September 2015 Newsletter
Newsletter Dear Parents/Carers,
Welcome to the new school year, it’s lovely to see everybody back after our school summer holiday. I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to Joseph, Courtney, George, Adam, Ollie, Bella, James, Jayden, Katie, Paige, Daisy, Pippa, Namara, Jack, Amelia and Cyril who have joined us in Haytor. Also to Alexia and Oscar in Kestor; Miriam, Remy, Ashton and Zachary in Saddletor; Rhys, Madison and Lee in Burrator and Liam in Belstone. To Miss Charlotte Dorrington who is teaching in Saddletor and finally to TA’s Sian Kingdon, Kathryn Hartigan and Jonathon Penny; I hope you will all be very happy here!
PARENT INFORMATION: Thank you to everyone who has already returned updated Data Collection Sheets and ‘Visit Consent Forms’. If you have not already done so please could you return them to Mrs Noon in the School Office as soon as possible. We have several visits planned for this term and we unable to take pupils out of school on trips/sporting activities unless they have been returned. I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to let the school office know of any changes in telephone numbers, contact details etc. so that we can contact you quickly should an emergency arise. If your child is ill please contact school before 10.00am then on your child’s return a letter explaining the absence to the class teacher. Any notes regarding dental/medical appointments etc. should be put in a letter to the class teacher.
SCHOOL UNIFORM: We have a very smart school uniform which all the children wear. Shirts must be tucked in during school time; sensible black shoes, not trainers, should be worn. Your support in maintaining smartness would be appreciated. Just to remind you about important requirements in our school uniform code. Children who have pierced ears are allowed to wear one small pair of studs or sleepers, but these must be removed or covered up for PE, (any other jewellery should not be worn to school). Trainers and plimsolls are to be worn for sporting activities only. Children with long hair should tie it back to prevent it getting in the way of their work and to limit the spread of head lice. Children may wear watches but these are the responsibility of the child and the school cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Children should not bring mobile phones to school. If there is a particular reason that your child has to have a phone, please leave it with Mrs Noon in the School Office who will ensure that it is kept in a safe place during the school
day. Children who are found to have mobile phones at school for any other reason will have them confiscated, (parents can collect them from the school office). Thank you for your co-operation in this matter. It does help if PE kits can be brought into school each Monday, kept in school and then taken home at the end of the week for washing. It ensures that children do not miss any PE sessions through forgetting kit and leaves mums and dads with one less thing to think about during a busy working week! Children should wear black/navy shorts and School PE T-shirt for PE/Games. During the colder months children are encouraged to wear track-suit type clothing to ensure they stay warm. We do endeavour to get the children outside for their PE lessons wherever possible. School uniform and PE shirts can be ordered from the school office.
School Dinners: I would ask that all school dinner money for children in Year’s 3 - 6 be bought into school on a Monday; payment can be made by cash, cheque (made payable ‘First Federation’) or by using our on-line facility ‘Parent.Pay’. We are no longer able to supply lunches if the outstanding dinner money owed exceeds more than ten meals per family (£22.50). For pupils in Year 3 and above, if you think you might be entitled to Free School Meals for your child please see Mrs Noon in the office for details of how to apply. The new school menu will be published shortly before Half Term; this will take us up to the end of the Spring Term. In order to bring us in-line with other schools within the Federation we will nolonger be offering a ‘packed lunch’, we will continue with both a meat and vegetarian options and a choice of jacket potatoes.
MEDICINES IN SCHOOL: There are times when pupils are in school with mild colds/infections. Although we are happy to administer medication prescribed by a doctor, (on completion of a County Medical Form available from the office), we are unable to give medication purchased ‘over the counter’. Pupils may not bring medication into school and keep it in their bags, as this is a potential danger to other children.
