18 Jul 2002 - Letters to parents - Summer Term 2002
Claire's House...A memorial, constructed July 2002, to a much missed and loved teacher and friend.
Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Thursday July 18th 2002
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Tomorrow morning at 9.15 we will be holding our end of term assembly. Parents of children in Year 6 are invited but unfortunately, because of lack of space, we are unable to accommodate others.
At this time we bid farewell to our Year 6 children who move onto secondary schools and to others who are moving away - as far as France. We also say farewell and many thanks to Alison Davies and Anne Paget for their wonderful work teaching class 1 for the last two terms.
This has been a tricky year but, as a school, we have survived and done well. Our Year 6 SAT results were once again extremely good and despite staffing difficulties, we have continued to maintain a happy, safe learning environment.
We are very grateful to those parents and friends who have helped in school this year. Some of you may be aware that all volunteer helpers who work with children now have to be checked with Criminal Records, this supersedes the police checking procedure. From September all of our volunteers must be checked. If you are a volunteer (or plan to offer your services) please collect a form from your child's teacher today or tomorrow; if these are returned to school on Friday or Monday (even though it is a non pupil day) we should be able to get the checks done by next term. There is no cost to parents. You will appreciate that this is for the safety of the children in our school and is not a reflection on any of our volunteers.
School closes tomorrow (Friday July 19th) and reopens on Wednesday 4th September. Don't forget that school is closed on Monday September 30th for a staff only day.
During the holiday please check your child for head lice. We would appreciate it if parents of leavers could check that children do not have any school books or school equipment at home.
We are still collecting printer cartridges, which can be recycled to raise funds for our school.
As you know we will be welcoming Alison Hancock to teach class 1 next term. Class 1 will be a small class, as most of next year's intake will be joining us in January.
During the holiday don't forget the Swimbridge Lightquest on Saturday 24th August. There is Holiday Club at The Salvation Army for all primary children from Sept. 27th and a summer swimschool at West Buckland. Details for all of these are attached or given to children today.
When buying school shoes please consider the height of heels, especially for older girls. If younger children cannot tie laces slip on shoes would be the most sensible. We have had an enormous amount of lost property this year; please label all clothing next term.
All of class 4 will need to have recorders next year, as these will be used in ordinary music lessons. If they do not have one we would appreciate parents getting one for them (perhaps from the Barnstaple Music Centre, Cross Street) so that they can join in this subject fully.
Congratulations to Mrs Ford and Mrs Courtney, both recently awarded a Certificate of Higher Education for Learning Support Assistants working with children with special needs. Both were awarded an A!
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
******************************************************************
Letter 23 /2002 Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Friday July 12th 2002
Dear Parents,
I mentioned last week the good new about our Key Stage 2 SAT results. We expected these results to be lower this year but we were very pleasantly surprised that every child who took the test achieved either the expected level (which is level 4) or above. At this time of year we can only compare our results against last years national results as nationally the data for 2002 will not be available for some weeks , but as you can see, once again, Swimbridge has done exceptionally well!
2002 Key Stage 2 SAT results
Levels Maths English Science
Swimbridge 2002 3 or below 0 0 0
Swimbridge 2002 4 50% 42% 83%
Swimbridge 2002 5 50% 58% 17%
Nationally 2001 3 or below 28% 25% 12%
Nationally 2001 4 46% 46% 55%
Nationally 2001 5 26% 29% 33%
We have continued with our school fund raising for Claire's House. This week Mrs Davies? Family Group raised a further £50 plus which means that over four weeks the children have raised almost £200, quite an achievement. We hope that work will start on the construction of the house within days. Mrs Davies is currently selling her secret fruit cake receipe at £1, in aid of Claire's House.
Reminders: If you managed to complete the Funding Petitions please can I have them back on Monday at the latest. Next Thursday the Halifax will be with us again from 8.45 am in the Library; year 6 pupils will need to remember to collect their savings books. On Thursday the School Dentist will be examining years 1,3 and 5; please return the forms sent earlier in the week. We are able to offer recorder, brass and flute / fife lessons at school next term. If there is sufficient demand we might be able to offer keyboard sessions if there is sufficient demand; please let me know if your child is interested.
Musically we have had a lot of success over the years. Simon Durrant started to play the trombone at this school when he was 8 and has now reached professional standard having been a quarter finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year. Simon is giving a Trombone Recital for an Indian Summer in aid of a refuge in South India. The concert will be at Christchurch, Bear Street at 7.30 pm on Tuesday July 30th.
On Monday 15th July, we are to taking Year 6 children to South Molton Community College to join other children for an Athletics Meeting. The coach will leave Swimbridge at 9.00am and return at 12.45pm. There will be no charge for this, but children need to bring a snack and a drink or two and their PE kit.
Reminder that Class 3's trip to Woodlands is on Wednesday 17th July (separate letter has been sent to parents of children involved). The coach will leave Swimbridge at 9.00am and return to Swimbridge at 6.45pm.
Congratulations to:-
Becca Grose on her Bronze Award for flute playing
Ben Mansell and Alexandra Haydn-Higgins for each reading 20 books for bookworms
For completions of stamp cards:-
Card 2 Amanda Knill
Card 3 Hayden Eaton, Josh Haydn-Higgins, Jocie Dyer
Card 4 Bethany Balment and Samuel Heard
Card 5 Georgina Comerford, Bryony Newnham, Taylorm Dunn, Christopher Wormald, Whitney Beer, Madeleine Mansell
Card 6 Connor Mantle
Card 7 Ellie Mansfield
Card 8 Louise Colome
Card 9 Luke Hynes
Card 10 Rachel Hampshire and Robert Harris
Card 13 Stephanie Parish
In case you needed reminding we close for the Summer Holiday on Friday next, July 19th and re-open on Wednesday 4th September.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
Stop Press: Claire's House has now been delivered and erected.
