Newsletter for week ending 12th October 2012

School Website
This week we have added the following items onto the new school website; some photographs taken of displays in classrooms, a list of useful reminders for pupils in Classes 1, 2 and 3 and some dates of events onto the calendar.

Bottles for the Greenhouse
A huge thank you to everyone for collecting clear plastic bottles for us to make a ‘green’ greenhouse with. Mrs Tombling and Mrs Birtles have reported that we have more than enough bottles now, so there is no need for them to be saved for school anymore.

Harvest Service
Thank you to parents for generously donating wonderful Harvest gifts and for coming along to our Harvest Service in school. We had many comments from parents and carers saying how much they had enjoyed the occasion, however, we also received one or two complaints from parents saing they were unable to hear pupils speaking due to background noise from the audience. May we respectfully suggest to parents that if they have a younger sibling with them who might be a little noisy that they seat themselves so that they can leave the hall and either go into Class 1 or the entrance area with the younger sibling, should the need arise. Hopefully this will enable the majority of parents to be able to hear what is being said. We are grateful to the parents who already do this, and thank all parents for their cooperation in this matter in the future.

Leaflet about Taking Holidays during Term Time from the OCC Attendance and Engagement Team
Each family should have received a leaflet this week from the Attendance and Engagement Team at the Local Authority about taking holidays during term time. The leaflet clarifies what are ‘exceptional circumstances’, what the Law says and issues that parents need to be aware of.

School Photographs
Each family should have now received proof sets of the photographs taken last week. If you wish to place an order, The School Photography Company will be collecting orders from school week beginning 22nd October. There is no requirement to return the proofs if you do not wish to place an order. Thank you.

PTA News
Christmas Cards - Monday 15th October
All designs, payment and orders need to be in by 9am on Monday 15th October.

Halloween Disco
Tickets are now on sale in the school hall every morning.

Friday Cake Club
Last week's winner was Ellie Wiggins. Thanks to Mrs Burnell for the cake.
A reminder to Mrs Dickens who is on the rota for 19th Oct.


French Day, Parent Presentation and After School Café – 25.10.2012
On Thursday 25th October we are planning to have a whole-school French Day organised by Madam Church. During the day pupils will take part in a number of activities that link French with their class topics this term. At 3pm pupils will give a short presentation to parents in the Hall, showcasing some of the work that has been carried out during the day and from 3.15 to 3.45pm pupils, parents and staff are invited to a French-themed café in the Hall. This will give parents an opportunity to meet Madam Church and all of us to sample some home-made French cuisine! Everyone is most welcome, but if you do intend to come it would be most helpful if you could let the office know so that we can cater appropriately.

After-school football club will still run on that day and pupils who normally attend are free to attend or may, of course, go to the French café instead!


Little Bears News
Next week we looking at families and making a big family tree. Can we remind all parents to please bring in their photo leaf please?
Tickets are still available for the crèche and ‘Stay and Play’ too.


DIARY DATES:
Tuesday 16th October Science Club begins for participating pupils
Wednesday 17th October Open Morning at Stadhampton School and Little Bears 9.00-11.30am.
Cycling Safety Test for participating pupils
Monday 22nd October Plant orders due to arrive
Tuesday 23rd October Bag2School Clothes Collection by 9.00am
Wednesday 31st October One-day Holiday Course led by Michael Hopkins
Monday 19th November Parents Evening: 3.30 – 4.30pm and 5.00-7.00pm Class 1
4.00 - 7.00pm – Reception, Class 2 and Class 3
Wednesday 21st November Parents Evening: 4.00 – 6.00pm – all classes
Friday 26th October School finishes at 3.15pm for half –term
Monday 5th November Return to school at 9.00am.
Thursday 15th November School used as a Polling Station – closed to pupils
Tuesday 11th December Matinee and Evening performances of KS2 Christmas Production
Wednesday 12th December Matinee performance of FS/KS1 Christmas Production