3 Sep 2009 - Newsletter 1
Newtown C.E. (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School
Newsletter 1
Friday 4th September 2009
www.newtownprimary.ik.org
www.newtownprimary.ik.org (newsletter available on school website)
Dear Parent, Guardian, Child and Friend of the school,
I hope that you were able to enjoy some days out or time away over the past few weeks. I would particularly like to welcome our new children and staff to the school as well as looking forward to catching up with all the ‘old faces!’
Work has gone on through the summer to clean the school and prepare for the coming Autumn Term. A new computer network has been installed over the holiday period with new computers for the ICT suite and in the Office. These new computers incorporate new security features to render them useless if taken from the network – a useful device! The old suite of computers have been installed in classrooms to increase our IT capacity. Staff have been busy preparing classrooms and work for the new term.
We are now all ready to get learning once again and look forward to working with your child. I would once again ask for your ongoing support to work with us.
I would like to congratulate all the many children who achieved the Newtown Awards last year. There are new Gold, Silver and Bronze awards to collect in this new academic year.
School ‘Open’ Event, Meet the Teacher and a chance to visit the School Gardens Monday 7th September 2.20pm
The school will be open to parents to come and meet your child’s new teacher at 2.20pm on Monday the 7th September. This is a chance to find out what will be happening in each year group both in terms of work, visits and activities. You will also find out about the weekly Homework requirements and any tests that your children may take. Children will not be present for this as they will be in the Hall with me for an Assembly. These meetings will finish at 2.50pm and you will be asked to collect your child in the normal manner at 3.00pm from the school gate. Then you can return to the school with your child - the concept is simple – your child can tour you around the school, show you their classroom and say hello to the class teacher. Additionally, the school grounds will be open. Come and see the lovely crop of vegetables and different plants and see what
‘Muddy Boots’ Gardening Club has achieved. I hope you can join us.
Parents of YR children are very welcome to join us but we understand if you don’t as you have already had several opportunities to tour!
You will have the chance later in the Half Term (see dates) to meet the teacher formally at our Parent Evenings. In the meantime if there is anything you would like to discuss please make an appointment through the school office, see Mrs Bull our Home School Link Worker at the start of school or drop a note to the teacher asking them to contact you. Both Infant and Junior teachers will also normally bring classes to the gate and you can catch them informally there. Thank you.
Harvest Festival Tuesday 22nd September 10.30am
I would like to extend a warm invitation to all parents, Governors and friends of the school to the Annual Harvest Festival. This is our chance to celebrate the harvest at Christ Church and play our part in helping the needy within the local region. Children may start to bring in produce e.g. tins, jars, packets etc in the week beginning Monday 14th of September. Please save any fresh produce until Monday the 21st of September.
We would ask that parents remain outside the church until we get children seated as this gives us the best opportunity to give everyone the best view.
Please note that children in Year R do not attend this service due to having just started school. They will join in with our Christmas Service at Christ Church in December.
Parent Governor Vacancy
A vacancy has occurred with the appointment of Mrs Mansfield as a Learning Support Assistant in Year 4. Please see the school office in the first instance if you are interested in filling this post. A short letter of application will be needed to be completed by midday Friday the 24th of September.
School Travel Plan Meeting Tuesday 15th September. 3.15pm
As a school we are working on developing a School Travel Plan. This encompasses all aspects of travel to and from school. At this point in time, we are still in the developmental stage. We are seeking views from all parties involved in this. We would particularly like to hear from parents on this matter. Please speak to Mrs White or come and join us for a cup of tea and chat at 3.15pm on Tuesday 15th September.
Breakfast Club/ After School Club
Please note at present that both Breakfast Club and After School Club are full. This situation can often change at the beginning of a new school year. Please see Mrs Becky Bates if you are interested in a place and wish to go on the waiting list.
Gosport in Bloom Awards
On the 15th of July Mrs Carol Edgar, Mrs Julie Noble and I accompanied six of our Muddy Boots gardeners to the Explosion Museum to the Gosport in Bloom Award ceremony hosted by Mr Fred Dineage. Paige Shaw, Ethan Soutar, Elizabeth Turner, Calum Downie, William Davies and Alice Glover enjoyed receiving a host of awards on behalf of the school. We received a Silver Award for Best Wildlife Garden, Silver for Best Vegetable Patch, Bronze Award for Most Recycled Garden, Gold Award for the Best School Cultivated by Children, Silver Award for Best Floral Display and finally a Silver Award in the Best School category.
The club was also successful in gaining the Gold award for Best School garden from the South South East Schools Category.
This is a fantastic haul of Awards and is tribute to the work of Carol Edgar and all the adult helpers with Muddy Boots, as well as the hard work of children throughout the year.
Consent Forms
Please find attached to this Newsletter a range of consent forms. Please read through carefully and sign and return by next Friday, 11th September.
Please note that these consent forms now operate for the duration of the time that your child attends Newtown.
