st matthews catholic primary school, prudhoe
15 September 2017
ST MATTHEWS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, PRUDHOE
Bulletin Number 2
ST THOMAS MORE PARTNERSHIP OF SCHOOLS (07900532)
Next week will be
Together we… Pray, Play, Work, Learn and Grow
WEEK 3
Tel: 01661 835484 / Email: [email protected] / Website: www.stmatthewsprudhoe.org Congratulations to Class 4 who had 98.45% attendance this week Well done to every class for achieving our 95% target This week our overall attendance was 97.1% Please ensure you make every effort to ensure your child gets to school every day to help us achieve our target Class Attendance
Reception 98.04%
Class 1 98.24%
Class 2 97.22%
Class 3 98.10%
Class 4 98.45%
Class 5 97.81%
Poor punctuality means your child misses valuable learning time and that lessons are disrupted for all other pupils. Please make sure that your children are on the yard by 8.40am every day. Dear Parents, Grandparents & Parishioners What a week at St Matthews – It’s been lovely to see all the parents and family members attending the liturgies this week. Thank you all for coming, dates for upcoming liturgies are at the end of the newsletter. Well done to all who took part in the Great North Run last weekend, a huge congratulations to all children who completed last week’s Junior Great North Run and any parents who managed the Half-Marathon distance. Finally, a pack will be sent home with your child tonight (Reception will receive theirs on Monday. As it is the start of a new academic year it is important that we ensure all of the information we hold for your child is accurate and up to date. The packs contain: •
Data Collection Form - this is all of the information we hold on our Bromcom database system that was filled in on the admission form you completed when your child first started with St Matthews. Please check details and write and amendments on the form (please amend any incorrect information and sign at the bottom so we know you have seen it and the information is correct).
•
Going Home Arrangements Form - a list of all the people that are authorised to collect your child from school (please include yourself).
•
Acceptable Use Policy (ICT) - this outlines the strategies St Matthews employs to keep pupils safe when using the internet and computers at school and includes a permission form to allow your child to use the internet at school.
•
Parental Consent Form - this covers all of the general and necessary consents we require for each child in school.
NEWS Golf Lesson: Arrangements have been made through GSSP for Brian Ross to provide golf lessons at our school. This week pupils in Years 1, 2 & 6 have had a brilliant start to the term with their first golf coaching lesson. Weekly Community Liturgy: Statement to Live By for the coming week will be ‘I CAN SAY ONE GOOD THING ABOUT MYSELF’. Our Community Liturgy will be held every Monday at 8.50am - ALL are welcome! Class Assemblies and Liturgies: The dates for this terms class liturgies and assemblies are at the end of the newsletter. We look forward to welcoming parents and carers each Friday at 8.50am in the school hall. th
World’s Biggest Coffee Afternoon: Come and join us for tea/coffee on Friday 29 September and support this fantastic national fundraising event. This will also be a non-uniform day in school (wear something green) we suggest a donation of £1 on the day for the charity. We will also have a raffle and cakes/sweets for sale. Cake donations required on the day. Thanking you in advance. Mary’s Meals: Following your suppot last term for this worthy Charity, we have received a letter of “thanks” and a certificate acknowledging our donation of 30 backpacks plus 3 sacks of extras to support Mary’s Meals. We hope to be able to offer our support again next year. Prudhoe in Bloom: You may recall last term we entered our school garden in the Prudhoe in Bloom 2017. Parents, Pupils & Staff have been invited to attend the Awards Presentation to be held at Prudhoe Parish Hall on Saturday 16th September, commencing at 11am. The Parish Hall Coffee Morning opens at 9 am and you are warmly invited for home-baked refreshments: Tea, Coffee, Scones, Cakes and Biscuits kindly provided by the Church Hall Coffee Morning. Fingers crossed our school garden will receive an award.
Weekly Cake Raffle: Congratulations to Leon B in Class 2 who won the cake raffle this week! The draw is made during Friday nd morning assembly, the first cake being donated by Mrs. Hunter and on Friday 22 September it will be donated by Paquita (Gabriel). We still need one or two more names to complete the rota. Please return the slip or contact the school office. Thank You. Reception Phonics Meeting: The meeting on Wednesday went very well. Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Hatherley if you have questions or concerns. European Day of Languages: This event is celebrated across Europe on the 26th of September every year. It aims to promote the rich linguistic diversity of Europe and raise awareness of the importance of lifelong language learning for everyone. It was set up by the Council of Europe and was first celebrated in 2001. We will celebrate with activities throughout the whole school. – further details to follow. Christmas Performance Dates: Dress Rehearsals are for Grandparents/Carers and Parents unable to attend the ticketed performances. Tickets will be issued nearer the dates.
