Newsletter for week ending 16th October 2015

Application for a Secondary School place
Please may we remind Year 6 parents that they need to submit a secondary transfer application by 2 November 2015 for it to be counted as an on-time application. The link to the on-line process is below:
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/content/secondary-school-applications
We understand from the Local Authority that at the start of this week there were 6 families at Stadhampton School who had not yet completed this process.

Coming into school in the morning
As a village school we highly value the role we play in the village community, especially the strong links we have with parents and the enormous support we receive. However, as our class sizes increase over time, rooms can become congested and noisy first thing in the morning due to the sheer number of people (adults and children) in a small space and this can delay the start of the school day. We encourage parents of children in KS2 (ie Classes 2 and 3) to send their children into school independently whenever possible. Where there is a need to accompany your child into class it would be appreciated if this could be done discreetly so that the morning can get off to a calm and quiet start.
We recognise that there are occasions when parents and carers do need to speak with a teacher and the following, which is taken directly from our School Prospectus, is intended to provide some guidance. ‘We should like to stress that parents are always welcome to come into school to see their child’s work or talk to the teacher. However, to ensure that the start of the school day is not delayed, we prefer this to be at the end of the school day whenever possible and by appointment.’
We hope you appreciate this situation and we thank you, in anticipation, for your support in this.

Tell Us What You Think Forms
It is not too late to return feedback forms about our catering provision if you have not done so already. Thank you.

New School Meals Menu
Hard copies of the new school meals menu have been sent home via the eldest child in the family in book bags this week. This new menu starts on 2nd November and an electronic copy of the three-week menu will be uploaded to the school website as soon as it becomes available from Food with Thought.

Lost Property
The lost property box is overflowing with unnamed sweatshirts, cardigans and shoes. Please could parents ensure that items are named and do have a look through this box if you are missing any items.

PTA News
We would like to thank everyone who came to the AGM on Tuesday night. I would like to thank Charlotte Hector, who stepped down from being treasurer and from the committee after 7 years, for all her hard work, in counting money and balancing the spreadsheets, Charlotte will be sorely missed by the committee. Mel Gravett stepped down as secretary but is staying on the committee Thank you Mel for all your hard work over the last two years.
Election of officers:
Georgina Wiggins(chair)
Anna Harries(secretary)
Emma Fulker(treasurer)

Does anybody know anyone who would be willing to audit the PTA accounts for us? If so please speak to a committee member.

Clothes recycling- Monday morning (19th October). Please have all your bags outside the office by 9am, clothes, good condition toys, hats, shoes, bags are all greatly received. All money raised goes to the school and Little Bears pre school.

Bonfire cake competition- Friday 6th November- please look out for entry forms in book-bags.

Winter Fair- 6 weeks away - this week we are asking for donations of toys in good condition and instead of empty jam jars we would appreciate if parents could fill an empty jar with a surprise eg-sweets, rubbers, bouncy balls. All donations to go on the PTA box in the school hall. Without donations from parents the Winter Fair would not be able to take place.
Can you volunteer to help at the Winter Fair? Please see Georgina Wiggins if you can spare anytime.

Winter Fair planning evening on Tuesday 3rd November 7.30 in the school hall, please come along and help us to plan a great Winter Fair!

Thank you to all the committee, parents and teaching staff for all your support of the PTA this year. We look forward to raising lots more money in the coming year.

Friday Cake Club
Congratulations to Thomas West, the lucky winner of last week's cake, kindly donated by Mrs O'Brien. A reminder to Mrs Wiggins that she is on the rota for 23 October.

DIARY DATES:
Monday 19 October-Thursday 22 October Book Fair in school
Friday 23 October End of Term 1 2015. School finishes at 3.15pm as normal.
Monday 2 November Pupils and staff return to school for the start of Term 2. Start of the new school meals menu.
Monday 16 & Weds 18 November Parents’ Consultation Evenings. Appointments offered on a first come first served basis.

Advance Notice of Christmas Dates - Timings TBC
Monday 7th December – KS2 Dress Rehearsal am
Tuesday 8th December – KS1/FS Dress Rehearsal am; KS2 Matinee and Evening Performances.
Wednesday 9th December – KS1 /FS Matinee
Tuesday 15th December – Nativity Service in the Church


Christmas Holiday Sports Course at Stadhampton School
Michael Hopkins, a qualified PE teacher, will be leading a 1-day Christmas Holiday Sports Course at Stadhampton School on Monday 21st December. The course runs from 9-3pm and is open to all pupils (not necessarily just Stadhampton School) aged 4-11. The cost is £10 for the 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.


Community News:
The public consultation on the future of children’s services (including Children’s Centres and Early Intervention Hubs).
The consultation documents can be found at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consultation