November 2008 Newsletter

Dear Parents,

We hope that you all had a very enjoyable break. It was very good to see so many of you at Open Evening before half term. If you were unable to see your child’s class teacher then you can still make an appointment to see them after school. We are hoping to have had individual meetings with all our parents by the end of this term with regard to your child’s progress at school.

This is the beginning of a very busy half term in school, particularly the last 2 weeks. Please make sure that you look at the diary dates on the back of this newsletter for information as to what is going on in school. We do ask that you only come to one of the Christmas play performances on any one day, as seating is limited and that you bring younger children to the morning performance only.

We were very pleased with the response to the sale of Christmas cards designed by the pupils. The children have produced some beautiful cards and they will look very professional when printed out.

Thank you very much for all the “Let’s Grow” Morrison supermarket vouchers you have very kindly sent us this term. The offer is now coming to an end, so, if you still have any vouchers that you can send in, could we have them as soon as possible please so that we can send off our order.

With the onset of typical November weather can we please remind you that your child needs a warm outdoor coat in school every day. The children can be outside for at least half an hour at lunchtime and need adequate protection against the cold & wind.

Also remember that gloves, scarves hats etc. all need to be clearly named as they are easily mislaid and therefore non returnable unless easily identifiable. The lost property box is in the entrance hall for all unnamed items which cannot be given back to their owners.

A lot of our children go to Rainbows and Beavers after school and have lots of fun there. We have been asked to let you know that there are spaces available in both clubs if your child is interested in attending. Please ring Mrs Copsey on 07940521798 for further details. The sessions are at Upshire or Waltham Abbey from Tuesday – Friday.

We would like to remind parents that, in the event that mums and dads are no longer living together, we are very happy to ensure that both parents receive school letters, newsletters etc. If you would like to be added to our list of parents who are sent this information, please give the school an address where you can be contacted.ek.

The Children Centre in Waltham Abbey library, run by Phillipa Hyams, continues to expand. Families with young children can access a lot of useful information there and Philippa is on hand to signpost where help can be obtained from a host of other agencies. Please contact her by visiting the library or if you would prefer, Mrs James can pass your details on to her. Mrs. James direct school phone number is 01992 718297..

It has been a pleasure to see so many parents & grandparents taking advantage of the opportunity to come and eat a school lunch with their children. We do ask that your child tries a school dinner on this occasion so that both you and your child can sample the quality of the meals that are served daily to the children. The parents we have spoken to this term really enjoy being able to share this special time and chat in a social situation with the children and other parents.

We will be inviting Year 2 grandparents into school on the afternoon 25th November. It gives the children great pleasure to be able to work with their grandparents in the classroom. We are aware of the importance of encouraging this interaction between the generations. Many children are looked after by their grandparents during the holidays and after school. This allows grandparents to develop a greater understanding as to how they can help their grandchildren and an opportunity to talk to their class teacher.

A reminder to all parents that if you are applying for a reception place for September 2009 you must apply by the beginning of December 2008. Failure to do so could result in you not being given a place at the school of your first choice. You can apply online but all prospective Year R parents should have been sent an application pack by Essex Planning & Admissions dept. If you have any queries about this please contact Planning & Admissions. Their number is 0845 603 2200.

With best wishes to you all
Mrs. Mooney and all the staff

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.

November

4th - Mrs Penketh’s class parents invited in to lunch all week
6th - Year 1 Lego town planning day
7th - Gold Award assembly – Mrs Penketh’s class
10th - Mrs Kemp’s class parents invited in to lunch all week
14th - Children in Need – 20p to bring in a small bear to school for the day, Gold Award assembly – Mrs Kemp’s class
17th - Year 2 Florence Nightingale workshop
20th - 9.00a.m. PTA meeting
21st - Year R visit from Harlow museum
25th - p.m. Year 2 Grandparents’ afternoon

December

10th - Year 2 Christmas plays, 10.00 a.m. Performance for parents bringing children, 1.45p.m. Performance for parents without children
11th - Year 1 Christmas plays, 10.00a.m. Performance for parents bringing children, 1.45p.m. Performance for parents without children
12th - Year R Christmas plays, 10.00a.m. Performance for parents bringing children, 1.45p.m. Performance for parents without children
15th - PTA – photos of Children with Father Christmas, Visit to Waltham Abbey town hall to see Aladdin, a.m. Year R & Year 1, p.m.Year 2
16th - Christmas lunch
17th - Christmas Carol service in Waltham Abbey church – Children & staff only
18th - p.m. Christmas party
19th - 2.00p.m. School breaks up

School reopens on Monday 5th January 2009

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