Newsletter for week ending 27 February 2015

Food with Thought Meal Offer
Food with Thought, our school meal provider, is running a promotion during March offering a voucher for a free meal to all KS2 children. To qualify for this offer, you simply need to buy 10 consecutive meals from either Monday 2nd March or Monday 16th March. You can of course purchase meals for the whole of March to qualify for 2 vouchers.
The vouchers can be used in April or May and will have an expiry date of 31st May 2015.
The new menu which starts from 16th March has been uploaded onto the school website and is also attached to this newsletter. Food with Thought are no longer providing families with paper copies of the menu.

World Book Day – Thursday 5th March
A reminder that on Thursday 5th March all pupils and (staff!) are encouraged to come to school dressed as a favourite book character, bring a copy of the book if possible, and be prepared to explain why they chose that particular character. Photographs of the children as book characters will be taken and we plan to make a display of these in school afterwards. We have already heard of some inspiring ideas!
Pupils will also need to have their PE kit in school that day to change into during the afternoon.

World Book Day Vouchers
World Book Day takes place on Thursday 5th March 2015 and celebrates the joy and value of books and reading, especially for children. To help get them started on their reading journey, every child receives a £1 World Book Day Book Token that can either be exchanged for one of TEN special £1 World Book Day books or used to get £1 off any book costing £2.99 or more. You can find out more about the books at worldbookday.com/books. Book Tokens will be sent home today in book bags. Please help your child to use it on or around World Book Day by visiting your local bookshop (if you need help finding one, visit booksellers.org.uk/bookshopsearch).

E-Safety Presentations
It was good to see so many of you at our E-Safety and Cyberbullying presentations this week. The children had worked hard to prepare their presentations which we hope you found both entertaining and informative. For those of you who were unable to attend we have attached a copy of the presentation for you to see.

Visit by Polish pupils, parents and teachers
From Friday 19th to Tuesday 23rd June we will be welcoming a party of 12 visitors from our partner school in Hazlach, Poland. We have had links with Hazlach school for over 10 years and during this time we have conducted a number of exchange visits – the most recent being a group from this school travelling to Poland last May. Staff and families have hosted visitors in the past and this is the plan for the visit in June too. Several members of staff and families have already agreed to host this year’s visitors, however, we are still seeking to find a family who would be willing to have an 11 year old girl and her mother stay with them for this time. If you are able and willing, please speak with Mrs Turner for further information. Thank you.

Question & Answer Session with the Governing Body
Tuesday 17 March, 8pm, School Hall
The Governing Body would like to invite all parents and carers to an informal Q&A session on Tuesday 17 March at 8pm in the school hall. This is a chance for parents and carers to find out more about what the school governors do, how they are involved with the operation of the school and to find out more about the schools’ priorities.

There will be a short presentation followed by an open Q&A session. However, parents and carers are welcome to submit questions anonymously via the school office should they wish to do so.

As the aim of the session is to provide information about the work of the Governing Body and to address any questions about the overall governance of the school, neither Mrs Turner nor any of the teaching staff will be attending. Should a parent wish to talk about their child with a member of the teaching staff they should make an appointment in the usual way. Please note we will not be able to answer any questions specific to individual children.

The agenda for the meeting will be:

Benchmarking
League tables
Financials & Budgets
School priorities

The Chair of the Governors, Jason Hector, and the chair of the Finance Committee, Paul Gravett, as well as other members of the governing body will all be available to answer questions.

We hope you will welcome the opportunity to find out more and hope to see you on the 17th March.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Jason Hector & Paul Gravett

Work-Viewing Evening on Monday 23rd March
This year our Work Viewing Evening is Monday 23rd March. This takes place in pupils’ classrooms between 3.15 and 6pm and parents and carers are invited to look at their child’s/children’s work. Many families choose to do this with their children and this is encouraged. Teachers will be present in the classrooms between 3.30 and 6pm and although there is no appointment system they are available for a brief conversation if required. In addition, our annual Mid-Year Summary Reports, which indicate individual pupil progress towards key targets, will be sent out the week before.