Tuesday 12th December, 10 am - KS1 Dress Rehearsal th Tuesday 12 December, 1.30pm – EYFS Show Wednesday 13th December, 9.30am - EYFS Show Wednesday 13th December, 2pm - KS1 Show
Monday 18th December, 10 am - KS2 Dress Rehearsal Monday 18th December, 5 pm - KS2 Show Tuesday19th December, 1.30pm - KS2 Show
Facebook: After a number of suggestions from parents on the Parent Questionnaire, we have set up a new St Matthews Facebook page last week. This will be a place where we can share things about our school, what we do and help update parents and carers of our children. We welcome positive and constructive interactions with our parents and carers and look forward to sharing lots more information about our trips, lessons, visitors and activities. Please note that any inappropriate comments that are left will be removed and may result in the user being blocked. Facebook will be covered under the photograph section of our annual parental consent form that will be sent out next week, however if any parents do not want their child to be in any photos that are uploaded please contact the school office. You can find the page by searching for St Matthews Catholic Primary School…make sure you give us a ‘like’!
MEMOS AND REMINDERS ParentMail Upgrade: Emails and texts have been sent out regarding registration for the upgrade of ParentMail. One or two Parents are still to register the upgrade. If you have any problems please contact the school office. Water and Fruit: Please remember to send a water bottle (water only) daily for your child. KS2 children may also bring in a fruit only snack each day for their mid-morning break. Smart Appearance: Please remember that school shoes must be black, flat soled and polishable – not trainers. No jewellery other than watches should be worn in school. If ears are pierced this should be done at the start of the summer holidays so that studs can be removed in time for school - children are NOT allowed to wear jewellery, including stud pierced earrings, in school or during school swimming lessons. Earrings must be removed at home each morning and can be replaced after 3pm. Jo-Jo Bows: We respectfully request that extreme haircuts are avoided for example shaved heads, short haircuts including sculptured patterns and logos and dyed hair. If your child has long hair please ensure that it is tied back; with a fine ribbon or bobble. Large ‘jo-jo’ style bows are not part of our school uniform. Health and Safety Note - Parking: During the summer break the building works at our school got underway. We now have a spacious Year 1 Classroom and work on our Nursery and Year 6 Classroom extensions are ongoing. During this time our staff car parking space is greatly reduced and we would ask Parents/Carers to remember they are not allowed to park in our staff car park or Highfield Middle Schools’ staff car park at any time. It is also very dangerous to walk children down the road from that car park to our school/nursery. Please park out on Highfield Lane and walk down the designated footpath to our school. Thank you. Contents of Packed Lunches: Could I take this opportunity to remind parents that as an accredited Healthy School, packed lunch boxes must be nutritionally balanced and should not include fizzy drinks, chocolate or high fat crisps. By the same token, please try to increase the amount of fruit, yoghurt, brown bread, vegetables and unflavoured water, wherever you can. Nuts or foods containing nuts are not allowed. This is because of the number of children who have quite severe reactions, often life-threatening. Obviously these children avoid consuming nuts themselves but they can react in the same way if simply in a room where nuts can be found in another child’s lunch box. I am sure you will understand that we have to be very careful and I appreciate your support. Guitar Clubs: After school guitar lessons will start again on Wednesday 27th September 3 – 3.45pm. Any new Year 4, 5 or 6 pupils wishing to join our sessions, please speak with Mrs. Saunders. Thank You. PE Kits: Please ensure your child has indoor & outdoor P.E. kits in school for the week, each Monday. All children must have trainers in their PE bags. Please ensure all items are named. Thank You. Breakfast Club / After School Club: Our wrap-around morning breakfast club and after school childcare are both open for business as usual every morning at 7.30am and from 3.00pm - 6.00pm (Mon-Thurs) and until 5.00pm (Fri). Please contact school to book places. Please use the hall entrance. The charge for both Breakfast and After School Clubs is £4.00 per full hour or part thereof.
th
Reception Pupils: Starting Monday 18 September, Reception Children will remain in school until 3pm each day. We require a copy of all Baptismal Certificates. One or two new starters are still outstanding, please bring to the School Office and a copy will be taken, for our records. Administering Medicine In School: Does your child need to keep an inhaler in school, or do they have a medical condition that requires medicines to be kept in school? If so, have you completed an ‘Administering Medicine’ form for the new academic year? Forms are available from the office. Completed forms and medicines should be handed into the office – medication should never be sent into school with children/in book bags. Outside Play: If your child comes to school in wellies/outdoor boots, please ensure they have their school shoes to change into. Also please make sure the wellies/boots are clearly named.
