Friday, November 26, 2010

Newsletter No 4 / 26th November 2010

We look forward to seeing you at the Winter Fair this evening which starts at 6pm!

Children in Need Appeal
A huge thank you for supporting this event. Everyone entered into the spirit of “wearing something spotty”–some very imaginatively! Many thanks to all who entered the School Council Pudsey Poster Competition and to those families who baked cakes and biscuits to sell after school. A grand total of £152.52 was raised, thank you. The competition winners were Ayisha Hall (Class 3), Thea Diment (Class 2), Darcy Crook (Class 1) and both Lawrence Wright and Thomas Cove in the Reception Class.
Primary schools are very special places to be at such times; listening to pupils’ conversations about how fortunate they are and how there are many others in the UK who are less fortunate than themselves, was enlightening and heartwarming.

Free Eye Tests
Following a routine visit by our school nurse I have been asked to remind parents that if you have any concerns regarding your child’s eyesight, all pupils are entitled to free eye checks at opticians. This is recommended for pupils in Year 1 and 6 in particular.

A Request from the Governing Body
The Governing Body are keen to hear parents/carers views about how well the school is meeting your expectations and sent a short “tick-box” questionnaire home to each family earlier this week for parents/carers to complete. Thank you for the responses received back so far. The deadline for returning the completed questionnaire is Friday 3rd December.

Emergency Closure Procedures

If the weather is particularly bad or there are power cuts in the village and the decision is made to close the school, the information is given to parents through BBC Radio Oxford, Jack FM and Heart FM. Parents are advised to tune into these local radio stations and also check their websites if there is a possibility that the school could be closed. Whenever it is possible, we also aim to put a message onto the school website.

Pupil knowledge of home phone number and address
Following a routine survey of pupils’ well-being, as part of our PSHCE lessons, it has become apparent that many children do not know their own home telephone number or address including postcode. This information is invaluable should a child ever be in a position to have to call emergency services. Pupils who are unable to remember their full address may be able to remember their post code and house number; this provides key information for emergency services.

Getting Active in South Oxfordshire
We have a small number of these booklets available in the foyer if any parents would like one.

Tickets on Sale for the School Christmas Productions
A reminder that tickets are now on sale at the school office for the KS1 and KS2 Christmas Productions.

Little Bears News
We have been practising our Christmas songs this week, the children have also been told which part they are in the Nativity on 11th December. The atmosphere will begin to heat up with excitement from next week as we begin our Christmas preparations. Be prepared to see lots of glue & glitter! A post box has been made for Christmas cards so the children can get busy writing if they wish. The children enjoyed making kites this week to end our theme of ‘Shapes’. Thank you to all who supported Children in Need, we made just over £40 on our Pudsey cake sale.



DIARY DATES:
Monday 29th November
Swimming Gala for participating pupils. No swimming today for other pupils in Class 3. Last Hockey Club this term.
Wednesday 15th December
Carol Service in the Church at 2pm. Everyone welcome to join us for this service.
Thursday 16th December
Last after-school Football Club.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Newsletter No 3 / 19th November 2010

Christmas Olympic Sports Holiday Course at Stadhampton School
For the first time ever, we are hosting a holiday course here at Stadhampton School on Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd December, run by the Premier Sports Group, our Thursday afternoon PPA provider. The course will be led by Michael Hopkins (a qualified sports coach) and at least one other coach, and will run from 9am until 3pm each day. It is open to all pupils who attend Stadhampton School, and also to the other primary schools in the Watlington Partnership. During the day each child will participate in at least 4 different sports. The sessions will provide a fun way to develop relevant skills in a safe environment and allow pupils to explore, without pressure, each sport and activity. The cost for one day is £12, 2 days £24, 3 days £36 and 4 days £40. Each child who attends will be given a medal and a certificate and there is a free gift for each child who attends for 2 or more days. Bookings may be made through Mrs Hopkins or directly with the Premier Sports Group.