School Council News

Cake Sale
Thank you to everyone who donated cup cakes or biscuits to raise money for a wireless camera for the school bird box. We raised £61.04 and are planning to purchase the camera shortly.

Red Nose Day on Friday 13 March
Competition – We will be participating in Red Nose Day by holding a ‘funny face’ photograph competition. All you need to do is take a photo of your face, making it as funny as you possibly can. You can use props, such as face paints, glasses, wigs, etc to enhance your entry photo. All entries will cost £1 and must be handed in to the school office by Wednesday 11th March 2015. The best ‘funny face’ photograph will win a prize which will be presented in the Friday assembly.

Red Nose Day- Children may pay £1 to come to school dressed in their pyjamas for the day! This money will then be added to the Competition money and sent off to Comic Relief.


Year 6 visit to see ‘Contes Mauriciens’ performance at Icknield Community College
Year 6 pupils thoroughly enjoyed visiting Icknield Community College on Tuesday for a Contes Mauriciens performance by actors and a technician from Theatre Sans Frontieres. They were surprised by how much of it they were able to understand and found the plays very entertaining. What a great experience! Thank you to Icknield Community College for inviting pupils to this event.

Football Tournament Results from RAF Benson
The outdoor matches were cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch, so the children took part in an indoor skills rally and a football quiz instead. Year 3 and Year 4s came first and Year 5 and 6 came 4th. Overall we came 2nd and everyone enjoyed the experience! Congratulations to everyone and thank you to the parents who helped with the transport. Particular thanks to Mr Cove for coaching pupils beforehand.

Gardening Club
We are grateful to Mr and Mrs Burnell for offering to restart the gardening club on Friday lunchtimes. Please could any pupils from Classes 2 and 3 who would like to attend the club put their names down with Mrs Hopkins. The club will start again on Friday 6th March.

PTA NEWS:
Kids Bingo Night Friday 20th March 5.30-7pm- letters with consent forms will be going into book bags on Monday. Please return the consent forms along with £3.00 to the school office no later then Thursday 19th March. No tickets are being issued and if you are able to help please speak to a PTA committee member. Thank you.

Fish and Chip’s supper and disco/karaoke night. Saturday 21st March 7.30pm The Crown, Stadhampton- the PTA are very excited to announce that we are holding this event in partnership with The Crown, tickets are priced at £7 each which includes an enormous fish and chip supper, plus there is a disco, Karaoke, an alcohol raffle and much more, all funds going to the PTA. This promises to be a fantastic night for everyone, tickets are available from Georgina Wiggins and from The Crown.

Easter Egg Raffle, we are holding a raffle the day before we break up for Easter and are asking for donations of Easter eggs from parents. Please put all donations into the PTA box in the school hall. Thank you.

Thank you for your continued support of the PTA.

Friday Cake Club
Congratulations to Hannah Lansley, the lucky winner of the last cake before half term, kindly donated by Mrs Khan. A reminder to Mrs Payne that she is on the rota for 6 March.
We still have gaps for people to donate cakes from 8 May to the end of the school year. Please see Rowena if you are willing to go on the rota.

DIARY DATES:
Thursday 5 March World Book Day
Monday 13 April Vision screening for Reception pupils

LITTLE BEARS NEWS:
Little Bears would like to welcome everyone back to Term 4. This term our topic is "Six Dinner Sid" a book by Inga Moore. Sid has six owners, lives in six houses and has six dinners a day. We look forward to lots of cat mini topics with this book.
Little Bears would also like to say a big thank you to Tillie, Nate, Helen and Max Moss-Black for the lovely toys they donated.

Community News
Michael Hopkins will be leading an 3-day Easter Sports Course at Stadhampton School on Monday 30 March, Tuesday 31 March & Wednesday 1 April. The course runs from 9-3pm each day and is open to all pupils (not necessarily just Stadhampton School) aged 4-11. The cost is £10 per day and bookings can be made directly by e-mailing m.hopkins07@hotmail.com or via Mrs Hopkins in the school office. These sports courses are very popular and early booking is advised.

