2 Apr 2008 - Newsletter 2008/11
April 2nd
Dear Parents
Newsletter 2008/11
I am writing to you today to ensure everybody knows that term ends at 2.30pm on Friday. It hardly seems long ago that we were having our last holiday but that’s probably because I’m enjoying the job so much! It really has given me the opportunity to get to know more of you and your children and that has been a very privileged experience.
I’m sure you will all be pleased to know that Mr Harris is still expecting to return after the holidays. He has been walking along the railway line into Stroud to build up his strength and feels ready to join us again. I know lots of children that will be glad to hear this news.
The staff have been working really hard making preparations for the Summer Term. Here is early notice of some things you might want to put on your calendar.
School Dinner Menu
A new menu will be offering different temptations to those hungry workers beginning as soon as we return. The popular roast options remain with new options to try. Do have a look for yourself at the attached menu. Remember, everything is cooked in our own kitchen.
Clubs
You will be given the list of club options at the start of term. These are all organised by staff and parents and for their goodwill we are very grateful. They are likely to include the summer favourites- rounders and athletics.
A new addition to this year’s programme is cricket. This will be on a Wednesday, run by a qualified coach and be available to year 5 and 6. Many Dad’s did volunteer to support this, even if not able to commit to every week. Naturally, you will be made very welcome (starting Wed 30th) Any children wanting to join must fill in a permission slip. Places will be allocated to those back first.
Minchinhampton Tennis Club
Children in years 3, 4 and 5 are invited to join in a tennis coaching taster session on Thursday 24th April at 3.45pm. This is intended for children who would be interested in attending regular tennis sessions. More details are available from the school office, posters displayed around school or from Tim Donohoe – 01285 641534
Swimming
A reminder for year 3 and 4 swimmers that they need to bring a packed lunch on swimming days- or order one from our kitchen.
Those going to P.G.L. on 2nd May will miss a session so may deduct £3.50 from monies owing. Thank you.
Early Notice of Dates for the Term
Assemblies
Friday 9th May – 1H
Friday 23rd May – 1S
Friday 6th June – 2N
Friday 13th June – 1A
Friday 20th June - 1/2H
Thursday 26th June – 2P
Friday 4th July – Reception
Friday 18th July – Year 6 Leavers
We really look forward to you being able to join us for these very special occasions.
Monday 28th April- Photos –Groups and Leavers
Friday 2nd – 5th May – P.G.L.
Monday 5th May – Bank Holiday
Monday 12 May – Friday 16th May – K.S.2 SATs Week
Monday May 26th- May 30th – Half Term
Monday June 2nd – June 6th – Science Week
Thursday June 5th – New Parent’s Evening
Monday June 16th/17th/18th – Single Level Testing
Wednesday 18th June – year 5 Taster Day at Sir William Romney
Thursday 19th June – Cathedral Service for Leavers
Sunday 22nd June – Summer Fair
Tuesday 24th June – am) Key Stage 1 Sports
Picnic Lunch – all invited!
pm) Key Stage 2 Sports
Friday 27th June – INSET
Tuesday 1st July- Reserve Sports Day
Week of July 7th – Reports out
Monday July 7th – Musical Soiree – Mrs Hale is keen to include the orchestra, all recorder groups and hopefully the Year 1 ocarinas. I can’t wait! Lauren Parker has already delighted me with a personal performance on the recorder, of huge skill.
Thursday July 10th- Swimming Gala
Afternoon Performance of Year 5 and 6 Play
Evening performance
– great actors and actresses to work with this year. Full of enthusiasm so should be promising!
Thursday July 17th – Leavers Evening
Friday July 18th – Term ends 2pm.
We have two students that will be joining us for their practice, working in 1H and 1A.
As well as all the happy children, we want happy parents! There are a few ways you can help us to achieve this:
Come to The P.T.A. Curry and Disco Night- Saturday 10th May 7.30pm
The event has been saved! This is thanks to Richard and Jackie Leech for stepping forward to coordinate the bar. Local Indian chef Madhu Gohil will be serving a fantastic, freshly prepared three course meal. The evening will also include Indian dancers and a disco. Ticket price is still to be confirmed but will not be more than £16 a head. We hope that you will come along and bring your friends too! More details will be available after the holiday.
Parking
Having spent the mornings this week, patrolling the ‘Drop off Zone,’ I have become only too aware of what a problem it is for people trying to safely drop their children to school. May I take this opportunity to remind you that no one has authorisation to park their car in school grounds. The system only works if you enter school via Cambridge Way and move off immediately your child is out of the car in the direction of the church. If you need to come into the playground, you must find a parking space outside school. I do appreciate this isn’t easy. It was for this very reason that we need the Drop off Zone! It becomes a huge safety issue if cars trying to enter the school cannot, and are therefore forced to drop their children in the road.
What’s been happening this week
117 schools have entered teams of four pupils in the knock out challenge to find this year’s champion wildlife school.
1st Round victory!!!- We are immensely proud of our Nature Quiz Team who confidently led us into the next round. They beat Randwick School showing a thorough knowledge of our countryside with a score of 35 out of 40. Well done to Katie May McEllin, Lauren Holland, Jemima Hooke and Izzie Smith. Thank you to Seb Howells and Oliver Thompson for their encouragement in acting as reserves and to Mrs Smith, Mrs Dyer and Mrs McEllin for sharing their expertise.
Enjoy the holidays! There is a fairground coming to Minchinhampton, on Thursday until Sunday of the first week, so plenty of opportunity to have a good time without even having to leave the town!
Su Broadhurst