***************************** Letter 22 /2002 Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Friday July 5th 2002
Dear Parents,
School Reports are being sent home today. We hope you find them constructive. Parent / teacher consultations are on Wednesday July 10th from 4 pm to 6.45 for those who wish to discuss these reports; each class has a list of consultation sessions on its door. Don't forget that parents are welcome, throughout the year, to discuss their child's progress with their teacher, by booking an after school appointment.
Children in Classes 2,3 and 4 had a enjoyable flute concert on Wednesday performed by older fife and flute players, led by Mrs Nichols, our flute teacher. A number of children expressed an interest in learning the fife. If you would like your child (in class 2, 3 or 4 from September) to have lessons next term they will need a fife (about £7) and book (about £5). A small charge has to be levied to pay for the teacher but the progress many children make is phenomenal. Please see me, or return the form below, if you are interested.
Next Thursday (July 11th) we should be holding our School Sports afternoon, weather permitting. Parents are very welcome. Sports day is popular with pupils as they are all involved, all of the time. The events are organised to develop a range of athletic skills and the children have to work together to score points for their team. Please feel free to follow your child?s team around the course.
As usual there will be a pre-school race and we invite all pre-school children to participate; there will be a small prize for everyone.
The events will commence at 1.45 p.m. and we hope to finish soon after 3 p.m. Children whose parents are present will be dismissed at the end of the events. Children without parents present will remain with their teacher and can be collected from the Jubilee Hall / school field. Children who normally walk home on their own, whose parents are not present, will be dismissed at the end of the events so long as a note agreeing to this is received from their parents in advance. As usual the Swimbridge Pre-School are providing cream teas in the Jubilee Hall at the end of the sports. Please avail yourself of their excellent refreshments.
We really do appreciate parental assistance at the end of the events to help clear equipment away and return items to school. Please supply your child with a sun hat and sun cream if applicable.
Following planning permission earlier in the year we heard this week that we have, at last, been awarded a grant for the extension to our school office and upgrading of the boys? cloakroom. This has been an important part of the Governors? School Improvement and Development Plan for a considerable number of years. Subject to tenders, we should see work actually start within the next few months!
Our fund raising for 'Claire's House' continues and construction should start within the next couple of weeks. Further donations to this memorial to a much-loved teacher are still very welcome.
Unfortunately a small number of parents have still not returned or paid for their school photographs. Please return immediately if you do not want a copy as there is no obligation to purchase.
Following Year 6 visits to South Molton Community College, next Monday (July 8th), parents are invited to the school at 7.00 pm to meet staff.
I am sure that you join with the staff in sending Yvonne Partington and the boys sincere condolences on the untimely passing of Graham Partington last weekend. This has come as a tremendous shock to us all.
Many of you will have heard of the financial crisis in many Devon Schools. Schools in Devon are not funded to the same level as other similar authorities and our School Governors have agreed that it is appropriate for this information to be circulated amongst parents so that you will have the opportunity to sign a countywide petition or write to the Minister of Education individually. The attached letter gives more details. If you feel that you would like to help complete the petition, amongst friends, family and neighbours please do so and return it to school by July 12th.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
STOP PRESS:
Our Key Stage 2 S.A.T. results have just arrived?.. 100% of the children who took these tests achieved the expected level, or above, in Maths, Science AND English!!
******************************************************************
Letter 21/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Thursday June 27th 2002 www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Congratulations! Our PTA Fayre last Saturday was a great success financially and socially; even the weather was on our side. We raised approx £900. An enormous thanks must go to everyone who supported the event so admirably.
Some of you are aware that we have had a few staffing difficulties recently and consequently we have postponed our Parent / Teacher consultation evenings from Wednesday 3rd July to Wednesday 10th July. from approx. 4.00 to 7.15pm; further details shortly. Reports will be issued at the beginning of next week, so watch out for them.
There are still a few parents who have not returned their school photograph / or remittance. Please do so as soon as possible.
We are currently preparing class list for next September and these should be attached to your child?s report where applicable. We are also sorting lists for musical instrument tuition. If your child is currently have fife / flute or brass lessons we assume they will continue (if they are still with us); if this is not so please let me know. If you would like your child to take up any of these instruments please complete and return the attached form. Children would normally be Year 3 or older in September. There is a small charge for some of these lessons to enable us to pay the peripatetic teachers concerned. Please see me for details.
Forthcoming dates:
Thursday July 4th Classes 1 & 2 to Northam Burrows
Monday July 8th South Molton intake day
Wednesday 10th Parent / teacher consultations
Thursday July 11th Sports Afternoon (weather permitting)
Tuesday July 16th Infant Music Festival
Wednesday July 17th Class 3 to Woodlands
Friday July 19th Last day of term
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
Musical Tuition
Dear Mr Reed
I would like my child to have:
Flute / fife lessons £
Brass lessons £
next term.
Child?s name:
Signed:
******************************************************************
Letter 20/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday June 21st 2002 www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Tomorrow we hold our long awaited PTA Fayre in the Jubilee Hall. We look forward to seeing you there. You will already have received letters about this from our PTA Officers so please do support us. Currently we are raising funds to extend our playground, help fund 'Claire's House' and provide additional equipment to enrich the education of our children. Money raised tomorrow will further these projects. We commence at 2.30 pm but we welcome helpers from noon, and again afterwards to help clear up. Remember, this is our school and we all need to work together to make it a success.
