Child Okeford Primary School

May 11th Newsletter
created: Monday May 11, 2009 by Susan Marsh

Dear Parents,

Christian Aid Week 10th – 16th May

The school council has decided to initiate a new fund raising activity this year. We are holding a ‘Crazy tie, Crazy shoes’ day on Friday 15^th May. The children are being encouraged to wear a brightly coloured tie and /or a pair of non-matching shoes. They are invited to donate 50p per ‘crazy item’ to support Christian Aid i.e. 50 p per tie, 50 p per odd shoe. The money raised by Christian Aid is used for a variety of purposes, e.g. it could be used to help children who may be unable to attend school because they have to do essential domestic chores to help their families. On Thursday our assembly will reflect the work undertaken by Christian Aid. Please join us if you can and hear how your donations make a big difference to children around the world. Thank you for your support. We understand if you feel unable to support this event due to your own current financial restraints.

School Budget

As you can see from the pie chart below, the majority of our delegated budget is spent on staffing costs. Over the past few years our aim has been to increase the level of teaching assistant support. In the long term we would like to have a full time teaching assistant in each class to help create the best conditions for children’s learning and development. We have also been using teaching assistants to cover classes when teachers are attending training etc. This has proved very successful, as the TA’s are aware of the prior learning that has taken place and provide continuity for the children. It also reflects the value we place on the contribution they make to teaching and learning.

OfSTED Inspection – Tuesday 12th May

Mr. K. Hodge and Mrs. E. Strange will be carrying out the inspection. Please remember to return your questionnaire to the school office We will send you a copy of the report as soon as it becomes available, probably after half term.

Healthy Schools Award

Our children are encouraged to bring a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable as a mid morning snack. Children in Years R, 1 and 2 are provided with free fruit and vegetables. We encourage the older children to bring a healthy snack, however not everyone is doing this at present. Please help us keep the award by sending your child with fruit or veg to eat during their morning break.

Art Club

Mrs. Anna Lewington, Mrs. Anna Pietrickwiz and Mrs. Marion Carpenter will be running this popular club tomorrow at 3.15. Please let Mrs. Hanson know if your child is not attending so that we can offer the place to a child on the waiting list.

Health – Flu Virus

We are encouraging the children to take great care with personal hygiene. We will keep you informed if the situation worsens and school closure becomes necessary. For new parents the usual procedure is that information about school closure is broadcast via local radio stations e.g. 2CR and Wessex FM. We also now have a very effective telephone tree; however if you have changed your phone number recently do let us know. Let’s hope we won’t need to do anything drastic and that we all stay fit and healthy.

Sun Awareness – Summer Term strategy ‘No Hat, No Play’

We are asking the children to bring a sunhat to school, please make sure it is marked with a name. We still have a small number of school sun hats for sale in the office. We will be operating our usual ‘No Hat, No Play’ strategy to keep the children protected.

Golden Time Display

Mr. James Chetwode helped us by taking lots of photos during Golden Time. Do come in and have a look at the display (in the library). I have a spare set of photos so please ask me if you would like a copy. If you would like to help in Golden Time please let us know, we are always happy to have new volunteers. The children gain a lot from being in a small group and love the different activities. Thank you to those parents who have sent in old games so we can create new activities.

Yours sincerely,

Susan Marsh (Mrs.)

Headteacher