6 Nov 2009 - Newsletter

RISELEY C. of E. LOWER SCHOOL

 

NEWSLETTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6^th  November 2009

 

 

Healthy School’s Week

 

As the children have come back from half term we have changed the curriculum this week and into next week. We are encouraging the children to develop healthy lifestyles. We have been looking at lunchtimes and trying to make the lunchtime more appropriate. During Special Assembly next week you will hear more about our activities!

 

 

Samaritan’s Purse

 

Thank you to those families who have donated a shoebox to support ‘The Samaritan’s Purse’ which helps children in need in Europe through Operation Christmas Child. I asked that the filled shoe boxes be returned to school by Friday November 6^th. They will not be collected until next week and so if anyone still would like to fill one they could be returned on Monday. Thank you.

 

 

 

Coffee Morning and Special Assembly

 

Special Assembly will resume on Friday 13^th November. Following this assembly there will be a coffee morning in the new Reception classroom and parents are welcome to attend. It is an informal time and we will be joined by our Parent Support Worker, Elaina Arneaud. She is able to support parents within the North Bedfordshire Schools Trust and can be contacted on 0788 176 4584, 01234 782211 or earneaud@sharnbrook.beds.sch.uk.  Elaina is able to offer parenting support & information, advice on parental engagement with your child’s learning and help with improving school attendance and inclusion. Please do come along and meet her.

 

 

PTA News

 

As next Friday, November 13^th, is our school disco, we would like the children to come to school in mufti for the day. In return for not wearing school uniform we would like the children to bring in an adult or children’s tombola prize. These prizes will then be used at our Christmas Bazaar on Friday 4^th December. More details will follow later about this.

 

The disco will start at 3.40pm and finish at 5.15pm. Please note that as the disco is starting earlier it will finish earlier at 5.15pm.

 

 

Parental Consultations

 

You should have received your appointment slip for your consultation. If, for some reason you have not, please speak to the class teacher on Monday morning. We would encourage you to bring your children to the consultation, a practice which we have found valuable in recent years. All appointments will take place in the school hall where your children’s work will be available for you to see.

 

 

Wrens Friday 18th December

 

As all the school from the Owls upwards will be attending the pantomime at The Castle Theatre, Wellingborough and will return to school for a late lunch, we will need to close the Nursery in the afternoon for the Wrens on that day, which is the last day of term. In the afternoon we will be holding our Carols Round the Tree at 2pm. Wren parents are welcome to join us at this time with their children if they would like to do so.

 

 

Aslan Club

 

There will be no Aslan Club next week because of Parents Evening in the hall.

 

 

Christmas Nativity Performance

 

In September I sent you dates for the term. The Whole School Nativity date was set for Wednesday 9^th December 6.00pm. We have decided to trial an extra performance at the Church on Tuesday 8^th at 2pm and move the dress rehearsal to Monday 7^th at 2pm. Further details will be sent later, but do make a note of this extra performance.

 

 

Swine Flu Update from the DCSF

 

‘The Chief Medical Officer has advised that swine flu continues to be a largely mild illness. There is no sign yet of any major change in the pattern or severity of the illness. Individual school closures are now of limited benefit in stopping the spread of the disease. However, it is essential that adults or children with flu-like symptoms should stay away until they are free of those symptoms.

 

We do know that some groups are particularly vulnerable to any illness, including swine flu. This can include some children and young people with particular health conditions, including some complex disabilities such as cerebral palsy, which can make it more difficult for them to fight off viruses. We are therefore providing, alongside guidance for mainstream schools, guidance for special schools. This advises them to seek Health Protection Agency advice when they have cases, so that the HPA can advise what measures to take, which may in some cases mean a temporary closure to reduce the risk to vulnerable children.

 

There is now a vaccine available and distribution has begun. I want to ensure that parents of pupils with these conditions have all the help and advice that they need to be aware that their children are being given a high priority for early access to vaccinations. It is for parents to decide whether their child should get vaccinated, but it is right that schools are aware of the programme and support the CMO's advice that children and staff in at-risk groups should respond positively when invited to get the vaccine. For that reason, the Health Protection Agency has now made available guidance - versions for special schools and mainstream schools - that you can find at www.hpa.org.uk/swineflu/specialschools.’

 

 

Parking

 

The resident opposite school has spoken to me about parking outside his gate. Please keep this gateway clear so that deliveries can have access up his drive. Deliveries have not been delivered as the drivers have not been able to access his path. As you can imagine this is frustrating and causes unnecessary hassle. Thank you for your co-operation.