16 May 2008 - Newsletter 31

 

Newsletter No. 31
Friday 16th May 2008

 

Dear Parents, Carers and Governors,

 

The New Playground
I have been assured that it will be finished for Monday! Each class will be introduced to the equipment and trained so they are clear about how to have fun safely. Most of it is common sense (no climbing onto the train roof or onto the top of the monkey bars) but please ensure that the children do not use the equipment on Monday before school if the orange fence has been removed.
The equipment has been designed to be self-regulating; for example the fireman’s pole is a more challenging task, so the layout means children won’t be able to get to it unless they are quite able. So please do not help your child onto equipment that they cannot reach for themselves. The monkey bars are a good example of this, which is why it has remained as an independent task and can’t be accessed by smaller children.
This is an excellent way to develop the children’s physical skills and give them different things to play on as they grow up.

 

Climbing over the gates and in the foundation stage playground
I’m seeing quite a few children climbing in areas where they shouldn’t before and after school at the moment; climbing on the foundation stage area play panels, sitting on the roof of the playhouse and climbing over the gates by the London Road entrance. Children know this isn’t allowed in school time, so please check your child is following these rules at other times – thank you.

Primary Times
Following a suggestion at our parents’ consultation last term, you should have all received a copy of the Primary Times magazine this week. It’s good for ideas on what to do in the holidays, local children’s clubs and other ideas.

 

Book Fair
Many thanks for those who bought books at the book fair. We took over £400, which meant we were able to take £172 worth of books in commission.
So many thanks – every little helps!

 

Active Kids 2008
There are only a few weeks to go, so please keep collecting!

Open Day for Prospective Parents – 24th September

We have set our date for the next Open Day for prospective parents. It will be Wednesday 24th September at 9.15am. If you know of any parents who would want to look round the school, do let pass that date to them. If they can’t make that date, just ask them to call the office to make another appointment. Many thanks!

 

New School Mission Statement
Click here for a copy of our new school Mission Statement.  This was written, after a lot of thought and discussion, by a working group made up of representatives from the staff, governors and parents.  We hope that it reflects the ethos of our school and what we aim to achieve.  The School Council will be talking about the new Mission Statement next week and will decide how best to share it with all the children.  They will also be thinking about writing a school motto, so if you have any ideas for one please write them down and pop them in the suggestion box outside the office. Thankyou!

 

Reports – comments sheets from parents and children
Many thanks to those who have had a chance to return their reports comments sheet; we’ve enjoyed reading the comments so far. It’s not too late, so do return the sheet or use any paper to write your responses.
I was pleased to read one child’s comments “My report makes me feel happy”.

 

Foundation Stage (Blue Class) parent questionnaire
Thanks for all the responses to this important questionnaire. Please return any outstanding reports to the office. The information will be collated and reported back to  you.

Christian Aid Week
Thanks for all your kind donations to our Christian Aid week collection. Do pop in any other donations to the school and we will pass those on for you.

Water Bottles
Please can you make sure that your child only has water in their bottles and not squash or fizzy drinks.

 

PTA News

Firstly thank you for your overwhelming support for our Fun Mats project – I was staggered to be able to sent off an order for 322 different items and we have made £300 profit for the PTA. Many thanks.

A few other points:
•     The next School Link catalogue is now available in Mrs Dobson’s leaflet holder outside the office. To date this project has raised  £52.50 in free books for the school so do have a look if you are interested in supporting our school in this way.
•   Thursday 22nd next week is our next cake sale – this time with Year 1 families providing the goodies. Remember to turn up a little early for pickup if you want a good choice, and bring plenty of small change!
•    Can I also take this chance to remind you that the PTA has a chocolate fountain available for private hire for only £15. Please see Rachael Blain for further details or look on the PTA page of our website.

• Finally at our PTA meeting last week we set the date for our AGM to be on Tuesday 17th June at 7:30pm. More details will follow but please mark this date in your calendar.

Claire Lawrence

Vice-Chair.

 

Local Weather Forecast
Light rain on Saturday, sunny intervals on Sunday!

 

Helen Ball
Headteacher