Newsletter for week ending 9 May 2014

Changes to SEN
In September the Department for Education are making changes to the law for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. A letter to parents from Edward Timpson, Minister for Children and families, outlining the changes, is attached to this newsletter. If you would like a paper copy please ask in the office. We will know more about these changes later this term, after receiving training.

Holidays in Term-Time
A reminder that as a result of changes since September 2013 to the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006, Headteachers are unable to authorise any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances, such as bereavement. It will be impossible, therefore, to support any requests for holidays during term time. Please support us and your child by making all holiday bookings during school holidays. Thank you.

PGCE Students
We are pleased to welcome two PGCE students from Oxford Brookes University into school for their final placements. Miss Emily Parsons is working alongside Mrs Manzie in Class 1 and Mr Michael Kemp is working alongside Miss Shah in Class 3.

Thank you to the PTA:
The school is both proud of, and grateful to, our very supportive PTA. Without the on-going support of the PTA we would be unable to provide some of the facilities, equipment and opportunities that enrich all pupils’ experiences at school.

PTA News
Boogie Bingo Friday 16th May - we still have a few tickets left for next weeks event so please see Rowena Dobson if you would like one. Only £3 tickets (without food) are available now.

We are still hoping for donations for the raffle, so please have a look at home for anything suitable, eg any wine, beer, chocolates or ‘smellies!’ Please leave any donations in the PTA box in the hall.
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Bags2School Clothes Recycling Thursday 22nd May - you should have received your bags so get filling! Clothes, paired shoes, cuddly toys, bags, scarves and hats are all greatly received. All bags will be collected at 9am on 22nd May but if you are unable to bring your bags on the Thursday you will be able to leave bags in the undercover area outside Class 1 on Wednesday 21st May after 3.15pm.

Spring Cleaning Saturday 14th June: the PTA is hoping lots of parents (and other volunteers!) will be available to help with some Spring cleaning jobs around the school, e.g. fence painting, weeding etc. More details to follow.

Summertime Funtime Saturday 21st June - please save the date for this fun filled afternoon - more details to follow.

Our role as a PTA is continually changing and with ever increasing budget cuts to services including schools, it is becoming more evident that we will need to help support the school, not only with donations and organising events but also with our time and support.

The PTA acknowledges and appreciates the amazing support from all parents. If you think you would like to help organise fundraising events, have your say or just to see what goes on, then please come to our PTA meetings - everyone is always welcome. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 3rd June at The Crown 8pm.


Cake Club
Congratulations to Charlie Hackett, the lucky winner of last week’s cake, kindly donated by Mrs Lavene. A reminder to Mrs Cove that she is on the rota for 16 May.

DIARY DATES:
Monday 12 May Start of SATs week for Year 6 pupils. Please note that many other year groups will also be having their annual tests and tasks during this week and the following week. Please avoid making routine doctor and dental appointments during this time if at all possible.
Tuesday 20 May Class 2 visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor Hindu Temple
Friday 9 May, 16 May,
23 May, 6 June
Friday 13 June
Friday 20 June Cycling sessions for Year 6 pupils

Cycle Theory Test
Cycle Test
Monday 11 – Friday 15 August Summer Sports Course at Stadhampton School. Please see posters on each classroom door and in the entrance foyer for details of how to book.

LITTLE BEARS NEWS:
Next week we will be continuing with our ‘weather’ theme and also looking at the topic of ‘wind’. We will be making paper planes and kites to fly and hopefully making some unique wind chimes!
Please come along to the table top sale on Saturday afternoon from 2pm - 4pm in the school hall.