At the time of writing we hope to provide Maypole Dancing (from all available members of Class 4, about 2.45pm) and a mini-talent show slot (about 4pm). Maypole dancers do not need to wear school uniform on this occasion but will need plimsolls / trainers. Your child will know if he / she is involved in these events ? please support and encourage them. We also have Morris Dancers, lots of sideshows, stalls and refreshments.
Please bring along your sold and unsold raffle tickets if you have not already done so.
This week Mrs Beechey's family group organised a fine tabletop sale in aid of our 'Claire's House' appeal. This raised £41.45. Next week Mrs Blackett's family group will be doing the same, hoping to equal or better this amount. It is very encouraging to note the support of many parents with this venture. Thanks to the parents who encouraged their children with the sale this week.
Many parents have also contributed to this memorial to Claire Starley. One parent has kindly offered £100. We need to raise around £800; so far we have received about £170. More donations are appreciated. We know that Claire would have supported this idea. A tree will also be planted, donated by Joe Starley.
More information soon.
Some requests:
· Please do your best to adhere to the parking regulations and road markings outside of the school and park carefully.
· Please ensure that your child's clothing is labelled and that he/she has a complete PE kit in school every day, including PE footwear.
An advance notice that the community dentist will be examining year 1, 3 and 5 on Thursday 18th July. Letters about this should be sent out shortly.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
******************************************************************
Letter 19/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
www.swimbridge.ik.org Thursday 13th June 2002
Dear Parents
Please remember that school is closed tomorrow (Friday) for a teacher only day. Have a nice, long weekend.
Unfortunately Mrs Ferris and Mrs O?Hara are both away from school at the moment and will probably not be back for a week or so. For continuity,` Class 3 is being taught by our team of regular supply teachers; if you have a concern with your child in this class, at this time, please have a word with Mrs Beechey or myself.
Please ensure that all school photographs or remittances are returned by Monday; this is very important as the school has an invoice outstanding.
Parents of children going to Park in September have recently received a letter including details about Parents evening on Wednesday June 19th. I have been asked to emphasise the importance of parents attending the meeting at the correct time, in order to meet tutors and year heads. South Molton children have taken home application forms; please return these to me next week.
A reminder that French Club for younger children (Junior French Club) commenced last Monday in the School Library from 3.35 ? 4.10. A number of children whose parents had booked places did not remember to attend for this first session. The charge is approximately £22 for this term, to include tapes etc.; please discuss this with Mrs Cesbron when you collect your child. The older French Club continues on Wednesdays.
Due to circumstances beyond our control we are unable to take part in this years Tag Rugby tournament.
We surpassed ourselves with our Tesco computer vouchers for schools collection. We needed 12,600 but collected a staggering 14, 604, which will help us for next year. A new P.C. has been ordered and should arrive next term. Thank you all!
Year 6 are starting sessions on human relationships, with our school nurse; these include on sex education lessons. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from these sessions if they wish, although we feel these sessions are of great value. Please discuss this with me if applicable.
In the interests of conservation, we are collecting used ink jet printer cartridges. If you have any please send them to the box in the Reading Bay. As a bonus the school receives money for these.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
Don?t forget:
· Medicals and Junior French Club on Monday June 17th
· South Molton visits, Flutes and French Club on Wednesday 19th June
· Summer Fayre on Saturday 22nd June
· Park induction day on Monday 24th June
******************************************************************
Letter 18/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Thursday 30th May 2002
Dear Parents
Tomorrow afternoon, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, we hope to hold a Tea Party. Children are invited to each bring along some food and drink (like the Christmas parties) and can bring any suitable Union Jack hats, flags etc. Food etc can be brought into the Library as children arrive in the morning.
Please have a look at our school website for Class 4?s work following our residential week at Paignton. Besides writing about their experiences there are some interesting reasoned arguments for and against zoos; other work will be following.
School photographs are currently still being distributed; full details are enclosed with the photograph. Please return immediately if you do not want a copy there is no obligation to purchase.
---------------------------------------------------------
Congratulations to these children for completing their Good Work and Behaviour stamp cards:
Card 1: Nathan Singh, Amanda Knill
Card 2: Billy Floyd, Timon Hynes, Saskia Beer, Jade Tallentire, Ben Peters
Card 3: Samuel Heard, Danny Lakeman, Dylan Vickery
Card 4: Sarah Birch
Card 7: Jade Knill
Card 8: Rachel Snell
Card 9: Rebecca Snell
Card 13: Richard Tucker
--------------------------------------------------
Congratulations to Christina Crawford, awarded a Bronze Award by Devon Youth Music for Fife playing and Natasha Hill, Silver Book Worms certificate.
----------------------------------------------------
French Club for younger children (Junior French Club) commences on Monday June 10th in the School Library from 3.35 ? 4.05. A number of children have already been booked in but there is still room for a few others - please see me. The charge is approximately £22 for this term, to include tapes etc.; please discuss this with Mrs Cesbron when you collect your child. The older French Club continues on Wednesdays.
Many dates have been published recently. Here is a summary of some of them.
JUNE:
Half term holiday: Monday 3rd to Friday 7th June.
Wed. 12th PTA: Meeting 7.30.
Friday 14th School closed
Wednesday 19th South Molton Intake Day
Thursday 20th Governors? Meeting
Saturday 22nd PTA Summer Fayre
Monday 24th Park Intake Day
JULY:
Wednesday 3rd Parent / teacher consultations
Monday 8th South Molton Intake Day
Thursday 11th Sports Afternoon
Tuesday 16th Infant Music Festival
Wednesday 17th Class 3 to Woodlands
Friday 19th Last day of term.
