14th March, 2008
NEWSLETTER 22
As we come to the last week of term, the sun is beginning to shine more readily and the daffodils and primroses are in bloom – hopefully all good omens for a warmer Easter holiday! I think everyone is ready for this break and with some fresh air and rest; all the illness bugs we have been fending off will finally go and we will hopefully all come back much healthier!
Please note there have been several cases of ‘Slapped cheek’ in school again. While this is not an illness that children need to be away from school for unless they feel unwell, it can cause miscarriage in early pregnancy and we advise parents to contact their doctor if this applies to them.
Well-known jazz and sax musician Soweto Kinch (Old Bromsgrovian) will be playing at the Artrix Theatre, Bromsgrove on Monday 17th March at 7.45pm. Further details from the Music Department, Bromsgrove School – 01527 579679 Ext.235
Reading books
We will not be sending reading books home from Monday next week or for the Easter Holiday as we will be completing an inventory of them all. However, please continue to encourage your child to read ‘home’ books and Library books over the holiday.
The Pre-School concert – “Happy Hat Land” was a great success this week. Congratulations to Mrs. Symonds and all the Preschool team for all their time and effort in pulling this performance together – all the children were very involved and obviously enjoying themselves.
Aftercare
Two points to note:
Please do not just take children from the aftercare session without speaking to the staff on duty and signing the register to record that you have taken your child (particularly when they are outside playing). This is for the children’s safety and staff peace of mind!
Parents will be charged for the cost of the aftercare tea if they cancel the booking on the day. The school needs to be informed the day before if parents do not want this charge to be levied.
After School Activities
All teachers’ clubs (Years 1 and 2) have now finished for the term. Please look out for the new booking form which will come out on the first day of next term.
Pottery - Last session for this term will take place on Monday 17th March
French and Spanish (together) - Last session on Tuesday 18th March
Ballet will finish today (Friday 14th) for this term. If you wish your child to do Ballet next term, please note today is the deadline for returning your form and payment. Ballet begins again next term on Friday 18th April.
If you require aftercare on Monday or Tuesday next week, please contact the office as soon as possible as places are limited.
P.A. Easter Egg Hunt
The Easter Bunny will be visiting the school on the last morning of term, Wednesday 19th March to meet the children and help them find some treats in the garden!
The term ends on Wednesday 19th March at
11.50am for Kindergarten
12.00pm for Pre-School
12.10pm for Reception
12.20pm for Year 1
12.30pm for Year 2.
If you have children to collect in different year groups, please collect them all at the later time for the eldest child.
End of term - the last bus will run on the morning of Wednesday 19th March.
If you use the bus, please make alternative arrangements for collection from school on that day.
Normal bus service resumes Thursday 17th April.
Staff News
I am very pleased to tell you we have appointed Miss Sherriff as Reception class teacher from September 2008, to replace Mrs Wilson who will be retiring from teaching at the end of the summer term, in July. Miss Sherriff will be visiting the school again in the summer term and we will also arrange an opportunity for parents of Reception children next year, to meet her informally prior to her starting in September.
Mrs Cattell has decided not to return to school this academic year in order to spend more time with her daughter. However, she will be returning to school full time in September 2008. Ms Peppercorn will continue to teach her class until the end of this academic year.
PA Race Night
Have you booked your place yet? Please support the Parents’ Association in it’s fundraising for all children on our school by coming along on Friday 2nd May. I am told many are talking about coming to this event but the committee need you to show support by buying tickets for this social evening! Contact Emma Maidment (Thomas - Year 2) for further details on 01527 832651.
REMINDERS:
Easter Party for Years 1 and 2
Deadline for booking a place for your child is Monday 17th March (Please note no tickets will be issued for this event. The Parents’ Association will have a list of the names of all the children booked to attend this event. Year 1 children should be collected at 2.10pm and Year 2 should be collected at 2.20pm. The Committee have many exciting activities planned for children attending this event.
