Latest News & Events

This week, Year 5 and 6 attended an online safety workshop hosted by ‘The Two John’s. “The Two Johns” have extensive knowledge of online safety issues affecting children, having previously worked in law enforcement investigating online grooming and exploitation of children.

Thomas said, ’Not everything that you see online is real’

21/1/22

It was a hard decision but Samantha W was chosen as player of the match—well done Samantha!

This week our enthusiastic netball team visited Great Wakering Primary School to play a mixed league match. Every player tried hard and showed increasing skill and confidence as the match progressed. We had great support from the parents who were proud to see the teamwork and resilience on display.

Well done to Edward in Year 4 for being awarded a runner up prize in the Rochford Chairman Christmas card competition. Congratulations also to Emna and Clara in year 3 and Maryam in year 6 for receiving a highly commended certificate. Thank you to Cllr Julie Gooding for visiting us this week to present prizes.

December 2021 - Please refer to our Christmas recordings - we hope you enjoy them!

Nativity featuring all classes

Helping Hands Project at HFJS!

Thank you on behalf of the School Council for supporting our ‘Helping Hands Project’ this term. With your support, along with Rayleigh and Rochford District Association for Voluntary Service, Sanctuary Housing, Rayleigh Lions, United in Kind, Home Bargains and Waitrose, we have filled 100 festive bags ready to deliver to vulnerable people in Rochford. Any amazing team effort!

This week, Mrs Wass was informed by a member of the community that Charlie in 6B helped an elderly gentleman on the bus when his shopping fell out of his bag. What a fantastic example of kindness and initiative - he is a credit to his family and our school!

HFJS Christmas Decoration Competition

We are pleased to announce that the winners of the HFJS Christmas Decoration Competition are….

Kaitlyn G (5B ) from upper school

and

Esme E (4G) from lower school

Year 3 virtual author visit

Year 3 were very lucky to listen to the new book Christmas Delivery read by the author and staff member, Mrs Robinson . The story was about a boy called Charlie and his teddy, who forgot to post their letter to Santa. They had to instead go on a magical adventure to find Santa and give him the letter. 3C said "It was a very magical journey, I really enjoyed the book!" "The pictures were beautiful and we enjoyed reading the letter and meeting the character" .

Year 3 have been inspired to write their one Christmas stories "One small step for a page , one giant leap for a book."

3.12.21 We were very proud to be involved in the national campaign to recognise the tremendous work that our emergency services provide (especially in view of the challenges faced by the pandemic). Our non-school uniform event represented the colours of our emergency services- blue, green, red or orange.During the day we provided the children the opportunity to find out more about the work of the emergency services and the skills that they took from school into their careers. This was a fantastic opportunity to make links with our community and provide our pupils a valuable opportunity not only to learn more but may even inspire them in their future career choices. Thank you to the emergency service heroes who supported our day by visiting the school.

Remmie said, ‘ It was really interesting asking Inspector Hilbery questions about his job.’ Poppy added, ‘I was inspired to hear about the role of the police and paramedics today. It has made me think about my future career.’ Whilst the children in 4G had so much to share about their time with the fire service and obviously enjoyed the opportunity to see the fire engine.

On Wednesday 1/12/21, 20 upper school learners travelled to Deanes school to represent Holt Farm in a dodgeball competition against other local primary schools. The children were well behaved throughout and did the school proud with their efforts and behaviour, showing the Holt Farm values in abundance. Both teams won 2, drew 1 and lost 2. We narrowly missed out on the semi finals. Alfie said, ‘I was really nervous, but excited to play. I had a great time!’.

All pupils in year 4-6 entered the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge in November. Congratulations to Ben in 6G who came top in the school and also in the top 10% of all pupils who took part nationally (87, 115.)

Christmas L/C.R

In computing Year 6 have been making interactive advent calendars for year 3 & 4 to open.

Restorative approach at HFJS

We use a restorative approach to resolving conflict. Restorative approaches enable those who have been harmed to convey the impact of the harm to those responsible, and for those responsible to acknowledge this impact and take steps to put it right.

This week, Jodie, Lyla and Calyn visited us from the Essex County Council Youth Offending Service. They led a variety of activities within Year 6 exploring differences, respect, feelings and viewpoints.

