Thursday, October 8, 2015

Newsletter for week ending 9th October 2015


Goodbye
We said a sad goodbye to Charlie Hackett as he left Stadhampton School on Friday 2nd October to start his new school in Chinnor. We wish Charlie the very best of luck in his new school and hope the transition goes very smoothly for him.

MyMaths
Last school year, pupils were introduced to MyMaths. Years 1-6 were sent a letter and a log in – so that they can access these online maths activities at home. Children in Years 2-4 will be bringing home their log-in details again and we hope that more pupils will be able to have a go. Please be aware that there is an issue with Mac devices, and it will not work with this (resource interface) system. We have been informed that MyMaths needs Adobe Flash.
Teachers had set homework activities before the summer holidays and we have extended the time in which to do these in the hope that more pupils will complete them. As the school has invested money into MyMaths, which is widely used by other schools, we do hope that as many pupils as possible will use this opportunity to further their maths skills in a fun way. If you continue to have an access problem please let your child’s class teacher know. Thank you.

Tell Us What You Think Forms
Carillion, who manage the school catering service, have provided us with forms for parents, along with their children, to complete about having school meals at Stadhampton School. Although the form was drawn up to specifically find out more about why children choose or do not choose to have free school meals under the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme (for Reception, Year 1 & Y2 children), Carillion have asked for feedback from all families. Thank you.

Dates Reminder
We are still awaiting some reply slips for Parents Consultation Evening appointments and would like to remind parents and carers that such appointments are on a ‘first come first served’ basis. We would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to check the Diary Dates section of the newsletter and this week we have provided advance notice of key events in December!

Booktime
All children in Reception have been given a free book pack this week to share and enjoy with their family and friends. Booktime is run by the independent charity Book Trust and is supported by Arts Council England via the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

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.

Nits
Thank you to a parent for reporting they have recently treated their child for nits. Please could all parents check their children’s hair this weekend and treat if necessary. If anyone needs any advice on what nits look like or how to treat them, please ask Mrs Hopkins!!

PTA News
Winter Fair countdown has begun only 7 weeks to go. Each week we will be asking for specific donations. Without donations from parents the Winter Fair wouldn't be able to take place. Please put all donations into the PTA box in the hall, or give to a committee member - there are at least 2 committee members in each class. This week we are asking for donations of empty jam jars and bottles of any size with anything in ( in date).

Kids Disco- Friday 23rd October- please make sure you hand in your consent forms and £3 to Anna Harries.

Clothes recycling-Monday 19th October- we have had a shortage in bags sent this year, if you have not received one then please put your donations in normal black sacks. Get sorting all your old clothes, shoes, bags, soft toys. Collection is at 9am outside the school office.

Official Notice of the PTA's Annual General Meeting (AGM) - Tuesday 13th October, 8pm in the School Hall .
The PTA plays a vital part in the school community and all parents, as members of the PTA, are invited to support the AGM. This is your chance to hear and see how the funds you have helped to raise last year have been used for the benefit of the children at our school.
The AGM is also an opportunity for you to elect the PTA Officers (Chair, Treasurer, Secretary), to represent the association throughout the forthcoming academic year. Our current Secretary, Melanie Gravett, and current Treasurer, Charlotte Hector, will not be standing for re-election, so if you are interested in taking on one of these roles or the role of chair, please confirm your interest by email to the school office prior to the AGM meeting (formal nominations will take place at the meeting itself). If you would like any further information about any of theses roles or are just interested in joining the committee, please speak to Melanie or Charlotte or our current Chair, Georgina Wiggins. Or if you just want to come to the meeting to find out a bit more, everyone is most welcome.
Friday Cake Club
Congratulations to Mya Khan, the lucky winner of last week's cake, kindly donated by Mrs Kerri Jones. A reminder to Mrs Kozlowska that she is on the rota for 16 October.

DIARY DATES:
Tuesday 13 October School Photographs
Thursday 15 October Open Morning 9.00-11.45am
Forest School – Year 3 pupils
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.
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


Community News:
Remembering the Romans
Sun 22nd Nov-11-4
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
FREE, no booking needed.

Take part in a big day of Roman inspired activities as we explore how Romans remembered and celebrated their loved ones.
Listen to Roman stories, carve an inscription, test your code-cracking skills on real Latin inscriptions, enjoy eye-opening talks and tours and explore the newly installed interactives and Roman displays in the Museum
For the full programme go to www.ashmolean.org/rememberingtheromans