School Shop
The shop will be open each day in the holiday except Good Friday and Easter Monday. The hours Monday to Friday are 10.00am to 4.00pm; closed for lunch between 12.30 and 1.00pm each day.
School Uniform
Children should return to school on Thursday 17th April in Summer Uniform i.e. short trousers for boys, summer dresses for girls and blazers and hats for all except Preschool and Kindergarten. Girls should wear white socks with the summer dress.
If the weather is still cool at the beginning of the term – children will continue to be able to wear their fleece and school tracksuit bottoms when outside, however, many children are already playing outside without sweaters on some days.
Children will need trainers in school from the beginning of the new term. Please can they be Velcro fastening (or can children be taught to tie their laces before they have laces). Some children have grown out of the trainers they have in school and are quite uncomfortable. Please check your children’s shoe size in case they need new trainers for the Summer Term.
Swimming
Please note that there will be swimming for Years 1 and 2 on the first Friday back in the summer term Friday 18th April.
Reception swimming starts on Wednesday 23rd April.
Aftercare
Aftercare forms will be sent out during the first 2 days back next term, together with the Teachers’ Clubs form.
However, if you require aftercare for either 17th or 18th April please let the office know during the holiday by leaving a telephone message or by e-mail to preprep@bromsgrove-school.co.uk
Holiday Club
Thank you to everyone who returned their forms promptly. Holiday Club will be running as advertised during the Easter break. Bookings for this have now closed as we are full. Please remember if you are a working parent and you know you will need to book your child into holiday club, please return your forms at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment. Please note there will be no Holiday Club during the summer half term break. We will let you know as soon as the Summer Holiday Club forms are available.
Holiday Club
If parents using this facility need to contact Holiday Club, please ring 07930 751587
7th March 2008
NEWSLETTER 21
I hope you have all received the letter from the Headmaster, sent home yesterday with the children, containing excellent news. Congratulations to Mrs Deval-Reed on her appointment as Head teacher elect for our school from September 2009. I for one am absolutely delighted; Mrs Deval-Reed has all the qualities required and I feel sure you will all agree, she is an excellent choice. We will continue to work very closely together over the next 18 months and I am confident the hand-over in July 2009 will be smooth and painless!
Traffic news!
I know you will all have appreciated the Hanbury Road being closed to traffic over the last two weeks – the drive has never been so clear in the mornings! However, I have to point out that from next week I have been informed the road will be opened for single lane traffic with traffic lights operating. This will be for the duration of the road work, which was estimated to be for the next six weeks and will probably cause some delays – you have been warned!
Pre-school outing
The Pre-school topic on ‘Homes’ is proving very interesting in many ways. The Pre-school children visited the Pre-fab building in Avoncroft Museum on Monday this week to see if they could identify things that are different from their homes today. It was very interesting listening to their comments both before and after the visit. They all enjoyed this mini adventure - many thanks to the Pre-school parents who came along to help with this outing.
World Book Day – Thursday 6th March
The children have had discussion about this in school and Reception classes visited Bromsgrove Library to listen to a story and find out more about how the Library works, as part of this event. We hope everyone makes use of the £1 book token they received last week. If you place an order from the next ‘The Book People’ leaflet they will accept these book tokens as part payment.
Visitors this week
Reception enjoyed a visit from two Community Support Officers on Wednesday. The visit was part of their on going topic of ‘People who help us’ and the children enjoyed the opportunity to sit in the police car, turning on the lights and sounding the siren – as all other year groups will testify!
On Thursday, Mrs Michell brought in one of their new lambs into school for all the children to see and help to feed and on Friday Reception had a visit from a puppy, training to be a guide dog, which was very popular particularly with the staff!
Tesco and Sainsbury’s vouchers
Collection boxes for both of these are in the front hall. Please keep sending them in!
