Parents' Meeting With Governors - Monday 30th January 2.30pm

We would like to remind you that we have our termly meeting with parents on Monday 30th January. In response to parents, we are holding this meeting in the afternoon at 2.30pm. However there will still be refreshments available. We have really benefitted from having this regular opportunity to share with you the work we are doing at Broadford to improve your children’s experience. We look forward to seeing you on Monday afternoon.

Mary's In The Paper!

After 34 years service, Mary is now quite a celebrity! Check out the half page spread on p55 of this week’s Romford Recorder.

Road Wise Ranger Visits Broadford!

On Thursday afternoon (26th Jan) Key Stage 1 took part in an exciting ‘Road Safety Adventure’, to find the Road Wise Ranger. The children helped Uncle Zeeb and his nephew Pelican to solve the clues, to find the Road Wise Ranger. On this amazing journey the children learnt how to cross the road safely and the dangers they should look out for. At the end of the show, the children were amazed to find out that they were the Road Wise Rangers, as they had become experts at crossing the road. The show was thoroughly enjoyed by all!
Pupils from infant and primary schools across the borough are being taught about road safety in a fun and entertaining way.

The Dangerous Theatre Company is currently touring with its road safety drama Peli and Zebe’s Road-tastic Adventure.

Using humour and education, Peli and Zebe’s Road-tastic Adventure tells the story of two hedgehogs, Peli and his uncle Zebe, who travel around the Kingston upon Thames searching for the Roadwise Ranger, using clues and audience participation to help them find safe places to cross the road. A series of different characters also assist in their search and help remind them of the Green Cross Code along the way.

Road Safety Education Officer at Havering Council, explains: “The use of interactive drama, especially for this age group is an excellent way of catching the children’s imagination and leaving the important road safety messages imprinted on their minds.”

Following the performance at Broadford Primary Alfie P and Isabella were full of praise: “Peli and Zebe really got our attention,” said Alfie, while Isabella added: “The funny songs help make sure everyone goes home and remembers the road safety messages.”

Boys Football Result: Hilldene 4 - 1 Broadford

On the other pitch, the boys battled against a well drilled Hilldene side who had beaten us comfortably last time. There was a noticeable improvement again, as the boys kept their shape and were much quicker into the tackle. Taheeb and Donovan combined well in the first half to score a great goal. Bailey then pulled off some amazing gymnastics to keep Hilldene at bay… and save a penalty! Despite the final score line, the result was a great improvement on last time. All the boys recognized that their performance had improved and couldn’t wait to tell Steve (the coach) about it on their return.

Girls Football Result: Hilldene 2 - 1 Broadford

Looking resplendent in their black and pink kit, the girls took to the pitch brimming with confidence. In their recent coaching sessions (with Steve) there has been a great improvement. Hilldene kicked off. Immediately Lacey surged forward, pressing the home side for the ball. Throughout the first 15mins, Broadford maintained this level of pressure... but were unable to breakthrough.
When they were presented with a throw in, Hilldene acted quickly. A long throw over the top released their striker, who managed to tuck the ball passed Mia.
Despite this, the girls did not lose heart. Charley led the fightback, forcing her way into the Hilldene penalty area. Desperate not to waste the chance, she struck the ball firmly and scored an equaliser!
In the second half, the soft surface began to take its toll on the team's legs. Looking a little tired, the girls conceded possession and could not get back quickly enough to defend. Hadoram, playing at centre half, made a valiant attempt at a block... but it wasn't enough. Hilldene had scored.
Although the result was a loss, the girls left the pitch with their heads held high. The game had showed a solid improvement since the match against Pyrgo, and bodes well for the fixture on Friday at Clockhouse Primary.
Well done girls... and you looked amazing!

Read Write Inc - Resources Are In!

For those who attended the Read Write Inc training and asked for a copy of the DVD, they are now in! You will shortly be getting a letter to ask you for £5 and then the resource is yours. If you weren't at the meeting and would like a DVD please enquire at the office.

