Dear Parents/Carers,
What a busy week it has been! Children have settled back into school well and there is a real “buzz” as I walk around classes.
Governor Election
Following a Governors’ meeting last night, Mrs. Vanessa Lucas was elected as Chair and Mr. Martin Crossman was elected as Vice Chair. We are fortunate indeed to have a Governing Body with a broad skill set and such a wealth and breadth of skills and experience to steer the school forward rapidly. May I congratulate both and to extend thanks to all governors for the time and energy and skill they invest into our school. If you are interesting in contributing to governance, please contact any governor or speak to any member of staff.
Star of the Week
If your child has been nominated for a star award, you will receive an email notifying you the day before the service so that you can attend if you are able. A reminder that Star of the Week will take place on Fridays from next week, (22nd September at 9am). This week we started very simply, continuing with “Star of The Week” Awards, related to our Value of “Confidence”. The children seemed delighted to receive their award and their superhero cloak, adorned with stars, which they can wear on the playground and in class for the whole week!
What an Improvement!
I have been delighted t o see children arriving promptly from 8.40am and settling into classes ready for a prompt start to lessons at 9am. May I extend thanks to teachers for supporting this and preparing suitable activities that children can get on with fairly independently whilst they are still preparing for the day ahead. If you do have messages that you need to pass on to the teacher, please do write in their homework book, email or call the office. No problem is too small; we are here to help. If you do need to chat to your child’s class teacher, they are always available for a longer period at the end of the school day and we welcome this partnership wholeheartedly.
Midday Supervisor/Play Leader Vacancy
We are advertising for a midday supervisor and or someone who enjoys initiating playground games with children. If you are interested, please speak to Mrs.Pike in the office.
School Forum
In an effort to improve communication, we will be holding a parents’ forum termly in school. This will be a chance for a candid discussion, chaired by a school governor, around “things that are working well” alongside any pressing issues and anxieties. This certainly does not replace my “open door” policy. If you have particular issues or worries specific to your child or family, I hope you will always feel able to meet with me directly. It is simply another avenue to communicate effectively with the school.
At convenient date for the first forum will follow shortly.
Help Needed
- We are looking for a willing parent/carer to contact Dorset Highways, to see if we can get at least one sign on the main road, indicating the direction of our school. It might need patience and tenacity! If you would like to help, please let us know.
- We are specifically looking for parents/carers who have younger children attending local playgroups, preschools and nurseries. We have very attractive flyers in our reception area that need delivering in our quest to attract more pupils and “shout about” our delightful school. If anyone could help to distribute these flyers, please take a handful from the Reception Desk at the front of school. Thank you.
Monthly Values
Each month, we will be discussing a special value in Assembly and as part of our PSHE lessons. Our value for the month of September is ‘Confidence’. Attached to this newlsetter is a copy of our Values poster, which you may wish to use as a talking point with your child(ren). Our special value for October will be ‘Respect’.
European Day of Languages
On this day, children will be doing some special activities in class to raise their awareness of the importance of learning another language. If anyone within the community has a special talent or gift in this area, can teach some basic words or phrases of any language, or can demonstrate some sign language, you/they would be most welcome to support leading a small group or the whole class! In addition, if children have artefacts to show or experiences to share to do with a trip to Europe, it would add a little magic to the day.
Summary of Diary Dates (new dates/changes in red)
| Date | Event | Who is involved |
| 22.9.17 | 9am – First Celebration Assembly | Everyone– Parents Welcome |
| 22.9.17 | 2.30pm Meet the Teacher | Everyone – current parents/carers |
| 25.9.17 | Life Education Bus | All pupils |
| 26.9.17 | European Day of Languages | All pupils |
| 29.9.17 | 9am Celebration Assembly & Poetry Performance | Everyone – Parents Welcome |
| 3.10.17 | Grandparents Afternoon Tea | Calling all grandparents! |
| 2.10.17 | 9.30-10.30 Open Morning – Prospective Parents | Prospective Parents Only |
| 6.10.17 | 9am Harvest Service in School | Everyone – Parents Welcome |
| 9.10.17 | Launch of Operation Child Christmas Appeal (date change) | |
| 13.10.17 | Class Assembly – Chestnut Class & Celebration Assembly | Everyone Welcome
|
| 13.10.17 | 2.30 – 3.30pm Open Afternoon for Prospective Parents | Prospective Parents only |
| 17.10.17 | 3.45pm – 7pm Parents’ Evening | Parents/Carers |
| 20.10.17 | Celebration Assembly End of Term 1 | Everyone – Parents Welcome |
| 3.11.17 | 2.30pm Curriculum Showcase and Looking@Learning | Parents Welcome |
| 10.11.17 | Class Assembly – Oak Class & Celebration Assembly | Everyone – Parents Welcome |
| 17.11.17 | Children in Need – non-uniform (mufti) day | Everyone |
| 24.11.17 | Class Assembly – Acorn Class | Everyone – Parents Welcome |
| 1.12.17 | Christmas Tree Service | |
| 15.12.17 | Wear Your Christmas Jumper Day End of Term 2 | Everyone |
| 2.1.18 | INSET Day – School Closed |