Notice of leaving - reminder
Anyone who is intending to withdraw from Bromsgrove School at the end of the summer term must inform the school, in writing, by the end of the Lent term, Wednesday 19th March, to give the required one term’s notice. If notice is not given, a term’s fees in lieu of notice will be charged. This applies to all children currently in Pre-Prep and Nursery, including Year 2 children who are eligible to move to the Prep School in September.
Reminder – Dogs should not be allowed to run or walked around the school field for Health and Safety reasons. Children use this field for activities.
Medicines
We have had an incredible increase in the number of children we are being asked to give medicines to. Most of the medicines brought into school can be bought over-the-counter such as ‘Calpol’ and are not medicines prescribed by a doctor, as described in our ‘Information for Parents’ booklet.
Whilst we are happy to give medicine prescribed by a doctor this will only be if parent have completed the relevant form, which can be found outside the office.
We will no longer give any medicine other than that prescribed by a doctor, to be completed as a course. If a child needs such over-the-counter medicine regularly they are probably not well enough to be in school
Reception Heath Checks
All children should have a developmental check from their Health Visitor or GP around their 5th birthday. We also recommend sight and hearing checks are done at this time. Appointments for these checks are not automatically sent out – parents should arrange an appointment for their child through their own GP surgery.
PA Events
You should receive two letters in the children’s bag this weekend. One is the invitation to the Easter party for Year 1 and Year 2 with a return slip for booking.
There should also be the information and sponsor forms for the Wacky Races, to be held on May 5th. Please look out for them.
After School Activities
Football will finish for the term on Thursday 13th March.
Pottery and Gymnastics finish for the term on Monday 17th March.
Spanish will take place as normal next Wednesday 12th March but the following week French and Spanish will both take place for the final session this term on Tuesday 18th March
All teachers’ activities and Ballet will finish for this term by Friday 14th March.
There are still places available for pottery for the second half term (summer term) forms are available outside the office.
If you require any extra aftercare sessions in the last two full days of term please enquire and book at the office – places are limited and we may have to refuse.
The ‘Activity letter’ to select a teacher’s activity for the Summer Term, will be sent out on the first day of the summer term.
Football for the summer term is now full.
Please return all Ballet forms no later than Friday 14th March.
School Buses
Please note there will be NO school transport after the morning run on Wednesday 19th March.
SCHOOL FINISHES on Wednesday 19th March between 12.00 noon and 12.30 p.m.
Buses will recommence on Thursday 17th April, the first day of summer term.
Holiday Club
Today is the deadline for the Easter Holiday Club. No bookings will be accepted after today.
29th February 2008
NEWSLETTER 20
We were pleased to see so many parents on Monday at our Open Afternoon and hope you found it useful to see just what your children have been working on so far this year. There are no formal parents’ evenings this term but if you have any queries or concerns please speak to your child’s class teacher and if necessary, arrange a convenient time to meet with them. We do not send home a written report at the end of this term.
Congratulations go to Mr Roberson, our caretaker, who became the proud Grandfather to Jack this week. Jack was born in the early hours of Wednesday morning and our congratulations go to all the family on the safe arrival of this new addition.
PA event
‘Jilly Jellybean’
Magic, music and games with Scamp and Barney
Saturday 8th March – 10.45 until 1.00pm
Tickets £7 each
Year 1 children welcome to attend.
Fire Brigade visits Reception
The fire brigade came to visit Reception classes this week. They gave the children a talk on fire safety (at a level they could understand!) and then the fun part began – each class was allowed to climb into the fire tender and the children were able to hold the hoses and aim the water at targets set up in the garden. A good time was had by all and the children learnt a great deal in the process.
IAPS Pre-Prep Head Teachers Conference
Mrs Deval-Reed and I will be attending the IAPS Pre-Prep Head Teachers Conference in Stratford on 6th and 7th March; in our absence Mrs Symonds will be in charge of the school. We will be back in school the following Monday refreshed and full of inspiration and ideas for our school!
Naming of Uniform
If your child has any item of uniform bought from the Uniform Exchange or from another family, please ensure you remove the old name labels and sew your own child’s name into the garment. We cannot return items to their rightful owners if they have the wrong name in them!