Internet Training Resources

Please find the resources from our latest Internet Training meeting below:

Click here for our resources

We hope you find these resources useful. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
email: office@broadford.havering.sch.uk
phone: 01708342880

Parents' Meeting With Governors - Monday 30th January 2.30pm

We would like to remind you that we have our termly meeting with parents on Monday 30th January. In response to parents, we are holding this meeting in the afternoon at 2.30pm. However there will still be refreshments available. We have really benefitted from having this regular opportunity to share with you the work we are doing at Broadford to improve your children’s experience. We look forward to seeing you on Monday afternoon.

Internet Training For Parents - A Second Chance!

Internet Training for Parents:

The Internet Training for parents, held this morning ,was very successful. Parents from both KS1 and KS2 attended. During the morning we looked at: aspects of internet safety; how to use the MLE; Mymaths and the children’s email. It was also a great opportunity for parents to get their hands on the new computers we have in school and experience the facilities that their children get to use everyday. We will be repeating this session on March 13^th, at 9.10am. Please put that date in your diary if you couldn’t make it today. Tea, coffee and refreshments will of course be provided.

Internet Training For Parents - 9.10am TODAY!

Internet Training for Parents:

We will be offering the first of our ICT training sessions for parents today (26^th January) at 9.10am. If you would like to attend, please come to the main entrance for 9.05am

The session will be a chance to look at and explore the different resources that you can access with your child at home. We will have three members of staff on hand to support you and answer questions.

• Mymaths (online maths resource)
• Purple Mash (web based creative programs)
• London Mail (web based email)
• MLE (our online school)
• Linguascope (web based language resource)
• Internet safety

These resources are free for you and your children to use and we hope the training will be a great way of helping you to support your child.

We look forward to welcoming you at 9.05am. Tea, coffee and cake will be provided to help keep the minds active!

Good Luck Mary & Thank You!

There were some mixed emotions at school today for Mary's retirement. We have all enjoyed the chance to celebrate the fantastic contribution that Mary made to our school for so many years. However there was a feeling of sadness that someone who is so much a part of Broadford has to leave. 

Tonight we had a lovely evening with colleagues old and new, friends past and present, who had come to celebrate with Mary. We would like to thank Mr Borrell who prepared an incredible spread or all the guests... it was delicious.

In a maths activity, the children had a go at estimating the number of school dinners that Mary has cooked:

34 years x 186 days x 150 lunches = 948,600 lunches (minimum)

In addition to this she has cooked for over 2,000 children... amazing!

What has made Mary so special is the love and care she has shown every day for the children, and that is why she will be missed so much.

Thank you Mary, and good luck for the future.

Broadford 0 - 4 Upminster Juniors

(Written by our Year 6 Reporters)
On the 19th January, Upminster Junior 's girl's team were invited to Broadford Primary for a football match. With courage and bravery inside us, we rose to the challenge. Lacey Gibbons (our team captain) worked with Steve (the coach) to come up with some secret plans. Hopefully these were going to give us the edge.

With Patrycia in  midfield and Lacy partnered with Shope in defence the Broadford girls battled against the Upminster team. Unfortunately we went 0-2 down! As a result half time was a welcome break.

Steve calmed the team down and reminded us of our training. Were they going to give up? Never!

When the second half started, it quickly became clear that Upminster were going to score again. However they only managed that twice. The final whistle sounded with the score at 0-4. Steve cheered the girls up by telling them they were all brilliant. Although we had lost, the team had gained experience and made progress with our skills. Without a doubt we will be ready for our next match against Hilldene.

Mary The Cook is Retiring!

