Dear Parents and Carers
In assembly this morning it was lovely to see the work the children in Chestnut Class have been doing in their History and Science this term, and their confidence in speaking out was very impressive. The range of punishments given to ‘civilisations’ in the past was fascinating, if gruesome to hear. I am glad so many of you were able to see it.
Open Morning
We are holding an Open Morning next Tuesday, 27th November from 10:00am until 12:00 noon. This is an opportunity for new families to come and have a look at the school while the children are at work, but if you would like to come along too, you would be more than welcome.
Also next week, our footballers are in action playing in the first round of the Davison Cup against Wyke Primary School. The children have been practising hard with coaches Beeson, Trim and Hoskins, and I am sure they will play very well – good luck, Team!
School Development Plan
As a school we are always trying to do things better, often through improving the quality of teaching and learning, developing our curriculum or providing more opportunities for extra-curricular learning. Following previous consultation with you, and the Parent Forum, the areas we view as most important have been gathered into the School’s Strategic 5 year plan, and are made into short-term priorities for our School Development Plan. Currently, we are working particularly on further improving the quality of teaching, improving standards, particularly at Key Stage 2 and with a focus on reading across the school, and ensuring our leaders at all levels monitor progress carefully.
There are many aspects of school life that you will have an opinion of, maybe things you feel we are doing well, or where you have suggestions of how we may improve. The Parent Forum meets termly to discuss matters of importance (next meeting is on 13th February), but it is important for us to canvas as wide a range of parents as possible. To gain your views, I will be sending home a short questionnaire which I hope you will find time to complete – this is your chance to let us know what you want from your children’s school. Your comments and suggestions will then be discussed at the next Parent Forum and where possible will be added to future School Development Plans. As an extra incentive to returning the completed form, a pair of raffle tickets is attached. For a chance of winning a WHSmiths voucher, when you return your questionnaire, keep one of the tickets and a draw will be taken of all those brought back into school, with the winning number published in a future newsletter.
Pantomime
On Thursday 20th December 2018, we will be taking the whole school to the pantomime as usual at the Octagon in Yeovil. This year we will be watching Aladdin – oh yes we will!
As the performance starts at 10am, we need to be ready to leave school at 8.30am. Please ensure that your child is at school by 8:20am so we are ready for a prompt departure.
We anticipate returning to school by 2pm. The children will need a packed lunch for the day, Local Food Links will provide a packed lunch for Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and any other children who receive free school meals. We will all have lunch when we return to school but it would help if children can bring a snack (that fits in a pocket) and a drink for the interval.
The PTFA have kindly agreed to fund the cost of the coaches, therefore we are asking for a voluntary contribution of £9.50 per child. Please return the slip at the end of this letter, along with the voluntary contribution by the 5th December.
Don’t forget that this evening we have the PTFA Film Night – I’m sure the children will all enjoy tonight’s showing. Please note, crisps will be offered as the snack during the intermission. To avoid confusion, please do not send your child in with their own refreshments, and no electronic devices (phones, tablets etc.) are permitted.
This week’s Stars of the Week:
Hazel – Rosie, for always being polite
Chestnut – Rocco, for being polite and considerate
Oak – Owen – for having a positive view of his learning.
Well done to all the children for their efforts this week.
With best wishes
James Stanford
Pantomime
I give permission for my child/ren ………………………………………………………… to travel on the coach to the pantomime at the Octagon in Yeovil on Thursday 20th December, I enclose a voluntary contribution of £9.50
Signature ……………………………………… Emergency number for the day ……………………………