Archive for October, 2011

21st October 2011

Friday, October 21st, 2011

Parent Consultation Evenings

Thank you to all parents and carers who came along to our parent consultation evenings this week. Most parents and carers made it but if you were not able to attend please make an appointment with the class teacher for another time. The teachers very much enjoyed chatting with you and have asked me to thank you for your time and your positive comments.

Albion Player Will Hoskins Visits

Will Hoskins one of our ‘Adopt a Player’ Albion players came along to school yesterday on his first visit. He had a tour of the school visiting every classroom and answering questions along the way. We look forward to Will’s next visit on Thursday 3rd November when he will spend time helping out in one of the classes. Tommy Elphick should also be joining us at some point but he is currently injured and receiving treatment for his injuries. The next Albion game is at home on Monday 24th October against West Ham. Come on you seagulls!

Year 3 and Year 4 Eat Cake

Years 3 and 4 enjoyed a visit to a bakery today to find out about baking cakes. They have a special interest in fairy cakes as they will be baking some soon during their ‘Once Upon a Time’ learning journey.

Pumpkins and the School Council

The school council went along to Food for Friends restaurant with Ms Moriarty yesterday. They had been asked to help carve some pumpkin faces. While they were there the Argus photographer took photographs of the finished pumpkins and the children were given some delicious chocolate brownies to eat.

School Council Request

The school council met this week and with Mrs Jones help have rearranged the playground furniture. They have also asked the children to avoid moving the furniture and to stop running and climbing on the tables and benches. They have also asked if parents and carers can be very helpful by ensuring their children are treating the school environment with respect not climbing on the furniture at the end of the day

African Dance and Art

Children from Nursery to Year 6 took part in African Dance workshops. The younger children’s dance was inspired by books they have read. The older children used the Nelson Mandela story as their inspiration. Children across the school are studying the work of artist Chris Ofili. They are using some of his work as inspiration for their own artwork.

Halloween Collaborative Learning

Children have been asked on their first day back (Tuesday 1st November) to come dressed in their Halloween costumes. During the morning children will work in mixed age groups on collaborative Halloween activities as part of our learning to work with each other project.

Christmas Show Important Information

We have had to change the date of the school Christmas show. The new date is Tuesday 13th December. The Nursery and Infant performance will be at 1.15 and the juniors at 2.15. Nearer the time we will let you know the cost of tickets and final arrangements.

No Nuts Please!

Due to a number of children having nut allergies I must remind you that no child should have nuts in school at any time. Also I will take this opportunity to remind you that at breaktime children should have fruit or veg for their snack and water.

Scooters

Please could all scooters be parked in the scooter racks. One or two are being left in the school foyer. If you are worried about your scooters safekeeping please use the special device (available at the office for a returnable £1 deposit) which when used with a padlock will keep your scooter safe in the rack.

On Time Teds

This week’s Key Stage 1 winners are Year 1 with 1 late mark. In Key Stage 2 the winners are Year 3 with 0 late marks. Fabulous! Well done to both classes for excellent punctuality.

Secondary School Applications Deadline

A reminder for Year 6 parents and carers:  the deadline for secondary school applications is 3.00 pm on 31st October.

Fundraising Meeting

Nic Ramsey held a very successful coffee morning on Thursday for parents interested in fundraising for the school. They have lots of ideas for the future and will be meeting again on Tuesday 1st November at 19 Middle Street at 9.00 am. Do go along for a coffee and a fundraising chat.

Halloween Afternoon Tea

The first PTA event for this term is a Halloween afternoon tea to be held on Thursday 3rd November in the school hall. The team need volunteers to help with activities such as apple bobbing, face painting, monster cake decoration etc. There will also be a fancy dress competition for which there will be a charge to enter. We also need donations of cakes, toffee apples and Halloween themed treats.If you are able to help please contact Nic on 07932704411 or leave a message for Nic at the school office.

Congratulations to..

Toby in Year 3 who has successfully completed his lunchtime hall buddy training. Well done Toby!

Possible Strike Action

You are probably aware that a number of unions are balloting their members regarding their views on strike action in protest against the government’s unpopular changes to pensions. The general feeling is that strike action is likely so I must prepare you for the possibility of the school being closed on the proposed day of action; Wednesday 30th November. 

Half Term

We finish today for the half term return on Tuesday 1st November.

14th October 2011

Friday, October 14th, 2011

Stars in their Eyes

Years 5 and 6 had a wonderful time at Herstmonceux observatory and science centre on Thursday. Their explorations and experiences will help them all with their learning journey.

A Walk in the Woods

Years 1 and 2 enjoyed their walk in the woods today as part of their learning journey.

Pumpkin Fun

The school council is going along to Food for Friends to prepare pumpkin faces for display in the restaurant window during Halloween.

Secondary School Applications Deadline

A reminder for Year 6 parents and carers:  the deadline for secondary school applications is 3.00 pm on 31st October.

Parent Consultation Evenings

Parent consultation evenings take place next week on Wednesday 19th October and Thursday 20th October. If you have not received a letter with details and appointment times please ask for one at the office or speak with the class teacher.

