Dear Parents and Carers
It is good to see the children back in school after the holiday looking refreshed and ready to learn. With new topics in Hazel Class (The Fire of London) and Chestnut Class (The Romans), it has been lovely to hear the children talking about their learning. We have presented the first of our new-style Reading Certificates today – please sign in the diary every time you have heard your child read, and make sure the reading diary is in school every day.
It has also been interesting hearing their reactions to the latest school refurbishments! The children seem to be very impressed with the new ceiling in the hall, and it is true that it has made a huge difference to the appearance of the room. It was brilliant to have that job completed and cleared up before we came back to school this week. Thanks must also go to Mrs Heasman and the band of parents who took the curtains away to wash; now rehung, they look like new! Other works continue, including some essential work in the staff room and the redecoration of the corridors. All of this is making the school look very smart, and we are grateful to the local authority for funding all the works.
Please note: There will be no Forest School next week (15/11/19) as Mrs Batten has further training to complete on that day.
Events this half term
We will be holding our Curriculum Showcase event on Friday 22nd November, starting at 2:45pm. I hope you are able to join us for this opportunity to see the results of the children’s learning this term. On 23rd November, Mrs Batten will be in school running a Forest School Family Day between 11:00am and 2:00pm. Do bring your children along to find out the sorts of activities we do during the Outdoor learning sessions. The drop-in session is free, and refreshments, with proceeds to the PTFA, will be available.
This is another long half term, but we will soon be thinking about our Christmas events. The annual Book Fair will be in school during the week beginning 25th November. You can have a preview of the books on offer by visiting the Scholastic website on https://www.scholastic.co.uk/, and if you order any, please do so by naming the school, as we then have the commission added to any takings during the book fair itself. The children have a chance to look at the books with their classes, and the book fair is also open at the end of each day for you to buy the books from the shelves, or order as necessary.
On Friday, 6th December we will be holding our special Christmas Tree assembly at 9:00am. This year the children will be making their decorations out of recycled materials – I have seen some inventive prototypes already. Later that day we have the PTFA Christmas Bazaar, starting at 3:30pm. This is always a very popular event and a great chance to buy some early Christmas Presents. Also by that day, any of the Dorchester Rotary Club Raffles ticket stubs and money need to be in school. If you have already sold yours and would like some more, we have some extras in the school office. Don’t forget that all money raised from these sales comes back to the school, with a bonus, and each ticket gives the chance of a brilliant prize.
Soon after that it will be Panto time again. (Oh yes it will…). We are once again headed for the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil on Tuesday 10th December, leaving school at 8:30am for the morning performance. A packed lunch will be provided for all children in Rec/Yr1/Yr2, unless you prefer to provide one from home. Details of contributions towards the trip will be coming home shortly.
An opportunity for a pre-Christmas wardrobe clear-out is before our next Bags to School collection on Thursday 12th December. Please make sure you bring any bags in before 9:00am on that day.
PE Kits – Please remember to ensure your children have their PE kits in school every day – the kits can come in at the beginning of each new half tern and generally stay for the duration.
Our Nativity Play, this year’s treat, entitled ‘Christmas Counts’, will be performed on Thursday 12th December, 2:30pm and 6:00pm. The whole school will be involved in the singing of this and the Carol Service in Stower Provost Church on Wednesday 18th December.
Also on 18th December we will be enjoying the school Christmas meal of Roast Chicken and festive biscuit – make sure you have your order placed in plenty of time.
On the last day of term, the PTFA will be organising their popular end of term lunch party. Details of contributions required will be sent home nearer the time.
Don’t forget that tonight is the PTFA Film Night. This is always a super occasion and the chosen film is bound to be a hit with the children.
With best wishes
James Stanford