Stadhampton Youth Club Continues...
Wednesday, 4th & Wednesday 18th March are the next sessions which continue on the first and third Wednesdays of the month @Village Hall at St Johns.
Sessions run as follows - make sure you're attending at the correct times!
18.30 – 19.30 – School Years 5 & 6 (approx. ages 9 to 11)
19.45 – 20.45 – School Years 7 & 8 (approx. ages 11 to 13)
Subs £1.50/week
Before attending, a Membership Form, signed by a parent, needs to be completed and handed to the Club Leader (available on the door or by emailing the address below).

We’d love feedback from the young people coming along to the sessions as well as parents/carers and there will an opportunity to feedback confidentially your thoughts (suggestion box at Youth Club) or by email.

Of course we need more volunteers; both adults and older youngsters, from the local community to ensure these sessions can continue to run.
stadhamptonyouthclub@gmail.com

Newsletter for week ending 13th February 2015

Mr Montgomery
We regret to announce that, sadly, Mr Montgomery who has been off sick for some time has now confirmed he will not be returning to Stadhampton School. We thank Mr Montgomery for his contribution to the school during the short time he was with us and wish him well for the future. We have managed to pass on to Mr Montgomery the gifts he was given by parents at Christmas. Mrs Ellis and Mrs Singleton have temporarily agreed to cover most of Mr Montgomery’s hours. Mrs Singleton currently covers Forest School sessions and Mrs Ellis covers our library sessions.

Safer Internet Day – 10 February 2015
E–safety is a priority throughout the year but Safer Internet Day raises the profile of it and provides us with an opportunity to make children and parents more aware of the potential dangers. This year we have been working with Jo Brown, the county Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator, to prepare our presentations to parents on the theme of ‘Let’s make a better internet together’. Safer Internet Day itself was on Tuesday 10 February and we spent part of the morning practising our presentations knowing that Oxfordshire County Council and the local Press were interested. Unfortunately the local BBC were otherwise occupied but Owen Morton, the county Press and Communications Officer took a number of photographs and has written an article about our activities and these may appear in the local Press. We will circulate further details when we have them!
Our pupil-led E-Safety presentation to parents and carers will take place at 2.35pm on Wednesday 25 February and we do hope you can join us. Pupils in Years 4 to 6 have recently completed an OCC cyberbullying survey which has helped us to understand our pupils’ experiences. We know that the majority of parents and carers have already been closely involved in teaching Stadhampton pupils about internet safety at home, however we are keen to reach out to all parents and carers. On 25 February our presentations will include; demonstrating that using the internet leaves an evidence trail, creating a ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ style quiz, sharing posters and leaflets designed by the pupils and singing an internet safety song.

Recorder Lessons
A reminder that recorder lessons for all pupils in Years 3-6 will take place on Mondays next term. For hygiene reasons, pupils are expected to provide their own recorder. Pupils also need their own recorder book. Recorders are on sale from the school office priced at £6.50, Recorder Books 1 and 2 are available for £4.95 each.

Swimming at Berinsfield Pool
Swimming lessons at the Abbey Sports Centre begin on Monday 23rd February for Class 3 pupils. As always, we are grateful to receive a ‘voluntary contribution’ of £2 per swimming session towards the cost of the transport to Berinsfield. There will be 5 sessions before the Easter Holidays. Cheques for swimming contributions should be made payable to Stadhampton Primary School please. Thank you.

UNICEF Day for Change
Thank you to everyone who brought in change last Friday or on Monday this week for the Unicef Day for Change. We are pleased to report that £104.82 was raised for this worthwhile cause. Last year we collected £97.93, so a slight increase year on year, which is pleasing. Raising £55 provides enough vaccine for 500 children and £135 provides an emergency ‘school in a box’, so we know the money will go to good use. We are most grateful to Mrs Madry for giving up her time to count this for us.