Parking in ‘The Claycutters’ Car Park’: I am pleased to inform you that the Landlords of ‘The Claycutters’, Brian and Debbie, have very kindly agreed to allow us to continue to use the pub car park for drop-off and pick-up times. However they have requested that care is taken when driving in the car park and that any litter dropped is picked up as there will be both dogs and chickens in the area throughout the day. Could I please take this opportunity to remind you not use the parking spaces on either side of the gate. Deliveries are made at all times throughout the day and if these two spaces are in use lorries cannot gain access to the main part of the car park. Also not to park in the area of the car park marked PRIVATE (this area is the area behind the out-buildings), Brian and Debbie use these spaces
to park their cars and also sleep on that side of the building. Their working hours are such that they do not get to bed until very late every night, the noise generated by moving vehicles wakes them up! Therefore I would ask that we honour these requests as we do not want to lose this valuable facility. Brian and Debbie have also asked me to let you know they are open all day with both teas and coffees available should you wish to enjoy a relaxing chat with your friends and fellow parent/carers prior to picking up your children from school. KNIGHTON VILLAGE STORES: We have received a request from Steve and Nikki to please leave at least one parking space outside the village stores. Earlier this month they had to ‘turn away’ a delivery when all the spaces were in use. Thank you again for your co-operation.
DEVON CAP: This month Devon CAP (Devon Child Assault Prevention Project) have been in school, hosting Children’s Workshops. These encourage pupils to stay safe from harm and help towards encouraging them to grow up to be strong confident people.
SCHOOL PHOTOS: On Friday 9th October, Luke Joyce from ‘Little Stars Photos’
will be in school between 8.15 am and 3.45pm to photograph the pupils . Further details will follow shortly.
M and M Theatre Productions: Next week ‘M and M Theatre Productions’ will be in school to perform ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’. I am sure all the children (and some members of staff) will have a fantastic afternoon joining-in whenever possible!
HARVEST FESTIVAL: This year’s Harvest Festival will be taking place at 11.00am on Friday 2nd October in St Paul’s Church. We would like to donate our gifts to the St. Petrock’s ‘Harvest for the Homeless’. Items they would most appreciate are:
Sugar Coffee Orange squash Cereals Baked beans Tinned tomatoes UHT milk Tinned fruit Rice pudding Tinned/Powdered Custard Gravy powder
Shaving foam Disposable razors Men’s shower gel Shampoo Men’s roll-on deodorant Toothpaste Toothbrushes Anti-bac hand soap
Washing-up liquid Scourers/sponges J-cloths Washing Powder Dishwasher tablets
If you feel you are able to donate any of the above please bring them into school on the morning of the Assembly and place on the tables that will be available in the Hall.
YEAR 4 RESIDENTIAL HEATREE HOUSE MANATON: By now you will have received details of next year’s Year 4 Residential. If your child would like to attend please may I remind you that deposits of £57.00 were due by Friday 25th September, once again we are operating an instalment payment system in order to spread the cost involved over a longer period of time.
Year 6 Residential 2016: This year we are planning to take the children to Bristol! Once we have finalised details and established costs we will let you know, I am sure the children will have a fantastic time!
NEWTON ABBOT FENCING CLUB: If anybody is interested in learning to fence I have been contacted by Newton Abbot Fencing Club. They are running a course from September to December. If anybody is interested please see Mrs Noon, thank you.
Parents Evening: This terms Parents Evenings will take place on Tuesday 13 th and Wednesday 14th October. Letters will come home shortly to book your appointment slots.
Further ‘Newsletters’ will follow throughout the year! These will help to keep you posted in future events or those that have already taken place. As always, if you have any queries please do not hesitate to get in contact, we are all very happy to help!
Best wishes,
Jackie Huntington Head of Teaching and Learning Academic Year Term Dates 2015/16
Diary Dates nd
Friday 2 October Friday 9th October Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th October Monday 26th October – Friday 30th October Monday 2nd November Friday 18th December Monday 4th January 2016 Tuesday 5th January 2016 Monday 15th – Friday 19th February 2016 Thursday 24th March 2016 Monday 11th April 2016 Tuesday 12th April 2016 Monday 2nd May 2016 Friday 27th May 2016 Monday 30th May 2016 Tuesday 31st May – Friday 3rd June 2016 Thursday 21st July 2016 Friday 22nd July 2016
Event Harvest Assembly ‘Little Stars’ School Photographer Parents Evenings Autumn Half Term Staff Training Day Last day Autumn Term Staff Training Day First Day Spring Term 2016 Spring Half Term Last Day Spring Term Staff Training Day First Day Summer Term 2016 May Day Bank Holiday Staff Training Day Whitsun Bank Holiday First Day Summer Half Term Last Day Summer Term 2016 Staff Training Day
Welcome to the new school year, it’s lovely to see everybody back after our school summer holiday. I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to Joseph, Courtney, George, Adam, Ollie, Bella, James, Jayden, Katie, Paige, Daisy, Pippa, Namara, Jack, Amelia and Cyril who have joined us in Haytor. Also to Alexia and Oscar in Kestor; Miriam, Remy, Ashton and Zachary in Saddletor; Rhys, Madison and Lee in Burrator and Liam in Belstone. To Miss Charlotte Dorrington who is teaching in Saddletor and finally to TA’s Sian Kingdon, Kathryn Hartigan and Jonathon Penny; I hope you will all be very happy here!
