Newsletter #12 – 16/12/16
Value – Peace | Menu – Week 1
News
The children looked very festive in their Christmas jumpers this morning. Taking my usual walk aroundthe school I was greetedwith children totally engrossed with traditional board games. The sound of rolling dice, shrills of triumph and social cooperation was a delight to witness in a world of computer games played in solitude.
We end the year reflecting on triumphs in sport and in academics. I am often complimented by visitors to the school,on the happy, friendly atmosphere and creative curriculum within the school. Recently our year 6 children showcased
the school to new parents talking endlessly about their experiences here over
the last 5 years. They talked of the residentials, arts weeks, choir trips to the
O2, visiting Elmstree studios and seeing Dawn French, IT facilities, trips, dressing up days, great teachers and even their maths and literacy learning. We are an inclusive school and our working practices reflect this.
This year we have made improvements in communication with parents. The newsletter will shortly be distributed by email, the website and paper versions are held in the school office. I would urge parents to be more pro-active i
n accessing the newsletter as all too often parents will say they didn’t know cer
tain events were happening. Many suggestions made through the parents forum
group have also improved communications.
I would like to thank the PTFA who have raised a staggering £11,000 with support from the previous PTFA. These funds will go towards items and experiences for the children (KS1 trim trail) that would not have otherwise been possible.
I would like to thank all the staff in their varied roles of teacher, teaching assistant, office, lunchtime supervisor, caretaker or cleaner. We are a strong team which benefits the children’s experience here.
Thank you for all your kind Christmas gifts to the staff and myself. It is very generous and thoughtful.
Finally, we have welcomed many new staff, children and parents all of whom shaped our school community. Sadly we have also experienced the loss of close ones in our community. As I said in my address at the KS2 praise assembly ‘let us think about those who cannot be with us at Christmas and enjoy those
who are’. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
Inset date change
Due to matters beyond our control the INSET day for Friday 17th March 2017 has been changed to Monday 16th January 2017. We apologise for any inconvenience and would hope that 1 months notice will help prepare for childcare provision.
Crossing Patrol Warden
We have appointed a new crossing patrol warden for Chance Street starting in the New Year.
A Reminder – After School Club Parking
A reminder please that the staff car park should not be used by parents picking up from after school clubs. Last Tuesday evening was particularly overwhelming and dangerous as children who walk alone had to navigate the ‘wacky Races’ scene in the car park. I will be leaving the gates locked on Tuesdays to prevent this happening again. We are only considering the safety and welfare ofyour children.
Parent Prayer Group
We have had a very positive response to the parent prayer group and Mr Scorer will be releasing details in the new year.
Pre-School
Our pre-school is increasing weekly with new children joining. We have Free Funded
places available for all 2, 3 and 4 year olds. The Pre-School team is led by Miss Rowland and Mrs McMahon and supported by Mrs Hughes, Miss Hewett, Miss Smith and Miss Merriman.
If you have a pre-school aged child why not drop by and see the team and view the amazing learning experiences.
A Reminder – Open Days Reception Parents for 2017
We have a final open morning for parents with children looking to start school in September 2017 on Tuesday 10th January 2017 between 10-12noon. Our last two open mornings were well attended with over 60 parents attending.
No Clubs W/b 2/1/2017
Dates
Tuesday 3rd January School starts back at 8.50am
Friday 13th January Y5 & Y6 Space Dome
Monday 16th January INSET day
