16 Jan 2008 - Newsletter 17

16th January 2008

Dear Parents,

Things are really moving on and today the hall started getting its make over!! Be prepared for a little bit of dust but the new toilets will no doubt be in place before we know it. During the renovations inside the building Class 2 will be using the BACK DOOR as their entrance and exit as we don’t want them to go through the hall at all. This will mean some disruption but we have decided that during teaching hours they will use the toilet at the end of the present hall so they don’t have to go outside at all. We will keep you all informed as much as possible but remember sometimes we don’t have much notice ourselves.

It is paramount that we are always thinking of safety during the following months. It is VERY important that we do continue to walk to school but we must be very careful on the road. We are trying to get a walking bus but these things take time and I can assure you there is a lot of red tape!! In the meantime we are telling the children regularly that they must be careful on their journey. It is important that you also remind them and we suggest they walk, stop if any traffic comes and listen carefully. There will be increased traffic sometimes and although I will ask that 8.30a.m. and 3.00p.m. would not be good times to deliver, it may not always work out.

On Monday we had a history group in school that spent the morning showing World War II and in the afternoon explaining the Great Fire of London. By 9.30a.m. Class 4 were marching and singing just like a platoon. They were given a real insight into life during that time and found out about the different military uniforms. With their visit to Swindon next Monday to experience an evacuation the era will come alive.

In the afternoon Class 2 were transported back to Sunday 2nd September 1666 when the Great Fire of London occurred. They were all dressed up as children of the time and the whole experience was really great. Talking to the children afterwards showed they were very knowledgeable and certainly had been transported back in time.

Many thanks to the PTA who are funding these very important creative experiences that bring learning to life.

Mrs. Barton is now changing library books so this will be happening on a weekly basis. Can you please note that Class 1 and Class 3 will be changing them on a MONDAY and Class 2 will be changing them on a WEDNESDAY. We would be grateful if you could ensure that books are brought back for these days.

Can I please ask that you make sure the children do not being in their CARDS anymore as this is leading to some problems. We have found certain children delaying returning to class while they swap cards and also upset when they have swapped! They can also get mislaid and it seems much easier to keep them away.

Just a quick reminder that if you have any Tesco Vouchers can you please bring them into the office.

The Life Education Bus provides health and drug education and aims to help children develop confidence and thinking skills needed to make informed healthy choices. The mobile classroom is fully equipped and gives the children a very positive and memorable experience. The bus is visiting school on FRIDAY 18TH JANUARY and will be placed at the Village Hall. There is a PARENT SESSION from 8.45a.m. to 9.00a.m. and if you would like to attend please turn up at this time. During the day the children will cover the following:-

In the past this has always been very worthwhile and many thanks must go, ONCE AGAIN, to the PTA.

Kind regards

T. Buck