Pupil Premium: Did you know that just by registering your child for Free School Meals it means that the school gets extra money? The Government is giving money to schools to help children from lower income families do their very best. This funding is called a ‘Pupil Premium’ and for every child registered, St Matthews gets £1320 this year. Looked-after children and eligible pupils who have been adopted from care or leaving care under a special guardianship or residence order will attract a pupil premium of £1,900. And any Service Children with parents in the Armed Forces will attract £300. Please see the School Office if you have any questions in relation to this. Pupil Premium is spent on teaching support to deliver small group work focusing on reading, Maths, speech and language emotional, social and behaviour skills. How does it work? 1. First, check if you qualify – it is not just if you are unemployed, so please look at the list below. 2. Registering is really quick and easy – if you think you qualify, contact the FSM Team at Northumberland Council who will help you to register. 3. If you want your child to have a free, healthy meal at lunchtime that’s great – they will get the free meal (saving you more than £350 a year), extra benefits and the school also gets £1300 extra. 4. If you don’t want your child to have the school meals they can continue as normal – as long as you qualify and are registered, the school still gets £1300 extra. No one will know you have registered and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming. Do you qualify? You can register your child for Free School Meals if you or your partner get any of these benefits: Income Support Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190 Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit You can apply in a number of ways, either online via Northumberland County Council's website, by calling 01670 623 592 or by completing a paper application form which is available from school. Universal School Meal Offer: The universal free school meals initiative continues this year. All pupils in Reception, Y1 and Y2 will receive a fully funded hot, nutritiously balanced meal each day, and we are again aiming for 100% take up, with all children enjoying and taking part in our family service. Our kitchen staff can cater for all dietary requirements. Please see the school office for a Special Dietary Requirements form should your child have a particular allergy or they are vegetarian or vegan. The benefits are far reaching in terms of health, behaviour and the development of social skills.
SCHEDULE OF SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AND CLOSURES FOR YEAR 2017-2018 HOLIDAY OR CLOSURE
DATE SCHOOL CLOSES
TEACHER TRAINING DAY OCTOBER half term 2017 CHRISTMAS 2017/2018 TEACHER TRAINING DAY SPRING half term 2018
MONDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2017 th Friday 20 October 2017 Thursday 21st December 2017 FRIDAY 22nd DECEMBER 2017 Friday 9 February 2018
EASTER
Thursday 29 March 2018
MAY DAY 2018 SUMMER half term 2018 TEACHER TRAINING DAY SUMMER 2018
Friday 4 May 2018 Thursday 24 May 2018 FRIDAY 25 MAY 2018 Friday 20 July 2018
th
th
th
DATE SCHOOL REOPENS TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2017 Monday 30th October 2017 th Monday 8 January 2018 Monday 19 February 2018 th
Monday 16 April 2018 Tuesday 8th May 2018 Monday 4 June 2018 (may be subject to change) TBA
Two more INSET days are yet to be arranged for Staff professional development. confirmed by the Governors.
These dates are still to be
In our Prayers - Prayer booklet: If there is anyone you would like us to pray for in our school community please drop comments into the prayer box or email the school office and we will remember those intentions in our prayers.
