Read Write Inc Information Meeting

Parents of pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are warmly welcomed to an information meeting about our new reading programme. We firmly believe that Read Write Inc will have a positive and direct impact on your children's ability to read. We would love to share with you how the program works and give suggestions for how you can support your child at home. The meeting times are:
Thursday 1st December 9.10-10.00am
Thursday 1st December 2.30-3.15pm
In the meantime you might want to crack on with your homework through this link:

Victorian Teacher Visits Broadford

Following 137 years in a deep freeze, Mr Smith (aged 173) arrived at Broadford on Monday. Clearly he was very out of touch with modern methods of education. With his cane, dunce's hat and stern manner he was not a popular figure with the children. Important lessons like 'speak when you're spoken to' and 'only write with your right hand' seem to have passed some of our pupils by. However it was a very vivid way to learn about the education system of Victorian England. Who could imagine a world with no interactive whiteboards... just slate? Afterwards the children were very keen to write about their experiences. Mr Smith did have some very nice things to say about our Year 1 & 2 pupils:
"The behaviour from the children was exemplary!"
We have now used the Freshwater Theatre Company three times this year - from Early Years up to Year 6. All pupils and staff agree that it is a great way to bring learning to life!

Broadford Raises £86.40 for the Poppy Appeal

A big Broadford thank you to all the parents, friends, pupils and staff who helped to raise £86.40 for the Rememberance Day collection. Without a doubt this money will be a great contribution towards the work that the Poppy Appeal do.

First Bronze Tracker Completed!

Congratulations to Josh Ellis (Year 6) who became the first pupil to complete the Bronze Tracker today. It is a tremendous achievement to win this award - after just 11 weeks of school - so well done to you. Rumour has it that several other children are hot on the trail of Josh's success and expect to complete their trackers by the end of the term. Well done to you!

At Broadford the merit trackers are to celebrate academic excellence. The children earn stickers on their cards by completing tasks well and making outstanding contributions to lessons. For good behaviour and all round politeness the children earn House points for their teams.

Wednesday 30th November - School Closed

I regret to inform you that the school will be closed on Wednesday 30th November 2011 due to industrial action by staff.
School will reopen on Thursday 1st December 2011.

Broadford Attendance Scores

At the latest HMI visit the improvement in our attendance rates was noted by the inspector. He was very pleased at the efforts made by the parents, children and staff to bring our attendance up to above 95%. However we now need to keep this going and this week we have slipped a little. Some classes - Willow, Cedar, Birch and Pine - managed to beat the target. However the other KS1 and KS2 classes did not manage to get above 95%. Overall this meant the attendance was 94.14%... too low! Hopefully we can bounce back. With an exciting week next week I am sure the children would be loathe to miss a day. Inter House sports, rugby tournaments, footie matches and Victorian day: these are just some of the events to keep the children engaged over the next 7 days!

Bosworth Field Rejuvenation

On Tuesday 29th November we are welcoming in the Briar Road project team. They will be asking the children for their ideas about the best way to develop the Bosworth Field area which is due to benefit from £200,000 of funding. Without a doubt it will see a dramatic transformation and the children get to have a say! Please look at the site to find out more details or contact the team:
Mark Adams 01708 434100
Sharlmane Laurent 01708 434028
I know that they are very keen to get as many ideas and as much feedback as possible from local residents. These are certainly exciting times for the Harold Hill area.

£3,400 Sponsorship from L&Q Housing

We are delighted to announce that Broadford Primary have received £3,400 sponsorship from L&Q Housing. They have taken note of the way we have tried to offer a greater range of after school provision and the way we have been promoting sport. With the support of our governor Stuart Norman we presented them with a proposal which outlined how we wanted to offer professional coaching, better equipment and more opportunities for sport. Thanks to the generous funding from L&Q we will be able to achieve this and still continue our approach to funding free after school clubs for another term.

Broadford Learning Charter

We have agreed our Broadford Learning Charter and would like to share it with all of our parents. This document is displayed in every classroom so that pupils, parents and teachers are clear on the expectations we have here at Broadford for teaching and learning. A copy of the Charter has also been included with this week's newsletter.
To show the status that we give these expectations the document has been turned into a glossy A2 size poster so that it can be easily seen in every room. We are keen to share it with pupils and parents as it is essential that we all know how we are working to improve the education of the children in our care.
If you have any comments or questions about the Charter, please do not hesitate to come in and see us to discuss them.