Sports Hall Athletics –Report by Cora
“Last Friday Class 3 went to Icknield to do for some fun races and other events. Miss Raval and Mrs Wilkin came with us. There were six schools altogether – Stadhampton, Chalgrove, Watlington, Lewknor, RAF Benson and Ewelme. We were all tired by the end but we thoroughly enjoyed it. When the scores came in it was very tense as this year the top two schools would go through to the Championships! We came third and were very happy. Chalgrove came second and Watlington came first. We would all love to go again!”

PTA NEWS:
We are really interested in holding a "SPONSORED ?????. " We would love to receive parents/carers ideas which we will discuss at the next PTA meeting on Tuesday 24th February.

New members are always welcome to come along to our meetings because without parent participation the PTA wouldn't be able to work. If you are interested in coming along then please speak to one of the active members, a list of who is on the PTA, and what classes their children are in, is on the noticeboard in the waiting area. We want to raise money to benefit our children so please come along if you can to our next meeting which is on Tuesday 24th February, 8pm at The Crown in Stadhampton.

Friday Cake Club
Congratulations to Amy Freeman, the lucky winner of last week's cake, kindly donated by Mrs Madry. A reminder to Mrs Odell that she is on the rota for Friday 27 February, the first Friday after half term.

DIARY DATES:
Friday 13 February Break up for the February Holiday at 3.15pm
Monday 23 February Return to school for the start of Term 4
Tuesday 24 February Year 6 pupils visit ICC for a French theatre performance. Letters were sent home in book bags about this last week
PTA meeting in the Crown at 8pm
Wednesday 25 February Parents e-safety presentations at 2.35pm
Thursday 26 February Partnership 5-a-side football tournament at RAF Benson for participating pupils in Years 3&4 and 5&6. Letter sent home in book bags on Thursday 5th February. Please complete and return reply slips as soon as possible. Thank you.
Friday 27 February Annual Jian-Zi competition to celebrate Chinese New Year
Thursday 5 March World Book Day
Monday 13 April Vision screening for Reception pupils

LITTLE BEARS NEWS:
Little Bears would like to wish everyone a relaxing half term break. We return to term 4 on Monday 23rd February to the topic of " Six-Dinner Sid".

Community News
Michael Hopkins will be leading an 3-day Easter Sports Course at Stadhampton School on Monday 30 March, Tuesday 31 March & Wednesday 1 April. The course runs from 9-3pm each day and is open to all pupils (not necessarily just Stadhampton School) aged 4-11. The cost is £10 per day and bookings can be made directly by e-mailing m.hopkins07@hotmail.com or via Mrs Hopkins in the school office. These sports courses are very popular and early booking is advised.

Newsletter for week ending 6th February 2015

International Safer Internet Day – 10.02.2015 – possible Press visit
As mentioned in our recent (last week’s!) letter about E-Safety, we have been working closely with Jo Brown, the County Anti Bullying Officer, to raise the profile of on-line safety and pupils and staff are preparing a presentation to share with parents and carers at 2.35pm on Wednesday 25th February on the theme of ‘Let’s create a better internet together’.
Some of our presentations will take place next Tuesday, 10th February, to coincide with Safer Internet Day which is being promoted across the county. Oxfordshire County Council has been instrumental in working with Oxfordshire schools to help children stay safe on-line and during the day we expect Jo Brown to visit, along with Owen Morton, the OCC Media and Communications Officer and there is likely to be Press interest. This includes local press and possibly local BBC television. Whilst we cannot guarantee whether the BBC or local newspapers will visit (it depends just what other news there is that day!) it is likely that photographs and film footage of pupils in school will be in the press that day.
This is, of course, an exciting opportunity for Stadhampton School, however if any parents or carers would prefer their child/ren not to be involved, please make it known to Mrs Turner on Monday 9th February. Thank you.

Re-arranged Vision Screening for Reception Pupils
Parents of pupils in the Reception class were sent a letter in November 2014 about vision screening for pupils which had been scheduled to take place on 12th December. Unfortunately the Oxfordshire Orthoptic Service had to cancel their visit to us on that day. We have now been advised that the screening has been rescheduled for Monday 13th April.

