Newsletter for week ending 14 November 2014

School Newsletter
A reminder to parents/carers that the school produces a weekly school newsletter in order to keep parents and families informed about what is happening in school. We aim to provide timely reminders about important dates and events, celebrate student achievements, and help parents understand elements of teaching and learning. We try to make the newsletter interesting to read as well as being a useful source of information. We are happy to publicise community events and welcome suggestions to improve ways of communication with parents and carers. The newsletter is e-mailed out to all parents, uploaded onto the school website and a hard copy is also displayed outside the school office, alongside the weekly newsletter from Icknield Community College. We know that many families rely on this information but we are also aware that some families do not always read the newsletter and therefore are unaware of important information. Please do try to ensure that you read it each week so that you and your children are aware of the times when they need equipment such as swimming kits, are asked to bring in change for the UNICEF Day for Change, pay £1 to come to school in non uniform for Children in Need, etc. Thank you.

Parent Governor Appointment
The Governing Body is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Leanne Kenny as a new parent governor with effect from 10th November 2014.


Children in Need Day – Friday 14th November
Non-uniform day: A reminder that pupils (and staff!) are invited to take part in our non-uniform day tomorrow by coming to school wearing ‘something spotty’ and contributing £1 to raise funds for Children in Need.


Remembrance Day
Each year, on the 11th November, we have a Remembrance Assembly during which we have a two minutes’ silence at 11 o’clock. This year, inspired by the poppies at the Tower of London, all pupils made their own sculptured poppy and these formed a poignant focal point during our assembly. We will be keeping the poppy display up in the hall until the end of next week so that parents and carers are able to have a chance to see the display before the children take their poppies home.

Watlington Partnership of Schools Netball and Tag Rugby Tournaments
Pupils in Year 6 and Year 4 represented Stadhampton at this week’s tournaments, doing their best in very wet and windy conditions. Here are the match reports:


Netball Tournament by Emily and Cora
“As we arrived at Icknield, some of the Year 10’s came over and led us to the netball court, where we played against 5 schools.
In the first game we played against Watlington but unfortunately we lost. We were pretty disappointed to have lost in our first game but we put that behind us and won the next two games.
After a drink and a snack, kindly provided by Miss Raval, we were ready to play again and played against Lewknor, but unfortunately lost. Lastly, when we were almost asleep, as we were so tired, we played against Chalgrove, but unfortunately lost again, but we were still in good spirits as we had fun.
Then we gathered round to hear the scores – Last place…. RAF Benson! Joint 3rd was Chalgrove and Stadhampton! Joint 4th was Lewknor and Ewleme and that left Watlington in 1st place. We all clapped and cheered, then got onto the coach to head back to school.”

Rugby Report by Year 4
“We really enjoyed the rugby tournament despite the ground being so muddy! We still had lots of fun! We managed to win two games, lost two games and drew one game. Congratulations to Ewelme School who came first.”

PTA NEWS:
Disco Night this Saturday, School Hall, 8pm - there's still time to grab a disco ticket or just simply turn up on the night. DJ and a fully stocked bar, a fab night, so please support.

Wreath Evening - Tuesday 16th December, School Hall, 7.30pm - a returning favourite! Spaces are still available but be quick as tickets are limited. Please see Georgina Wiggins or any PTA committee member. Tickets are £15 each.

Winter Fair - Friday 28th November 6-8pm - to help us make this the best Winter Fair yet, we need more donations. We do rely on donations to help make the Winter Fair a success, as without them we wouldn't be able to hold this event. Please search through your cupboards or think about us when you are shopping this weekend.

Donations wanted this week are:
Chocolate, bottles, sweets, things to go in jars eg- any leftover party bag toys or sweets.

(Please note there is not a white elephant stall but toys in a very good condition will be ok for the toy tombola)

Volunteers for clearing up after the Winter Fair are desperately needed. The more volunteers we have the less time it will take, so please, if you can spare an hour see Sue Bowerman.

Raffle tickets for the Winter Fair are in book bags, so please return with your money to the office by Wednesday 26th November.

Our next meeting is Tuesday 13th January, 8pm, The Crown.

Thank you for your continued support of the PTA.

Friday Cake Club
Congratulations to Nat Watkins, the lucky winner of last week’s cake, kindly donated by Mrs Gravett. A reminder to Mrs Freeman that she is on the rota for Friday 21 November.

DIARY DATES:
17 November 2014 & 19 November Parents’ Consultation Evening from 4-7pm on 17 November and 4-6pm on 19 November
Tuesday 9 December KS2 Christmas Play performances at 1.45pm & 6.30pm
Wednesday 10 December KS1 & FS Christmas Play performance at 2.15pm
Mobile Library
Tuesday 16 December Nativity Performance at St John’s Church from 2pm
Monday 22 December & Tuesday 23 December Two day Christmas Sports Course at Stadhampton School led by Michael Hopkins and supported by Jordan Piper. Please see attached flyer for details.


LITTLE BEARS NEWS:
The Little Bears will be looking at light sources & taking part in a Gruffalo Winter Walk (Friday 28th November). They will also be conducting a science experiment using light sources and plants, making a shadow puppet theatre and making black and white print pictures.
Children may like to bring in a light source this week for show and tell; please ensure all items are named. Thank you.

Community News:

Flyers from Children’s Centre about Webster Stratton Parenting Course starting in January and also the Panto which is taking place in December.

A Youth Club for Stadhampton – Update!
We’re moving forward! Further meetings have been arranged and a date has been set for an Opening Party in the New Year!!! The party will be open to all; youngsters, parents & carers – come along and let us know what you’d like from your local youth club.
Of course we need more volunteers; both adults and older youngsters, from the local community to facilitate this new venue. Please come along to the meetings and/or register your interest at stadhamptonyouthclub@gmail.com
Wednesday, 19th November, 20.30pm at 10 Newells Close, Stadhampton, OX44 7XS
Wednesday, 3rd December, 20.00pm at Village Hall at St John's, Stadhampton

Christmas Market
The Market will take place in the Village Hall (at St Johns) from 3 – 6pm on Friday 5th Dec. All sorts of nice things for Christmas will be on sale as well as refreshments being available and music provided by the choir. Entrance is free.