Happy APRIL Birthday to: Katende Amery, Thea Diment, Orla Fernie, Julian Fouquet Burns, Oliver Jones and Jamie Lavene.
During April we are focusing on HUMILITY
Letter from Ofsted
We are pleased to have provided each family with a letter to parents from Ofsted, which was sent home via book bags, earlier this week. Ofsted decided not to inspect the school this year because their interim assessment concluded that the “good” performance achieved at our last Ofsted inspection (March 2008) has been sustained. We are very pleased with this interim assessment, however, we are not complacent. Staff and governors will continue to work hard to do our very best for the children of Stadhampton Primary School by pursuing improvements, engaging with families and providing the local community with a school to be proud of.
Mothers Day Daffodils
A huge thank you to Mr and Mrs Birtles who have, once again, provided each pupil with a bunch of daffodils for Mothers Day.
Weighing and Measuring for Reception and Year 6 pupils
Unfortunately the weighing and measuring by the school health nurse was not able to take place on Friday 25th March. It has now been re-scheduled for Wednesday 25th May.
Visit by the Dentist
We were very disappointed that the Bury Knowle Dental Practice cancelled their arrangement to provide an assembly and slideshow on dental hygiene for all pupils earlier this week, an hour before the assembly was due to take place, due to staff shortages. As the dentist was unable to come to school, the opportunity to have children’s teeth inspected, was also withdrawn. We apologies on behalf of the dentist for any inconvenience caused.
Boys Football Tournament – by Andrew and Ben
On the 23rd of March, six boys from Class 3 and three boys from Year 4 went to the Watlington Partnership Football Tournament. We played six teams and did reasonably well. We won 2, drew 2 and lost 2. This placed us in joint 3rd place, 4th on goal difference.
Cycle Safety Training
We are very grateful to Mrs Leighfield, Mrs Scragg and Mrs Vale for once again agreeing to oversee our Cycling Safety Training. Initially Y6 pupils are being offered this opportunity, as the parent volunteers prefer to work with a small group. We realise that not all pupils will be available to participate in each training session but feel that attendance on at least 4 out of 5 training sessions will be sufficient. The sessions will be held in the afternoons and will commence on Friday 20th May, 27th May, 10th, 17th & 24rd June. The test date will be on Tuesday 28th June. Each pupil will need a roadworthy bicycle (front and rear brakes and reflectors) and a cycle helmet, which fits properly. Please let Mrs Hopkins know as soon as possible if you would like to book a place.
Clarinet Concert
Miss Shah and all pupils in Class 3, led by Mrs Rose from the County Music Service, presented a short clarinet concert to parents on Tuesday 29th March. All pupils in Class 3 are currently learning to play the clarinet as part of a one-year government-funded programme.
This was a wonderful occasion with Class 3 clearly demonstrating their enthusiasm for, and pleasure in, playing the clarinet. It was amazing to see how much progress all pupils have made in only 6 months.
P.T.A. News
Thank you to everyone who attended the committee meeting last Tuesday night. We had a very positive get together and have now finalised details for some fund raising events planned over the next term.
• On Wednesday 27th April – The plants from C.D. Bell will be delivered to the school, just in time for planting out over the bank holiday weekend. Anyone who has placed an order will be able to collect their plants after school pick up at 3.15pm, from the pavement in front of the gated entrance to the playground in the car park.
N.B. Can we inform parents and carers that the deadline for handing the plant order forms has been extended! – The last chance for returning your order forms is now Friday 8th April at 1.30pm.
• On Friday 6th May – The P.T.A. will be holding a second hand uniform sale along with Tracy Perring selling new uniform items. This will take place under the covered area outside Class One. We are inviting parents to come and have a look through all items of uniforms from 2.45pm onwards. We are now happy to receive any items of second hand uniform that you may wish to donate towards the sale. Please bring clean trousers, skirts, dresses, white tops and good condition blue tops into school A.S.A.P. so they can be sorted before the sale. Thank You.
N.B. Tracy has asked if we could remind parents/carers that the P.T.A. uniform shop is open on Thursdays between 3.15 and 3.30pm, in Little Bears.
• On Tuesday 10th May – There will be a clothes recycling collection from the school at around 10am. If you have any clean, good quality adult and children’s clothes, shoes, belts, bags, bedding, towels or soft toys, please bring them into school in the blue recycling bag we have provided (via children’s book bags) by 9.00am on the Tuesday morning. Extra black bin bags are always available. Thank You.
• On Saturday 14th May – The P.T.A. are going to hold a Family Fun Day! From 1.00pm in the Community (School) Hall everyone is welcome to join us for some wonderful craft activities, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and yummy cakes. We plan to have face painting, kite making, seed planting, model building and lots of other fun and games on offer for children of all ages. Parents can come and have a catch up with friends and why not bring grandparents along too, to join in the fun. Entry to the event will be free and each activity will be available for a small charge towards P.T.A. funds.
The Fun Day is planned to coincide with a Puzzle Trail that the P.T.A. has organised around Stadhampton village. A circular walk with questions about our village has been put together for adults and a smaller circular walk for children has been designed with letters to spot that form a simple word. Puzzle Trail sheets are available from Sarah Madry 07749 224464, Catherine Odell 07917 696149 or the school office. Each Puzzle Trail sheet is being offered for a small donation of £5.00 towards P.T.A. funds, but we would like to present a fantastic “Buy one get one free” offer of both Puzzle Trails for £5.00!
You are free to do the Puzzle Trails at any time after you have purchased them, but if you return your completed Puzzle Trail sheets to the school by 3.00pm on Saturday 14th May, all correct entries will be entered into our prize draws! There will be two prizes on offer – One for adults and one for children! Watch this space for more details…….