A number of older children are wearing very high shoes at the moment. Please check the suitability of your child?s footwear. Please ensure that ALL children have their P.E. kit in school EVERY day, including trainers / plimsolls solely for P.E.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A reminder of JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS: Bank Holiday Monday 3 June ? to start the festivities with a ?BANG? a bright and colourful village procession of drums will leave the school at
7.30 pm, winding through the village streets to the Square (bring pots & pans to bash if you don?t have a drum). Everyone welcome ?more the merrier?. This is just the beginning - there is lots of entertainment planned for the night ahead including the lighting of two beacons, the illuminations of the Queen?s head in a 1,000 lights, live music, refreshments balloons and stalls.
******************************************************************
Letter 17/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
www.swimbridge.ik.org Friday May 24th 2002
Dear Parents
Years 5 and 6 have returned, safe but tired, from their strenuous residential week at Paignton. Hopefully they have learnt a lot about getting on with each other, being responsible for themselves and have gained an insight into the variety of animal life. We had some very positive comments about their behaviour from the owners of the hotel, the Paignton Zoo Education Department and the Zoo restaurant ? so perhaps our children aren?t too bad after all! A special thanks must go to Mandy Twitchen who exchanged her role from being an LSA in Class 1 to supporting Class 4, night and day, during the week.
While we were away, Class 3 produced some excellent sculptures which are temporarily on display in the Music Room. Please feel free to come and view. Many thanks to the parents who helped both with the visit and the practical work.
School photographs are currently being distributed, full details are enclosed with the photograph. Please return immediately if you do not want a copy; there is no obligation to purchase. Further copies, for children not given one today, will be available next week.
Next Friday afternoon, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, we plan to hold a Tea Party. Children are invited to each contribute some food and drink (like the Christmas parties) and can bring any suitable Union Jack hats, flags etc. More details next week.
Please note that brass, flutes and French Club restart next week. The following week (Mon. 3rd- Fri. 7th), school is closed for the half-term holiday.
Our Tesco computer voucher collection has swelled this week with 670 or so tokens from Swimbridge Post Office and 270 more from King?s College Choir School, Cambridge, giving us the grand total of over 1,350. Thanks to all.
Halifax Building Society will be at school next Thursday, May 30th, 8.45 am in the Library.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
+++++++++++++++++
From the Village ??
JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS: Bank Holiday Monday 3 June ? to start the festivities with a ?BANG? a bright and colourful village procession of drums will leave the school at
7.30 pm, winding through the village streets to the Square (bring pots & pans to bash if you don?t have a drum). Everyone welcome ?more the merrier?. This is just the beginning - there is lots of entertainment planned for the night ahead including the lighting of two beacons, the illuminations of the Queen?s head in a 1,000 lights, live music, refreshments balloons and stalls.
Please return your SNAP questionnaires to school as soon as possible ? your views for the park count!
******************************************************************
16/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday 17th May 2002
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents
Next week most of class 4 will be away on the school residential visit to Paignton. They will leave on Monday at approximately 9.15 am so parents are welcome to wait and see them off. The group is due to return to school at the end of school on Thursday. Children must be responsible for their own possessions at all times; please ensure that everything is clearly labelled. Teddy bears are expected!
Parents already have all information and emergency telephone numbers of the Paignton Zoo education dept. and Paignton Court Hotel.
There will be no flutes, brass or French clubs this week although the Halifax will be visiting on Thursday next (May 23rd) at 8.45 am. This is a new day. They will be with us in the Library every other Thursday; please see letter overleaf.
Our Tesco total keeps rising, and we are still collecting. We now have sufficient for a new P.C. Thanks for everyone?s great efforts.
The Academic Council is planning a non- pupil day on Monday September 30th to allow staff from all schools to meet together for an important educational conference. Please add this date to your Term Date List, as we plan to close on that day. Further copies of this list are available from the school secretary and on our web site.
The Cascades swim last Friday was well attended and great fun, except for those who got splashed a lot! £60 was raised towards our ongoing sponsorship, through Action Aid, of our two third world children. The website contains further details of our sponsorship.
Further diary dates:
q South Molton Community College staff to visit: Monday May 27th
q South Molton Community College intake day1: Monday June 17th
q Tag rugby festival: Tuesday June 18th
q Reports to parents: end of June
q Park intake day Friday June 21st or Monday June 24th (t.b.c)
q Parent / teacher consultation evening: Wednesday July 3rd
q South Molton Community College 2: Monday July 8th
q School sports afternoon: Thursday July 11th.
Please ensure that you check your child?s hair for headlice regularly, especially this weekend, as there have been some infected children again. It is important that all children have P.E. kit in school every day and that all clothing is clearly labelled.
Thank you very much to those of you who have contributed to the memorial summerhouse for Claire Starley. Contributions can be sent to Mrs O?Hara in the school office please.
With this letter you should have received a letter about the PTA Summer Fayre on Saturday June 22nd. Help selling raffle tickets is very much appreciated but if you feel you are unable to do this please return them to the school office or one of the PTA officers. Remember that besides providing additional equipment for our children to use in school, we are currently raising funds to enlarge the playground area and provide extra playtime facilities for all the children.
Don?t forget that if you have any concerns about your child at school, or would just like a ?progress update?, please book an after school consultation with your child?s teacher.