22nd February 2008
NEWSLETTER 19
Welcome back. We hope everyone had a restful break over half term – the children certainly seem very lively!
I am pleased to tell you that Mrs Drew will be working in the office every day with either Mrs Ingram or Mrs Bayliss. She has been working with us every Tuesday and Thursday for the last two years but will now be with us every day from first thing in the morning. I feel sure you will all get to know her well from now on.
Road Works – Hanbury Road
Work to replace the water mains will commence on Monday 25th February. Phase 1 of the work will take place from the junction at Brickhouse Lane and Hanbury Road and will continue down to Shaw Lane, for approximately 8 weeks. To enable this work to be carried out safely the road will be closed completely for two weeks (from25th) and for the remaining 6 weeks there will be three-way rolling traffic lights in operation.
For the first two weeks we should find it easier to get in and out of school once the road closure has been recognised by the usual traffic and they have established other routes but after this there will probably be delays. I will endeavour to keep you informed as the work progresses.
Bulbs
The bulbs in the wooded area between school and the car park are growing well. Please ensure children do not go into this area and trample them. We are looking forward to admiring them in flower very soon!
Preschool – ‘Homes’ topic
If there are any parents who have experience of or know anyone in the building trade i.e. bricklayer, plumber, electrics, site manager, who would be prepared to come into Preschool for an afternoon and give a talk about their trade to the children, please let Mrs Symonds know.
Open Afternoon
Just a reminder that our informal parents’ afternoons will be on Monday 25th February from the end of the normal school day for Preschool, Reception and Year 1 (Year 2 will have their open afternoon next term). We look forward to welcoming you, with your children, into the classrooms to meet staff and have a look at the work children have been doing so far this year. This is a very informal occasion, there are no appointment times. If you would like to speak to the class teacher privately, please make a separate appointment for another day. Parking will be open in the school field for this afternoon. Pottery and Gymnastics will take place as usual on this afternoon.
Points to Note:
Bromsgrove School News Review – the latest version should be in the reading bag of the eldest child in every family. If there are older siblings at Prep or Senior School, they will have the copy to ensure one copy per family. We hope you enjoy reading them!
World Book Day token – these have been sent home in the children’s reading bags today. They can be used any time between 3rd – 30th March
We are now collecting tokens for Sainsbury’s Active Kids. Please leave any tokens you accumulate in the collection box in the front hall.
Mrs Mellar has requested ‘baling string’ to be used for Forest School activities. If any one has some they could let her have, or knows where she might purchase this, please speak to her as soon as possible.
Ballet forms are available for the Summer term from the front hall.
Holiday Club - Forms are now available outside the office for Easter Holiday Club
Increase to Nursery Sessions (Kindergarten and Preschool)
Any increase to Nursery sessions for the Summer Term 2008 in both Kindergarten & Preschool must be discussed with Mrs Symonds and Mrs Draycott to check availability. The School Office must then be informed in writing by Monday 3rd March. There will be no further opportunity to change after this date, as the Finance Office has issued a deadline for billing.
8th February
NEWSLETTER 18
This has been a very busy week, starting with Shrove Tuesday, which all the children know as Pancake Day. Mr Lee-Smith demonstrated the best way to toss pancakes in assembly on Tuesday and he did not drop one!
On Thursday we celebrated the start of Chinese New Year in assembly, with the story of the animal race. This is the year of the Rat; he came first in the race between the twelve animals, from where the names of the Chinese years come. Chinese pupils from the Senior School came into Reception classes in the afternoon to talk about how they celebrate Chinese New Year and to show the children how to write their names in Chinese letters. This visit was really enjoyed by all concerned.
School Link Books
We have one set of unclaimed, unnamed books in the office. If you ordered some books and have not yet received them please call in to the office to collect them.