After 34 years serving lunches to our children, Mary The Cook, is leaving us. All of the staff, parents and most importantly pupils, will miss her. We would like to thank her for the hard work she has put in, the love she has shown for all of the children and the manner in which she puts the pupils first in everything she does. We have been very lucky to have Mary at our school, she is part of Broadford’s furniture and is irreplaceable. We would like to wish her all the best for the future. Thank you Mary! This morning the children presented her with cards and cakes. After school today we will be holding a buffet reception for her to mark the day and give her a chance to chat to old friends and colleagues. Many parents have also contributed towards buying Mary a gift. 34 years continuous service is something of which to be very proud, and Mary thoroughly deserves all of the warm wishes that have poured in this week.

They're Back!

Year 5&6 are two minutes away!

Estimated Time of Return for Year 5&6

The children have had a fantastic day at the Tower. The reports received indicate that the experience has been amazing. We had a message to say that they were about to get on the coach at 3pm. This is later than we anticpated, and it is likely that they will not be back until at least 4.15pm

If you know of any parents affected could you please pass on the message.

Please phone the school if you would like a further update. As soon as we get news on their progress we will post another message like this via the website.

Thank you

Wakey, Wakey... Rise & Shine - Year 5&6 Tower Trip

Morning all you Year 5&6 pupils. Don't forget you need to be up with the larks in school by 8.15am this morning. Your coach to the Tower of London departs at 8.30am so that you had plenty of time to explore and learn!

Today should be a real treat with access to The Bell Tower - which is normally out of bounds to the general public. It promises to be an exciting trip... so don't miss out.

You can check out the website for the project here - Take One Building Blog

More Bronze Award Winners

Congratulations to the latest batch of children who have completed their Bronze trackers. The following pupils shall now be moving onto Silver. With rewards of themed pencils and bookmarks, it won't be long until we see them at the front of the assembly again.

Thomas Delaney, Patrycja Stepien, Lamarr Benton, Olayinka Busari, Veronika Maslobojeva, Jack Ibbunson, Charley McKatherine, Ife Bakreen, Fjorald Cacaj, Joe Faust and Mia Rose Stevens.

Well done for all your hard work.

Mary The Cook is Retiring!

Dear Parent/Carers.

Mary, our school cook, is retiring on Friday. Amazingly she has worked for Havering Catering Services for thirty four years, of which twenty nine have been spent at Broadford!

In the time she has spent here, Mary has shown herself to be someone who always puts the needs of the children first. She is quite simply ‘part of the fabric’ of the school and we will miss her.

The school will be making a presentation to Mary as a thank you for her many years of excellent service. In addition to this some of the parents have asked if they can have a collection for her.

If you would like to contribute to a parents/carers collection for Mary, please see Mrs McKatherine either before or after school this week. The BFG will also contribute to any donations so that the parents/carers of the school have a present to give Mary as a way of saying thank you.

Everyone at Broadford will be sad to see her go, but we wish her all the best for a well earned retirement.

Champions Willow Visit Kidspace - Tuesday 17th January

Following their 14 point victory in the attendance league, Willow have chosen to visit Kidspace (in Romford). Voting was a formality, as the children had made it clear that the play zone was there top choice. Exposure in the local newspaper, trips to Romford and shiny certificates: with these rewards, the Year 5 children have had their achievement well recognised. We hope they have a great time.

This term is only 12 weeks long - and we are already in the third week. Therefore it won't be long until the new winner is crowned.

Delicious Leek Soup & Tissue Paper Flowers

Our clubs have only been back for one week. and already the children have come up with some stunning creations. In the cookery club (which is run by our Governor/Chef Mr Borrell) the pupils from Year 5 cooked up a delicious leek soup. A few yards along the corridor our Art Club was beavering away at making tissue paper flowers. Have a look at the results below... amazing! Without the support of our parents and Governors these clubs would not be possible.

We have no doubt that the wide range of activities on offer has helped to boost our attendance and make school more enjoyable. Thank you to all involved in making them a success.

Could you make a flower like this from just pipe cleaners and tissue paper?

Hot, tasty leek soup anyone?