Little Bears
We will be getting ready for Easter next week. We are having an Easter Bonnet Parade on Friday 8th and for those who do not usually attend this session but would like to be involved, please arrive at 11am and don’t forget your bonnets!
DIARY DATES for April 2011 and beyond:
Sunday 3rd April Mothering Sunday worship in Church at 9.30am
Monday 4th April Last Hockey after school club
Tuesday 5th April Class 2 visit to Bekonscot
Wednesday 6th April Mobile Library
Last Netball and Multiskills after school club
Thursday 7th April Last Football after-school club
Friday 8th April End of Term Assembly at 9.05 All welcome.
1.30pm finish for pupils
Tuesday 26th April Staff INSET Day. No pupils at school
Wednesday 27th & Thursday 28th April Pupils in school
Friday 29th April Bank Holiday – Royal Wedding
Monday 2nd May Bank Holiday
Thursday 5th May Confirmation that school is closed to pupils due to elections being held in the School Hall
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Newsletter no 4 - 25th March 2011
From the Governing Body:
Although we are not aware of any issues at the present time, the staff and Governing Body of Stadhampton Primary School recognise that from time to time, parents may have concerns about their child or the school. We feel that it is our responsibility to remind parents at least annually that if they do have any concerns to please let us know by making an appointment with your child’s teacher or the Headteacher. In the unlikely event that informal discussion does not resolve the issue, complaints should be referred to the Governing Body and finally to the Local Authority (LA). We recognise that parents have statutory rights of complaint and the applicable school policy, along with the school’s 68 other policies, is available from the school office.
Used printer ink cartridges
Many thanks for bringing in your used/unwanted printer ink cartridges. We have, on this occasion, donated them to a charity called Lunch 4 Learning. This is a charity that works with Ugandan Primary Schools to provide lunch for pupils who presently go hungry. The aim is to increase their attendance and improve their learning by helping schools to establish sustainable ways of providing a regular midday meal. At present many children set off to school without a meal and return home without having eaten. Further details of this charity are available from the school office.
Grounds Development
As many of you will be aware, recent developments in our school grounds have included the creation of an outdoor performance area, the building of a safe, off-road waiting area and the extension of the tarmac area. We are now in the process of having an outdoor covered area constructed providing an outdoor classroom for use by pupils and staff. It is also envisaged that this will provide a quiet area for pupils during playtimes and a covered area in which parents of Reception Class pupils can wait if it’s raining. These developments form part of our planned on-going school improvements to provide a range of stimulating facilities at Stadhampton School. We are very grateful to the PTA for their financial support of some of these developments. We are currently in the process of planning to replace the climbing frame area and, along with our pupils and the PTA, are investigating a number of options. Watch this space!
Dentist in School
We have accepted an offer for a dentist based at the Bury Knowle Health Centre in Headington to come into school on Tuesday 29th March and deliver an assembly and slide show to all pupils on the importance of dental hygiene. A letter from them, explaining that as part of this visit there will also be an opportunity for pupils to be checked by the dentist, was put into book bags earlier this week. If you would like your child to be examined by the dentist, please complete the form and return to school before 29th March.
Japan Emergency Appeal
One of the most powerful earthquakes in history, an enormous tsunami, a nuclear power station crisis and sub-zero temperatures – it is almost impossible to comprehend the extend of this disaster. More than 440,000 people have been forced from their homes by the disaster, including up to 100,000 children. The situation in the affected areas has been made more difficult by shortages of food, water and fuel, and a drop in temperature with snowfall across some of the worst-affected areas.
You have already generously supported our recent fund-raising events for Children in Need and Comic Relief, as well as PTA – organized events, however, pupils and staff are also keen to help Japanese victims in some way. After looking at the work of a number of charities, we have decided to support the Save the Children Japan Emergency Appeal. They have a team in Sendai, one of the worst affected areas, who have set up an operations base to help the most vulnerable children and their families. We will be working with the School Council to organise a specific fund-raising event in the near future which we hope you will support. In the meantime we do have a collection jar in school which you are very welcome to contribute to if you wish. Further information regarding the appeal can be found on
www.savethechildren.or.uk/en/japan-earquake-and-tsunami-appeal
Springtime at the Wittenham Clumps - Easter Clumps Club 2011
We have been notified by Earth Trust that they are running Easter Clumps Clubs for children aged between 8-12 yr olds, 10am – 3pm £25 per child per day. For further information please contact 01865 407792.
Monday 11th April – Wild Survival Day
Have you got what it takes to survive in the wild? Practice shelter building and learn to light fires without matches. Survival games and challenges throughout the day!
Tuesday 12th April – An Eggsellent Eggstravaganza
It’s all about eggs. Craft, games and activities to do with eggs: Egg painting, egg camouflage, wild bird eggs, and the final great egg rolling challenge!
Louisa Kevis
We are delighted to welcome Louisa Kevis, a student at Oxford and Cherwell College, on placement in our Reception Class until July 2011.
Comic Relief
Thank you to everyone who paid £1 or more to “wear something red” last Friday for Comic Relief. All children participated in a series of “Red Nose Races” organised by the staff and we are pleased to report that Stadhampton School was able to add £122 to the national collection.
Little Bears
Next week we are getting ready for Mothers Day – so look out for some lovely surprises! Our beans are progressing nicely, please feel free to pop in and take a look.
DIARY DATES for March 2011 onwards
Tuesday 29th March
PTA Meeting at 8pm in the School Hall. All welcome
Friday 1st April
Plant Order Form return deadline
Monday 4th April
Last Hockey after school club
Tuesday 5th april
Class 2 visit to Bekonscot
Wednesday 6th April
Mobile Library
Last Netball and Multiskills after school club
Thursday 7th April
Last Football after-school club
Friday 8th April
End of Term Assembly at 9.05 All welcome.