Christmas Productions – please read carefully!
KS2 Production – “Twelve Days of Christmas” – Pupils in Classes 2 & 3
Tuesday 7th December – Dress Rehearsal at 2pm. Little Bears children are invited to watch this performance along with pupils in the Foundation Stage and Class 1. Other visitors are also welcome, including babies and pre-school aged children.There will be no charge for this performance but there will be a collection bucket available for donations towards our grounds development projects.
Wednesday 8th December – Performance at 2pm. Admission will be by ticket only and limited to 3 tickets per family. No babies or pre-school aged children at this performance please.
Wednesday 8th December – Performance at 6.30pm. Admission will be by ticket only and limited to 3 tickets per family. No babies or pre-school aged children at this performance please.

KS1 Production – “Simply Nativity” – Reception (Foundation Stage) Pupils & Class 1 Pupils
Thursday 9th December – Dress Rehearsal at 10am. Little Bears children are invited to watch this performance along with pupils in Classes 2 & 3. Other visitors are also welcome, including pre-school aged children and babies.
There will be no charge for this performance but there will be a collection bucket available for donations towards our grounds development projects.
Friday 10th December – Performance at 2pm. Admission will be by ticket only and limited to 3 tickets per family.

Tickets for all performances are now on sale from the school office, priced at £1 each.

P.T.A. Message - Winter Fair. Friday 26th November 6.00pm School Hall –
Winter Fair – One week till Santa Claus comes to town! The final preparations are underway to make sure the final P.T.A. event of 2010 is a really good one! We have received some donations from parents/carers already but we are now desperately in need of more items to help make the evening truly great for the children. Please, please, please, read the list below and see if you could provide anything for some of the stalls we would like to run! Keep an eye out when shopping - why not take advantage of the “two for one” offers in the supermarkets?
Please bring any items into school and leave in the red box in the hall labelled “P.T.A. DONATIONS” A.S.A.P! We need:
· Good quality, unwanted presents and gifts for the Raffle.
· Unopened bottles, jars & tins for the Tombola – Wine, spirits, squash, bubble bath, sauces, jams & marmalade, tinned fruit, soup etc.
· Books – New and read, adult and children’s, fact or fiction!
· DVD’s and CD’s – New and second hand are welcome.
· Anything to do with chocolate! – Biscuits, boxes of truffles, chocolate advent calendars, hot chocolate kits, packets of buttons, fondues.
· Good quality, unbroken toys for various stalls - No matter the size, they will all go to a good home!
· Bags of all descriptions! – Hand bags, rucksacks, bath bags, evening bags, sports bags, children’s bags. (We even need some plastic carrier bags!)
· We are trying a Homemade Crafts Stall this year. If you have a hobby that involves making gifts then why not donate a few items for our stall. – Photo frames, knitted or crocheted scarves, hats & gloves, tissue box covers, jewellery, homemade confectionary, jams & preserves, paintings & watercolours! Any items are welcome.
· Continuing with the homemade theme – We also need some homemade biscuits, cupcakes and tray bakes to sell with our teas, coffees and hot chocolates! Please bring any cakes and biscuits into school on the morning of the fair.
We are also looking for willing volunteers to help run some of our great stalls and games. If you would like to lend a hand, even for half an hour and help us to raise some extra funds for the children at the school, please speak to a member of the P.T.A. Committee.

Stalls will include: Raffle, Bar – selling alcoholic & non alcoholic drinks, Cakes & biscuits, Homemade Craft Stall, Adult Tombola, Christmas Tree Raffle, Books, DVD’s, CD’s, Chocolate Tombola, Children’s Toy Tombola, Nails and Face Painting, Jewellery, Bag Stall – selling hand bags, rucksacks, children’s bags etc, Plant Stall, Lots of new games for children (and adults!) to play. Outside vendors now confirmed are: Baban jewellery, The Pampered Chef, Virgin Vie, and Phoenix Cards. Not forgetting - SANTA’S GROTTO!

