Newsletter for week ending 26th October 2012

Cycling Safety Training
Congratulations to the following Year 6 children who have successfully passed their cycle safety training: Millie Birtles, Bryce Dobson, Benjamin Duke, Matthew Ellis, Orla Fernie, Molly Howard and Georgia Valentine. We hope to be able to organise another opportunity for a re-test and cycle sessions for Year 6’s and 5’s in the spring. We are very grateful to Mrs Scragg, Mrs Green, Mrs Ellis, Mrs Birtles and particularly to Mrs Leighfield, who no longer has a child at Stadhampton School, for providing this opportunity for us.

Swimming at Berinsfield
Swimming will begin for Class 3 pupils on Monday 5th November (the first day back at school after the October Holiday). They will have 7 sessions. As always, we hope that parents will be willing to help with the transport and lifeguard costs by contributing £2 a week towards this. Thank you to the parents/carers of pupils in Class 2, who all paid last term. Cheques for swimming contributions should be made payable to Stadhampton Primary School, please.

Recorders
A reminder that recorders wll be starting on Monday 5th November for all pupils in Years 3-6 and that for hygiene reasons pupils should provide their own named recorder. Recorder and books are available from the school office; recorders are on sale for £6.50 and books for £3.80 each (the price we pay for them).

Archery Club
We are delighted to be able to trial an after-school archery club. The club will take place in the Hall on Tuesdays from 3.20 – 4.20pm. The club is limited to pupils aged 8 and over and there are strict restrictions on the maximum number of pupils who can take part. During Term 2 this club is being offered to pupils in Year 4 in the first instance; if there are places available these will be offered to Year 3 pupils who are already 8 years old (as Class 3 pupils are currently having Science Club on Tuesdays). We hope to be able to offer the archery club to Class 3 pupils in the New Year. The club will be run by an experienced local qualified archery instructor and further details will be circulated to ‘target’ groups when dates have been arranged.

After-School Clubs in Term 2
Letters about other After-School Clubs running next term were sent in book bags earlier this week. Please note that there will not be a multi-skills club specifically for pupils in Class 1 next term. There will, however, be a singing club for pupils on Class 1 after-school on Wednesdays. Details to follow. Mr Hopkins will again run an after –school multiskills club for pupils in Years 3-6 and if there are spaces available, this club may be opened up to Year 1 and 2 pupils. Please let Mrs Hopkins know if this is of interest so that she can keep you informed about whether there are spaces available.

Complimentary Meals for Reception Children
Following the success of previous years, Food with Thought are offering all Reception Class children a week’s free school lunches during the week of 19th – 23rd November 2012. Hopefully this will encourage them all to try a hot school meal this winter. Letters are in book bags, so please don’t forget to reply.



Missing Sweatshirt
Please could parents of Class 1 pupils check to see if by any chance they have Lawrence Wright’s sweatshirt which is named? An un-named one has been returned to school by Mr and Mrs Wright.

PTA News

Friday Cake Club
Last week's winner was Buddy Halliday. Thanks to Mrs Dickens for the cake. A reminder to Mrs Manzie who is on the rota for 9th November after half term.

If you would like to join the Friday Cake Club and want to pay in advance for next term, 7 weeks from 9th November to 22nd December, it will be £1.40 per child.

Halloween Disco
We're ready to party!

To keep children safe, they will need to be signed in and out of the disco by parents, via Class 1. Halloween bangles, at 50p for 2, will be available for sale outside Class 1.

Clothes Recycling
Thanks to everyone who brought in bags for recycling. There were 90 bags! Somebody donated a lovely large beige bear with a couple of patches on, and we would like to use it at the Winter Fair, would the previous owner of said bear please speak to Rowena or Diana.

Winter Fair
If you are having a clear out over the Half Term, please remember that we have Winter Fair coming up on 30 November. We will be looking for CDs, DVDs, toys, books etc, raffle prizes, sweets, chocolate and bottles for the tombolas. Items can be left in the PTA box in the hall.



LITTLE BEARS NEWS
Poppy Eliott will be running a creche (games, mini disco, chill out time) at Little Bears on Friday 26 October for siblings of children attending the PTA Halloween Disco. Open from 5.45 until 8pm. £5 per child (includes drink and snacks)

We are also holding a Stay & Play during half term for 2-5 year olds - Wednesday 31 October, 9-11.30am. Please speak to Debbie Bradford, pop into Little Bears or call to book or find out more. Little Bears telephone number is 01865 400033.