1.30pm finish for pupils
Tuesday 26th April
Staff INSET Day. No pupils at school
Wenesday 27th & Thursday 28th April
Pupils in school
Friday 29th April
Bank Holiday – Royal Wedding
Monday 2nd May
Bank Holiday
Thursday 5th May
Confirmation that school is closed to pupils due to elections being held in the School Hall
Although we are not aware of any issues at the present time, the staff and Governing Body of Stadhampton Primary School recognise that from time to time, parents may have concerns about their child or the school. We feel that it is our responsibility to remind parents at least annually that if they do have any concerns to please let us know by making an appointment with your child’s teacher or the Headteacher. In the unlikely event that informal discussion does not resolve the issue, complaints should be referred to the Governing Body and finally to the Local Authority (LA). We recognise that parents have statutory rights of complaint and the applicable school policy, along with the school’s 68 other policies, is available from the school office.
Used printer ink cartridges
Many thanks for bringing in your used/unwanted printer ink cartridges. We have, on this occasion, donated them to a charity called Lunch 4 Learning. This is a charity that works with Ugandan Primary Schools to provide lunch for pupils who presently go hungry. The aim is to increase their attendance and improve their learning by helping schools to establish sustainable ways of providing a regular midday meal. At present many children set off to school without a meal and return home without having eaten. Further details of this charity are available from the school office.
Grounds Development
As many of you will be aware, recent developments in our school grounds have included the creation of an outdoor performance area, the building of a safe, off-road waiting area and the extension of the tarmac area. We are now in the process of having an outdoor covered area constructed providing an outdoor classroom for use by pupils and staff. It is also envisaged that this will provide a quiet area for pupils during playtimes and a covered area in which parents of Reception Class pupils can wait if it’s raining. These developments form part of our planned on-going school improvements to provide a range of stimulating facilities at Stadhampton School. We are very grateful to the PTA for their financial support of some of these developments. We are currently in the process of planning to replace the climbing frame area and, along with our pupils and the PTA, are investigating a number of options. Watch this space!
Dentist in School
We have accepted an offer for a dentist based at the Bury Knowle Health Centre in Headington to come into school on Tuesday 29th March and deliver an assembly and slide show to all pupils on the importance of dental hygiene. A letter from them, explaining that as part of this visit there will also be an opportunity for pupils to be checked by the dentist, was put into book bags earlier this week. If you would like your child to be examined by the dentist, please complete the form and return to school before 29th March.
Japan Emergency Appeal
One of the most powerful earthquakes in history, an enormous tsunami, a nuclear power station crisis and sub-zero temperatures – it is almost impossible to comprehend the extend of this disaster. More than 440,000 people have been forced from their homes by the disaster, including up to 100,000 children. The situation in the affected areas has been made more difficult by shortages of food, water and fuel, and a drop in temperature with snowfall across some of the worst-affected areas.
You have already generously supported our recent fund-raising events for Children in Need and Comic Relief, as well as PTA – organized events, however, pupils and staff are also keen to help Japanese victims in some way. After looking at the work of a number of charities, we have decided to support the Save the Children Japan Emergency Appeal. They have a team in Sendai, one of the worst affected areas, who have set up an operations base to help the most vulnerable children and their families. We will be working with the School Council to organise a specific fund-raising event in the near future which we hope you will support. In the meantime we do have a collection jar in school which you are very welcome to contribute to if you wish. Further information regarding the appeal can be found on
www.savethechildren.or.uk/en/japan-earquake-and-tsunami-appeal
Springtime at the Wittenham Clumps - Easter Clumps Club 2011
We have been notified by Earth Trust that they are running Easter Clumps Clubs for children aged between 8-12 yr olds, 10am – 3pm £25 per child per day. For further information please contact 01865 407792.
Monday 11th April – Wild Survival Day
Have you got what it takes to survive in the wild? Practice shelter building and learn to light fires without matches. Survival games and challenges throughout the day!
Tuesday 12th April – An Eggsellent Eggstravaganza
It’s all about eggs. Craft, games and activities to do with eggs: Egg painting, egg camouflage, wild bird eggs, and the final great egg rolling challenge!
Louisa Kevis
We are delighted to welcome Louisa Kevis, a student at Oxford and Cherwell College, on placement in our Reception Class until July 2011.
Comic Relief
Thank you to everyone who paid £1 or more to “wear something red” last Friday for Comic Relief. All children participated in a series of “Red Nose Races” organised by the staff and we are pleased to report that Stadhampton School was able to add £122 to the national collection.
Little Bears
Next week we are getting ready for Mothers Day – so look out for some lovely surprises! Our beans are progressing nicely, please feel free to pop in and take a look.
DIARY DATES for March 2011 onwards
Tuesday 29th March
PTA Meeting at 8pm in the School Hall. All welcome
Friday 1st April
Plant Order Form return deadline
Monday 4th April
Last Hockey after school club
Tuesday 5th april
Class 2 visit to Bekonscot
Wednesday 6th April
Mobile Library
Last Netball and Multiskills after school club
Thursday 7th April
Last Football after-school club
Friday 8th April
End of Term Assembly at 9.05 All welcome.
