15 Nov 2002 - Letters to Parents - Early / Mid Autumn Term 2002
Letter 36/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
www.swimbridge.ik.org Friday 15th November 2002
Dear Parents,
Next Tuesday 19th November years R,1 and 2 will start their gymnastics sessions at the NDLC, while years 3 to 6 will have swimming lessons.
On Wednesday after school, 3.35 to3.55 pm, these will be a short planning meeting in the library for those who have kindly agreed to help with this years school pantomime, Aladdin.
We recently took delivery of a further R.M. computer donated by Tesco, provided from our collection of Tesco computers for schools vouchers.
You already know that our PTA Christmas Fayre will be held on Saturday 7th December. Our school relies heavily on our PTA fundraising. At this moment we are purchasing some additional reading books (£500) and computer equipment (£900) all courtesy of the PTA, and we are actively fundraising towards increasing our playground and providing additional space for P.E. and leisure activities. Every parent and member of staff belongs to the PTA and your support is very welcome.
Recently, the PTA sent families raffle tickets with a request that you would help sell these, and therefore aid our fundraising. If you feel unable to do this please return them to the school office.
You know that currently we sponsor two children through Action Aid. Sanjay Singh?s circumstances have improved recently and Action Aid have requested that we now transfer our sponsorship to 6 year-old Shivcharan Asadu, who lives in Madhya Pradesh, India, and continue with Atilat Abaagri. This we have agreed to do, bringing to five the number of different children Swimbridge School has sponsored over the last decade or so.
G D Reed
Headteacher
********************************************************************************************* Letter 34/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday November 8th2002 www.swimbridge.ik.org
SWIMBRIDGE - AN A GRADE SCHOOL AGAIN !!
We received our annual PANDA report this week which compares our standards with those nationally. At Key Stage 2 for the third year running, Swimbridge has been awarded an A grade putting us in the top 10% nationally. For Maths and English we have been awarded an A* - putting us in the top 5%. These are based on SAT results and grades and reflect the hard work and dedication of the teaching and non-teaching staff and the enthusiasm of our pupils.
Tonight in the Jubilee Hall we are holding our PTA Halloween Disco from 6.15 to 7.15pm for KS1 children and from 7.30 - 8.30pm for KS2 children. Our pupils are welcome to bring friends of a similar age. The cost (to include refreshments) is £1.50
We had a smashing (or is that splashing) time at Cascades recently, and raised further funds towards the two children we sponsor through Action Aid.
Don?t go out and buy a 2003 calendar, as our unique Swimbridge Calendar (now in its 13th edition) will be on sale within a few weeks with individual pupils self portraits, fascinating quotes from the school log books and term and national dates along with individual birthdays.
The school photographer was detained in Cyprus on Monday and was not
able to visit us! An alternative date has been booked, Monday 18th November (airlines allowing!)
We are now in a position to restart our French Club (if there is sufficient demand) on Monday afternoons from 3.30 - 4.30pm for Years 4, 5 and 6. We have a new teacher, Mrs Ogunro and much lower prices (initially £8 for the remaining 5 weeks of term). The intention is to give children an introduction to the French language and culture and help our pupils have a firm foundation in the language prior to starting at secondary school. If you are interested in your child being involved, please complete the form below and enclose a cheque payable to Mrs Ogunro (not Swimbridge School please) The sessions start Monday 18th November.
Many parents attended our recent consultation evening. Don't forget, if you have any concerns about your child at school please book an after-school session with your child's teacher. A polite note : please remember that teachers are very busy first thing in the morning and would appreciate being left to prepare the lessons for your children.
You recently received your annual Governors Report to Parents. On Thursday next, at 7.30pm you are invited to meet the Governors and staff to discuss this report, or other relevant matters, if you wish. We will have the visit of Cathrine Beckett of the Devon Parent Partnership who will be giving some valuable information and advice
There will be a village collage workshop in the Jubilee Hall on Sunday 10th November from 2.30 to 4.00pm to celebrate the Jubilee Party and Lightquest. Please bring along any photos, memorabilia, scissors, paper, fabric - anything you like. Everyone is welcome.