As I write, the final S.A.T. tests for older children are being completed and I feel we all feel a degree of relief. The children have all worked well and deserve praise for their efforts.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Thursday July 18th 2002
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Tomorrow morning at 9.15 we will be holding our end of term assembly. Parents of children in Year 6 are invited but unfortunately, because of lack of space, we are unable to accommodate others.
At this time we bid farewell to our Year 6 children who move onto secondary schools and to others who are moving away - as far as France. We also say farewell and many thanks to Alison Davies and Anne Paget for their wonderful work teaching class 1 for the last two terms.
This has been a tricky year but, as a school, we have survived and done well. Our Year 6 SAT results were once again extremely good and despite staffing difficulties, we have continued to maintain a happy, safe learning environment.
We are very grateful to those parents and friends who have helped in school this year. Some of you may be aware that all volunteer helpers who work with children now have to be checked with Criminal Records, this supersedes the police checking procedure. From September all of our volunteers must be checked. If you are a volunteer (or plan to offer your services) please collect a form from your child's teacher today or tomorrow; if these are returned to school on Friday or Monday (even though it is a non pupil day) we should be able to get the checks done by next term. There is no cost to parents. You will appreciate that this is for the safety of the children in our school and is not a reflection on any of our volunteers.
School closes tomorrow (Friday July 19th) and reopens on Wednesday 4th September. Don't forget that school is closed on Monday September 30th for a staff only day.
During the holiday please check your child for head lice. We would appreciate it if parents of leavers could check that children do not have any school books or school equipment at home.
We are still collecting printer cartridges, which can be recycled to raise funds for our school.
As you know we will be welcoming Alison Hancock to teach class 1 next term. Class 1 will be a small class, as most of next year's intake will be joining us in January.
During the holiday don't forget the Swimbridge Lightquest on Saturday 24th August. There is Holiday Club at The Salvation Army for all primary children from Sept. 27th and a summer swimschool at West Buckland. Details for all of these are attached or given to children today.
When buying school shoes please consider the height of heels, especially for older girls. If younger children cannot tie laces slip on shoes would be the most sensible. We have had an enormous amount of lost property this year; please label all clothing next term.
All of class 4 will need to have recorders next year, as these will be used in ordinary music lessons. If they do not have one we would appreciate parents getting one for them (perhaps from the Barnstaple Music Centre, Cross Street) so that they can join in this subject fully.
Congratulations to Mrs Ford and Mrs Courtney, both recently awarded a Certificate of Higher Education for Learning Support Assistants working with children with special needs. Both were awarded an A!
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
******************************************************************
Letter 23 /2002 Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Friday July 12th 2002
Dear Parents,
I mentioned last week the good new about our Key Stage 2 SAT results. We expected these results to be lower this year but we were very pleasantly surprised that every child who took the test achieved either the expected level (which is level 4) or above. At this time of year we can only compare our results against last years national results as nationally the data for 2002 will not be available for some weeks , but as you can see, once again, Swimbridge has done exceptionally well!
2002 Key Stage 2 SAT results
Levels Maths English Science
Swimbridge 2002 3 or below 0 0 0
Swimbridge 2002 4 50% 42% 83%
Swimbridge 2002 5 50% 58% 17%
Nationally 2001 3 or below 28% 25% 12%
Nationally 2001 4 46% 46% 55%
Nationally 2001 5 26% 29% 33%
We have continued with our school fund raising for Claire's House. This week Mrs Davies? Family Group raised a further £50 plus which means that over four weeks the children have raised almost £200, quite an achievement. We hope that work will start on the construction of the house within days. Mrs Davies is currently selling her secret fruit cake receipe at £1, in aid of Claire's House.
Reminders: If you managed to complete the Funding Petitions please can I have them back on Monday at the latest. Next Thursday the Halifax will be with us again from 8.45 am in the Library; year 6 pupils will need to remember to collect their savings books. On Thursday the School Dentist will be examining years 1,3 and 5; please return the forms sent earlier in the week. We are able to offer recorder, brass and flute / fife lessons at school next term. If there is sufficient demand we might be able to offer keyboard sessions if there is sufficient demand; please let me know if your child is interested.
Musically we have had a lot of success over the years. Simon Durrant started to play the trombone at this school when he was 8 and has now reached professional standard having been a quarter finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year. Simon is giving a Trombone Recital for an Indian Summer in aid of a refuge in South India. The concert will be at Christchurch, Bear Street at 7.30 pm on Tuesday July 30th.
On Monday 15th July, we are to taking Year 6 children to South Molton Community College to join other children for an Athletics Meeting. The coach will leave Swimbridge at 9.00am and return at 12.45pm. There will be no charge for this, but children need to bring a snack and a drink or two and their PE kit.
Reminder that Class 3's trip to Woodlands is on Wednesday 17th July (separate letter has been sent to parents of children involved). The coach will leave Swimbridge at 9.00am and return to Swimbridge at 6.45pm.
Congratulations to:-
Becca Grose on her Bronze Award for flute playing
Ben Mansell and Alexandra Haydn-Higgins for each reading 20 books for bookworms
For completions of stamp cards:-
Card 2 Amanda Knill
Card 3 Hayden Eaton, Josh Haydn-Higgins, Jocie Dyer
Card 4 Bethany Balment and Samuel Heard
Card 5 Georgina Comerford, Bryony Newnham, Taylorm Dunn, Christopher Wormald, Whitney Beer, Madeleine Mansell
Card 6 Connor Mantle
Card 7 Ellie Mansfield
Card 8 Louise Colome
Card 9 Luke Hynes
Card 10 Rachel Hampshire and Robert Harris
Card 13 Stephanie Parish
In case you needed reminding we close for the Summer Holiday on Friday next, July 19th and re-open on Wednesday 4th September.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
Stop Press: Claire's House has now been delivered and erected.
