Tuesday 8th January 2019
Dear Parents and Carers
Happy New Year and a very warm welcome back to school after the Christmas Holidays. I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable break and that the children are ready for the new term.
Today we especially welcome Mrs Kate Hancock and Mrs Rachael Oliver to our teaching team; we are very pleased to have two such experienced and engaging teachers joining us, Mrs Hancock has many years’ experience leading teams of teachers working with the Early Years, and Mrs Oliver, who has also recently relocated to the area, has a wide range of teaching experience across the primary age range, as well as having significant leadership experience as assistant headteacher in a large primary school. I am sure they will bring their knowledge and understanding to our school while ensuring we keep all of the special features which makes Stower Provost such a wonderful place for the children to learn. Further to my newsletter at the end of last term, I am now in a position to confirm that Mrs Hancock will be teaching Hazel Class at the beginning of the week, with Mrs Oliver taking over for Thursdays and Fridays. With Mrs Clasby now teaching full-time in Oak Class, I am free to teach the children in Year 2 as a stand-alone group for three mornings a week, with them returning to their previous class groups for the rest of the time.
This is a very positive start to the new year, and I am sure this arrangement will help the children in all classes make even better progress across the curriculum.
Forest School
I am pleased to let you know that this brilliant activity is continuing this term, with Mrs Batten still coming in on Tuesdays. This term, all of year R, 1 and 2 will be having their sessions, as will Year 3 and the Year 4 children who have not yet had their turn. This starts on Tuesday 15th January.
Deep Water Swimming
Year 4, 5 and 6, meanwhile, will be going to St Mary’s School, Shaftesbury, for their chance to improve their swimming. As the first session is this Thursday, please make sure all forms and payments are in by then, and that the children bring in their named costume, towel and hat. No jewellery is permitted at the pool, so please make sure no earrings are worn on that day.
As always, our work with your children is a partnership and we want it to be the best experience possible for them. If you ever wish to discuss your child’s progress or share any concerns or successes with us, we are always delighted to talk with you. If there is anything urgent, please write a note to the teacher or let Mrs Pike or me know in the morning, otherwise, teachers will often be able to talk with you for a few minutes at the end of the day. If this is not possible due to prior commitments, the teachers will contact you to make an appointment as soon as is convenient.
With best wishes
James Stanford