MANY HAPPY RETURNS Mason – Nursery (13 Sep)
Joseph – Class 1 (13 Sep)
Evan – Class 4 (15 Sep)
Luca – Class 4 (15 Sep)
Eve – Class 1 (15 Sep)
Zara – Class 4 (16 Sep)
WEEKLY ASSEMBLY AWARDS: Ellie O – (Class 3) - Amazing swimming lesson Reception Class – Fantastic Assembly A huge round of applause to Martha L in class 4 who did something amazing over her summer break, at the beginning of August Martha had 8.5 inches of hair chopped off for a great charity, ‘The Little Princess Trust’ but her fundraising didn’t stop there! She received sponsorship for the event and raised a large sum of money for the Cystic Fibrosis Charity, an overwhelming £838! A big ‘Well Done’ to Fintan E and Matthew S from class 6 who both ran the Junior Great North Run last week and raised money for St Oswald’s Hospice! As well as to Zach H in Reception who completed the Great North Junior Mini Run as well! Amazing effort all around Congratulations to Imogen W in class 6 for receiving her Stage 8 Diving in the National Plan Award.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES Friday 22 September: Class 4 Liturgy - 8.50am Tuesday 26 September: European Day of Languages Wednesday 27 September: KS2 SATs Parents Evening – details to follow Friday 29 September: Class 3 Liturgy - 8.50am Friday 29 September: MacMillan Coffee Afternoon, 2-3pm Friday 6 October: Class 2 'Collective Worship' Assembly - 8.50am Friday 13 October: Class 1 Assembly - 8.50am Friday 20 October: SCHOOL CLOSES FOR HALF TERM Monday 30 October: SCHOOL RE-OPENS Monday 30 October: Tempest Photographers – details to follow Friday 3 November: Class 5 Assembly - 8.50am Tuesday 7 November: Parents evening – details to follow Wednesday 8 November: Parents evening – details to follow Monday 13 November: Anti-bullying week
Friday 17 November: Class 3 Assembly - 8.50am Friday 17 November: Children in Need Non-uniform Day. Friday 24 November: Class 2 Assembly @ 8.50am Friday 1 December: Class 1 Assembly @ 8.50am Friday 1 December: Christmas Fayre (Afternoon) - details to follow Monday 4 December: Assessment Week Friday 8 December: Class 4 Assembly @ 8.50am Friday 15 December: Sleeping Beauty Panto visit - details to follow Saturday 16 December: Carol singing in Hexham Wednesday 20 December: KS1 Christmas outing to Whitehouse Farm. Details to follow Thursday 21 December: SCHOOL CLOSES FOR CHRISTMAS Friday 22 December: Teacher Training Day Monday 8 January: SCHOOL RE-OPENS
Another full newsletter! As ever, any questions, please do ask. On behalf of Fr. Michael, Staff and Governors may I wish you a happy weekend. God Bless.
Mrs Pye Headteacher
ST MATTHEWS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL, PRUDHOE
Bulletin Number 2
ST THOMAS MORE PARTNERSHIP OF SCHOOLS (07900532)
Next week will be
Together we… Pray, Play, Work, Learn and Grow
WEEK 3
Tel: 01661 835484 / Email: [email protected] / Website: www.stmatthewsprudhoe.org Congratulations to Class 4 who had 98.45% attendance this week Well done to every class for achieving our 95% target This week our overall attendance was 97.1% Please ensure you make every effort to ensure your child gets to school every day to help us achieve our target Class Attendance
Reception 98.04%
Class 1 98.24%
Class 2 97.22%
Class 3 98.10%
Class 4 98.45%
Class 5 97.81%
Poor punctuality means your child misses valuable learning time and that lessons are disrupted for all other pupils. Please make sure that your children are on the yard by 8.40am every day. Dear Parents, Grandparents & Parishioners What a week at St Matthews – It’s been lovely to see all the parents and family members attending the liturgies this week. Thank you all for coming, dates for upcoming liturgies are at the end of the newsletter. Well done to all who took part in the Great North Run last weekend, a huge congratulations to all children who completed last week’s Junior Great North Run and any parents who managed the Half-Marathon distance. Finally, a pack will be sent home with your child tonight (Reception will receive theirs on Monday. As it is the start of a new academic year it is important that we ensure all of the information we hold for your child is accurate and up to date. The packs contain: •
Data Collection Form - this is all of the information we hold on our Bromcom database system that was filled in on the admission form you completed when your child first started with St Matthews. Please check details and write and amendments on the form (please amend any incorrect information and sign at the bottom so we know you have seen it and the information is correct).
•
Going Home Arrangements Form - a list of all the people that are authorised to collect your child from school (please include yourself).
•
Acceptable Use Policy (ICT) - this outlines the strategies St Matthews employs to keep pupils safe when using the internet and computers at school and includes a permission form to allow your child to use the internet at school.
•
Parental Consent Form - this covers all of the general and necessary consents we require for each child in school.