PA News
Mr Roberson has been very busy in the last few weeks installing the wooden play equipment, bought by funds for the PA Committee. The ‘Story-teller's chair’ is visible in Forest school and is used several days every week. There is a ‘finger maze’ in the nursery garden, an outside xylophone bordering the play-lawn and a musical turtle, which is also designed to be climbed on, close to the activity trail.
We have also put up some teaching/play aids in the courtyard, which staff will be able to use for outside literacy and numeracy lessons and children can use daily for practice and consolidation of their learning while they are outside playing with their friends.
The children are making good use of all these additions to their play space. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the fundraising for these very much appreciated extras.
If anyone has photographs (as digital jpegs) of any of the school events or those held by the PA, we would appreciate a copy being sent to the school via e-mail.
Uniform Exchange
Volunteers are needed to help on Wednesday mornings. If you have the time and would like to help on a rota, please call into the Uniform Exchange any Wednesday morning between 8.30 and 9.30am.
Date for your Diary
Sunday 28th September 2008 – CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH. Watch out for further information later in the term.
Holiday Club
If your child is booked into holiday club and you need to contact them next week please ring:07930 751587
School Shop Opening Hours
(change to previously published times)
In term time the shop is open Mon-Friday 9.30-6.30 (closed 12.00-12.30 lunch)
and on a Saturday 9.00-5.30 (closed 2.00-2.30).
During holiday time it is usually open Mon-Friday 10.00-4.00 (closed 12.30-1.00).
Points to note:-
All the children should have their PE kit and outside play clothes with them as they come home tonight. Many items need checking that the loops for hanging on the peg and the name tags are still sewn firmly into the garment ready for next half term.
Lost property
Please check your child’s belongings when they come home today. Matilde Giles 1EL is missing two named school jumpers.
We wish you all an enjoyable half term break and hope everyone returns on Monday 18th February, refreshed and free of the unpleasant bugs we have had in school recently.
1st February 2008
NEWSLETTER 17
Over the last two weeks I have been reminding the children of our ‘Golden Rules’ in assemblies. Teachers have also been using their Circle time sessions to reinforce these rules in the classrooms. We have all been concentrating on good manners and general behaviour around the school, which has not been as it should recently, right across the school. However, with these reminders the children are returning to the behaviour we expect.
Mrs Leather came to take assembly on Tuesday this week and Mr Lee-Smith will be coming in next week on Shrove Tuesday – I am sure he will be making something special that morning!
Admissions
If you or anyone you know is considering sending their child to our school, starting in Kindergarten 2008, it would be advisable for them to register now to secure a place as we have received a number of registrations and places are filling up already. We have waiting lists for all other year groups for September 2008.
If any family is intending to withdraw their child at the end of the Summer term 2008, please note the school will require written notice of withdrawal by the end of this term, March 19th, or fees in lieu of notice will be required. This also applies to any child in Year 2 not intending to move into the Prep School.
School Shop
The School shop is open daily during term time 9.30 a.m. to 5.20 p.m. including Saturdays.
The shop will be open during half term Monday to Friday 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. (Closed for lunch 12.30 – 1.00 p.m.) Normal hours resume Monday 18th February.
Head Lice
There have been further cases of head lice in school this week, particularly in Year 1. There is an information sheet in every child’s bag today. Please can all children be checked this weekend and if any are found please can they be treated, along with all the family, before returning to school on Monday.
PA News
The PA Committee met last Monday to review events held last term and plan for this year. They were very active in their fundraising events last term, which added to the funds raised from the Ball last summer giving £15.000 to be spent. The School has put forward some suggestions for playground equipment, which are now being investigated. Many thanks for your support and generosity for all the events held so far. The children have all been enjoying the benefits of the ‘class presents’ Father Christmas gave them at the end of last term.
P.A. Events this term:
‘Jilly Jellybean’ – Saturday 8th March (2+, 3+ and Reception only)
Information in reading bags today.
Easter Egg Hunt - Wednesday 19th March for the whole school, with a visit from the Easter Bunny during the morning.
