Dear Parents and Carers
The end of term is fast approaching and with a packed few days ahead I am writing to make sure you have all the information you need for the various events. Well done to children in Years 4 and 5 for representing the school so well today at the local Swimming Gala – their sessions in our pool this term have helped them become very strong swimmers and the children again brought home a good haul of medals. We are very proud of all of them for taking part!
Sleeping Beauty Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th July
This whole school show takes place this afternoon and evening and again tomorrow evening. The dress rehearsal yesterday went very well; the children remembered their lines and looked brilliant – thank you for your support in organising costumes for them all. There are still a few spaces available for each performance; please contact the office if you would like any extra seats saved. All children need to be back in school no earlier than 5:30pm, and no later than 5:45pm, for the evening performances, which start at 6:00pm and last about an hour. The children should be ready for collection at 7:00pm if you are not staying. Children to come in the main school front door, and in order to keep the heat down in the hall, we will open the playground gate and hall door for the audience just before 6:00pm.
Hazel and Beech Trip to Monkeyworld Friday 15th July
Mrs Batten has written to parents separately about their visit, setting off promptly at 9:00 (so children to arrive by 08:45, please) and returning at 4:00pm. I am sure they will have a lovely day.
Swimming Pool maintenance training session Thursday 14th July
Many thanks to everyone who has volunteered to keep the swimming pool ticking over during the summer holiday. With most of you being parents who collect your children at the end of the school day, I will be holding a training session before the end of school on Thursday, starting at 2:45pm, for you to learn (or revise) how to measure chemical levels and adjust them accordingly, to vacuum the pool and to clear the filters. Please let me know if you are unable to make that and I will try to arrange an additional session. Please also let me know if you are not happy to be part of a Pool Wattsapp group.
PTFA Summer Barbecue Friday 15th July
This starts at 5:00pm, with entry through the playground gate. Miss Gale and I will be running a half-hour swimming slot from 5:45 – 6:15pm – hats must be worn. This is limited to children on-roll at Stower Provost, will be on a first come first served basis, and is strictly limited to our maximum of 20 children.
Sports Day Tuesday 19th July
The plan is for this to go ahead as previously advertised (picnic lunch on the field at 12:30, races and field events from 1:15pm), but the forecast now for that afternoon is for 320C and feeling hotter than that. If the forecast proves correct, we will not be able to run races in the afternoon, and our contingency plan is to set them up for first thing on the Wednesday morning (currently showing 200C at 9:00am) and will last approximately one hour. I apologise for any inconvenience and disappointment this may cause and will let you know the final decision on Monday morning. There will be no Athletics Club on Monday after school due to the forecast extreme temperatures.
Leavers’ Assembly Wednesday 20th July
This assembly, which gives our children in Year 6 the chance to look back over their time at Stower Provost School and to look ahead to the next stage in their education, takes place at 2:30pm. You are very welcome to share in this very special event. Afterwards, the children will return to their classes to collect their belongings and will be ready to go home for the Summer Holiday at the usual time of 3:20pm. Year 6 children are then invited to stay after school for the traditional swim and cream tea, and will be ready for collection at 4:30pm.
No After School Club – Wednesday 20th July
Please note that due to the event above and it being the end of term, there will be no after school club on the last day.
INSET Days
Thursday 21st July, Thursday 1st September and Friday 2nd September are all INSET Days, so no school for the children. The school is also taking Friday 22nd July as the Bank Holiday to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, so after next Wednesday, their next day in school is Monday 5th September.
Worry dolls
In certain parts of the world, children are given ‘Worry Dolls’ to help them in times of need. A parent at school, Laura Hayter, has very kindly made one for each of the children; they will be bringing them home before the end of term.
Queen’s Jubilee Souvenir
Also coming home is the long-anticipated souvenir book to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which is being presented to every child in the country. I am sure your children will be very pleased with this special keep-sake.
Summer Reading Challenge – Dorset Library Service
Next week the children will be coming home with details of the Summer Reading Challenge. I hope many of them will take part.
A message from Dorset Fire and Rescue
PRIMARY AGE:
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service want your child to have a fun and safe summer. Please take a moment to discuss with your child how they can help keep themselves and others safe, especially as they become older and more independent and may be spending time outside with friends rather than family:
- Fire safety outdoors: BBQs and campfires. Due to the high fire risk, BBQs and campfires are banned in many parts of Dorset. If you do have a BBQ further safety advice can be found here Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service | Barbecues (dwfire.org.uk)If clothes catch fire: stop, drop and roll. If someone is burnt: cool, cover and call for help [http://Burns%20and%20scalds%20-%20NHS%20(www.nhs.uk)]Burns and scalds – NHS (www.nhs.uk) Never play with matches or lighters.
- Water safety: If possible swim at a lifeguarded beach between the flags. Jumping directly into water can cause cold water shock. If you do fall into water unexpectedly, or feel scared when in water then Float to live: lie on your back with your arms and legs out like a star until your breathing calms. If you see someone in trouble in the water, encourage them to Float, do not enter the water yourself, if possible throw them something to hold on to and call 999 and ask for the coastguard if at the coast or fire and rescue service if inland. Be aware of tides and currents and underwater hazards. Further safety information can be found here: Know the risks (rnli.org)
- Road safety: always wear a seatbelt (and if required use a car seat) when in a vehicle, take care and stay alert as a pedestrian and wear helmets when on bikes, scooters and skateboards. THINK! – Road safety
- If your child needs help in an emergency call 999. If they have a mobile phone ask them to download the what3words app which will help them give an accurate location. what3words /// The simplest way to talk about location Calling the emergency services as soon as possible will make sure help gets there as quickly as possible, but never call 999 as a joke or hoax call. This video is suitable for older children (age 8 plus (462) Stern Hoax Call Message – YouTube)
You may find these short videos useful to start a conversation with your child:
Foundation and year 1 ( ages 3 – 6 ) Staying Safe (462) Summer Safety Foundation and year 1 – YouTube
Years 2 and 3 (ages 6 – 8) Be Aware and Take Care (462) Summer Safety Year 2 and 3 – YouTube
Years 4,5 & 6 (8 -11 ) Think Firefighter (462) Summer Safety Years 4 5 and 6 – YouTube
Within the education section of the website you can find more resources and activities for children to help discuss the safety messages: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service | Education (dwfire.org.uk)
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service wish everyone a fun, happy and safe summer.
With best wishes for the rest of this very hectic term.
James Stanford