NEWS Golf Lesson: Arrangements have been made through GSSP for Brian Ross to provide golf lessons at our school. This week pupils in Years 1, 2 & 6 have had a brilliant start to the term with their first golf coaching lesson. Weekly Community Liturgy: Statement to Live By for the coming week will be ‘I CAN SAY ONE GOOD THING ABOUT MYSELF’. Our Community Liturgy will be held every Monday at 8.50am - ALL are welcome! Class Assemblies and Liturgies: The dates for this terms class liturgies and assemblies are at the end of the newsletter. We look forward to welcoming parents and carers each Friday at 8.50am in the school hall. th
World’s Biggest Coffee Afternoon: Come and join us for tea/coffee on Friday 29 September and support this fantastic national fundraising event. This will also be a non-uniform day in school (wear something green) we suggest a donation of £1 on the day for the charity. We will also have a raffle and cakes/sweets for sale. Cake donations required on the day. Thanking you in advance. Mary’s Meals: Following your suppot last term for this worthy Charity, we have received a letter of “thanks” and a certificate acknowledging our donation of 30 backpacks plus 3 sacks of extras to support Mary’s Meals. We hope to be able to offer our support again next year. Prudhoe in Bloom: You may recall last term we entered our school garden in the Prudhoe in Bloom 2017. Parents, Pupils & Staff have been invited to attend the Awards Presentation to be held at Prudhoe Parish Hall on Saturday 16th September, commencing at 11am. The Parish Hall Coffee Morning opens at 9 am and you are warmly invited for home-baked refreshments: Tea, Coffee, Scones, Cakes and Biscuits kindly provided by the Church Hall Coffee Morning. Fingers crossed our school garden will receive an award.
Weekly Cake Raffle: Congratulations to Leon B in Class 2 who won the cake raffle this week! The draw is made during Friday nd morning assembly, the first cake being donated by Mrs. Hunter and on Friday 22 September it will be donated by Paquita (Gabriel). We still need one or two more names to complete the rota. Please return the slip or contact the school office. Thank You. Reception Phonics Meeting: The meeting on Wednesday went very well. Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Hatherley if you have questions or concerns. European Day of Languages: This event is celebrated across Europe on the 26th of September every year. It aims to promote the rich linguistic diversity of Europe and raise awareness of the importance of lifelong language learning for everyone. It was set up by the Council of Europe and was first celebrated in 2001. We will celebrate with activities throughout the whole school. – further details to follow. Christmas Performance Dates: Dress Rehearsals are for Grandparents/Carers and Parents unable to attend the ticketed performances. Tickets will be issued nearer the dates.
Tuesday 12th December, 10 am - KS1 Dress Rehearsal th Tuesday 12 December, 1.30pm – EYFS Show Wednesday 13th December, 9.30am - EYFS Show Wednesday 13th December, 2pm - KS1 Show
Monday 18th December, 10 am - KS2 Dress Rehearsal Monday 18th December, 5 pm - KS2 Show Tuesday19th December, 1.30pm - KS2 Show
Facebook: After a number of suggestions from parents on the Parent Questionnaire, we have set up a new St Matthews Facebook page last week. This will be a place where we can share things about our school, what we do and help update parents and carers of our children. We welcome positive and constructive interactions with our parents and carers and look forward to sharing lots more information about our trips, lessons, visitors and activities. Please note that any inappropriate comments that are left will be removed and may result in the user being blocked. Facebook will be covered under the photograph section of our annual parental consent form that will be sent out next week, however if any parents do not want their child to be in any photos that are uploaded please contact the school office. You can find the page by searching for St Matthews Catholic Primary School…make sure you give us a ‘like’!
