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Newsletter 11th July 2003 - Part 1

It's hard to believe that the summer holidays are here once again. There do not seem to be enough hours in the day or days in the week to get all the 'jobs' completed. The thought of a few weeks' rest does sound rather appealing, despite the hectic schedule of the next ten days!
I must apologise for arranging an In-service Day in the middle of a term. Unfortunately the person we are bringing in to undertake our training could only offer us the 26th September. It is inevitable that the best trainers will be in great demand. Back to top

I'M SURE YOU DON'T NEED REMINDING

No School On Friday 18th July

Advance Warning
Half Term Week:
27th October - 31st October

SATs Week: Mon 10th May - Fri 14th May 2004
YEAR 6 PARENTS:
PLEASE DO NOT BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY FOR THIS WEEK Back to top

Reports

I do hope that you found your child's report very informative. School reports do put an added burden on teachers, as they require a great deal of thought as well as the actual time in writing them. Each year we slightly alter our reports and each year we increase the amount of work the teachers have to do. We have looked at buying in a report format and each year we have resisted these as we feel our format is still much better than any other. There may be comments that do not sit easily with you but I hope that you recognise that this is the teacher trying to be as informative as possible. At the end of the day we should all be working together. I spoke to many parents on Consultation Evening and everyone was so positive. Thank you for this. For those parents who had to wait an age [Mr Ward's parents!] I am sure you will agree, he gave you more than the expected 5 - 10 minutes. Quality is worth waiting for! Back to top

SATs results

English 72% Mathematics 85% Science 94%

You have all received a copy of this year's SATs results in with your child's report. I have to say I was delighted with the Mathematics result of 85% - beyond our target band and Science result of 94%. [Two children were absent for both and this counts against us.] Our English result was within our target band but we recognise that Writing is still an issue for us. In Reading 88% of our Year 6 achieved Level 4+ [40% achieved Level 5] but in Writing this dropped to 40% achieving Level 4+ [20% achieved Level 5]. We were disappointed that having spent two years giving great input to writing that we still need to maintain our focus on writing. We are not alone in this - across the county Writing is a problem. We are, however, from September taking part in a National Literacy and Numeracy Project that with allow us to tap into county expertise.
How can parents help children to improve in writing? The answer to this is not by making them write at home, but by giving them experiences e.g. visiting places, taking them to areas of interest and talking about what they see and think, encouraging their interests, helping them to develop as people etc. The most common point I pick up from pupils when asking them about writing is - I don't know what to write. Give them a reason to write - competitions, thank you letters, invitations to parties, etc.
We have to congratulate Alex Crisp who gained full marks in the longer writing task -a story. She deserves great credit for this as the storyline provided in the SATs paper was dull, to say the least. If you want to read her story, it is displayed in the library. Back to top

Consultation Evenings

Thank you to all those parents who came along to one or both of the consultation evenings this week: there was 85% attendance. If you were one of the 15% who did not attend, please could you make an appointment before the end of term because we do regard these evenings as very important. Teachers do feed back from these evenings so that I can pick up on any outstanding issues. I have to report back to you that the class teachers were very pleased with the way you responded to your child's report and how you recognised that your child's teacher had worked so hard for your child to make as much progress as possible. You also recognised that teachers were very honest about the way forward. It is much easier to make 'fuzzy statements' which actually make life easier for the out going teacher but do not inform you of the actual position. Our teachers spend many hours, over and above their designated hours of work, to ensure the pupils at Innsworth achieve as much as they can. Teachers value what parents say at these consultation evenings and when you give praise to your class teacher, this really does give them a boost. Teachers need to know that they are appreciated - I can tell them but it is not enough [I even buy them muffins from Tesco's!]. When you tell them, then they know that it has all been worthwhile. Many, many parents did this on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week and I can only thank you for this. Back to top

Year 3 and 4 Production of 'Cinders'

I have heard the singing, I've seen the children marching past my door on their way to practices and I've seen Mrs Lane with armfuls of costumes. I am really looking forward to watching the first performance next Monday. Please come along and support the school, even if your child is in the Upper school.
All performances deserve a good audience. Back to top

