ARCHIVE - Newsletter

27th November 2008

Dear Parents,

PTA Christmas Fair

Thank you to the PTA for all the hard work they are putting into the Christmas Fair. We look forward to having a fun time and supporting the school this Friday at 6pm.

Sleeping Beauty

Whole school trip to see Sleeping Beauty please return reply slips by Monday 1st December - Thank you.

Christmas productions 10th , 11th and 12th December

Baboushka (Classes R, 1,2 and 3)

Wednesday 10th December at 1.15pm
Thursday 11th December at 6.45 pm

Cinderella Rockerfella (Classes 4, 5 and 6)

Wednesday 10th December at 6.45 pm
Friday 12th December at 1.15pm

Please complete and return the attached slip by Tuesday 2nd December. As we can only seat 120, we will have to limit the number of seats for any performance to a total of two per family. Additional seats may be allocated when we know how many wish to attend. We will, as usual, do our best to meet your requirements. We would ask you not to bring very young children to the performances. When not on stage, the children will be looked after in the classrooms.

Could you please arrange for the children to arrive no earlier than 6.15pm on the evening of a performance.
If you have any problems regarding transport for your children on any evening, please contact the school office and we will try to help.

Admission is by programme. These will be free of charge. Donations to the collecting plate will be used towards the cost of the productions. Coffee and other refreshments will be served either between, or following the performances, by members of the PTA, who will also be running a raffle. You will be contacted by class teachers regarding help required with costumes.

In previous years I have spoken to all parents regarding concerns over the taking of still and video images of performances. To this end I would be grateful if you would contact me if you do not want your child photographed as part of a group performance. No individual photographs will be taken.

Carol Singing

On the 17th December, all Year 6 are invited to join together to sing carols in Yetminster to raise money for their favourite charity. Parents of the pupils are also warmly invited and we look forward to a great evening. All singers meet at school at 6.30pm. Pick up time 8.30pm following soup and mince pies.

Don't forget hats, gloves, scarves and torch.

Reception - lunches

We will be delighted to welcome our Reception children to lunch and afternoon school on Wednesday 10th December before their Christmas production and on Tuesday 16th December before the trip to the pantomime. On Friday 19th December we will be having our Christmas party lunch followed by an afternoon of fun activities. Parents must confirm with school office if their child is to travel home form school on the bus.

Christmas Party Lunch - 19th December

The school party takes on the form of a party lunch followed by entertainment in the afternoon. All staff and children have lunch together and the school provides the food so there is no need to send your child with a packed lunch meal. Reception children, who are normally morning only, are also invited to stay for lunch and for the rest of the afternoon (please see above).
We would appreciate a donation of £2 per child towards the cost of the lunch and entertainment. (Please place the money in an envelope with the child's name and any food allergies and return to the school).
DON'T FORGET PARTY CLOTHES SO THAT YOU CAN CHANGE AFTER THE CHURCH SERVICE!

Post Box - 8th December

Children will be able to post Christmas cards to friends from Monday 8th December. These will be delivered during the last week of term.

Early Arrivers

May I take this opportunity to ask again that pupils other that 'bus or taxi children' should not arrive at school before 8.30am. I am on duty during the 8.15-8.30 am period and, if contacted, am always willing to welcome early arrivers in the event of an unexpected emergency.
You may sign your child into our Early Arrivers' Group (7.30- 8.30 am) by contacting Sandra McVeigh.

Coats

Please make sure you bring a coat to school everyday.

Clubs

Reminder that all afterschool clubs finish on the 28th November 2008.

Plausible Publishing Ltd

Thank you to everyone who took part in the design your own Christmas card - you raised £23 for the school.

Dates for Diary

28th November - PTA Christmas Fair - 6pm start.
10th December - Christmas Production - KS1 - 1.15pm.
10th December - Christmas Production - KS2 - 6.45pm.
11th December - Christmas Production - KS1 - 6.45pm.
12th December - Christmas Production - KS2 - 1.15pm.
16th December - Whole school panto trip.
19th December - End of term Service at 9.30am.
19th December - Party lunch.
5th January - Staff training day.
6th January - 1st day of school for the New Year.

Staffing

In January we look forward to welcoming Jackie Pitcher back following her maternity leave.
With a new addition to her family, Jackie is returning to St Andrew's on a part time basis and will be sharing the teaching commitment in Class 3 with Tess O'Rourke whose contract we are delighted to be extending to the end of this school year.
From January 1st Class 3 will have the benefit of both these experienced teachers with Mrs O'Rourke remaining as 'lead' teacher in this partnership. I know, however, that Mrs Pitcher is anxious to get back to work with the children she knows so well, and to build upon her existing links with you as parents.
The school is thrilled to welcome Jackie back to her Deputy Head role.

Yours sincerely

Stephen Williams
Head teacher