ARCHIVE - Newsletter

7th December 2005

Dear Parents,

Congratulations to the Mrs. Alex Locke and the school choir for winning the Chantmarle choir competition. Mrs Locke and a number of parents supported our large group of singers who gave a sparkling performance. Well done all!

Posts available at St Andrew's in the New Year.

Janitor

Following the resignation of Mr Chris Hull, our Janitor, the school is looking to appoint a successor.
The post currently involves a range of caretaking and security duties but I am anxious to possibly incorporate certain cleaning and maintenance aspects in the job.
I would be pleased to discuss this new role with any interested party and ask them to contact me through the school office.

Finance Officer

After almost 13years as School Secretary and Finance Officer, Valerie Bamber has announced her intention of leaving the school early in the New Year.
Val has given fantastic service to the school and we shall, of course, mark her departure in a special way.
We are now beginning the process of finding her replacement and I am happy to discuss the post with any interested party prior to formally advertising the post in January.

Life Education Van

You will no doubt have heard the children talking about their recent experiences in the Life Education Van. It provides a great learning experience for all our children, supporting their Personal, Social and Health Education.
Prior to the three day visit we asked for a parental donation of £1.00 to cover part of the total cost. I would be grateful to receive any outstanding monies as soon as possible.

Christmas Party

Our Christmas Party on Tuesday 20th December is fast approaching. Please pay your £1.50 as soon as possible.
Please place money in a named envelope and return to School.)
Travel Plan

The school is currently seeking to draw up a school travel plan with the support of the Parish Council and Dorset Road Safety Team. The staff and children are being surveyed about their 'travel to school' details, and I attach a Parent Travel Questionnaire for your information and completion.
Your comments will be invaluable in the formulation of the School Plan.

Car Parking in the School Grounds.

There is a growing concern on the part of school staff and many parents that an increasing number of parents are parking on the hatched areas when coming to school in the morning.
This not only causes congestion and difficulty for other vehicles, particularly buses, but more importantly, creates a potential hazard for the large number of children entering school at this time.
Please ensure that you avoid leaving your car on these areas at any time.

Arrival at School

As you will know, the school ensures that a member of staff is on duty from 8.15a.m. to welcome those arriving from this time by bus. For those walking, cycling or arriving by car it has been expected that the earliest arrival will be 8.30a.m.
A number of parents have spoken to me directly about leaving their children before 8.30a.m. due to work commitments or for a special reason. I have always been happy to respond positively to these requests on an individual basis and ask that you do this as a matter of course.
However, dropping off at school prior to 8.15a.m., is not acceptable practice and may place the child in danger due to the absence of supervision.
Thank you for your support in this matter.

Dates for diary

8th December Year 6 Carol Singing.
13th, 14th and 15th December Christmas Plays.
16th December Snow White Trip.
20th December Party lunch.

End of Term Church Service

Tuesday 20th December 9.30am St. Andrew's Church.

Our first day back in school in the New Year is Thursday 5th January.

Happy Christmas

Yours sincerely

Stephen Williams
Head teacher