Raffle Ticket Reminder:
Just a quick reminder that all raffle tickets (sold or unsold) and money need to be returned to the school office by Wednesday 24th November. Thank you.

The P.T.A. are always grateful for the contributions that parents give and would like to remind them that the money raised is going towards some wonderful equipment outside in the grounds of the school – Watch this space for more information in the new year. We should hopefully be able to show you the rewards very soon! Thank You.

Christmas Wreath Making Evening:
The P.T.A. along with Little Bears would like to remind parents and carers about the Christmas Wreath Making Evening that Fiona Stewart (Ollie’s Mum!) has offered to organise and run. It will take place on Thursday 16th December 7.30 - 9.00pm in the Community (School) Hall, Stadhampton. Tickets are £20.00 per person. All materials needed to make and decorate a beautiful wreath will be provided on the evening along with tea, coffee, wine and mince pies. There are a limited number of places and we are asking for a deposit of £10.00 to be submitted by Monday 22nd November. All proceeds will go to the school P.T.A. and Little Bears Pre-school. If you would like more information please contact Fi Stewart on fistewart@hotmail.co.uk

The Giving Machine:
Finally, now that we are all in the process of buying Christmas presents for loved ones, can the P.T.A. remind parents/carers about our affinity website The Giving Machine? If you shop online – Did you know that at no extra cost to you or the P.T.A., if you access your online supplier through www.thegivingmachine.co.uk , then a donation is made to the P.T.A.? Over 100+ top online retailers are listed including Amazon, eBay, John Lewis, Boden, Next, Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda, M&S etc. All details of how this works are available on The Giving machine web site. No pressure, of course, but you might like to consider this option - think of us before you shop! Thank you.

Little Bears News
We are continuing with shapes this week, the children have made some beautiful stained glass windows. We have made Pudsey Bear cakes which were on sale Friday morning, we will let you know how much was raised. Thank you in advance for supporting this event.
Whilst on the subject of thanks we would like to thank Sarah Madry for the donation of toys. The children are really enjoying using them all!



DIARY DATES:
Monday 22nd November
School Governors’ Meeting at 7pm
Friday 26th November
Quicksticks Hockey Tournament for participating pupils
PTA Winter Fair at 6pm in the School Hall
Monday 29th November
Swimming Gala for participating pupils. No swimming today for other pupils in Class 3. Last Hockey Club this term
Wednesday 24th November
Last Multisports Club this term; Last after-school Netball Club this term
Wednesday 15th December
Carol Service in the Church at 2pm. Everyone welcome to join us for this service.
Thursday 16th December
Last after-school Football Club

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Newsletter No 2 / 12th November 2010

Book Fair
Thank you to everyone who purchased items last week from our Book Fair. The takings for the Fair totalled £364.80. We were able to take books to the value of £153.00 by way of commission, which enabled each class to choose some new books for their individual class libraries.

Thank you from The Porch
Just to let everyone know, we received a letter this week from The Porch, the centre in Oxford for homeless people, asking us to pass on their thanks to parents for their generous Harvest Gifts.

Parents’ Consultation Evening
Appointment times for parents consultation evenings have been sent home via book bags this week. If you have not received an appointment time please contact your child’s teacher.