MEMOS AND REMINDERS ParentMail Upgrade: Emails and texts have been sent out regarding registration for the upgrade of ParentMail. One or two Parents are still to register the upgrade. If you have any problems please contact the school office. Water and Fruit: Please remember to send a water bottle (water only) daily for your child. KS2 children may also bring in a fruit only snack each day for their mid-morning break. Smart Appearance: Please remember that school shoes must be black, flat soled and polishable – not trainers. No jewellery other than watches should be worn in school. If ears are pierced this should be done at the start of the summer holidays so that studs can be removed in time for school - children are NOT allowed to wear jewellery, including stud pierced earrings, in school or during school swimming lessons. Earrings must be removed at home each morning and can be replaced after 3pm. Jo-Jo Bows: We respectfully request that extreme haircuts are avoided for example shaved heads, short haircuts including sculptured patterns and logos and dyed hair. If your child has long hair please ensure that it is tied back; with a fine ribbon or bobble. Large ‘jo-jo’ style bows are not part of our school uniform. Health and Safety Note - Parking: During the summer break the building works at our school got underway. We now have a spacious Year 1 Classroom and work on our Nursery and Year 6 Classroom extensions are ongoing. During this time our staff car parking space is greatly reduced and we would ask Parents/Carers to remember they are not allowed to park in our staff car park or Highfield Middle Schools’ staff car park at any time. It is also very dangerous to walk children down the road from that car park to our school/nursery. Please park out on Highfield Lane and walk down the designated footpath to our school. Thank you. Contents of Packed Lunches: Could I take this opportunity to remind parents that as an accredited Healthy School, packed lunch boxes must be nutritionally balanced and should not include fizzy drinks, chocolate or high fat crisps. By the same token, please try to increase the amount of fruit, yoghurt, brown bread, vegetables and unflavoured water, wherever you can. Nuts or foods containing nuts are not allowed. This is because of the number of children who have quite severe reactions, often life-threatening. Obviously these children avoid consuming nuts themselves but they can react in the same way if simply in a room where nuts can be found in another child’s lunch box. I am sure you will understand that we have to be very careful and I appreciate your support. Guitar Clubs: After school guitar lessons will start again on Wednesday 27th September 3 – 3.45pm. Any new Year 4, 5 or 6 pupils wishing to join our sessions, please speak with Mrs. Saunders. Thank You. PE Kits: Please ensure your child has indoor & outdoor P.E. kits in school for the week, each Monday. All children must have trainers in their PE bags. Please ensure all items are named. Thank You. Breakfast Club / After School Club: Our wrap-around morning breakfast club and after school childcare are both open for business as usual every morning at 7.30am and from 3.00pm - 6.00pm (Mon-Thurs) and until 5.00pm (Fri). Please contact school to book places. Please use the hall entrance. The charge for both Breakfast and After School Clubs is £4.00 per full hour or part thereof.
th
Reception Pupils: Starting Monday 18 September, Reception Children will remain in school until 3pm each day. We require a copy of all Baptismal Certificates. One or two new starters are still outstanding, please bring to the School Office and a copy will be taken, for our records. Administering Medicine In School: Does your child need to keep an inhaler in school, or do they have a medical condition that requires medicines to be kept in school? If so, have you completed an ‘Administering Medicine’ form for the new academic year? Forms are available from the office. Completed forms and medicines should be handed into the office – medication should never be sent into school with children/in book bags. Outside Play: If your child comes to school in wellies/outdoor boots, please ensure they have their school shoes to change into. Also please make sure the wellies/boots are clearly named.
Pupil Premium: Did you know that just by registering your child for Free School Meals it means that the school gets extra money? The Government is giving money to schools to help children from lower income families do their very best. This funding is called a ‘Pupil Premium’ and for every child registered, St Matthews gets £1320 this year. Looked-after children and eligible pupils who have been adopted from care or leaving care under a special guardianship or residence order will attract a pupil premium of £1,900. And any Service Children with parents in the Armed Forces will attract £300. Please see the School Office if you have any questions in relation to this. Pupil Premium is spent on teaching support to deliver small group work focusing on reading, Maths, speech and language emotional, social and behaviour skills. How does it work? 1. First, check if you qualify – it is not just if you are unemployed, so please look at the list below. 2. Registering is really quick and easy – if you think you qualify, contact the FSM Team at Northumberland Council who will help you to register. 3. If you want your child to have a free, healthy meal at lunchtime that’s great – they will get the free meal (saving you more than £350 a year), extra benefits and the school also gets £1300 extra. 4. If you don’t want your child to have the school meals they can continue as normal – as long as you qualify and are registered, the school still gets £1300 extra. No one will know you have registered and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming. Do you qualify? You can register your child for Free School Meals if you or your partner get any of these benefits: Income Support Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance Income-related Employment and Support Allowance Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190 Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit You can apply in a number of ways, either online via Northumberland County Council's website, by calling 01670 623 592 or by completing a paper application form which is available from school. Universal School Meal Offer: The universal free school meals initiative continues this year. All pupils in Reception, Y1 and Y2 will receive a fully funded hot, nutritiously balanced meal each day, and we are again aiming for 100% take up, with all children enjoying and taking part in our family service. Our kitchen staff can cater for all dietary requirements. Please see the school office for a Special Dietary Requirements form should your child have a particular allergy or they are vegetarian or vegan. The benefits are far reaching in terms of health, behaviour and the development of social skills.
