Industrial Action
Further to my note in last week’s Friday News, I am sorry to tell you that negotiations between the GMB and Unison unions and the City Council appear to have broken down. It, therefore, seems very likely that Education Assistants at this school will be taking strike action on Thursday and Friday of next week, 25th and 26th November.
I have carried out a risk assessment and discussed this matter with our chair of governors. We have decided that for Health and Safety reasons it will be necessary to close the school on those days. I will send a letter home next week informing parents of the final outcome of this dispute; however, it would be sensible to assume that the school will be closed unless you hear otherwise.
Places in Nursery
Due to a new system of transferring to Reception class, there are, unexpectedly, a few places available in the Nursery from January 2005. If you know of anyone who would like their child to come to the Nursery, please let Polly Dyer or Angie Gaughran know. Children from the age of three are eligible for a place, and the location restrictions do not necessarily apply.
Absence and Lateness Letters
Some parents have received letters regarding lateness and attendance. I would remind you that I am required by law to monitor children’s attendance and punctuality, and to inform parents if there is poor attendance or lateness. If you disagree with the records sent home with the letter, please see a member of office staff to have them checked.
Christmas Fayre Update
Thank you all so much for the donations of bottles toys books and games. You have been very generous so far. The School Association would now like to request donations of chocolates, toiletries groceries etc for the tombola stall. Please keep the bottles, toys etc. coming in too.
Can anyone help out on the day of 4th December running a stall for an hour or so? Please let us know in the office if you are available. Thank you.
There will be tables for hire on the day, if you would like to set up a stall and sell your own wares for £5. Let the office staff know if you are interested in booking a stall.
T Shirt Competition
Keep sending in your children’s entries for the Design a T- Shirt Competition – there will be prizes for the best design for each class. Entries cost £1 each.
There will be no Cabinets and Pods next Monday
Well Done Jessica
I am very pleased to report that Jessica Atter in Year 1 has gained her 10 metres swimming certificate.
Brighton and Hove Unemployed Workers Centre
There will be a free Christmas party for children of the unemployed / unwaged on Saturday 18th December 1.45 – 5.00 p.m. at the Centre in The Crestway, Hollingdean. They are also hoping to take children to the pantomime – look out for the posters on the notice board.
In School This Week
Year 4 children had a very interesting visit to the Booth Museum today, sketching all the wonderful skeletons.
Peter Walker from the Music Service came in to school today to work with the children in Years 5 and 6 who are singing in the Brighton Schools Christmas Concert.