Dear Parents and Carers
Class Structure for 2018-19
I am now in a position to update you with our plans for the next academic year and how we are developing structures and systems to enable us to grow in numbers in the near future.
As ou will be aware, the school has seen a number of significant changes over the past few years, some of which have yet to have their full impact. We are now in a position to look ahead very positively to a period where we can build on our strengths, celebrate our successes, and ensure we have a school which provides not only a personalised, caring education within a wonderful environment, but which also further raises our academic standards to ‘be the best that they can be’.
Part of the plans agreed by the governors and the local authority has been to move to a three-class structure, with the advantage of a fluid arrangement for some children in Year 2 to be taught with the Year 3s for some of the time. This means that, in September the class organisation will be:
| Mornings | Afternoons | |
| Class 1 Hazel | Reception, Year 1, younger Year 2 | Reception, Year 1, Year 2 |
| Class 2 Chestnut | Older Year 2, Year 3, Year 4 | Year 3, Year 4 |
| Class 3 Oak | Year 5, Year 6 | Year 5, Year 6 |
There are many advantages to this structure, including:
- a more even split of pupils between the classes, but all of them being smaller than would be found in a town school
- the flexibility of grouping for the Year 2 children to ensure they are offered a challenging curriculum to stretch each of them academically, while still allowing them to have the less formal, creative approach in the afternoons,
- enabling our youngest children to work with the positive role models of older children in their class, but with opportunities to make the most of their Early Years Foundation Stage or Year 1 curriculum
- allowing room for growth within a stable structure
Further to these changes, I know you will be sorry to learn that Mrs Burpitt will be leaving us at the end of this term to take up another teaching position nearer to her home. She has worked very hard for the best of the children throughout her time at Stower Provost and I know you will join me in wishing her well in her new role.
Parent Forum 10th May 2018 – 2:30pm
This meeting of parents, staff and governors takes place next week. If you would like to have your say in how we shape the future of the school, please do come along.
News from the Carnival Club
The children have got off to a great, and very creative start! We have a theme for our entry…..Under the Sea! The children are very excited to start making their costumes and props for the carnival and we were hoping we could ask for some “seaside” donations! We are currently in need of newspaper! And lots of it for our papier mache heads! And also any shells that you or your children may have collected at the beach and have at home. If you have any of these items could we ask that you bring them into school on Tuesday for us to use with the children at Carnival Club on Wednesday. We greatly appreciate your help. If your child hasn’t joined us yet but would like to do so, it isn’t too late! Come along and join the fun.
PTFA Projects
I am sure we are all hoping that the weather will continue to improve, and we are looking forward to making the most of our great outdoor environment. The PTFA have organised a working party to take place on 12th May (next Saturday) to continue the exciting work at the front of the school, and to continue the regeneration of the garden area. If you are able to come along to help, please be here any time after 10:00am.
Cricket Club/Athletics
We are lucky to be receiving some extra Kwik Cricket coaching this term from members of the Stour Provost Cricket Club. The dates for these sessions are 8th May, 22nd May and 12th June, 3:20 – 4:20pm. If you would like your child to come to these sessions, please sign and return the slip below. As these are all Tuesdays after school, Athletics Club will not take place on those days; unless I hear otherwise I will assume all children in Athletics Club are staying to do Cricket.
Internet Safety: Briefing for parents – 16th May 3:30 – 4:30pm
I hope you will be able to join us for this invaluable talk from the Safer Schools and Communities Team, learning how you can help to keep your family safe on line.
Star Pupils of the Week
Conkers: Joshua – talking about friends in Circle Time
Acorns: Leo – sharing good ideas for how to solve problems if people fall out
Chestnuts: George M – showing respect for other players during PE
Oaks: Katie L – understanding the qualities of friendship and demonstrating them with a range of children
Well done to all the children!
Don’t forget that this is a Bank Holiday Weekend. I hope you all have a relaxing weekend, and I look forward to seeing the children in school again on Tuesday 8th May. Also remember all those children who took part in Forest School last week will need their clothes and wellies for Tuesday 8th May.
With best wishes
James Stanford
Cricket Club
My child…………………………………………..would like to come to the three Kwik Cricket coaching session, 8th May, 22nd May and 12th June. I will collect my child at 4:20pm after the session.
Signed…………………………………………………..Date…………………………