Spring Term Newsletter – February 2010

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Haiti Appeal

 

Thank you to Steve McHiggins and all the children who performed to parents and staff in their efforts to raise money for the Haiti appeal.  A total of £220 was raised after the performance - a terrific amount!

 

A series of fund raising events are planned over the course of the next term to raise more money for the people of Haiti. Further details will follow after half-term.

 

Ofsted

 

It has been three years since the School’s last Inspection.

 

New guidelines from Ofsted highlight that Schools who are in the category good or better will now be inspected within a 3 to 5 year timescale. 

 

To ensure that we are ready for that call, I have instructed the Local Authority to carry out their own 2 day Inspection Review of the School after half term on Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd February.   

 

Inspectors will observe lessons, talk to staff and pupils, analyse data and discuss issues with myself, senior staff and Governors.

 

Please ensure the children arrive promptly on that Monday ready for the Inspectors visit.

 

Building works over half term 

 

·         An inspection of all the School’s electrical installations and lighting will be undertaken to ensure it meets current regulations.

 

·         As part of the School’s drive for Healthy Eating, 7 planting beds will be constructed at the front of the School ready for the children’s return.  It is hoped all classes will grow herbs and vegetables which will be used in the Kitchen at lunch times.

 

·         The central carpet in FS2 will be taken up and replaced with new flooring.

 

·         The old carpet will be taken up in year 5 and the floor sanded and polished.  

 

Parents Forum

 

This term’s Parents Forum will be held on Monday 8th March at 6.00pm. This is an opportunity for parents to discuss any matters relating to school with myself, a governor, as well as a teacher representative.

 

Parent Helpers

 

We are always looking for parents to volunteer their time to support our children with their learning. All volunteers will need to be CRB police checked and forms can be collected from the office. If you can assist in any way, please let me know.  

 

Forthcoming Events

 

As part of the drive to improve writing across the School, Mrs Murphy, the Literacy Subject Co-ordinator, will be taking the lead in a writing workshop for parents on Tuesday 16th March. 

 

Saturday Booster Classes

 

Booster Classes for Year 6 children on Saturday mornings will commence on 6th March. All children from St Patrick’s class are invited to attend to help with their SAT’s preparation.

 

Dates for your Dairy

 

·         Children return to School - Monday 22nd February

·         22nd/ 23rd February - LA Ofsted Review

·         25th  February - Year 2 trip - Environmental Centre

·         26th February - Nick Raynsford, MP Visiting

·         1st March  - Active Kids session with Year 5

·         2nd March - Healthy Eating Assembly by the School Nurse

·         4th March at 3.40pm - Mill on the Brue Parents Meeting

·         8th March -  Citizenship: Around the World Drama Performance - Infant classes

·         10th March - Car Less Talk - Whole School Workshop

·         11th to 17th March - Scholastics Book Fair

·         16th March at 6pm - Parents Writing Workshop

·         21st March - PTFA Easter Fayre

·         24th March - Easter Play (time to be confirmed)

·         25th March - Easter Play (time to be confirmed)

·         26th - 29th March - Mill on the Brue Residential Trip - Years 5 & 6

·         31st March - Year 5 trip - Environmental Centre

·         1st April - Last day of term - School finishes at 2pm

 

Mass Dates

 

Friday 26th February   -  Year 3

Friday 5th March         -  Year 4

Friday 12th March       -  Year 5

Friday 19th March       -  Year 6

 

General

 

The School’s lateness and absence figures have improved over the first half of the Spring term, despite the snow and never ending sickness bugs which seem to have lingered.  It would be great to see these figures continue to improve. 

 

Please ensure you do your utmost to see that your child is in by 8.55am as lateness causes disruption to the rest of the class.

 

Thank you for your continued assistance in supporting us with our drive for children to wear the correct uniform to and from the school.

 

Have a restful week and I look forward to seeing you all on Monday 22nd February, refreshed and ready to enjoy another successful half term.

 

 

Sean Small

Headteacher