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Newsletter - Thursday 9th September 2004 - Part 1

We are delighted to extend a warm welcome in this new school year to not only all of our new pupils across the school but also our returning pupils from last July.
This recent spell of glorious weather has certainly made the return to school seem much easier. The children have been able to get onto the school field and enjoy their breaks and lunchtimes with games of football etc. One inventive group of Year 3s buttoned their cardigans to their friends' cardigans [they were still being worn at the time!] and were so happy to be playing with their friends.
We are repeating the same pattern as last year with the Year 3s having their break 15 minutes before the rest of the school. This allows them to 'catch their breath' and not have to take too much on board at once. The start of this academic year has been very smooth with everyone being very positive and agreeing their own set of class rules.
Breaking with tradition we have decided to keep the Year 3s in their own classes for their English lessons this term. At the end of the term we will review and evaluate how successful we feel this approach has been. We are always trying to improve our practice and evidence from our LEA contacts suggests that grouping in English does not always improve results. Back to top

Talking of groupings!

Grouping children for Mathematics and English is never an easy task and indeed, this year has been no exception. The children have been told that the initial groupings will be evaluated at the end of next week and a finalised group will then be set for the term.
As the teachers plan their lessons cooperatively the only difference between the groups is that the one group will move at a faster pace but both will be differentiated to cater for the varying abilities within them. Progress is not hindered by being in the second or third of the year groups because children make maximum progress when they feel comfortable and in control of their learning. High expectations are set for all groups, irrespective of ability: application and attitude are the determining factors. Movement between groups does take place when it becomes obvious that a child may be better suited to the other group.
Our assessments in October will also highlight if children have not been correctly placed. We do take into account the previous year's results but we also take account of how children learn. Back to top

Village Hall on the school site

We were hoping that the village hall project would be up and running by now. However, the terms set for the lease agreement appears to be causing a rift in negotiations. It is a case of 'watch this space!'. Back to top

School security

The recent atrocities that occurred in Russia last week once again remind us that the security of our school is an issue that should never be taken for granted. Please could I remind all parents [and inform our new parents] that if parents need to come into school at any time, they do so via the school reception. This allows us to know who is in the building [fire regulation] and as in most cases, Mrs Hamblett, our very efficient secretary, is often able to address any queries that you may have. We do request that you 'catch the teacher at the gate' for any informal questions or alternatively ask for a time when it is mutually convenient to set up a meeting. Teachers welcome the support of parents as we pride ourselves on our home/school partnership. However, we also recognise that once clubs start, security could be compromised if the corridors become 'open access' to all. Children leaving clubs will be told which door they will need to go out through so if parents could wait at the door, it would be greatly appreciated. Back to top

Summer Reading Project

Thank you very much for supporting your child's reading throughout the summer holiday. The books read were very varied and by a range of authors. Reading is a fundamental necessity for life so our expectations have to be high.
Year 3 parents should receive a Reading letter with this newsletter. I have already listened to some exceptional Year 3 readers this week and I have been truly impressed with the standard that they are achieving. For parents who like a 'good read', several of us at school agree that the 'Da Vinci Code' made ideal holiday reading. It couldn't be put down! Back to top

Home School Partnership Agreement

I am hopeful that 100% of parents will return our agreement forms, signed, discussed and ready to endorse. If you have any fundamental disagreement, please speak to us - we [the teachers] want to work together with you [the parents] for the benefit of your child. Many forms have already come in. I am looking forward to signing 250 forms next week. Basically, the agreement states the way our school operates and it does underpin all that we do here in school. Back to top

Homework Schedule

You should have received a copy of the Homework Schedule this week. I do hope that you will endorse the school's view that homework complements the work done at school and that it prepares the pupils for their secondary education. The set task is often one that parents can oversee [if time permits] and parents could indeed, mark the work if they so wished. Teachers welcome this input as again, learning is not exclusive to being in the classroom.
We try not to overburden the pupils, as I believe learning does not just happen in school. It should be happening naturally throughout our lives. Back to top

Bullying

Bullying will not be tolerated at our school. We will not accept name-calling or physical violence of any description.
Our important rule is: 'N.T.W.P.'
'NO TOUCHING WITHOUT PERMISSION'
The pupils are encouraged to tell an adult whenever they feel someone has done something wrong to them e.g. hit, name calling etc. Our rule is:
'Do not retaliate but tell an adult'. This stops the bully from putting the blame on the second person. If at any time you have concerns, please let us know as we take all concerns very seriously. Back to top

Year 6 - PSHCE

Assistance from Gloucestershire Constabulary

Two sessions [one took place today and the next will take place in November] will be dealing with bullying and personal safety. Back to top

Staffing

· We are all delighted to have Mrs Kemmett back with us in Year 6 and taking responsibility for organising the 2005 residential visit to the Isle of Wight [although Miss Stocken did a marvellous job with this year's Saundersfoot trip].
· We welcome Mrs Baker, not only to Year 4 but also to the beginning of her teaching career. I am sure she will do well in Year 4. Back to top

Extra curricular activities

All start next week. Please take it that if your child requested a particular club they will have been given a place. If numbers are too high to be manageable then the club will have to operate on a rotational basis. Computer Club operates on a rotational basis so Mr Jones will send out a letter informing you of the dates of your child's sessions. Children taking part in Computer Club are able to join other clubs, prior to or after having had, their set sessions.
The French Club will be taking place on Tuesdays and Spanish Club on Fridays. The language clubs are run by an outside agency so you do need to pay to attend these two clubs. You should have received a letter from the language club, if not, please ask Mrs Hamblett for a copy.