SCHEDULE OF SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AND CLOSURES FOR YEAR 2017-2018 HOLIDAY OR CLOSURE
DATE SCHOOL CLOSES
TEACHER TRAINING DAY OCTOBER half term 2017 CHRISTMAS 2017/2018 TEACHER TRAINING DAY SPRING half term 2018
MONDAY 4 SEPTEMBER 2017 th Friday 20 October 2017 Thursday 21st December 2017 FRIDAY 22nd DECEMBER 2017 Friday 9 February 2018
EASTER
Thursday 29 March 2018
MAY DAY 2018 SUMMER half term 2018 TEACHER TRAINING DAY SUMMER 2018
Friday 4 May 2018 Thursday 24 May 2018 FRIDAY 25 MAY 2018 Friday 20 July 2018
th
th
th
DATE SCHOOL REOPENS TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2017 Monday 30th October 2017 th Monday 8 January 2018 Monday 19 February 2018 th
Monday 16 April 2018 Tuesday 8th May 2018 Monday 4 June 2018 (may be subject to change) TBA
Two more INSET days are yet to be arranged for Staff professional development. confirmed by the Governors.
These dates are still to be
In our Prayers - Prayer booklet: If there is anyone you would like us to pray for in our school community please drop comments into the prayer box or email the school office and we will remember those intentions in our prayers.
MANY HAPPY RETURNS Mason – Nursery (13 Sep)
Joseph – Class 1 (13 Sep)
Evan – Class 4 (15 Sep)
Luca – Class 4 (15 Sep)
Eve – Class 1 (15 Sep)
Zara – Class 4 (16 Sep)
WEEKLY ASSEMBLY AWARDS: Ellie O – (Class 3) - Amazing swimming lesson Reception Class – Fantastic Assembly A huge round of applause to Martha L in class 4 who did something amazing over her summer break, at the beginning of August Martha had 8.5 inches of hair chopped off for a great charity, ‘The Little Princess Trust’ but her fundraising didn’t stop there! She received sponsorship for the event and raised a large sum of money for the Cystic Fibrosis Charity, an overwhelming £838! A big ‘Well Done’ to Fintan E and Matthew S from class 6 who both ran the Junior Great North Run last week and raised money for St Oswald’s Hospice! As well as to Zach H in Reception who completed the Great North Junior Mini Run as well! Amazing effort all around Congratulations to Imogen W in class 6 for receiving her Stage 8 Diving in the National Plan Award.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND KEY DATES Friday 22 September: Class 4 Liturgy - 8.50am Tuesday 26 September: European Day of Languages Wednesday 27 September: KS2 SATs Parents Evening – details to follow Friday 29 September: Class 3 Liturgy - 8.50am Friday 29 September: MacMillan Coffee Afternoon, 2-3pm Friday 6 October: Class 2 'Collective Worship' Assembly - 8.50am Friday 13 October: Class 1 Assembly - 8.50am Friday 20 October: SCHOOL CLOSES FOR HALF TERM Monday 30 October: SCHOOL RE-OPENS Monday 30 October: Tempest Photographers – details to follow Friday 3 November: Class 5 Assembly - 8.50am Tuesday 7 November: Parents evening – details to follow Wednesday 8 November: Parents evening – details to follow Monday 13 November: Anti-bullying week
Friday 17 November: Class 3 Assembly - 8.50am Friday 17 November: Children in Need Non-uniform Day. Friday 24 November: Class 2 Assembly @ 8.50am Friday 1 December: Class 1 Assembly @ 8.50am Friday 1 December: Christmas Fayre (Afternoon) - details to follow Monday 4 December: Assessment Week Friday 8 December: Class 4 Assembly @ 8.50am Friday 15 December: Sleeping Beauty Panto visit - details to follow Saturday 16 December: Carol singing in Hexham Wednesday 20 December: KS1 Christmas outing to Whitehouse Farm. Details to follow Thursday 21 December: SCHOOL CLOSES FOR CHRISTMAS Friday 22 December: Teacher Training Day Monday 8 January: SCHOOL RE-OPENS
Another full newsletter! As ever, any questions, please do ask. On behalf of Fr. Michael, Staff and Governors may I wish you a happy weekend. God Bless.
Mrs Pye Headteacher