Some PROVISIONAL Christmas Dates :
PTA Christmas Fayre Sat 7th Dec.
Carol Service Wed 11th Dec 6.00pm
Pantomime (Aladdin) ;
Afternoon Wed 4th Dec. Evening Th. 5th Dec
School Christmas Dinner Wed 11th Dec
KS1 Christmas Party Th. 12th Dec
KS2 Christmas Party Mon 16th Dec
Last Day of Term Tue. 17th Dec
1st Day of Spring Term Mon 6th Jan 2003
Garry Reed
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Letter 33/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday 25th October 2002 www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Your child should have brought home the latest Governors? Annual Report to Parents. The Governors hope you will find this both interesting and informative. The Annual Meeting for Governors and Parents will be on Thursday 14th November at 7.30pm to which everyone is invited. You will notice that the Governors have invited Cathrine Beckett of the WEA Parent Partnership Service to this meeting, so please make every effort to attend. More details nearer the time.
Don?t forget Cascades 6.30 ? 7.30 tonight (Friday 25th October)
Donations for the ?shoe box appeal? (leaflet sent last week) need to be in school immediately after half term.
Please check your child for head lice over the half term.
If you have a pre-school child who you would like to come to our school, please complete an admission form as soon as possible ; forms are available from the school office. As you know, we regularly get enquiries from out of our catchment area and we like to ensure that there are places for our ?current families?. If you know of other parents who are considering sending their children to Swimbridge, please encourage them to contact us to allow us to plan for the future.
After half term school band (brass and flutes) will be meeting from 3.40 ? 4.15 on Tuesdays, and computer club continues at the same time on Fridays.
School closes today (Friday 25th October) for half-term, and re-opens on Monday 4th November.
G Reed
Headteacher
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Letter 32/2002
www.swimbridge.ik.org.
Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday October 18th 2002
Dear Parents,
Many thanks to all those who searched their children's bedrooms etc. looking for school reading books. To date around 40 have been returned, so please keep looking.
Next Friday evening the school has the sole use of Cascades, Club Ruda, Croyde, from 6.20 to 7.20 p.m. The cost of £1.50 per person includes a 25p donation towards our two Action Aid sponsored children. Please come along and feel free to invite your friends and relations. Children are, of course, the responsibility of their parents or another nominated adult. See you there.
Half-term commences on Monday 28th October for one week. School re-opens on 4th November when the School Photographer will be taking individual and family group photographs during the afternoon. Pre-school children are invited to have their photos taken from 3.15 in the school library.
Please find attached the annual Autumn Appendix to add to your original School Prospectus. This prospectus is also available on our school website.
Our Autumn sale of sweatshirts etc. is doing well. We have sold all sweatshirts, but still have some grey tee-shirts and school baseball caps. Don't forget that school history books (School Heritage) and our latest Compact Disc (Hosanna Rock) are still for sale, all at £5.00.
Last week I mentioned the proposed visit for years 3 to 6 to see the latest Harry Potter film on Friday 22nd November. There will be follow up and preparatory work at school as this film and book will be the focus of literacy work at the end of term for older children. If you would like your child to participate, please complete the form below and return (in a labelled envelope) by Friday 25th October. The cost will be £5.20 per child to include film and coach-fare. If you wish your child to have an ice-cream/lolly (to be selected nearer the time) please tick the box and include an additional £1.20, making £6.40 in all. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
We are continuing our collecting to sponsor Atilat Adaagri and Sanjay Singh. We need to raise a further £241 by Christmas. All suggestions and donations are welcome. As usual we will also be acting as a depot for Operation Christmas Child ? the shoe-box campaign. If you would like to help see the attached form and return your boxes just after half-term, by Friday 8th November please.
