Newsletter No 3 / 13th March 2009

Driving within the school car park
We have, this week, received several complaints from parents about the speed at which a very small minority of parents are driving both into and out of the car park. This matter was only recently mentioned in the school newsletter dated 6th February 2009 when parents were reminded of the need to observe the 5mph speed limit within the car park and the approaches to/from it. The safety of children is of paramount importance and ALL PARENTS are requested to please take care and be extra vigilant about their speed in these areas.

Second Maths Evening for Parents on 17th March
Our second Maths Evening for parents led by LEA Maths Advisor Jane Liddle, takes place in school from 6.30-8pm on Tuesday 17th March. This meeting will focus on progression in the teaching and learning of multiplication and division throughout the primary age range. The previous meeting was well-attended and parents reported that they had found it informative. We hope that as many parents/carers as possible will take advantage of this opportunity to gain a better understanding of current teaching methods in schools and ideas on how to best support pupils at home.

Swimming Goggles
A reminder that swimming goggles may be worn by pupils participating in swimming lessons at the Abbey Pool, Berinsfield, if the chlorine is found to be an eye irritant. However, in line with Health and Safety guidance recommendations, the wearing of goggles must be at the written request of parents/carers, goggles must conform to BS 5883 and pupils need to be able to secure and remove their own goggles safely.

School Council
From Monday 16th to Friday 20th March, the School Council will be selling Easter Activity Pages (each class will have their own version). They will cost 80p each and will include puzzles, word-searches, colouring-in, dot to dot etc. The completed activity sheets are to be handed in by Friday 27th March when judging will take place. A prize will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize in each class for the best entries.

PTA News
The PTA have had their attention drawn to a company called the School Holiday Club which has had favourable review in the national press. The School Holiday Club is an organisation that “works with the major tour operators, low-cost airlines and accommodation suppliers and subsequently have a huge selection of great value holiday offers.” They pledge to donate at least 2% of the cost of each booking to PTA funds.
Whilst the PTA cannot endorse any particular holiday club/tour operator, if any family is planning a holiday it might be worth investigating what this organisation has to offer. All you need to do is go to www.schoolholidayclub.co.uk, select Oxfordshire, Oxford and Stadhampton Primary School from the drop down list. Holidays can be booked via the website or by phoning one of their travel advisors. You could end up with a great holiday deal while helping boost PTA funds.

Plant Pots –
Julie Pattison is in need of plastic plant pots for the gardening club so the children can plant their seeds. All donations to Julie please, or leave with Mrs Hopkins (preferably in a bag) for collection.

Easter Chocolate Raffle –
You should have received an envelope in the reading folders this week containing a small number of raffle tickets to sell. If you would like any more to increase your chances of winning lots of chocolate please contact Mrs Hopkins or Sara Wright/Ame White.

Little Bears News
This week Little Bears enjoyed using the computer to create some lovely pictures, use the mouse and print them out. They also made sandwiches and ate them, and made lamb puppets. A successful Parents’ Evening was held on Tuesday. Donations of old newspapers would be most welcome!

DIARY DATES:

Monday 16th March Governors’ Meeting at 7pm
Tuesday 17th March Maths Evening for Parents 6.30-8pm (multiplication and division)
Wednesday 18th March Mid-year summary report sheets issued
Partnership Football Tournament at RAF Benson for participating pupils
Monday 23rd March After-school work viewing opportunity for parents 3.30-6pm
Monday 30th March Comenius visitors in school
Tuesday 31st March School Council Cake Sale
Thursday 4th June School closed for Parliamentary and County Council Elections