Parent-teacher communication
We value the support and interest of all parents and carers and, as stated in our School Prospectus http://www.stadhampton.oxon.sch.uk/images/admin//School%20Prospectus%202014-2015%20Final%20version.pdf we operate an “open door” policy which offers parents and carers ready access to teachers. Of course not all discussions can take place when children are dropped off or collected and our teachers are happy to arrange short meetings with parents/carers at a mutually convenient time. Appointments with teachers may also be made via Mrs Hopkins. In order to aid effective communication between teaching staff and parents/carers, we hold a formal Parents’ Evening in November and a ‘Work Viewing’ Evening in March. This year the ‘Work Viewing’ evening will be on Monday 23rd March. To ensure we gather the views of our parents and carers the governing body also run two surveys annually; one specifically for the parents of new starters in the Reception class in March to gain feedback on the first months of their child’s time at the school and one for the whole school in November.

Class 2 Swimming on 09.02.2015
Next Monday (09.02.15) Class 2 pupils will have their last swimming session for this term. Mrs Boddy, the swimming coach, has requested that all pupils bring in an old pair of pyjamas (or an old T-shirt and leggings or tracksuit trousers) to wear in the water. This activity is part of the personal life-saving activities within the swimming curriculum, and isn’t just an excuse to bring pyjamas to school!

Science Club on 10.02.2015
Pupils who have been attending after-school Science Club on Tuesdays have started to make crystal radio sets. In order to give the children enough time to finish them, next week science club will finish at 4.30pm. Also Mr Heath Whyte would like to take a group photograph of the children with their finished crystal radios for his own records. If any parent/carer would prefer their child not to be included please speak to Mrs Turner. Thank you.

School Council – Valentine’s Cake Sale
Next Wednesday 11th February, the School Council will be holding a cake sale in the hall at 3.30pm. The theme is Valentine’s cupcakes and biscuits and all donations would be much appreciated. The cake sale will raise money to go towards a wireless camera to go in the bird box in the playground. Our target is to raise £40. We do hope to see you there!

PTA NEWS:
A reminder that the PTA has a Facebook page. It's a closed group, only accessible if you are a member.
We put lots of useful information on there eg upcoming events, reminders and other information about what's happening in the village. If you would like to join then search- stadhampton primary school PTA on Facebook, request to join then we can add you on.

Our next meeting is Tuesday 24th February 8pm at The Crown

Friday Cake Club
Congratulations to Thomas Cove, the lucky winner of last week’s cake, kindly donated by Mr & Mrs Hursey. A reminder to Mrs Khan that she is on the rota for Friday 13 February.

DIARY DATES:
Tuesday 10 February International Safer Internet Day
Friday 13 February Break up for the February Holiday at 3.15pm
Monday 23 February Return to school for the start of Term 4
Tuesday 24 February Year 6 pupils visit ICC for a MfL session
Wednesday 25 February Parents e-safety presentations at 2.35pm
Thursday 26 February Partnership 5-a-side football tournament at RAF Benson for participating pupils in Years 3&4 and 5&6. Letter sent home in book bags on Thursday 5th February. Please complete and return reply slips as soon as possible. Thank you.

LITTLE BEARS NEWS:
Next week at Little Bears we will be enjoying a whole colourful week of ‘Elmer’ and looking at the book ‘Elmer's Day’. We will talk about daily routines from waking in the morning to going to bed at night.
We also be making some ‘Elmer’ masks .

Community News
Michael Hopkins will be leading an 3-day Easter Sports Course at Stadhampton School on Monday 30 March, Tuesday 31 March & Wednesday 1 April. The course runs from 9-3pm each day and is open to all pupils (not necessarily just Stadhampton School) aged 4-11. The cost is £10 per day and booking can be made directly by e-mailing m.hopkins07@hotmail.com or via Mrs Hopkins in the school office. These sports courses are very popular and early booking is advised.