September 2008 Newsletter

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to everyone after the summer holiday. We hope that you all had a lovely break.

If you and your children are new to our school we hope that it is the beginning of a very long and happy association with us.

We have some staff changes this year. Last term, sadly, we had to say goodbye to Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Croney, Mrs. Phillips, Ms Saunders and Mr Phipps.

However we are very pleased to welcome Mrs Cuncarr, who has joined us to teach in Year 1 and is also our Keystage 1 and maths subject leader. Miss Wannenburg has returned and will be teaching in Year R.

A big thank you to everyone who stayed and enjoyed the PTA Funday after Sports Day, at the end of last term. It was a lovely occasion and our new attractions, especially the go-karts & the barbeque, were particularly popular. We are extremely grateful to Ms. Wiggs who very bravely allowed her hair to be cut as a sponsored event. The whole afternoon raised just under £ 1300 which was a fantastic achievement and we are very grateful to all the parents and staff who worked so hard to organise such a successful day. The ladies hope that some of our new parents will join the PTA in order to help with this year’s events. If you are able to offer some time, however little you think it may be, please do contact Mrs. Bailey, through the school office.

This year we have decided to make a change from providing our usual parenting groups. On every Tuesday morning, starting on 9th September, from 9.00-9.30 Mrs Bailey, our school nurse, Mrs James, our home/school liaison TA and Mrs. Mooney will be available to see parents about any problems to do with health, parenting or education without an initial appointment. We will try to deal with issues as they arise but it may be necessary to arrange for an appointment at another time. Mrs James can be contacted on her direct line 01992 718297.

We are using a new photographer for the individual pupil photos this term. Mrs May would like some feed back on the style of photo parents like best. There are examples of the 3 types in the entrance hall with an opportunity for you to write your comments and indicate a preference.

Can we please use this first newsletter of the year to remind you of some things that will help us, to help you.

• Can dinner money & milk money be sent into school, on Monday, in separate named envelopes. Dinner money is £ 8.50 per week and milk money is £1.05 per week.

• If you would like to pay for milk money until half term the total cost is £8.19. The cost until half term for dinner money is £66.30.

• Do make sure that all clothing is clearly named. At the end of last term we sent 3 huge black big bags of lost property to the local charity shop. These items could not be returned to their owners because they were not named.

• Do check book bags for letters. Staff are very careful to make sure that all children receive letters which need to be taken home at the end of the day. However, it is obvious when listening to children read, that some of these letters are not taken out of the book bags and then important messages are not passed on.

• The school website is another good source of information. The address is www.whxis.co.uk. The blackboards outside the classroom doors are another place to find important messages.

• Do let the school know if someone other than mum or dad are picking up a pupil. They will not be allowed to go with anyone who is not named on the admission form unless staff have been informed in advance.

The beginning of a new school year is always very exciting but if you have any concerns or worries please see your child’s class teacher who will be only too happy to help. We look forward to working with you and your children this year.

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.

September
1st - INSET day
2nd - School starts for Years 1 &2
3rd - Reception & Nursery children – staggered start
5th - School Gold Award assembly
8th - Mrs Bassi’s class parents invited in to lunch all week
9th - 9.00-9.30 a.m.- Parenting surgeries start
12th - Gold Award assembly –Mrs Bassi’s class
15th - Miss Sullivan’s class parents invited in to lunch all week
18th - PTA Coffee morning for parents in aid of McMillans & Breast cancer campaign
19th - Gold Award assembly – Miss Sullivan’s class
22nd - Miss Hurry’s & Mrs Evans’ class parents invited in to lunch all week, All school clubs start this week
25th - Drama workshops– all day
26th - Gold Award assembly – Miss Hurry’s & Mrs Evans’ class
29th - Mrs Cuncarr’s class parents invited in to lunch all week

October
1st - 1.45 p.m. Harvest Festival service in Waltham Abbey church
3rd - Gold Award assembly - Mrs Cuncarr’s class
6th - Mrs McVie’s class parents invited in to lunch all week
10th - Gold Award assembly – Mrs McVie’s class, Individual class photos
13th - Mrs. Huckett’s class parents invited in to lunch all week, Reception class open mornings all week
17th - Gold Award assembly – Mrs. Huckett’s class
20th - Miss Wannenburg’s class parents invited in to lunch all week
23rd - Open evening – 3.20-5.00 & 6.00-8.00 – school hall
24th - Gold Award assembly – Miss Wannenburg’s class

School closes Friday 24th October for half term
Monday 3rd November INSET day
School reopens Tuesday 4th November


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