Newsletter for week ending 24 April 2015

Ofsted Report for Icknield Community College
Congratulations to ICC on securing a ‘Good’ grading at their last Ofsted inspection. A copy of the Ofsted report is attached to this newsletter.

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. Any requests for consideration of exceptional circumstances must be submitted in writing to Mrs Turner and this may be followed by a meeting. Thank you.

Tests for Pupils
End of KS1 Standard Attainment Tests (SATs) for Year 2 pupils will take place throughout May. End of KS2 SATs for Year 6 pupils follow a set national timetable and take place during the week beginning 11th May. Pupils in Years 3, 4 and 5 also have assessment tests in May. We politely request that routine dentist or doctor appointments are not made during this time. Thank you.

Cycle Safety Training – More Volunteers Required please!
Cycle Safety Training will be taking place for eight Year 6 pupils on the following dates: 15th, 22nd May, 5th, 19th, 26th June and 3rd July. We already have in place a small group of experienced leaders of this activity but we urgently need to recruit one or two more volunteers to help when pupils go out on the busy main road to practise. Please let Mrs Hopkins know if you could help with this training or would like more information about what is required. Thank you.

School Council Election of New Members
The following pupils were elected to the School Council this week by their fellow pupils: Oliver, Cora, James, Zara, Daniel, Juliana, Beau, Isabel Holmes, Phoebe and Jem. Congratulations to them all. We also used the opportunity, with the older children, to discuss democracy and the system of voting in elections.

Shakespeare Day on Wednesday 22nd April
Class 3 report
On the 22nd of April, Abby, a professional actress from the West End Schools Theatre Company came to Stadhampton to lead a fantastic Shakespearen workshop for the school. The Shakespeare play we were preparing to perform was “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. She taught us facial expressions and how to put exaggeration into our speech and acting. After each year group completed their workshop everyone came together in the afternoon to perform the whole play. Abby had put together background narration with ‘Puck’ the naughty pixie. We all joined in ‘Team Puck’ and were naughty pixies putting juice in the eyes of Titania, Lysander, and Demetrius! It was amazing how well it all came together at the end!

Class 2 report
A lady from the West End Theatre called Abby came in and taught us two parts from the play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. It was great fun and exciting learning about the funny and confusing characters like Nick Bottom. We also liked learning about cheeky characters like Puck, and strong powerful characters like Titania and Oberon.
We loved doing our part in the play. Year 3 did the comedy part and it was really funny. We had to act out different personalities; confused, scared, show-off, angry and sleepy.

PTA NEWS:
Clothes recycling is on Tuesday 19th May,- this is a great opportunity to get rid of all your unwanted clothes! Nearer the time we will send a white bag home to each family for putting unwanted clothes in but you may also use additional black sacks if needed. All money raised from clothes recycling goes to PTA funds. The collection will take place at 9am from the school.

Family Quiz Night will be on Friday 15th May 6-8pm. This promises to be a fabulous evening for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets cost £10 for a family of up to 6 people. Please see Sue Bowerman for tickets. Tickets are limited so please order yours now!

Date for your diary:
Sponsored Family Fun Run on Saturday 13th June- more details to follow.
Our next PTA meeting is on Tuesday 12th May at 8pm at The Crown.

Friday Cake Club
Congratulations to Myles Dobson, the lucky winner of last week's cake, kindly donated by Mrs Hutchence. A reminder to Ewa (Oliver Lemon's mum) that she is on the rota for 1st May.
We now have enough cake donators until the end of the school year - thank you all very much!

DIARY DATES:
Monday 27 April Governing Body meeting at 7pm
Wednesday 29 April Class 3 pupils working with Mrs Manzie and Miss Raval on Sports Leader scheme. All pupils must have their PE kit in school please.
Thursday 30 April Forest School for Year 4 pupils
Thursday 7 May Forest School for Year 4 pupils
Monday 11 May SATs week – please ensure no routine appointments such as for the doctor or dentist are made for this week for Year 6 pupils and Year 2 pupils in particular. Thank you.

LITTLE BEARS NEWS:
Next week at Little Bears we will be learning all about the solar system, enjoying experimenting with marble inks and learning lots of facts about planets.
Little Bears are hosting a Ladies Supper Night on Friday 8th May at the Village Hall at St Johns Church - 7.30 till 11.30pm.
Tickets are £12 each. Everyone is welcome for nibbles, cold buffet, choice of desserts.... come along and bring your own drinks. Please come to Little Bears for more details.