You know you are welcome to book an after-school appointment with your child's teacher throughout the year. In addition, on Wednesday 23rd October there will be an opportunity to 'Meet the Teacher' between 4.15 and 6.30. Please sign up your child's class list.
Congratulations to these children for recent swimming success;
Gemma Hayter 200 mtrs
Louise Colome 150 mtrs
Tyler Newnham 225 mtrs
Scott Ackland 250 mtrs
Ben Mansell 300 mtrs
Alex Haydn-Higgins 350 mtrs
Whitney Beer 550 mtrs
G. Reed
Headteacher
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Letter 30/2002
www.swimbridge.ik.org.
Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday October 4th 2002
Dear Parents.
On Monday morning (October 7th) at 9.30a.m. you are invited to our simple Harvest Festival in the Parish Church. We hope that children will be able to bring their envelopes with family donations towards our continued sponsorship of Atilat Abaagri (aged 7, from Ghana) and 9 year-old Sanjay Singh from India.
On the other side of this letter are term and holiday dates for Autumn Term 2003 to Summer 2004 (agreed at this weeks governors meeting) along with the current dates previously sent to you. Please do your best, whenever possible, to avoid family holidays during term time.
At last night's P.T.A. meeting the following officers were elected:
Chair: Victoria Comerford
Vive-Chair: Lesley Davies
Secretary: Angela Roberts
Treasurer: John Groombridge
Please remember that every parent and member of staff is a member of the PTA and welcome to every meeting.
Elections held at this week's Governors meeting resulted in Anne Hayes being chair and David Spencer as vice-chair. The annual governor / parent meeting is scheduled for Thursday November 14th.
I am pleased to announce that we are getting nearer to acquiring our new office extension and upgrading of the boys' cloakrooms. A grant from DfEE has been made available, all approvals have been given, tenders sent out and agreed and work should start later this term, all being well. For health and safety reasons there will be some temporary changes to access routes, playtimes etc. and we expect a little disruption to certain aspects of the school, although not to lessons or safety! The end result should be well worth it. Plans are available on the school notice board at the moment.
Please remember to return the ethnic background of your child questionnaire to the school office. Our school secretary is still on sick leave but Mrs Wadsworth, besides being a fine school cook has proved to be a first class temporary secretary. She is usually available in the school office in the afternoons from 2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. .
During the mornings the office is unmanned at the present time. The office is open throughout the day on Tuesdays.
Many of our children took part in a recent Ottakar's poetry competition. Joshua Stoneman, in Class 3. was the North Devon winner, in his section, with his poem, Ten Things Found in a Mermaid's purse. Congratulations to Joshua. He will receive his prize in the store shortly.
Ten things found in a mermaid's purse
A shell, beautiful shell.
A comb, a shiny comb.
A crab, furious crab.
A boot, an old boot.
A fish, a colourful fish.
An anchor, a heavy anchor.
A wig, a wet funny wig.
Seaweed, slimy seaweed.
A hairbrush, a bristly hairbrush.
A map, a secret map.
Joshua S.
Congratulations are due to these children for their recent swimming achievements:
1600 mtrs. Becky Peat
1500 mtrs. Jessica Beer
1300 mtrs. Phoenix Samuelson
1200 mtrs. Arun Mansfield
1000 mtrs. Tom Whitton & Alastair Roberts
800 mtrs. Becca Grose & Carlos Colome
700 mtrs. Colin Tucker
300 mtrs Ryan Webber
Waterwings 2 : Reece Dunn, Michael Partington, Christopher Shapland, Amy Lane, Myles Palmer, Matthew Grose, Rachel Lane, Toni Yeo, Saskia Beer and Richard Tucker
Currently there are a few vacancies for brass or flute tuition in school. If you would like your child to have a go at learning an instrument in school, and he or she in Year 3 or above, please have a word with me as soon as possible.
G. Reed
Headteacher
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Letter 29/2001
www.swimbridge.ik.org.
Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday September 28th 2002
Dear Parents.