Lush in Romford Supports Broadford Primary

Thank you to Lush in Romford who have donated 50 pieces of soap for the upcoming Christmas Bazaar on the 25th November. Their generosity is greatly appreciated as it will help to raise funds for our pupils. We are really looking forward to the event. Our Year 6 entrepreneurs are busily constructing merchandise for their stall. It should be a great success.

Fantasy League Update

This weekend saw some heavy scoring in our Fantasy League. Surging through the ranks came Miss Tynan. So far her team have scored a whopping 39 points this month alone. After a disappointing start - which saw him languishing in 44th place - Mr Drakes has finally made a move. With a more respectable tally of 38 points in November he is up to 14th. However the real star is Yinka. With 71 points he is sitting at the top of the table. Well done to you! Brandon - the leader last time - has slipped to 4th, but he is still very close behind. Keep up to date at:
www.schoolsfl.com

Garden Games Ltd Support Broadford Primary!

This week we were very pleased to hear from  www.gardengamesltd.co.uk who have kindly donated a sandpit for the Early Years setting. Support like this really benefits our children and enables us to make our resources to go much further. The Reception and Nursery pupils will thoroughly enjoy their new equipment. On behalf of them, thank you Garden Games Ltd.

Broadford In The News... again!

This weeks Romford Recorder could have been renamed the 'Broadford Recorder'! With two stories featured in this edition we really are a newsworthy school. First we had Josh winning the Firework competition and now our parents are in on the act as well. Dressed as superheroes, whoppee cushions and gorillas they really made quite an impression on their 10mile walk to Romford. Well done! The only problem is that now some of them think they are going to be invited to parachute into the jungle and meet Ant & Dec on the back of their new found celebrity.

Keep an eye on this week's paper as we are hoping to have a story published about our latest mosaic creation.

Josh collecting his prize at Dagenham & Redbridge FC

Our intrepid explorers!

Broadford Supports Children In Need!

Wearing silly socks and carrying their teddy bears, the pupils have raised a whopping £116.81 in support of Children In Need. Some teachers showed just how questionable their fashion sense is - we won't mention Mrs Harding or Mrs Marchant by name - with some very colourful and heavily patterened socks! The children all have permission to stay up very late tonight to watch Pudsey and watch out for the moment that the total reaches £18,000,116.81 - as we'll know the bit on the end is all us!

School Mosaic Completed!

Since Tuesday the children have worked really hard to complete the mosaic of the school badge. We can't wait for the finished piece of art to be revealed... but here is a sneak preview. You can see how many pieces it took to put the image together. However the finished article looks incredibly sharp. Without a doubt it is a piece of art the children can be really proud of. It has also been good to get parents, governors, staff and even HMI inspectors to have a go.

Our Year 5/6 children add their pieces to the design

All ready to be installed

Children In Need at Broadford Primary

Tomorrow we will be supporting Children In Need. To mark the occasion the children can do three things:

1. Bring in a bear to keep them company for the day (only stuffed ones - no grizzlies allowed!)
2. Wear odd/bright/patterned/unusual socks
3. Wear any Pudsey merchandise that they may have purchased to support the event

School Council representatives will be going around to collect donations during the morning. Once they have totalled the amount we will announce it on the website and in the newsletter.
For more information about the day nationally, please look at the following site: Children In Need 2011

Cookery Workshop For Parents - Wednesday 23rd November

Would you like to work with a real chef? Do you look at Jamie Oliver on telly and think I could do that? Have you always wanted some extra guidance and help in the kitchen? Would you like to be able to whip up a healthy and delicious snack for your kids? Are you intrigued by the idea of vegetables becoming exciting and desirable? If the answer to these questions is yes, then our FREE Cookery workshop is for you.

Run by the Love Food Hate Waste people, we are delighted to be able to offer parents and friends of Broadford a workshop on the 23rd November 9.00 - 11.30am
We provide the equipment, the ingredients and the chefs... you just need to come along! If you want to learn more about cooking in a fun, non threatening environment please contact the school office on 01708 342880 or:

Alex Moore da Luz

Recycling Promotions Officer

01708 432838/07946 738511

alex.mooredaluz@havering.gov.uk

We look forward to seeing you on the 23rd!

