3 Nov 2006 - Newsletter No. 2

Dear Parents

Welcome back after the end of Term 1 break, they’re no longer called ½ terms!  Many thanks to those of you who have put forward ideas for our new School Development plan at the Parents’ Evenings.  The introduction of hot school meals certainly seems popular amongst you all, I will be having a meeting with the company concerned next week.  However, as I explained to many of you, there is a huge demand for this service at the moment, thanks to Jamie Oliver, so I am not sure when it will commence.  I will keep you informed of developments.

Staffing

We welcome 3 new members of staff to the school this term.  Mrs Jayne Capel has joined Mrs Diane Simpson in the office as our new Administration Assistant, Mrs Anna-Marie McLean has joined our Special Needs Team and Mrs Linda Jarrold has become our new Lunch Time Supervisor.

Harvest Festival/Sri Lanka Update

Thanks again for all your contributions and kind comments about last term’s Harvest Festival.  Your food donations were auctioned off at the Harvest Supper and a grand total of £217.49 was raised.  This, combined with the money raised by our pupils at the Scarecrow Festival, has meant that we have forwarded £500 to the School in Sri Lanka.  With this money they are planning to purchase 2 computers and printers.  Since the Tsunami, the money raised by our school has provided library books and enabled the school to have running water.  We are now moving on with the relationship and looking at undertaking joint curriculum projects.  The first being an arts based project on our local environment.

Sainsbury’s Sports Vouchers

Thank you all for the large amount of Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers you all collected.  We have been informed by Sainsbury’s that we collected the fourth highest amount in the County. Because of the large volume of vouchers collected, and as agreed by the School Council, we have been able not only to replenish our sports equipment but also provide equipment to local community groups.  Today we have presented equipment to Harpole Playgroup, The Boys Bridgade, The Guides and Rainbows; on behalf of all these groups, many thanks.

Christmas Nativity

As those of you know who have been at the school for sometime, every alternative year we hold a nativity play at All Saints Church.  After the popularity of our Harvest Festival, the number of pupils we now have in the school and suggestions made by some of you, we have decided that this year we will do two Christmas nativities.  One for KS1 and Foundation Stage pupils and one for KS2 pupils.  These will still take place at All Saints Church but on the following days:

KS1    Tuesday 12^th December                  2pm

Wednesday 13^th December            7pm

KS2    Wednesday 13^th December             2pm

            Thursday 14^th December               7pm

This should enable us to accommodate more parents and hopefully you will get a better view!  Unfortunately, we will still have to limit the tickets and not allow siblings to attend.  I realise this may create babysitting problems if you have children in both key stages but the children will get to see each others productions at the dress rehersals.

School Photographs

The photographer will be in school on Wednesday 8^th November to take individual and family photographs.  If you would like a family photograph taken please be at the Youth Club for 8.30am.

Drama Workshop

On Tuesday 21^st November we will be having a Drama/Storytelling Workshop for our Foundation and KS1 pupils.  The group will be performing “The Ginger Bread Man and The Elves and the Shoemaker”.  Our pupils will be asked to help in the performance.  The school will cover the cost of this performance.  Similar activities will be organised for KS2 pupils later in the year.

Book Fair

We will be holding a Book Fair between 15^th and 17^th November.  This will take place from 3.15pm – 4.00pm on each afternoon.

School Choir

Our School Choir will be performing in two events in the forthcoming weeks.  They are taking part in the Cluster Carol Concert on Monday 4^th December.  Unfortunately, tickets are limited for this event.  They will also be performing at the Birmingham Symphony Hall on Thursday 30^th November.  This is a charity event organised by the Extra Care Charitable Trust.  Over 300 children will be singing accompanied by an Orchestra. Tickets cost £20.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Miss Eyles.