Attached to this letter you should find a small envelope, which we hope you will return to school with your family?s donation to enable us to continue to support Sanjay Singh and Atilat Abaagri, through Action Aid.
Atilat Abaagri was born in 1995 and is one of a family of 4. She attends school and lives in Yarigu, Ghana, where her family have a small plot of land on which they grow millet, beans, groundnuts and vegetables. They keep a few goats, chickens and guinea fowl. Atilat's house is made of mud and thatch and there is a bore hole providing clean water half a km away. Most of the year is very dry - only those with access to water can grow anything during the drought which can last for months. The severe and unreliable climate is one of the main factors contributing to the extreme poverty of the people here.
Sanjay Singh was born in 1993. He also attends school. He is in a family of three children living in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Low incomes and lack of employment mean that many families, like his, have high debts. There is little healthcare in the area. During the summer months his family have to travel up to 2 km to fetch water. Sanjay's family depend on agriculture or the forest to earn an income and feed themselves. Crops like rice, maize, kodo and kutki (types of millet) are commonly grown although there is very little spare to sell at the market.
At our harvest service, on Monday October 7th at 9.30 am, we will give our donations towards these two less fortunate children. This is in place of traditional food offerings. Each year we need to raise £400 or more to maintain Atilat and Sanjay. It is our way of trying to help others, please help us - and don't forget that you are invited to join us at the service.
We have booked a further family fun swim at Cascades for Friday Oct. 25th between 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm. The cost will be £1.50 per person and 25p of each entrance fee will go toward our Action Aid sponsorship. Be sure to invite your family and friends and come yourselves!
The national SAT results for Year 6 pupils were published this week. Throughout the country 75% achieved level 4 (the expected level) in English and 73% achieved level 4 in Maths.
I have already recorded that Swimbridge achieved 100% in both subjects (as well as Science) and 58% achieved level 5 (lower secondary expectation) in English, 50% level 5 in maths. It looks likely that we will be awarded a further School Achievement Award this year!
The next P.T.A. meeting will be held on Thursday 3rd October at 7.30 pm.
Flute lessons will restart on Wednesday 2nd October. May we remind all parents of children having these lessons that they will need to return their Devon Youth Music contracts.
Attached to this letter you will find information relating to the ethnic background of your child. Please fill in the questionnaire and return it to the school office. This is in addition to the Data Collection Sheet which you have already returned. Sorry about this but they are national requirements.
Watch out for news about a new style French Club.
Next Thursday we should have the Halifax Bank with us at 8. 45 (new savings accounts welcome)
So far you have kindly donated £348 to help with this term's Leisure Centre activities - many thanks!
Don?t forget that school will be closed on Monday to allow staff to attend an important conference.
I hope to publish future term dates (from Autumn 2003 to Summer 2004) next week, pending governor approval.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
********************************************************************************************* Letter 27/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday September 20th 2002 www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Please find attached a separate letter about Devon's school funding campaign. This is hopefully is being sent out to all parents in Devon schools
Every parent is a member of our P.T.A. and you are encouraged to attend the next meeting on Thursday October 3rd at 7.30 pm. Nominations are requested for officers (chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer and secretary). If you would like to nominate a parent (please ask them first), or yourself, please return the form below to me as soon as possible. I must express my grateful thanks to the hard-working team of officers who have managed the P.T.A so well during the last school year.
Following last Wednesdays very stimulating visit to Torrington 1646, can I remind parents of children in Class 3 that they will be having the same educational experience on Wednesday next, 25th September. A voluntary donation of £5 per child to help cover admission and transport is requested; please complete the form below.
Don't forget that school is closed on Monday 30th September for an area staff-training day.
Many thanks to all those of you who so kindly contributed towards our swimming / gymnastic activities, which continue on Tuesday. If you have not yet helped with this, we would appreciate your financial support.
We will be holding our Harvest Service in the Parish Church on Monday October 7th at 9.30am. You are welcome to attend and, of course, you are welcome to discuss your child?s progress with your child's teacher by booking an after school consultation.
