Newsletter for week ending 10th February 2012

Parking in Cratlands Close
We have received two complaints this week from people who live very close to the school about access to and from their own driveways being obstructed by parents who are not showing sufficient consideration when they bring and collect children to and from school. In the last week or so Oxfordshire County Council have written to the neighbours of the school about extending the planning permission for the portacabin, which has to be re-applied for every five years. We certainly do not want to have any problems with the continued use of the portacabin for the Little Bears Pre-School and for our own Foundation Stage class and therefore urge parents please to walk if they can, park in the car park if they can and if they have to park in Cratlands Close to please ensure that they do not obstruct or limit people’s access to their property. Thank you.

Survey for parents of pupils in Reception
Thank you to the parents of Reception pupils who have already completed and returned the questionnaire from the Governing Body. If you have not already done so, the Governing Body would appreciate your reponse back after the February Holiday, if possible, please. If you have mislaid the form please ask in the office for a new one.

UNICEF Day for Change
A big thank you to all who contributed to this event. We collected a grand total of £127.67 which will help support UNICEF’s “Education through Sport” programme in Uganda. Thank you also to Katende Amery for sharing a powerpoint slide-show of his native Uganda with us. We were treated to a presentation showing some of the many different aspects of Ugandan life including stunning scenery, amazing animals and vibrant people.

Eco-Schools Silver Award
We are delighted to be able to share the good news that we have just been presented with the national Eco Schools Silver Award which recognises our achievement in working towards a sustainable lifestyle. We are now striving to achieve the “green” award in the future.

“Fishy Business”Many parents may well already be aware that there has been some “fishy business” going on in the toilet areas of Classes 1 and 2! These areas have been given a face-lift with some wonderful aquatic –themed murals, designed by the children, and painted by Mrs Wilkin with the help of Ms Cyprien. The painting has taken many hours but the results will be enjoyed for much longer! Thank you to Mrs Wilkin and Ms Cyprien. Class 3, don’t worry, your turn will come soon! The walls in the toilet area of our Reception class cannot be painted in this way but we have plans to add some “artwork” here too.

Science Club
Many thanks to Mr Heath-Whyte for his involvement in enabling the Science Club for Class 3 to take place. We were very pleased with the popularity of this club but, unfortunately, it has now finished. Mr Heath-Whyte and Mrs Turner will be discussing the possibility of offering something similar in the future.

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 informationn 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 and send parents a text message via ParentMail.

Mrs Turner’s participation in the British Council School Leadership Programme
I have been awarded a Comenius grant from the British Council to take part in a programme in which headteachers across the EU have the opportunity to work alongside each other in order to gain an understanding of different leadership and management models. I will be working alongside the management team at Hazlach School, in Poland, from 12th to 25th February, returning to Stadhampton School on 27th February. During this time I will be observing and exchanging leadership and management practice including the school curriculum, national testing, provision for Special Education Needs and Gifted and Talented pupils, school governance, links with parents and local community and partnerships with other local schools. I will also be visiting a school in
the Czech Republic, comparing educational systems and structures there. On my return I will be submitting a report to the British Council, a summary of which will be shared with our Governing Body, the Local Authority and the headteachers within the Watlington Partnership of Schools. This is an exciting but demanding opportunity and I am grateful to our Governing Body and the rest of the school staff for their support. In my absence the school will be managed by the remaining members of the Senior Leadership Team – Mrs Manzie, Mrs Garrard and Mrs Hopkins. I will also be in regular e-mail contact with the school.

Friday 2nd March - PTA Quiz Night!

Tickets for the TV and Film Quiz night (adults only) with a fish and chip supper are now on sale
Entry to Quiz and Fish & Chips - just £7
Entry to Quiz only - £2.50
Get your tickets from the school office or see Diana Woodwards or Rowena Dobson.

We would also be grateful for any donations of good quality, unwanted Christmas gifts or items, for a raffle on the night. Thank you.


Little Bears News
Little Bears return on the 20th February with the topic “occupations”.
We are also collecting tall Pringles pots, birthday cards with the numbers on the front and any old unwanted comics. Thank you.


DIARY DATES:
Monday 20th February Pupils return to school for the start of Term 4
Final swimming session for Class 2 pupils
Tuesday 21st February Final Cookery Club for Year 4
Invitation from the Parish Council to attend the launch of the Community Led Plan in the Hall at 7.30pm. Refreshments served.
Monday 27th February Recorders re-start
Thursday 1st March World Book Day
Friday 2nd March Quiz Night with Fish & Chip Supper
Wednesday 7th March Mobile Library
Year 5 pupils visit ICC for an English lesson
Monday 12th March Work-viewing evening
Friday 23rd March Sports Relief activities


Happy Holiday and a safe return on Monday 20th February.