Dear Parents and Carers
I hope you have all had a lovely holiday and the children have had chance to recharge their batteries ready for the new term. It was lovely to see them coming in so enthusiastically this morning and a good sign for the exciting term ahead.
On the agenda for this term will be parents’ evenings, swimming, sports day, a summer play, lots of time spent outside and a strong focus on making sure they are all in a good frame of mind for their learning. Obviously, with the need for continued social distancing, some of these events will be modifications of what you are used to, but we do hope you will be able to join us in some form or other with our celebrations.
Weather Considerations
As you know, we try to get the children outside in all weathers to blow off steam. With it being cold, they still need a coat in school each day, but they will also need a sun hat and sun cream to protect their skin. The best sun cream from the school’s perspective is the type which can be applied in the morning before school and is designed to last all day. This saves the need for children to have to reapply during the day, and having somewhere safe to keep their sun cream. If there is no alternative for your child, though, we are still happy for them to bring supplies in so long as they know how to apply it for themselves.
Uniform
It was lovely to see the children all coming back into school in their full uniforms today. Please remember to check they have their PE kit in school from the beginning of term, which should then be able to stay in for the rest of this half term. This will help reduce the number of items being brought in from home each week. Tracksuits are still permitted until the cold wind drops.
If your child has pierced ears, please make sure you are following our earring policy. In short, in preference, no earrings will be worn to school, but if they are, they must be plain, round studs which cannot catch or hook onto anything. No earrings are permitted in the swimming pool, so your child should either not wear them on the swimming days, or be able to take them out themselves.
After School Clubs
Later this week, I will be sending out a list of after school activities your children will be able to attend this term. Unfortunately, apart from Tennis Club on Thursdays, we will have to keep the children in their own class groups for the clubs, so the choice will be more limited than previously. If you would like to offer an activity, or help with one being run for your child’s class, please let me know and I will see if we can manage within our existing Covid risk assessment.
Bags to School – Thursday, 22nd April
This Thursday we are having our collection for the Bags to School scheme. If you have any clothes you are keen to dispose of, please bring them into school in tied black bags and leave them in the Bike Shelter before Thursday.
New Trees
The PTFA has been successful in a bid to the Woodland Trust for every child to plant a tree in the school grounds. There will be a label with the child’s name on and the children will be encouraged to nurture their trees for the rest of their time at Stower Provost. This is a lovely idea and will add significantly to the school’s ‘Green Credentials.’ We are going to dig the holes in preparation of the children’s planting, starting this Saturday and would be grateful for help in this from everyone who can spare some time. Even half an hour with your own spade would be greatly appreciated. Please let the office know if you are available.
Reception Class for September
I am delighted to let you know that we have offered places to fifteen new children for September, our largest intake for many years. We will be looking at arrangements for them to come and have a look at their school as soon as possible to start their transition, and hope they will have a chance to meet all the children in ‘big school’. Toddler Group is also restarting this term; if you, or anyone you know, is interested in joining them, please contact Claire at PreSchool for more information.
With best wishes
James Stanford