1.30pm finish for pupils
Tuesday 26th April
Staff INSET Day. No pupils at school
Wenesday 27th & Thursday 28th April
Pupils in school
Friday 29th April
Bank Holiday – Royal Wedding
Monday 2nd May
Bank Holiday
Thursday 5th May
Confirmation that school is closed to pupils due to elections being held in the School Hall
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Newsletter No 3 - 18th March 2011
Storytelling Chair
We are delighted to be the proud owners of a unique storytelling chair. The chair has been created in collaboration with Mr Simon Clements, a local woodcarver, and Mr Philip Clayden, a local woodworker. Our pupils have been instrumental in designing the images carved on the chair and met Mr Clements to present and discuss their ideas. The chair, which is made from a variety of different woods, most of which are locally sourced, has been constructed in the shape of a hollowed-out tree trunk with carved features on the inside and outside surfaces. These include a dragon, a giant beanstalk, a pirate ship, a pot of gold, a knight in (shining) armour, and Rapunzel, with many other characters and features for sharp eyes and keen imaginations to spot! We hope the storytelling chair will provide a very special stimulus for inspirational storytelling – both by adults and children.
The chair has been made possible through the long-standing links between the Peers family and Stadhampton School. In the early 19th century, members of the Peers family who lived at Chiselhampton House, set up an educational foundation for the future education of families in Stadhampton and Chiselhampton. Over the years the annual income has, inevitably, reduced in financial value and the trustees recently arranged to “wind-up” the funds. We were keen to use the final payment in a way that would benefit all pupils, both now and in the future and provide a unique and permanent asset to the school. The storytelling chair, we believe, fulfils these criteria and links the past with the present and the future.
Guitar Lessons
If any other pupils would like to begin guitar lessons, please could they collect and complete a form from the school office as soon as possible. It would appear that there is a sufficient number of interested pupils to make this opportunity viable.
Easter Holiday Multisports Course at Stadhampton School
We are pleased to let everyone know that Michael Hopkins will be leading a holiday course again at Stadhampton School on behalf of the Premier Sports Group, for the 4 days leading up to Good Friday, i.e. 18th – 21st April. The course will run from 9am -3pm each day and is available at the special offer price of £5 per day. We would be happy to receive completed application forms and payment from Stadhampton parents into the school office or you may also book directly with Premier Sports. It is anticipated that there will be a high demand for places.
Mid-Year Summary Reports
Mid-year summary reports for all pupils were sent home via book bags on Tuesday.
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.
First Aid Training by Amber Tomkins, Maisie Matthews and Andrew Oakley
“Some pupils took part in First Aid Training and it was very enjoyable. We sang “Staying Alive” whilst we did C.P.R on plastic dummies. We learned a lot of things which could help in a real situation.”
Bookfeast by Chloe Brown and Tom Leighfield
“On the 14th of March 2011 Years 4, 5 and 6 went to the Natural History Museum to listen to a lecture by Michael Rosen. He was very funny and was talking about his life and got the audience very much involved. It was a lecture to remember. Afterwards we went on a story trail around the museum, finding objects to inspire our own stories.”
And by Betsy Elliott and Cora White
“Years 1, 2 and 3 went to see Tony Bradman and he read us lots of his poems. They were very funny and they made us laugh. One was about teachers! We would like to read more of them...”
P.T.A. News
We would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who attended the Pizza & Bingo Night last Friday. Thanks also go to Shirley Bateman for being a superb Bingo caller, members of the P.T.A. who made delicious cakes for the children’s dessert and all parents, teachers and P.T.A. members who came along and helped out on the evening. The children were very enthusiastic and by the end of the last game, were experts at marking off their Bingo cards! It was very rewarding to see them having so much fun. The event raised £96.18 and this will be added to P.T.A. funds. We hope to hold another Bingo evening later in the year – if Shirley’s voice can recover!
Plant Order Forms
There’s just a hint of spring in the air and some of you may be keen to get out in the garden over the next few weeks and tend to your flower beds. The P.T.A. would like to offer those of you with green fingers, the opportunity of purchasing some hanging baskets, bedding plants and patio vegetables via the school. We have handed out plant order forms in book bags this week (one per family) and ask that you take a look at the plant supplier’s web site at what’s available www.cdbell.co.uk The Company will donate 30% of all sales, with a further 5% on orders totalling £250 so this is a fantastic way of helping the P.T.A. to raise extra funds and to get some beautiful plants for your garden. Please return completed order forms with your payment in a sealed envelope to the school office, no later than Friday 1st April (two weeks from today.) Extra order forms are available from the school office or Sarah Madry. The plants will be delivered to the school on Wednesday 27th April, in time for planting out over the May Bank Holiday. N.B. Please place your order through the school and not on the supplier’s website – Thanks!
Clothes recycling & Second hand uniforms
The date for our spring clothes recycling collection will be Tuesday May 10th. We would like to remind parents/carers and their families to have a sort out of good quality, clean clothes, bedding, towels, soft toys, shoes and bags. Recycling bags will be handed out before the Easter Holidays but you can donate items in black bin bags too. While sorting through your children’s clothes, you may wish to consider donating items of school uniform to the P.T.A. We plan to have a second hand uniform sale at the beginning of May and would be willing to take clean white tops, P.E. T-shirts, trousers, shorts, summer and winter dresses, skirts, blue cardigans and sweatshirts. The items will be on sale in school before the recycling collection date and any items not sold would then be donated to this cause and help raise additional funds for the P.T.A. Please keep these items separate from the recycling bags! If you wish to donate any items before the Easter holidays please speak to Sarah Madry, Eimer Fernie or any member of the P.T.A. committee. Thank you.
Next P.T.A. meeting
Our next gathering will be on Tuesday 29th March in the school hall at 8.00pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and help organise some fun events over the spring and summer. We look forward to seeing you then.
Parent Governor Vacancy
The governing body consists of parent governors, staff governors, community governors, and LA appointed governors. Our school has three parent governors and currently has a vacancy for another parent governor. Parent governors have all the same powers and duties as other governors.
The governing body usually meets once a term, usually on a Monday evening.