We are collecting Nestle Box tops. Please send these into school, preferably in an envelope.
May I also remind those parents who have not yet returned their Data Collection Sheets to do so urgently please.
We would welcome more dressing up clothes for lunchtime activities please.
I am certain that you realise how important regular attendance at school is for your child?s education. Although parents are able to take their children away from school for family holiday (for a maximum of two school weeks) this is not encouraged. Last year one child was present for only 77% of the year due to holidays and occasional illnesses; this child missed ¼ of his education. On the other hand half a dozen children attended for 100% of the time!
Our average attendance was 94.5% last year and we aim is to try to improve this by at least 1%. For this to succeed we ask parental support. At the end of each term we plan to reward high attendees with a special award.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
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Letter 26/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday September 13th 2002
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Attached to this letter is a very important Data Collection Sheet. Please check yours and make any necessary amendments. This is urgent. Please return on Monday or Tuesday - thank you. Because our school secretary has been away for some time a number of amendments have not been made, making this revision even more important.
Can I remind you that school lunches cost £1.30 per day (£6.50 per week / £48.10 this half term). Dinner money should come to school in a named envelope on the first day of each week.
Don't forget that school is closed for a staff training day on Monday September 3oth
Next Tuesday, due to Barnstaple Fair, we will not be going to the North Devon Leisure Centre. Our sessions will continue from the following Tuesday.
Many, many thanks to those parents who have kindly sent in a donation towards our Leisure Centre activities, requested last week. In case you have forgotten we would appreciate a donation of £7.00 per child (less than 60p per session) if possible; £5.00 for second children; an additional slip is attached if required.
Many of you will have seen Claire's House and the gardens surrounding it which will be a permanent memorial to Claire Starley. I am certain that Claire would have loved this facility, which includes a special tree planted a few days ago. Once again special thanks must go to Mr Tallentire. We still need to do some more fund raising for this important project
On Wednesday next (September 18th Class 4 will be travelling to Torrington to learn from the Tudor and Stuart experience of Torrington 1646. This is an integral part of the children's history work. There are many changes to this interactive and living museum that many children have previously visited a few years ago, and which proved so beneficial. We request a contribution of £5 (to include transport and entrance), in a named envelope please. Children should return by 3.30 pm. The following week Class 3 will be enjoying the same educational experience. Unless we hear to the contary we will assume that parents give permission for their children to take part in this visit.
Next Thursday (September 19th ) we will be holding Book Fair in school during and after school. You are invited to join your child after school to see what is available. This is for one day only.
French Club for children in classes 3 & 4 is after school on Wednesdays and for younger children after school on Mondays (restarting next Monday). We assume that all children who were previous members of this club will be attending unless parents have already informed us differently. If you no longer wish your child to take part please phone Mrs Cesbron on 01363 83072. New members are welcome.
The next PTA meeting is on Thursday October 3rd at 7.30 pm
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
Dear Mr. Reed
I enclose a donation of £_____ to help support the swimming / gymnastics programme for this term. (Cheques preferred, payable to D.C.C. please)
Child's name: ___________
Signed: ___________
Dear Mr. Reed
CLASS 4 only
I enclose a donation of £_____ to help cover the cost of the Torrington 1646 visit on September 18th.
Cheques preferred, payable to Swimbridge Primary School please)
Child's name: ___________
Signed: ____________
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Letter 25/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday September 6th 2002
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to the Autumn Term. Along with our new children we welcome Miss Hancock to our staff this year, as the teacher of Class 1.
We recommence our North Devon Leisure Centre sessions next Tuesday; a rota is attached overleaf. Swimmers will need swimming costume, towel and swimming cap please. You will appreciate that the cost of using the leisure centre (for swimming and gymnastics) along with transport costs is quite a drain on our budget. In recent years we have asked parents if they would be willing to make a voluntary donation to help us maintain this and once again we make the same request. We would appreciate a donation of £7.00 per child (less than 60p per session) if possible; £5.00 for second children. In the past the vast majority have helped us with this. This is a request for voluntary donation and children will not be excluded if their parents are unable to comply. However, if insufficient support is forthcoming we might have to reconsider this part of the school programme in the future.