Residential Visit to the Isle of Wight

Once again I am able to report that a wonderful residential visit was had by all. The trip went according to plan - thanks for this must go to Mrs Kemmett for her impeccable organisation. I have to say that I enjoyed it immensely. Yes it was hard work but we had a team of adults who worked well together and played their part. I have to say the 'G & T' handed to me at 6.12 p.m. on Friday 27th June by Mr Piddington rounded off a very good five days away from school. Future residential parents take note!!
Why was it such a good visit? The children were just so enjoyable to be with. Yes, we had to have our 'gripes' but this was to ensure that our standards did not slip! When the children were pulled up for any misdemeanours, they responded. When we saw standards from other schools that fell below our own, we felt proud and said so to the children!!
The karaoke evening surpassed all our expectations. The children do not have adult inhibitions - well certainly not mine!! I was amazed at how well the children responded. I have to mention three Year 6 girls AND a group of Year 6 boys. Girls first - Bethan Evans, Lisa Cummings and Heather Jordan. They were stars and just astounded me with their confidence and singing ability. The group of boys!! - Well they truly entertained us with their rendition of - 'Being a Woman [I am just glad their parents were not there!]. This is the joy of being away on a residential visit - the children really surpassed our expectations.
Fortunately we had the sun on our side, we had a hotel owner who fully believed that children deserved the best food he could offer [absolutely the best food I've seen served to children in all my 20+ residential visits], an itinerary that was action packed and company that kept everyone amused - these essential ingredients guarantee success!
Can't wait for next year Miss Stocken!
I have to inform all parents that we 'spent out' this year so many apologies - but no refund this year!
If you have ordered copies of photographs, these were taken to Jessops this morning and should be ready early next week. Back to top

Year 5 / 6 Visit for non-residential children to Berkeley Castle

This was the first of our local area visits for Year 5 and 6 pupils who were not participating in the residential visit to the Isle of Wight. Mr Ward has told me about how successful this visit was. It is important that as we live in Gloucestershire we should know something about the county's history. The children enjoyed their day out and would recommend a visit to Berkeley Castle. If you are new to the county, this has got to be worth thinking about for a spare day in the holidays. Unsure? - seek out Mr Ward, he's the expert on historical information and historical places. Back to top

Year 4 Visit to Forest of Dean

This was the second of our visits to places of interest in Gloucestershire. For parents who have not walked the Sculpture Trail, you do not know what you have missed! This was a super day out and a very successful one at that. Ask one of our Year 4 about the trail or better still, if your child is a Year 4 pupil, get her/him to take you along. It is an enjoyable way to spend quality time with the family - guaranteed! Back to top

Year 3 Visit to Pittville Park

The third of our Summer local visits was the Year 3 trip to Pittville Park. It is amazing how many of us never visit the amenities that are so close to hand. Pittville Park is a delightful place to while away a few hours on a warm summer's day. The Year 3 had a super day out and enjoyed the delights of Cheltenham's central park. For the shoppers amongst our parents, Pittville Park is very close to all the main shops. A good opportunity for dads to do some serious bonding whilst mum has a little time on her own! Worth thinking about now that the holidays are almost upon us. Back to top

Last school day of the Year: 'Bad Hair Day' Thursday 17th July

For our new parents 'Bad Hair Day' has now become a regular feature of the last school day of the year. This day is to be both non-uniform and bad hair. Please be generous and support 'Clic' (Cancer & Leukaemia in Children). This is one of the charities that we regularly support. Last year we had some wonderful, wacky, colourful hairstyles that made for very good photo opportunities. Please be as creative as possible! Back to top

Lost Property

It is hard to believe that so many jumpers and cardigans [plus many other articles of clothing] end up in lost property with no owners looking for them. Mrs Barton is in charge of lost property and will be displaying 'garments with no owners' in the 'Quiet Area' on Monday and Tuesday next week. Please take the opportunity to look through for any missing items of clothing. You may not realise your child has lost something until you see it on display! Back to top

Year 3 - 2003 - 2004

From September the Year 3 will be split into three groups for Numeracy and Literacy. Mrs Barton will be providing the teaching for the extra groups. We have not had time to sort the children into the three groups so the children will not know which groups they are in until the beginning of the new term. Back to top

Summer Project: Read a Book

We would like every child to read a book (including our new Year 3 children for September). It must be a book of their choice and it can be fictional or factual. This is entirely up to the individual child. For those who find reading difficult, the book can be read to them. The only stipulation is that your child must enjoy it.
This project has been set for the last two years, with mixed results. For some children this was not a task at all but a normal part of their holiday routine. Reading is an essential skill that we should all be encouraginand I would like to think that all our parents will support us in our drive to improve standards as well as promoting the enjoyment that reading brings.
The work at the beginning of the new term will focus around the books that have been read. We will be recognising the effort put into the project by the children during the first week back! Back to top

'Friends of Innsworth Junior School'

The 'Friends' have had such a successful year that a huge 'thank you' must go to everyone who has supported the Friends in all the fund raising activities. The 'Bingo and Barbecue' evening was an outstanding success with £300 + being raised. The television and video sets in each classroom have enabled classes to access programmes as and when needed. Wet lunchtimes have also improved because of the videos.
Mrs Lane will be stepping down as Chairman of the 'Friends' from September. She has enjoyed her role as Chairman and would like to say a huge 'thank you' to everyone who has supported her throughout the year. If anyone is interested in taking on this rewarding role, please contact the school. Back to top