Easter Party - Wednesday 19th March - 12.30 – 2.00pm (Year 1 and Year 2 only)
The PA Committee ask if there are any volunteers to help with this; please contact them.
Lookout for application forms for these events in reading bags shortly. The numbers will be limited so places will be allocated on a first come/first served basis.
PA Summer term activities:
Race Night – Friday 25th April
‘Wacky Races’ - Monday 5th May sponsored event (May Day. Please note, this day is not a holiday for Bromsgrove School
Summer Fair – Thursday 12th June (following Sports Day)
Parents Sponsored Challenge - 20th to 22nd June
Look out for further information on all these events nearer the time.
Half-Term
We break up for half-term on Friday 8th February. The school will close at 3.30pm and there will be no school transport after the morning run. If you normally use school transport to take your child home on a Friday please make alternative arrangements.
There will be no ballet or aftercare on this day.
Half-Term Holiday Club
Half term Holiday club will run as advertised from Monday 11th February – Friday 15th February inclusive. The School Office will be closed during this week, if you need to contact the School re the Holiday Club please ring the school mobile on 07930 751587.
Reminders:
Meal booking forms – please return by Monday 4th February.
If children are sick or unwell please keep them at home, we do not have the facilities in school to look after children who are ill.
25th January 2008
Newsletter 16
With the colder weather now upon us, we recommend that all children have school gloves and scarf to wear at playtimes (and in aftercare) as they will be going outside for play, even if it is cold.
Please can any outstanding Menu choice forms for next half term and Ethnic origin of pupils forms, be returned to school by Monday 28th January.
Infection control
I ask all parents to respect and abide by the 48 hour rule before returning children into school if children do have the symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting. They should be kept at home for 48 hours after these symptoms have stopped. Some children have returned too soon and continue to be ill in school.
We have already had staff very ill and absent for over a week with this sort of viral infection and we are trying to minimise the risk of it spreading further. Please reinforce the hand washing routines we have taught the children as this is an excellent line of defence against cross infection.
Pre-Prep Open Morning (recruiting for Kindergarten only)
Saturday 26th January - 10.00am to 12.00noon
Informal Open Afternoon
This will be held after half term on Monday 25th February for Year 1, Reception and Pre-School starting from normal school finishing time for the year group (3.00pm – 3.20pm) to 4.00pm for Preschool and to 5.00pm for Reception and Year 1.
We look forward to welcoming parents with their children into the classrooms to meet staff and have a look at the work children have been doing so far this term. This is a very informal occasion, there are no appointment times – if you would like to speak to the class teacher privately, please make a separate appointment for another day.
Half-term holiday
Please note we break up for half-term on Friday 8th February and school is closed for one week. The school will close at 3.30pm and there will be no school transport to take children home after the morning run. If you use school transport to take your child home, please make alternative arrangements. Please note there will be no ballet or aftercare on this day.
Holiday club will be open Monday 11th to Friday 15th February.
The deadline for Holiday Club bookings is today!
Prior Notice: End of term the last bus will run on the morning of Wednesday 19th March.
If you use the bus, please make alternative arrangements for after school. Normal bus service resumes when school re-opens on Thursday 17th April.
18th January, 2008
NEWSLETTER 15
School is back in full swing this week, with all the clubs and activities up and running. Mr Lee-Smith took assembly on Thursday of this week and he talked about nature in the winter and brought some bulbs from home for the children to look at. This linked in with the assembly theme for this week; ‘Winter’.
Please note: we have seen several cases of Fifth disease, more commonly known as ‘Slapped cheek disease’ this week. This is infectious and children with it develop a characteristic red rash on the cheeks, just as though they have been slapped. This is followed by a lace-like rash on the body and limbs, which may last up to three weeks - often fading and then returning when exposed to heat. While this does not usually affect the children too badly and they can be in school if they feel physically well, adults may experience pain and inflammation in their joints as well as the rash. Pregnant women could be affected, particularly in the first trimester as it can cause miscarriage. If a pregnant woman develops a rash that could be ‘Slapped Cheek’ she should consult her doctor.
Year 2 Parents
Please remember to sign up for the formal Parents’ Evening from
Monday 21st January. Lists will be on the Year 2 board in the main cloakroom
Charity donations
I have received the final total and a certificate from NSPCC this week for the collection made on their behalf last term and it was an astounding £2693.15. Thank you to everyone who took part in this sponsored event, the certificate is displayed on the charities notice board by the main front door. This total, coupled with the collection for the twin charity ‘Childline’ at Christmas, which totalled £751 give a grand total of £3444.15 donated to one of our chosen charities for this year – an amazing achievement!
School Lunch Menus
The menu choice forms for the meals after half-term should have come home in the children’s bags yesterday. Please can they be returned as soon as possible next week in order that the children can have their choice of food, which will not be the case if we do not get the form back in time.
School Link Book People
Can all School Link Book People forms be returned to school by Friday 25th January. We have had quite a large order already and this means the school will benefit even more form the books we can choose on the commission so thank you.
The School Number is 4967632.
Open Morning
Just a reminder, that our next Open Morning will be held on Saturday 26th January, between 10.00am and 12.00noon. If you know anyone who may be interested in a Kindergarten place at our school in 2008 or 2009 please contact the school office for further information. There are currently waiting lists for all other year groups.
A letter from the Headmaster, regarding the GCSE results, has been e-mailed to parents this week. If you would like a paper copy please collect one from outside the school office.
11th January 2008
NEWSLETTER 14
Our first full week of the new term has flown by, however, some children have really struggled to get back into the daily routines and seem very tired – we recommend a relaxing weekend with early bedtimes to get them all back on track for the new term.
On Friday 4th January, before term started, thirty members of the Pre-Prep staff attended a First Aid training day here in school. This was to renew their qualifications in Basic Paediatric First Aid and I am delighted to say all have re-qualified.
We are all really pleased to have Mrs Western back teaching in Year 2 this term following her absence due to a back injury last half term. She is not fully recovered and will still need to attend physiotherapy sessions occasionally (when I will cover her class) but she is very pleased to be back in school. We are also pleased to have Mrs Bowditch back in Reception year, having been absent last term also with a back injury.
This week, two new Gap Students joined us at Pre-Prep - Ellie Lightfoot from Australia and Nick Enstone from New Zealand. They will be working in the classrooms in Year 1 and Year 2 every Tuesday and Thursday morning throughout 2008, so the children will get to know them really well. We welcomed them to our country and school and assured them that the weather does get better - sometimes!
If receipt of our newsletter via e-mail has been unsuccessful to your system, please come into school and collect the letters, which are all available from outside the office.
Hand washing
With the virulent ‘novo virus’ currently going around schools and hospitals in the area, this week we have reminded all children of the importance of washing their hands thoroughly before eating anything and after using the toilet. We hope this can be reinforced at home as it is one of the most effective ways of reducing the likelihood of cross infection. If children do have the symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting they should be kept at home for 48 hours after these symptoms have stopped.
Routine eye check
I remind all parents, but particularly Reception year, eye checks for children between age 4 and 5 are not routinely available to children in independent schools. It is advisable that all children have their eyes tested at this age and we recommend parents make an appointment with their local optician. If staff notice any child who appears to have a problem they will of course speak to the parents as soon as possible, but often children are not aware they have a problem and it will affect their ability to read and work in school, delaying their academic progress and sometimes causing headaches, if not picked up as soon as possible.
Head lice
There have been several cases of head lice in Year 1 this week. Please can all parents check your children’s hair this weekend and treat any you find with the appropriate lotion recommended by your local pharmacist. All adults in the family should also be checked and treated if necessary, in order to eradicate this pest.