EXTRA Tennis club for Years 3 and 4 will be taking place on Thursdays from 3.15 - 4.15 p.m. from 7th October. Information on this will be sent out this week.

EXTRA As in past years Andy Tucker Soccer Camp will be offering football coaching for all ages at a cost of £12.00 [10 weekly sessions plus a certificate]. This will be on Tuesdays from 3.25 - 4.25 p.m. and will commence on Tuesday 21st September.

EXTRA Judo will be taking place on Fridays in the hall. It will start this Friday. If you are interested please see Mrs Hamblett if you have not already filled in the form. Those returning to the club will need to have their money with them on Friday. Back to top

Bad Hair Day - Tuesday 20th July

Do have a look at the photographs in reception; they will make you smile!

The amount collected for CLIC was an amazing £145.84. Many thanks. Back to top

Advance Warning

Residential Visit 2005
Year 5 and 6 Residential Visit to Isle of Wight
Mon 27th June to Friday 1st July 2005 - 5 Days.
Letter to follow soon.
Year 6 SATs 2005: 9th - 13th May Back to top

Residential Visit - Saundersfoot 2003

We were able to refund an amount of £12.00 to all parents whose children attended this year's residential visit. If you did not collect your refund at the end of last term, please see Mrs Hamblett in the office. Back to top

Swimming this term - Year 5 and 6

Year 6 swimming will start on Friday 24th September.
Year 5 swimming will start on Wednesday 29th September.
Forms requesting parental help have been sent out. Even if you feel you cannot commit to a regular 'swimming session' we would be delighted to accept an offer of one or two individual sessions.
Ultimately, we have to abide by health and safety regulations. If you feel a little unsure, please come and have a chat with either Miss Stocken or myself. We will convince you! Back to top

P.E. Kit at School all Week Please

It is greatly appreciated if P.E. kit can be at school on Mondays and kept here for the whole week. This ensures that it is always available for children. Children will naturally be excused P.E. and games on medical grounds. Please send a note to the teacher if this is necessary.
Remember: Black shorts and white top for P.E. Plimsolls or bare feet for gymnastics, trainers only for outdoor games. Back to top

Pupil Helpers

Teachers are very grateful for the early morning offer of help from our very supportive pupils. However, arrival at school does not need to be before 8.30 a.m. as it is possible that their class teacher may not be around until that time. Back to top

Phoning Home

Although we are initially helping our pupils when we allow them to phone home for forgotten P.E. kit, musical instruments, reading books, forgotten permission slips etc., we are not addressing the problems of undertaking responsibility. With this in mind [plus the constant interruptions for Mrs Hamblett] we have taken the decision that the telephone will only be used in emergencies.
The timetable for instrumental lessons will be posted outside Mrs Pendlebury's room and it is vital that children know when their lessons are taking place. Back to top

Secondary Transfer (Year 6 parents only)

Please take the opportunity to visit the secondary schools during these coming weeks. Many of you have already returned the reply slip about the meeting here on Thursday 16th September 3.30 p.m. - 4.30 p.m. The important date for parents living outside of Gloucester City i.e. you live in Churchdown, Sandhurst, Longford or Innsworth is 24th September.
If you are considering a selective school, you must apply for the grammar application form from the LEA and return it by the above date. Back to top

Parent Helpers

If you feel you have a few hours to spare, mornings or afternoons, for one session or more, we can certainly put this time to good use. Please contact us if you are interested. Police checks do need to be made on all adults that we invite into school. This is no reflection on you, but an inevitable action in this day and age - unfortunately. Back to top

Water Bottles

We have water bottles for sale at a cost of 25p each. Back to top

Photographer

Tempest Photographers will be at school on Thursday 30th September, starting at 8.00 a.m. for family groups. Individual children's photographs will be taken during the morning. A letter will be sent home next week giving more details. Back to top

'Friends of Innsworth Junior School'

The 'Friends' Annual General Meeting has been arranged for Thursday 7th October. We would be delighted to see a few new faces so please come along. Many parents often want to show an interest but feel they may be coerced into greater participation than they would want. Please be assured we are a friendly group who operate on a very informal basis with help being asked for on an individual event basis. Come along and see for yourselves. Back to top

Harvest Festival: Thursday 14th October 10.00 a.m.

This year's Harvest Festival will be taken by Reverend Ann Morris from St John's the Evangelist Church, Churchdown. All parents are welcome.

We would value offers of help with the 'bagging' of produce after the service and with the Year 3 delivery of this produce in the afternoon. Please contact Miss Stocken if you are available. Back to top

Clothing

PLEASE NAME YOUR CHILD'S CLOTHING.
A simple name or initials in biro would be quite adequate [you will need to repeat this action when you wash the clothing]. Back to top

Part 2