Pupil of the Week: Sophie Lewis of Mulberry

Congratulations to Sophie Lewis in Year 2 who has been chosen as the pupil of the week. Hard working, conscientious and polite: for these reasons she was an easy choice for Mrs Harding.
"Sophie always tries her best in every activity. Without a doubt she is a first rate member of the class." - Mrs Harding (Mulberry Teacher)

So far this year we have been fortunate to have several of our star pupils recognised by the Romford Recorder. Well done Sophie... we guarantee you won't be the last.

New Years Resolutions

In an effort to continue the pace of our school improvements in 2012, the children have been setting their class targets for the new year. Working together we can all do our bit to make Broadford the 'the best school on the hill'!


Our New Resolutions.

Elm – We are going to bring our homework in every week on time.

Maple – We are going to improve our class attendance.

Willow – We are going to learn our spellings every week.

Birch – We are going to work to produce more work in the time we have available to improve our understanding of a task.

Ash – We are going to listen when we are supposed to in order to increase our understanding within lessons.

Rowan – We are going to raise our writing levels by improving our handwriting.

Cedar – We are going to bring our PE kits into school every lesson.

Mulberry – We are going to read two books in a week each.

Pine – Improve our Literacy by gaining higher spelling results.


The School Council is going to keep reviewing the targets and checking that classes are keeping the resolutions. 

ICT Training For Parents

Training for Parents:

We will be offering the first of our ICT training sessions for parents on the 26^th January at 9.10am. If you would like to attend, please inform the office. We would like to get an idea of numbers to ensure that we have enough machines available on the day.

The session will be a chance to look at and explore the different resources that you can access with your child at home. We will have three members of staff on hand to support you and answer questions.

In the meantime there is a starter guide here so that you can familiarize yourself with our MLE if you so wish.

Introducing the MLE

for Parents / Carers

What is the MLE?

The ‘MLE’ (Managed Learning Environment) is a secure website provided by Fronter and maintained by Broadford staff to support teaching and learning in a safe online environment. Pupils can easily access content added by their teachers, view photographs of school activities, contribute to discussions, create or upload their own documents and communicate with other children in the school.

Access to the MLE

Go to http://www.broadford.havering.sch.uk and follow the link to our MLE. When prompted, enter the unique username and a password that your child has been given by their teacher. Children must not share their passwords with anyone except their parents / carers and they should always log out when they have finished using the MLE.

Reporting Problems

Pupils will be taught about appropriate ways to communicate on the MLE but if anything is causing your child concern they should inform their teacher immediately. Teachers will deal promptly with any problems that are reported to them.

Supporting your child

We feel that this site is an invaluable resource that can only improve your child’s experience at school as well as their skills and knowledge when dealing with the world at large. Please encourage your child to use the MLE and take some time to enjoy this fantastic resource with them.

Other web resources

Please have a look at the Mymaths resource: www.mymaths.co.uk

Our username is: broadford

The password is: distance

Havering Cultural Calendar 2012

A Havering calendar has been compiled to celebrate 2012 and make sure that all the residents of Havering are aware of the vast array of events happening in the authority. Crafts, walks, talks, sports and lectures: these are just some of the activities on offer. For more information contact John Tench:
john.tench@havering.go.uk

For a full version of the calendar simply visit:
www.havering.gov.uk/2012

Blue Win The Half Term Prize

After an intensive campaign of: opening doors, saying please, using 'Thank you', tucking their shirts in, walking around sensibly, sitting up in assembly, being kind, offering to help and competing in Inter House competitions, the Blue house has managed to win the half term prize.

Despite stiff competition from the other three houses, Blue managed to end the half term with the most points. As a result they scooped a reward of cake, biscuits and drinks. Congratulations to all the Blue team - deserved winners. Now we can look forward to a new race to the title in the Spring Term!