***************************** Letter 22 /2002 Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Friday July 5th 2002
Dear Parents,
School Reports are being sent home today. We hope you find them constructive. Parent / teacher consultations are on Wednesday July 10th from 4 pm to 6.45 for those who wish to discuss these reports; each class has a list of consultation sessions on its door. Don't forget that parents are welcome, throughout the year, to discuss their child's progress with their teacher, by booking an after school appointment.
Children in Classes 2,3 and 4 had a enjoyable flute concert on Wednesday performed by older fife and flute players, led by Mrs Nichols, our flute teacher. A number of children expressed an interest in learning the fife. If you would like your child (in class 2, 3 or 4 from September) to have lessons next term they will need a fife (about £7) and book (about £5). A small charge has to be levied to pay for the teacher but the progress many children make is phenomenal. Please see me, or return the form below, if you are interested.
Next Thursday (July 11th) we should be holding our School Sports afternoon, weather permitting. Parents are very welcome. Sports day is popular with pupils as they are all involved, all of the time. The events are organised to develop a range of athletic skills and the children have to work together to score points for their team. Please feel free to follow your child?s team around the course.
As usual there will be a pre-school race and we invite all pre-school children to participate; there will be a small prize for everyone.
The events will commence at 1.45 p.m. and we hope to finish soon after 3 p.m. Children whose parents are present will be dismissed at the end of the events. Children without parents present will remain with their teacher and can be collected from the Jubilee Hall / school field. Children who normally walk home on their own, whose parents are not present, will be dismissed at the end of the events so long as a note agreeing to this is received from their parents in advance. As usual the Swimbridge Pre-School are providing cream teas in the Jubilee Hall at the end of the sports. Please avail yourself of their excellent refreshments.
We really do appreciate parental assistance at the end of the events to help clear equipment away and return items to school. Please supply your child with a sun hat and sun cream if applicable.
Following planning permission earlier in the year we heard this week that we have, at last, been awarded a grant for the extension to our school office and upgrading of the boys? cloakroom. This has been an important part of the Governors? School Improvement and Development Plan for a considerable number of years. Subject to tenders, we should see work actually start within the next few months!
Our fund raising for 'Claire's House' continues and construction should start within the next couple of weeks. Further donations to this memorial to a much-loved teacher are still very welcome.
Unfortunately a small number of parents have still not returned or paid for their school photographs. Please return immediately if you do not want a copy as there is no obligation to purchase.
Following Year 6 visits to South Molton Community College, next Monday (July 8th), parents are invited to the school at 7.00 pm to meet staff.
I am sure that you join with the staff in sending Yvonne Partington and the boys sincere condolences on the untimely passing of Graham Partington last weekend. This has come as a tremendous shock to us all.
Many of you will have heard of the financial crisis in many Devon Schools. Schools in Devon are not funded to the same level as other similar authorities and our School Governors have agreed that it is appropriate for this information to be circulated amongst parents so that you will have the opportunity to sign a countywide petition or write to the Minister of Education individually. The attached letter gives more details. If you feel that you would like to help complete the petition, amongst friends, family and neighbours please do so and return it to school by July 12th.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
STOP PRESS:
Our Key Stage 2 S.A.T. results have just arrived?.. 100% of the children who took these tests achieved the expected level, or above, in Maths, Science AND English!!
******************************************************************
Letter 21/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Thursday June 27th 2002 www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Congratulations! Our PTA Fayre last Saturday was a great success financially and socially; even the weather was on our side. We raised approx £900. An enormous thanks must go to everyone who supported the event so admirably.
Some of you are aware that we have had a few staffing difficulties recently and consequently we have postponed our Parent / Teacher consultation evenings from Wednesday 3rd July to Wednesday 10th July. from approx. 4.00 to 7.15pm; further details shortly. Reports will be issued at the beginning of next week, so watch out for them.
There are still a few parents who have not returned their school photograph / or remittance. Please do so as soon as possible.
We are currently preparing class list for next September and these should be attached to your child?s report where applicable. We are also sorting lists for musical instrument tuition. If your child is currently have fife / flute or brass lessons we assume they will continue (if they are still with us); if this is not so please let me know. If you would like your child to take up any of these instruments please complete and return the attached form. Children would normally be Year 3 or older in September. There is a small charge for some of these lessons to enable us to pay the peripatetic teachers concerned. Please see me for details.
Forthcoming dates:
Thursday July 4th Classes 1 & 2 to Northam Burrows
Monday July 8th South Molton intake day
Wednesday 10th Parent / teacher consultations
Thursday July 11th Sports Afternoon (weather permitting)
Tuesday July 16th Infant Music Festival
Wednesday July 17th Class 3 to Woodlands
Friday July 19th Last day of term
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
Musical Tuition
Dear Mr Reed
I would like my child to have:
Flute / fife lessons £
Brass lessons £
next term.
Child?s name:
Signed:
******************************************************************
Letter 20/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday June 21st 2002 www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Tomorrow we hold our long awaited PTA Fayre in the Jubilee Hall. We look forward to seeing you there. You will already have received letters about this from our PTA Officers so please do support us. Currently we are raising funds to extend our playground, help fund 'Claire's House' and provide additional equipment to enrich the education of our children. Money raised tomorrow will further these projects. We commence at 2.30 pm but we welcome helpers from noon, and again afterwards to help clear up. Remember, this is our school and we all need to work together to make it a success.
