Newsletter No 2 / 22nd January 2010

Visit from Emma Williams, from University of Oxford Botanic Gardens
On 3rd February we look forward to a visit from Emma Williams, education officer for the University of Oxford Botanic Gardens, who will be working with all pupils in school. Activities will include exploring and handling plants, tasting herbs, sewing seeds, finding out about plant adaptation and making, within classes, either a wildlife feeder or a nesting box. 2010 is the UN International Year of Biodiversity and during the day pupils will participate in fun, sensory sessions which will help them to understand what biodiversity is, why it is important and what can be done to protect it in the UK.


Prompt Arrivals at School
As we have many new families with pupils starting school this term, it seems an appropriate time to remind parents that pupils should arrive at school between 8.45 and 9.00am, so that they are in and settled before registration takes place at 9.00am. Also the pupils’ entrance, through the gate outside Class 1, is locked at 9.00am so that we can safeguard the pupils in our care. This means that any “latecomers” have to come in through the main school entrance and pupils enter their classrooms after registration, which can be quite disruptive to the class and unsettling for the pupil involved. There have been occasions recently, with the snow etc, when we completely understand that it takes longer to get to school and of course, we prefer everyone to take their time and get here safely, but normally we expect pupils to be in school and ready for registration at 9.00am.


Dogs on the school site
We remind everyone that in accordance with Local Authority regulations, dogs are not permitted on the school site. There is a sign which states this at the entrance to the school.


French Lessons with Madame Brookes
Unfortunately Madame Brookes has had an injury which has meant that she has been unable to drive. This has meant that pupils have missed their usual French sessions on the last two Thursday afternoons. We look forward to seeing Madame Brookes back again next week.

Little Bears News
We are delighted to welcome the following children to Little Bears: Charlie, Elizabeth, Erin and Ellie. We have been very busy with self-portraits and family mobiles. It has been wonderful to enjoy the “green garden” once again. The children also welcomed the return of “Big Club”, and especially the cake today.
Hayley McMahon

DIARY DATES:
Tuesday 26th January Drama Workshop for Class 1 pupils 3.15-4.15pm with Creation Theatre Company
Wednesday 27th January Mobile Library visit
Tuesday 2nd February Drama Workshop for Class 1 pupils 3.15-4.15pm with Creation Theatre Company
Friday 5th February UNICEF Day for Change
Sunday 7th February Christingle Service at St John the Baptist Church, Stadhampton at 4.00pm
Tuesday 9th February Drama Workshop for Class 1 pupils 3.15-4.15pm with Creation Theatre Company
Friday 12th February “Jian-zi” competition
Break up for February Holiday at 3.15pm
Monday 22nd February Return to school after the February Holiday