Newsletter for week ending 5 October 2013

Happy OCTOBER Birthday to: Edison Buckner, Ella Fulker, Mia Gravett, Sophie Hector, Oliver Lowman, Lewis Payne, Harvey Saunders, Marcin Skwarek and Ellie Walker.

During OCTOBER we are focusing on the core value of RESPONSIBILITY

Internet Awareness
There are many wonderful advantages of the Internet but it can be a ‘mixed blessing’. Children can access inappropriate material. We have recently been made aware of some ‘challenges’ on ‘youtube’ that have been accessed by children and which have the potential to be harmful. Guidance is that ‘youtube’ is for children over the age of 13 years old and at school we have a block on such sites preventing access. We feel that sharing this information about Internet safety is important. Families should be aware that children who have unsupervised access to the Internet may be vunerable to accessing inappropriate material.

Swimming Contributions
Thank you to the families in Class 2 who paid swimming contributions during this week.

Bottle Tops Collection for Air Ambulance
As a school we are pleased to collect bottle tops to assist with fundraising by the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance. Mrs Leiper continues to be happy to sort through these for us but has to make a special journey to Swindon to drop them off on our behalf. The address they need to be dropped off at is Agi World, Units 1 and 2 Kembrey Park, Swindon, SN2 8UU. We understand that they may be posted into a collection box which is outside of the building. If any parent goes to Swindon occasionally and would be willing to drop them off for us, please could you let us know. Thank you.

Dolls Clothes Required!
We have recently purchased four dolls for the Foundation Stage class but sadly they don’t have any clothes. They are approximately 38cm tall – 2 boys and 2 girls. Does anyone have any unwanted dolls clothes they would be willing to donate to school or would anyone be willing to make or knit some for us? Please let us know if you can help. Thank you.

Invitation to look around our new Village Hall at St John’s Saturday 12th October 2013
Cake, tea, games and art from 2-6pm. This is a chance for you to come and look at this beautifully rejuvenated space that is now ours, ready to do things with. Families with children are particularly welcome as there will be a big art activity, as well as a Jianza competition and a “Where on earth?”, in Stadhampton, photo quiz for all of us locals. Please come and have a look - I hope to see lots of you, even if only for 5 minutes. Any queries, please contact me on 07432 126 514.

Thank you, Catherine Roe

Science Oxford Live Autumn Events
Everyone is invited to go along to the hands-on, interactive science workshops taking place on the last Saturday of each month at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Here is a link to their website if you would like more information about the various events http://www.scienceoxford.com/live/

Free Football Coaching for Girls
We have been asked to advertise these free football coaching sessions for girls which primarily focus on fun, fitness and team building. Details are as follows;
When - Thursdays 5.30pm to 7.15pm
Where - The Community Arena at Oxford City Football Club, Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford, OX3 0NQ. Contact details for parents - email: peter.burden2@btinternet.com mobile; 07900832429

PTA News

AGM - Tuesday 8th October, School Hall, 8pm
Don't forget to come along and support the PTA.

Friday Cake Club
Alexander Ighofose was the lucky winner of last week’s cake, kindly donated by Mrs Burnell.
A reminder to Mrs Hector that she is on the rota for Friday 11 October.

Clothes Recycling - Friday 11th October, 9am
Last chance for a clear out over the weekend of all those unwanted old clothes, shoes, belts, bedding (no pillows or duvets), towels and cuddly toys.

Christmas Cards!!
I know it's early (maybe not quite as early as Notcutts!) but we are organising our annual Christmas cards designed by your child. You should see some lovely designs coming home with your child/children this week. If you wish you can add to this design (or even create another one!) but please refer to the guidance notes.

The first pack of 12 cards is £5.50, each additional pack of 12 cards is £4.50. You can order as many packs as you like. A pack of 12 gift tags is £2.50 (and has to be with a card order).

All completed artwork, orders and payment, need to be in by the 14th October. Any queries please see Claire Walker or Anna Harries.


LITTLE BEARS NEWS:
Next week we will be looking at travelling by sea and talking about other ways we could travel. We will also be making a big pirate ship on our climbing frame outside.
We are hopefully having a visit from a Fireman on Thursday in preparation for our emergency services topic next week.


DIARY DATES:
Wednesday 16 October Open Morning 9.00-11.45am. Visitors welcome to pop in during this time to see the school at work.
Mobile Library visit pm
Friday 11th October Bag2School collection
Monday 21 October Book Fair arrives
Friday 25 October School breaks up at 3.15pm for October Holiday
Monday 4 November School resumes for the start of Term 2
Thursday 7 November Year 5 pupils visit ICC for Science, Maths & English lessons
Wednesday 13 November Mobile Library visit pm
Monday 18 November Parents Evening 4.00-7.00pm
Wednesday 20 November Parents Evening 4.00-6.00pm