5 Sep 2007 - Newsletter 1

5th September 2007

Dear Parents,

It is with great pleasure we welcome you all back to St. Andrew's. I have heard some tales of fantastic holidays and you have travelled not only the width and breadth of the UK, but the world too! Although not the best weather there were periods of sunshine and luckily the two wedding days fell into this category. Both Miss Fan and Miss Vickery had sunshine and their days were as happy as they both prayed for. If we can ever get used to their new names we'll all be lucky, especially me who already has called Louis Baker, new Reception, Morgan (his older brother's name) five times yesterday!!

Our new Reception children started their first day at school calm and smiling. They came in and settled to their activities without fuss, painted pictures that looked as though the Y6 had done them and listened well in Worship. Already it is clear to see that they are BRILLIANT. We have four other new children to welcome as well. Lissie and Susie Bevan have joined us in Y5 and had a good day, smiling and participating fully. Hanna (Y6) and Liam (Y2) were also a joy to see about and beamed constantly. Miss Robinson has joined the teaching staff and by 9.00a.m. yesterday morning the class were busy and settled.

At this point can I remind everyone that THERE IS NEVER A PROBLEM - ALWAYS A SOLUTION! If you have any queries or worries please just come and see us. Teachers will be available at the end of the day and a quick phone call will help with making an appointment. If you wish to see me call in at the office and I will see you as soon as I can. Remind the children to PUT THEIR NAME IN THE BOX if they wish to speak to me.

If your child is going to be away due to illness or an appointment please make sure you notify the school by 9.00a.m. on the morning they are away. If we haven't heard from you we will ring to check that your child is with you. If you wish to take a holiday during school time you must write a letter about this to me. I fully understand but I must add that 10 days is the most your are allowed in each academic year. Obviously the Y6 must be in school the week commencing 12th May to 16th May for their CELEBRATION Week!

Due to the floods, the Leisure Centre in Cirencester has been forced to close and they are not sure when it will re-open. We will therefore not be able to take our swimming sessions this term until it does. Once we are informed of their intentions we will inform you.

Just to let you know that all the above will commence the week commencing 24TH SEPTEMBER.

Forms are enclosed for you to register your child for milk each day. All children under 5 will have their milk FREE but must STILL REGISTER. Milk is a very good source of nutrients and is a healthy drink for mid morning, so if at all possible please get your forms returned to COOL MILK and we'll get milking the cow....well Woodlands Farm will!

Many thanks to all of you who are remembering the morning rule of not coming into school. This is to help the children become more independent and organised themselves as well as allowing us to settle the school quickly and quietly. On Monday 10th September I would ask all of you to leave the children at the door and I can assure you they will find their pegs, get their water bottles and get to their places! If you need to give a message to the class teacher please come around to the main foyer where a book is in place to write your message. Obviously if there is a more pressing issue the door is NOT electrified and we would rather you crossed it and came in. The office will be manned or womanned..do not fear!

Attractions include: Children's Fancy Dress, Children's Sports, Robo the Clown, Stalls and the Great Tug of War!

Coming as it did at the end of our very busy term we didn't celebrate the great news of gaining our Green Flag Award. We will therefore be having a GREEN PARTY on Friday 7th September. Basically the children can come dressed in green, each class will be making green food.....jelly, green icing, peppermint creams, grapes and apples, apple juice...and we will spend the day looking at green matters, how we need to continue our Eco-School drive and partying!! Sounds OK to me. We do have a green flag to erect as well so any ideas please see me!

I am sure, like me, you were sorry to hear that Mrs. Burridge had decided to leave. She wanted to go without any fuss and so this wish has been respected. Her hard work and dedication has been much appreciated by all but especially by me. However that does leave a position for a Finance Administrator. Obviously a knowledge of finance is needed, although training will be provided, so if you would like to apply here are the

details:

    Initially 9 hours per week

    Term time only

Please send a CV and letter of application to me by Wednesday 12th September. Also remember it is me...not a maths genius...that you have to coax and coach along...well there's nothing like chocolate to sort things out!!

Kind regards,

T. Buck