The 5 key restorative questions we use are: What happened? What were you thinking? How do you feel? Who has been affected? What would you do differently? ‘Calyn said, ‘The children of Holt Farm were an amazing group of children to work with. They gave us some wonderful answers and were all engaged thoroughly in the sessions. Even the staff got involved in the exercises. We had a truly fabulous time, and the kindness resonates from all involved in the school’.

Pudsey PE Challenge for Children In Need 2021-22

Vikings=147 Goals

Normans=166 Goals

Britons= 174 Goals

Saxons=175 Goals

Raising funds and awareness for Children in Need at HFJS 19/11/21

Philosophy for Children

On Monday 15th November 2021, Jason The Philosophy Man visited HFJS to support our curriculum. He launched the day with an assembly: 'How can you tell if adults are real or not?' 'Would living in an unreal world be a good thing or not?' He then led focused year group workshops linked to our topics of 'Our World', 'Romans', 'Space' and 'Water and Rivers'. All of the strategies encourage pupils' understanding of their own thinking, problem solving skills and ability to be effective communicators.

Rochford District Council - Chairman Christmas Card Competition

The Chairman of Rochford District Council, Cllr Julie Gooding, would like to invite our pupils to take part in her 2021 Christmas Card Competition to design her Christmas Card which will be sent to dignitaries around Essex.

Entries should feature what community means to you, with a Christmas twist. There some suggestions on the form. Entries must be returned to Rochford District Council by midday on Tuesday, 30^th November. The winner of the competition will win a £50 voucher, and runners up will receive a £10 voucher.

Please click the link below for the entry form. Good Luck!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lwToovfWsAOt0nvgykAFI4BsQKlZzryv/view?usp=sharing

This week we launched Anti bullying week’ One word– Kind’ with ‘Odd Socks Day’, it was lovely to see some many children (and pets!) getting involved. We take every opportunity to celebrate difference at HFJS.

We shared the Anti– Bullying Alliance definition of bullying:

‘Bullying is the repetive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. It can happen face to face or online’’.

Enriching the Curriculum - Year 3 Post Office visit

Year 3 thoroughly enjoyed their trip to the post office to post a letter home to their parents and carers. On their route, mapped and planned in earlier lessons, they were able to point out physical and human features in their local environment. The children posted a letter written in class and a piece of collaged artwork. They wrote their own addresses and ensured their envelope was stamped. Year 3 parents and carers, please keep an eye out for any exciting post!

HFJS’s Half Term Life Challenges

Year 3 & 4 Life Challenges: Year 3 Taramja, Year 4 Lacie and Summer

Year 5 & 6 Life Challenges: Year 5 Maddison and Liam Year 6 James and Alex

19/10/21: Well done to the HFJS football team during their recent tournament! We got through to the quarter finals.

On Tuesday12th October, a selected group of Year 6 took part in a resilience workshop led by Kelly and Christine from a national wellbeing service ‘Now ( the time for change)’. They shared strategies to help feel better which included: exercise, breathing exercises, affirmations and meditation. Thomas said, ‘ The squeezing nose breathing techniques were very useful to calm you down’. Bethany said, ‘ I enjoyed writing things that I liked about myself’.

The Senior Pupil Team and I will be leading a whole school assembly about theses important strategies after half term. For more information, click here

https://nowsthetimeforchange.com

Our Friday lunchtime Hen Club

Thank you to our Governor, Miss Lines for running our club!

UK's biggest professional women's cycling race

Year 6 watched some of the world’s leading cyclists this week cycle through Rochford as they took part in the prestigious Women’s Tour.

It was inspirational!

The Senior Pupil Team sent out a pupil survey to gather information about teaching and learning. What subject is their favourite? How do they learn best? What helps them remember their learning? I will discuss the results with the team as part of our ongoing school development. Each class also voted for their School Council representative and Mrs Richardson is excited to meet with them for the first time next week. 24/9/21

This week (17/9/21) 4B started their Forest Schools sessions. The sessions help develop confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting.

This week (10/9/21), members from Southend United training team supported Year 3 and 5 within their PE lessons. We also enjoyed using our new table tennis table purchased by the PTA.