Cookery Workshops For Pupils, Parents & Residents

We are delighted to welcome back the Love Food Hate Waste team this month. They will be running two workshops on Monday 30th January (9am - 11:30am & 12:30 - 3pm) which are for our remaining Year 6 pupils and their parents.

We've also got workshops which are open to any local resident (whether or not they have a pupil at the school or not) and parents? The dates to put into your diary are 24th February and 21st March.

For further details please email Alex MooredaLuz [Alex.MooredaLuz@havering.gov.uk]

Kind regards

Alex Moore da Luz

Recycling Promotions Officer

01708 432838/07946 738511

alex.mooredaluz@havering.gov.uk

Broadford Pupils Are On Time

Not only has the overall attendance percentage risen since last academic year, but the latest data shows Broadford pupils are better at getting to school on time. In 2010 the late mark % was running at 3.64% whereas now we have got it down to 1.52%.

Once again this is the result of the hard work our parents, staff and pupils have put in to improve every aspect of the school. Even missing just five minutes at the beginning of the day has a negative impact of a child's education. From feeling embarrassed to not knowing the learning objective, being late is not a good way to start the day.

Another great news story to begin 2012 with... well done!

Broadford's Quest for 100 Likes!

Using the webpage and Facebook feed to keep in touch with parents can be a very effective way of improving communications. It is also a great way for us to let lots of people know about what is happening here at Broadford Primary.

Our target is to get our Facebook following up to 100 by the half term. Please encourage parents and friends who use Facebook, Twitter or the internet to follow our school's posts. The feedback we have had from parents, Governors, pupils, staff and friends of the school has been very positive. We would like to share what your children are doing with as many people as possible.

Publishing a number of positive stories, the Romford Recorder has also been a great supporter of the school as well. In addition we have been able to benefit from free resources - a sand pit and giant jenga set - just by publicising companies on our newsfeed. It has also been a great tool in helping to pull in sponsorship. So far that total is resting at over £4,700!

We are committed to making Broadford Primary the 'best school on the Hill' and we are very keen to tell anyone who will listen how proud we are of your children. 100 Likes on Facebook, let's see if we can achieve that by half term - spread the word!

First Silver Pencil Awarded!

Spurred on by the challenge of completing his Silver Tracker before anyone else, David S (Year 5) has already managed to achieve his Silver pencil. That is the new prize for reaching 15 merits on the Silver Tracker card. Congratulations David... a tremendous achievement in such a short time!

Spring Term Dates

Please make a note of the following dates in your diary:
January
Wednesday 11th 9.05am - Ash Sharing Assembly
Wednesday 18th 9.05am - Birch Sharing Assembly
                                          Year 5&6 trip to Tower of London
Thursday 26th 9.10am - Parents Training on Fronter, Mymaths, Linguascope and Website
Monday 30th 2.30pm - Parents meeting with Governors

February
Wednesday 1st 9.05am - Willow Sharing Assembly
Tuesday 7th - Year 3&4 Roman Day
Wednesday 8th - Dance Club Sharing Assembly (Year R, 1&2)
Thursday 9th - BFG Valentine's Ball KS1 4.15-5.45pm and the KS2 6.30-8.00pm
Friday 10th - Break up for half term

Half term - Feb 13th to Feb 17th

Monday 20th - Children return to school
Wednesday 22nd 9.05am - Rowan Sharing Assembly
                                           Parents Open Afternoon 2.15-3.00pm
Thursday 23rd 2.15-3.00pm - Parents Open Afternoon
Monday 27th 3.30 -7.00pm - Parents Evening
Tuesday 28th 3.30 - 5.00pm - Parents Evening

March
Friday 2nd - Year 3&4 visit to Colchester Castle
Wednesday 7th 9.05am - Pine Sharing Assembly
Wednesday 14th 9.05am - Mulberry Sharing Assembly
Wednesday 21st 9.05am - Cedar Sharing Assembly
Wednesday 28th 9.05am - Dance Club Sharing Assembly
Thursday 29th 9.10am - Parents Training on Fronter, Mymaths, Linguascope and Website
                                      Last day of term
Friday 30th - INSET Day (School Closed)

Collecting Your Views - Pupils & Parents

Next week you will recieve a curriculum update letter from your child's Phase Group. Within the letter you will find information on the topics your child will be covering this term.

