3rd May 2024
Dear Parents and Carers,
This Week in School
It was our French Wow Day today in school, and how lovely it was to see the children enjoying the activities that had been put on for them by Mrs Earp and her team of Year 6 helpers. There were lots of smiling faces at the Boulangerie before school and at playtime, and I must admit, I enjoyed a pain au chocolat myself! This was followed by a French Wow Assembly, led by Mrs Earp. To get into the mood, the children wore their own clothes, as this is the norm for children in France. We ‘visited’ a French school, watching a virtual tour of a school led by its pupils. Thank you to our French families for supporting us in developing the links that made this possible. Mrs Earp has arranged for us to write to the pupils there, and each class has been set a challenge (at their level) to achieve in developing their French speaking skills in time for our Wow Exit Assembly in a few weeks’ time. We are very grateful to Mrs Earp for her enthusiasm and effort in organising this fun day for the children.
I’m sure you need no reminder that it is a bank holiday weekend, and the school will be shut on Monday! I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your families, and the sun will make an appearance, too.
Our New EYFS Teacher
We are delighted to announce that we have appointed a new EYFS Lead teacher for the next academic year. The wonderful Mrs Naomi Goode will be joining our team in September, and we are so pleased to welcome her to St George’s. The SLT and Governors were so impressed with Mrs Goode at interview, and her experience, knowledge and dedication shone through. She is very keen to join the team, has lots of creative ideas and has already been into school to meet with Mrs Weetch to begin getting ready for September. Welcome to the team, Mrs Goode!
Photographs
Just a reminder to all our Reception and Class 6 Parent and Carers that Tempest Photography will be coming in on Friday 10th May, in the morning to take the childrens’ photographs.
Wraparound Care – Breakfast Club and Afterschool Club
We are now up and running with our new online booking system for the Breakfast and After School Clubs. To safeguard children well, we need to ensure our wraparound care is adequately staffed for the number of children in attendance. Therefore, places must be booked and paid for in advance to reserve a slot. We are aware that on the odd occasion, a parent may wish to book their child in for the After School Club on the same day. In instances like this, it is essential that you call the school to check if a space available and if so, the office staff will add your child to the attendance register and issue a charge to your account. Similarly, if you are running late, parents should call the school office to inform a member of staff of this.
Reminder – Swimming and PE
Mr Chidgey will be returning from paternity leave on Tuesday 7th May. I would like to thank the PE/Swimming team for their efforts in ensuring children could still have their PE and Swimming sessions as normal while Mr C was enjoying his baby bubble!
A reminder that Swimming and PE sessions will go back to normal next week. It will no longer be necessary for children to wear PE kit on their swimming days. For clarity, it will be the turn of Seahorses to swim. Thank you for your support with the slight timetable changes over these last few weeks. It has been much appreciated.
Attendance
As you may know, it is a statutory requirement for all schools to monitor attendance. In line with our attendance policy, we must monitor attendance percentages and inform families by letter if the percentage has dropped below a certain figure. Some families will be receiving letters this week.
Family Mass – Sunday 12th May 2024
You are all warmly invited to our ‘family Mass’ on Sunday 12th May at St George’s Church, at 9.15am. This will be a Marian themed Mass in celebration of Our Lady, and the choir will lead the hymns. I have sent letters home with the children who have expressed an interest in taking part in the Mass (reading or carrying the gifts). Volunteers must commit to practicing their part so that they are confident to stand up in front of the congregation and read with confidence. Please could parents sign these and agree that they are available to attend the Mass, arriving just before 9am so we can prepare.
Date Change – KS2 Sports Day
Due to a diary conflict, please can we ask you to amend the date we have given you for the KS2 Sports Day? It will now take place on the afternoon of Monday 17th June, from 1.30pm to 3.15pm. We look forward to welcoming you to the event.
Ice-Lollies
With the weather set to improve from Friday 10th May, Class 2 will be selling ice-lollies in the playground after school for 50 pence.
St George’s Summer Fete
Our Summer Fete will be returning this year on Saturday 6th July, and I am very pleased to say that we have already had some kind offers from parents to assist in organising the event. We are currently recruiting parent volunteers to lend their ideas and support. Please let the office staff know if you would like to get involved. You can email the school office or speak to Mrs Gordge or Mrs Bradshaw in person, and they will add you to the sign-up sheet. It is a wonderful opportunity to support the school and to get to know some familiar faces from the school run. We will email parents soon with further details and look forward to running what promises to be an exciting event.
Best wishes,
Edwina McDonnell
Upcoming Dates:
Monday 6th May – Bank Holiday – SCHOOL CLOSED
Thursday 9th May – Ascension Day Mass in Church, 9.30am – parents welcome
Sunday 12th May – Family Mass at St George’s Church – 9.15am (Marian theme)
Week beginning Monday 13th May – Key Stage Two SATS Week
Thursday 16th May – Reception Class (EYFS) trip to Axe Valley Wildlife Park
Saturday 25th May – Start of Half-Term – SCHOOL CLOSED
Monday 3rd June – INSET DAY – SCHOOL CLOSED
Tuesday 4th June – SCHOOL REOPENS
Wednesday 5th – Friday 7th June – Year 6 Woodlands Residential Trip
Thursday 13th June – KS1 Sports Day – 1.30 – 3.15pm. Parents welcome
Thursday 13th June – Leavers’ Mass in Clifton for Year 6 pupils.
Monday 17th June – KS2 Sports Day - 1.30 – 3.15pm. Parents welcome
Thursday 4th and Friday 5th July – Year 4 Residential Trip to Pinkery
Saturday 6th July – Summer Fete
Wednesday 17th July – Year 6 Leavers’ Mass in St George’s Church – 9.30am. Parents welcome
Friday 19th July – Year 6 Leaver’s Assembly – details to be confirmed.
Saturday 20th July – SCHOOL CLOSED for Summer Holidays