 Messy Boyces Street

Thank you to those of you who have complained to the council about the dirty state of Boyces Street and the bins behind the pubs and clubs nearby. We are constantly contacting the council to complain about the state of the bins etc so your involvement is greatly appreciated. If you wish to complain you can email your complaint: cityclean@brighton-hove.gov.uk or you can telephone on 292929. The more fuss everyone makes the cleaner (I hope) the street will become.

 Fundraising Meeting

Nic Ramsey, a parent of a Year 1 child is interested in leading the Parents fundraising group. Nic is holding a coffee morning at her home on Thursday 20th October at 9.15 to discuss ideas for the future. Please contact Nic on: 07932704411
Nic lives close to the school at 19 Middle Street (Regency Cottage). Nic would love to meet new and past members of the group.
We are also hoping to hold an afternoon tea to celebrate Halloween and Guy Fawkes night on Thursday 3rd November.

On Time Teds

This week’s Key Stage 1 winners are Years 1 and 2 with 2 late marks each. In Key Stage 2 the winners are Year 3 with 1 late mark. Fabulous! Well done to both classes for excellent punctuality.

Congratulations to..

Orla in Year 3 for passing her Stage 3 swimming certificate. Well done Orla!

Lost

Harry in Year 1 has lost his red Bayblade toy. He last saw it in his classroom. Please could you check it has not arrived home by mistake. If found return to year 1 or the school office.

Orla in Year 3 has lost her red and white spotted lunch box. It contains a banana box and Tupperware boxes. If found please return to year 3 or the school office.

Dinner Money, Clubs and Other Payments

A gentle reminder to please keep up to date with payments for school dinners, clubs and school visits. If you are struggling with payments do come and have a chat about it.

Collecting Children at End of Day

If you are expecting to be late collecting your child at the end of the day please telephone the school and let us know. We can then ensure your child is kept safe until your arrival. We are more than happy to do this for those one off occurrences. However families who are late on a daily basis should seek alternative childcare arrangements.

Check the Parent and Carers Notice Board…

For information on city parks activities in the Pavilion gardens.

For Information on the Brighton and Hove Parents Forum fun day and East Sussex County Council family events and activities.

Staffing Update

You will be aware that Mrs Jones is expecting a baby in January so will be going on maternity leave from Christmas.  I expect you are all wondering who will take her place for the year that she is away. I am therefore pleased to announce that Mr Smart will be stepping up as acting deputy and Senco to cover Mrs Jones absence. But now I’m sure all you Year 6 parents and carers are feeling a bit disappointed as this means Mr Smart will be out of class. Good news! We have appointed an experienced and very lovely year 6 teacher: Ms Katie Garside who is extremely excited about joining us for the year. Mr Smart however will continue to maintain links with the year 6 class so you won’t lose him completely. Ms Garside will be visiting the school hopefully on Friday 21st October to meet the children so you can meet her then. She will spend other days in the school in the coming half term before joining us in January.

Half Term

We finish for the half term on Friday 21st October and return on Tuesday 1st November.

7th October 2011

Friday, October 7th, 2011

Reach for the Stars!

As part of their learning journey, Years 5 and 6 are visiting the science centre and observatory at Herstmonceux for the day on Thursday 13th October.

On Time Teds

This week’s Key Stage 1 winners are year 1 with 1 late mark. In Key Stage 2, the winners are year 3 with 0 late marks. Fabulous! Well done to both classes for excellent punctuality.

Parent Consultation Evenings

Parent consultation evenings take place on Wednesday 19th October and Thursday 20th October. You will receive a letter with more information next week.

Fundraising Meeting

Nic Ramsey, a parent of a Year 1 child, is interested in leading the Parents fundraising group. She would love to meet anyone who would like to be involved and carry on the good work begun by Mandy O Sullivan and the team who previously led on fundraising. Nic is holding a coffee morning at her home on Thursday 20th October at 9.15 to discuss ideas for the future. Please contact Nic on: 07932704411

Nic lives close to the school at 19 Middle Street (Regency Cottage). Nic would love to meet new and past members of the group.

Voluntary Contributions

Our creative curriculum involves several visits and activities off site which unfortunately there is a charge for. We appreciate that the costs of these trips can be a financial challenge for some families in our school. We do ask for a voluntary contribution from each child as the visits and activities would not go ahead. We do try and subsidise some of the trips to make them a bit cheaper for everyone and where possible we organise visits and activities which are free or low cost. Activities offsite contribute greatly to children’s leaning and broadening of experience which is why we value them so highly. If you have difficulty with paying the voluntary contribution please come and discuss the issue with me confidentially rather than simply not paying the contribution as I may be able to help.

Please Close the Gate

Please could I remind everyone entering or exiting the school at times other than the beginning or end of the day to please close the gate behind you. Thank you.

Congratulations to…

Robyn in Year 3 who has successfully completed her lunchtime hall buddy training. Well done Robyn!

Half Term

We finish for the half term on Friday 21st October and return on Tuesday 1st November.