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.