At the time of writing we hope to provide Maypole Dancing (from all available members of Class 4, about 2.45pm) and a mini-talent show slot (about 4pm). Maypole dancers do not need to wear school uniform on this occasion but will need plimsolls / trainers. Your child will know if he / she is involved in these events ? please support and encourage them. We also have Morris Dancers, lots of sideshows, stalls and refreshments.
Please bring along your sold and unsold raffle tickets if you have not already done so.
This week Mrs Beechey's family group organised a fine tabletop sale in aid of our 'Claire's House' appeal. This raised £41.45. Next week Mrs Blackett's family group will be doing the same, hoping to equal or better this amount. It is very encouraging to note the support of many parents with this venture. Thanks to the parents who encouraged their children with the sale this week.
Many parents have also contributed to this memorial to Claire Starley. One parent has kindly offered £100. We need to raise around £800; so far we have received about £170. More donations are appreciated. We know that Claire would have supported this idea. A tree will also be planted, donated by Joe Starley.
More information soon.
Some requests:
· Please do your best to adhere to the parking regulations and road markings outside of the school and park carefully.
· Please ensure that your child's clothing is labelled and that he/she has a complete PE kit in school every day, including PE footwear.
An advance notice that the community dentist will be examining year 1, 3 and 5 on Thursday 18th July. Letters about this should be sent out shortly.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
******************************************************************
Letter 19/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
www.swimbridge.ik.org Thursday 13th June 2002
Dear Parents
Please remember that school is closed tomorrow (Friday) for a teacher only day. Have a nice, long weekend.
Unfortunately Mrs Ferris and Mrs O?Hara are both away from school at the moment and will probably not be back for a week or so. For continuity,` Class 3 is being taught by our team of regular supply teachers; if you have a concern with your child in this class, at this time, please have a word with Mrs Beechey or myself.
Please ensure that all school photographs or remittances are returned by Monday; this is very important as the school has an invoice outstanding.
Parents of children going to Park in September have recently received a letter including details about Parents evening on Wednesday June 19th. I have been asked to emphasise the importance of parents attending the meeting at the correct time, in order to meet tutors and year heads. South Molton children have taken home application forms; please return these to me next week.
A reminder that French Club for younger children (Junior French Club) commenced last Monday in the School Library from 3.35 ? 4.10. A number of children whose parents had booked places did not remember to attend for this first session. The charge is approximately £22 for this term, to include tapes etc.; please discuss this with Mrs Cesbron when you collect your child. The older French Club continues on Wednesdays.
Due to circumstances beyond our control we are unable to take part in this years Tag Rugby tournament.
We surpassed ourselves with our Tesco computer vouchers for schools collection. We needed 12,600 but collected a staggering 14, 604, which will help us for next year. A new P.C. has been ordered and should arrive next term. Thank you all!
Year 6 are starting sessions on human relationships, with our school nurse; these include on sex education lessons. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from these sessions if they wish, although we feel these sessions are of great value. Please discuss this with me if applicable.
In the interests of conservation, we are collecting used ink jet printer cartridges. If you have any please send them to the box in the Reading Bay. As a bonus the school receives money for these.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
Don?t forget:
· Medicals and Junior French Club on Monday June 17th
· South Molton visits, Flutes and French Club on Wednesday 19th June
· Summer Fayre on Saturday 22nd June
· Park induction day on Monday 24th June
******************************************************************
Letter 18/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Thursday 30th May 2002
Dear Parents
Tomorrow afternoon, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, we hope to hold a Tea Party. Children are invited to each bring along some food and drink (like the Christmas parties) and can bring any suitable Union Jack hats, flags etc. Food etc can be brought into the Library as children arrive in the morning.
Please have a look at our school website for Class 4?s work following our residential week at Paignton. Besides writing about their experiences there are some interesting reasoned arguments for and against zoos; other work will be following.
School photographs are currently still being distributed; full details are enclosed with the photograph. Please return immediately if you do not want a copy there is no obligation to purchase.
---------------------------------------------------------
Congratulations to these children for completing their Good Work and Behaviour stamp cards:
Card 1: Nathan Singh, Amanda Knill
Card 2: Billy Floyd, Timon Hynes, Saskia Beer, Jade Tallentire, Ben Peters
Card 3: Samuel Heard, Danny Lakeman, Dylan Vickery
Card 4: Sarah Birch
Card 7: Jade Knill
Card 8: Rachel Snell
Card 9: Rebecca Snell
Card 13: Richard Tucker
--------------------------------------------------
Congratulations to Christina Crawford, awarded a Bronze Award by Devon Youth Music for Fife playing and Natasha Hill, Silver Book Worms certificate.
----------------------------------------------------
French Club for younger children (Junior French Club) commences on Monday June 10th in the School Library from 3.35 ? 4.05. A number of children have already been booked in but there is still room for a few others - please see me. The charge is approximately £22 for this term, to include tapes etc.; please discuss this with Mrs Cesbron when you collect your child. The older French Club continues on Wednesdays.
Many dates have been published recently. Here is a summary of some of them.
JUNE:
Half term holiday: Monday 3rd to Friday 7th June.
Wed. 12th PTA: Meeting 7.30.
Friday 14th School closed
Wednesday 19th South Molton Intake Day
Thursday 20th Governors? Meeting
Saturday 22nd PTA Summer Fayre
Monday 24th Park Intake Day
JULY:
Wednesday 3rd Parent / teacher consultations
Monday 8th South Molton Intake Day
Thursday 11th Sports Afternoon
Tuesday 16th Infant Music Festival
Wednesday 17th Class 3 to Woodlands
Friday 19th Last day of term.
