No. 1 WELCOME BACK Happy New Year and welcome back to school after what I hope has been an enjoyable and restful Christmas. Traditionally January and February are the months we expect the weather to take a turn for the worse, so can I remind parents of our procedures should we have to close the school during adverse conditions. Out of school hours, parents please: Check Solihull MBC Website: www.solihull.gov.uk OR Twitter: http://twitter.co./solihullcouncil OR Facebook: http://facebook.com/solihullcouncil or Tune in to local radio stations, from 6.00am onwards, who will broadcast information about which schools are closed: FREE RADIO 96.4FM / FREE RADIO 80’s 1152AM / HEART FM 100.7FM or Visit our school website homepage, from 7.00am onwards for the latest information: www.peterbrookschool.com also A text message will be sent to all participating families, from 7.00am onwards with the latest information. Please ensure we have you most up to date mobile number. Severe weather during school hours, please note: A text message will be sent to all participating families, asking for them to make immediate arrangements to collect their child(ren) from school Visit our school website homepage at any time for the latest information: www.peterbrookschool.com or Peterbrook School facebook page: As always, we ask parents for their support in relation to handling severe weather as effectively as possible - please feel reassured that your child(ren) will be supervised by staff until you are able to collect.
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS OF STAFF We welcome four new members of staff this term. Miss Ellis—Year 2 TA, Mrs. Ellis—Nursery & Year 3 SEND Support, Mrs. Farrell—Reception TA and Miss Bickerton –SEND Support FS2 (TA=Teaching Assistant / SEND =Special Education Needs & Disability Support / FS2 = Foundation Stage 2)
UNIFORM REMINDERS Earrings—Earrings are allowed to be worn only for the first 6 weeks after piercing, but should be covered with plasters during school hours. Hair—Please no noticeable lines shaved into the hair, including along the parting . Cheerleading Bows—Thank you to children and parents for adhering to the request in our last newsletter for no large cheerleading bows to be worn during school hours
Debbie Shaw’s Aerobics Overdone the mince pies during the Festive Period? Fancy getting fit and burning off all those extra calories? Why not join Debbie Shaw’s Aerobic Class every MONDAY from 9-10 starting on the 16th January in the Infant Hall.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE MATTERS Well done to 2W & 3R for achieving the highest attendance for the weeks: 05—16 December
The cost is £1 per session and is suitable for all levels. FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY REASONS WE HAVE REMOVED THE HOLLY AND IVY BUSHES FROM THE EDGE OF THE BACK PLAYGROUND. DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS WASPS ARE ATTRACTED TO THE IVY AND WE HAVE EXPERIENCED A NUMBER OF CHILDREN BEING STUNG, AND FOR OBVIOUS REASONS THE HOLLY BUSHES ARE A DANGER WHEN CHILDREN ARE PLAYING NEAR THEM.
REMINDER!
REAL MATHS DAY For those interested in getting involved with the Real Maths Day taking place in March, please send in the completed slip at the bottom of the letter that was sent out to parents in the middle of December. If you didn’t receive the letter and you would be interested to find out more, please look on our website for more details, or call into school for another copy. Any help that you can give would be greatly appreciated.
School Attendance Matters Regular school attendance is really important for your child’s future. Every school day matters, so make sure your child is in school every day. Do you have problems getting your child to go to school or getting them to school on time? We can help with our parenting programmes and tips – contact us to find out more. Research shows that children who attend school regularly could be at less risk of getting involved in antisocial behaviour or crime. Why missing school matters Taking your child on holiday for a week or two during term time isn’t acceptable, as it means your child is missing out on their education. We realise this can be tempting as holidays are often cheaper outside of school holiday time. But missing school really does make a difference to your child’s future and has a huge impact on their progress during their time in education. Research tells us that children who miss school frequently can fall behind with their work and do less well in exams. If your child misses half a day a week throughout their school life, this is the equivalent of your child losing out on 1 year of their education. As a parent/carer, you are responsible for making sure your child goes to school regularly. If you don’t you could get a penalty notice or be prosecuted if you don’t try and do something about the problem. Further information You can find out more here about what your responsibilities are and why it’s so important for children to go to school regularly: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/index.htm
Punctuality Attending school on time every day will mean your child gets the most out of every school day.
Walking into a classroom or assembly late can be scary and embarrassing for a child. Being on time everyday means your child will never have to experience this. It is important to establish good habits now. If you have any concerns about your child’s punctuality then please contact school.
Why is it important to be on time everyday?
Teaching starts when school starts. Your child will never miss out on important lessons if they are on time. Teachers issue clear instructions at the start of the school day. Your child will be there to hear these important messages if they are on time. The start of the school day is an opportunity to further develop important social skills with other children and adults.