NewStAnd Newsletter 25th November 2011

St Andrew's Church of England Primary School Newsletter Friday, 25th November 2011


Wednesday, November 30th Industrial action - School closure
School photographs
Christmas Play
Christmas lunch
Leeson House payments
Panto - "Peter Pan"
Mrs Pitcher's return
Christmas Play help
Wednesday Club
Music tuition
Royal National Institute of Blind People stamp donation
Breakfast club & school Start time
New dates
Read on for more information

November 30th Industrial Action-School closure
As many of you are aware, a day of industrial action for public service employees has been balloted for and planned by many unions for Wednesday, 30th November. This proposed action is about the changes made by the government to the pension schemes of their members.
The governing body and Headteacher are not allowed to close school 'in sympathy' with the strike. However, our main concern is the safety of our pupils and our duty of care. Unions and staff members are not legally obliged to inform employers if they will be taking action. However, members at school have been supportive in giving advance notice and it is evident that a many teachers and staff will be striking on November 30th.
Therefore, the decision has been taken that St Andrew's will be closed on this day, like many other schools locally and nationally. This decision has been made because we will be unable to guarantee a healthy and safe environment for all our children on this day. Teaching supply agencies are legally prohibited from providing replacement teachers.
We recognise the inconvenience caused which is why we have attempted to keep all families affected as informed as possible.
If anyone would like to discuss this matter further please contact Mr Miller via the school office. If there is any change before next Wednesday news will be placed in the newsletter section of the school website and on the home page.

School photographs
A reminder about the school photographs recently taken by Rubblestone Photography. For orders to be processed by the end of term in time for Christmas, they need to be in by Monday, November 28th. Thank you to the many parents for the positive feedback about the photos.

Christmas Play
A paper letter has been sent home with details of our forthcoming Christmas plays in Key Stage 1 & 2 on December 6th and 7th. Would you please complete and return the attached slips by return. 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 in the first instance. Additional seats may be allocated when we know how many wish to attend.
Admission is by programme which is free. Donations to the collecting plate will be used towards the cost of the productions. We look forward to seeing you then!

Lunches & School Christmas Lunch
Could we please ask everyone who would like their child to have a Christmas lunch to book by early next week. The date is December 7th. If you would like to book one please do so by 9.30am on Monday, 28th November.
Refunds - The refund for the closure on Wednesday, 30th November will be sent out on Monday, 28th November. The refund for those children going on the science trip next Thursday will be sent out today, Friday 25th November.

Leeson House payments
We need to pay the outstanding amount for our recent Leeson House trip to West Dorset District Council. Would you please pay any outstanding amount by Thursday, December 1st . Thank you.

Panto - "Peter Pan"
On Friday 20th January 2012 we have booked a travelling theatre production company to visit our school with their production of Peter Pan. The children will watch the pantomime during the school afternoon. The cost of this event is £4 per child with the PTA providing ice cream. Would you please return the reply slip by 12th December. Thank you.

Mrs Pitcher's return
Mrs Jackie Pitcher, Holly classteacher, who is currently on maternity leave will be returning to work next March. We wish her a happy first Christmas with her second child and look forward to seeing her soon.

Christmas play help - please
Both KS1 and KS2 Christmas play songs are on our website: http://www.standrewsyetminster.org.uk/classes/activities/11.htm
so that your children can practice their songs at home.

Wednesday Club (written by Anne Reason)
Wednesday Club has been an after school activity since 1987 with the kind permission of the Head Teachers ever since then. I thought some of you might not realise what goes on at the Club and therefore we would like to introduce ourselves. Children of every Christian denomination can join once they have reached their 6th birthday and our aim is to have fun with them but obviously share stories, songs and prayers relating to the Bible. We meet at 3.10 pm each Wednesday and finish at approximately 4pm. We use the Scripture Union 'Light' series and run 3 classes: The Planets, The Followers and The Explorers. We hold an open afternoon towards the end of the summer term when we say farewell to those who are going on to secondary school and give them something to remind them of their time with us. We also have 2 parties a year, one at Christmas and one at the end of the summer term. We are not only interested in sharing our faith but also showing them that having faith can be fun! If you are interested in either sending your child to us, having a further chat about what we get up to or coming to help as a volunteer, please do get in contact with me.
Anne Reason 01935 873726

Music tuition
We have a wide range of music tuition available in school. Teachers, instruments and times are listed below:
Christine Dickerson: Tuesday; piano
Joy Edwards: Wednesday; piano and keyboard
Siska Redman: Thursday am; flute and clarinet
Roger Trim: Thursday pm; violin, guitar, mandolin, accordion and psaltery.
If you are interested in your child learning one of these instruments please ask Sandra for further details at the office. For any instruments not on the list that you are keen on, please ask us and we will attempt to secure a teacher.

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) charity appeal
We are currently collecting used and new stamps to raise money for the RNIB. The RNIB campaign to eliminate avoidable sight loss and support research into sight loss and eye health issues. If you can help please send stamps in with your child. They should bring them to the office at morning break where they will be collected and sent on. We are doing this in conjunction with Yetminster Scouts. Thank you for your support.

Breakfast club & school start time
With the new term we have new travel arrangements. As a result, may I remind everyone that doors open at 8.30 am for an 8.45am start. Breakfast club is available from 7.30am at £3.50 (w. breakfast) / £3.00 (w/o breakfast). No booking is required. If you only require a shorter time, please contact school and we will try to arrive at a flexible arrangement.

Dates for Diary (More to follow)
25th Nov, Fri - Christmas Fair
30th Nov, Wed - School closed
1st Dec, Thu - Science trip
2nd Dec, Fri - Willow showing assembly, 2.30pm
6th Dec, Tue - Christmas concert / play: KS1 - afternoon, KS2 - eve
7th Dec, Wed - Christmas concert / play: KS2 - afternoon, KS1 - eve
12th Dec, Mon - 6.30pm - Year 6 Carol singing in Yetminster
15th Dec, Thu - School Choir to Old Vicarage, Leigh for Christmas Carols, 11am
16th Dec, Fri - End of term church service at St Andrew's Church, 9.30am
3rd Jan 2012, Tues - Back to school
20th Jan, Fri - Peter Pan panto
10th Feb, Fri - End of half-term; Valentine Disco at school.
20th Feb, Mon - Back to school
11th March, Sun - Messy Church at St Andrew's CE Primary
30th March, Fri - End of term
16th April, Mon - INSET, school closed
17th April, Tue. - Back to school
May 7th, Mon - Bank holiday
June 1st, Fri - end of half-term
June 11th, Mon - back to school
24th June, Sun - Messy Church at St Andrew's CE Primary
July 20th, Fri - end of term
21st October, Sun - Messy Church at St Andrew's CE Primary

Paul Miller
(Headteacher)

ST. ANDREW'S CE PRIMARY SCHOOL
SCHOOL UNIFORM AND DRESS POLICY
September 2011

Introduction
It is our policy that all children wear school uniform when attending school and organised events inside or outside of normal school hours.
Aims and Objectives
Our policy on school uniform is based on the notion that school uniform:
• Engenders a sense of community and belonging
• Is practical and smart
• Makes children feel equal to their peers in terms of appearance
• Is designed with health and safety in mind and is appropriate to the activity involved
• Promotes a sense of pride in the school
If a pupil does not keep to the uniform policy we endeavour to find out why this is happening so that we can remedy the problem.
Children will not be discriminated against if parents/carers cannot provide them with the whole school uniform.
Our School will consider the needs of different cultures, race and religion and will not discriminate on grounds of gender.
Role of Governors
It is the governors' responsibility to ensure that the uniform meets all the regulations concerning equal opportunities.
The governing body will consult parents/carers for their views and concerns before deciding on the introduction of a new uniform or dress code, or before amending an existing one.
This policy, which has been endorsed by the school governors will be reviewed every 2years.
Cost of School Uniform
The school logo is on the sweatshirt, polo shirt and fleece jacket.
The uniform policy incorporates items which are also available "off the peg" from a number of high street retailers. This enables parents/carers to shop around for the most suitable option, whilst ensuring their child adheres to our school uniform code.

The St. Andrew's Primary School uniform consists of:
Boys - Royal blue Polo Shirt; Royal blue Sweatshirt; Royal Blue Fleece Jacket; Trousers/shorts Grey or Black
Girls - Royal blue cardigan; Royal blue polo shirt; Royal blue sweatshirt; Royal blue Fleece Jacket; Skirt or pinafore - grey or black; Trousers -grey or black; checked summer dress or skirt -Royal blue.
Physical Education
Our school uniform includes clothing required for P.E.
We have adapted a comfortable PE uniform which should enhance children's participation and enjoyment. The PE uniform is the same for boys and girls.
• White polo shirt
• Plimsolls (plus trainers in KS2 for outside sports)
• Shorts - black /royal blue
• PE bag
• Tracksuit (plain dark colour) - optional for cold weather
• Swimming - Boys - trunks and cap (not baggy style shorts) - Girls - one piece costume and cap.
• If children attend after school clubs they may be asked to wear different clothes e.g. shin pads/football boots.
THE SCHOOL ASKS THAT ALL ITEMS OF THE SCHOOL UNIFORM ARE CLEARLY MARKED

Jewellery Policy

Occasionally pupils wear personal items to school which constitute a health and safety hazard.
The following recommendations are in line with Dorset Health and Safety Policy and Safe Practice in Physical Education document.

• The wearing of jewellery is discouraged with the exception of one pair of small, plain stud type earrings.
• No studs or rings may be worn in any other part of the body.
• The wearing of necklaces, bracelets, and rings is not permitted. The only exception is allergy alert bracelets.
• A small simple watch may be worn so long as it is not set to "make noises".
• Neither the school nor its staff is responsible for any loss, theft or damage to any of these articles. Anything of value brought into school is at the owner's risk.
During sporting activities such as PE and swimming, children must remove all jewellery e.g. earrings, watches, and the responsibility of their safekeeping rests with pupils.
The removal of jewellery e.g. earrings and watches and replacing them is the responsibility of the pupils. School staff are not permitted to carry out this task. If it is not possible to remove the earrings then the pupils should cover them with plaster.
Hair and Make-up Guidelines
Hairstyles for both boys and girls should be simple and easily managed. Extremes of styles or colours are not permitted. The School requests that the children do not have their hair coloured or shaved in elaborate styles. In the interests of hygiene and safety, hair which touches the shoulders should be worn tied back. Hair ornaments should be in school colours.
Unusual hair ornaments should not be worn because they can be dangerous and/or distract children from their learning.
Nail Vanish and/or make-up should not be worn in school.
Footwear Guidelines
• Children should wear black, low-heeled shoes, which can be Velcro, slip-ons, buckles or lace ups. The wearing of boots in school is not encouraged.
• It is dangerous for children to wear shoes that have platform soles and high heels and they should not be worn.
• The wearing of trainers all day in school is not encouraged.
• In the summer months the children may wear sensible school style sandals (including white sandals.
• High heeled and strappy sandals are not allowed on health and safety grounds.
• Beach shoes are not permitted.
• Socks should always be worn for good foot hygiene.
The Role of the Parents/Carers
The School asks all parents/carers who send their children to St. Andrew's to support our school uniform policy.
It is the responsibility of parents/carers to ensure that their children have the correct uniform and that it is clean and in good repair.