A number of older children are wearing very high shoes at the moment. Please check the suitability of your child?s footwear. Please ensure that ALL children have their P.E. kit in school EVERY day, including trainers / plimsolls solely for P.E.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A reminder of JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS: Bank Holiday Monday 3 June ? to start the festivities with a ?BANG? a bright and colourful village procession of drums will leave the school at
7.30 pm, winding through the village streets to the Square (bring pots & pans to bash if you don?t have a drum). Everyone welcome ?more the merrier?. This is just the beginning - there is lots of entertainment planned for the night ahead including the lighting of two beacons, the illuminations of the Queen?s head in a 1,000 lights, live music, refreshments balloons and stalls.
******************************************************************
Letter 17/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
www.swimbridge.ik.org Friday May 24th 2002
Dear Parents
Years 5 and 6 have returned, safe but tired, from their strenuous residential week at Paignton. Hopefully they have learnt a lot about getting on with each other, being responsible for themselves and have gained an insight into the variety of animal life. We had some very positive comments about their behaviour from the owners of the hotel, the Paignton Zoo Education Department and the Zoo restaurant ? so perhaps our children aren?t too bad after all! A special thanks must go to Mandy Twitchen who exchanged her role from being an LSA in Class 1 to supporting Class 4, night and day, during the week.
While we were away, Class 3 produced some excellent sculptures which are temporarily on display in the Music Room. Please feel free to come and view. Many thanks to the parents who helped both with the visit and the practical work.
School photographs are currently being distributed, full details are enclosed with the photograph. Please return immediately if you do not want a copy; there is no obligation to purchase. Further copies, for children not given one today, will be available next week.
Next Friday afternoon, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, we plan to hold a Tea Party. Children are invited to each contribute some food and drink (like the Christmas parties) and can bring any suitable Union Jack hats, flags etc. More details next week.
Please note that brass, flutes and French Club restart next week. The following week (Mon. 3rd- Fri. 7th), school is closed for the half-term holiday.
Our Tesco computer voucher collection has swelled this week with 670 or so tokens from Swimbridge Post Office and 270 more from King?s College Choir School, Cambridge, giving us the grand total of over 1,350. Thanks to all.
Halifax Building Society will be at school next Thursday, May 30th, 8.45 am in the Library.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
+++++++++++++++++
From the Village ??
JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS: Bank Holiday Monday 3 June ? to start the festivities with a ?BANG? a bright and colourful village procession of drums will leave the school at
7.30 pm, winding through the village streets to the Square (bring pots & pans to bash if you don?t have a drum). Everyone welcome ?more the merrier?. This is just the beginning - there is lots of entertainment planned for the night ahead including the lighting of two beacons, the illuminations of the Queen?s head in a 1,000 lights, live music, refreshments balloons and stalls.
Please return your SNAP questionnaires to school as soon as possible ? your views for the park count!
******************************************************************
16/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday 17th May 2002
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents
Next week most of class 4 will be away on the school residential visit to Paignton. They will leave on Monday at approximately 9.15 am so parents are welcome to wait and see them off. The group is due to return to school at the end of school on Thursday. Children must be responsible for their own possessions at all times; please ensure that everything is clearly labelled. Teddy bears are expected!
Parents already have all information and emergency telephone numbers of the Paignton Zoo education dept. and Paignton Court Hotel.
There will be no flutes, brass or French clubs this week although the Halifax will be visiting on Thursday next (May 23rd) at 8.45 am. This is a new day. They will be with us in the Library every other Thursday; please see letter overleaf.
Our Tesco total keeps rising, and we are still collecting. We now have sufficient for a new P.C. Thanks for everyone?s great efforts.
The Academic Council is planning a non- pupil day on Monday September 30th to allow staff from all schools to meet together for an important educational conference. Please add this date to your Term Date List, as we plan to close on that day. Further copies of this list are available from the school secretary and on our web site.
The Cascades swim last Friday was well attended and great fun, except for those who got splashed a lot! £60 was raised towards our ongoing sponsorship, through Action Aid, of our two third world children. The website contains further details of our sponsorship.
Further diary dates:
q South Molton Community College staff to visit: Monday May 27th
q South Molton Community College intake day1: Monday June 17th
q Tag rugby festival: Tuesday June 18th
q Reports to parents: end of June
q Park intake day Friday June 21st or Monday June 24th (t.b.c)
q Parent / teacher consultation evening: Wednesday July 3rd
q South Molton Community College 2: Monday July 8th
q School sports afternoon: Thursday July 11th.
Please ensure that you check your child?s hair for headlice regularly, especially this weekend, as there have been some infected children again. It is important that all children have P.E. kit in school every day and that all clothing is clearly labelled.
Thank you very much to those of you who have contributed to the memorial summerhouse for Claire Starley. Contributions can be sent to Mrs O?Hara in the school office please.
With this letter you should have received a letter about the PTA Summer Fayre on Saturday June 22nd. Help selling raffle tickets is very much appreciated but if you feel you are unable to do this please return them to the school office or one of the PTA officers. Remember that besides providing additional equipment for our children to use in school, we are currently raising funds to enlarge the playground area and provide extra playtime facilities for all the children.
Don?t forget that if you have any concerns about your child at school, or would just like a ?progress update?, please book an after school consultation with your child?s teacher.
As I write, the final S.A.T. tests for older children are being completed and I feel we all feel a degree of relief. The children have all worked well and deserve praise for their efforts.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher