April 2008 Newsletter

Dear Parents,


We are sending out the newsletter a little earlier than usual so that you receive it before the Spring Break. We hope you all enjoyed our “White Easter” but that we can look forward to more Spring like weather over the next two weeks.

Despite the miserable weather our school hall was full of colour thanks to all the entries for our Easter competitions. As usual it was very difficult for the teachers to choose just three winners in each year group, in each category, as the standard was very high. Well done to everyone who took part.

We are very pleased to be able to tell you that Mrs. Davey has given birth to a baby daughter, Caitlin, on 19th March. They are both doing well and we hope to see them in school in the near future.

Congratulations to Mrs. Harding & Mrs Baker on achieving official accreditation from 4Children, called Aiming Higher, for the Breakfast Club. They have worked very hard to gain this prestigious award on behalf of the school. Most importantly, we know that the children enjoy a nutritious breakfast and have a very enjoyable start to their school day. From the Summer term the Breakfast Club will be opening at 7.45 a.m. The cost will be £3.00 per session. The cost for children who start at 8.00 a.m. will remain at £2.50 per session. If you would like further details please contact Mrs Harding via the school office.

We would like to thank Mrs Robinson and her team from Barclays Bank who came into school for the day and transformed the Courtyard garden into our new Eco garden. Mr Ladbury has built a wonderful greenhouse, raised pond, raised bed, pergola and story telling chair which the children will be enjoying very soon.

Also, a big thank you to the ladies of the PTA who organised the Quiz night for us. Mr & Mrs Kemp, ably assisted by Mr. Copsey, led us through a very entertaining evening which was enjoyed by everyone who attended. Mrs Penketh’s table won again and they are setting the standard for the rest of us to beat. The ladies helped to raise £200 that evening for the school.

The PTA are having a meeting on 21st April at 9.15 in school and would like to meet any parents who are able to help with the big summer events – Mr. Bounce & the Fun Day. Please do come along. The more people who help, the less there is for individuals to do. These two events are our best fund raising opportunities of the year for the school and we do appreciate all that the PTA do to support us.

We hope that the weather will be improving as soon as we return after the spring break. The children will be doing PE outside and will need a pair of correctly fitting plimsolls. Can you please check your child’s PE kit and make sure that your child has plimsolls that fit and that everything is clearly named.

You will be aware that we are working very hard to improve school attendance. The majority of children attend regularly and are in school for more than 90% of the year. However we are particularly concerned with the attendance of an increasing number of children who are achieving less than 85%, for whatever reason, including illness and holidays taken during term time. If a child attends school for only 85 % annually they are missing 30 days of school a year which is a complete half a term of schooling. If a child is attending for less than 75% they are missing 50 days, almost a whole term, every year. This must affect a child’s ability to learn and their desire to come to school. It will also impact in later life as they are not developing good habits at this early stage.

It is also upsetting for children to arrive at school late. After the Spring break any child who arrives after 9.30, when the registers are officially closed for the morning session, will be recorded as having an unauthorised absence for that session. The late book will also be examined by the Education Welfare Officer and she may ask to meet with parents whose children are late on a regular basis.

If you would like to discuss any issues you may have about attendance or lateness please contact Mrs. James, who will be very happy to talk to you. We hope that you all have a very enjoyable Spring Break and we look forward to seeing you back in school on 14th April for the start of the Summer Term.

Diary dates

Please note that Gold Award assembly dates have been provisionally booked and may be subject to change. You will receive an invitation confirming these dates nearer the time.

Monday 14th April – School reopens for the summer term
April

14th Miss Sullivan’s class parents invited in to lunch all week
16th Mrs Penketh’s & Mrs Collin’s class going to the library
18th Miss Sullivan’s class Gold Award assembly
21st Mrs. McVie’s class parents invited in to lunch all week 9.15a.m. PTA meeting in school – all are welcome
23rd Yr R – Epping Forest Field Centre trip
24th Individual childrens’ school photos
25th Mrs. McVie’s class Gold Award assembly
28th Miss Wannenburg’s class parents invited in to lunch all week
29th Year 2 Freshwater theatre company “Where in the world is Baxter Bear?”

May

2nd Miss Wannenburg’s class Gold Award assembly
5th May Day Bank Holiday – School closed
6th Mrs. Collin’s class parents invited in to lunch all week
9th Mrs Collin’s class Gold Award assembly
12th Mrs Penketh’s class parents invited in to lunch all week
16th Mrs. Penketh’s class Gold Award assembly
20th Mrs. Kemp’s class parents invited in to lunch all week
22nd PTA cake stall
23rd Mrs. Kemp’s class Gold Award assembly

School breaks up for half term
Monday 2nd June - INSET day – school closed
Tuesday 3rd June - School opens



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