A reminder that all of class 4 need to have recorders this year, as these will be used in ordinary music lessons. If they do not have one we would appreciate parents getting one for them so that they can join in this subject fully. Usual recorder lessons, for everyone (classes 3 & 4), start on Monday afternoon.
Unfortunately, Mrs O'Hara our school secretary is still away on sick leave. It is therefore vital that all money brought into school is clearly labelled in a named envelope please. Please do not give teachers any money which is not in an envelope; cheques are always preferred. During part of the afternoon Mrs Wadsworth will usually be available in the school office covering some of the secretarial duties.
In the interests of security we ask parents to remain out of the building at the end of the school day. Please feel free to wait either by the school gate or under the shelter in the large playground. Please remember that in the morning, before school, teachers are always busy preparing for the day, and tending to the needs of their class. Parents of younger children, in Class 1, are welcome to bring their children into the classroom.
As always we invite you to discuss your child?s progress at a mutually convenient after school; please book an appointment as required.
It is our aim to introduce a more uniform P.E. kit by next September (2003). We hope children will be equipped with dark shorts and a white top (tee shirt) and / or tracksuit. It is important that all children have suitable P.E. footwear (trainers or old shoes or football boots) for sports on the field and plimsolls. Please ensure that all clothing is labelled. It is helpful if children?s PE kit is in a PE bag and footwear is in a boot bag of some sort, both of which are kept on the child's peg.
A reminder that French Club restarts next Wednesday after school with the Infant French Club beginning on Monday afternoon. Please let me know if your child would be interested in joining.
A special thanks must go to Mr. Tallentire who is working hard to complete the area around Claire's House and to PTA and members of staff who where involved in fund raising for our school during the recent Lightquest.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
Dear Mr. Reed
I enclose a donation of £_____ to help support the swimming / gymnastics programme for this term. (Cheques preferred, payable to D.C.C. please)
Child's name: ___________
Signed: ____________
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
www.swimbridge.ik.org Friday 15th November 2002
Dear Parents,
Next Tuesday 19th November years R,1 and 2 will start their gymnastics sessions at the NDLC, while years 3 to 6 will have swimming lessons.
On Wednesday after school, 3.35 to3.55 pm, these will be a short planning meeting in the library for those who have kindly agreed to help with this years school pantomime, Aladdin.
We recently took delivery of a further R.M. computer donated by Tesco, provided from our collection of Tesco computers for schools vouchers.
You already know that our PTA Christmas Fayre will be held on Saturday 7th December. Our school relies heavily on our PTA fundraising. At this moment we are purchasing some additional reading books (£500) and computer equipment (£900) all courtesy of the PTA, and we are actively fundraising towards increasing our playground and providing additional space for P.E. and leisure activities. Every parent and member of staff belongs to the PTA and your support is very welcome.
Recently, the PTA sent families raffle tickets with a request that you would help sell these, and therefore aid our fundraising. If you feel unable to do this please return them to the school office.
You know that currently we sponsor two children through Action Aid. Sanjay Singh?s circumstances have improved recently and Action Aid have requested that we now transfer our sponsorship to 6 year-old Shivcharan Asadu, who lives in Madhya Pradesh, India, and continue with Atilat Abaagri. This we have agreed to do, bringing to five the number of different children Swimbridge School has sponsored over the last decade or so.
G D Reed
Headteacher
********************************************************************************************* Letter 34/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday November 8th2002 www.swimbridge.ik.org
SWIMBRIDGE - AN A GRADE SCHOOL AGAIN !!