PARENT INFORMATION: Thank you to everyone who has already returned updated Data Collection Sheets and ‘Visit Consent Forms’. If you have not already done so please could you return them to Mrs Noon in the School Office as soon as possible. We have several visits planned for this term and we unable to take pupils out of school on trips/sporting activities unless they have been returned. I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to let the school office know of any changes in telephone numbers, contact details etc. so that we can contact you quickly should an emergency arise. If your child is ill please contact school before 10.00am then on your child’s return a letter explaining the absence to the class teacher. Any notes regarding dental/medical appointments etc. should be put in a letter to the class teacher.
SCHOOL UNIFORM: We have a very smart school uniform which all the children wear. Shirts must be tucked in during school time; sensible black shoes, not trainers, should be worn. Your support in maintaining smartness would be appreciated. Just to remind you about important requirements in our school uniform code. Children who have pierced ears are allowed to wear one small pair of studs or sleepers, but these must be removed or covered up for PE, (any other jewellery should not be worn to school). Trainers and plimsolls are to be worn for sporting activities only. Children with long hair should tie it back to prevent it getting in the way of their work and to limit the spread of head lice. Children may wear watches but these are the responsibility of the child and the school cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Children should not bring mobile phones to school. If there is a particular reason that your child has to have a phone, please leave it with Mrs Noon in the School Office who will ensure that it is kept in a safe place during the school
day. Children who are found to have mobile phones at school for any other reason will have them confiscated, (parents can collect them from the school office). Thank you for your co-operation in this matter. It does help if PE kits can be brought into school each Monday, kept in school and then taken home at the end of the week for washing. It ensures that children do not miss any PE sessions through forgetting kit and leaves mums and dads with one less thing to think about during a busy working week! Children should wear black/navy shorts and School PE T-shirt for PE/Games. During the colder months children are encouraged to wear track-suit type clothing to ensure they stay warm. We do endeavour to get the children outside for their PE lessons wherever possible. School uniform and PE shirts can be ordered from the school office.
School Dinners: I would ask that all school dinner money for children in Year’s 3 - 6 be bought into school on a Monday; payment can be made by cash, cheque (made payable ‘First Federation’) or by using our on-line facility ‘Parent.Pay’. We are no longer able to supply lunches if the outstanding dinner money owed exceeds more than ten meals per family (£22.50). For pupils in Year 3 and above, if you think you might be entitled to Free School Meals for your child please see Mrs Noon in the office for details of how to apply. The new school menu will be published shortly before Half Term; this will take us up to the end of the Spring Term. In order to bring us in-line with other schools within the Federation we will nolonger be offering a ‘packed lunch’, we will continue with both a meat and vegetarian options and a choice of jacket potatoes.
MEDICINES IN SCHOOL: There are times when pupils are in school with mild colds/infections. Although we are happy to administer medication prescribed by a doctor, (on completion of a County Medical Form available from the office), we are unable to give medication purchased ‘over the counter’. Pupils may not bring medication into school and keep it in their bags, as this is a potential danger to other children.