To be eligible to stand for election as a parent governor you have to have parental responsibility for a pupil at the school. Having "parental responsibility" is not limited to biological parents, but will cover you if you are a step-parent, foster parent, grandparent bringing up the child, or permanent partner of the child's biological parent. A few people cannot be school governors; those who have been made bankrupt or who have been in prison for certain offences may not serve for at least three years afterwards. If you have any doubts as to your eligibility on any of these grounds, please contact the school office.
The child must be on the school roll at the time the election is held. However, parent governors do not have to resign if their children leave the school before their term of office has expired.
Although you don't need any educational experience or expertise, you should attend the free training course provided by Governor Services for newly appointed governors so that you are fully aware of your role. The term of office is usually four years.
We invite interested persons to complete the nomination form attached to this newsletter and return it to the school office by 1st April 2011.
The information which you provide in the section “Why I would like to be a parent governor” will be circulated to all parents in the event of the school receiving more than one nomination. In this event, the school will need to ask parents to vote for one candidate in a secret ballot.
The school really needs active parent governors, so please do think about applying.
Little Bears
This week we are continuing with our theme “what we can grow”. We will be planting potatoes and looking at the tomatoes and asparagus we planted last week. We are also looking after our “bean in a jar” which are growing nicely. This week we will be planting Mr McGregor’s garden and seeing what that cheeky Peter Rabbit is up to!! We will also be introducing “Tommy the Monkey” to the children – he is a very happy, loving monkey who will be coming home with the children in turn and loves nothing more than a good adventure.
DIARY DATES for March 2011 onwards
Monday 21st March
Work Viewing Evening – 3.30 – 6.00pm
Wednesday 23rd March
ICC Partnership Football Tournament @ RAF Benson- after school
Tuesday 29th March
PTA Meeting – School Hall @ 8pm
Friday 8th April
End of Term – 1.30pm finish for pupils
Tuesday 26th April
INSET Day – Pupils not in School
Wednesday 27th April
Pupils Return to School
Friday 29th April
Bank Holiday – Royal Wedding
Monday 2nd May
Bank Holiday
Thursday 5th May
Parish Elections – Potential School Closure
Tuesday 10th May
Spring Clothes Recycling Collection
We are delighted to be the proud owners of a unique storytelling chair. The chair has been created in collaboration with Mr Simon Clements, a local woodcarver, and Mr Philip Clayden, a local woodworker. Our pupils have been instrumental in designing the images carved on the chair and met Mr Clements to present and discuss their ideas. The chair, which is made from a variety of different woods, most of which are locally sourced, has been constructed in the shape of a hollowed-out tree trunk with carved features on the inside and outside surfaces. These include a dragon, a giant beanstalk, a pirate ship, a pot of gold, a knight in (shining) armour, and Rapunzel, with many other characters and features for sharp eyes and keen imaginations to spot! We hope the storytelling chair will provide a very special stimulus for inspirational storytelling – both by adults and children.
The chair has been made possible through the long-standing links between the Peers family and Stadhampton School. In the early 19th century, members of the Peers family who lived at Chiselhampton House, set up an educational foundation for the future education of families in Stadhampton and Chiselhampton. Over the years the annual income has, inevitably, reduced in financial value and the trustees recently arranged to “wind-up” the funds. We were keen to use the final payment in a way that would benefit all pupils, both now and in the future and provide a unique and permanent asset to the school. The storytelling chair, we believe, fulfils these criteria and links the past with the present and the future.
Guitar Lessons
If any other pupils would like to begin guitar lessons, please could they collect and complete a form from the school office as soon as possible. It would appear that there is a sufficient number of interested pupils to make this opportunity viable.
Easter Holiday Multisports Course at Stadhampton School
We are pleased to let everyone know that Michael Hopkins will be leading a holiday course again at Stadhampton School on behalf of the Premier Sports Group, for the 4 days leading up to Good Friday, i.e. 18th – 21st April. The course will run from 9am -3pm each day and is available at the special offer price of £5 per day. We would be happy to receive completed application forms and payment from Stadhampton parents into the school office or you may also book directly with Premier Sports. It is anticipated that there will be a high demand for places.
Mid-Year Summary Reports
Mid-year summary reports for all pupils were sent home via book bags on Tuesday.
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.
First Aid Training by Amber Tomkins, Maisie Matthews and Andrew Oakley
“Some pupils took part in First Aid Training and it was very enjoyable. We sang “Staying Alive” whilst we did C.P.R on plastic dummies. We learned a lot of things which could help in a real situation.”
Bookfeast by Chloe Brown and Tom Leighfield
“On the 14th of March 2011 Years 4, 5 and 6 went to the Natural History Museum to listen to a lecture by Michael Rosen. He was very funny and was talking about his life and got the audience very much involved. It was a lecture to remember. Afterwards we went on a story trail around the museum, finding objects to inspire our own stories.”
And by Betsy Elliott and Cora White
“Years 1, 2 and 3 went to see Tony Bradman and he read us lots of his poems. They were very funny and they made us laugh. One was about teachers! We would like to read more of them...”
P.T.A. News
We would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who attended the Pizza & Bingo Night last Friday. Thanks also go to Shirley Bateman for being a superb Bingo caller, members of the P.T.A. who made delicious cakes for the children’s dessert and all parents, teachers and P.T.A. members who came along and helped out on the evening. The children were very enthusiastic and by the end of the last game, were experts at marking off their Bingo cards! It was very rewarding to see them having so much fun. The event raised £96.18 and this will be added to P.T.A. funds. We hope to hold another Bingo evening later in the year – if Shirley’s voice can recover!
