Bridge Primary School has been highly praised recently, by Ofsted Inspectors, “for being a good and highly inclusive school where pupil’s outcomes are outstanding.” The inspection team said the children “thrive in this rich and stimulating school environment.” Highly effective teaching in the Early Years Foundation Stage ensures the children’s attainment is outstanding. Pupil’s outstanding behaviour contributes to their good progress and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development was also considered outstanding. Partnership with outside agencies was described as exemplary with excellent provision for the most vulnerable of pupils with complex learning needs. Head teachers, Mr Rick Heys and Mrs Fay Walton agreed with the inspectors and acknowledge the contribution made by all the staff and the outstanding support of the parents and local community. “Well planned lessons, strong leadership and highly motivated pupils have all contributed to our well deserved success.” Chair of Governors, Anne Winter, said: “We are extremely proud of our school and very pleased that the inspectors have confirmed for us, what we as a Governing Body, already knew; that Whaley Bridge Primary School is a vibrant environment, in which children flourish, feel safe, cared for and valued. It is wonderful to know that all the judgements made are in either the outstanding or good categories. The whole school deserves huge congratulations on its achievements, especially when the national trend, within the new school inspection arrangements, is for schools to be down graded.” Any enquiries please contact, headteacher@whaleybridge.derbyshire.sch.uk

	Lets Get Cooking
	03 Dec 08, 13:46 PM
	Have a look at our new "Lets Get Cooking" page.There's news of a super Christmas competition. There'll be recipes and allsorts appearing in the future and early in the new year our cooking in the community club will be beginning.

	What a week!
	28 Nov 08, 08:54 AM
	Take a look at the Gallery in News and Events. The Adventure Trail is coming along brilliantly as we near the end of Phase 1. Next week is the safety surface, then its all set for the first go on the monkey bars. After you everybody! The launch of the Little Book of Something was one of the best nights we've ever had at Whaley school. Congratulations and a Big Big Thank You!!!!! to everyone concerned.

	Half Term
	24 Oct 08, 14:01 PM
	Another half term passes.It has been really busy with everything that has to be done.We've had some fantastic events, just look at the web site and the newsletter. Keep a look out for the good news on the travel plan newsletter. Next half term will be just as busy but with our two new TLRs Mrs Gilberthorpe and Mrs McPherson and with Mrs Green our new AST there should be some exciting events in the near future. Everyone is also looking forward to working with our new Parent Governors because there is much to do on the organisational front. Have a good break!

	Ahmed's Story
	05 Dec 07, 14:26 PM
	On the 5th of December John Wood, a regular visitor to school, came to our Assembly to tell the children the true story of Ahmed, a Palestinian boy suffering from Spina Bifida. I found this a sad, moving, but ultimately uplifting tale of triumph over adversity. John speaks on behalf of Christian Aid but always stresses to the children that he is not asking them for money. In order to try, in some small way, to contribute to the outstanding work done to help children like Ahmed I shall not be sending Christmas Cards in school but will make a donation to Christian Aid. If anyone wishes to join me then you may pass your donation to me and I shall invite John to school after Christmas to present him with a cheque. We shall add the proceeds of any collections made over the school’s Christmas celebrations. Thank you and I wish you all a very merry Christmas.

	Choir Success
	20 Nov 07, 09:03 AM
	What a performance at the Trafford Centre! In a few minutes over three hours the school choir managed to raise £2565 to bring the total money collected since 1995 to an astonishing £24023. It really is quite amazing. WELL DONE!!! to all the children and adults concerned.

	Another try!
	08 Nov 07, 12:07 PM
	I know it's too long since I wrote in the blog but we seem to have been so busy with other things that it keeps dropping down the list. We are all trying to make a big effort to find a 25th hour in the day to keep on top of the website and keep it as a living being so do bear with me and all the other staff. One of the problems we have is the library.We want a grand opening but we have enormous difficulties with the supplier who still hasn't finished the job. Needless to say we haven't paid him yet. I'll keep you posted.

	Choir at the Uniting Church
	20 Mar 07, 09:38 AM
	A really tremendous performance by all the children last Saturday a real credit to the school. Come on everyone get your entries in for the Bloo the Gnu competition. Walking the world is doing really well we've reached Nairobi, next stop New Delhi.We are well on the way to our Summer Party. Don't forget the Egg and Hat competitions next week and drop in on Year 6 to see their Bridges and Fairground Rides, made in their lessons, after the assembly next Thursday.