P.T.A. Message - Winter Fair. Friday 26th November 6.00pm School Hall – Two weeks and counting!
· Can we remind parents/carers to return unsold/sold raffle tickets with money, in envelope provided, to the school office NO LATER than Wednesday 24th November.–Somebody has to fold them, so please don’t leave it any later!
· Donations needed: We would be very grateful for any donations you may have, to be brought into school as soon as possible. We will have to sort and price items before the Fair, so please don’t delay!
We are in need of unwanted gifts for raffle prizes, books, DVD’s, CD’s, bottles (of any description), jars, tins, homemade crafts, handbags, bath bags, rucksacks etc, unbroken good quality toys and chocolate items of any description. We would also welcome donations of homemade cupcakes and tray bakes on the day of the Fair.
· Eimer Fernie and Charlotte Hector are welcoming donations of scraps of material, felt, buttons, bias binding, ribbons, wool, embroidery threads and trims e.g. rickrack. If you have anything that fits that description, please pass it on - They are making items for our wonderful craft stall!
· If any parents/carers attending the Fair are able to help out on a stall, please would they talk to Sarah Madry or Eimer Fernie. Even if you are able to do half an hour, that would be fantastic!
· Do you have any outdoor Christmas decorations that you would be happy for us to borrow? We are making a festive grotto for Santa outside Class 1 and would love to make it look really magical for the children. Please speak to Sarah Madry or Eimer Fernie if you can help us out. Many Thanks! – P.T.A.

Can we also remind parents that there will be a P.T.A. meeting at Rowena Dobson’s house on Tuesday 16th November at 8pm. Rowena lives at Coppers, Cat Lane, Stadhampton. We hope to see you there!

Extended Services Information
We have been asked to let parents know about the one-off workshop about promoting positive behaviour at the Children’s Centre in Chalgrove on 30th November, 9.15 for a 9.30 start. A flyer with further details is attached to this newsletter.

Books borrowed from the Mobile Library
The Mobile Library will not be coming to school in December now as the scheduled date clashes with the School Christmas Productions! Books borrowed from the mobile library on 10th November will automatically be renewed and are not due back at school until the next visit on 4th February 2011.

Children In Need Day – Friday 19th November
Pupils are asked to pay £1 to come to school dressed in something spotty instead of school uniform. All proceeds to Children in Need.
The School Council will be hosting a Pudsey Bear Poster or Collage competition. Children are invited to make a poster or collage of Pudsey Bear at home and then bring it in on Friday. It costs 50p to enter the competition and the four winners, one from each class, will be announced in the assembly in the afternoon.
We hope to hold an after school biscuit/cake sale and hope that one or two families would kindly make us some Pudsey or spotty biscuits or fairy cakes to sell towards our collection for Children in Need. Any volunteers please liaise with Mrs Manzie. Thank you.

Netball Tournament - Pupil Report by Chloe Brown

“On 5th November the Year 6’s went to the Partnership netball tournament at Icknield Community College. Year 6 were competing against lots of other schools and did very well by coming third out of eight teams.”

Year 5 Visits to Icknield Community College – Pupil Report by Matt and Ewan
“Year 5 pupils have been going to Icknield Community College for taster lessons. Our first lesson was Science and we learnt about forensics. Our second lesson was Geography and we learnt about the population of the world and the money distribution”.

Little Bears News
We welcome George Evelyn to Little Bears this week. George and his family are new to the village as well as Little Bears, we hope they all settle quickly and enjoy life here. The children are thinking about shapes this week, making shape people. We also gave thought to Remembrance Day and made a large poppy with hand prints.


DIARY DATES:
Mon 15th November
Parents’ Evenings – 4.30-7pm. Appointment slips distributed this week.
Tuesday 16th November
PTA Meeting at Rowena Dobson’s house
Wednesday 17th November
Parents’ Evenings – 3.30-6pm. Appointment slips distributed this week.
Friday 19th November
Children in Need Day – non-uniform, pay £1 and wear something spotty
Monday 22nd November
Governing Body meeting at 7pm
Friday 26th November
PTA Winter Fair from 6pm

Friday, November 5, 2010

Newsletter No 1 / 5th November 2010

Happy NOVEMBER Birthday to: Juliana Browning, Jake Day, Amy Freeman, Max Jones, Max Lansley, Lola Odell and Ella Perring

During November we are focusing on the core vale of PEACE

Children in Need, Friday 19th November
A reminder about that we will be participating in the BBC Children in Need Appeal by holding a non-uniform day on Friday 19th November. To take part children are expected to wear “something spotty” as part of their attire rather than normal school uniform and bring in £1 to school. We will then collect contributions at class registration time and send the proceeds to Children in Need. We are also planning other activities to take place during the day.

