Newsletter 6: 26th April 2019
Welcome back
We trust you had a lovely Easter with some fantastic weather.
Sadly, some youths attempted to break into our school during broad daylight during the holidays!
Please contact the Police if you notice anything suspicious after school hours or the weekends.
Staffing
Mrs Wisken will start her maternity leave on Monday 13th May. We are currently recruiting her cover for the remainder of the year.
I will continue to cover Hawk Owls Monday to Thursdays with Mrs Durbajlo covering on Fridays.
Curriculum Newsletters
Each year group will send out information this week about this half term’s topics including suggestions about how you can support their learning at home.
Attendance
I am pleased that school attendance was 96% again for last half term and therefore continuing to meet our school expectation. I hope that it will continue to rise especially with the warmer weather coming.
There were 59 children who had 100% attendance for last term. They will attend the party with SAM Bear in the hall on Friday, 3 May – well done to all of them.
After School Club
We welcome two new supervisors, Mrs Haddington and Mrs Bond, to manage our After School Club.
The club runs from 3.15 - 5.45pm and costs £7.00 per session for regular booked sessions (£9.00 ad hoc sessions).
EMTAS Coffee/Tea Afternoon
Come along and meet parents/carers and professionals who work alongside your children and discover ways to help your child with their learning.
Monday 29th April @ 2.00pm.
Key Dates
29.4.19 - EMTAS Coffee/Tea afternoon at 2.00pm
6.5.19 - Bank Holiday School closed.
8.5.19 - Y1 trip to Beaulieu Motor Museum
23.5.19 - 1.00pm Y2 Space buggy parent workshop
24.5.19 - Non-uniform day for £1.00 Break Up for half term at 3.15pm.
Newsletter 5: Tuesday 26th February 2019
Local Authority Visit
We had our annual visit from the Leading Learning Partner on Thursday 7th February. He was very complimentary about the school. Some of the strengths include:
Standards of education are higher than National figures.
Warm relationships are established between staff and children
Learning objectives meet the needs of the children
Work is clearly differentiated with stimulating resources
Topics are engaging and led by non-core subjects e.g. History, Geography, Science
Strong monitoring of learning by all Curriculum Managers
Strong evidence of the MERTON values in books, what children say and what actions staff take
Children demonstrated excellent behaviour and good work ethic
Well done everybody!
Curriculum Newsletters
Each year group will send out information this week about this half term’s topics including suggestions about how you can support their learning at home.
Attendance
I am pleased that school attendance was 96% again for last half term and therefore continuing to meet our school expectation. I hope that it will continue to rise especially with the warmer weather coming.
Vacancy
We have a vacancy for an After-School Club Supervisor. The hours are 3.00 - 5.45pm every day, term time only. Salary details are available on request. Candidates will need a DBS check and hold an appropriate childcare qualification I e: NVQ. Please see the office for further details and an application form.
Staffing
I am delighted to announce that Miss Whitney has become engaged! Congratulations to the happy couple.
Key Dates
1st March - YR trip to Wellington Country Park
6th March - Parents Evening 3.30 -6.00pm
7th March - World Book Day - dress up as your favourite book character
12th March - Parents Evening 4.00 -6.30pm
25th March - Y2 trip to The Titanic Museum
3rd April - Y1 iMovie cinema to parents
5th April - Easter Assembly at St. Bede’s Church at 9.30am
5th April - Break up at 3.15pm
School re-opens on Tuesday 23rd April at 8.45am
Dear Parents / Carers,
9th January 2019 - Newsletter 4
Welcome back and best wishes for your health & happiness in 2019. Thank you for all your Christmas cards and kind gifts. They were much appreciated as it was a long term!
We have another busy term at school so please check your child’s book bag every day for any newsletters or visit our school website. Year group Curriculum newsletters will also come out this week detailing the topic for this half term and suggesting ways you can support your child’s learning at home.
Children starting School in September 2019
Will your child be celebrating their 4th birthday between 1st September 2018 and 31st August 2019? If so, you will have been able to apply for a school place from 1st November, preferably online at www.hants.gov.uk/admissions. If you are unable to apply online you will be able to collect a paper application form from the school. The application closing date is at midnight on Tuesday 15th January 2019.
Y3 Applications
Please note that all Y2 parents will need to apply for a Y3 place at junior school in September 2019. If you have not yet done so you have until midnight on Tuesday, 15th January to apply. If you do not apply by the closing date there is no gurarantee that your child will be allocated a place in your preferred school. Please apply preferably online at www.hants.gov.uk/admissions. Otherwise paper forms are available from the school office. For parents wishing to apply for a Y3 place at a primary school rather than a junior school this will need to be done on an In-Year application form.
Staffing
Mrs Darby Y1 Tawny Owls LSA, will be having an operation on Monday 21st January and therefore will be recuperating for at least 2 weeks. Mrs Bartholomew will be covering in her absence. We will be welcoming Mrs Martin this Friday and she will cover Mrs Wisken on Fridays from now on. Miss Cooper will cover me on Fridays in Y2 Hawk Owls class until she starts her maternity leave then Mrs Durbajlo will cover. Miss Cooper will also continue to teach Y1 and 2 groups, including covering teachers when they attend professional development courses.
Attendance
Our attendance continues to be good overall and was 96% in the Autumn term. There were also 57 children who had 100% attendance for the whole of last term. To celebrate, they will be attending SAM Bear’s party in the school hall this Friday, 11th January at 2.45p.m. Well done to all of them!
There are however some children who continue to have absences without any reason being given. Please remember to contact the school by 9.30a.m. on the first day of absence. You must also fill in a leave of absence request form if your child is going to be absent for any reason other than illness or medical appointments. We require copies of any letters confirming medical appointments. If no valid reason is given for absence it will be recorded as unauthorised and you could be issued with a penalty notice if your child incurs 10 or more sessions of unauthorised absence within a 10 school week period. This entails a fine of £60 per parent per child.
Clubs
Karate and Football after school clubs will start during the week commencing 14th January. Letters have already gone out to all Y1 and Y2 children regarding after school Football club. All other clubs will commence in a couple of weeks when staff have sorted out the new groups of children and these will run up to the Easter holidays – details to follow shortly.
Key Dates
9th January Local Authority Maths Advisor monitoring visit
25th January Governor Monitoring Day
1st February Open Box Theatre Visit to Y1
7th February Local Authority Lead Learning Partner monitoring visit
15th February Break up at 3.15pm
E-Safety & NSPCC PANTS Day
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
12th December 2018 - Newsletter 3
Christmas events are now in full swing! The children have been working very hard rehearsing their lines, actions and songs. We look forward to seeing parents at the remaining performance this week.
Staffing
I am delighted to announce that Mrs Wisken is expecting a baby in June. The Governors and I are working on plans for her maternity cover.
We are hoping that Miss Cooper will return to work on Tuesday 18th December. However, I will continue to teach Hawk Owls class for the remainder of the year as she is also expecting a baby in May. As I have been covering the class for this term I believe this will ensure consistency for the children.
I am sure you will join me in congratulating both staff.
Children starting School in September 2019
Will your child be celebrating their 4th birthday between 1st September 2018 and 31st August 2019? If so, you will have been able to apply for a school place from 1st November, preferably online at www.hants.gov.uk/admissions. If you are unable to apply online you will be able to collect a paper application form from the school. The application deadline is Tuesday 15th January 2019. Please pass this information to any families in the local community with 4-year-old children.
Safeguarding
In the new year, we will be introducing the new ‘Clever Never Goes’ scheme to replace the ‘Stranger Danger’ programme. The new scheme is a fun, engaging and positive way of teaching the children to be cautious about specific situations, rather than to fear the worst of everyone they don’t know. It will help the children to keep themselves safe and make good choices/decisions. It has been fully endorsed by Hampshire’s Safeguarding Children Board and Hampshire Constabulary including the Home Office. There are free home packs for parents and carers at www.clevernevergoes.ord
Vacancies
We are currently looking for an additional Breakfast Club assistant and Lunchtime supervisor. If you are interested in either or both roles please see the office for more information.
Dropping off in the morning
We have received some complaints from parents about not being able to drop their children into class in the mornings due to other parents blocking door ways whilst talking to the teachers.
Please can we request that if you need to speak to the teachers briefly, you wait until all the children are in, or if it requires a longer conversation please arrange to speak to the teacher at the end of the day.
Mathletics
As you know the school subscribes to the Mathletics online software package for which all children have a username and password. To date half the school have yet to sign in to the software and use it. This online way of learning maths is fun and does form part of our Maths homework policy, so please sit with your child and take a look at it.
Key Dates
17th December - Christmas lunch and Christmas jumper day
19th December - 10.00am Choir singing at Tesco’s in Chineham
21st December - Special visitor in school - break up at 3.15pm
7th January - School re-opens at 8.45am
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
30th October 2018 - Newsletter 2
Welcome back. Traditionally, this is the busiest half term as we prepare for Christmas, so please ensure you check your child’s book bag daily and the school website for up-to-date information.
We are always looking for volunteers e.g. to make costumes, props, hear readers etc. Please see your child’s class teacher if you can spare any time.
You will receive a copy of year group curriculum newsletters detailing the topic for this half term and suggesting ways you can support your child’s learning at home.
History Theme Week
Attendance
I am so pleased that school attendance for last half term was 97.5%. Last half term was the best ever attendance with all classes meeting the school’s expectation in the final week. Please ensure this continues especially with the colder weather approaching. The more your child attends school the better progress they will make.
Please note that if your child has a medical appointment in the morning we would expect them to be back in school for the afternoon session starting at 1.00pm, unless medical staff advise otherwise, or if the appointment runs into the afternoon. Likewise, if your child has an appointment in the afternoon we would expect them to be in school in the morning, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Otherwise the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. If your child has 10 or more sessions of unauthorised absence within a 10 school week period they could incur a penalty notice. The office staff need to see evidence of any medical appointments.
Children starting School in September 2019
Will your child be celebrating their 4th birthday between 1st September 2018 and 31st August 2019? If so, you will be able to apply for a school place from 1st November, preferably online at www.hants.gov.uk/admissions. If you are unable to apply online you will be able to collect a paper application form from the school. The application deadline is Tuesday 15th January 2019. There are parent viewings of the school on Thursday 1st November at 9.15am and Friday 2nd November at 1.30pm. If you wish to book on to one of these viewings please contact the office. Please pass this information to any families in the local community with 4-year-old children.
Y1 Outside Area
Work will start on renovating the grounds outside the Y1 classes this week. Artificial grass is being laid and new play equipment will be installed. Barn Owls class will need to enter and exit via the Speckled Owls classroom door, which is just before the usual gate, until further notice. Tawny Owls should enter and exit via the main Year 1 entrance. Tawny Owls should enter and exit via the main Y1 entrance.
Safeguarding
On the last day of half term we planned a day exploring e-Safety and the NSPCC PANTS rule.
Parents can access nspcc.org.uk/pants for downloadable guides to support discussions at home about how children can keep themselves safe from sexual abuse. There are also parent guides about keeping children safe on social networks, apps and games via nspcc.org.uk/shareaware. We will be revisiting key messages each term in school.
Parent Coffee/Tea Morning
We are hosting our first parent coffee/tea morning of this year on Wednesday 14th November from 8.45am until 11.00am. This is a ‘drop in’ style session which provides an ideal opportunity for parents to come and have coffee/tea and biscuits and discuss any concerns or ask questions regarding their child’s sleep patterns with Mrs Durbajlo, School Inclusion Manager and Michelle from the School Nursing Team. In order to ensure that we have enough refreshments available please either inform the school office, complete the reply slip on the invitiation letter which will be in the letter stand in reception or available to download from the website or add a comment underneath the invitation on Facebook if you think you will be attending. We look forward to seeing you.
Key Dates
31st October - Bags4Schools
31st October - Halloween Disco: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
1st November - September 2019 YR parent viewings – 9.15am
2nd November - September 2019 YR parent viewings – 1.30pm
12th November - Non-uniform for hamper gifts
14th November - Tea/coffee morning with Mrs Durbajlo & School Nurse – 8.45am to 11.00am
20th November - Contemporary Family Photo Session: 4.30pm - 7.00pm
23rd November - Non-uniform for bottles
26th November - School Closed INSET: Pupil Progress
29th November - Non-uniform for chocolate
29th November - 3.30pm - 5.00pm Christmas Fayre
6th December - 3.30pm - 5.00pm Merton Cinema
7th December - 9.30am Christingle Assembly in St.Bede’s Church. All parents welcome.
2.45pm Y2 Art Gallery to parents
10th December - 9.45am Christmas Pantomime in School
11th December - 2.00pm Christmas Play Dress Rehearsal for Grandparents and young siblings
12th December - 9.30am Christmas Play
13th December - 5.30pm Christmas Play
17th December - Christmas lunch and Christmas jumper day
19th December - 10.00am Choir singing at Tesco’s in Chineham
21st December - Visit from Father Christmas
Break up at 3.15pm
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
7th September 2018 - Newsletter 1
Welcome back to our existing parents and a very warm welcome to our new YR children and families. We hope that you had a lovely summer holiday. The children look very smart in their school uniforms and have settled very well into their classes.
From Monday please can all YR parents leave their children at the door rather than coming into the corridor. Seeing lots of adults crying can make the children more anxious. Trust us!!
We have a very busy term ahead so please ensure you check and empty your child’s book bag daily and view the school website for newsletters or other important information. You should have received a year group curriculum newsletter this week which will outline the topic and main learning objectives for this half term including ways you can support your child at home.
Staffing
Miss Fellhauer, our YR Snowy Owls class teacher, is expecting a baby in December. The Governing Body is trying to recruit a teacher for maternity cover for the Spring and Summer terms. Please keep the school informed if your child or sibling have chicken pox or other illnesses.
Homework Booklets
After-School Club
Please can I remind parents that we have an After-School Club each day from 3.15 – 5.45pm. It is £7.00 per child, per session for regular customers or £9.00 for ad-hoc sessions and must be booked and paid for in advance. It is for infant , Y3 and Y4 junior children. It is managed by two qualified members of staff, Miss Thane and Mrs Brown. Please see the office for further details.
Clubs
Karate and football club begin next week for Y1 and Y2. We are planning to start other after school clubs the following week. Teachers will be asking children about any clubs they are interested in.
Parking
Please avoid driving up Romsey Close at all times. If it becomes congested with cars parking and turning it makes it very difficult for emergency vehicles to access the school and therefore putting your child at risk. Please park at Abbey Road shops or Tintern Close and walk the short pathway to school. Police Community Patrol Officers will monitor parking on Romsey Close. The school car park is for staff only and must not be used as a drop-off or pick-up point.
Belongings
Please ensure you label all school uniform including hats, gloves, coats, shoes, PE kits, lunch boxes and water bottles. We are always amazed at the amount of lost property we donate to charity shops so please check the Lost Property box in the office porch regularly. Children often have the same items and become anxious when they lose something.
Money
All money must be put in your child’s zipped wallet and handed to your child’s class teacher with a note indicating the amount and reason for the money. The office staff are unable to take money across the front desk. Any change will be returned at the end of the day.
Absence and Sickness
If your child is going to be absent from school please call the office before 9.30am on 01256 324507. You can leave a message with the reason for absence. If no reason is given the absence will be recorded as unauthorised, which could incur a penalty notice. If your child has vomiting or diarrhoea they must be clear for 48 hours before returning to school.
If your child is going to be late in the morning, please call the office to let us know their choice of lunch as school dinners have to be ordered by 9.30a.m. .
Please try to arrange any medical appointments outside of school hours wherever possible. If your child has an appointment during the school day we would like to remind you that we need to see evidence of any appointments.
Y2 Swimming
Sessions begin next week. Please ensure that your child has a towel, swimsuit and swim hat in order to participate. Eagle Owls class will have their swimming sessions on Mondays and Wise and Hawk Owls swimming sessions will be on Wednesdays.
INSET days
Please note our planned staff training days for this academic year and focus for each day:
26th November - Pupil Progress
21st June – Data Analysis
22nd July – Transition
23rd July - SEN
Key Dates
11th September – 2.45 – 3.15pm Y1 Parents Welcome meeting
13th September – 2.45 – 3.15pm Y2 Parents Welcome meeting
24th September – Individual Photos
27th September - Sponsored ‘work-out’ event
2nd October – 3.30 – 5.30pm Merton Cinema
4th October – Y1 trip to Marwell Zoo
9th October – 3.30 – 5.30pm Parents’ Evening
11th October – Flu vaccine for all children
12th October – 2.15pm Y2 Wizard Convention to parents
16th October – 4.00 – 6.00pm Parents’ Evening
19th October – e-Safety Theme Day & PANTS Rule
Break up for half term at 3.15pm
Please note we would prefer that no children/siblings attend any Parents Evenings in order that you may fully hear the information given.
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
Friday 8th June 2018 – Newsletter 7
Welcome back to another busy half term. We trust you all had a lovely holiday. This is the busiest half term as we start our transition programme to prepare the children for their next year group. Please ensure that you check and empty your child’s book bag daily to avoid missing important information. The children have settled back into school routines and are enjoying their new topics.
Transition Programme
Y2 children will attend various Junior assemblies this half term and will join the Juniors for playtimes.
Friday 6th July is Transition Day, when your child will meet their new teacher and LSA and visit their new classroom. At the end of this day, your child will receive a form to indicate their class teacher for September. Parents will not be notified beforehand. This year we will be splitting Y1 classes only to ensure equal ratios of gender, SEN (Special Educational Needs), EAL (English as an additional language), ability groups, friendship groups and ‘clashing’ personalities. YR and Y2 classes will move up as they are.
Staffing
At the end of this year we will sadly be saying goodbye to Miss Stone and Miss Clews as they will be moving to different schools in Basingstoke. Mrs Ridley will also be returning from her maternity leave on 2nd July but will also leave at the end of the year to take a part time position at St.John’s Primary school in Basingstoke. Next year there will be two YR classes, two Y1 classes and three Y2 classes.
Parent Annual Survey
We invite parents to complete our annual questionnaire to help the Leadership & Management of the school to ascertain our strengths and areas for development. Please do take time to complete this and return by the deadline. They will be sent out on Monday 11th June.
Annual Reports
Your child’s end of year report will be sent out on Friday 13th July. This report will summarise your child’s strengths and development targets in all areas of learning, including a copy of their attendance and assessment data for this academic year.
Nut Free School
Please can we take this opportunity to remind parents that we are a ‘Nut Free School’. Do not send your child in with nuts of any kind, including peanut butter or nutty cereal bars, as we have children with life threatening allergies.
Fitness Week
We are planning this theme week on Monday 16th - Friday 20th July. The children will experience a range of different sports e.g. fencing and recognise the importance of exercise. We would like the children to wear their sports kits all week. Hopefully, weather permitting, our Sports Event will take place on Tuesday 17th July at 10.00am at Everest Community College Sports field. The children will all participate in competitive races and a carousel of activities and usually lasts two hours. We hope that many of you will join us at this exciting opportunity for the children. When all events are completed the children will return to school for lunch and finish at 3.15pm as normal. We would be grateful for any DBS checked volunteer helpers to walk the children to Everest. Please notify the school office if you can help.
Weather
With the warmer weather now upon us, please ensure that your child has a water bottle and sunhat and sunscreen has been applied before they come to school. We would prefer that sun cream is not brought into school as staff are unable to apply to the children. Please can we also remind you that summer sandals tend to cause more tripping accidents on the playground so please ensure your child wears sensible shoes.
School Entrance Gate
When entering and leaving through the gate from the car park during the day, could I please remind you to ensure that you close the gate after you and slide the bar across. This is to keep your children safe whilst in school.
General Data Protection Regulations
You are probably aware that new regulations came into place on Friday 25th May. We have posted a You tube information video on the school website under ‘Parents à GDPR à GDPR Mind Map for Parents’. This explains how schools will ensure that we are compliant with the new regulations. You will also have now received the Parent Privacy Notice together with an updated consent form which should be completed and returned to school asap, if you have not already done so. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further queries.
Key Dates
12th June - Class Photos
14th June - Parent Consultation with Sophie Durbajlo, Inclusion Manager re: The SEN Information Report
15th June - 8.30am Father’s Day Bacon Butty at the Junior school
19th June - 9.00am Tawny Owls Class Assembly to parents
22nd June - INSET: Focus = End of Year Data Analysis
25th June - Non-uniform for bottles (un-opened and in date please) for school fayre
26th June - 9.00am Wise Owls class assembly to parents
New Year R September 2018 Parents’ information evening 5.30pm - 6.30pm
28th June - YR trip to Birdworld
Yr 2 doing Anvil workshop performance to parents at 2.30pm (details to follow)
29th June - Maria Miller, Rt Hon MP for Basingstoke, visit to school
Young Interpreter’s Conference at Queen Mary College
3rd July - Y1 trip to Southsea
9.00am YR Assembly to parents
4th July - Non-uniform for cakes and chocolates for school fayre
3.30-5.00pm School Fayre
6th July - Transition Day
11th July - Y2 Castles Banquet – costume needed (Kings, Queens, Knights etc)
12th July - YR Pirate Party – costume needed (Pirates and Pirate accessories)
13th July - September Year R ‘Stay & Play’ session 9.00am - 10.00am
16th July - Fitness Theme Week – wear sports kit all week
17th July - Sports Event at Everest Community College 10.00am - 12.00pm
19th July - 9.00am Y2 Leavers Assembly
20th July - Break Up at 3.15pm
23rd July - INSET DAY
4th Sept - School re-opens for Year 1 & 2 at 8.45am
5th Sept - New Year R start school at 8.45am
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
20th April 2018 – Newsletter 6
Welcome back to another busy half term. We trust you all had a lovely holiday. Please ensure that you check and empty your child’s book bag daily to avoid missing important information. The children have settled back into school routines and are enjoying their new topics.
Weather
With the warmer weather now upon us, please ensure that your child has a drink bottle and sunhat and is administered sunscreen before they come to school. We would prefer that sun cream is not brought into school as staff are unable to apply it. Please can we also remind you that summer sandals tend to cause more tripping accidents on the playground so please send your child in with sensible shoes.
Fly tipping
Sadly, local residents have distributed their rubbish onto the school grounds during the holidays. Please contact the police if you notice anybody dis-respecting our school. We have also had a new CCTV system installed during the holidays which should help with any vandalism.
Attendance
Our overall attendance for last term was good again – 95.64% and there were 65 children who had 100% attendance last term. These children will be invited to SAM Bear’s party in the hall this afternoon.
Unfortunately there was an increase in the number of children who were persistently absent last term (i.e. children whose attendance had fallen to 90% or below). Parents of persistent absence children will receive a letter and may be called into school to discuss attendance concerns.
If your child is absent from school for any reason you must inform the office straightaway otherwise the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. Also, if your child is absent from school for a number of days due to illness the school will require medical proof, such as a doctor’s certificate/proof of appointment or copy of a prescription/label from any medication prescribed. If no proof is provided the school may unauthorise the absence, particularly where there are attendance concerns. If a child accrues 10 or more sessions (5 days) of unauthorised absence during a 10 week school period parents could be issued with a penalty notice.
I would also like to remind parents that, in line with Government regulations, any holidays taken during term time will not be authorised. It is especially important for Y2 children to be in school during May, which is when statutory SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) take place. Y1 children will also complete phonic screening tests during the week of 11 June. If you take your child out of school for a holiday for 5 days or more you will be issued with a penalty notice. This will incur a fine of £60 per parent per child. Please support your child’s education by sending them to school regularly and on time. It has been proven that absence can have a detrimental effect on children’s learning and attainment.
School Entrance Gate
When entering and leaving through the gate from the car park during the day, could I please remind you to ensure that you close the gate after you and slide the bar across. This is to keep your children safe whilst in school.
Key Dates
20th April 100% Attendance party
26th April School Council trip to the Houses of Parliament
27th April FOMs Ladies Night 7-10.00pm in the school hall – tickets are still available
7th May Bank Holiday- School closed
18th May Royal Wedding Theme Day
22nd May 9.00am Barn Owls class assembly
25th May 3.15pm Break up for half term
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
23rd February 2018 - Newsletter 5
Welcome back. We hope that you all had a lovely half term holiday. The children have settled well into school; not forgetting behaviour expectations or hard work attitudes.
We have another busy term at school so please check your child’s book bag every day for any newsletters or visit our school website. Year group Curriculum newsletters will also come out this week detailing the topic for this half term and suggesting ways you can support your child’s learning at home.
Local Authority annual visit
We were visited on Monday 19th February by our Local Authority Advisor. We completed book scrutiny, data anlaysis, learning walks in each class, including discussions with the school’s Senior Leadership Team and Middle Managers. Our practices and procedures were highly commended, ensuring that we continue to offer an excellent education to your children. All groups of children (Free School Meals, Ethnic Minority, English as an Additional Language, Pupil Premium and Service) are making relevant progress and on track to meet their end of year predictions.
Attendance
I am pleased that school attendance was 96% again for last half term and therefore continuing to meet our school expectation. I hope that it will continue to rise, especially with the warmer weather coming. In addition, I am pleased to inform you that all classes have now had a turn at adopting SAM Bear, our attendance mascot, for at least one week. There will be a class treat at the end of the year for the class who have adopted SAM for the most number of weeks, so please continue to support your child’s class by ensuring that they have good attendance for the rest of the year!
On another note, I would like to remind you that if your child is absent from school for a number of days due to illnesss, we will require medical proof, such as a doctor’s note/appointment card, or a copy of their prescription or the label from any medication which has been prescribed.
Merton Monthly Mile
We are introducing a mile run/walk around the school grounds to further develop the children’s understanding of the importance of exercise. The first will be on Tuesday 6th March. Please ensure that your child has appropriate plimsolls/trainers in school.
Bikes/Scooters
I would like to remind parents not to let their children ride any bikes or scooters on the school site at any time of the day. This is for health and safety reasons.
Parking
We have recently had another complaint from one of the local residents about inconsiderate parking. Could I please once again remind parents to be mindful of our neighbours and show consideration when parking. Parents are advised to park at the local shops and walk the short distance to school.
Key Dates
26th February Y2 trip to the Titanic Museum in Southampton
1st March World Book dress-up day
6th March Merton Monthly Mile
9th March FOMs Mother’s Day Cream tea in the school hall (details have already been sent out)
13th March 9.00am Eagle Owls Class Assembly
22nd March School Nurse - YR hearing screening
27th March FOMs Easter disco: YR: 3.15 - 4.15pm, Y1 & Y2: 4.20 - 5.20pm
28th March 9.30am Easter Assembly at St. Bede’s Church
FOMs Easter Egg hunt
2.45pm Y1 Movie trailers to parents in the school hall
3.15pm Break Up
29th March INSET: Pupil Progress
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
8th January 2018 - Newsletter 4
Welcome back and best wishes for your health & happiness in 2018. Thank you for all your Christmas cards and kind gifts, they were much appreciated as it was a long term!
We have another busy term at school so please check your child’s book bag every day for any newsletters or visit our school website. Year group Curriculum newsletters will also come out this week detailing the topic for this half term and suggesting ways you can support your child’s learning at home.
Attendance
I am pleased that school attendance was 96% for last term and therefore meeting our school expectation, although Speckled Owls class had the lowest attendance with 93%. We will be informing parents by text (each week that there is a celebration assembly) which class has had the best attendance for that week. There will be a treat at the end of the year for the class which has had the best attendance throughout the year, so please support your child’s class by ensuring that your child has good attendance.
Last term there were also 56 children with 100% attendance which is fantastic. They will join me for our first party with SAM (School Attendance Matters) bear on Friday 12th January in the afternoon. Thank you for your support and I hope that it will continue to rise! Let’s start the new year as we mean to go on and remember that school starts at 8.45am promptly. Perhaps set your alarm clocks 15 minutes earlier!!
Online payments
Can we remind you to register your child for online payments. All the information you require, along with your child’s unique password, can be found in the letters sent to you during November 2017. All upcoming trips will now offer the option to pay online as well as by cash/cheque.
Applications for YR and Y3 places in September 2018
We would like to remind parents that if you are applying for a place either in YR or Y3 for September 2018 the closing date for receiving applications is midnight on Monday, 15 January 2018, so if you have not yet applied, please make sure you do so as soon as possible. If you apply after the deadline your application will only be considered after all on-time applications have been considered and you may not be offered a place at your preferred school. Parents should preferably apply online at: www.hants.gov.uk/admissions. Alternatively you may obtain a paper form from the school office.
Clubs
Football Club started last Thursday and Karate Club will be starting again today after school. Gymnastics Club will also be starting on Wednesday of this week – letters will be coming home today. Other clubs will be starting next week – details to follow.
Key Dates
11th January Governor Monitoring Day
15th January EAL (English as an additional language) Parent coffee morning 9.00am -11.30am in Woodlands Room
31st January Gymnastic Club at local Gymastic Competition 1.00pm - 3.00pm
9th February Break up at 3.15pm
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
With the Christmas holidays approaching and the prospect of children perhaps receiving digital media as a gift in some shape or form – tablets and gaming consoles for example – we thought it would be an appropriate time to remind you about the responsible use of such devices.
Following the recent news stories relating to the Police’s increasing concerns about child exploitation through social media (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42224148) , please do take the time to set up robust parental controls on devices and ensure that you have set the passwords and codes so that only you know them.
POLICE WARN OF CHILD LIVE STREAMING RISKS
Sex offenders learn how young people communicate online and use this to abuse them, Police say.
There is some helpful advice relating to this on Hampshire County Council’s website:
https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcarenadhealth/childrenandfamilies/safeguardingchildren/onlinesafety
ONLINE SAFETY RESOURCES/CHILDREN AND FAMILIES/HANTSWEB
Online safety resources. Advice for parents, carers, young people and professional within schools
If your children are likely to be using the internet, you may find it helpful for them to be aware and to have viewed this website:
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/5 7/
Thinkuknow – 5-7
Hello – if you are 5, 6 or 7, I bet you probably like to sue the computer for fun. We’ve made this website to help you go on the internet in a safe way and know who to…………..
Helpful advice is also available from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) website:
https://nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Online safety/NSPCC
We’ve teamed up with O2 to help you keep children safe when they’re using the internet, social networks, apps, games, and beyond.
Aside from the risk of exploitation and cyber bullying, it is unfortunate in this day and age that content exists on social media that would be inappropriate, and potentially harmful, for young children to view.
If you receive images or videos on Snapchat, Instagram, Whatsapp or via any other social media featuring people that are naked or are sexual in nature, these should be deleted immediately and reported to the Police on the non-emergency 101 telephone number. Many people are still unaware that showing or sharing such images or videos with others could mean they are committing a crime. However, if a genuine mistake is made, it would be treated as such by the Police.
