8 Feb 2008 - Newsletter

Governing Body News

On Thursday 31st January, St Mary's Parish Church Parochial Church Council voted Clare Cooke as the new Foundation Governor for the school.  We are delighted to welcome Clare onto the Governing Body and as part of our Church/School team.  She attended her first meeting on 4th February.  Clare has two children in school, as well as being a regular church goer with her family. 
Fr David Reynish
Sarah Openshaw - Foundation Governor
Simon Gibbs - Foundation Governor

Dinner Money 

Please note that the cost of dinners will be £1.80 per day after the half term break.  We still feel that our dinners offer good value for money and whilst we regret this price rise unfortunately it is unavoidable.

Total cost for dinners next half term - £48.60

Total cost for milk next half term - £3.78

  Parking Outside the School

Unfortunately, I have to write a reminder to parents about the consideration of others within our community.  Please do not park on the zig-zag lines outside the school or over residents’ drives as this can be dangerous for children and very frustrating for our local residents.

Pancake Races

Well done to all the children who took part in this years pancake races, much fun was had by all.  Our finalists were Victoria Cummings Yr R, Harry Panting Yr 1, Harry Brady Yr 2, Ellie Hamilton Yr 3, Connor Sands Yr 4, Oakley Reed Yr 5 and Toby Kearton Yr 6. The overall winner for this year was Harry Panting, Yr 1. 

A big thank you to Miss Styles, Miss Dukelow and the PTFA for organising the event, and to staff and parents in supporting the day. The donations totalled £154.16.  We are going to divide the money between the Farleigh Hospice and Havens Hospices who provide much needed care to families in Essex 

  Toilets

We are fully aware that our toilets are not up to standard at the moment – we have so many children moving through them and it is very difficult to keep on top of the cleaning.  We know that it is extremely important that hygiene standards are upheld so are doing our best to keep them as clean as we possibly can.  Our caretaker is making extra inspection visits throughout the day.  We are currently investigating other avenues to improve this area of our school. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns we can help you with.

Drinking Bottles

Could we please remind you to send your child into school with a drinking bottle if they want to have water in the classroom.  We are currently having to supply a lot of cups to children and this can be costly.

  Library Helpers Needed

Our school library is in need of an overhaul and we need your help! If you are able to come in, even if just for half an hour each week to help make sure the library books are in good condition and in the correct place, we would really appreciate it. It would make our library much easier for the children to use.  If you are able to help, please contact Miss Styles.

Thank you.

  Eco Team

After half term the Eco Team will end at 4.15pm rather than 4.00pm as the evenings are now getting lighter and we have so much to do.
Sarah Openshaw (Governor)

  Sainsbury's Voucher Scheme

The Sainsbury’s Active Kids campaign starts again on 14^th February and runs through until 4^th June. Once again we would be grateful if you’d collect your Active Kids Vouchers whenever you shop in store and send them in to us.  We will use the vouchers to purchase equipment for playtimes in all year groups and for PE lessons.  The collection box will be situated in the hall as usual.  Thank you in advance for your support.

Tesco Voucher Order

Thank you to all those parents, grandparents and friends who gave in vouchers to support the purchase of playground and PE resources. The order has been processed and the resources will arrive towards the end of the Spring Term. The total number of vouchers collected in school was: 23,358.  Thank you.

  Non-Pupil Day

We wish you a restful half term.  Please note that Monday, 18^th February is a non-pupil day.  Children should return to school on Tuesday, 19^th February.

Yours sincerely

Mr S Taylor

Acting Headteacher