Newsletter No 6 /10th December 2010

Chair of Governors
I am sure that all parents and staff will join me in thanking Craig Tombling for his commitment to the school as a governor and Chair of Governors for many years. Mr Tombling has now decided to step down from the Governing Body due to work commitments. We are delighted to announce that Jason Hector has been appointed as the new Chair of Governors with immediate effect. Sara Wright has been appointed as Vice-Chair.
Other current members of the Governing Body are Jolyon Roe, Reverend Nigel Hawkes, Richard Freeth, Nikki Howlett, Mrs Turner, Mrs Garrard (who represents the teaching staff ) and Mrs Hopkins, who is an Associate Governor.

Christmas Productions – KS2 Report by Richard Freeth, School Governor
“It will be of no surprise to parents that children can act, but what I saw in the Stadhampton School KS2 Festive play this year took it to a much higher level. Not only can they all act but also sing and dance brilliantly. An inspired choice of play had all KS2 (I would list them but so many) in a story about a performing troupe having to visit Santa (cheer) but evil (boo) gets in the way. I was very pleasantly surprised by how well they all delivered the complex lines and songs. The jokes, sourced from crackers, made us all laugh. What more could you ask for? Well in the performance I saw, it had to be Santa learning why you need a belt and braces! Despite a trouser problem he carried on like a seasoned pro. Overall a very enjoyable hour, make sure you book your tickets for next year. Oh and the story ultimately, like all good Christmas stories, ends well as the whole cast join on stage to wish us all a very “Merry Christmas.”

KS1 Report by Amy and Chloe B. from Class 3
“Foundation Stage and Class 1’s Christmas play performance, “Simply Nativity,” included amazing songs that were well sung. It was an action-packed performance, full of great acting and effort from the children. Our favourite song of the performance was “Hopping Along to Bethlehem”. The audience (including the adults!) was well-behaved and joined in with the songs. We’re sure they enjoyed it all just as much as we did.”

We are pleased to let you know that we raised just over £240 from these performances towards our new play equipment. We would like to pay special thanks to Melissa Tombling for helping pupils prepare for the production and to Sue Cyprien for doing the face-painting, to Mrs Wilkin who designed and made the majority of the props, to all staff for their hard work, to the PTA for providing refreshments, to the parents for providing splendid costumes, and of course, to all pupils for providing memorable entertainment. Thank you all!

December Events

Tuesday 14th
12 noon
Whole school Christmas Lunch. We hope that all pupils will have a festive school lunch with crackers, etc. Cost £2.05. The menu will be: Turkey and chipolata, or Quorn sausages, stuffing, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, ice-cream star or strawberry jelly.
Wednesday 15th
2pm
Carol Service & Nativity in Church. Everyone welcome to join us in Church for this event.
Thursday 16th
10am
School Christmas Party. Pupils may bring clothes to change into at morning break if they wish. The PTA have kindly agreed to provide a small budget for chocolate biscuits and drinks, so there is no need for parents to provide anything and pupils will have their lunch as normal at 12 noon (either packed lunches or school meals.)
Final after school football club for this year.
Friday 17th
9am
End of term assembly. Everyone welcome to join us for this.
School finishes at 1.30pm.

P.T.A. News:
This should be our last news for 2010! We are all looking forward to the Christmas holidays now and what better present could we give the children but a fantastic £1,073.91 towards the outdoor learning area and play equipment. This is the final figure that the Winter Fair raised and it is with great gratitude to everyone who helped us achieve such a wonderful amount. Many thanks and well done!

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 on Thursday 16th December 7.30-9.00pm in the Community Hall, Stadhampton. Tickets are £20.00 per person. All materials needed to make and decorate a beautiful wreath will be provided, along with tea, coffee, wine and mince pies. There are still a couple of spaces left and we are asking for a deposit of £10.00 to be paid to Fiona A.S.A.P. 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
For those of you who have already booked their place – we would like to remind you: Don’t forget to bring a pair of gardening gloves, some secateurs and your final £10 payment!

The P.T.A. would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. We
would also like to thank all parents, carers and their families for their continued support. You are always generous with your donations and the children benefit so much from the extra things that we provide. We look forward to organising more fund raising events in 2011!

Little Bears News
The Little Bears who attended on Tuesday afternoon and Thursday morning really enjoyed the dress rehearsals of the school play. I have to say the staff did too, they were fabulous.
The children have been busy making more decorations and Christmas cards this week.
We have also practised our play which is on Saturday.

The Committee are pleased to announce that Gemma Austin will be the new supervisor at Little Bears when we return in January. Gemma has many years experience in a Nursery environment including a Supervisory/Management role.


DIARY DATES for January 2011

Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 5th January

Staff INSET Training Days
Thursday 6th January
Pupils return to school. No after school football club.