	A New Year Begins
	09 Mar 07, 11:47 AM
	Last night's A.G.M. of the PTA signalled the start of an exciting new year. A new committee with some experienced faces under the stewardship of Liz Mcann will mean a hard working group who are looking forward to completing the library project. They have a fantastic start in the money raised from last year's efforts but there is much to be done. So well done and thanks to last year's chairmen and c'tee and good luck to the new. The CCTV will be completed this weekend so our enhanced security is there for all to see. Governors have been in school all week taking part in lessons and generally joining in school life, I know from the many positive comments how much they have enjoyed the experiences they have shared. If you've time have a look at the new willow structures around the outdoor theatre, they are really good.

	Builders!
	02 Mar 07, 13:40 PM
	The library is well under way and we expect the concrete for the floor on Monday along with the heating engineers who will begin the new heating system throughout the school. I hope everyone who came to the Poetry assembly enjoyed it as much as I did.

	New Library
	19 Feb 07, 14:54 PM
	Great news! The work has begun on the new library. For the majority of the work I don't think there will be any inconvenience but for the first couple of days at the end of this week we shall have to erect some temporary fencing at the main entrance while the groundwork is done. I think we can put up with this for the end product.

	Walk to School, Disco etc.
	19 Jan 07, 14:28 PM
	Our "Walk to School" efforts have really paid dividends for the last two weeks and many are trying to walk on more than one day. If we can keep this up we are certainly going to win enough vouchers for our prize in summer. Next week we shall have a walking club for those who want to walk but find it impossible. I'm sure we can find a solution for everyone and reward those who walk on other days. Great stuff from the PTA organising the Disco, we are all looking forward to the next one in March for Comic Relief. The only sour note are those parents who won't use the one way system at the end which is designed to protect the children. Is it that some think we are doing it to exert control or some other strange thing which I haven't managed to work out yet.The only result is parents then say they don't want to help again. Just seems a shame to me. Anyway I'm not finishing without a positive thought. A new pool cover on Monday and new tiles on the changing room floors at half term, these with the new floor coverings around the pool are great improvements. Hope the windy weather was not too unkind, I'm out with the chainsaw on Saturday after the 10 metre tree fell in the garden.........Anyone want some logs?

	Travel & Library plans update
	12 Jan 07, 10:58 AM
	An excellent history lesson from the Year 2 assembly on a day when so many of the children walked to school. We are trying to invigourate the Travel Plan with a particular emphasis on lift sharing, park and stride and walking. We shall be telling the children about a new voucher scheme to reward our walkers next week, hopefully everyone in school will be worthy of the reward in the summer. We are also launching a new Travel Plan Newsletter next week. The working group needs more members everyone is welcome so please come to the next meeting. The new library scheme has gone out to tender so its just a matter of waiting. We are hoping to announce a Choir Concert with Chapel Male Voice Choir in the near future and the Year 4 learner choir joins us next week.

	Welcome back!
	05 Jan 07, 13:35 PM
	Another busy start to another busy term. Good news with the birth of Mrs Walton's baby girl. What a super "Super Learning Day" we are having. J the circus skills teacher has been fantastic and the children are having a brilliant experience. The other piece of fantastic news was the planning approval for the new library, the building of which will be going out to tender within the week. No firm date for the new heating system throughout school but we are hoping to start within the next few weeks. We can then renew worn and old carpets and redecorate after the electricians and engineers. We've also organised some more work in the pool-----watch this space.

	Christmas Fair
	30 Nov 06, 11:26 AM
	The big day looms large as school gets revved up for Christmas. Rehearsals in the hall, choir concerts, trees to put up and Mrs Harling and I are taking Bill Wilson and his wife to Chesterfield to receive an award for his contribution to the success of the choir. All this and 3 points away! What more can a man ask.

	Healthy Eating
	29 Nov 06, 10:27 AM
	Can we strike a blow for the future as the fortunes of our national teams plummet? To further encourage a healthy lifestyle we've invested our kitchen grant in a new salad bar that we hope will make the dinners even more attractive and better balanced. The children's enjoyment of multisports plus a healthy diet may bode well for the future as Michael Vaughn gets a duck in his comeback game. Brilliant display from the Chapel High dance group which contained so many of our ex-pupils.

	Choir at the Trafford Centre
	22 Nov 06, 12:01 PM
	What a fantastic performance by the choir and of course Mrs Harling. A big thank you to all the children, Andrews Coaches and our parent helpers who helped raise an unbelievable £2577 in only three and a half hours. Well done!

	Welcome to the Headmaster's Blog
	21 Nov 06, 12:00 PM
	I never thought I would find myself writing this, but .....my name's Rick Heys and apparently now I'm a blogger! The weblog (accessed from the icon on the Home Page and as a Quick Link in the Head Teacher section) has been created for me to add information, views, thoughts, expressions of thanks etc., as and when, so that the moment isn't lost. I hope you find it useful and informative and as always, please feel free to let us know what you think of the site and content via the "Make a Suggestion" Quick Links that are on every page on the site.