26th April
COMING TOGETHER WITH KINDNESS
At Anson we have 42 registered languages. This diversity gives us a very special community made up of different religions, experiences, ethnicities and approaches to living our daily lives.
However our 43rd unwritten language is that of kindness. This week we were treated to an amazing multi-faith assembly led by the Metropolitan Police accompanied by our local Imam, Rabbi and Vicar. The three religious leader spoke little of their faith, but more about their experiences of kindness, collaboration and hospitality across religions.
There is a great deal of conflict in the world at the moment and it weighs heavily on some of our young people. 24 hour news coverage and large protests do very little to ease their worries and concerns. The message for our children is that in all communities, and between religious groups, there can be harmony brought about by kindness. In a world where they can be anything achieve anything, they can at least show kindness to each other. Learning that now gives them every opportunity to be the kind of adults the world.
A MARATHON EFFORT BY MISS HARVEY
Last Sunday Miss Harvey took part in the 2024 London Marathon in aid of the Stroke Association.
Many of the staff spent the day following her progress, some through the TV, some through the app and some from prime viewing position at Tower Bridge! We are all incredibly proud of Miss Harvey.
Undertaking such an epic challenge and running a race to support others and fighting for a better life for people who have been impacted by Stroke are exactly the values we wish to instil in our children at Anson. If you wish to donate a small amount to Miss Harvey’s chosen charity please visit:
BINGO NIGHT DELIGHT
Bingo Night is almost here!
The fun begins on Thursday 2nd May with doors opening at 4.45pm. There are fabulous prizes to be won so get your tickets on the Gateway app now!
Our resident Bingo Caller - Mr Pile - will be cracking terrible jokes for every single number called, but don’t let that stop you booking a ticket because the prizes will be worth the pain!
HALF TERM
We were informed by Brent earlier this week that the October Half Term holiday has been moved to bring it in line with neighbouring Boroughs.
This means the Anson Half Term will now be in the week beginning October 28th 2024.
The move will allow schools to be fully staffed and openly safely and in the vast majority of cases ensure parents are not impacted by split holidays with Camden and Barnet in particular.
EARTH DAY 2024 AT ANSON
Monday saw the world come together to celebrate Earth Day.
Earth Day continues to build upon the work and legacy of its founders. Joining with thousands of partners and schools around the world, the organisation continues to build a historic movement as citizens of the world rise up in a united call for the creativity, innovation, ambition, and bravery that we need to meet our climate crisis and seize the enormous opportunities of a zero-carbon future.
This year the fight is focused on plastic against pollution with the aim of reducing plastic use by 60% in time for 2040. It’s an ambitious goal.
At Anson we are encouraging everyone to make 6 steps towards reducing plastic in their homes.
How many can you achieve for our planet?
Say no to plastic straws.
Use a reusable bottle.
Avoid plastic carrier bags.
Snack on non-packaged fruit.
Switch away from cling film.
Never drop litter.
ILLYRIA THEATRE: WATCH DOCTOR DOLITTLE
This week we launched the annual outdoor theatre event at Anson. Our friends from Illyria Theatre will be performing the story of Doctor Doolittle on Thursday 4th July at 6pm.
When Dr John Dolittle of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh is taught by his wise old parrot Polynesia how to talk to animals, news of his skills spreads far and wide. Soon animals across the world send messages asking for his help. So he buys a leaky old ship and, together with his trusty pet-crew of Jip the dog, Chee-Chee the monkey, Dab-Dab the Duck and permanently hungry Gub-Gub the pig, sets forth on a mission to heal illness, spread compassion and gain a greater understanding of the animal kingdom.
Every pupil has been given a promotional flyer. If you scan the QR code you can purchase your tickets at a discounted rate. This year adult tickets are £10 (RRP £18) and children will enter for just £2.50 (RRP £8). This is the cheapest way to access theatre this summer and continues to show our commitment to giving our community fantastic and accessible live experiences.
Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment as there are only 500 on sale. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Running time (approx): 1hr 50mins (inc 20 minute interval). Suitable for ages 5+ (younger children also welcome!)
19th April
A NEW LIBRARY FOR EVERYONE AT ANSON
For the first time in over 70 years Anson Primary School has a library.
As part of our desire to get every child reading and everyone enjoying the delights of the written word, the library has become the centrepiece of our corridor.