Dear Parents / Carers,
10th November 2017 - Newsletter 3
We have had a great start back to the half term. Traditionally, this is the busiest half term as we prepare for Christmas, so please ensure you check your child’s book bag daily and the school website for up-to-date information.
We are always looking for volunteers e.g. to make costumes, props, hear readers etc. Please see your child’s class teacher if you can spare any time.
You should also have received a copy of year group Curriculum newsletters detailing the topic for this half term and suggesting ways you can support your child’s learning at home.
Staffing
Sadly, we said goodbye to Mrs Hayes, Learning Support Assistant (LSA), in Barn Owls yesterday. Miss Hamilton will now support that class as LSA.
Attendance
I am pleased to report that school attendance for last half term was 96%. Please ensure this continues, especially with the colder weather approaching.
However, we have noticed patterns of increased absence directly before and after half term holidays. In some of these instances we have been informed by the parents that their child is unwell and it has later been brought to our attention that the family have actually been on holiday. On these occasions the absences have been unauthorised and families have received a warning letter.
We would like to remind parents that if a child has 10 or more half day sessions (5 days) of unauthorised absence in a 10 week school period this could incur a penalty notice. We have already issued penalty notices to 4 families this term. Please be aware that if your child has time off directly before or after a half term holiday you may be asked to produce evidence before we will authorise the absence. You may also be asked to produce medical evidence at other times if it is felt that your child is having a lot of time off due to illness. Remember - the more your child attends school the better progress they will make.
Litter
Residents on Romsey Close have complained about increasing litter. Please ensure you use bins provided instead of dropping litter on the floor. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.
Children starting School in September 2018
Key Dates
14th November - Coffee afternoon for parents of special needs children: 2.00pm
17th November - Children in Need dress up day – wear something spotty in return for £1
21st November - Family Photos: 4.30 - 7.00pm (by appointment only)
28th November - Winter Warmer Reading night: 5 - 6.00pm. Details to follow.
29th November - YR Heroes dress up day
30th November - Non-uniform for chocolate for Christmas Fayre
Christmas Fayre: 3.30 - 5.00pm in both schools’ halls
1st December - INSET: Pupil Progress – school closed all day for staff training
4th December - Choir singing at Chineham Tesco: 10.00am
8th December - Flu vaccines for all year groups
Y2 Art Gallery to parents: 2.45pm
11th December - Christmas Pantomime in School
12th December - Christmas Play Dress Rehearsal for Grandparents and young siblings: 2.00pm
13th December - Christmas Play: 9.30am
14th December - Christmas Play: 5.30pm
15th December - Christingle Assembly in St.Bede’s Church: 9.30am. All parents welcome.
18th December - Christmas lunch and Christmas jumper day
21st December - Break up at 3.15pm
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
9th October 2017 - Newsletter 2
Well done
A huge well done to our choir who performed at the Basingstoke Variety Show on Saturday. It was a long day of rehearsals but worth it! Thank you to the staff who supported the children all day especially Mrs Estlea and Miss Whitney who have been leading the choir in school this half term.
Parents’ Evening
Please ensure that you keep your allocated times to meet the teachers on Wednesday and Thursday this week to discuss your child’s progress. Please note we would prefer that no children/siblings attend any Parents’ Evenings in order that you may fully hear the information given.
Theme Week
We have planned a Safety Theme Week for next week. On Monday 16th October a representative from the NSPCC will introduce the ‘PANTS’ rule about keeping our bodies safe. We would like the children to donate £1 to support this charity. We will also explore Stranger Danger, Safe medicines, Road Safety and e-Safety. We are hosting a Parent Workshop about internet safety on Tuesday 17th October at 2.45pm in the school hall. On Thursday 19th October, we invite the children to wear bright colour clothes to support the ‘Be Bright To Be Seen’ road safety campaign.
Staffing
Sadly Miss Pearce, Y2 LSA, will be leaving us at the end of this half term to start a new post at Cranbourne College. Mrs Jones will move from Y1 Tawny Owls to join Y2 Eagle Owls. Miss Hankova will join Tawny Owls after half term.
After-School Club
We have places at our new After-School Club. It is from 3.15 – 5.45pm and is £7.00 per child, per session and must be booked and paid for in advance. It is for infant children and junior siblings and managed by two qualified members of staff, Miss Thane and Mrs Brown. Please see the office for further details.
Parking
Please avoid driving up Romsey Close at all times. If it becomes congested with cars parking and turning it makes it very difficult for emergency vehicles to access the school and therefore putting your child at risk. Please park at Abbey Road shops or Tintern Close and walk the short pathway to school. Police Community Patrol Officers will monitor parking on Romsey Close. The school car park is for staff only and must not be used as a drop-off or pick-up point.
Belongings
Please ensure you label all school uniform including hats, gloves, coats, shoes, PE kits, lunch boxes and water bottles. We are always amazed at the amount of lost property we donate to charity shops so please check the lost property box in the office porch regularly. Children often have the same items and become anxious when they lose something.
Attendance
We would like to remind parents that the school’s expectation is that children’s attendance should be 96%+. We have noticed recently that attendance has dropped, although, interestingly, it has become apparent that whenever a particular year group is going on a trip, virtually all the children in that year group seem to manage to come to school on time! If your child is going to be off school for any reason you must call the office, giving the reason, otherwise the absence will be recorded as unauthorised, which could incur a penalty notice.
If your child has vomiting or diarrhoea they should remain off school until they have been clear for 48 hours. However, if your child just has a temperature, but is otherwise well, we would advise parents to give them some Calpol and send them into school. If you have signed the consent slip and your child develops a temperature in school we can administer Calpol to them from our emergency supplies. We will always contact you if your child becomes unwell.
We have also noticed a number of children arriving late for school. Often the reasons given are that the parents have overslept or the traffic was bad. Please try to develop good bedtime routines for the children, remembering to set alarms the night before. If your journey to school is frequently made slower due to traffic problems, please try to be organised and allow more time for your journey!
September 2018 YR Admissions
If you have a child, or know of a child who was born between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2014 then they will be eligible to start school in September 2018. Applications can be made online from Wednesday, 1 November 2017 at: www.hants.gov.uk/admissions. The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday, 15 January 2018.
We will be hosting a series of open days for prospective parents of YR children starting school in September 2018. Anyone wishing to view the school should contact the office to book their preferred date. The dates are as follows:
Wednesday, 1 November at 9.30a.m.
INSET days
Please note our planned staff training days for this academic year and focus for each day:
1st December - Pupil Progress
29th March – Curriculum
22nd June – Data Analysis
23rd July - Transition
Key Dates
11th October - 3.30 - 6.00pm Parents’ Evening
12th October - 9.30am Harvest Assembly. All parents welcome to join us. Please bring in donations for the Food Bank.
12th October - 4.00 - 6.30pm Parents’ Evening
13th October - 2.30pm Y2 Wizard Convention to parents
16-20th October - Safety Theme Week
17th October - 2.45pm e-Safety talk to Parents
19th October - Be Bright To Be Seen dress-up day
20 th October - Break up at 3.15pm
1st November - Halloween Disco - YR - 3.15pm to 4.15pm, Y1 & Y2 - 4.15pm to 5.15pm
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
11th September 2017 - Newsletter 1
Welcome back to our existing parents and a very warm welcome to our new YR children and families. We hope that you had a lovely summer holiday. The children look very smart in their school uniforms and have settled into their classes very well.
We have a very busy term ahead so please ensure you check and empty your child’s book bag daily and view the school website for newsletters or other important information. You should have received a year group curriculum newsletter this week which will outline the topic and main learning objectives for this half term including ways you can support your child at home.
Staffing
Our Deputy Headteacher, Miss Smith got married in August and is now Mrs Wisken. I am sure you will join me in wishing them a happy future together. We are also delighted to inform you Mrs Ridley had a baby boy on 4th September. Mum and baby are both doing fine.
After-School Club
We are starting our new After-School Club on Monday 18th September from 3.15 - 5.45pm. It is £7.00 per child, per session and must be booked and paid for in advance. It will initially be for infant children and if they have any junior siblings. It will be managed by two qualified members of staff, Miss Thane and Mrs Brown. Please see the office if you wish to register your interest.
Football pitch
We finally have a new all weather football pitch behind the YR outside area. Please do not walk across it to access the Y1 classrooms and use the footpath instead. It must not be used after school hours. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter. We will be putting a fence aound it shortly. Please do NOT allow children to climb on the goal netting or other goals on the grass area.
Staff Vacancies
We are looking to recruit a Lunchtime Supervisor to cover lunchtimes between 11.30 - 1.00pm and a Breakfast Club Supervisor between 7.45 - 8.45am. Please see the office staff for an application form and further details.
Parking
Please avoid driving up Romsey Close at all times. If it becomes congested with cars parking and turning it makes it very difficult for emergency vehicles to access the school and therefore putting your child at risk. Please park at Abbey Road shops or Tintern Close and walk the short pathway to school. Police Community Patrol Officers will monitor parking on Romsey Close. The school car park is for staff only and must not be used as a drop-off or pick-up point.
Belongings
Please ensure you label all school uniform including hats, gloves, coats, shoes, PE kits, lunch boxes and water bottles. We are always amazed at the amount of lost property we donate to charity shops so please check the lost property box in the reception regularly. Children often have the same items and become anxious when they lose something.
Absence and Sickness
Just a reminder if your child is going to be absent from school please call the office before 9.30am on
01256 324507. You can leave a message with the reason for absence. If no reason is given the absence will be unauthorised which could incur a penalty notice. If they have vomiting and diarrhoea they must be clear for 48 hours before returning to school.
If your child is going to be late in the morning, please call the office to let us know. If they need to order a school dinner you must call before 9.30am and let the office know your child’s choice of lunch.
If your child has a doctors, hospital or dental appointment can we remind you that, wherever possible, we like to see evidence of any appointments.
Money
All money must be put in your child’s zipped wallet and handed to your child’s class teacher with a note indicating the amount and reason for the money. The office staff are unable to take money across the front desk. Any change will be returned at the end of the day. We are hoping to shortly be introducing an ‘online payment’ system.
INSET days
Please note our planned staff training days for this academic year and focus for each day:
1st December - Pupil Progress
29th March – Curriculum
22nd June – Data Analysis
23rd July - Transition
Key Dates
13th September - 2.45 - 3.15pm Y1 Parents Welcome meeting
14th September - 2.45 - 3.15pm Y2 Parents Welcome meeting
14th September - Individual Photos
18th September - Hawk Owls swimming lessons
20th September - Wise Owls and Eagle Owls swimming lessons
25th September - Hawk Owls swimming lessons
27th September - Wise Owls and Eagle Owls swimming lessons
4th October - Hawk Owls, Wise Owls and Eagle Owls swimming lessons
9th October - Y1 trip to Marwell Zoo
11th October - Hawk owls, Wise Owls and Eagle Owls swimming lessons
11th October - 3.30 - 6.00pm Parents’ Evening
12th October - 4.00 - 6.30pm Parents’ Evening
12th October - Harvest Assembly at St.Bede’s Church. All parents welcome to join us.
13th October - 2.30pm Y2 Wizard Convention to parents
16-20th October - Safety Theme Week
17th October - 2.45pm e-Safety talk to Parents
18th October - Hawk Owls, Wise Owls and Eagle Owls swimming lessons
21st October - Break up at 3.15pm
Please note we would prefer that no children/siblings attend any Parents Evenings in order that you may fully hear the information given.
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
School Year 2016-2017
Dear Parents / Carers,
7th July 2017 - Newsletter 10
We are nearly on the home stretch! But still have a lot going on. Please check your child’s bookbag every day or the school website for up-to-date information.
School Fair
It was lovely to see so many parents and visitors at the school fair on Monday. We have raised nearly £1,000 between both schools which we will use to develop our Y1 outdoor learning provision.
Punctuality
Sadly, we have many children late arriving to school. Please ensure that you leave home in plenty of time to start school at 8.45am. Children will be marked as late after 9.00am and unauthorised late after 9.15am. This could incur a penalty notice.
We have also noticed many children being collected late at the end of the day from the office. Please ensure that children are collected on time.
Final outcomes
The children have done fantastically well and this is a credit to you and your support for their learning. I am sure that you will join me in thanking all year group teams for all their hard work in preparing the children so well for their next year group. So ………..here are the highlights!
2017 National Average data is not available yet. Comparisons to 2016 National Average in Red
|
|
School At the expected standard |
2016 National average At the expected standard |
|
Early Years Foundation Stage Good Level of Development |
77% +8% |
69% |
|
Year 1 Phonic Screening |
87% +6% |
81% |
|
(Y2) Key Stage 1 results |
|
|
|
Reading |
85% +11% |
74%
|
|
Writing |
75% +10% |
65%
|
|
Maths |
81% +8% |
73% |
|
Reading, Writing, Maths Combined |
75%
|
|
All results have improved on last year’s results.
Parking
We have had further complaints from residents in Romsey Close, Fountains Close and Buckfast Close about inconsiderate parking. Plesae can we remind you not to park in front of garages or block other cars in. If necessary park at Abbey Road shops or the car park at the park on Popley Way and walk the short distance to school.
After-school club
The school is planning to start an after-school club that will run from 3.15pm - 5.45pm. The cost per child will be £7.00. The children will be given drinks and a healthy snack each day. We will be able to provide guaranteed places for parents who wish to send their child every day as well as adhoc places providing 48 hours notice is given.
At present it will be open to infant children and their junior siblings. This may change depending on the success of the club. The children will be given the opportunity to play games, read books, art and craft activities, sports, use the outdoor play equipment and a quiet area.
We intend to start the club sometime in September providing staff can be in place. Further details will follow.
Key Dates
12th July Little Owls Assembly at 2.45pm
14th July Reports being sent home
17-21st July ‘What makes Britain Great?’ theme week
18th July Whole school dress up - Medieval costume
21st July Sports Day at 10.00am - 12.00 noon (weather permitting) NO PICNIC AFTERWARDS
24th July Y2 Leavers’ Assembly at 2.00pm
25th July Break up at 3.15pm
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
7th June 2017 - Newsletter 9
Welcome back. We trust you all had a lovely holiday. This is the busiest half term as we start our transition programme to prepare the children for their next year group. Please ensure that you check and empty your child’s book bag daily to avoid missing important information.
Childcare Vouchers
We are now in a position to accept Childcare Vouchers for children who attend Breakfast Club. Currently we are registered with two companies, Computershare and Edenred. If you would like to start using this service please contact the school office and we will provide you with the school registration number and account number.
Attendance
Pirate Ship
All Hampshire maintained schools have been asked to clarify with parents the use of the school playground /equipment before and after school.
At Merton Infant School parents are expected to take responsibility for the behaviour and safety of their own child(ren) until they enter the classroom at 8.45am.
We do not provide any supervision at the end of the school day on the playground, and it is therefore expected that parents/carers take responsibility for the safety of their own child(ren) once they leave the classroom door.
Please be aware that children are not allowed to play on any equipment before or after school. This is to ensure their own safety as it is not supervised by staff.
The equipment is not designed for pre-school age children.
Safety Procedures
In order to reassure parents in the light of recent events and recent Local Authority guidance, the school does have a lockdown procedure. This means ‘nobody in and nobody out’. When we practise the procedure the doors, windows and blinds are shut and locked. Children are asked to stay low and if possible to sit under tables. Staff will explain these procedures in a calm manner so as not to scare them. It will be similar to how we practise fire drills. Please do not hesitate to speak to me if you have any concerns.
Social Media
Please ensure that you use personal or public Facebook pages appropriately. Staff have the right to seek legal advice about any comments that may be considered as libellous.
Governors
Sadly we did not have any interest in our Parent Governor vacancy. This is a valuable role to undertake in schools as you can really make a difference and challenge why certain decisions are made about education including practices and procedures in schools. We have Full Governing Body meetings per term and currently have two committees involving Resources and Curriculum matters. Please explore the Governor page on the school website or Governor Services on Hampshire County Council website for further information alternatively you can speak to me or any other Governor.
Assembly
We are trialling changes to our school timetable and the time of our daily collective worship. Assembly will now start at 1.00pm and Celebration Assembly at 2.30pm on Fridays. This is to plan quality physical development time in the mornings to build children’s core strength and muscles necessary for their fine motor and gross motor skills.
Transition Programme
Y2 children will attend various Junior assemblies this half term and will join the Juniors for playtimes from yesterday.
Friday 7th July is Transition Day, when your child will meet their new teacher and LSA and visit their new classroom. At the end of this day, your child will receive a form to indicate their class teacher for September. Parents will not be notified beforehand. This year we will not be splitting the classes and intend moving them as they currently are organized as the ratios of gender, SEN (Special Educational Needs), EAL (English as an additional language), ability groups, friendship groups and ‘clashing’ personalities are appropriate.
Annual Reports
Your child’s end of year report will be sent out on Friday 14th July. This report will summarise your child’s strengths and development targets in all areas of learning, including a copy of their attendance and assessment data for this academic year.
Sports Event
Hopefully, weather permitting, this will take place on Friday 21st July at 10.00am on the Junior field. The children will all participate in competitive races and a carousel of activities and usually lasts two hours. This year we will not be hosting a Family Picnic. Children will return to class and finish at normal time.
Key Dates
14th June YR trip to Birdworld
15th June Y2 trip to Windsor Castle
16th June FOMs Dads & Lads Bacon Butty 8.00am–10.00am at the junior school
19th June INSET: Pupil Progress
20th June New YR Parents meeting 5.30pm-6.30pm in the school hall
28th June` Eagle Owls Assembly at 2.30pm
30th June Non-uniform day for bottles and toys
3rd July FOMs Summer Fayre 3.30pm-4.30pm
4th July Summer Sizzler reading workshop 5.30pm-6.30pm
5th July Snowy Owls Assembly at 2.30pm
6th July FOMs Race Night 4.00pm-6.00pm at the junior school
7th July Transition Day
12th July Little Owls Assembly at 2.30pm
14th July Reports sent home
17-21st July ‘What makes Britain Great?’ theme week
21st July Sports Day at 10.00am
24th July Y2 Leavers’ Assembly at 2.00pm
25th July Break up at 3.15pm
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
26th April 2017 - Newsletter 8
Welcome back to this short but busy half term. We trust you all had a lovely holiday. Please ensure that you check and empty your child’s book bag daily to avoid missing important information.
Science Week
Our focus this week is about different aspects of science. The children will carry out some exciting (and messy) investigations! A BIG thank you to Miss Bennett who has organised the planning for this week. Curriculum newsletters detailing the topic for the remainder of this half term will be sent on Monday.
Spelling
We have amended our Spelling Scheme and created a new booklet to last until the end of the year. There is guidance for parents at the front of the booklet which explains the new approach to spelling. Please ensure that you practice the group of words set for each week regularly on their own and in a sentence context. The booklet will be sent home on Fridays.
Packed Lunches
Please ensure that you do not over pack your children’s lunch boxes. A sandwich, piece of fruit, a drink and yogurt is sufficient. In order to promote healthy eating, please avoid cakes, biscuits, chocolate and cheese straws. Please also wash lunch boxes out daily. Some are very grubby!
Mathletics
Please remember to use Mathletics daily. All children have their own log-in and a password. This is such a valuable learning tool which enables the children to regularly practise key mathematics skills. It is also part of our Homework Policy. Research indicates that children who access Mathletics every night make considerable progress in Maths. Please view http://uk.mathletics.com/ninereasons. As children play on ipads or computers most of the time nowadays, at least make it educational!
Recycling
We are collecting empty boxes/cartons to enable the children to create junk modelling. Please donate any items in the box in the office.
Sainsbury Vouchers
We would be most grateful if you could collect as many Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers as possible. They will be exchanged for an exciting range of active sports equipment.
Clubs
Letters will be going out this week regarding this terms clubs.
Staffing
I am delighted to inform you that Mrs Ridley, Eagle Owls class teacher, is expecting a baby which is due in September. We are currently exploring Maternity cover.
Key Dates
28th April Football Competition at Brighton Hill School
1st May Bank Holiday- School closed
5th May 4.00pm - 6.00pm FOMs Family Bingo at the Junior School
17th May 9.00am Barn Owls Assembly to parents
24th May 9.00am Owlets Assembly to parents
26th May Non-uniform day for Raffle prizes
3.15pm Break up for half term
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
7th March 2017 - Newsletter 7
Parents’ Evening
It was lovely to see so many parents last week and thank you for your positive comments. They are very much appreciated. The majority of children are making expected progress. Please remember to practise reading and key words as much as possible – little and often would really make a huge difference. If you were unable to attend your meeting, please re-book an appointment with your class teacher.
Book Week
We had a fantastic start to this half term, especially when the author Andrew Weale visited on Tuesday. He said the children were ‘delightful and show great enthusiasm’. Children read many books, wrote new stories and book reviews including YR making an imovie film! Thank you for your generosity at the Book Fayre - we sold over £800 worth of books, which will generate commission to fund additional books for our library. A huge thank you to Miss Smith for organising Book Week and to Miss Hankova for planning exciting activities in the library.
Mathletics
It became apparent at Parents’ Evening that many children were not accessing Mathletics at home. All children have their own log-in password. This is such a valuable learning tool which enables the children to practise key mathematics skills. It is also part of our Homework Policy. Research indicates that children who access Mathletics every night make considerable progress in Maths, please view http://uk.mathletics.com/ninereasons As children play on ipads or computers most of the time nowadays, at least make it educational.
Punctuality
We have noticed that many children are arriving late in the morning and/or entering school via the main office door, which is causing a lot of congestion in the office some mornings, particularly when the office staff are trying to deal with visitors and queries from parents. May I remind you that school starts at 8.45a.m. Please remember to give yourselves plenty of time to walk the children around to their classroom ready for when the doors open at 8.45a.m.
If your child continues to arrive late their morning session may be marked as unauthorised absence, which could ultimately lead to parents being issued with a penalty notice. Parents have a legal responsibility to ensure their child’s regular and punctual attendance at school. Please help us to achieve our target of 96%+ attendance. The more your child attends school the better progress they will make.
Parent Support
Due to popular demand, we are planning workshops for parents to share knowledge and understanding of Phonics and Maths and ways you can support your child at home – all parents are welcome. We are also offering a clinic on behaviour strategies which is being led by Laura Waissen (Parent Support Advisor). Please see dates below.
Recycling
We are collecting empty boxes/cartons to enable the children to create junk modelling. Please donate any items in the box in the office.
Sainsbury Vouchers
We would be most grateful if you could collect as many Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers as possible. They will be exchanged for an exciting range of active sports equipment.
Key Dates
10th March Football Club to KS1 Football Festival at Brighton Hill
13th March Whole School trip to the Science Intech Centre in Winchester
14th March 8.45am – 11.00am Parent Clinic on Behaviour – full details can be found on school website
23rd March 2.30pm Parent Workshop on Phonics - all parents welcome
24th March 2.00pm FOM’s Mother’s Day Cream Tea – see FOM leter for full details
28th March 5.30pm - 6.30pm Spring into Reading Evening – details to follow
31st March Italian Dress up day – details to follow
3rd April 2.30pm Parent Workshop on Maths – all parents welcome
4th April Easter Disco – YR 3.30pm – 4.30pm Y1&2 4.45pm – 5.45pm (details to follow)
5th April 9.30am Easter assembly at St.Bede’s Church
2.45pm Y2 dance presentation to parents
6th April Y2 trip to Titanic museum
2.00pm Y1 imovies to parents
7th April 1.00pm FOMs Easter egg hunt
3rd May Bags2School collection
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
7th February 2017 - Newsletter 6
Internet Safety Day
Today the children explored how to keep themselves safe when using the Internet. It is frightening to learn how quickly somebody can access personal details and therefore interact with children on computers. Please remind your children not to share their passwords or personal details with anybody and monitor what games/sites they are accessing.
Book Week
We are planning a Book Week from 27th February – 3rd March to promote reading for pleasure. There will be a range of activities to reinforce that ‘reading is the most important skill’. On Tuesday 28th February the author Andrew Weale will visit the school and talk about how he became an author and even create a new story with each class. We would like the children to dress up as a book character for World Book Day on Thursday 2nd March. There will also be a visiting book fayre each night in the Woodlands Room where you can purchase books. The more books sold the more we can buy for our school library.
Recycling
We are collecting empty boxes/cartons to enable the children to create junk modelling. Please donate any items to your class teacher.
Spare Clothing
Please may I remind parents to wash and return any items of spare uniform or underwear that the children borrow, in the event of a toileting accident, etc. We are extremely short of spare underwear in particular.
Sainsbury Vouchers
We would be most grateful if you could collect as many Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers as possible. They will be exchanged for an exciting range of active sports equipment.
Key Dates
9th February Y2 DT workshop with parents at 9.00a.m.. NO SIBLINGS
17th February Break up at 3.15pm
27th February School starts at 8.45am.
27th February – 3rd March Book Week
28th February Parents Evening 4.00 - 6.30pm
2nd March Parents Evening 4.00 - 6.30pm
2nd March Book character dress up day
13th March INTECH Discovery Centre whole school trip
22nd March Hawk Owls class assembly to parents at 9.00a.m. (details to follow)
28th March Spring into Reading Evening, 5.30p.m. to 6.30p.m. (details to follow)
29th March Speckled Owls class assembly to parents at 9.00a.m. (details to follow)
7th April Break up at 3.15p.m. for Easter holidays.
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
6th January 2017 - Newsletter 5
Welcome back and best wishes for your health & happiness in 2017. Thank you for all your Christmas cards and kind gifts, they are much appreciated.
We have another busy term at school so please check your child’s book bag every day for any newsletters or visit our school website. Year group Curriculum newsletters will also come out this week detailing the topic for this half term and suggesting ways you can support your child’s learning at home.
Attendance
I am pleased that school attendance was 96% for last term and therefore meeting our school expectation. There were also 105 children with 100% attendance which is fantastic. They will join me for our first party with SAM (School Attendance Matters) bear on Friday afternoon. Thank you for your support and I hope that it will continue to rise! Please remember that school starts at 8.45am promptly.
Tea & Biscuits session
On Thursday 8th December we held our first “Tea and Biscuits” session this year. Laura Waissen (Parent Support Advisor) and Mrs Durbajlo were available to discuss sleeping difficulties that parents were having with their children. We also discussed other concerns that parents had.
These sessions provide an ideal opportunity to raise concerns or ask any questions that you may have regarding your child’s health and wellbeing at home or in school.
The next session will be booked during February and we welcome your feedback on any topics for discussion. Please pop into school and let the office know so that we can add them to the agenda.
We look forward to seeing you then!
Health News The School Nursing Team have asked us to pass on the following information to parents:-
Health advice may be obtained through NHS Choices:- http://www.nhs.uk/pages/home.aspx
You can also follow the School Nursing Team for health information on Twitter:- @SchNursesBstoke
Emotional Health: Don’t forget CAMHS SPA (Single Point of Access), for support/advice: 0300 30 400 50
Parents may also like to download the NHS Wessex Healthier Together App, which aims to support parents when they are worried about their child’s health. It provides information about what you need to do and where you need to go for help.
Key Dates
9th January Karate re-starts at 3.20pm
10th January Gardening Club and ICT Club start and Choir re-starts at 3.15pm
11th January Mathletics Club and Dance Club starts at 3.15pm
12th January Art Club starts and Football Club re-starts at 3.15pm
15th January Closing date for September 2017 YR and Y3 applications
7th February Internet Safety day
9th February Y2 DT workshop with parents. NO SIBLINGS
17th February Break up at 3.15pm
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
1st December 2016 - Newsletter 4
Christmas has well and truly started! The children are so busy preparing for this year’s Christmas play. Tickets for the performances will be distributed today so please check your child’s book bag. Thank you for providing their costumes and practising their lines and songs at home. I know that you will not be disappointed!
Christmas cards
The post box is now in the school office. Please ensure that you write the child’s full names and class on the envelopes in order that the School Council children can sort them out easily and distribute to the right children.
Punctuality
We have noticed that many Y1 children are arriving late. Please remember to give yourselves plenty of time to walk the children around to the Y1 entrance/exit door, especially if walking from the main entrance, top playground or Tintern Close gates. The more steps the more healthy we are!!
Please help us to achieve our target of 96%+ attendance. The more your child attends school the better progress they will make.
Belongings
The lost property box is very full. There is even a lovely girl’s winter coat in there! Please ensure you label all school uniform including hats, gloves, coats, shoes, PE kits, lunch boxes and water bottles and check the box in the office porch regularly. Children often have the same items and become anxious when they lose something. Anything left in the box at the end of term will be given to charity.
Parking
Sadly we have had several complaints from our neighbours about parents parking in Romsey Close and Buckfast Close and blocking their driveways. Even worse is that some parents think it is acceptable to be verabally abusive to these residents with children present. May I remind you again that the best place to park is the car park at the Abbey Road shops then it is a short distance to walk to school. Let us not forget that it is supposed to be ‘good will to all’ at this time of year!
Key Dates
2nd December - FOMs Ladies’ Night 7.00pm - 10.00pm
5th December - Christmas Play Dress Rehearsal for Grandparents and young siblings: 2.00pm
6th December - Christmas Play: 2.00pm
7th December - Christmas Play: 9.30am
8th December - Christmas Play: 5.30pm
8th December - SEN ‘Tea & Biscuits’ – Sleeping Difficulties (see letter already sent) 8.45am-11.00am
12th December - Christmas lunch. Children to wear red and green clothes
12th December - School Choir performing at Tesco, Chineham 10.00am
13th Deember - Year R Music Performance to parents 2.30pm
13th December - FOMs Christmas Pantomime in School
14th December - 9.30am Christingle Assembly in St.Bede’s Church. All parents welcome.
15th December - ‘Winter Warmer’ Reading Evening for parents and children. Details to follow.
16th December - ‘Special’ visit! Break up at 3.15pm
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
4th November 2016 - Newsletter 3
Welcome back. We hope that you had a lovely holiday. We have a very busy half term, especially preparing for Christmas, so please ensure you check your child’s book bag daily and the school website for up-to-date information. Key dates are attached to this newsletter.
We are always looking for volunteers e.g. to make costumes, props, hear readers etc. Please see your child’s class teacher if you can spare any time.
You should also receive a copy of year group curriculum newsletters detailing the topic for this half term and suggesting ways you can support your child’s learning at home.
Poppies
We are selling poppies for a minimum donation of 30p. Please talk to your child about the meaning behind this important tradition. The children will observe the 2 minute silence at 11.00am on Friday 11th November.
Attendance
We are trialling some new incentives in school to improve our attendance data. It is the Government’s expectation that children’s attendance at school should be 96% or above within each school year.
The children have already met our 4 foot sized bear SAM (School Attendance Matters), who will spend the week with the class who has the highest attendance each week. The children are very excited!
We will also plan ‘SAM’s Parties’ for those children who have 100% attendance each half term. This may involve visits to Pizza Express, Little Frankie’s or even receive a visit from a Magician!
We have also noticed an increase in the number of siblings who are ‘off sick’ together. Whilst we appreciate that if one of the children is unwell it may be difficult to organise getting the ‘well’ child to school, they are missing out on vital learning. It is at the school’s discretion to decide whether or not we feel the reasons given for absence are genuine. If it is felt that the reason given is not genuine, the school may decide to unauthorise the absence.
Please help us to achieve our target of 96%+. The more your child attends school the better progress they will make.
Belongings
The lost property box is already full. Please ensure you label all school uniform including hats, gloves, coats, shoes, PE kits, lunch boxes and water bottles and check the box in the office porch regularly. Children often have the same items and become anxious when they lose something.
Children starting School in September 2017
Will your child be celebrating their 4th birthday between 1st September 2016 and 31st August 2017? If so, you will be able to apply for a school place from 1st November, preferably online at www.hants.gov.uk/admissions. If you are unable to apply online you will be able to collect a paper application form from the school. The application deadline is Sunday 15th January 2017.
We shall be holding an Open School viewing for Reception children who will be starting school in September 2017 on Wednesday 9th November at 9.30am. This will be an opportunity to visit the school and view daily practice. If you would like to attend this viewing please contact the school office to book a place. Please pass this information to any families in the local community with 4 year old children.
Headlice
Before half term we had several bouts of headlice in various classes. This obviously causes distress for children. Please check your child’s hair regularly and treat accordingly. Please also ensure that long hair is tied up to reduce the spread of infection. We have many parents complaining. However, it is not the school’s fault but simply the responsibility of parents. We need the co-operation of all parents in this matter if we are going to break the cycle.
Breakfast Club
We would like to remind you that we offer Breakfast Club from 8.00am - 8.45am each day in the school hall. The cost is £2.20 per day. The children can choose from a selection of items and enjoy a play activity. If you would like your child to attend Breakfast Club, please see the office staff for a registration form.
School Dinners
We have decided to make some changes to the format of our school dinner menu, so it is clearer what will be served for the Red and Green option on each day. Please discuss the menu options with your child at home so they are prepared to choose the dinner they would like at school. No changes can be made to the printed menu. If your child does not like any of the options available on a particular day please send them in with a packed lunch.
Key Dates
7th November - Non-uniform for Christmas Fayre: bottles
11th November - Open Box theatre visit to YR
14th November - Bollywood Dancing for the whole school
22nd November - Family Photos: 4.30pm - 7.00pm
25th November - Non-uniform for Christmas Fayre: cakes
Christmas Fayre: 3.30pm - 5.00pm in both schools’ halls
2nd December - FOMs Ladies’ Night 7.00pm - 10.00pm
5th December - Christmas Play Dress Rehearsal for Grandparents and young siblings: 2.00pm
6th December - Christmas Play: 2.00pm
7th December - Christmas Play: 9.30am
8th December - Christmas Play: 5.30pm
12th December - Christmas lunch. Children to wear red and green clothes
13th December - FOMs Christmas Pantomime in School
14th December - 9.30am Christingle Assembly in St.Bede’s Church. All parents welcome.
15th December - ‘Winter Warmer’ Reading Evening for parents and children. Details to follow.
16th December - ‘Special’ visit! Break up at 3.15pm
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Merton Infant School
Dates for your diary 2016-2017
(dates subject to change)
Please find below a list of dates for forthcoming
activities. Some of these dates are for information only. If parents are invited to events, details will be sent separately.
2016-2017
October
Friday 14th - Non-Uniform Day for Hamper items
Friday 14th - Year 2 Wizard Convention at 2.15pm
Monday 17th - Parents Evening 3.30pm – 6.00pm
Tuesday 18th - New Year R parent viewings at 2.00pm
Wednesday 19th - Flu Immunisation for Years 1 & 2
Thursday 20th - Parents evening 4.00pm – 6.30pm
Friday 21st - Break up for half term
Monday 31st - INSET DAY
November
Tuesday 1st - School re-opens at 8.45am
Wednesday 2nd - Year 2 trip to The Living Rainforest
Wednesday 2nd - Hallowe’en Disco Yr R 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Yrs 1 & 2 4.45pm – 5.45pm
Friday 4th - New Year R parent viewings at 2.00pm
Monday 7th - Non uniform for bottles
Wednesday 9th - New Year R parent viewings at 9.30am
Friday 11th - Bags for School
Tuesday 22nd - Family Photo session (details to follow)
Friday 25th - Non uniform for cakes
Friday 25th - Christmas Fayre 3.30pm – 5.30pm (in both schools)
December
Friday 2nd - FOMs Ladies Night – details to follow
Monday 5th - Christmas Performance Dress Rehearsal at 2.00pm
Tuesday 6th - Christmas Performance at 2.00pm
Wednesday 7th - Christmas Performance at 9.30pm
Thursday 8th - Christmas Performance at 5.30pm
Thursday 15th - Winter Warmer Reading Evening at 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Friday 16th - Break up for Christmas
January 2017
Tuesday 3rd - INSET DAY
Wednesday 4th - School re-opens at 8.45am
Sunday 15th - Deadline for Year R and Year 3 applications
Dear Parents / Carers,
7th October 2016 - Newsletter 2
Harvest
We will be visiting St.Bede’s Church on Wednesday 12th October for our Harvest Assembly at 9.30am. All parents are welcome to join us. We will be collecting food parcels for the elderly citizens in our local community. If you would like to donate any tins or packets of food, please bring them into school on Wednesday 12th October and give them to your child’s class teacher.
Volunteers
We are in desperate need of volunteers to practise reading with the children. If you have any spare time each week to support the children, please see the office staff so a DBS check can be carried out.
Belongings
The lost property box is already full. Please ensure you label all school uniform including hats, gloves, coats, shoes, PE kits, lunch boxes and water bottles. Children often have the same items and become anxious when they lose something so please check the box in the office regularly.
Children starting School in September 2017
Will your child be celebrating their 4th birthday between 1st September 2016 and 31st August 2017? If so, you will be able to apply for a school place from 1st November, preferably online at www.hants.gov.uk/admissions. If you are unable to apply online you will be able to collect a paper application form from the school. The application deadline is Sunday 15th January 2017.
We shall be holding Open School viewings for Reception children who will be starting school in September 2017 on Friday 7th October at 2.00pm, Monday 10th October at 9.30am, Tuesday 18th October at 2.00pm, Friday 4th November at 2.00pm and Wednesday 9th November at 9.30am. This will be an opportunity to visit the school and view daily practice. Please pass this information to any families in the local community with 4 year old children.
School Council
We held our Y2 elections for this year’s School Council members last week. It was a very difficult decision as all candidates performed their election speeches very well. We had an amazing 36 applications! However, the panel consisting of Mrs Caveney, Miss Owen and Mrs Dirienzo, all school Governors, including Mrs Epstein, School Council Manager and myself agreed on the following members:
Poppy Jones Eliza Yong Lloyd Rogers Ryan Reid
Filip Bendzak Albie Orsborn Abigail Robinson Olivia Edwards
We look forward to our first meeting this week and know that they will be good role models in our school and community.
Life threatening allergies
We are a ‘NUT FREE SCHOOL’. We have children and a member of staff who can have a severe, life threatening reaction to nuts. Please DO NOT provide nuts of any kind or peanut butter sandwiches. It is also important to check labels as some cereal bars or chocolate spreads (for example) may contain nuts. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.
Key Dates
12th October - 9.30am Harvest Assembly at St.Bede’s Church
14th October - 2.15pm Y2 Wizard Convention to parents
14th October – Non-uniform day for Hamper items
17th October - 3.30pm - 6.00pm Parents’ Evening
19th October - Year 1 & Year 2 Flu immunisation
20th October - 4.00pm - 6.30pm Parents’ Evening
21st October – Non-uniform day for Tombola items
21st October - Break up at 3.15pm
Monday 31st October - INSET DAY
Tuesday 1st November – School re-opens at 8.45am
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
9th September 2016 - Newsletter 1
Welcome back to our existing parents and a very warm welcome to our new YR children and families. We hope that you had a lovely summer holiday. The children look very smart in their school uniforms and have settled into their classes very well.
We have a very busy term ahead so please ensure you check and empty your child’s book bag daily and view the school website for newsletters or other important information. You should have received a year group curriculum newsletter this week which will outline the topic and main learning objectives for this half term including ways you can support your child at home.
Staffing
We welcome Miss Whitney, Little Owls YR teacher, Miss Stone, Barn Owls Y1 teacher, Miss Cooper, Hawk Owls Y2 teacher and Mrs Durbajlo, Inclusion Manager.
Miss Smith, Deputy Headteacher, will support Y2 groups and cover Miss Stone’s statutory NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) non-contact time on Tuesday mornings. Mrs Clayton will also support Y2 groups and cover teachers when attending training courses.
Attendance
Can we please remind all parents that school starts promptly at 8.45am. Any children arriving after 9.15am will be marked as unauthorised absence for the morning session. Please try to ensure your child arrives on time for school – it can be unsettling for them when they are late going into class and they are missing out on valuable learning time.
If you know that your child will be late for school please call the office to let them know and inform them about your child’s lunch as all dinner orders have to be taken by 9.30am. The same applies if your child has an early morning appointment. Wherever possible please try to arrange medical appointments outside school hours. If your child is going to be absent for any reason please inform the office straightaway or leave a message on the school answer machine asap. If no valid reason is given your child’s absence will be marked as unauthorised and could incur a penalty notice.
Lunchtime Supervisor
We are looking to recruit Lunchtime Supervisors to cover lunchtimes between 11.30am – 1.00pm. Please see the office staff for an application form and further details.
Parking
Please avoid driving up Romsey Close at all times. If it becomes congested with cars parking and turning it makes it very difficult for emergency vehicles to access the school and therefore putting your child at risk. Please park at Abbey Road shops or Tintern Close and walk the short pathway to school. We have already had a resident complaint from Fountains Close due to a parent blocking their garage. Police Community Patrol Officers will monitor parking on Romsey Close. The school car park is for staff only and should not be used as a drop-off or pick-up point.
Belongings
Please ensure you label all school uniform including hats, gloves, coats, shoes, PE kits, lunch boxes and water bottles. We are always amazed at the amount of lost property we donate to charity shops so please check the lost property box in the office porch regularly. Children often have the same items and become anxious when they lose something.
Money
All money must be put in your child’s zipped wallet and handed to your child’s class teacher with a note indicating the amount and reason for the money. The office staff are unable to take money across the front desk. Any change will be returned at the end of the day.
INSET days
Please note our planned staff training days for this academic year and focus for each day:
31st October - Pupil Progress
3rd January – Safeguarding / Child Protection
24th April – Self-evaluation
19th June – Data Analysis
Key Dates
12th September – 2.45 – 3.15pm Y2 Parents Welcome meeting
14th September – 2.45 – 3.15pm Y1 Parents Welcome meeting
15th September – School Photos
22nd September - 5.30 – 6.30 YR Parents Curriculum Information meeting
23rd September – Jeans for Genes Day - £1.00 dontation
6th October – Y1 trip to Marwell Zoo
12th October – Harvest Assembly at St.Bede’s Church. All parents welcome to join us.
14th October – 2.15pm Y2 Wizard Convention to parents
17th October – 3.30 – 6.00pm Parents’ Evening
20th October – 4.00 – 6.30pm Parents’ Evening
21st October – Break up at 3.15pm
Please note we would prefer that no children/siblings attend any Parents meetings in order that you may fully hear the information given.
Yours sincerely,
Larissa James
Headteacher
20th September 2016
Dear Parent/Carer
Food Allergies/Intolerance and Special Diets
We have an increasing number of pupils in school with food allergies/intolerances. The purpose of this letter is to outline exactly what is required by the school in order to be able to continue providing allergy children with a free school meal.
The school uses HC3S as its catering supplier and they are able to accommodate special diets for pupils providing medical evidence of the allergy/intolerance can be supplied by parents, and the correct forms have been completed. Without medical evidence your child should not be having a school dinner but should be bringing in a packed lunch.
The standard primary school menu is nut free so therefore any child with a nut allergy can eat the standard menu without having to register for a special diet. Other diets that can be catered for are:
Coeliac (Gluten and wheat free)
Dairy free
Egg free
A combination diet to satisfy multiple allergies may be provided where possible.
When medical evidence and the special diets request form (HC300) have been provided these are sent to the HC3S food development team. They will then put together a menu for your child and send it through to the school and Head of Kitchen. When the school receives this we will contact you to let you know that your child can receive free school meals.
Children who do not eat certain foods for religious reasons
If you have made us aware that you do not want your child to eat certain foods for religious reasons (this is normally certain meats) we can accommodate this. However we will only offer the vegetarian (green) option to your child. We are aware that some children might not be allowed meat but can have fish. However, to prevent any errors occurring and also to make it easier for children and staff to remember, we will still only offer the vegetarian option.
What do you have to do:
If your child has no allergies or intolerance to foods you do not need to do anything.
If you have indicated on your registration form that your child does not have certain foods for religious reasons, you just need to be aware that they will only be offered the vegetarian option from now on or they can bring in a packed lunch.
Year R and new parents (Sept 2016) - If you have indicated on the registration forms that your child has a food allergy, and have not already done so, we will be contacting you to fill in an HC300 form.
If your child develops an allergy you must notify us straight away and complete the relevant paperwork before they can have school dinners.
As I am sure you will appreciate, ensuring children are given the correct food is extremely important so it is imperative that you provide the school with all the necessary information.
Yours sincerely
Headteacher
School Year 2015-2016
Dear Parents / Carers,
20th July 2016 - Newsletter 10
What a year! It has been hectic but we have come through it successfully. This week we shall be saying goodbye to many of our Y2 families. Please remember that you will always be part of the Merton Infant family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and thank you for all you have brought to the school community and our acheivements. We wish you all the very best as you continue your child’s education journey. You will be greatly missed.
Final outcomes
The children have done fantastically well and this is a credit to you and your support for their learning. I am sure that you will join me in thanking all year group teams for all their hard work in preparing the children so well. So ………..here are the highlights!
2016 National Average data is not available yet. Comparisons to 2015 National Average in Red
|
|
At the expected standard |
2015 National average At the expected standard |
|
Early Years Foundation Stage Good Level of Development |
79% +13% |
66% |
|
Year 1 Phonic Screening |
79% +2% |
77% |
Comparisons to 2016 Hampshire Average in Red
6 children were disapplied from KS 1 tests and teacher assessments.
|
(Y2) Key Stage 1 results 2016 |
School with Disapplied Children |
School without Disapplied Children |
2016 Hampshire Average At the expected standard |
|
Reading |
79% -1% |
87% +7% |
80%
|
|
Writing |
65% -5% |
72% +2% |
70%
|
|
Maths |
67% -10% |
73% -4% |
77% |
|
Reading, Writing, Maths Combined |
59% -7% |
65% -1% |
66% |
Sports Day
It was lovely to see you all last Friday. Thankfully the weather held out. Thank you for all your positive comments regarding the arrangements. Well done Miss Harrison, our PE Curriculum Manager, for all her hard work.
Thank you for your continuing support. Have a safe and happy holiday.
Yours sincerely
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
8th June 2016 - Newsletter 9
Welcome back. We hope that you all had an enjoyable holiday. This is the busiest half term as we start our transition programme to prepare the children for their next year group. Please ensure you empty your child’s book bag daily. Some of them are very full and hence important information gets lost.
New Play Equipment
The pirate ship and pick-up sticks equipment is nearly finished at the back of the school. It will be for infant children who attend our school during school hours. Due to health and safety regulations, please do not allow any siblings on this equipment at the beginning or end of the day.
Assembly
We have made changes to our school timetable and the time of our daily worship. Assembly will now start at 9.00am. Please ensure that children arrive punctually for school at 8.45am in order that registration is finished on time to enable the classes to move into the hall.
Transition Programme
Y2 children will attend various Junior assemblies this half term and will join the Juniors for reading sessions and playtimes from yesterday. On Tuesday 30th June, at 6.00pm there will be a transition meeting at the Junior School for parents and children.
Friday 1st July is Transition Day, when your child will meet their new teacher and LSA and visit their new classroom. At the end of this day, your child will receive a form to indicate their class teacher for September. Parents will not be notified beforehand. All current classes have been split taking into account boy-girl ratio, SEN (Special Educational Needs) ratio, EAL (English as an additional language) ratio, ability groups, friendship groups and ‘clashing’ personalities!
Annual Reports
Your child’s end of year report will be sent out on Thursday 14th July. This report will summarise your child’s strengths and development targets in all areas of learning, including a copy of their attendance and assessment data for this academic year.
Mini-Olympics & Family Picnic
Hopefully, weather permitting, this will take place on Friday 15th July at 10.00am on the Junior field. The children will all participate in competitive races and a carousel of activities. At 12.15pm children may be collected and signed out from their classroom doors for our annual Infant & Junior Family Picnic on the Junior field. Once you have your child you are free to enjoy your picnic and may leave the school grounds with your child when you have finished, bearing in mind that you are responsible for your child from the moment you have signed them out. Staff will undertake transition meetings in the afternoon. Further details will follow nearer the time. If you are unable to attend either event, your child will eat their lunch with their teacher and remain in school until you can collect them, no later then 3.15pm.
Key Dates
10th June - YR Open Box theatre visit – No celebration assembly
13th June - Y1 Open Box theatre visit
14th June - Class Photos – please make sure children are in clean, full school uniform
17th June - Father’s Day Bacon Butty morning
20th June - INSET DAY – School Closed
28th June - Y1 trip to Southsea
1st July - Transition Day
8th July - Young Interpreters conference at Queen Mary’s College
13th July - YR dance performance to parents at 2.00pm
15th July - Mini-Olympics and Family Picnic.
19th July - Y2 Leavers’ Assembly at 2.00pm
20th July - Break up at 1.30pm
Yours sincerely
Larissa James
Headteacher
Diary Date - No 7
Merton Infant School
Dates for your diary 2015-2016
(dates subject to change)
Please find below a list of dates for forthcoming
activities. Some of these dates are for information only. If parents are invited to events, details will be sent separately.
2016
May
Thursday 19th - New Year R (Sept 2016) meeting 6.00pm
Tuesday 24th - Year R trip to the Blue Reef Aquarium
Tuesday 24th - Year 2 Castle Banquet
Wednesday 25th - New Year R ‘Action for Children’ induction meeting 6.00pm
Friday 27th - Open Box – Castles Year 2
Friday 27th - Break up for half term at 3.15pm
June
Monday 6th - School re-opens for children at 8.45am
Friday 10th - Year R Open Box
Monday 13th - Year 1 Open Box
Tuesday 14th - Class photos
Friday 17th - Father’s Day Bacon Butty event (details to follow)
Monday 20th - INSET DAY
July
Wednesday 13th - Year R Dance performance to parents 2.00pm
Friday 15th - Sports Day/Family Picnic (weather permitting)
Tuesday 19th - Leavers Assembly for parents of Year 2 children
Wednesday 20th - School finishes for the summer at 1.30pm
Newsletter 8 - 12th April 2016
Dear Parents / Carers,
12th April 2016 - Newsletter 8
Welcome back. We hope you had an enjoyable holiday and ate lots of Easter Eggs!! Yet again we have a busy half term ahead so please check your child’s reading folder DAILY and the school website regularly to avoid missing important information. Year group Curriculum newsletters will also be posted on our webpage detailing the topic for this half term and suggested ways you can support your child’s learning at home.
Staffing
I am delighted to inform you that Miss Smith, Deputy Headteacher, became engaged during the holiday. I am sure that you will join me in wishing many congratulations to the happy couple.
Sadly, we shall be saying goodbye to Mrs King, Inclusion Manager, who is retiring at the end of July. Miss Harrison, Little Owls class teacher and Mr Sankey, Hawk Owls class teacher will also be leaving at the end of the year. We have successfully recruited their replacements and they will be in school on Transition Day (Friday 1st July) to meet their new classes.
Wall climbing
One of our MERTON values is Respect: Respect ourselves, Respect others and Respect our environment. Unfortunately, I am disappointed that some parents are not supporting the school and allowing their child/sibling to climb on the wall outside the office. The new fence is getting damaged and, more importantly, your child could fall and hurt themselves. Please can you also stop your child from running on the bark and over the shrubs outside the YR classrooms, as well as kicking all the gravel from outside Year 1 classes.
Y1 classrooms
Y1 will move into their new classrooms on Monday 18th April on the other side of the building (the old Year R classrooms). Speckled Owls will be next door to their current class. Tawny and Barn Owls will enter/exit through the new entrance and not their classroom external doors, as these will be enclosed in the new Y1 outdoor learning area. There will be no pathway around the back of the school.
New YR Parents
We shall be starting our induction procedures for parents whose children will start school in September 2016. On Thursday 19th May at 6.00–7.00pm school staff will explain specific details about our school’s induction and transition procedures for the summer 2nd half term. On Wednesday 25th May at 6.00-8.00pm representatives from our Local Children’s Partnership will be hosting ‘Top Tips Starting School’ Sessions in the school hall. This session will give generic advice to parents. It is important for parents to attend both meetings.
Y1 Phonics Screening Check
Y1 children will complete the Government’s phonics screening check during the week beginning 13th June. The class teacher will ask them to read forty words, some of which are pseudo (nonsense) words, to assess how well they have learned to sound out words using their phonic knowledge. In past years the pass mark has been 32 out of 40. For those children who don’t reach the pass mark, they will be re-tested next June when they are in Year 2. Parents will be informed of their child’s score in the end of year annual report. Please avoid any leave of absence during the week commencing 13th June.
Lunchtime supervisor vacancies
We are currently looking to recruit 2 Lunchtime Supervisors. If you are interested please contact the school office for an application form.
Key Dates
13th April – Y2 trip to Porchester Castle
18th April – Y1 Open Box theatre visit
20th April – Spring into Reading at 5.00pm in the school hall (details to follow)
21st April – Queen’s Birthday: red, white and blue dress-up day
22nd April – Y2 Open Box theatre visit
29th April – FOMs Ladies Night at 7.00 – 10.00pm
4th May – YR May Day Ball: 3.30 - 4.30pm
Y1&2 May Day Ball: 4.45 - 5.454pm
24th May – YR trip to Southsea Aquarium
27th May – Break up at 3.15pm
Thank you for your continuing support.
Yours sincerely
Larissa James
Headteacher
Merton Infant School
Dates for your diary 2015-2016
(dates subject to change)
Please find below a list of dates for forthcoming
activities. Some of these dates are for information only. If parents are invited to events, details will be sent separately.
2016
March
Friday 18th March - Mother and Daughter Pamper evening 5.15-6.45pm
Wednesday 23rd - Easter Service at St. Bedes 9.30am – parents welcome
Thursday 24th - School finishes for Easter at 1.30pm
April
Monday 11th - INSET DAY
Tuesday 12th - School re-opens for children at 8.45am
Wednesday 13th - Year 2 trip to Porchester Castle
Monday 18th - Year 1 Open Box
Thursday 21st - Queen’s birthday – dress in Red, White and Blue
Friday 22nd - - Year 2 Open Box
Friday 29th - Ladies night 7.00 – 10.00pm
May
Monday 2nd - Bank Holiday
Wednesday 4th - Year R Ugly Bug Ball 3.30 – 4.30pm
Year 1 & 2 Ugly Bug Ball 4.45 – 5.45pm
Friday 27th - Break up for half term at 3.15pm
June
Monday 6th - School re-opens for children at 8.45am
Tuesday 14th - Class photos
Friday 17th - Father’s Day Bacon Butty event (details to follow)
Monday 20th - INSET DAY
July
Friday 15th - Sports Day/Family Picnic (weather permitting)
Wednesday 20th - School finishes for the summer at 1.30pm
Dear Parents / Carers,
24th February 2016 - Newsletter 7
Welcome back and we hope that you had a lovely holiday.
This half term is very short but equally busy so please check your child’s book bag every day for any newsletters or visit our school website for relevant information. Year group Curriculum newsletters will also come out this week detailing the topic for this half term and suggesting ways you can support your child’s learning at home.
Parents’ Evening
Please may we remind you that dates to review your child’s progress are Thursday 25th February 4.00-6.30pm and Wednesday 2nd March 3.30 – 6.00pm. Please check your date and time given. We look forward to seeing you.
Sickness
From now on, we will advise that children should remain absent from school following their last bout of sickness or diarrhoea for 24 hours.
Recladding Project
The work is going well and is slightly ahead of time. Thank you for your patience and understanding and please continue to use the designated pathways to ensure safety.
Attendance
Overall attendance for the Autumn term and Spring 1st half was 95%. This is below the expected target of 96%. Of particular concern is the number of children considered as ‘Persistent Absence’ with attendance below 90%. There are 35 children (15%) across the school and therefore would have received a warning letter. The groups in school with the lowest attendance are those considered as Free School Meals (91%) and those with Special Educational Needs (90%). Please ensure your child attends regularly and receives the education to which they are entitled. Children with poor attendance will not meet their age related expectations and are therefore likely to need intervention programmes to allow them to ‘catch up’. You will be told your child’s attendance figure at Parents’ Evening.
If your child is absent from school for any reason please contact the school office giving the reason for absence. If we are unable to ascertain a valid reason the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. If a child has 10 or more sessions (5 days) of unauthorised absence in a 10 week period you may be issued with a penalty notice.
PSHE Curriculum
Following the success of the NSPCC Number day last half term, we will be following the NSPCC programme called The Underwear Rule based on the PANTS acronym. This supports our safeguarding practices and procedures and meets the requirements of the PSHE curriculum. It's a simple way that parents and school staff can help keep children safe from sexual abuse – without using scary words or even mentioning sex. This will be taught sensitively and in an age appropriate way. Please visit www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/underwear-rule for further information.
School Trips
School trips are offered to the children to enrich their learning and support the current topic they are studying in school. We try to keep the costs to a minimum and no trip will result in a profit to the school, in fact, in most cases we fund a high percentage of them. We ask parents for a ‘voluntary contribution’. By this we mean a contribution towards ensuring that the trip can in fact take place. We appreciate that some parents may not be able to afford the full amount, but are able to pay a smaller contribution or sometimes pay nothing at all. We are happy to take instalments if this helps parents in any way. NO CHILD will be excluded from a trip for non-payment, however a child cannot attend if we have not received a signed permission slip from the parent/carer.
Taking into account the above, if we find that trip contributions diminish it will possibly curtail any future trips as the school budget cannot sustain significant trip top ups. This will be a huge shame for our children as one of our ‘Merton Values’ is about ‘Opportunities’.
Contact Details
Please make sure that you update the office with any changes to your contact details. This includes mobile numbers, address changes and any work contact details for yourself, but also include any other emergency contacts that we have listed for your child.
Car Parking
Please can I remind you again that the car park should not be accessed by parents especially at the beginning and end of the day. We have noticed some parents driving through the barrier when it is lifted as staff leave. To avoid congestion do not drive up to the top of Romsey Close as there is nowhere to turn and could cause significant delays for emergency vehicles to attend school when needed.
No Hot School Dinner – 22nd, 23rd and 24th March
Due to the recladding works we will not have access to the hall on the above dates. This impacts the serving of hot school meals, therefore on these days we will only be able to offer picnic lunches to the children.
Key Dates
25th February – Y2 trip to Amenity Park
Parents’ Evening 4.00-6.30pm
26th February – Open Box theatre visit to Y2
2nd March - Parents’ Evening 3.30 – 6.00pm
3rd March - YR trip to Bucklebury Farm
4th March – Bags to School
FOMs Mothers’ Day Cream Tea – 2.00pm
23rd March – Easter Assembly at St.Bede’s Catholic Church. Parents and siblings welcome – starting at 10.00am
24th March - Break up at 1.30pm
School will re-open on Tuesday 12th April at 8.45am (11th April is an inset day).
Thank you for your continuing support.
Yours sincerely
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
8th January 2016 - Newsletter 6
Welcome back and best wishes for your health & happiness in 2016. Thank you for all your Christmas cards and kind gifts; they were much appreciated.
We have another busy term at school so please check your child’s book bag every day for any newsletters or visit our school website. Year group curriculum newsletters will also come out this week detailing the topic for this half term and suggesting ways you can support your child’s learning at home.
Staffing
We welcome Mrs Gregory, Learning Support Assistant, in Owlets and Verity Lucas, a School Direct Trainee teacher, in Tawny Owls for this half term. Sadly, we shall be saying goodbye to Mrs Amor, Lunchtime Supervisor who will be starting a new job and Mrs Boddy, Lunchtime Supervisor, who will be retiring at the end of this half term.
Attendance
Please let’s start the New Year on time!! It is your legal responsibility. It always amazes me that children arrive on time for school when they have school trips but not on other days! School starts at 8.45a.m. and classroom doors will close at 8.55am. Any child who is late must be signed in at the office. Lateness can cause your child to be anxious and disrupts their and others’ learning. If your child arrives at 9.15am, or later, it will be recorded as unauthorised absence.
May I remind you that it is also your legal responsibility to inform the school office if your child is absent from school for any reason. If you do not inform the office your child’s absence will be recorded as unauthorised. We have already issued penalty notices to families for unauthorised absence.
Recladding project
We are now starting the school building recladding project. This will ensure that all external walls and windows are the same as the new expansion. Feltham Construction will be starting from the hall, following around the back of the school and eventually finishing by the current Y1 classes in June. Thank you for your patience and understanding and please continue to use the designated pathways to ensure you and your child are safe.
After school
If your child is being collected by an after school club, such as Fun House or Spotlight, or someone different, please let the office know. Likewise please let us know if there are any changes to normal after school pick-up arrangements and also ensure that the clubs know.
Key Dates
11th January – Fencing Taster day
15th January – Open Box Theatre visit for Y1
25th January – Gymnastics Taster day for YR & 1
Open Box Theatre visit for Y2
3rd February – Y1 Puppet Workshop with parents all morning: NO SIBLINGS
5th February – NSPCC Number Day. 2.00pm – Parent/Child Maths games in class: NO SIBLINGS
8th February - Cheerleading Taster day
12th February – Break up at 3.15pm
Thank you for your continuing support.
Yours sincerely
Larissa James
Headteacher
Merton Infant School
Dates for your diary 2015-2016
(dates subject to change)
Please find below a list of dates for forthcoming activities. Some of these dates are for information only. If parents are invited to events, details will be sent separately.
December
Friday 18th - School finishes for Christmas at 1.30pm
2016
January
Monday 4th - INSET DAY
Tuesday 5th - School re-opens for children at 8.45am
February
Friday 12th - Break up for half term at 3.15pm
Monday 22nd - School re-opens for children at 8.45am
March
Friday 4th - Mother’s Day Cream Tea event (details to follow)
Thursday 24th - School finishes for Easter at 1.30pm
April
Monday 11th - INSET DAY
Tuesday 12th - School re-opens for children at 8.45am
May
Monday 2nd - Bank Holiday
Friday 27th - Break up for half term at 3.15pm
June
Monday 6th - School re-opens for children at 8.45am
Tuesday 14th - Class photos
Friday 17th - Father’s Day Bacon Butty event (details to follow)
Monday 20th - INSET DAY
July
Wednesday 20th - School finishes for the summer at 1.30pm
Dear Parents / Carers,
8th December 2015 - Newsletter 5
FOMs Christmas Fayre
It was lovely to see to so many parents at Friday’s Christmas Fayre. Due to your generosity we managed to raise approximately £2000 which will be split between the two schools. A HUGE thank you to the FOM volunteers for organising such a lovely event.
Christmas Cards
Our Christmas postbox is in the office reception. Please ensure you write the child’s full name and class so that they can be delivered correctly.
Wall climbing
One of our MERTON values is Respect: Respect ourselves, Respect others and Respect our environment. Unfortunately, I am disappointed that some parents are not supporting the school and allowing their child/sibling to climb on the wall outside the office. The new fence is getting damaged and, more importantly, your child could fall and hurt themselves. Please can you also stop your child from running on the bark and over the shrubs outside the YR classrooms.
Winter clothes
The children complete Trailblazers (outdoor learning) activities every week. As the weather is turning colder, please ensure your child wears warm LABELLED clothes to school e.g. tights, gloves, scarf and hats. This includes PE kits i.e. blue/black tracksuit bottoms.
Inappropriate Language
Following the theme of Respect, sadly some parents still believe that swearing on school grounds is acceptable! It is no wonder that some children are copying! Can we please think of others and avoid offending them? After all it is Christmas… peace and goodwill to all!
Book Bags
Please can I remind parents to regularly check their child’s book bag so that important information is not missed.
Gymnastics Competition
I am delighted that our Gymnastics Club won the trophy in their recent local competition. This is for the third year!
A HUGE well done to Xanthe, Lexie, Adam and Dylan – and to Miss Harrison for organising this great opportunity.
Key Dates
9th December – Christmas Play: 5.30pm
14th December – Visit St.Bede’s Church for Christingle Assembly: 9.30am. Parents are welcome to attend.
15th December – Christmas Lunch. Children to wear red and green clothes.
18th December – Break up: 1.30pm. Children to wear Christmas jumper for £1. All proceeds to start the School Council’s charity for Basingstoke Children’s Hospital.
Yours sincerely
Larissa James
Headteacher
26th November 2015
Dear Parents/Carers
Christmas Productions
The children and staff would like to invite you to their Christmas performances of ‘Hey Ewe!’ and ‘Christmas Cards’. The performances will take place on the following dates:
Monday 7th December at 9.30am – Dress rehearsal. Please can any parents/carers who need to bring babies and young children attend this performance. Initially only 2 tickets per family (young siblings to sit on lap).
Tuesday 8th December at 2.00pm – Afternoon performance. We would prefer no pre-school children or babies please at this performance. If for any reason you are unable to attend the dress rehearsal with younger siblings and need to attend this performance, please be aware that you may be asked to leave the performance should younger siblings cause distraction or disruption. Initially only 2 tickets per family.
Wednesday 9th December 5.30pm – Evening performance. Please note that due to an increased number of children on roll, this performance is for adults only (18+), no siblings. Children will need to be back at school by 4.45pm. Please drop them off at their external classroom doors as usual.
The evening performance is to enable parents who work to have the opportunity to attend. However, due to lack of space, tickets will need to be limited to two per family. Tickets will be issued on a first come basis and a waiting list will operate after the spaces have been allocated.
There are 120 seats available for each performance. However, we will text nearer the date if seats are still available and you have indicated on the form you require more than two.
Please complete and return the attached form to indicate which performances you would like to attend. Tickets for the performances will be issued from Thursday 3rd December. We are unable to check all your children’s book bags, so this year we ask that you return your slip and place it in the designated box in the main reception area. DO NOT hand your completed form into the office or classroom staff.
No charge will be made for tickets this year, but there will be a collection after each performance. All money raised will be donated to the children’s ward at Basingstoke District Hospital.
We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on this happy occasion.
Yours sincerely
Larissa James
Headteacher
Merton Infant School
Dates for your diary 2015-2016
(dates subject to change)
Please find below a list of dates for forthcoming activities. Some of these dates are for information only. If parents are invited to events, details will be sent separately.
November
Friday 13th - Non uniform day for tombola items
Friday 20th - Non uniform day for bottles
Tuesday 24th - Contemporary Family Photo session 4.30-7.00pm
Friday 27th - Non uniform day for cakes
Friday 27th - Christmas Fayre 3.30-5.30pm (in both schools halls)
Monday 30th - EAL/SEN Parents Coffee afternoon 2.00pm
December
Tuesday 1st - Year 1 trip to Marwell Zoo
Wednesday 2nd - Panto visiting the school
Monday 7th - Christmas performance dress rehearsal 9.30am
Tuesday 8th - Christmas performance 2.00pm
Wednesday 9th - School choir to Festival Place at 10.00am
Wednesday 9th - Christmas performance 5.30pm
Monday 14th - Christingle Service at St. Bede's at 9.30am
(parents welcome to attend)
Tuesday 15th - Christmas Lunch (dress in red and green)
Friday 18th - School finishes for Christmas at 1.30pm
2016
January
Monday 4th - INSET DAY
Tuesday 5th - School re-opens for children at 8.45am
February
Friday 12th - Break up for half term at 3.15pm
Monday 22nd - School re-opens for children at 8.45am
March
Friday 4th - Mother’s Day Cream Tea event (details to follow)
Thursday 24th - School finishes for Easter at 1.30pm
April
Monday 11th - INSET DAY
Tuesday 12th - School re-opens for children at 8.45am
May
Monday 2nd - Bank Holiday
Friday 27th - Break up for half term at 3.15pm
June
Monday 6th - School re-opens for children at 8.45am
Tuesday 14th - Class photos
Friday 17th - Father’s Day Bacon Butty event (details to follow)
Monday 20th - INSET DAY
July
Wednesday 20th - School finishes for the summer at 1.30pm
Dear Parents / Carers,
5th November 2015 - Newsletter 4
Welcome back. We hope that you had a lovely holiday. We have a very busy half term, especially preparing for Christmas, so please ensure you check your child’s book bag daily and the school website for up-to-date information. Key dates are attached to this newsletter.
We are always looking for volunteers e.g. to make costumes, props, hear readers etc. Please see your child’s class teacher if you can spare any time, as you will need to have completed a DBS check first.
You should also receive a copy of year group Curriculum newsletters detailing the topic for this half term and suggesting ways you can support your child’s learning at home.
Top gate
We are due to start our building recladding project next half term and therefore the builders’ compound site will be positioned next to the Y2 huts. As a result, the top gate on the playground will be closed for the foreseeable future. Please continue to use the other 3 gates to access the school site and use the designated pathways. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Children starting School in September 2015
Will your child be celebrating their 4th birthday between 1st September 2015 and 31st August 2016? If so, you are now able to apply for a school place, preferably online at www.hants.gov.uk/admissions. If you are unable to apply online you will be able to collect a paper application form from the school. The application deadline is Friday 15th January 2016.
We shall be holding an Open School Viewing on Friday 6th November at 2.00pm for Reception children who will be starting school in September 2016. This will be an opportunity to visit the school and view daily practice. Please pass on this information to any families in the local community with 4 year old children.
Poppies
We are selling poppies for a minimum donation of 30p. Please talk to your child about the meaning behind this important tradition. The children will observe the 2 minute silence at 11.00am on Wednesday 11th November.
Winter clothes
The children complete Trailblazers (outdoor learning) activities every week. As the weather is turning colder, please ensure your child wears warm LABELLED clothes to school e.g. tights, gloves, scarf and hats. This includes PE kits i.e. blue/black tracksuit bottoms.
Parent Events
Please can we remind you that young siblings are welcome to attend weekly Celebration Assembly. However, please be respectful and take your child out of the assembly if they become over-excited and agitated. Unfortunately, due to health and safety reasons, we cannot accommodate siblings to Parent workshops in the classrooms.
Key Dates
13th November – Non-uniform for Christmas Fayre: tombola items
20th November - Non-uniform for Christmas Fayre: bottles
24th November – Family Photos: 4.30-7.00pm – details to follow
27th November - Non-uniform for Christmas Fayre: cakes
Christmas Fayre: 3.30 – 5.30pm in both schools’ halls
1st December – Y1 trip to Marwell Zoo
2nd December – FOMs Christmas Pantomime in School
7th December – Christmas Play Dress Rehearsal: 9.30am (younger siblings can attend this performance).
8th December – Christmas Play: 2.00pm
9th December – Choir performing in Festival Place – time to be confirmed
9th December – Christmas Play: 5.30pm
15th December – Christmas Lunch
18th December – School finishes at 1.30pm
Yours sincerely
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
22nd October 2015 - Newsletter 3
Parent – Teacher Consultations
Thank you for attending Parents’ Evenings this week and for your positive comments. It goes without saying that children make more progress when home and school work in partnership. If you were unable to meet your class teacher, please do not hesitate to make another appointment after half term.
Top gate
We are due to start our building recladding project next half term and therefore the builders’ compound site will be positioned next to the Y2 huts. As a result, the top gate on the playground will be closed for the foreseeable future. Please continue to use the other 3 gates to access the school site and use the designated pathways. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Attendance
For our new parents, and as a reminder to our existing parents, we monitor each child’s and class attendance at the end of each half term using the RAG (Red, Amber, and Green) system. Our school expectation is 96%+ attendance. This half term, overall school attendance is 95.6%.
Class attendance:
Owlets 97.6%
Snowy Owls 95.7%
Little Owls 95.5%
Speckled Owls 96.8
Tawny Owls 95.7%
Barn Owls 93%
Eagle Owls 96%
Hawk Owls 96%
Wise Owls 95.6%
We also anlayse the attendance of the different groups in the school:
Pupils with Special Educational Needs 93.8%
Pupils who claim Free School Meals 94.3%
Pupils who claim Premium funding 93.6%
Pupils with English as an additional language 94.6%
Pupils from Ethnic Minority backgrounds 95.4%
Pupils who parents are in the Armed Forces 100%
May I remind you that it is your legal responsibility to ensure your child’s regular attendance and punctuality. We have issued four penalty notices already this half term.
Children starting School in September 2015
Will your child be celebrating their 4th birthday between 1st September 2015 and 31st August 2016? If so, you will be able to apply for a school place from 1st November, preferably online at www.hants.gov.uk/admissions. If you are unable to apply online you will be able to collect a paper application form from the school. The application deadline is Friday 15th January 2016.
We shall be holding an Open School Viewing on Friday 6th November at 2.00pm for Reception children who will be starting school in September 2016. This will be an opportunity to visit the school and view daily practice. Please pass on this information to any families in the local community with 4 year old children.
School Council
We held our Y2 elections for this year’s School Council members last week. It was a very difficult decision as all candidates performed their election speeches very well. However, the panel consisting of Mr Christopher Martin, Chair of Governors, Mrs Epstein, School Council Manager and myself agreed on the following members:
Izabelle Englefield Jack McCluskey
Chloe Brine Billy Smith
Jasmine Brown Xanthe Caveney
Sami Almond Nathan Zamangwe
We look forward to our first meeting this week and know that they will be good role models in our school and community.
Swearing
Sadly, I have been approached by several parents complaining that some parents use inappropriate language on school grounds. Please refrain from using such language especially as young children often copy their parents/older siblings.
Poppies
We shall be selling poppies for a minimum donation of 30p after half term. Please talk to your child about the meaning behind this important tradition. The children will observe the 2 minute silence at 11.00am on Wednesday 11th November.
Winter clothes
The children complete Trailblazers (outdoor learning) activities every week. As the weather is turning colder, please ensure your child wears warm LABELLED clothes to school e.g. tights, gloves, scarf and hats. This includes PE kits i.e. blue/black tracksuit bottoms.
Parent Events
Please can we remind you that young siblings are welcome to attend weekly Celebration Assembly. However, please be respectful and take your child out of the assembly if they become over-excited and agitated. Unfortunately, due to health and safety reasons, we cannot accommodate siblings to Parent workshops in the classrooms.
Key Dates
2nd November – INSET: Pupil Progress
3rd November – 8.45AM School starts
4th November – YR Halloween disco: 3.30 – 4.30pm
Y1&2 Halloween disco: 4.45 – 5.45pm
5th November – Y2 trip to The Living Rainforest
13th November - Non-uniform for Christmas Fayre: tombola items
20th November - Non-uniform for Christmas Fayre: bottles
24th November – Family Photos: 4.30-7.00pm – further details to follow
27th November - Non-uniform for Christmas Fayre: cakes
Christmas Fayre: 3.15 – 5.00pm
1st December – Y1 trip to Marwell Zoo
2nd December – Pantomime visiting the school
7th December – Christmas Play Dress Rehearsal for Grandparents and young siblings: 9.30am
8th December – Christmas Play: 2.00pm
9th December – Christmas Play: 5.30pm
15th December – Christmas Lunch
Yours sincerely
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
28th September 2015 - Newsletter 2
The term is going fine so far and our YR children have settled in very well. All children are fully engaged in their topics.
Harvest
We are visiting St Bede’s Catholic Church on Monday 5th October for our Harvest festival assembly. We shall be collecting tins or packets of food to donate to the elderly and homeless citizens in our local community. Please bring them into class on Monday.
Life threatening allergies
We are a ‘NUT FREE SCHOOL’. We have children and a member of staff who can have a severe, life threatening reaction to nuts. Please DO NOT provide nuts of any kind or peanut butter sandwiches at lunchtime. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.
Children starting School in September 2015
Will your child be celebrating their 4th birthday between 1st September 2015 and 31st August 2016? If so, you will be able to apply for a school place from 1st November, preferably online at www.hants.gov.uk/admissions. If you are unable to apply online you will be able to collect a paper application form from the school. The application deadline is Friday 15th January 2016.
We shall be holding an Open School Viewing on Friday 2nd October at 2.00pm, Thursday 8th October at 9.30am, Friday 9th October at 2.00pm, Thursday 15th October at 9.30am and Friday 6th November at 2.00pm for Reception children who will be starting school in September 2016. This will be an opportunity to visit the school and view daily practice. If you wish to book on to one of the sessions please call the school office. Please pass on this information to any families in the local community with 4 year old children.
Parking
Please avoid driving up Romsey Close at all times but park at Abbey Road shops or Tintern Close and walk the short pathway to school. Police Community Patrol Officers will monitor parking on Romsey Close. The school car park is for staff only and should not be used as a drop-off or pick-up point – this includes for Breakfast Club.
Belongings
Please ensure you label all school uniform including hats, gloves, coats, shoes, PE kits, lunch boxes and water bottles. We are always amazed at the amount of lost property we donate to charity shops so please check the lost property box in the office reception area regularly. Children often have the same items and become anxious when they lose something.
Computer games
We have been monitoring playground behaviour and have noticed that some children (boys in particular) are playing rough games which appear to be from computer games that are not age appropriate. Please ensure that you check the age limit on games being played at home and reiterate the importance of safe play in school. Any child who misbehaves and does not follow the school playground rules will miss part of their playtime.
Bikes and scooters
Please can you make sure your child/children do not ride bikes or scooters on the school grounds. This is a health and safety issue.
Key Dates
2nd October – YR class photo for The Gazette newspaper
5th October – Harvest assembly in St.Bede’s Church at 9.30am
16th October – Y2 Wizard convention to parents at 2.45pm
19th October – 3.30 – 6.00pm Parents’ Evening
20th October – 4.00 – 6.30pm Parents’ Evening
21st October - Y1 & 2 Flu immunisations (details to follow)
Yours sincerely
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
9th September 2015 - Newsletter 1
Welcome back to our existing parents and a very warm welcome to our new YR children and families. The children look very smart in their school uniforms and have settled into their classes very well.
We have a very busy term ahead so please ensure you regularly check your child’s book bag and the school website for newsletters. You will also receive a year group curriculum newsletter this week which will outline the topic and main learning objectives including ways you can support your child at home.
Staffing
We welcome Mrs Estlea, Owlets YR teacher plus Mrs Damon and Miss Paterson as Lunchtime Supervisors.
Miss Smith, Deputy Headteacher, will teach Y2 Wise Owls class on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday mornings. Mrs Clayton will teach Wise Owls on Wednesday afternoon, Thursdays and Fridays. Mr Sankey will take his statutory NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) non-contact time on Wednesday mornings and therefore Mrs Clayton will cover Hawk Owls.
School Expansion
As you can see, the majority of the building work has been completed. Osborne building contractors will remain on site to oversee some finishing jobs this half term. Please ensure that you use the designated pathways and avoid driving up Romsey Close at all times but park at Abbey Road shops and walk the short pathway to school. Police Community Patrol Officers will monitor parking on Romsey Close. The school car park is for staff only and should not be used as a drop-off or pick-up point – this includes for Breakfast Club.
Toilets
Quite frequently we are asked if siblings and parents can use the school toilets. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate this request any longer, primarily due to health and safety.
Attendance
Later this week we will be issuing a booklet giving full details on penalty notices for non-attendance at school. Please note that any leave of absence during term time will be unauthorised (unless it is exceptional circumstances or for a ballet exam, etc). In addition, any child who arrives after 9.15am (30 minutes after the start of school) will be recorded as unauthorised absence for the morning session. If your child has 10 or more half day sessions of unauthorised absence during a 10 school week period the school can issue a penalty notice to the parents. The school’s expectation is 96%+ attendance during the academic year.
Belongings
Please ensure you label all school uniform including hats, gloves, coats, shoes, PE kits, lunch boxes and water bottles. We are always amazed at the amount of lost property we donate to charity shops so please check the lost property box in the office porch regularly. Children often have the same items and become anxious when they lose something.
Money
All money coming into school must be put in a named envelope with a note indicating the amount and reason for the money. This should be placed in your child’s zipped wallet and handed to your child’s class teacher. The office staff are unable to take money across the front desk. Any change will be returned at the end of the day. Zipped wallets will be issued shortly.
INSET days
Please note our planned staff training days for this academic year and focus for each day:
2nd November - Pupil Progress
4th January – Music
11th April – Self-evaluation
20th June – Data Analysis
Key Dates
16th September – 2.45 – 3.15pm Y1 Parents Welcome meeting
17th September – 5.30 – 6.30 YR Parents Curriculum Information meeting
24th September – 2.45 – 3.15pm Y2 Parents Welcome meeting
Please note we would prefer that children DO NOT attend the above meetings in order that you may fully hear the information given.
19th October – 3.30 – 6.00pm Parents’ Evening
20th October – 4.00 – 6.30pm Parents’ Evening
Please also see attached a calendar of school holidays.
Yours sincerely
Larissa James
Headteacher
Dear Parents / Carers,
8th January 2015 - Newsletter 5
Welcome back and best wishes for your health and happiness in 2015. Thank you for all your Christmas cards and kind gifts. We have another busy term at school so please check your child’s book bag every day for any newsletters or visit our school website. Year group Curriculum newsletters will also come out this week detailing the topic for this half term and suggesting ways you can support your child’s learning at home.
Staffing
Mr Sankey, our School Direct trainee teacher in Y2, has started a placement in his second school and therefore will not be with us during this half term. Mrs Clayton, our regular supply teacher, will cover Miss Smith’s leadership time on Thursdays. Mrs King, our Inclusion Manager, will only be available to see parents from Monday to Wednesday. Miss Kirby, YR LSA, has resigned to take up a new position at Basingstoke Hospital.
Attendance
Please let’s start the New Year on time!! It always amazes me that children arrive on time for school when they have school trips but not on other days! School starts at 8.45a.m. and classroom doors will close at 8.50am. Any child who arrives at school after 8.50a.m. must be signed in at the office – this is paramount for health and safety reasons. Lateness can cause your child to be anxious and disrupts their own learning as well as other children’s learning.
May I also remind you that it is your responsibility to inform the school office if your child is absent from school for any reason. If you do not inform the office by 9.30a.m. your child’s absence will be recorded as unauthorised.
School Dinners
HC3S, who provide our school dinners, have requested that all dinners are ordered with the kitchen by 9.30a.m. If you are running late for school or have an appointment first thing and your child requires a school dinner, you must call the school office and leave a message to say which lunch option your child requires that day. If we do not receive your child’s lunch order by 9.30a.m. you will be expected to provide them with a packed lunch from home.
Governor Vacancies
Following the statutory re-constitution of our school’s Governing Body in December, we have vacancies for four Parent Governors. This is a very rewarding role as you will have the opportunity to support the Governors and school staff in moving the school forward at such an exciting time with the school expansion. If you would like an application form or further details, please do not hesitate to speak to me or Mr Christopher Martin, our Chair of Governors.
Playground Accidents
We have reviewed our Accident & Reporting procedures at playtimes which takes up a lot of time. Therefore, from now on, we will only record accidents that have a noticeable ‘mark’ on a child. We are going to trial giving children a ‘I fell over in the playground’ sticker for the usual bumps and scrapes which children may do at home or in the park but would not necessarily be recorded in our Accident book. We will continue to contact parents if they have a bump to the head and provide ‘Accident’ notes for injuries that leave a noticeable mark or where any form of first aid is administered.
Football
I am delighted to inform you that Sam Robbins will be returning to us as our football coach this term. Sam left Chelsea Football club and joined Southampton Football Club in September. He will continue to deliver specialist teaching during teachers’ PPA (Planning, Preparation and Assessment) time on Thursdays. He will also continue delivering an after-school football club. Letters from Southampton Football club will be distributed soon with the aim that the club starts next week.
Phonics Workshop
We will be holding a coffee morning on Friday, 23 January in the school hall, following celebration assembly, when staff will explain our approach to the teaching of phonics. The workshop is open to all parents.
Key Dates
9th January – Open Box Theatre visit for Y2
19th January – Open Box Theatre visit for Y1
21st January – Open Box Theatre visit for YR
23rd January – Coffee morning Phonics workshop for all parents at 9.45am
28th January – Y1 Puppet Workshop with parents – details to follow
9th February – 3.30 – 6.00pm: Parents’ Evening
10th February – 4.00 – 6.30pm: Parents’ Evening
13th February – Break up at 3.15pm
Thank you for your continuing support.
Yours sincerely
Larissa James
Headteacher
Merton Infant School
Dates for your diary 2014-2015
(Dates subject to change)
Please find below a list of dates for forthcoming activities. Some of these dates are for information only. If parents are invited to events, details will be sent separately.
November 2014
Friday 14th November - Non-Uniform day – bottles
Friday 14th November - FOMs ‘Ladies Night’ at Infants 7-10pm
Friday 21st November - Non-Uniform day – tombola
Friday 21st November - School Nurse ‘drop-in’ at Junior School 8.30-9.30am
Tuesday 25th November - Family Photos from 4.30pm – by appt only – details to
follow.
Friday 28th November - Non-Uniform day – cakes
Friday 28th November - School Christmas Bazaar at Junior school (2.30-4.30pm)
December 2014
Monday 1st December - Church visit 9.30am
Wednesday 3rd December - Year 2 Rainforest trip
Thursday 4th December - Choir singing at Festival Place 10.00am
Thursday 4th December - Barn Owls Chocolate Fair for parents 2.30pm
Friday 5th December - School Nurse ‘drop-in’ at Junior School 8.30-9.30am
Friday 5th December - Tawny Owls Chocolate Fair for parents 2.30pm
Monday 8th December - Christmas Performance dress rehearsal 2.00pm
Tuesday 9th December - Christmas Performance 9.30am
Wednesday 10th December - FOMs Cooking Day
Wednesday 10th December - Christmas Performance 9.30am
Wednesday 10th December - Christmas Performance 6.00pm
Friday 12th December - FOMs Christmas present wrapping with children 1-3.15pm
Monday 15th December - Christmas Lunch for pupils. Dress in red or green
Tuesday 16th December - Christmas Pantomime visiting school at 9.15am
Wednesday 17th December - Christingle Service at St Gabriel’s Church at 9.30am
Thursday 18th December - School Choir to Abbey Court 9.30am
Friday 19th December - School Nurse ‘drop-in’ at Junior School 8.30-9.30am
Friday 19th December - Break up for Christmas Holidays at 1.30pm
2015
January 2015
Monday 5th January - INSET DAY
Friday 9th January - Open Box Theatre visit to Year 2 - Space
Monday 19th January - Open Box Theatre visit to Year 1 – Enchanted Toy Shop
Wednesday 21st January - Open Box Theatre visit to Year R - Dinosaurs
February 2015
Friday 13th February - Break up for ½ term
Monday 23rd February - Back to school
March 2015
Friday 13th March - Open Box Theatre visit to Year 2 - Katie Morag
April 2015
Thursday 2nd April - Break up for Easter Holidays
Monday 20th April - INSET DAY
Tuesday 21st April - Back to school
Friday 24th April - Open Box Theatre visit to Year R – Pirates
May 2015
Monday 4th May - Bank Holiday
Friday 22nd May - Break up for ½ term
June 2015
Monday 1st June - Back to school
Monday 1st June - Open Box Theatre visit to Year R – Mini Beasts
Friday 5th June - Open Box Theatre visit to Year 1 – Victorian Seaside
July 2015
Tuesday 21st July - Break up for Summer Holidays
Wednesday 22nd July - INSET day
Dear Parents / Carers,
4th November 2014 - Newsletter 4
Welcome back and we hope that you had a lovely holiday. We have a very busy half term, especially preparing for Christmas, so please ensure you check your child’s book bag daily and the school website for up-to-date information. Key dates are attached to this newsletter.
We are always looking for volunteers e.g. to make costumes, props, hear readers etc. Please see your child’s class teacher if you can spare any time.
You should also receive a copy of year group Curriculum newsletters detailing the topic for this half term and suggesting ways you can support your child’s learning at home.
Parent – Teacher Consultations
Thank you for attending Parent – Teacher consultations last half term and for your positive comments. For parents whose appointments with Miss Smith were cancelled, she will be available on Tuesday 11th November. Please confirm times with her.
Side gate
The side gate by the YR classrooms will be out of use in the morning on Tuesday 18th November. All YR classes will need to enter the school office on this day. You may collect them at the end of the day from their external door as usual. The playground top gate and main gate entrance will still be open.
Attendance
For our new parents, and as a reminder to our existing parents, I monitor each child’s and class attendance at the end of each half term. Our school expectation is 96%+ attendance. Last half term, overall school attendance was an impressive 95.9%. Please keep this up!!
Class attendance:
Owlets 95%
Snowy Owls 96%
Little Owls 94%
Tawny Owls 95%
Barn Owls 94%
Eagle Owls 96%
Hawk Owls 97%
Wise Owls 98%
We monitor attendance using the RAG (Red, Amber, and Green) system. Any child who has attendance within the Red band - below 85%, will receive a letter from the school’s Governing Body advising them of Basingstoke’s Locality Team support.
As I mentioned in my first newsletter, the Governing Body was disappointed with the attendance of our free school meal pupils last year. Analysis of attendance data continues to indicate that this group is still the weakest with 93.5% attendance; 14% of this group falls within the Red band. Pupils with Special Educational Needs are also another group in the school with poor attendance of 94.3%. May I remind you that it is your legal responsibility to ensure your child’s regular attendance and punctuality.
Staffing
We welcome Mrs Emma Hayes as Learning Support Assistant in Tawny Owls.
School Nurse
Our new school nurse, Vicky will be starting a new Parent Drop-in service at the Junior school. Vicky will be available 8.30-9.30am on 7th / 21st November and 5th / 19th December. This will be a great opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s health or behaviour and make referrals to other external medical agencies. It is on a first come first served basis, so you do not need to book an appointment.
Children starting School in September 2015
Will your child be celebrating their 4th birthday between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015? If so, you can now apply for a school place either online at www.hants.gov.uk/admissions or collect a paper application form from the school. The application deadline is Thursday 15th January 2015.
We shall be holding an Open School Viewing on Wednesday 5th November at 6.00pm for Reception children who will be joining us in September 2015. Please pass on this information to any families in the local community with 4 year old children. Places need to be booked by calling the office on 01256 324507.
Poppies
We shall be selling poppies for a minimum donation of 30p each from tomorrow. Please talk to your child about the meaning behind this important tradition and the centenary of the First World War. The children will observe the 2 minute silence at 11.00am on Tuesday 11th November.
Winter clothes
The children complete Trailblazers (outdoor learning) activities every week. As the weather is turning colder, please ensure your child wears warm LABELLED clothes to school e.g. tights, gloves, scarf and hats. This includes PE kits i.e. blue/black tracksuit bottoms.
Pebbles Children’s Centre
We are improving our links with the local community and have invited Sophie Brice to our Celebration Assemblies in order that she can inform parents about the events taking place at Pebbles Children’s Centre in Popley. Events include parenting skills, arts & crafts sessions for pre-school children, improving children’s behaviour and many more. Sophie will be available on Friday 28th November at 8.45 – 10.00am.
Breakfast Club and Lunchtime Supervisor
We are looking to recruit a Breakfast Club and Lunchtime supervisor as soon as possible. The hours of work are 7.45am – 8.45am and 11.30am – 1.00pm. Please see the school office for further details and an application form.
Governing Body
The Governing Body are currently starting a new re-constitution process. We need to complete a skills audit and decide how many Governors we need and of which type e.g. Parent Governor, Co-opted Governors or Local Authority Governors. We have another Full Governing Body meeting on Monday 8th December following which we shall advertise for additional Governors. If you would like to know more information about the role of Governors, please do not hesitate to contact me or Chris Martin, Chair of Governors, via the school office.
Friends of Merton (FOM)
This half term is particularly busy for our volunteers and we would welcome any additional help. As they say, ‘more hands make light work’!! Please see Angela Carpenter, Chair of the Infant FOM, or Lee-ann Dirienzo, Secretary, via the school office, if you can spare any time at the many events this half term.
Thank you for your continuing support.
Yours sincerely
Larissa James
Headteacher
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