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Newsletter Friday 19th March 2004

Once again the phrase "It's hard to believe that we are due for another break" comes to mind. If it signals the start of the summer weather and the children being able to play on the field, we'll welcome it. Back to top

Children's Disco -TONIGHT Friday 19th March

The disco is on from 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. and all Innsworth Junior School children are invited. Money will be needed for buying refreshments or for nail painting. The entrance fee is £1.00 payable on the door. Back to top

Children on bicycles at 3.15 p.m.

Parents, if you are waiting for your child to come out of school at 3.15 p.m.and you have an Infant child on a bicycle, please would you make sure that they are not cycling around the playground. We take the safety of our children very seriously and at 3.15 p.m. there is the potential for an accident if we do not become proactive. As we do not wish to upset the 'younger generation', please would you ensure that teachers are not put in the position of asking them to get off their bicycles. Back to top

D.A.R.E.

The D.A.R.E graduation takes place next Tuesday at 10.00 a.m. at the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, for all our Year 6 pupils. Coaches will leave school at 9.15 a.m. for parents who wish to travel with us. You are very welcome to come along and support this Graduation morning. The children will take part in sketches that they have devised, as well as being presented with their D.A.R.E certificates. Back to top

Music Evening Tuesday 30th March

Please come along to support our Music Evening, even if your child does not currently play an instrument. You will be amazed at the standard of the performance level of the children involved. Your child may even decide that he/she would like to take up playing an instrument or join the school choir. Back to top

Music Evening Children to Larkfield

On Wednesday 31st March many of the children, who will have participated in the Music Evening, will be going down to Larkfield to play or sing to the younger children. The staff will be asking for volunteers to accompany the children on their walk to and from school. Back to top

Headlice

Headlice does seem to be on the increase. Everyday we are hearing of new outbreaks in various classes across the school. It is not pleasant for parent or child to suddenly discover that headlice have 'moved in'. Equally, it is galling for a parent to feel that having eradicated the little 'beasts', they find that re-infestation has taken place within a few weeks. It needs us all to be vigilant every week, every Sunday of every week, for 52 weeks of the year. A few minutes invested on a Sunday evening, would reap the rewards for all parents across the school. No one can be complacent about headlice - your child could be next! Back to top

New Learning Support Workers

We have recently appointed two new LSWs to our school staff - Mrs Meek and Mrs Wilmot. Mrs Meek is working in Year 3 and Mrs Wilmot will be working in Year 5 in the mornings and across the Year 5 and 6 classrooms in the afternoons. I am sure that they will enjoy being part of our team. Back to top

Mrs Kemmett

Mr and Mrs Davitt, on their recent visit to New Zealand at half term, met up with Mr and Mrs Kemmett for an evening of tales of new experiences and an update of our school news. The latest adventure for the Kemmetts has been parachuting out of a plane in tandem with an instructor. Will Gloucester be too tame for this intrepid pair of adventurers? Back to top

Year 3 Questionnaire

The curriculum committee met this week and have evaluated all the responses. One of the main issues to emerge was the value of Consultation Evening, as it is held so early in the Autumn Term. This first Consultation Evening of the new academic year has always been viewed as the one where parents have the opportunity to let school know how well their child has settled in to the new class/ social problems affecting their child etc. After reflection, we may decide to alter the timing of this first evening, with a view to making it more curriculum-based. Thank you to all the parents who sent in their replies as it does allow us to develop our practice, in line with parental expectations. Back to top

'Friends' Bingo Evening: Friday 27th February

Another successful bingo evening was held and once again, raised more funds for our school. We owe a great deal to the 'Friends' as we benefit greatly from their hard work and effort. Thank you to all of you who supported this so well. At the time of writing this newsletter, we do not know the amount raised. Back to top

Daffodils around Innsworth

Mr MacIntyre, our local writer for the Citizen column each week, has asked us, to ask you, to be mindful of the daffodils that are currently making Innsworth look so attractive. This comment is aimed at the children, who do not always recognise the environment around them. The children do need to be respectful of their local environment and of the effort that others put in to make it an attractive place to be in. Please could you discuss these sentiments with your child. Thank you for your help. Back to top

New Build

Our new classroom has finally been completed and we have just taken delivery of the new classroom furniture.
Hopefully by next week Class 7 will have moved in.