Garden Games Supports Broadford Primary

When the School council organised a 'Dress As You Like' day to raise funds for the school playground equipment we were immensely pleased with the total of over £200 that was collected. With a contribution from the school that has now swollen to £500. Mia & George (Chair and Vice Chair) of the School Council helped Mr Drakes to order the equipment last week. However we have now had a stunning piece of news...

gardengames.co.uk have said that they would like to make a donation to the school. As a result the money will now go much further than we anticipated. We would like to thank Garden Games for their generous contribution as it will lead to hours of fun for our children.

Please follow the link to explore the great range of equipment that they have on offer. Perhaps there might be something there for your garden.

Christmas Bazaar - November 25th

A reminder that the Broadford Christmas Bazaar will be held on afternoon of Friday 25th November. With a whole host of festive stalls - and a Santa's Grotto - there will be fun for all the family. Organised by our very own BFG we would like to welcome friends and family to what we hope will be a great fundraising event.

Broadford 0 - 5 Clockhouse Primary

In the first official league game of the season, the Broadford boys came up against a well drilled Clockhouse team. With their towering No 9, the visitors were a constant threat from set pieces and corners. However the acrobatics of Bailey managed to keep them at bay during the first half. Taheeb put in a great shift on the right side of defense, constantly shuttling backwards and forwards to support play. When Myles came on we began to create some chances up front... but the ball just wouldn't go in. Donovan was very unlucky not to score and had to watch as the ball bobbled away from the goal. Despite the score line the boys enjoyed the game. Our focus now moves to training on Thursday when  the team for the match against Hilldene will be decided.

Questionnaire & Data Sheet Prize Winner - Fern!

At the recent parents' evening, you were asked to fill in a parental questionnaire and update your data sheets. For the class that received the most reponses, there was a prize of drinks and cake! What could be more tempting? Despite the high volume of entries - for which we are very thankful - one class stood out above the rest. Miss Prendergast and her Fern crew achieved the most replies; as a result they earnt the cake and drink prize... well done! Unfortunately the children didn't leave even the smallest crumb to share with their parents.

House Point & Attendance Winners

Congratulations to Willow, who have managed to score another week of 100% attendance. They really are setting a tremendous pace. With just 5 weeks to go the Year 5 pupils are making it virtually impossible for any other class to stop them! Similarly, Blue house (Chatteris) have got their eyes on the prize. This week they scooped the Housepoint trophy and put some serious points on the leaderboard. If Christmas wasn't already exciting enough, the prizes on offer will make it a heart stopping time.

Guide Dogs Visit Reception & Nursery

All week the Reception and Nursery children have been learning about different people who help them. To date they have met: the local policeman, firemen from Spillsby Road, the lollipop lady and the St John's Ambulance! However, the main event came at the end of the week with a visit from a very helpful animal. The Guide Dogs For the Blind charity came in and explained how they train dogs to help those who are visually impaired. The children loved the dog and learnt alot about how we rely on animals, just as much as each other. Thank you to all of the visitors who have made this such an exciting week. A big Broadford thank you also goes to the Early Years staff and school secretaries who have arranged the visits and trips.

Parents' & Governors' Meeting - 14th November 9.10am

Dear parents,

A reminder that there is a chance to meet with the Governors, Local Authority and the Headteacher on Monday morning at 9.10am. We look forward to the chance to show you around the new build and explain the developments that are continuing to take place at Broadford.

SAT Information for Year 2 and Year 6 parents

For those of you who have children in Year 2 or Year 6, we held information meetings last week to explain how you can best prepare your children for the end of year assessments. Please click on the following links to access the presentations from those meetings.
Year 2 Presentation
Year 6 Presentation
If you were unable to attend the meetings and have any questions, please call the office on 01708 342880 and fix an appointment to see Miss Rutherford (Year 6) or Mrs Chiswell (Year 2).
Thank you for turning out in such high numbers to both of these talks. It is great to be able to work with you to ensure that our children are supported while they are here at Broadford.

Netball Heroes - sponsored by Joskos

Yesterday our netball team played magnificently and won the shining gold trophy for Sportsmanship! Four teams competed in the Drapers Academy Tournament and our team showed a level of enthusiasm and effort that rivalled them all. Elsaf proved to be particularly deadly in front of the goal, while Mattas, George and Tommy buzzed around the pitch. Looking resplendent in their brand new black kit the children were the smartest ones there! For that we would like to extend a big thank you to Joskos - who provide our computers - as they sponsored the team. We are looking forward to building a long term relationship with them over the years ahead. Well done, you did the school proud.
From left to right (back row) Patryca, George, Lisa, Mattas & Elsaf.
(front row) Tommy & Connor

School Sign Updated

Poppy Day Collection

Lemar & George from Year 6 are going around all the Infant & Junior classes with the Poppy Collection this week. If you would like your child to purchase a poppy for Remembrance Day, please send in a donation. We will be observing a 2 minute silence on Friday, after playtime. Below is a copy of the poem by John McCrae, which powerfully sums up the sacrifice made by soldiers defending our country.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Shooting Up The Table!

Congratulations to Yeliz in Year 1 who scored a whopping 23 points this week in the fantasy league. That incredible haul more than doubled her score and she is now sitting pretty on 45 pts overall. At the top of the tree, Charly Wallace is now in pole position... but can he hold on?

There was also an improvement for Mr Drakes - who gained 14 points. However that still leaves him languishing in 36th place. Never mind!

There is now a well earned rest for the international matches, before the action resumes on the 19th November.

Year 2 SAT Information Meeting

Dear parents and carers,
A reminder that this Thursday morning is our SAT information meeting for Year 2 parents. We will explain what it will involve and how your children will be supported. The meeting will start at 9.10am and it will be finished by 9.45am. We look forward to seeing you there.

More Amazing Costumes

It was pointed out, quite rightly, that not all of the costumes that trekked all the way to Romford for the fundraiser were mentioned on the website! Would the Giant Whoppee Cushion and Gun Slingin' Cowgirl please accept our apologies for missing them off the original thank you. Once again, well done to those intrepid parents. If you sponsored them, please could you bring in the money as soon as possible so that we can put it to use for our children. Thank you.

Josh Ellis - Firework Presentation

On Saturday afternoon our very own Josh Ellis stepped out onto the pitch at Dagenham Redbridge to receive his prize for winning the firework poster competition. Once again we would like to say how proud we are as a school of his achievement. Well done Josh!

Broadford Parents Fundraising Walk!

A group of hardy, enthusiastic and wackily dressed parents set off from Broadford School on Thursday morning. Unperturbed by the wind and rain they walked 10 miles to the centre of Romford in order to raise money for the school. Bananaman, Dick Whittington, a PG Tips tea bag, a wicked witch and one of Santa's elves: they all joined in to support the school. Colchester Zoo reported that one of their gorillas had escaped. It was last seen pursuing our parents along Faringdon Avenue. Pink Piggy supplied the decorative balloons - for which we are very grateful. The money raised will have a direct impact on what we are able to offer our children at Broadford. Thank you from all of us!

Broadford Primary - In The News!

EYFS Safety Week - Ambulance visit

Yesterday we had St John's Ambulance call into Broadford Primary. It wasn't due to children feeling faint from too much work, but as part of our Early Years Safety Week. Over this week and next the children will be meeting - in person - a variety of people who keep us safe in different ways. This includes: visiting the local firestation, the Guide dogs coming to school and hearing from our local lollipop lady. The children had a great time, although we think Miss Prendergast got a little bit overexcited. According to the computer her pulse was off the chart... the learning was just too much. Without a doubt our youngest pupils will have a much clearer understanding on how to stay safe both at home and outside. In addition, they will also have a much better understanding of how others stay safe as well.

Fantasy League - Manager of The Month

After a delayed start to the season, the Schoolsfl.com fantasy league has finally got underway. With over 90 teams competing it was always going to be tough to rise to the top... but Brandon (Year 1) has done it. Amassing an incredible 46 points in just 3 weeks has meant he has left Mr Drakes (16 pts) for dust! We would also like to congratulate the other monthly winners: Sophie H, Ella W, Chloe P, Yinga, Charley H, Tyler H and Mr Trezise. Luckily for those teams who were slow to get started, there is no prospect of the sack... at least not yet.

Protect Your Bike For Free

Get your bike registered and added to a national property register. It doesn't cost anything and will deter potential thieves. Click the image below for details of the Mark it @ the Market scheme: