Newsletters for translation

School Year September 2019 - July 2020

Newsletter 4: 7^th January 2020

 

Welcome back and best wishes for your health & happiness in 2020.  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

 

Staffing

We welcome back Miss Cooper from Maternity Leave.  She will be supporting Y1 & 2 groups including covering for teachers when they attend courses.

Mrs Jones, Y1 Barn Owls teacher, has started her 2^nd teacher training placement at Hook Junior School.  We welcome Miss N who will cover Barn Owls for this half term.  I will also cover her non-contact days.

 

Children starting School in September 2020

Will your child be celebrating their 4^th birthday between 1st September 2019 and 31^st August 2020?  If so, you will be able to apply for a school place from 1^st 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 Wednesday 15th January 2020. 

 

Breakfast Club and After School Club

Just a reminder that all Merton Infant and Junior school children can attend our Breakfast Club and After School Club.  Breakfast Club is open from 8.00 - 8.45am each day and costs £2.70. ASC runs from 3.15 - 5.45pm and costs £7.50 for regular booked sessions and £9.50 for ad-hoc sessions.  Forms are available from the school office.

 

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. 

 

 

Key Dates

 

29^th Jan - Gymnastics competition at the Active Life Centre

7^th Feb - YR Nurse screening

12^th Feb - Open Box Theatre visit for Years 1 & 2

13^th Feb - Fire Service visit Y1

14^th Feb - Break Up at 3.15pm

24^th Feb - School re-opens at 8.45am

 

School Website update

The new school website went live on Tuesday 7^th January 2020.  This new website is mobile friendly and information will be easier to access and see from now on.  Later in the school year a photographer will be visiting the school to take photos of the children in their surroundings to populate the website with and, thus, make it more personal to us.  We look forward to hearing what you think of the new site.

 

 

 

 

4th December 2019

 

 

Dear Parent / Carers,

 

Following our e-Safety and Clever Never Goes theme day on Monday, I am writing to inform you that several children explained that they play Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto games at home. 

 

Please can I remind you that these are not age appropriate and are actually rated for 18+ years old.  It is a criminal offence to allow younger children to play such games. Schools have a duty of care to children and can report concerns to Children Services.    

 

Children also report that they have their own Facebook and Instagram accounts.  The official age to join these sites is 13 years old.

 

Please ensure that you use the necessary parental controls on your home devices to keep your child safe.  There is advice on our school website about Internet safety or alternatively speak to a member of staff who can advise you of the dangers and safety solutions.

 

Thank you for your co-operation on this matter.

 

Yours sincerely,

  

Larissa James

Headteacher

Newsletter 3: 6th November 2019

 

Welcome back. We hope that you had a lovely half term holiday. 

 

This is traditionally the busiest half term of the year with many festive activities taking place so please ensure you check and empty your child’s book bag daily and view the school website for newsletters or other important information. 

 

Let’s Explore Theme Week

 

The ‘O’ in MERTON stands for ‘Opportunities’.  This week we will explore a different subject each day and stimulate the children’s curiosity as they challenge themselves to open ended problems, learn new skills or try new experiences. 

The school will visit the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium on Wednesday 6^th November.

 

Curriculum Newsletters

 

Each year group will send out information this week about this half term’s topics including suggestions about how you can support your child’s learning at home.

 

Parents’ Evening

It was lovely to see you last half term and thank you for your positive comments regarding your child’s learning and progress.  Attendance per class was:

Owlets - 96%

Snowy Owls - 100%

Tawny Owls - 86.21%

Barn Owls - 82.76%

Wise Owls - 96.55%

Eagle Owls - 85.19%

 

Overall whole school attendance 90.85%

If you were unable to meet the class teacher, please make another appointment via the school office.

 

Attendance

 

Overall attendance last half term was good – 96.5%, although Barn Owls & Eagle Owls were slightly below the Government expectation of 96%. Our persistent absence figure was 9.5% - above national average.  Please remember to inform the office if your child is absent, otherwise it will be recorded as unauthorised. If a child incurs 5 days of unauthorised absence within 10 weeks parents may be issued with a penalty notice.

 

Breakfast Club & After School Club

Just a reminder that all YR, Y1 & Y2 children can attend our Breakfast Club and After School Club.  Breakfast Club is open from 8.00 - 8.45am each day and costs £2.70. ASC runs from 3.15 - 5.45pm and costs £7.50 for regular booked sessions and £9.50 for ad-hoc sessions.  Forms are available from the school office.

 

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. 

 

Key Dates

 

14^th Nov - Family Reading Evening @ 5.30 - 6.45pm

15^th Nov - Children in Need - wear something spotty

19^th Nov - Family Photo session @ 4.30 - 7.00pm

29^th Nov - INSET Day

6^th Dec - Family Bingo @ 2.30 - 3.30pm

6^th Dec - Yr R Super Hero dress up day

9^th Dec - Panto visit

9^th Dec - Flu immunisations – all year groups

10^th Dec - School choir singing at Tesco

11^th Dec - Christingle Assembly at St.Bede’s Catholic Church @ 9.30am - all welcome

13^th Dec - FOMs Christmas Market @ 3.15 - 4.30pm

13^th Dec - Christmas Jumper Day

13^th Dec - Yr 2 Art Gallery @ 2.45pm

16^th Dec - Christmas lunch

17^th Dec - Dress Rehearsal for Christmas Play @ 2.00pm

18^th Dec - Christmas Play @ 9.30am

19^th Dec - Christmas Play @ 5.30pm

20^th Dec - Special visitor in school

20^th Dec - Break Up at 3.15pm

 

Details for above events to follow, where applicable

 

 

 

 

Newsletter 2: 10^th October 2019

 

Walktober

 

We sent home the Walktober challenge cards last week so we hope that you are rising to the challenge and walking as much as possible.  It is based on the NHS’s “Five Steps to Wellbeing”. Evidence suggests that these are five steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing:

• Connect– Have a fun day out, walking with family and friends, playing games together on your walk and collecting up treasures from nature to take home with you
• Be active– Make activity part of your everyday – walk, cycle, scoot or Park and Stride to school or work, go for a lunchtime stroll, play ball in the park or walk a friend’s dog with them
• Keep learning– Go for a walk somewhere you haven’t been before, perhaps around a park, garden or historical site
• Be mindful– Think about your surroundings during your walk and be at one with nature
• Give to others– Take a friend for a walk, volunteer at a local garden or do a sponsored walk for charity.

You could win

• Connect: Vouchers for a family day out at the Hillier Gardens, near Romsey
• Be Active: A climbing voucher for up to nine people at Calshot Activities Centre
• Keep learning: A voucher for a family day out at the Winchester Science Centre
• Treasure Trails vouchers (treasuretrails.co.uk) for runners up

Please search www.myjourneyhampshire.com/walktober for further information. 

Parking

We are still receiving complaints from residents living on Romsey Close and Glastonbury Close about inconsiderate 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.  The school car park is for staff only and must not be used as a drop-off or pick-up point. 

 

Harvest Festival

 

We are still collecting food items for the Food bank.  Please make sure that they are in date!

 

We are planning our Harvest Festival at St.Bede’s Catholic Church on Friday 18^th October at 9.30am.  All are welcome to join us.

 

Admissions

 

Starting school in September 2020

 

Will your child be celebrating their 4^th birthday between 1^st September 2019 and 31^st August 2020? If so, you will be able to apply for a school place from 1^st November 2019, 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 Wednesday 15^th January 2020.

 

We have several parent viewings planned.  Please check our website for the dates available and contact the school office to make an appointment.

 

Key Dates

11^th Oct - School closed: INSET Day

15^th Oct - Parents Evening @ 3.30 - 6.00pm

17^th Oct - Italian themed day (wear red/white/green)

18^th Oct - Harvest Festival at St. Bedes @ 9.30am

21st Oct - Parents Evening @ 4.00 - 6.30pm

23^rd Oct - FOM Halloween Disco 3.30 - 4.30pm

24^th Oct - Yr 1 parents in to view end of topic work 2.30pm (details to follow)

25^th Oct - Non-uniform day in exchange for £1.00 donation

25^th October - Year R Art Gallery @ 2.45pm

25^th Oct - Break Up

4^th Nov - School starts @ 8.45am

6^th Nov - Whole school trip to Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

Monday 7th October 2019

 

 

Dear Parents/Carers,

 

 

As part of our celebrating languages project we will be holding an Italian themed day on Thursday 17th October 2019. On this day we invite the children to wear a coloured T-Shirt that represents the Italian flag (green, white and red). They are welcome to wear their normal school white polo shirt.

 

 

During the day the children will take part in a range of creative activities to learn about the Italian culture which will include making pizza with Mrs Alfano, one of our parent volunteers. At the end of the day the children will meet for an assembly to sing an Italian song they will have learnt during the day.

 

 

To make this day as authentic as possible we have arranged for our school dinners to be Italian themed. Red dinner will be Pasta Bolognaise and green dinner will be Margherita Pizza, these dishes will be substituted with an alternative for the days they would usually be served on the menu.

 

 

We hope that the children enjoy our special themed day and learn lots about the Italian culture.

 

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Larissa James                                  Sophie Durbajlo                               Miss Fellhauer

Headteacher                                     Inclusion Manager                           Year R Teacher

 

 

 

 

Newsletter 1: 9^th September 2019

 

 

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 or view the school website for newsletters or other important information. 

 

Staffing

Miss Whitney, Y1 teacher, got married during the summer holiday and is now known as Mrs Hill.  Congratulations to the newly weds!

 

Mrs Wisken, Deputy Headteacher, and Miss Cooper, class teacher, are continuing their maternity leave this term.  All are doing well and settling into new routines.

 

Curriculum Newsletters

Each year group will send out information this week about this half term’s topics including suggestions about how you can support your child’s learning at home.

 

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

 

School’s 50^th Birthday

Merton Infant and Junior Schools opened their doors for the first time in September 1969. 

We are hosting many celebratory occasions including a Dress-Up Day (anything from the last 50 years) on Friday 13^th September for £1.00 donation and a Fun Day on Saturday 28^th September at 12.00 - 2.30pm. 

Please pass the word on to your friends, neighbours and families as we celebrate within our fantastic community.

Parking

Please avoid driving on 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. 

 

Key Dates

9^th Sept – Y2 Swimming starts

11^th Sept – YR Full time

13^th Sept – Dress-Up Day

16^th Sept – Y1 Welcome Meeting @ 2.45pm

18^th Sept – Y2 Welcome Meeting @ 2.45pm

24^th Sept – Y2 trip to the Titanic Museum

28^th Sept – School’s 50^th Birthday Fun Day @ 12.00-2.30pm

3^rd Oct – Y1 Trip to Beaulieu Transport Museum

8^th October – Individual school photos

11^th Oct –School closed: INSET

15^th Oct – Parents Evening @ 3.30- 6.00pm

21st Oct – Parents Evening @ 4.00-6.30pm

25^th Oct – Year R Art Gallery

25^th Oct – Break Up

School Year September 2018 - July 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 29^th 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

1. th December - 5.30pm Christmas Play. Children to return to school at 5.00pm.

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

1. this week will explore the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War in November 1918. Children will learn about the historical events through stories, dance, music, art, photographs and a visiting Storytelling workshop on Wednesday 31st October and Open Box theatre visit on Tuesday 13th November. Please talk about this historical occasion with your children and encourage them to wear poppies with pride and remembrance. The School Council will be selling poppies to each class each day for a minimum of 50p. If any families have any interesting stories or medals of great-grandparents who served in the First World War, please share them with your class teacher.

 

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

1. have produced new homework booklets for Y1 and Y2 which include a weekly literacy and maths task. They will complement work being taught during that week. Homework will be explained to the children on a Friday to be completed and handed in on the following dnesday. The booklet will consist of homework for the half term. If any booklets are lost, we will ask for a donation of £3 for a replacement. are also planning a Homework Club from next week. Details will follow.

 

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

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