Parking in ‘The Claycutters’ Car Park’: I am pleased to inform you that the Landlords of ‘The Claycutters’, Brian and Debbie, have very kindly agreed to allow us to continue to use the pub car park for drop-off and pick-up times. However they have requested that care is taken when driving in the car park and that any litter dropped is picked up as there will be both dogs and chickens in the area throughout the day. Could I please take this opportunity to remind you not use the parking spaces on either side of the gate. Deliveries are made at all times throughout the day and if these two spaces are in use lorries cannot gain access to the main part of the car park. Also not to park in the area of the car park marked PRIVATE (this area is the area behind the out-buildings), Brian and Debbie use these spaces
to park their cars and also sleep on that side of the building. Their working hours are such that they do not get to bed until very late every night, the noise generated by moving vehicles wakes them up! Therefore I would ask that we honour these requests as we do not want to lose this valuable facility. Brian and Debbie have also asked me to let you know they are open all day with both teas and coffees available should you wish to enjoy a relaxing chat with your friends and fellow parent/carers prior to picking up your children from school. KNIGHTON VILLAGE STORES: We have received a request from Steve and Nikki to please leave at least one parking space outside the village stores. Earlier this month they had to ‘turn away’ a delivery when all the spaces were in use. Thank you again for your co-operation.
DEVON CAP: This month Devon CAP (Devon Child Assault Prevention Project) have been in school, hosting Children’s Workshops. These encourage pupils to stay safe from harm and help towards encouraging them to grow up to be strong confident people.
SCHOOL PHOTOS: On Friday 9th October, Luke Joyce from ‘Little Stars Photos’
will be in school between 8.15 am and 3.45pm to photograph the pupils . Further details will follow shortly.
M and M Theatre Productions: Next week ‘M and M Theatre Productions’ will be in school to perform ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’. I am sure all the children (and some members of staff) will have a fantastic afternoon joining-in whenever possible!
HARVEST FESTIVAL: This year’s Harvest Festival will be taking place at 11.00am on Friday 2nd October in St Paul’s Church. We would like to donate our gifts to the St. Petrock’s ‘Harvest for the Homeless’. Items they would most appreciate are:
Sugar Coffee Orange squash Cereals Baked beans Tinned tomatoes UHT milk Tinned fruit Rice pudding Tinned/Powdered Custard Gravy powder
Shaving foam Disposable razors Men’s shower gel Shampoo Men’s roll-on deodorant Toothpaste Toothbrushes Anti-bac hand soap
Washing-up liquid Scourers/sponges J-cloths Washing Powder Dishwasher tablets
If you feel you are able to donate any of the above please bring them into school on the morning of the Assembly and place on the tables that will be available in the Hall.
YEAR 4 RESIDENTIAL HEATREE HOUSE MANATON: By now you will have received details of next year’s Year 4 Residential. If your child would like to attend please may I remind you that deposits of £57.00 were due by Friday 25th September, once again we are operating an instalment payment system in order to spread the cost involved over a longer period of time.
Year 6 Residential 2016: This year we are planning to take the children to Bristol! Once we have finalised details and established costs we will let you know, I am sure the children will have a fantastic time!
NEWTON ABBOT FENCING CLUB: If anybody is interested in learning to fence I have been contacted by Newton Abbot Fencing Club. They are running a course from September to December. If anybody is interested please see Mrs Noon, thank you.
Parents Evening: This terms Parents Evenings will take place on Tuesday 13 th and Wednesday 14th October. Letters will come home shortly to book your appointment slots.
Further ‘Newsletters’ will follow throughout the year! These will help to keep you posted in future events or those that have already taken place. As always, if you have any queries please do not hesitate to get in contact, we are all very happy to help!
Best wishes,
Jackie Huntington Head of Teaching and Learning Academic Year Term Dates 2015/16
Diary Dates nd
Friday 2 October Friday 9th October Tuesday 13th & Wednesday 14th October Monday 26th October – Friday 30th October Monday 2nd November Friday 18th December Monday 4th January 2016 Tuesday 5th January 2016 Monday 15th – Friday 19th February 2016 Thursday 24th March 2016 Monday 11th April 2016 Tuesday 12th April 2016 Monday 2nd May 2016 Friday 27th May 2016 Monday 30th May 2016 Tuesday 31st May – Friday 3rd June 2016 Thursday 21st July 2016 Friday 22nd July 2016
Event Harvest Assembly ‘Little Stars’ School Photographer Parents Evenings Autumn Half Term Staff Training Day Last day Autumn Term Staff Training Day First Day Spring Term 2016 Spring Half Term Last Day Spring Term Staff Training Day First Day Summer Term 2016 May Day Bank Holiday Staff Training Day Whitsun Bank Holiday First Day Summer Half Term Last Day Summer Term 2016 Staff Training Day
