25 Jan 2008 - Newsletter

PARENT CONSULTATIONS

 As you are aware Parent Consultations are on Tuesday, 5^th February from 6.00pm - 8.30pm and Thursday, 7^th February from 3.00pm - 5.00pm and 6.00pm - 8.30pm.  The boards will be available in the school hall from Tuesday evening for you to choose a suitable time to see your child's teacher.  Please don't forget to leave a gap between appointments if you have to see more than one teacher as occasionally they do over-run. 

HEAD LICE

Unfortunately there have been a growing number of cases in recent weeks.  We would ask that you remain vigilant at all times and check your child’s head regularly.  We have copies of a Head Lice Management Chart in the office that you can call and collect which you might find useful.

 SCHOOL UNIFORM

It is very easy for children to pick up the wrong sweatshirt/fleece in the classroom.  There have been instances recently when named items of uniform have been taken by other children and not returned.  Could you please ensure that your child has their own sweatshirt/fleece and if this is not the case make sure that it is returned to class. 

 Thank you.

  SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN

We have analysed the answers that you have submitted - thank you for the effort that you have put in to this.   We received completed forms from over half the school.   We are now working on the School Travel Plan which will enable us to apply for funding for the initiatives we are proposing, and also apply pressure to the authorities to improve the journey to and from school.    It is interesting that many of you are unhappy at the number of car journeys which you feel are not necessary, but are made by parents who live close to the school.   There are a lot of small improvements to the paths and lighting which will encourage more walking to school and we are hoping that this will be something that we can achieve in the medium term.

I have noted some of the highly complimentary remarks and constructive criticism on the classroom and school community which accompanied the Travel Plan.   These will be dealt with by Mr Taylor in due course and a synopsis will be presented to the Governors.     

Simon Gibbs  - Governor dealing with the Travel Plan.  

ECO-TEAM (Green Team)

The Eco Team have been testing the soil in the school grounds ready to do some planting when the weather warms up.  We have been busy designing an Eco Team logo.  We have begun thinking about how we are going to undertake an environmental audit of the school. This means checking out the energy use, water use, recycling, litter, how we travel to school, and lots more.  We need to do this as we are working towards getting the prestigious Eco Schools Green Flag award.  See www.eco-schools.co.uk for more details. 
Sarah Openshaw
Eco Governor

  YEAR 6 MATHS CD

A huge thank you to the PTFA for providing the funds to purchase Maths software.  Included in the package was a CD for each year 6 child to take home and use to support their learning and development.  I'm confident this year 6 and future year 6 children will find them fun and helpful.

Miss Dukelow 

  PTFA WEBSHOP NEWS

Swap the January blues for clear blue skies at www.buy.at/kelvedonstmarys !  Travelcare is the UK ’s largest independent Travel Agency offering holidays from tour operators such as Thomas Cook, Thomson, Airtours and Virgin Holidays.  Kelvedon St Mary's PTFA will receive 6% commission if your package holiday is booked in January or February. (Travelcare Direct is part of the Co-Op group and has all the usual accreditations, including ABTA.  It has also been a winner of ‘Best Online Travel Agent’).

With Expedia having also just arrived at www.buy.at/kelvedonstmarys you have even greater choice when booking your flights, holidays and short breaks.

The webshop has raised £200 since September; many thanks to all our supporters.

Angela Claisse (PTFA)