Innsworth Out of School Club

The Out of School Club is continuing to thrive. However, they desperately need new committee members to replace parents whose children are moving up to secondary school or who are moving away from the area. If you are interested, please telephone Tracey Gibson on 859668. Back to top

Staffing for September

As you already know Mrs Kemmett will soon be strapping up her rucksack and setting off on her voyages of discovery. We wish her well and look forward to receiving news of her adventures from various parts of the world.
We can now tell you that we have appointed Miss Hawkings to be the second Year 6 teacher. She comes highly recommended and I feel extremely confident that she will do a good job for us. I do want Mrs Kemmett back though! Back to top

D.A.R.E. Graduation

This took place at the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury on Wednesday morning. Many parents and grandparents were able to come along and support the children. Thank you for this. It was a good morning with groups of children performing sketches, songs, poems or reading their thoughts about what they had learnt during the 14 week programme. The message about illegal substances and having choices came across loud and clear. The programme not only dealt with drugs but allowed the children to air their opinions about numerous issues that do cause them concern. We owe a great deal of thanks to P.C. John Smith, whose passion and commitment transmits to the children and allows them to engage so readily within each lesson. I am sure all parents will agree that it has been a successful project for our Year 6 pupils. Back to top

Donate-a-Book

Thank you to all the Year 6 children and leavers in other year groups who have sent in a 'Donate-a-Book'. Books can be donated right up to the last day of term. We really do appreciate these donations. Many thanks. Back to top

Year 6 Leavers' Assembly: Thursday 17th July

This will take place on Thursday 17th July at 11.00 a.m All parents are welcome to attend. However, we do recognise that work commitments do not always fit well with school times. Back to top

Summer Cycling Course

The Road Safety Unit is offering a cycling course for anyone over the age of 9 years. The course will take place at The Crypt School on Mon 21st July to Thurs 24th July from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Cost is £2.
If you are interested, ring 01452 425600 to reserve a place on the course. Back to top

Sports' Day

Sports' Day has just happened and this year the sun did shine on us. Thank you to all the parents who volunteered to help run the individual events. Without parental support, Sports' Day is not possible, so we need you to know that we do appreciate you. Well done to all the parents who ran in the Mums' and Dads' races. In the teachers' race, I didn't realise Mrs Kemmett could run that fast! Well done also to the toddlers who took part.
A big 'thank you' must go to Mrs Mackenzie who must have spent hours making those delicious, mouthwatering cakes. If you did not buy one you don't know what you missed! Back to top

Head's Interesting Visit

On Monday both myself and chair of Governors visited a school near West Bromwich. This school was recommended to me by an Ofsted Inspector and so we duly went along. Why? - because we thought we could pick up a few tips. Did we pick up a few tips? Yes we did. One being that if a pupil transgresses the rules, they have to accept that they cannot enjoy the activities that are on offer to the majority of 'rule abiding' pupils in the school. On returning to school during Monday lunchtime, I stated that if anyone did not follow our rules [especially in regard to middday supervisors] the disco for Thursday would be withdrawn. I have kept to this and several pupils are now not allowed to attend. I do hope that parents will support us on this, as we need to work together and make sure that we are effective in altering poor behaviour. Contrite pupils do pull on the heart strings but we have to consider the long term effect.
This school was in a fairly deprived area and I could not, nor would want to emulate the head but he did have a strong message. I completely endorse this message - abide by the rules and you will have as many experiences as the school can provide. Flout the rules and accept that privileges will be withdrawn. Strong message but everyone knows where they stand.
Pupils from the school near West Bromwich are coming along to deliver a workshop to us in October ... on skipping! They have skipped and sung their way around Europe - we were truly impressed. Back to top

Secretary's time

From September Mrs Hamblett will not be telephoning parents for forgotten P.E kit / swimming kit / letters to say that children can go on school visits, as this is causing a major problem in the office. On Wednesday morning I ended up phoning home / work for one child because he had not returned the permission slip from parents saying he could attend the D.A.R.E. presentation in Tewkesbury. He was given this slip three weeks ago and had had several reminders since then. We relented when we had made three calls, the tears appeared and eventually we accepted his sister giving permission. This pupil enjoyed the D.A.R.E. morning but by giving in, did we make any impact on making sure this scenario does not happen again? I don?t think so. Back to top

Swimming

This year's swimming lessons have gone very well. Again this is due to both Miss Stocken's organisation and the weekly parental help that has been given so unstintingly. Thank you parents for turning up so regularly. From September each year group will swim one term out of three.
The cost will continue to be £2.50 per session. At the beginning of the Autumn term, you will receive a letter giving details of when your child will be going swimming. Back to top

Newsletter continued - Part 2