And finally a WANTED! Does anyone have a hoover they would like to donate to the Preschool, if so, please speak to the supervisor Gemma Austin.

We return to Preschool on Monday 5 November and our topic for the week will be Light & Dark.

DIARY DATES:
Wednesday 31st October One-day Holiday Course led by Mr Hopkins
Monday 5th November Return to school at 9.00am.
Tuesday 6th November NO Science Club today
Thursday 15th November School used as a Polling Station – closed to pupils
Monday 19th November Parents Evening: 3.30 – 4.30pm and 5.00-7.00pm Class 1
4.00 - 7.00pm – Reception, Class 2 and Class 3
Wednesday 21st November Parents Evening: 4.00 – 6.00pm – all classes
Friday 30th November Winter Fair 6-8pm
Tuesday 11th December Matinee and Evening performances of KS2 Christmas Production
Wednesday 12th December Matinee performance of FS/KS1 Christmas Production
Monday 17th December Wreath-making evening
Tuesday 18th December School Christmas Party pm
Wednesday 19th December Nativity Service in Church at 2.15pm. All welcome to join us.
Thursday 20th December Whole-school Christmas lunch
Friday 21st December
End of term assembly at 9.05am. All welcome to join us.
School finishes at 1.30pm.
Monday 7th January Staff INSET Day – no pupils!
Tuesday 8th January Pupils return to school for the start of Term 3

Stadhampton Bonfire and Firework Display -Monday 5th November 2012 -Stadhampton Village Green – Message from Sue White
Volunteers are needed to help at the Firework Display. We need ‘bucket shakers’ to collect donations from our many visitors. We provide the buckets and high ‘vis’ tabards for you to wear and would be extremely grateful for YOUR help. If this doesn’t appeal we can offer you a place serving customers in our refreshment tent. The evening starts at 5.30 p.m. We light the bonfire at 6.30 p.m. and the Firework Display begins at 7.00 p.m. If you can help in any way please contact Sue White, 01865 8908880 or e-mail Suzanne.white11@btinternet.com

Newsletter week ending 19th October 2012

Book Fair
We are holding a Children’s Book Fair in school from Tuesday 23rd October until Friday 26th October inclusive. The Book Fair will be open from 8.30 to 9.00am each morning and from 3.00 until 3.30pm each afternoon. Parents are welcome to come in during these times to browse for books with or without their children! The commission from sales at the fair enables us to buy books to update our individual class libraries and our non-fiction library. There are hundreds of exciting books to choose from with prices from just £1. A leaflet showing some examples of the books available and an order form was sent home in book bags earlier this week.

Website Additions
This week we have added a link which parents with young children may be interested to have a look at, to the Foundation Class page. The document is entitled ‘Families in the Foundation Years’ and the report was produced in July 2011 by the Department of Education. Some additions have also been added to the Calendar.

Food with Thought new Winter/Spring 2012 Menu
This week, each family should have received, via book bags, a copy of the new three–week Winter/Spring 2012 menu which begins on 5th November 2012. A copy has also been uploaded onto the school website (Parents section).

PTA NEWS

Plant Orders
Thanks to everyone who ordered plants - we raised £57.

Plant orders will be arriving in school on 22nd October and will be ready for pick up after school at 3.15pm. Can we remind parents who are bringing cars, to allow other parents/carers to vacate the car park first before picking up their order from in front of the school. Thank you!

Clothes Recycling - 9am, Tuesday 23rd October
Last chance for a clear out over the weekend of all those unwanted old clothes, shoes, belts, bedding (no pillows or duvets), towels and cuddly toys.

To avoid congestion on Tuesday morning, please bring all bags in after school on Monday 22nd October. Please only bring them in on Tuesday morning if you are walking in.

Please be aware that on Monday there will be people collecting plants, dropping off clothes recycling bags, and Class 3's school trip bus will be due back at 3.15pm, so when parking please be considerate of pedestrians and the residents of Cratlands Close. Thank you.

Personalised Gifts - Thursday 25th October
You should have received a lovely looking coaster with a picture your child/children has drawn of themselves. You can place orders for any of the other items on the order sheet, and their picture will be printed on to it. There is no obligation to buy the coaster you have received.

If you wish to order further items - please ensure you return the order form, the original artwork and payment.
• If you just wish to purchase the coaster sent home - please return the order form and payment of £2.50
• If you do not wish to keep the coaster sent home - please ensure that you return the coaster
All orders, payment and original artowrk, and unwanted coasters need to be in by Thursday 25th October.

Friday Cake Club
Last week's winner was Ella Fulker. Thanks to Mrs Valentine (and Georgia!) for the cake.
A reminder to Mrs K Jones who is on the rota for 26th Oct.


Little Bears News
Next we are continuing with our theme of ‘Our Families’. We will be assembling our family tree too. We are also welcoming in Laila Burnell, Oliver Parkes and Ellie Payne to Little Bears.
Happy belated birthday to Mia Gravett who turned 4 and a happy birthday to Rafi Wilkinson who turns 4 next week.
Crèche tickets are still available from Gemma.


DIARY DATES:
Monday 22nd October Plant orders due to arrive
Tuesday 23rd October Bag2School Clothes Collection by 9.00am
Reception and Class 1 pupils Autumn Walk if not raining (if wet will be Weds 24th October)
Wednesday 24th October 9.00am ‘I Love Phonics’ workshop for parents of pupils in the Foundation Stage (Reception) and Class 1
Thursday 25th October French Day and After-School Café from 3.15-3.45pm.
After school football club for participating pupils who wish to attend
Friday 26th October School finishes at 3.15pm for half –term
Wednesday 31st October One-day Holiday Course led by Mr Hopkins
Monday 5th November Return to school at 9.00am.
Thursday 15th November School used as a Polling Station – closed to pupils
Monday 19th November Parents Evening: 3.30 – 4.30pm and 5.00-7.00pm Class 1
4.00 - 7.00pm – Reception, Class 2 and Class 3
Wednesday 21st November Parents Evening: 4.00 – 6.00pm – all classes
Tuesday 11th December Matinee and Evening performances of KS2 Christmas Production
Wednesday 12th December Matinee performance of FS/KS1 Christmas Production

Newsletter for week ending 12th October 2012

School Website
This week we have added the following items onto the new school website; some photographs taken of displays in classrooms, a list of useful reminders for pupils in Classes 1, 2 and 3 and some dates of events onto the calendar.

Bottles for the Greenhouse
A huge thank you to everyone for collecting clear plastic bottles for us to make a ‘green’ greenhouse with. Mrs Tombling and Mrs Birtles have reported that we have more than enough bottles now, so there is no need for them to be saved for school anymore.

Harvest Service
Thank you to parents for generously donating wonderful Harvest gifts and for coming along to our Harvest Service in school. We had many comments from parents and carers saying how much they had enjoyed the occasion, however, we also received one or two complaints from parents saing they were unable to hear pupils speaking due to background noise from the audience. May we respectfully suggest to parents that if they have a younger sibling with them who might be a little noisy that they seat themselves so that they can leave the hall and either go into Class 1 or the entrance area with the younger sibling, should the need arise. Hopefully this will enable the majority of parents to be able to hear what is being said. We are grateful to the parents who already do this, and thank all parents for their cooperation in this matter in the future.

Leaflet about Taking Holidays during Term Time from the OCC Attendance and Engagement Team
Each family should have received a leaflet this week from the Attendance and Engagement Team at the Local Authority about taking holidays during term time. The leaflet clarifies what are ‘exceptional circumstances’, what the Law says and issues that parents need to be aware of.

School Photographs
Each family should have now received proof sets of the photographs taken last week. If you wish to place an order, The School Photography Company will be collecting orders from school week beginning 22nd October. There is no requirement to return the proofs if you do not wish to place an order. Thank you.

PTA News
Christmas Cards - Monday 15th October
All designs, payment and orders need to be in by 9am on Monday 15th October.

Halloween Disco
Tickets are now on sale in the school hall every morning.

Friday Cake Club
Last week's winner was Ellie Wiggins. Thanks to Mrs Burnell for the cake.
A reminder to Mrs Dickens who is on the rota for 19th Oct.


French Day, Parent Presentation and After School Café – 25.10.2012
On Thursday 25th October we are planning to have a whole-school French Day organised by Madam Church. During the day pupils will take part in a number of activities that link French with their class topics this term. At 3pm pupils will give a short presentation to parents in the Hall, showcasing some of the work that has been carried out during the day and from 3.15 to 3.45pm pupils, parents and staff are invited to a French-themed café in the Hall. This will give parents an opportunity to meet Madam Church and all of us to sample some home-made French cuisine! Everyone is most welcome, but if you do intend to come it would be most helpful if you could let the office know so that we can cater appropriately.

After-school football club will still run on that day and pupils who normally attend are free to attend or may, of course, go to the French café instead!


Little Bears News
Next week we looking at families and making a big family tree. Can we remind all parents to please bring in their photo leaf please?
Tickets are still available for the crèche and ‘Stay and Play’ too.


DIARY DATES:
Tuesday 16th October Science Club begins for participating pupils
Wednesday 17th October Open Morning at Stadhampton School and Little Bears 9.00-11.30am.
Cycling Safety Test for participating pupils
Monday 22nd October Plant orders due to arrive
Tuesday 23rd October Bag2School Clothes Collection by 9.00am
Wednesday 31st October One-day Holiday Course led by Michael Hopkins
Monday 19th November Parents Evening: 3.30 – 4.30pm and 5.00-7.00pm Class 1
4.00 - 7.00pm – Reception, Class 2 and Class 3
Wednesday 21st November Parents Evening: 4.00 – 6.00pm – all classes
Friday 26th October School finishes at 3.15pm for half –term
Monday 5th November Return to school at 9.00am.
Thursday 15th November School used as a Polling Station – closed to pupils
Tuesday 11th December Matinee and Evening performances of KS2 Christmas Production
Wednesday 12th December Matinee performance of FS/KS1 Christmas Production

Newsletter for week ending 5th October 2012

Happy OCTOBER Birthday to: Edison Buckner, Wyatt Bullock, Benjamin Duke, Ella Fulker, Sophie Hector, Oliver Lowman, Lewis Payne, Marcin Skwarek and Ellie Walker.

During OCTOBER we are focusing on the core value of APPRECIATION

School Website
We have added several new items onto the new school website this week; our Key Achievements in 2011-2012 and an Equality Objectives Plan. We have made a small change to the Pupil Premium Report and added some information about the Governing Body.
Please have a look at it; www.stadhamptonschool.org
We would love to hear what you think of our new website and welcome suggestions for what else parents/carers would find useful to have online.
We hope that in the event of very bad weather and the possibility that the school will be closed that we will be able to add this information onto the school website early in the morning.

Swimming contributions
Thank you to the many families in Class 2 who have already made voluntary contributions towards the swimming costs this term.
Any further contributions from families who have not yet made a contribution, and are willing to do so, would be most welcome. Thank you.

PTA News
Wine and Nibbles Evening, incorporating the PTA Annual General Meeting (AGM) - 8th November 2012, 8pm, School Hall

Formal notice that the AGM of the Stadhampton Primary School PTA, will be held on the 8th November 2012. The evening will commence at 8.00pm with the PTA Annual General Meeting, followed by a Wine and Nibbles evening in the school hall. We anticipate that the AGM should last approximately 15 minutes.

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/students at our school.

The AGM is also an opportunity for you to elect the PTA Committee (Chair, Treasurer, Secretary), to represent the association throughout the forthcoming academic year. Nominations should be sent in advance of the AGM, for existing committee members willing to stand for re-election and for anyone wishing to stand as an Officer or Ordinary Committee Member, for the first time. Nomination forms are available in the PTA box in the School Office.

If you would like any further information about what is involved in being a Committee Member, please speak to Diana Woodwards.

We look forward to seeing you on 8 November 2012.

Friday Cake Club
Congratulations to last weeks winner - Benjamin West, who won the cake donated by Mrs Buckner.

A reminder to Mrs Valentine that she is on the rota for 13th October.

Christmas Cards - orders in by Monday 15th October

You may have seen some lovely Christmas card designs coming home with your child/children this week. If you wish you can add to this design (or even create another one!) but please refer to the guidance notes.

The first pack of 12 cards is £5.50, each additional pack of 12 cards is £4.50. You can order as many packs as you like.
A pack of 12 gift tags is £2.50 (and has to be with a card order).

All completed artwork, orders and payment, need to be in by the 15th October. Any queries please see Charlotte Hector or Rowena Dobson.


Little Bears News
Next week we will be talking about heathy eating . We will be making some exotic fruit kebabs and making heathy eating collage paper plates.

Little Bears would also like to say a huge thank you to Thea and Jenny Diment who donated lots of lovely toys to the Little Bears and also to thank the Eatons for donating some phones.

Little Bears Preschool will be running a creche during the PTA Halloween Disco on Friday 26 October. Parents can drop off siblings not attending the disco from 5.45pm onwards. £5 for the full two hours, which will include drinks and snacks.
Consent Forms & further details are available from the supervisor, Gemma Austin at Little Bears or you can email her at supervisor@little-bears.co.uk.

Halloween Stay & Play
Little Bears Preschool are having a Halloween Stay & Play session on Wednesday 31 October (same date as the SPS Sports course).
From 9 - 11.30am. Tickets £2.50 for Little Bears, £1 for any pals/siblings.
For more information speak to Debbie Bradford or Mel Gravett or visit Little Bears during school hours.


DIARY DATES:
Tuesday 16th October Science Club begins for participating pupils
Wednesday 17th October Open Morning at Stadhampton School and Little Bears 9.00-11.30am.
Cycling Safety Test for participating pupils
Tuesday 23rd October Bag2School Clothes Collection by 9.00am
Wednesday 31st October One-day Holiday Course led by Mr Hopkins
Monday 19th November Parents Evening: 3.30 – 4.30pm and 5.00-7.00pm Class 1
4.00 - 7.00pm – Reception, Class 2 and Class 3
Wednesday 21st November Parents Evening: 4.00 – 6.00pm – all classes
Friday 26th October School finishes at 3.15pm for half –term
Monday 5th November Return to school at 9.00am.
Thursday 15th November School used as a Polling Station – closed to pupils
Tuesday 11th December Matinee and Evening performances of KS2 Christmas Production
Wednesday 12th December Matinee performance of FS/KS1 Christmas Production

Newsletter for week ending 28th September 2012

Enforced School Closure
We were approached by SODC some months ago about using the school as a polling station for Police Commissioner Elections on 15th November and requested that they seek alternative premises for this. We received a letter from them this week informing us that they have no choice but to use the school for the election. The school will therefore be closed to pupils on Thursday 15th November. Staff will either work as usual in school or take the opportunity to attend the School’s ICT Conference at the Kassam Stadium on that day.

Parking and congestion in Cratlands Close and the use of the school car park

Message from the Governing Body:

On Tuesday a meeting was held between members of the PTA, Little Bears, the School and the Governing Body to discuss the issues we face in the parking/dropping children off in the morning and collecting them at the end of the school day.

We recently wrote about the issues in the school newsletter and the issues have also been mentioned in our entry in October’s Parish Magazine. It is vital that we work with the residents in Cratlands Close, you, the parents and carers, and our pupils to minimise disruption, congestion, poor parking and risks of injury to residents, parents and carers, staff and our pupils .

Following Tuesday's well attended meeting we have received some strong feedback and it is clear that we need to hear more parent views. For example:
• if we could make an arrangement for parents to use The Crown car park at the beginning and/or the end of the day, how many parents would be willing to use it?
• Are there any parents who currently drive to school who would be willing to try walking instead?
• How many parents would appreciate the opportunity to drop their children off from 8.30am if we could find a means of safely supervising them until they are allowed into school and then be clear of the car park before the majority of parents start arriving at 8.45am?
• How many parents live close to the school and would be willing to offer a friend shared use of their driveway to alleviate the need to come into Cratlands Close with a car at all?

There is no easy solution to this problem and we need everyone’s help to take small steps which may begin to make a difference.

Walk to School Month
Walk to School is a campaign run by national charity Living Streets which has existed since 1995. Its aim is simple – to encourage all parents and children to make walking to school part of their daily routine.
Walking to school has a wide range of benefits:
• It keeps children (and parents!) healthy
• It reduces traffic, congestion and carbon emission on the roads as well as pollution at the school gate
• It provides quality time before school for parents and children


• It is an opportunity for children to play, socialise and exercise before school
• It engages children with their local communities and environments
• It can take less time than driving

In October, 2012 we will be participating in Strider’s International Walking Challenge. This month-long activity encourages pupils to walk at least once a week, although we are aware that a lot of families walk to school and back everyday.
October is a great time for walking. It’s often quicker and less stressful than taking the car. It also provides an opportunity for spending quality time with your child. So if it is possible, why not give it a try?

Congratulations to all our pupils!
The photographer from The School Photography Company requested that all pupils should be congratulated on their very sensible behaviour while waiting for, and having, their photographs taken in school on Thursday. She said that in the 10 years she has been taking photographs in schools, she had never come across such a well-behaved and well-mannered group of children. We promote high standards of behavour and positive attitudes towards others in school, so it is particularly rewarding to have these values acknowledged and appreciated by a visitor. Congratulations to all our pupils!

PTA News
Please look out for our calender of events in your book bags this week - a handy reminder of what is happening when this term.

Friday Cake Club
Thanks to everyone who has joined the Friday Cake Club. The lucky winner last week was Elizabeth Marshall in Class R, and the cake was kindly donated by Mrs Ellis.

Mrs Buckner will be donating the cake this Friday, and a reminder to Mrs Burnell that she is on the rota for 5th October. We will try to put a reminder in the newsletter each week.

Plant Orders - need to be in by Monday 1st October

Halloween Disco
After the huge success of the End of Term Disco – which raised a fantastic £223.04 - we are planning a Halloween-themed Disco on Friday 26th October (last day before Half Term). More details to follow, but get your imaginations working on a ‘spooky’ outfit.

Other amounts raised for events at the end of last term included: Pampered Chef Evening - £181.34, Cake Sale - £28.05 and Sports Night -£586.98. Thanks to everyone who contributed to making these events so successful.

Winter Fair
It’s almost time to start thinking about Christmas, so if you have: any ideas for stalls we could run; or external vendors who might like to attend the Winter Fair; or know any organisations or companies that could donate prizes for the raffle, please let a PTA committee member know.

Holiday Course at Stadhampton School
Michael Hopkins, our sports coach, will be running a one-day holiday course here at Stadhampton School on Wednesday 31st October between 9 and 3pm. All pupils of primary school age are welcome to attend. The cost will be £10 for the day. The emphasis is on having fun and will include playing a variety of sports, games and mini-tournaments. There will be Halloween prizes! Bookings may be made directly with Mr Hopkins (see flyer attached) or via Mrs Hopkins in the school office.


Little Bears News
Next week at Little Bears we are looking at physical activity and the effect it has on our bodies. We will also be making an obstacle course in our garden.
If anyone has a working Hoover they no longer want, we would be very pleased to make use of it. Thank you.

DIARY DATES:
Monday 1st October Final day for PTA Plant Orders
Friday 5th October Harvest Festival School Service at 9.05am. All welcome. Please could every child bring a Harvest Gift if possible.
Wednesday 17th October Open Morning at Stadhampton School and Little Bears 9.00-11.30am.
Tuesday 23rd October Bag2School Clothes Collection by 9.00am
Wednesday 31st October One-day Holiday Course led by Michael Hopkins
Monday 19th November Parents Evening: 3.30 – 4.30pm and 5.00-7.00pm Class 1
4.00 - 7.00pm – Reception, Class 2 and Class 3
Wednesday 21st November Parents Evening: 4.00 – 6.00pm – all classes
Tuesday 11th December Matinee and Evening performances of KS2 Christmas Production
Wednesday 12th December Matinee performance of FS/KS1 Christmas Production

Newsletter for week ending 21st September 2012

Harvest Gifts
Our annual Harvest Festival will take place in the Hall at 9.05am on Friday 5th October and families are most welcome to join us. Once again we will be supporting Stepping Stones, an organisation for homeless people in Oxford, with our Harvest Gifts. We hope that each child will be able to bring a small contribution into school before our service. All Harvest gifts bought into school will be taken to the village church and put on display for the Harvest Service there on Sunday 9th October, before being taken on to Stepping Stones. Stepping Stones prefer to receive non-perishable items such as packets of pasta, tins of beans, bars of chocolate, packets of biscuits, tins of tomatoes, tins of spaghetti, etc rather than fresh produce. This year they are also intending to make chutney, as an enterprise, so gifts of vinegar and sugar would also be greatly appreciated. However, ‘traditional’ Harvest Gifts are also welcome. Thank you.

Advance Notice of other Key Events and Dates
Please make a note of key dates taking place in the autumn term:

Our annual Parents and Carers Consultation Evening with teachers will take place in November as follows:

Monday 19th November: 3.30 – 4.30pm and 5.00-7.00pm Class 1
4.00 - 7.00pm – Reception, Class 2 and Class 3

Wednesday 21st November: 4.00 – 6.00pm – all classes

We hope that by giving advanced notice of these arrangements that parents and carers will be able to arrange to attend one or other of these dates.

Our annual Christmas productions (yet to revealed!) will take place as follows:

KS2 (Classes 2 & 3) Tuesday 11th December, both matinee and evening performances (times to be confirmed)

FS/KS1 (Reception & Class 1) Wednesday 12 December, matinee performance only (time to be confirmed).

Our annual Nativity Service is expected to take place in the village church during the last week of
Term 2. We will circulate details of this event once we have confirmed arrangements with the new
vicar, Rev Caroline King.


Starting School
Parents with a child born between 1st September 2008 and 31st August 2009 must apply for a school place for entry in the academic year beginning September 2013. The closing date for applications is 15th January 2013. You may apply on-line at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/admissions or by completing a paper CAP form which should be available shortly from the school office, if you have not already received one from the Local Authority.

Year 6 Secondary School Applications
Families of Year 6 pupils should have received a letter from the Admissions Team at Oxfordshire County Council explaining the process for applying for a place at their chosen secondary school. You can apply on-line at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/admissions. A limited number of application booklets containing an application form for completion are available from the school office if you are unable to apply on line. The closing date for on-time applications is 31st October 2012.

PTA News
Thanks to everyone who came to our first meeting of the school year on Tuesday. There were lots of good ideas for raising funds, and these will be communicated via the school website shortly.

Friday Cake Club – This starts on 21st September, and costs 20p per child per week if they would like to enter the raffle, to be drawn in Assembly. If you would prefer to pay up front for the rest of the half term, or even the term, you are very welcome to do so. We will then ensure your child’s name is entered each week. Rowena, Diana & Lucy will be outside Class 1 on Friday morning with the tickets. Thank you to everyone who has offered to donate cakes so far – these are on a rota which Rowena has. If you would like to add your name, please contact Rowena.

Clothes Recycling 23 October – Bags and a letter provided by Bag2School will be put into bookbags shortly, but you can also use black bin bags. Donations of clothes, shoes, bedding (not pillows and duvets), cuddly toys are all very welcome. The collection will take place by 9am on Tuesday 23rd October.

Plant Orders – Order forms and information regarding plant orders should be in bookbags on Friday. All order forms and payment should be returned to the School Office by Monday 1st October, and the plants will be delivered on Monday 22 October.


Little Bears News
Next week we are looking at our bones and we will be reading ‘Funny Bones’ and learning the song "Those Bones". We will also be making collage skeletons and drawing around each other.

DIARY DATES:
Tuesday 25th September Meeting about parking/car park/congestion at 2.45pm in the Hall.
Thursday 27th September All pupils have their photographs taken in school uniform. Each child is photographed individually and also with any siblings in school. Families are welcome to come into the Hall before school at 8.30am to have family groups photographed together.

Icknield Community College Open Evening for new students – 6pm

Friday 5th October Harvest Festival School Service at 9.05am. All welcome.
Wednesday 17th October Open Morning at Stadhampton School and Little Bears 9.00-11.30am.

Newsletter for week ending 14th September 2012

Open Morning at Stadhampton School and Little Bears
Stadhampton Primary School and Little Bears Pre-School will be holding a joint Open Morning on Wednesday 17th October between 9.00am and 11.30am. Parents and other visitors are most welcome to come and see the school at work during this morning.

Information for parents and carers of children due to transfer to secondary school in September 2013
Parents of children born between 1 September and 31 August 2002 (inclusive) need to apply for a secondary school place for their children. The closing date for on time applications is 31 October 2012. The main means of application is to apply on line at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/admissions
If you are unable to apply on line please ask Mrs Hopkins for a paper copy of the Common Application Form (CAF).

Swimming at the Abbey Sports Centre in Berinsfield
Cheques for swimming should be made payable to Stadhampton Primary School. A big ‘thank you’ to those families who have already contributed towards this term’s swimming costs.

After School Clubs
There are still one or two places remaining on all after-school clubs running on Wednesdays (Multisports for Years 1&2, Multisports for Years 3-6) and Thursdays (Football for Years 3-6). Please contact Mrs Hopkins if you would like a place for your child. A reminder that all clubs finish promptly at 4.15pm.

Clarinet Lessons
County Music Service Clarinet lessons for all Year 5 pupils will commence on Tuesday 18 September. There are normally 10 weekly lessons each long term but further details will be circulated by Miss Howell, the new clarinet teacher, next week. Clarinets are provided as part of the programme.

We are still unclear of the situation regarding the continuation of clarinet lessons for Year 6 pupils as, unfortunately, there may be an insufficient number of pupils to make this viable. We are currently working with the County Music Service to facilitate this and will be in contact with the families concerned to clarify this as soon as we can. In the meantime, if there are any Year 6 pupils who would like to continue with clarinet lessons it’s not too late to apply. Application forms are available in school.

Our Olympic Experience – by Georgia and Millie
Georgia: I came into the hall and sat down with my fingers crossed. Mrs Turner stood with the hat in her hand and a smile on her face. Everyone turned their faces to her and wished that it would be them. She put her hand in the hat, and pulled out a small piece of paper. “the lucky winners are Georgia Valentine, Millie Birtles and Georgia’s dad”. I cried out in excitement.
Millie: Georgia approached me later on in the day, she shouted out, “we won the tickets, we won the tickets!” I thought she was joking but when the next day came everyone came up to me and said “congratulations”. I felt like I needed to cry, so instead I hugged her.

“We saw the 100 metres and the 400 metres with Usain Bolt running. Also we say Jessica Ennis do the pole voult, long jump and javeline. The atmosphere was amazing. Our favourite bit was the steeple chase and Jessica Ennis doing the long jump. It made us feel like we were very lucky people and we will never get this opportunity again. Watching the Olympics has changed how we feel about sports. This will be a story which we can tell our children and grandchildren.”

School Council
Congratulations to the following pupils who were elected by pupils on to the School Council for Terms 1 & 2:
Year 6: Matthew Ellis and Orla Fernie; Year 5: Ollie Jones and Thea Diment; Year 4: Greg Madry and Cora White; Year 3: Charlie Ball and Georgia Day; Year 2: Will Parkes and Isabella Dickens.

School Website - Class Topics/Areas of Study
Each class teacher has now uploaded information specific to their class about the projects and areas of study they are focusing on in Terms 1 and 2.
A paper copy of these was also sent home earlier this week via book bags.

Headlice
A parent has kindly let us know that their child has had headlice this week which has been treated. Please could all parents check their children’s hair this weekend and treat if necessary. Thank you.

Recorders and Recorder Books
Recorders are now available from the school office, priced at £6.50. Recorder Books 1 and 2 are also available at £4.85 each (sorry, price increase – the school makes no profit from selling these items).

Water/Juice Bottles
To avoid confusion in the classroom and at lunchtime, please could water bottles which are being re-used be labelled.


PTA
School Uniform: Order forms have been put into book bags earlier this week. The e-mail address for uniform orders is stadhamptonpta@gmail.com

PTA Meeting - Tuesday 18 Sep, 7.45pm, School Hall
We're holding our first meeting of the year and anyone is welcome to come along and join in, give us ideas etc. If you can't make the meeting but want to let us know anything then you can email us on: stadhamptonpta@gmail.com, or just speak to Diana Woodwards, Rowena Dobson, Charlotte Hector or any member of the PTA.

Friday Cake Club
Introducing our new Friday Cake Club - watch out for full details in book bags next week. Very simply – you pay 20p on Fridays to be in with a chance to win a lovely cake!


Little Bears News
Next week we are learning all about feelings and Little Bears rules. We will be making some self-portraits and drawing around each other. We will also be doing lots of music and movement.


DIARY DATES:
Tuesday 18th September Clarinets begin for participating pupils
PTA Meeting 7.45pm. All welcome.
Wednesday 19th September Young Leaders Award – Year 5 and 6 pupils
Friday 21st September Guitar lessons begin for participating pupils
Thursday 27th September All pupils have their photographs taken in school uniform. Each child is photographed individually and also with any siblings in school. Families are welcome to come into the Hall before school at 8.30am to have family groups photographed together.

Icknield Community College Open Evening for new students – 6pm
Friday 5th October Harvest Festival in School at 9.05am. All welcome.
Monday 19th November Parents Evening – more details to follow – please put the date in your diary.




Icknield Community College Open Evening
Icknield Community College are holding their annual Open Evening for new pupils on Thursday 27th September starting at 6pm – flyer attached to this newsletter.