NewStAnd Newsletter 29th April 2011
St Andrew's Church of England Primary School Newsletter Friday, 29th April 2011
(please check with the previous newsletter - some information may still be current)
Welcome Swimming pool news Easter service Topic day Bikeability
Read on for more information
Welcome back
I hope you all had a restful (as far as possible) Easter break. The weather was fantastic! After a very enjoyable spring term, we now look forward to an action and fun packed summer term. Please keep an eye on the date list at the bottom of this newsletter to stay informed about forthcoming events.
Swimming Pool News!! (with thanks to Anna Taylor in the drafting of this item)
Last year the school's swimming pool was only used a handful of times. With this in mind, a Swimming Pool Committee has been formed to try and rejuvenate the pool to a standard where it can be made the most of. We've had a local swimming pool company come and have a look at it and give us a quote for the works required. The quote covers, amongst other things, a fresh lick of paint, some new pipe work and changing it over to a salt chlorinator (the salt chlorinator produces chlorine gas from the chloride in the water, which in turn sanitises the water. It is kinder to the bather's skin and less harmful to the environment. We will still need to test and record the water and the pH will still need to be adjusted in the usual way, but the daily maintenance is made simpler and easier to complete.) Most importantly it includes heating the pool. This, in theory, would enable the pool to be used from May half term to October half term each year! We would also aim to open the pool to families during the summer holidays. All of this, however, comes at a price - £10000. It is a lot of money, but it is a long term investment. We hope to get local businesses involved for the initial outlay, but it is also going to need a lot of parent power! Please come along to a coffee morning - Friday 6th May, 8.45am where we will discuss in detail what we'd like to do and where you can express any concerns or give us some helpful ideas. Hope to see you there.
Pre-school 40th Anniversay Cheese and Wine Family Party
On Friday, May 20th we are holding a very special event to celebrate the 40th Birthday of our St Andrew's (Wriggle Valley) pre-school opening. Much has changed in those years, much to enjoy and celebrate. We would like to invite all past and present pupils, staff and families connected to this wonderful pre-school to this celebration. It will be held from 5.30pm till 7pm. Pony rides for under 5's, Barfoot's Bouncy Castle, a raffle and a chance to meet Babette Cole, the famous children's author.
We are holding a "Fond Memories" poetry and story writing competition, open to adults and children. Also, there is an under 11 competition naming and writing about our school fish emblem!
Check out the website for more information and also The Wriggle Valley Magazine (page 45).
Easter Service
Thankyou to all the parents who helped at our end of term Easter service. The beautiful weather and participation of parents and children in the Easter service helped make it a great send off for the end of term.
Topic Day
The Art topic day in the last week of term was excellent - thanks to all who came. I'm sure you'll agree that the art and DT work which happens at St Andrew's is of a very high standard. I was impressed with every class's work, although having lived in Lancashire for so many years I will always have a soft spot for Lowry.
Bikeability
The Bikeability cycle training starts on May 3rd and is open to all in Year 4 and 5. Last year was very successful and we had high participation. We need 8 children to take part to make it viable, though so far only 3 have signed up. If you are interested in your child taking part in this fantastic scheme please see Sandra in the office. It teaches safety and confidence in using a bicycle on the road.
Swimming
Ash class have started swimming this term. A reminder to all about appropriate swimwear: for girls a one piece swimsuit and for boys tight fitting traditional swim trunks. Sorry if this causes additional expense, but for safety and ease of movement, these are the recommended uniform.
Hot school meals
Our hot school meals continue to be a roaring success - if you would like them they cost £2.15 daily. Please book through the office.
Pick-up after school
Could everyone who drops off and picks up their children by car please remember to keep clear of the yellow lined area throughout the drop off / pick up period. I do realise that the buses / taxis and mini buses are usually finished by certain times, but sometimes they are delayed / late and need access outside of the normal time and it does create significant delay and adds to the risk if there are private vehicles parked in the yellow zone. Please feel free to park in the staff spaces if any are free. Thankyou for your understanding in this matter.
School uniform sale
Remember - you are able to buy items of school uniform outside of sale dates - please ask at the office.
Tesco and Sainsbury vouchers
We are actively and enthusiastically collecting vouchers from Tesco to buy ICT equipment and Sainsbury's to buy sports and play equipment. All donations gratefully received. Let's try and make this a record breaking year. Sainsbury's need to be in by May 25th ; Tesco's need to be in by 27th June so we can send them in ourselves.
Remember - we have fantastic early morning breakfast provision!
Angela Hole and Daphne Blakey run our welcoming and fun Breakfast Club. Prices are very reasonable, although there will be an increase after the Easter holidays. The new prices will be £3 for care after 7.30am up to school opening at 8.30am, £3.50 includes breakfast. Ring school on 01935 872430 or ask Sandra or myself in the office. Also, if you are unable to book, don't worry - you can bring your child to Breakfast Club with no notice if required. Look forward to seeing you.
Reading and phonics
As part of our ongoing work to support parents in helping their children to learn to read we felt it would be useful to you to take part in one of our phonic sessions with your child. These sessions take place daily from 1.10pm to 1.30pm. If you are interested please speak to me in the morning to check that our phonic session will be taking place as normal.
If you are interested in listening to readers either first thing in the morning or at the end of the day we would love to hear from you. A big thank you to all our existing helpers and to everyone for listening to their child / children read on a daily basis at home.
Fiona Payne, Reception classteacher
Dates for Diary (More to follow)
29th April - Royal Wedding, School closed
2nd May - Bank holiday, school closed
4th May - first Wednesday Club
6th May - Swimming pool committee coffee morning
9th May - Year 6 - SAT Tests begin
20th May, Friday - Ash showing assembly
20th May - Pre-school 40th Anniversary celebration, 5.30 - 7pm
26th May, Thu - Holly showing assembly
27th May, Friday - Inset Day, school closed
30th May - June 3rd - half term, school closed
6th June, Monday - School reopens
8th June - Science Day - whole school on trips.
10th June, Fri - Willow showing assembly
15th June - Everybody Writes / Eco Day
22nd June - Open Air Campaigner Assembly
23rd June - Possible visit from Gryphon Big Band
23rd June,Thu - Chestnut showing assembly
27th, 28th, 29th June - PGL Trip - Willow Class
27th June - Barnados - Messy Play including Pre-School
1st July, Fri - Oak showing assembly
7th July - KS2 Sports Morning / KS1 Sports Afternoon - this is currently provisional. Please check with school before booking any time off work.
15th July, Fri - Acorn showing assembly
21st July, Thu - Parent drop in following end of year reports
22nd July - Last day of term. Happy holidays!.
7th Sep, Wed - School reopens
Hope you all enjoy the long weekend.
Paul Miller (Headteacher)