To help us fill the library with books we have relocated some of our classroom books into the space. We have also been given an incredible £3,000 from Friends of Anson to add to the collection. Plus, each Bake Sale (starting with Year 3 next week), will see a further donation of £100 after every sale. This will help the library to grow and stay relevant and exciting for the children.
We are so excited to finally have such a wonderful space in our school and cannot wait to share it with our parents too.
HELLO MR CLARGO
We are delighted to welcome back Mr Clargo to Anson Primary School.
He will be taking a lead on developing our pupil understanding of the world around us including our eco-approach at Anson.
We are thrilled to have him back!
UNIFORM AT ANSON
A Full Governing Body Meeting was held this week with uniform on the agenda.
With parent feedback (122 responses) showing 67% of parents in favour of a uniform, the Governors will now explore full costing of a uniform, look at a range of providers, hear from other schools and explore parent feedback in depth before making a final decision on whether Anson implements a uniform.
This will mean a decision in July and if implemented a uniform at Anson would begin from September 2025.
OPENING THE GATES
We have noticed that more parents and children are arriving at school ready for 8.45am and there is considerable congestion on the pavement outside the school.
We have seen that this is causing some difficulty for pedestrians as well as creating dangerous situations for families.
From Monday the gates will open slightly earlier to allow families to gather in the playground. Due to the working hours of staff they will not be allowed into the school building until 8.45am. So, please note that parents must stay with their children in the main playground until the bell rings. There will be no adults on the playground until 8.45am.
We hope this eases the congestion outside the school.
SUMMER TERM CLUBS
Summer Term Clubs begin next week with DFY, Moving Waves and Anson staff running a number of activities.
We understand that there is some disappointment that a number of clubs are unable to run.
Unfortunately we do not have the budget in the school to run clubs unless the numbers fully cover the cost of the club. With just 55 families signing up for clubs by the deadline (compared to 128 in the Autumn Term) it has meant some clubs cannot run this term.
However, every pupil who signed up with a 2nd or 3rd choice club has been offered a space at a club this term and we hope they enjoy them.
NEWS: PE DAYS MAY HAVE CHANGED
Due to a change in staffing this term we have moved some of the PE days for the children. Please note your child’s PE days below and ensure they dress appropriately on the day.
Richmond: Tuesday and Wednesday
Greenwich: Wednesday and Thursday
Queen’s: Tuesday and Thursday
Roundwood: Monday and Thursday
Hampstead: Wednesday and Friday
Regent’s: Wednesday and Friday
Alexandra: Tuesday and Thursday
Mapesbury: Wednesday and Thursday
Battersea: Monday and Thursday (Swimming)
Victoria: Monday and Friday
Hyde: Wednesday and Friday
Kensington: Wednesday and Friday
Highbury: Monday and Tuesday
Primrose: Monday and Tuesday
DYSLEXIA FEELGOOD FUNDAY AT ANSON: A THANK YOU
“Hello Anson, Dyslexia FeelGood Funday (DFGF) are so grateful to all the children who raised the great sum of £378.17 in their Break the Rules Day. Thank you to all the staff in the Front Office who dealt with my many queries, and all the other lovely staff who met and assisted me, to Mrs Campbell who helped me so much during our school hiring sessions, Miss Callaghan for all her support and patience and most of all to Mr Pile for being my main contact, being so accommodating, responsive and truly supportive and being totally behind the DFGF cause.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!” - Dee
22nd March
PARENTS EVENING: THANK YOU FOR COMING
It has been wonderful to connect with so many of you over the last few days as the Spring Parents’ Evening took place.
This term an incredible 98% of parents made an appointment to see their child’s class teacher with some great discussions taking place about your children’s learning and progress this term. We are very thankful for such a high turnout as it really shows how much you are invested in your child’s learning. Thank you for being part of another wonderful evening.
LAST CHANCE TO BOOK YOUR SUMMER TERM CLUBS
We appreciate times are tough for many people at the moment and we are seeing this in the response to our club offer with just 50 responses. In the Autumn there were over 100.
We have tried to offer a range of clubs once again at a number of different prices to offer something for everyone. Sign up, if you can, by the end of Tuesday. Club offers will be made on Wednesday. Please be prepared that some clubs may be unable to run due to the low numbers.
BINGO NIGHT 2024
It’s almost time for another Bingo Night at Anson Primary School.