This time we are starting a new intiative, which we hope will further include you in what your children do in school. On each letter there will be a slip for you to return with any ideas for areas you would like your child to cover within the topics suggested.

For instance Year 5&6 are studying the Tudors. Perhaps you would like to know more about how Henry VIII executed his wives? Maybe you have always wondered what the 'Tudor Rose' is or are you just curious about the Queen who only ruled for nine days. Just jot down any questions you would like answered or areas you'd like your child to explore and we will do our best to use them in our planning.

Combine this with parent information meetings, parents training sessions, questionnaires, regular newsletters, open days, parents evening, yearly reports, an improved website and an open door policy and it means you should feel involved in what your child is studying. At Broadford we are committed to empowering parents to feel able to support their child/children so that they have the best chance for success. Together we can make a real difference.

Look out for the diary list which will give dates for computer training and chances to meet with Governors this term.

More Bronze Award Winners

Every time the children complete a piece of outstanding work they earn a merit. To recognise this they get a sticker for their tracker cards. Currently there are three levels to complete: bronze, silver and gold! Amazingly we have a number of children who have already completed their Bronze trackers... some have even begun collecting stickers towards their Silver ones.

The latests superstars to have completed their Bronze trackers are: Shope, Elsaf, Samantha and Dara. Wel done to all of you. Without a doubt you have worked very hard to complete your first tracker.

When the children get onto the Silver they have to collect 25 stickers (instead of the 20 on the Bronze). They also get to earn a Silver pencil. The Gold is even harder - 30 stickers. Will anyone be able to complete the Tracker Challenge?

Keep an eye on the website for regular updates on pupils who have completed their cards.

League Winners & Weekly Champions

At Broadford we are trying to build a sense of friendly competition in to our everyday practise - which we believe motivates the children. One of the best successes has been the weekly attendance league. All the children (and some of our competitive staff) look forward to finding who will gain weekly ownership of the glittering attendance trophies. Gradually the scores build up towards an overall champion. What is the prize for winning? The class at the summit of the table at the end of the term wins a morning at The Brewery. Bowling, Kidspace or the cinema: these are the three activities they can choose from.

After an incredible attendance rate (which included five perfect 100% weeks) the top class managed to win the Autumn league by 14 points! Willow - led by Mrs Higginson - will now have a class council meeting to decide what they want to do. Congratulations to all of them. Without a doubt they have earned their prize and they'll have a great morning out.

However Willow will have to work hard to repeat their success. This term sees the Reception classes enter into the fray. In addition to this Rowan and Cedar have improved the consistency of their attendance. This week both these classes lifted the respective KS1 & KS2 trophies, leaving Willow with some catching up to do.

Here's to another great competition. Remember, all you have to do to win is turn up every day... it's that simple!

Attendance On The Rise!

Congratulations to all of our children, parents, governors and staff because the efforts made over the last year are showing a real impact. We have worked together to ensure there are many measures to encourage and reward good attendance: a weekly attendance league, certificates for 100%, prize draws, trips to the Brewery, first day phone calls, breakfast club, after school clubs, an exciting curriculum and a supportive Educational Welfare Officer. As a consequence we have managed to make a huge improvement on the attendance registered from the Autumn term 2010 (which was just 92.28%). With everyone's hard work this has now reached 95.33%!

If we can continue to increase this, then pupil achievement and attainment will continue to improve as well. Attending school on time, every day is a sure way to improve performance.

However the work is far from complete. 95.33% is only marginally above the target set by Ofsted. At Broadford Primary we have high expectations for everyone and it would be great if we could push this mark upwards to 96%.