Western Primary School Newsletter No 8
12th February 2008
Dear Parents/Carers
School News
Music Festival
The Music Festival on Saturday was a lovely family occasion. It was fantastic to see so many people at school enjoying an afternoon of music. The children sang and played with amazing confidence and poise.
My thanks to Mrs McElroy for inspiring the younger recorder players, to Mr Wright for his enthusiasm with the more advanced recorder players, to Miss Bailey for her energy and good humour with the Junior Choir and thanks to all of you for supporting and encouraging the children at home and in school. We are lucky to have a good team of peripatetic music teachers. Last, but by no means least, thanks to Mrs Henderson for her passion and commitment to music at Western. It is a real strength of the school. Thank you, also, to the PTA for organising the refreshments.
Parent Governor
Thank you to those who showed an interest in the role of Parent Governor. We received one nomination form by the deadline and we welcome Mr Jon Thompson to the Governing Body. Mr Thompson writes, “Reasons for applying: I believe children thrive in an environment where school and home provide complimentary, joined-up education. I am keen to assist the school in any way I can in facilitating a bridge between the Governing Body and Parents. I apply because of these views and a desire to rebalance my personal contributions to workplace and community.”
“Experience and personal skills: I have 15 years (corporate) business leadership experience, supporting, guiding and encouraging my work colleagues. I am said to be a good listener, communicator and problem solver. I am decisive when necessary but also willing to learn and see others’ point of view. I have energy and enthusiasm in wanting the best for all our children!”
Mr Thompson joins us at an important time. The school is due an OFSTED inspection at any time. Staff and governors are keen to work in partnership with you to make Western a successful local school, where the children thrive, are happy and enjoy learning.
Building Developments
You will be pleased to know that HCC are drawing up a feasibility study to refurbish the Year 1/3 and Year 2/4 toilets and cloakrooms. This work is scheduled to take place during the summer holiday.
We are also investigating ways of improving the learning environment in Year 4 and Class 5B. I will, of course, keep you informed of any developments and decisions.
Parent Consultation carried out by Lanterns
Kiara Powell, the Family Support Outreach Worker at Lanterns Children’s Centre, will be on the playground on the morning of 27th February 2008 at 8.40am. She would like to consult parents on services/groups/courses in the local area to see if there are any gaps. If you can spare a few minutes, she would be pleased to talk to you.
Lunchtime Supervisory Assistants
Can you spare 60-75 minutes a week to help children have a happy and productive lunchtime? If you can, we would be delighted to hear from you. The more adults we have on duty, the better the quality of play during the lunch period. Year 6 Lunchtime Leaders run a number of clubs at lunchtime but we need an adult to oversee them.
School Meals
The meal price will increase to £1.90 with effect from 21st April 2008 and a new menu will commence at the same time. For more information about Hampshire’s school meal service, please visit: www.hants.gov.uk/caterers or www.myschoollunch.co.uk/hampshire
Children who need medication or who are ill
Only prescribed medicines will be administered at school to children when absolutely necessary. We ask that parents only bring medicine to school if the prescribed dosage is to be given four times a day. Where a child is receiving three daily doses, these can usually be administered at home.
If you wish your child to take prescribed medicines at school, please ensure that:
Ø A parent, or other responsible adult with written authority, hands the medicine to the school office staff with the appropriate, written dosage instructions,
Ø The responsible adult signs a permission form, available from the office, and
Ø Medicines are clearly labelled with contents, owner’s name and class.
Please can we ask that children who have a stomach bug do not return to school for 24 hours after the last bout of illness.
Thank you for your support.
Children on site at the end of the school day
We are very fortunate to have fantastic school grounds and I know that some children enjoy playing on the field after school. This is only possible if the children are supervised by an adult and the children behave sensibly. Children should not climb trees, go out of bounds or throw sticks and stones.
The ‘dead hedging’, that was installed last term by a number of volunteers, has been broken because children have removed the stakes from the hedge. Please ensure that your child is supervised and does not dismantle the hedge or behave irresponsibly if they stay after school. Thank you for your co-operation.
Just a reminder that school will be closed to children on Friday 15th February as the staff have an in-service training day. It is half –term from Monday 18th to Friday 22nd February (inclusive) and school reopens on Monday 25th February.
I hope you all have a relaxing half term, with plenty of spring- like sunshine.
Diary Dates
Wednesday 13th February Closing date for return of DDA Questionnaire
Thursday 14th February 4.30-7.30 pm Parent-Teacher Consultations – all
Year groups
Friday 15th February Professional Day Closure
18th – 22nd February Half term
Monday 25th February 8.55 am School reopens
Sunday 16th March 2 – 4 pm PTA Easter Egg Hunt
Friday 21st March School closed Good Friday
6 – 9 pm The Passion Orams Arbour Monday
Monday 24th March School Closed Easter Monday
Friday 4th April School closed for Spring vacation
Monday 21st April 8.55 am School reopens for summer term
Monday 5th May May Day school closed
Monday 12th May Y6 SATs tests all week
Monday 19th May Y6 to Little Canada, IOW all week
Monday 26th – 30th May Half term
Monday 2nd June 8.55 am School reopens
Monday 30th June Professional Day closure
Friday 4th July PTA Summer Fair
Wednesday 23rd July 3.30 pm School closes for the summer holiday