Newsletter No 2 / 16th January 2009

Parent Governor Election
We are delighted that two parents nominated themselves for election as a parent governor – David Cove and Jason Hector. Ballot papers were sent out to parents earlier this week to ask for a vote for one candidate. A reminder that the deadline for voting is 3pm on Friday 23rd January. Ballot papers received after this time will not be counted. The count will take place at 3.05pm on that day and the result initially made known to the candidates by the Chair of Governors, and then to parents in the next newsletter.


Maths Evenings for Parents 20.01.2009 and 17.03.2009
A reminder that the first of these evening meetings will be held next Tuesday, 20.01.2009, 6.30-8pm. The meeting will be held in Class 3 and will be led by Jane Liddle, an LEA Maths consultant. This meeting will cover progression in calculation with the focus on addition and subtraction. Parents will be given a brief overview of current teaching methods and will receive ideas on how to help and support pupils at home. When we surveyed parents prior to arranging these meetings there was a strong interest, so we hope a significant number of parents will attend. We look forward to seeing you.


Out of School Hours Childcare Survey Analysis
Many thanks to those of you who completed and returned our second out of school hours childcare survey at the end of last year. The LEA officers have now carried out their analysis and advised us of their decision. As we thought, there was a greater interest in such provision than was indicated in the first survey but, as far as the LEA is concerned, numbers were not sustainable and we are unable to access “start up” funding. However, we recognize that there is a need for such provision and are exploring alternative ways to offer some after-school childcare beginning after the Easter Holiday. We hope to write again shortly with further information.


Medicines
A reminder to parents that essential medicines only may be held in school and administered by staff at the written request of parents.


Children’s Concerts at the Jacqueline du Pre Music Building
As part of our Comenius Project, “Notes of Harmony” we are developing our awareness of music and musical links both within the school curriculum and beyond. Parents may be interested in a series of children’s concerts, on Sundays, at the Jacqueline du Pre Music Building in Oxford. Further details are attached to this newsletter.

PTA News
Everyone is welcome to attend the first PTA meeting of 2009 on Tuesday 27th January at 8pm in the school hall.

Little Bears News
We have settled back well into Little Bears this week following our flood last week. We have really enjoyed a week of “messy play” using cornflour and water, playdough and cooked pasta. We would like to welcome Tende Amery and Mikka Hall to Little Bears.

DIARY DATES:

Tuesday 20th January Maths Evening for Parents 6.30-8pm
Year 5 Writer’s Workshop 1.15-3pm for participating pupils

Wednesday 21st January Technology lesson for Y5 pupils at ICC

Friday 23rd January Athletics Event at ICC for Year 5 and 6 pupils

Tuesday 27th January PTA meeting in school at 8pm. All parents welcome.
Year 5 Writer’s Workshop 1.15-3pm for participating pupils

Wednesday 28th January Mobile Library visit