On Thursday 2nd May, Friends of Anson will run our second Bingo Night.
Just like last year there will be fabulous prizes for the winners of each round, plus a raffle with lots of other prizes to be won.
On the night refreshments will be on sale including Krispy Kreme Donuts and Lola’s Cupcakes.
So, save the date and get ready to buy your tickets when we return from the Easter break.
OPEN CLASSROOMS & COFFEE MORNING
On Tuesday we will host our next Open Classrooms.
Parents are welcome to come in to the classrooms from 8.45am and spend some time with the children. This will be followed by a Coffee Morning at 9.15am with the school nurse on hand to answer any questions about children’s health.
EASTER HOLIDAY CAMPS
Our Friends at DFY, Club Sporters and Joy Sports Academy are offering a number of ways to support families this Easter. Pick the club that fits with your needs. All the details are on this page.
18th March
SUMMER TERM CLUBS
The list for the Summer Term Clubs is now available on the Anson website and our Google Form signup.
Once again you will be able to book your sporting clubs directly with DFY. They will be offering clubs for children from Reception to Year 6 including Skateboarding, Tennis and Cricket.
Some of our staff are also running clubs again this term with Drama, Badminton, Comic Book Creators and Lego Club on the list as well as the return of Film Club for children in Key Stage Two.
The London Lens Project return to Anson for a brilliant Photography Club and Moving Waves will once again offer Art, Musical Theatre and Standup Comedy.
Use the Google Form (sent by text) to make your choices by Tuesday 26th March. Places will be offered on Wednesday 27th March.
SPRING EGG CHALLENGE
The Easter Egg Challenge is back for 2024.
The challenge is simple. All you need to do is create a scene using a hard-boiled egg (or more than one egg) as the star of the scene. There is only one rule: the scene must be a play on words and show either a famous person, a famous event, something memorable or a fun scene.
All the scenes must be brought into school on the morning of Monday 25th March and taken to the Dining Hall.
SPRING MUSIC CONCERT
Brent Music Service will be running a Spring Sharing Concert on Wednesday at 2:30pm.
Parents of children in Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 are welcome to join us in the hall to watch their children share the work they have been doing in the classroom this term.
If you can’t make it, don’t worry, we will be filming the event and will share the performances with you later in the week.
SPORT
It is with great pride we are able to share two sporting stories this week.
The swimming squad astounded everyone with some wonderful individual performances to claim 4th place in the 2024 Brent Swimming Gala. Winning a wave of medals at the event the team swam their way to our highest ever finishing position at the meet.
Meanwhile the table tennis squad played their first match, against Robert Southwell School, and won every game. It was a highly impressive performance from the team who give up every lunchtime to practise and develop their skills.
We are proud of these performances but also for the way the children represented the school. Thank you to the staff involved.
ONLINE EGG HUNT
The 2024 Easter Eggs are now hiding online for you to find.
Children taking part in the egg hunt need to fill out an official entry form, with every correct entry entered into a prize draw. You have until Monday 25th March to find all the eggs. Prizes will be handed out on Thursday 28th March in our final assembly.
EASTER CAMP
Mr McKenzie will be hosting an Easter Holiday Activity Camp at Anson Primary School in the week beginning 8th April 2024.
Visit the website for further details of give Mr. McKenzie a call.
8th March 2024
THE 2024 SPRING EGG-HIBITION COMPETITION
The Easter Egg Challenge is back for 2024. After once again being astounded by the creativity of our children and their families last year, we are delighted to let you know that the most egg-citing Egg-hibition in CrAcklewood is back once again.
The challenge is simple. All you need to do is create a scene using a hard-boiled egg (or more than one egg) as the star of the scene. There is only one rule: the scene must be a play on words and show either a famous person, a famous event, something memorable or a fun scene.
For example you might want to grow up to be an EGGstronaut and fly to distant planets in a rocket. You may decide to become a TV star like Ant and Peck or a rock star like Chick Jagger.
How about becoming domesticated and creating a tumble fryer or channeling your inner Wonka and creating a some Mint Choc Chick flavours.
Whatever your creative ideas, all you need to do is make a scene to match.
All the scenes must be brought into school on the morning of Monday 25th March and taken to the Dining Hall.
On arrival the children will be helped to fill out an entry card with their scene name, their own name and their class. We will then record and photograph all the scenes, before revealing the winners of the Easter Challenge. Every entrant will receive a special gift and there will be an award for winning entries in each class. So, get creative because we are EGGcited to see what you create.
BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK
We are celebrating British Science Week from Monday 11th February with an exciting whole school investigation.
It is a little know fact that Mr Pile likes a cup of tea. Usually he makes a cup of tea when he arrives at school but rarely gets to drink it until later in the day.
A cold cup of tea is no fun, so to make it more palatable he dunks a biscuit into his cuppa.
However, if the tea is too hot the biscuit crumbles. If the tea is too cold the biscuit stays hard but tastes awful.
The children will be helping Mr Pile to find the best biscuit for his cup of tea. Hopeful this means we will have in depth research to prove the best biscuit for dunking!
Oh, and the Anson chicks are coming back too, so it is the perfect time to have launched our Spring Egg-hibition Competition! What a cracking start to March!
COMIC RELIEF 2024
Friday 15th March is Red Nose Day in the United Kingdom.
This year the children are going “Back to Skool”. This means they will all be able to come to school dressed in anything red, but they must be wearing it backwards! That’s “sdrawkcab” for the pedantic amongst you!
Donations can be made into the red donations tins on the day or online at:
https://tinyurl.com/RNDAPS24
There will also be an Ice Cream sale on the day plus some fun assembly activities and crazy lessons too.
It’s going to be NUF!
RAMADAN
Ramadan is about to begin for many people in our community.
At Anson we know that a small number of our older children will be taking part in the fasting. It is important that children who are taking part have permission to do so. This is so we can support their fast, get in touch with you if they are finding it particularly difficult and ensure they stay safe on hot or physically active days. A letter came home to all children in Year 5 and Year 6 with a slip to state the intention of your child to fast during Ramadan. If younger children also wish to fast they too must have permission to do so. A copy of the letter can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/RamadanAPS24
We hope this is a blessed Ramadan filled with peace and joy.
1st March
WORLD BOOK DAY: READING FOR PLEASURE
The mission of World Book Day is to promote reading for pleasure, offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own.
Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or their income. World Book Day defines Reading for Pleasure as: feeling sense of satisfaction or pleasure by engaging with chosen reading material in their free time.
At Anson we want to see more children develop a life-long habit of reading for pleasure and the improved life chances this brings them. That’s why we’re investing in our new library which will be installed in April this year. We will be creating a space to delight and thrill the children as well as offer the latest books for them to read both in school and at home.
DRESS UP FOR WORLD BOOK DAY: 7th MARCH
On Thursday we will celebrate World Book Day with a special assembly from Alexandra Class.
All the children and staff can also dress up for World Book Day. This will see the school hall filled with some of the best-loved book characters of all time. During the assembly we will have a parade of the costumes and take lots of photographs throughout the day. The Made for Mums website has over 100 costume ideas which cost almost nothing to make and are good for the environment too.
FREE STORIES
World Book Day’s World of Stories, mean you can enjoy a selection of FREE audiobooks. Audiobooks are a brilliant way of enjoying books being read aloud, whether you’re sharing them with family or friends, or listening on your own. You can find the books by clicking on the link below. Don’t forget our own story zone in Google Classroom too.
https://www.worldbookday.com/world-of-stories
JOIN THE DFGF FUN
Bookings are now open for a FREE event taking place at Anson on Saturday 9th March. The Dyslexia FeelGood Funday is an interactive arts-based experience with workshops, food, theatre games and much more. Book your FREE spot here: https://tinyurl.com/DFGFbooking
2024 FRIENDS OF ANSON AGM
The Friends of Anson AGM took place this morning.
At the meeting the committee was elected and the team reflected on an astonishing first full year of our PTA. The aim of Friends of Anson was always to provide experiences for our children and the wider community. These memory making activities have certainly created something wonderful at Anson and I am sure you all have your own personal highlights. I should like to thank each of you for the part you play in making our school such a happy, vibrant place and pay particular individual thanks to each member of the Committee.
As you can see from the graphic below, the events have been a huge success financially too. At the AGM the committee decided on the priorities for spending the money in the next 12 months. This includes, funding the Year 6 hoodies, supporting the outdoor Illyria Theatre event and a large investment in the development of our school library. The funding will help to stock the library and along with school funds make it an exciting place to be, with a huge range of books, from the very first day.
The next event is Bingo Night on Thursday, 2nd May.