Dear Parents/Carers,
It has been an absolute pleasure to welcome the children back to school after the half-term break this week. One of the greatest joys of this week was the first meeting of our New Holy Communion Group. It is brilliant to see this important sacrament being prepared for in such a special way at school.
It is now just 50 days until Christmas, even John Lewis and Marks and Spencer’s have released their Christmas TV Adverts so I think we can start mentioning the ‘c’ word.
Some parents have approached the school asking about the upcoming festive season and the proposed events. Please check the school calendar on the website for the dates of all the planned festivities. I know last year because of the pandemic many events were modified or even cancelled. If I have learned anything over the past 18 months it is to be wary of planning to far in advance and making promises that we cannot keep. As soon as we can we will inform you of the exact logistical arrangements for our Christmas events, including whether or not visitors can be included and in what manner. Please can I ask for your patience and understanding with this matter as we want all our families to enjoy Christmas in a safe way.
COVID 19- Please keep following the guidelines.
It is imperative that as a school community we do everything we can to follow the current guidelines. We do still have cases within the school and local community. Please let the school know ASAP if your child tests positive for COVID or if they have symptoms and you are waiting for a PCR Test result. If it is out of hours please email [email protected]
If a child has symptoms please make sure that you arrange for a PCR Test as soon as possible. If a child develops symptoms at school we will ask you to come and collect your child straightaway and arrange for a PCR Test. If the result of the PCR test is negative then the child can return to school, unless they are too poorly to attend.
Individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:
- they are fully vaccinated
- they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
- they have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
- they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons
Instead, NHS Test and Trace will inform affected individuals, children or their parents or carers that they have been in close contact with a positive case, and advise them to take a PCR test. We would encourage all individuals to take a PCR test if advised to do so.
For further clarification then please check the DFE website:
Y3 Parent’s Evening: Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th November
We look forward to welcoming parents and carers to Parent’s Evening. All appointments can now be booked on the Arbor App.
Next week’s Highlights Dates:
- Tuesday 9th November Y3 Stone Age Day
- Thursday 11th November Remembrance Day Assembly
- Friday 12th November Very Small Group of singers attending Trust singing choir event.
- All shoeboxes in by Friday 12th November
ADVANCED NOTICE OF KEY EVENTS
- Monday 15th / Tuesday 16th November Y3 Parent’s Evening
- Friday 19th November Children in Need Day- No School Uniform Voluntary Donations of £1
- Tuesday 14th December- School Christmas Dinner (All orders in by Monday 29th November)
Packed Lunch Reminder:
It is lovely to see so many children bringing in fruit as part of their packed lunch. If children are bringing in grapes please cut them in half to prevent them being a potential choking hazard.
Thank you in anticipation of your support.
School Uniform Reminder
I have noticed over the last week that some children are not wearing the correct footwear when attending school. Please can I take this opportunity to remind all our families that trainers are not permitted to be worn to school unless it is a P.E. Day. Also on P.E. days please can children wear the correct school P.E. uniform. Can we avoid wearing branded and sometimes very expensive tracksuits and active wear and stick with plain colours.
Children in Distress Shoebox Appeal 2021
This year’s “Love in a Box” Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2021 is here!
This appeal ensures that infants and children from the poorest families or in orphanages, hospices or hospitals know someone cares at Christmas. It’s a volunteer-led appeal to ensure they receive a Christmas gift. Because so many of the donors involved now also fill boxes with senior citizens in mind, the appeal also ensures that those living alone or in care, are not forgotten. These special gift boxes will, for many, make the difference between a little joy and warmth or simply going hungry over the festive season.
Please can all shoeboxes be returned by next Friday.
After School Clubs:
We have the following clubs on offer for the next 6 weeks for children from FS2 to Year 6:
Monday – Football
Tuesday – Netball (Only Y3, Y4, Y5, Y6)
Wednesday – Winter Art and Crafts
Thursday – Multi sports
Friday – Sports
Clubs need to be booked via Parent Pay in advance. To ensure that clubs can run smoothly we ask you to sign up for a block of sessions, the cost of each club is £9 for the 6 weeks. A new rota of clubs will be set up for next half-term in due course.
Bonfire Night
If you are celebrating bonfire Night this weekend have lots of fun and hot dogs, but please keep the children safe and keep an eye on your lovely pets.
Stars of the Week:
This week certificates have been awarded to children who have worked in well in their climate change tasks.
- FS1- Toby & Harriet
- FS2- Teacher absent this week double stars next week.
- Y1- Tabitha G & Matilda J
- Y2- Bella T & Charlotte G
- Y3- Isla L & Joseph D
- Y4- Ben E & Ellie S
- Y5- Harvey S & Layla F
- Y6 – Jayden S & Mia H
Final Thoughts
This Sunday’s Gospel shows us that even the smallest of good deeds, done with love, does not escape Jesus’ attention. Jesus reminds us that the amount we give is not as important as the love with which we give a gift. This certainly gives us a timely reminder of the gift of love as we start to prepare our busy family life at Christmas time.
Thank you and have a great weekend.
Mr Geaves
Executive Head Teacher