All girls should have their hair tied back neatly off the face for school and boys’ hair should be cut short over the ears and at least above their shirt collar at the back. There are several children in school (boys and girls) who need to have their hair brushed more regularly than others to keep themselves tidy in school. Please can a small brush or comb be put in the school reading bag if you feel this is the case for your child.
After school activities
The full programme of teacher’s activities for Years 1 and 2 begin next week. The sheet indicating which teacher-led activity your child has been allocated is available as an attachment with this letter.
Half Term Holiday Club (11th – 15th February)
Deadline for bookings is Friday 25th January. Forms are available from outside the office.
Bookings must be made in advance or children will not be able to attend at half term.
S. Pickering
7th January, 2008
NEWSLETTER 13
I wish you all a happy, healthy and successful 2008 and a very warm welcome to all the new families who have joined our school this term. Starting this term, we will be sending a newsletter every Friday, by email, to keep you up to date with what is happening in school. Please look out for this each Friday in your in boxes and let the office know if you have not received it. Paper copies will be available from outside the office in the red wall pockets. A copy will also be displayed on the Parents Information notice board, outside the office. Copies of any information sent home, are kept in the red file on the table outside the office, for reference.
If you require a copy of the newsletter (or any other information) to be forwarded to both parents please inform the office.
P.E. Kit and Overalls
Please can these be in school by Wednesday 9th January ready for the full timetable to commence.
Trainers should be in school from today, to change into for outside play.
Children will wear their fleece and tracksuit bottoms (or over-trousers, which are optional and available from the school shop) to play outside this term, also their gloves and scarves if they have them. Please ensure these items are in school, named and with intact loop for hanging on their peg.
Car Park
A reminder of the system for all parents:
The gate into the top end of the field is the only way IN to all the parking areas.
Parents please park in the field car park.
Staff parking only in the main car park between 8.00am and 12.00noon
The only way OUT of the parking area is via the bottom field gate, thus creating a one way system.
When leaving the school, please do not enter the marked area outside the new IN gate, unless your exit is clear, to allow vehicles space to turn into the gate. Also, please keep the marked area adjacent to the car park exit clear.
Parents wishing to drop children off at the front of school in the morning should continue on the drive up to the front of school and use the “roundabout”, as before.
Collection Times
Nursery 3.00pm - Park and collect
Reception 3.10pm - Park and collect
Year 1 3.20pm - Roundabout system
Year 2 3.30pm - Roundabout system
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR UNATTENDED ON THE DRIVE AT ANY TIME.
Please note: the mobile phone contact number after 4.00pm each evening is 07930-751587
Aftercare
If you require aftercare this week please tell the office as soon as possible.
Aftercare forms will be sent home on Friday (with the club confirmation slips) to complete and return on Monday 14th January, for the rest of this term.
Activities
Pottery, Gymnastics, French, Spanish, Football and Ballet commence this week.
N.B. Football – would all children wear warm clothes over their kit; tracksuit bottoms, warm tops, gloves and a hat, as they will be outside – whatever the weather!
The form for Year 1 and 2 children to apply for the activities on offer this term is with this letter. Please return no later than Tuesday 8th January. Confirmation of which teacher led club your child has been allocated will be sent home on Friday.
All teacher-led clubs & activities will commence week beginning Monday 14th January.
Swimming will resume for Years 1 and 2 on Friday 12th January. Please refer to your ‘Dates for Diary’ sheet for all other dates.
Prep School Open Morning
The Prep School Open Morning will be this Saturday, 12th January, from 9.00am. Families interested in attending – particularly Year 1 and Year 2 – please telephone the admissions department (01527 579679 ext. 273 or 318) to let them know, for their catering requirements. The new Prep School Headmaster, Mr Richard Evans, will be attending this event and also the Open morning in April. This weekend is short notice and the weather may not be very conducive to walking around the school site – April may be more pleasant and will definitely be less crowded! Both days will give an ideal opportunity to look around the Prep and Senior Schools and see the Activities Programme at the Prep School, in action.
S. Pickering
Michaelmas Term Letters
Summer Term Highlights
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