Plant Order Forms
There’s just a hint of spring in the air and some of you may be keen to get out in the garden over the next few weeks and tend to your flower beds. The P.T.A. would like to offer those of you with green fingers, the opportunity of purchasing some hanging baskets, bedding plants and patio vegetables via the school. We have handed out plant order forms in book bags this week (one per family) and ask that you take a look at the plant supplier’s web site at what’s available www.cdbell.co.uk The Company will donate 30% of all sales, with a further 5% on orders totalling £250 so this is a fantastic way of helping the P.T.A. to raise extra funds and to get some beautiful plants for your garden. Please return completed order forms with your payment in a sealed envelope to the school office, no later than Friday 1st April (two weeks from today.) Extra order forms are available from the school office or Sarah Madry. The plants will be delivered to the school on Wednesday 27th April, in time for planting out over the May Bank Holiday. N.B. Please place your order through the school and not on the supplier’s website – Thanks!
Clothes recycling & Second hand uniforms
The date for our spring clothes recycling collection will be Tuesday May 10th. We would like to remind parents/carers and their families to have a sort out of good quality, clean clothes, bedding, towels, soft toys, shoes and bags. Recycling bags will be handed out before the Easter Holidays but you can donate items in black bin bags too. While sorting through your children’s clothes, you may wish to consider donating items of school uniform to the P.T.A. We plan to have a second hand uniform sale at the beginning of May and would be willing to take clean white tops, P.E. T-shirts, trousers, shorts, summer and winter dresses, skirts, blue cardigans and sweatshirts. The items will be on sale in school before the recycling collection date and any items not sold would then be donated to this cause and help raise additional funds for the P.T.A. Please keep these items separate from the recycling bags! If you wish to donate any items before the Easter holidays please speak to Sarah Madry, Eimer Fernie or any member of the P.T.A. committee. Thank you.
Next P.T.A. meeting
Our next gathering will be on Tuesday 29th March in the school hall at 8.00pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and help organise some fun events over the spring and summer. We look forward to seeing you then.
Parent Governor Vacancy
The governing body consists of parent governors, staff governors, community governors, and LA appointed governors. Our school has three parent governors and currently has a vacancy for another parent governor. Parent governors have all the same powers and duties as other governors.
The governing body usually meets once a term, usually on a Monday evening.
To be eligible to stand for election as a parent governor you have to have parental responsibility for a pupil at the school. Having "parental responsibility" is not limited to biological parents, but will cover you if you are a step-parent, foster parent, grandparent bringing up the child, or permanent partner of the child's biological parent. A few people cannot be school governors; those who have been made bankrupt or who have been in prison for certain offences may not serve for at least three years afterwards. If you have any doubts as to your eligibility on any of these grounds, please contact the school office.
The child must be on the school roll at the time the election is held. However, parent governors do not have to resign if their children leave the school before their term of office has expired.
Although you don't need any educational experience or expertise, you should attend the free training course provided by Governor Services for newly appointed governors so that you are fully aware of your role. The term of office is usually four years.
We invite interested persons to complete the nomination form attached to this newsletter and return it to the school office by 1st April 2011.
The information which you provide in the section “Why I would like to be a parent governor” will be circulated to all parents in the event of the school receiving more than one nomination. In this event, the school will need to ask parents to vote for one candidate in a secret ballot.
The school really needs active parent governors, so please do think about applying.
Little Bears
This week we are continuing with our theme “what we can grow”. We will be planting potatoes and looking at the tomatoes and asparagus we planted last week. We are also looking after our “bean in a jar” which are growing nicely. This week we will be planting Mr McGregor’s garden and seeing what that cheeky Peter Rabbit is up to!! We will also be introducing “Tommy the Monkey” to the children – he is a very happy, loving monkey who will be coming home with the children in turn and loves nothing more than a good adventure.
DIARY DATES for March 2011 onwards
Monday 21st March
Work Viewing Evening – 3.30 – 6.00pm
Wednesday 23rd March
ICC Partnership Football Tournament @ RAF Benson- after school
Tuesday 29th March
PTA Meeting – School Hall @ 8pm
Friday 8th April
End of Term – 1.30pm finish for pupils
Tuesday 26th April
INSET Day – Pupils not in School
Wednesday 27th April
Pupils Return to School
Friday 29th April
Bank Holiday – Royal Wedding
Monday 2nd May
Bank Holiday
Thursday 5th May
Parish Elections – Potential School Closure
Tuesday 10th May
Spring Clothes Recycling Collection
Friday, March 11, 2011
Newsletter No 2 - 11th March 2011
Swimming Money Reminder
A polite reminder to parents that we hope to receive a “voluntary contribution” of £1 per pupil per week towards the cost of the transport to the Abbey Sports Centre for swimming lessons. There are 6 sessions this term for Class 3 pupils.
Go Guitar Tuition
We were pleased to welcome Russel Payne from “Go Guitar” tuition into school earlier this week. Mr Payne, who also teaches guitar at Icknield Community College, talked to pupils about learning the guitar, demonstrated both classical and electric guitars and entertained the children with his spontainious rendition of “Three Little Birds”, which has been our assembly music this week. Leaflets are available from the school office for KS2 pupils who would like to learn to play this instrument. We anticipate the costs per term (10 lessons for 7-9 children) to be £40. Pupils would need their own guitar (most beginners should ideally start on a nylon strung classical guitar, which can be purchased from most music shops.) It is anticipated that these lessons would take place in school, probably at lunchtime.
Message from PTA Committee - Tonight is Bingo Night!
Tickets for the P.T.A. Kids Bingo & Pizza Night, 5.30–7.00pm in the school hall have all sold out! Thank you, to all of you who have purchased a ticket. It promises to be a really fun event with some great prizes and tasty pizza and cakes.
Please note: No entry will be allowed without a ticket – So please remember to bring yours along! Can we also please ask all parents/carers to collect their children from the hall at 7.00pm, rather than tell the children to meet them in the car park? It will still be dark at that time and the P.T.A. would like to make sure each child has been safely picked up at the end of the night. No children will be allowed to leave the hall until an adult arrives for them. Thank you! The P.T.A. is looking forward to seeing you later this evening for a great time!
Red Nose Day – Friday 18th March
Please bring £1 for our Red Nose Day activities on Friday 18th March. Pupils may pay £1 to “wear something red” and enjoy fun races in the afternoon.
Reminder – if your child would like to have the special school lunch on Red Nose Day please send in lunch money (£2.05) on Monday 14th March , if you haven’t done so already. Thank you.
Little Bears
At Little Bears this week we will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day with some Irish activities including flag making and cooking. We will also be tasting some Irish soda bread for our snack. We will be looking at the nursery rhyme “Mary Mary, Quite Contrary” as part of our theme “growing” and will also be planting mini-gardens and making lots of flowers.
Chalgrove and Watlington Children’s Centre Events
“New Opportunities Workshop” starting on Wednesday 23rd March for 3 weeks 9.15-11.30am at the Chalgrove Children’s Centre
One Day Workshop – “Promoting Positive Behaviour” on Saturday 21st May 9.30-4.30pm at the Chalgrove Children’s Centre
Flyers which provide further information about both of these events are on display in the entrance foyer.
DIARY DATES for March 2011
Monday 14th March
Bookfeast visits. All pupils involved except Foundation Stage.
Friday 18th March
Red Nose Day – pay £1 to “wear something red”
Monday 21st March
Work Viewing Evening – 3.30 – 6.00pm
A polite reminder to parents that we hope to receive a “voluntary contribution” of £1 per pupil per week towards the cost of the transport to the Abbey Sports Centre for swimming lessons. There are 6 sessions this term for Class 3 pupils.
Go Guitar Tuition
We were pleased to welcome Russel Payne from “Go Guitar” tuition into school earlier this week. Mr Payne, who also teaches guitar at Icknield Community College, talked to pupils about learning the guitar, demonstrated both classical and electric guitars and entertained the children with his spontainious rendition of “Three Little Birds”, which has been our assembly music this week. Leaflets are available from the school office for KS2 pupils who would like to learn to play this instrument. We anticipate the costs per term (10 lessons for 7-9 children) to be £40. Pupils would need their own guitar (most beginners should ideally start on a nylon strung classical guitar, which can be purchased from most music shops.) It is anticipated that these lessons would take place in school, probably at lunchtime.
Message from PTA Committee - Tonight is Bingo Night!
Tickets for the P.T.A. Kids Bingo & Pizza Night, 5.30–7.00pm in the school hall have all sold out! Thank you, to all of you who have purchased a ticket. It promises to be a really fun event with some great prizes and tasty pizza and cakes.
Please note: No entry will be allowed without a ticket – So please remember to bring yours along! Can we also please ask all parents/carers to collect their children from the hall at 7.00pm, rather than tell the children to meet them in the car park? It will still be dark at that time and the P.T.A. would like to make sure each child has been safely picked up at the end of the night. No children will be allowed to leave the hall until an adult arrives for them. Thank you! The P.T.A. is looking forward to seeing you later this evening for a great time!
Red Nose Day – Friday 18th March
Please bring £1 for our Red Nose Day activities on Friday 18th March. Pupils may pay £1 to “wear something red” and enjoy fun races in the afternoon.
Reminder – if your child would like to have the special school lunch on Red Nose Day please send in lunch money (£2.05) on Monday 14th March , if you haven’t done so already. Thank you.
Little Bears
At Little Bears this week we will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day with some Irish activities including flag making and cooking. We will also be tasting some Irish soda bread for our snack. We will be looking at the nursery rhyme “Mary Mary, Quite Contrary” as part of our theme “growing” and will also be planting mini-gardens and making lots of flowers.
Chalgrove and Watlington Children’s Centre Events
“New Opportunities Workshop” starting on Wednesday 23rd March for 3 weeks 9.15-11.30am at the Chalgrove Children’s Centre
One Day Workshop – “Promoting Positive Behaviour” on Saturday 21st May 9.30-4.30pm at the Chalgrove Children’s Centre
Flyers which provide further information about both of these events are on display in the entrance foyer.
DIARY DATES for March 2011
Monday 14th March
Bookfeast visits. All pupils involved except Foundation Stage.
Friday 18th March
Red Nose Day – pay £1 to “wear something red”
Monday 21st March
Work Viewing Evening – 3.30 – 6.00pm
Friday, March 4, 2011
Newsletter No 1 - 4th March 2011
Happy MARCH Birthday to: Darcy Crook, Emily Drake, Daniel Ellis, Hannah Lansley, Greg Madry, Hannah Tombling and Naomi Woodwards.
During March we are focusing on the core value of “HOPE”
Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar
Free fun for the family! Brookes Science Bazaar is back with a host of new hands-on activities and one or two of last year’s faviourites! Saturday 12th March 11am – 4pm (10am – 12noon for under 5’s) Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane site – main reception. For more information please visit www.brookes.ac.uk/sciencefestival or www.oxfordshiresciencefestival.co.uk or phone 01865 484829/484864
First Aid Workshops – 7th March
Pupils enrolled on the second session on Monday 7th March are: Millie Birtles, Bryce Dobson, Georgia Valentine, Ella Mae White, Matt Green, Ayisha Hall, Hannah Tombling, Annabel Roe, Chloe Scragg, Alice & Ewan Madry, Owen Cove, Josh & Maisie Matthews. One more pupil is on “stand-by” so if anyone whose name is listed above is not able to attend, please let us know.