We do hope you agree that the school is beginning to lose its 'tired' look. We are not completely there yet, but hopefully by this time next year our refurbishment programme will be complete. Back to top

Parking

Thank you very much for responding to my letter about taking care when parking along the streets outside school. Parking does cause major frustration to local residents who live near any urban school, where space is at a premium. Back to top

Parents driving into school

We do have to ask parents to refrain from driving into school at any time during the school day. Our driveway is very narrow and it is proving difficult for staff or delivery personnel to enter/depart our premises. Safety is also an issue as children may be moving around the area. Back to top

'Friends' Bedding Plant Sale

The 'Friends' have recently sent out information about the bedding plants offer. As in previous years, the plants come highly recommended and it is well worth taking advantage of this offer. The funds generated from the plant sale do come back into school in the form of resources needed to improve pupil learning. Please support the 'Friends'. Back to top

Uniform Sale

Mrs Hamblett has a supply of sweatshirt cardigans and jogging suit tops with our old 'Pride' logo. These items are all brand new and are being sold off at half price! See Mrs Hamblett for details. Back to top

Advance Notice: Easter Technology Competition

Easter competition will take place on the last Thursday of this term (1st April). Further details will be sent out next week. Back to top

Extra curricular activities

Just a reminder that clubs will finish during the last week of term, week beginning 29th March, with the exception of Choir, String Orchestra and Recorders, which will finish next week.

If your child goes to Judo, French or Spanish, they will need to confirm the finish date with the tutor.

All of our school clubs will resume during the week beginning 26th April.

As in previous years, Chess / Maths/ Football/ Netball / String orchestra clubs will not take place in the Summer term. This allows the children to participate in one of the outdoor activities clubs. Back to top

Morning Maths Booster Sessions

Well done to all the Year 6 children who have regularly attended our early morning sessions. They deserve to do well when SATs take place. These sessions will continue right through the last week and will start again on the first day back for the children (Tuesday 20th April). Back to top

Saturday Morning English Booster Sessions

This Saturday will see the last of our three English booster sessions taking place. The children have arrived at school ready for a 9.00 a.m. start with enthusiasm and commitment. Well done to you all! MacDonald meals will be delivered at 11.45 a.m. tomorrow. Back to top

"My Boy Jack"

Two of our children, Stevie Kettlety and Ben Rogers, are taking part in the above production at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, from 4th-8th May. The Everyman has informed Mr Kettlety that a block booking would be cheaper for parents than booking separately. Leaflets will be distributed next week. If you are interested, please let us know. Back to top

Swimming and Coach Problems

There is no swimming taking place next term as the children will be catching up on their games and P.E. sessions. The Year 3 pupils who missed one session due to the bus not turning up on time, are entitled to their money back. However, at this point we have to decide how to do this. We will let you know at the beginning of the summer term. Due to administration this may have to be in the form of a free session in Year 4.
A huge thank you has to go to those parents who have volunteered each week to assist with supervision. Without you, swimming would have been impossible.

Eagle Line has given the school £200 compensation for the recent breakdowns. We will put our thinking caps on as to how this is best utilised. Back to top

Dates for the rest of the term

Friday 2nd April: Free Dress Day in aid of 'Clic'
Monday 19th April: Staff Training Day - no children in school
Tuesday 20th April: First day of Summer term for children

Headteacher at Half Term
Yes I did skate in Central Park at 9.00 p.m. on a crisp [read this as a minus temperature] February evening. It was a wonderful experience and certainly one that will stay with me for a long time. I will definitely go back - New York felt very safe, very exciting and very 'walkable'. A must for those wishing for a long weekend in pastures new - it won't break the bank either!

Have a very Happy Easter. Back to top