Menus for Winter & Spring
We have now uploaded the new Winter and Spring School Meals Menu onto the Learning Platform. We have also added a link to it on the school website.

NHS “Catch It, Bin It, Kill It” campaign
We have recently received a teaching resource pack from Kimberly-Clark, manufacturers of Kleenex, in support of the NHS “Catch It, Bin It, Kill It” campaign which raises public awareness of good hygiene practices to reduce the spread of cold and ‘flu’ germs. The pack includes a number of small packets of tissues which we have distributed to all pupils in the Foundatation Stage and Class 1. It is timely to remind everyone of the NHS guidelines:-
CATCH IT – Always use a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
BIN IT – Throw the tissue away immediately after use.
KILL IT – Wash your hands.
We will be promoting these guidelines in school, both in class and in assembly.

Little Cooks After School Club
The Little Cooks After School Club which has been offered to pupils in Years 3-6 is full and, unfortunately, no further places are available.

After School Dance Club
Following on from the success of the last After School Street Dance Club lead by Kerri Williams from Tanya’s School of Dance, we are pleased to give parents advance notice that this club will run again from Tuesday 11th January for at least 6 weeks. If it is as popular again as it was previously, then we shall probably continue with dance until Easter. This club will be open to all pupils.

Nit Alert
Please could everyone check their children’s hair this weekend as a parent has kindly reported that their child had nits, which have now been treated.

Five Star Food Hygiene Rating
Following a recent inspection of our kitchen by a South Oxfordshire District Council hygiene officer, I am delighted to inform you that we have been awarded five stars which means that this establishment has been rated as excellent. Congratulations to Mrs Shortman for achieving this excellent standard. Continuing to maintain this standard is, of course, a high priority and this involves not only school staff but also all hall users.

P.T.A. Message
Now that Halloween has been and gone and after tonight, the bonfire will be just embers and the sparklers have fizzled to darkness…..It’s time to think about Christmas! The P.T.A. is holding a Winter Fair on Friday 26th Nov at 6.00pm in the School Hall. Every family member is welcome to come and have a really great time playing games, drinking hot chocolates or mulled wine and searching for some cracking Christmas presents on our stalls! We will have a beautiful craft stall full of homemade items of all descriptions. There will be a Jewellery stall selling necklaces and other accessories. We also have a Virgin Vie stall, a Pampered Chef stall and Phoenix cards will also be attending. This is the perfect opportunity to start saving your pennies and come and find those special presents for your loved ones.
All families should find a note in book bags giving a more detailed description of items that we need to make this event a truly brilliant night. Please read through and see if you can donate anything to help us raise extra funds for the children at the school. Many thanks for your support.
P.S. There will be a very special visitor who will have his own “Winter Wonderland Grotto” outside Class 1! Come and tell him what you’d like for Christmas!

Little Bears News
The Little Bears and staff are back, looking refreshed and feeling energised for the 7 week countdown to Christmas! Fortunately we are not quite into the Christmas spirit yet, we are focused this week on bonfire night incorporating safety talks and beautiful firework art. We welcome Rafi Wilkinson this week to Little Bears, we hope he settles quickly and enjoys his time with us.

DIARY DATES:
Tuesday 9th November
Little Cooks starts for participating pupils
Wednesday 10th November
Maths Masterclass at ICC for participating pupils
Mon 15th November
Parents’ Evenings – 4.30-7pm
Tuesday 16th November
PTA Meeting at Rowena Dobson’s house
Wednesday 17th November
Parents’ Evenings – 3.30-6pm
Friday 19th November
Children in Need Day – non-uniform, pay £1 and wear something spotty
Monday 22nd November
Governing Body meeting at 7pm
Friday 26th November
PTA Winter Fair