Additionally, can I ask you to complete and return the form with parent’s forename details on as we need to ensure that we have this information on our school information system. Thank you for your co-operation and prompt return of these forms.
Swine Flu – an update
The Secretary of State, Ed Balls has written to schools with the latest guidance. The guidance states that schools should remain open wherever possible. (You know that Newtown will always do this if humanely possible!)
However, it is still essential that adults or children with flu-like symptoms should stay away until they are free of those symptoms. They should contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513513 or at www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk
The advice also asks parents and school to reinforce good basic hygiene practice with children. We will continue to do this in school through the Assembly forum.
Pregnant Employee
Please be advised that we have a pregnant employee. Please be particularly vigilant if your child should be diagnosed with Chicken Pox, German measles or Slapped Cheek as this can cause a major risk – please keep your child away from school, seek medical advice and inform us immediately. Thank you!
Thanks to In Faith Independent Financial Advice
Thanks to In Faith Independent Financial Advice Centre of 4, Challenge Enterprise Centre, Sharps Close, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO3 5RJ for their kind sponsorship of a range of Children’s Safety Puzzle Books. These are gratefully received and will make informative reading for our older pupils.
Staffing for the Academic Year 2009/10
Headteacher Mr Prince
Deputy Headteacher Mr Bowen
Assistant Headteacher Miss Harrowsmith
|
Year Group |
Teachers |
LSA |
|
R |
Mrs S Clark Miss L Scott
|
Miss B Claridge(3 days) Mrs E Daw Mrs J Robb (2 days) Mrs G Seymour (am) |
|
1 |
Mrs S Martin & Mrs C Reid Mrs J Thomas |
Miss T Ansell Mrs L Walton Mrs B Bates (pm) |
|
2 |
Miss H Forbes Mrs N White |
Mrs M Cook Mrs P Hensman |
|
3 |
Mr C Richardson Mrs J Wedick & Mrs M Whitmore |
Mrs C Curtis
|
|
4 |
Mrs J Douglas Mrs H Harlow
|
Mrs A Mansfield Mrs J Rapetti Mrs B Bates (am) |
|
5 |
Mr A Mason Miss E Phillips
|
Mrs N Elson |
|
6 |
Miss L Harrowsmith Mrs J Price
|
Mrs J Duery Mrs K James |
SEN Teacher Mrs M Whitmore
PPA Music Teacher Mrs N Bloxsom
Home School Link Worker Mrs L Bull
Library Manager Mrs L Little
LSA responsible for Specific SEN Mrs J Gilkes Speech & Lang, Physio & 1 – intervention
Mrs G Seymour Specific intervention
Office Staff
Administrative Officer (AO)/ After School Club AO Mrs C Mackman
Finance Officer Mrs V Gunner
Assistant AO Mrs J Harper
Lunchtime Supervisory Team
Mrs Brown, Senior Supervisor
Mrs L Chatfield, Mrs L Cripps, Mrs Y Crozier, Mrs J Gerlack , Mrs J Gurel,
Mrs R Harrop, Mrs C Malone, Mrs S McCarthy, Mrs Ritchie, Mrs J Sanderson,
Mrs L Taylor, Mrs J Taylor, Mrs C Weetch, Mrs N Thomas.
ICT Technician Miss C Butler
Caretaking and Cleaning Team
Mr D Page (Site Manager), Mrs K Wall, Mrs B Alderson, Mrs Y Crozier, Mr B Edser (volunteer)
School Crossing Patrol/ Recycling Officer Mr B Edser
School Catering Team
Mrs S Kay (Head Cook), Mrs C Robinson, Miss H Merritt & Miss C Hanlon
After School Club Playworkers
Mrs B Bates (Play Leader), Mrs J Presswell (Deputy Play Leader), Miss C Butler, Mrs R Harrop, Miss T Ansell, Mrs P Hensman and Mrs K James.
Sue Ryder Shoe Appeal
Before the holiday we asked you to keep old children’s shoes that you no longer need which we will pass on to the Sue Ryder shop who are launching a shoe appeal in September. Please send in any unwanted shoes whatever their condition to the school office during the next two weeks. Thank you for your support.
Useful dates
Please find a comprehensive set of dates for the school year 2009 / 2010
A weekly parent’s timetable is on display in the entrance lobby and I will send out an even more detailed set of dates for this Autumn term in the next newsletter.
AUTUMN TERM 2009
SEPTEMBER
Thurs 3rd School re-opens for Autumn Term
Mon 7th 2.30pm Meet the New Teachers
Child’s year group. Collect your child at 3.00pm and then let them show you the school and grounds.
Mon 21st Full Governors Meeting 6.00pm
Tues 22nd Harvest Festival Christ Church 10.30am
Fri 25th INSET Day 1 Assessing Pupil progress (APP) with County Inspector Mrs J Cooper
Tues 29th Individual School Photos
OCTOBER
Thurs 8th Friends of Newtown
Fri 9th Coffee Morning 9.00am
Mon 12th Whole Governor Training ECM Richard Dickin 6.00pm
Tues 13th Young Shakespeare Company in am with Y4, Y5 & Y6
Mon 19th ‘Late’ Parent Consultation Meeting Appointments
Tues 20th Parent Consultation Meetings continue after school
Fri 23rd School closes at 3.00pm for Autumn Half Term holiday
NOVEMBER
Mon 2nd Nov School closed INSET Day 2 Learning Objectives and success criteria
Tues 3rd School re-opens for 2nd Half Autumn Term
Mon 9th Full Governors 6.00pm
Sat 14th Friends Coach trip to London
Mon 16th Being a Good friend and Staying Safe Week
Fri 27th Coffee Morning 9.00am
Christmas Craft Fair 1.00pm onwards in School Hall
DECEMBER
Fri 11th Christmas Dinner, Pupil Toy Fair
Mon 14th YR Christmas Performance
School Discos Infants 6.00pm – 7.15pm Juniors 7.30pm – 9.00pm
Buildings, Health & Safety 6.00pm
Tues 15th Y1/2 Christmas Performance
Weds 16th Y1/2 Christmas Performance
Thurs 17th Infant Christmas parties
Fri 18th Christmas Service Christ Church 10.30am
School closes at 3.00pm for Christmas Holiday
SPRING TERM 2010
JANUARY
Mon 4th School re-opens for Spring Term
Fri 8th Coffee Morning 9.00am – 9.50am
Thurs 14th Friends of Newtown 6.00pm
Mon 25th Y5 Residential Visit to Stubbington (all week)
Full Governors Meeting 6.00pm
FEBRUARY
Mon 8th Parent Consultation Meetings until late
Tues 9th Further Parent Consultation Meetings
Fri 12th School closes at 3.00pm for Half Term
Mon 22nd School re-opens for 2nd Half Spring Term
Fri 26th Coffee Morning 9.00am – 9.50am
MARCH
Mon 15th Full Governors Meeting 6.00pm
Fri 19th School closed INSET Day 3 Brune Park Cluster
Mon 29th School Disco Infants 6.00pm – 7.15pm Juniors 7.30pm – 9.00pm
Buildings, Health & Safety 6.00pm
Tues 30th Newtown Players am to Infants / Eve Performance
Weds 31st Newtown Players am to Juniors / Eve Performance
APRIL
Thurs 1st School closes for Spring Break 3.00pm
SUMMER TERM 2010
APRIL
Mon 19th School re-opens for Summer Term
Thurs 22nd Induction Meeting for New YR Parents 6.00pm
Fri 23rd School closed INSET DAY 4 Writing
MAY
Tues 4th QCA Tests for Y3, Y4, Y5 pupils all week
Thurs 6th Friends of Newtown 6.00pm
Mon 10th Y6 pupils take SAT’s all week
Full Governors meeting 6.00pm
Thurs 27th School closes for Half Term at 3.00pm
Friends of Newtown 6.00pm
Fri 28th School closed INSET Day 5 Pupil Assessment
JUNE
Mon 7th School re-opens for 2nd Half Summer Term
School Arts Week
Y6 residential to New Barn, Dorchester (all week)
Sat 12th School Summer Fair
Fri 18th Coffee Morning 9.00am – 9.50am
Weds 23rd Infant Sports Day from 1.00 pm
Thurs 24th Junior Sports Day from 9.30am to 11.45pm & 1.15pm to 3.00pm
JULY
Mon 5th Full Governors Meeting 6.00pm
Weds 7th Infant Sports (Wet Weather alternative)
Thurs 8th Junior Sports Day (Wet Weather alternative)
Fri 9th Coffee Morning 9.00am – 9.50am
End of year Reports out to Parents
Mon 12th Transfer Discussions (teacher to teacher, LSA to LSA)
Weds 14th Pupils Meet their New Teacher (pm)
Mon 19th School Disco Infants 6.00pm – 7.15pm Juniors 7.30pm – 9.00pm
Buildings, Health & Safety 6.00pm
Fri 23rd Christ Church Leaver’s Service
School closes for Summer Holiday
AUTUMN TERM 10/11
SEPT
Mon 6th Academic Year 10/11 begins
A list of all school holidays for Hampshire schools for this year and academic year 2010/2011 can be viewed at www3.hants.gov.uk/education/schools/schoolholidays.htm
INSET Days 2009/10
I advised you of the INSET School closure days in the last newsletter.
Please note the booking of the fifth INSET Day on Friday 28th May.
· Friday 25th September Assessing Pupil Progress (APP) Training – Maths focus
· Mon. 2nd Nov Learning Objectives and success criteria / self and peer assessment / teacher marking
· Friday19th March 2010 Cluster day
· Friday 23rd April Writing INSET
· Friday 28th May Teachers Assessment LSA’s receive Open Country Leadership training
Kind Regards
Matthew Prince
Headteacher