“Jian-Zi” Tournament
The results of the tournament at our partner school in Hazlach, Poland have now been received and are as follows: 1st Kazimierz Kozubek with 44, 2nd Szymon Majetny with 43 and 3rd Daniel Wojcik with 21. So this year Benedict Diment with his amazing score of 137, is the international champion and the trophy will be returned to Stadhampton School.
Advanced Warning
We have been advised by SODC that the Hall and therefore the whole school, may be required to be used as a Polling Station on Thursday 5th May. We will, of course, let parents know as soon as final confirmation is received.
World Book Day
Each child received a £1 book token this week in celebration of World Book Day. A huge thank you to all the wonderful character costumes for this event. Characters included Mr Sneeze, Cinderella, Mr Wolf (without his three little pigs!), Wally from Where’s Wally, Dinah from The Dinosaurs Packed Lunch, Geronimo Stilton, James Bond, Just William and Obelix to name just a few. Favourite stories were read in class and a selection read in assembly. Children were fascinated to hear about the character choices of other pupils and were also delighted to see each member of staff also dressed as a character.
PTA reminder
Children’s Pizza and Bingo night on Friday 11th March 5.30 – 7.00pm in the School Hall. (Entry will not be permitted without a ticket!) We look forward to seeing you for a fun-filled evening and some tasty pizza and games of Bingo.
Chalgove & Watlington Children’s Centre
Chalgrove & Watlington Children’s Centre are looking for ‘bank staff’ for the Childrens Centre. Total of 12 hours per week and on an adhoc basis to cover staff holiday and training. Please contact centre manager Helen Rints on 07504 958334 or Helen.Rints@Oxfordshire.gov.uk for more information.
Little Bears
Our theme for this week is “Jack and the Bean Stalk” - we will be growing beans in a jar, any more jars would be greatfully received!
We are looking forward to Shrove Tuesday next week and be pleased to receive “exotic fruits”.
DIARY DATES for January 2011
Monday 7th March
First Aid Training for participating pupils in KS2 3.15 – 5.15pm approximately
Wednesday 9th March
Year 5 visit to ICC for an English lesson
Maths Masterclass at ICC for participating pupils
Mobile Library visit
Friday 11th March
PTA Children’s Event – Pizza and Bingo
Monday 14th March
Bookfeast visits. All pupils involved except Foundation Stage.
Friday 18th March
Red Nose Day – watch this space!
Monday 21st March
Work Viewing Evening – 3.30 – 6.00pm
During March we are focusing on the core value of “HOPE”
Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar
Free fun for the family! Brookes Science Bazaar is back with a host of new hands-on activities and one or two of last year’s faviourites! Saturday 12th March 11am – 4pm (10am – 12noon for under 5’s) Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane site – main reception. For more information please visit www.brookes.ac.uk/sciencefestival or www.oxfordshiresciencefestival.co.uk or phone 01865 484829/484864
First Aid Workshops – 7th March
Pupils enrolled on the second session on Monday 7th March are: Millie Birtles, Bryce Dobson, Georgia Valentine, Ella Mae White, Matt Green, Ayisha Hall, Hannah Tombling, Annabel Roe, Chloe Scragg, Alice & Ewan Madry, Owen Cove, Josh & Maisie Matthews. One more pupil is on “stand-by” so if anyone whose name is listed above is not able to attend, please let us know.
“Jian-Zi” Tournament
The results of the tournament at our partner school in Hazlach, Poland have now been received and are as follows: 1st Kazimierz Kozubek with 44, 2nd Szymon Majetny with 43 and 3rd Daniel Wojcik with 21. So this year Benedict Diment with his amazing score of 137, is the international champion and the trophy will be returned to Stadhampton School.
Advanced Warning
We have been advised by SODC that the Hall and therefore the whole school, may be required to be used as a Polling Station on Thursday 5th May. We will, of course, let parents know as soon as final confirmation is received.
World Book Day
Each child received a £1 book token this week in celebration of World Book Day. A huge thank you to all the wonderful character costumes for this event. Characters included Mr Sneeze, Cinderella, Mr Wolf (without his three little pigs!), Wally from Where’s Wally, Dinah from The Dinosaurs Packed Lunch, Geronimo Stilton, James Bond, Just William and Obelix to name just a few. Favourite stories were read in class and a selection read in assembly. Children were fascinated to hear about the character choices of other pupils and were also delighted to see each member of staff also dressed as a character.
PTA reminder
Children’s Pizza and Bingo night on Friday 11th March 5.30 – 7.00pm in the School Hall. (Entry will not be permitted without a ticket!) We look forward to seeing you for a fun-filled evening and some tasty pizza and games of Bingo.
Chalgove & Watlington Children’s Centre
Chalgrove & Watlington Children’s Centre are looking for ‘bank staff’ for the Childrens Centre. Total of 12 hours per week and on an adhoc basis to cover staff holiday and training. Please contact centre manager Helen Rints on 07504 958334 or Helen.Rints@Oxfordshire.gov.uk for more information.
Little Bears
Our theme for this week is “Jack and the Bean Stalk” - we will be growing beans in a jar, any more jars would be greatfully received!
We are looking forward to Shrove Tuesday next week and be pleased to receive “exotic fruits”.
DIARY DATES for January 2011
Monday 7th March
First Aid Training for participating pupils in KS2 3.15 – 5.15pm approximately
Wednesday 9th March
Year 5 visit to ICC for an English lesson
Maths Masterclass at ICC for participating pupils
Mobile Library visit
Friday 11th March
PTA Children’s Event – Pizza and Bingo
Monday 14th March
Bookfeast visits. All pupils involved except Foundation Stage.
Friday 18th March
Red Nose Day – watch this space!
Monday 21st March
Work Viewing Evening – 3.30 – 6.00pm
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