Newsletter No 3 / 23rd January 2009

We are pleased to welcome Eric Babu, who has joined Class 1 as a new Reception pupil this week.

School Closure – Thursday 4th June 2009
We have received notification this week that the school will be required as a polling station for European and County Council elections on Thursday 4th June and therefore will be closed to pupils on that day.

Homework Policy Review
Staff, governors and pupils have all been consulted in the process of reviewing our existing Homework Policy. To enable parents/carers to access and comment on this policy, prior to final approval, a reference copy of the draft policy will be available for parents to read (but not remove) in the school office during school hours from Monday 24th January to Friday 6th February. It has also been posted as a blog on: http://stadhamptonprimaryschool.blogspot.com/ Any comments should be submitted in writing by Friday 13th February.

Reminder about Recorders
A reminder that recorders are required in school on Mondays by all pupils in Years 3-6. Recorder lessons for pupils in these year groups is an integral part of our music curriculum. Although we do have a few “communal” recorders in school, in terms of personal hygiene it is clearly in the interest of each pupil to have their own recorder. These are available from school at a cost of £6.50.

Maths Evenings for Parents
Thank you to the parents (and staff) who came along to the first LEA led Maths Evening. We hope that you found it both useful and informative. The second meeting which focuses on multiplication and division is scheduled for Tuesday 17th March between 6.30 and 8pm. If any parents were unable to attend this week, they are, of course, still very welcome to attend the second meeting.

PTA News
Unwanted Christmas Presents – did you receive any gifts that you didn’t want, or gifts that you already have one of? If you do have any unwanted gits that are in perfect condition and still in their packaging why not either keep them in a safe place and donate them to the Summer or Christmas raffle this year, or give them to Sara Wright for safekeeping (via Mrs Hopkins at School). We are always looking for decent prizes so maybe your unwanted gift may be someone’s dream prize.
Get Fit in 2009 – It’s that time of year again and as the weight may have piled on over Christmas why not spend 2009 losing those extra pounds and getting fit and healthy. Give yourself a goal of completing the Chiltern Chase 10k race this year and still being in one piece at the end, and along the way get your friends and family to sponsor you for PTA funds. The race will be on Sunday 7th June and is held at Ewelme; it’s a beautiful course and lots of people from the village run so loads of support along the way. Start your training now to ensure you are ready for the race in June.
Clothes Recycling – for those of you who had a sort out over Christmas remember there will soon be another opportunity to donate your unwanted, decent condition, clothes. Exact date to be confirmed.

Little Bears News
This week Little Bears enjoyed making fresh fruit salad. They have also been watching their bird feeders as it is Bird Watching Week. Little Bears have also been busy thinking about “winter words” like “snowman” and “snowflake” and have enjoyed creating pictures of these. A variety of packets of flower and vegetable seeds are on sale at Little Bears for £1 a packet.

DIARY DATES:

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

Wednesday 28th January Mobile Library visit

Tuesday 3rd February Year 5 Writer’s Workshop 1.15-3pm for participating pupils

Friday 6th February UNICEF - DAY FOR CHANGE