NEWSLETTER 1 06/07
08.09.06
From the Headteacher:
Welcome back to a new school year. We
are delighted to have our new pupils in Reception with us on a part time basis
this week. I hope this is the start of
a long and worthwhile relationship between their families and our school. Our new class is: Tobias, Georgia, Maria, Joshua, Jack, Elaine, Maddy, Jada, Jade,
Jasper, George, Amy, Ben, Andrew, Kathleen, Rebecca, Freddie, Ellis, Thomas,
Bobby, Jude, Tommy, James, Lottie, Lizzie and Lillibelle. I look forward to their contributions to
school life.
Welcome, also to our new members of staff. Mr. Anderton has joined us as a member of the teaching team and Mr. Sluman has joined our team of Learning Support Assistants. You might like to know that both are former St. Aldhelm’s pupils so their return to us in these roles is quite special.
Senior Management Team: Mrs Stallard and Mrs Kaunhoven have joined me on the Senior Management Team of the school following the retirement of Mr. Knowles in the summer. Both teachers will deputise for me when I am away from school at meetings or courses.
Building Work: I hope you have seen the new garden area at the main entrance. This work was organised for us by Mr. Knowles as his final act for the school and the design includes the Jeff Body sculptures given to us by Mr. Knowles and Mrs. Brown when they left in the summer. I think the whole effect is wonderful and it certainly makes this part of the site look more attractive.
Our new all weather play area has been completed following the terrific fund raising effort by our PTA last year. It will enable us to keep items of large play equipment in use all year, including during the winter months. There is also space for new trim trail items to be added as more money becomes available. The area outside Year 3’s room has also been covered with all weather surfacing. Thank you to the PTA for making these improvements possible.
A wall has been constructed between the Year One and Year Two classrooms reducing the noise levels in this part of the school and creating extra working space in both rooms.
Car Park: Please remember that there is no such thing as a completely safe car park and we all have to work hard to keep the children safe. Please drive with extreme caution at all times and remain patient so that children are not put at risk through decisions made out of irritation. Parents new to the school will not be familiar with the rule that cars need to give way to incoming traffic on the driveway.
Holidays: I also need to remind parents that taking holidays in term time is not permissible UNLESS a good reason can be demonstrated. The regulations have been set by the government to ensure that children receive the education to which they are entitled. Please do not book a holiday before seeking permission and be aware that the most likely response is that the holiday leave will not be granted.
Uniform and P.E. kit: Thank you for continuing to support our uniform policy. This makes a real difference and it is pleasing to see children arrive at school ready to learn. Your support is needed in ensuring that children always wear appropriate clothing. Please be aware of the following:
Class Meetings: We are holding short meetings for parents after school on the dates listed below so that you can find out about classroom routines and expectations and have the opportunity to ask any questions of the teacher about the way the classroom works. We have ensured each meeting takes place on a separate day to allow parents with more than one child in school to attend.
Year
One: Thursday
14th September
Year
Two: Wednesday
20th September
Year
Four: Wednesday
13th September
Year
Five: Thursday
21st September
Year
Six: Monday
18th September.
Parents of children in Year Three attended our ‘Becoming a Junior’ meeting last term and Miss Curtis will be holding a different meeting later in September.
Somerset Art Weeks are being held across the county from tomorrow until 24th September. This year for the first time our school is a venue with our pupil’s work on display in the library and in the grounds. We have taken the theme ‘Home and Away’ to link out environmental and international work. We are ‘open’ to visitors between 9.00am and 5.00pm each school day. I hope you will be able to visit. You may also like to know that Fiona Robson, one of our parents, is also exhibiting her sculpture, paintings and drawings at a venue in Cranmore. You can follow the yellow Somerset Art Week signs to find each venue and/or visit www.somersetartweek.org.uk. If you have a copy of the brochure details of our school can be found on p.37, Fiona Robson on p.34.
Brass lessons begin on Monday for participating Year Five pupils and on Friday for Year Four pupils. Year Three pupils will begin as soon as instruments are available.
Cycle Safety training for the Year Five pupils who have signed up begins on Wednesday after school.
There are many other events planned for this term. Dates for your diary will be circulated next week.
Friday Assembly: Due to the pressure on time we are no longer able to present certificates from outside school at this assembly. Instead we shall be happy to do so in class when teachers will celebrate children’s success in front of classmates. From time to time a teacher may decide that an achievement needs a special mention in assembly but otherwise we aim to use all the time at our disposal for school certificates and to end at the right time.
Roger Whitewick
Dear Parents,
May I take this opportunity to thank everyone for the wonderful presents, cards and best wishes I received at the end of last term.
The 26 years I have spent at Doulting represent a significant part of my life. Fortunately I am able to look back at them with warmth and happiness many of the gifts providing permanent reminders of my stay.
Thank you all once again. Kevin
Knowles
Dear Parents,
I am writing to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for all your gifts and good wishes at the end of term. I was overwhelmed by your thoughtful messages and I am sure I did not express my thanks to everyone.
I feel privileged to work with so many wonderful children and their parents over the eleven years I was at St. Aldhelm’s.
Thank you all for your support and for giving me so many lovely momentos. I look forward to hearing of your children’s successes in the future.
Claris Brown
School Meals: A reminder to parents that dinner money is now £1.70 per day.
From the Friends of St. Aldhelm’s (PTA)
A general PTA meeting will be held on Friday 15th September 2006 in the annexe at 9.00am. Please come along. We are always looking for new parents to help us with our fundraising events and for any ideas you may have. You will not be expected to hold a position on the committee, unless of course you want to! If you can only spare a limited amount of time to help we would still welcome you. If you are unable to attend this meeting but would like to be involved please contact Liz Barton in the school office.
Quiz Night – Just to remind you that a quiz night will be taking place on Friday 22nd September in the Village Hall, doors open at 7.00. Quiz starts 8.00. Four people per team at a cost per team of £10.00. Winning team will receive £50.00. So all you people who shout at the television quiz shows with the right answers, now is your time to shine. Refreshments will be available. All profit will be split between the Village and the school PTA.
Scrap-booking Event: ‘Creative Memories’ workshop on Thursday 21st September 7.30 – 10.30pm in Doulting Village Hall Annexe. Photo memory album making for you and your family and friends to enjoy for years to come. Only £5. Call Debi to book or have a free class in your home 880420.
Shepton Mallet Fun Run 2006: Shepton Mallet 10k and 5k and 1k (Junior) Fun Run takes place on Sunday 17th September at 10.30am. The rules for the competition are:
Entry forms can be obtained from the school office and information can also be found on www.wellscityharriers.org.uk/shepton