We received our annual PANDA report this week which compares our standards with those nationally. At Key Stage 2 for the third year running, Swimbridge has been awarded an A grade putting us in the top 10% nationally. For Maths and English we have been awarded an A* - putting us in the top 5%. These are based on SAT results and grades and reflect the hard work and dedication of the teaching and non-teaching staff and the enthusiasm of our pupils.
Tonight in the Jubilee Hall we are holding our PTA Halloween Disco from 6.15 to 7.15pm for KS1 children and from 7.30 - 8.30pm for KS2 children. Our pupils are welcome to bring friends of a similar age. The cost (to include refreshments) is £1.50
We had a smashing (or is that splashing) time at Cascades recently, and raised further funds towards the two children we sponsor through Action Aid.
Don?t go out and buy a 2003 calendar, as our unique Swimbridge Calendar (now in its 13th edition) will be on sale within a few weeks with individual pupils self portraits, fascinating quotes from the school log books and term and national dates along with individual birthdays.
The school photographer was detained in Cyprus on Monday and was not
able to visit us! An alternative date has been booked, Monday 18th November (airlines allowing!)
We are now in a position to restart our French Club (if there is sufficient demand) on Monday afternoons from 3.30 - 4.30pm for Years 4, 5 and 6. We have a new teacher, Mrs Ogunro and much lower prices (initially £8 for the remaining 5 weeks of term). The intention is to give children an introduction to the French language and culture and help our pupils have a firm foundation in the language prior to starting at secondary school. If you are interested in your child being involved, please complete the form below and enclose a cheque payable to Mrs Ogunro (not Swimbridge School please) The sessions start Monday 18th November.
Many parents attended our recent consultation evening. Don't forget, if you have any concerns about your child at school please book an after-school session with your child's teacher. A polite note : please remember that teachers are very busy first thing in the morning and would appreciate being left to prepare the lessons for your children.
You recently received your annual Governors Report to Parents. On Thursday next, at 7.30pm you are invited to meet the Governors and staff to discuss this report, or other relevant matters, if you wish. We will have the visit of Cathrine Beckett of the Devon Parent Partnership who will be giving some valuable information and advice
There will be a village collage workshop in the Jubilee Hall on Sunday 10th November from 2.30 to 4.00pm to celebrate the Jubilee Party and Lightquest. Please bring along any photos, memorabilia, scissors, paper, fabric - anything you like. Everyone is welcome.
Some PROVISIONAL Christmas Dates :
PTA Christmas Fayre Sat 7th Dec.
Carol Service Wed 11th Dec 6.00pm
Pantomime (Aladdin) ;
Afternoon Wed 4th Dec. Evening Th. 5th Dec
School Christmas Dinner Wed 11th Dec
KS1 Christmas Party Th. 12th Dec
KS2 Christmas Party Mon 16th Dec
Last Day of Term Tue. 17th Dec
1st Day of Spring Term Mon 6th Jan 2003
Garry Reed
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Letter 33/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday 25th October 2002 www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Your child should have brought home the latest Governors? Annual Report to Parents. The Governors hope you will find this both interesting and informative. The Annual Meeting for Governors and Parents will be on Thursday 14th November at 7.30pm to which everyone is invited. You will notice that the Governors have invited Cathrine Beckett of the WEA Parent Partnership Service to this meeting, so please make every effort to attend. More details nearer the time.
Don?t forget Cascades 6.30 ? 7.30 tonight (Friday 25th October)
Donations for the ?shoe box appeal? (leaflet sent last week) need to be in school immediately after half term.
Please check your child for head lice over the half term.
If you have a pre-school child who you would like to come to our school, please complete an admission form as soon as possible ; forms are available from the school office. As you know, we regularly get enquiries from out of our catchment area and we like to ensure that there are places for our ?current families?. If you know of other parents who are considering sending their children to Swimbridge, please encourage them to contact us to allow us to plan for the future.
After half term school band (brass and flutes) will be meeting from 3.40 ? 4.15 on Tuesdays, and computer club continues at the same time on Fridays.
School closes today (Friday 25th October) for half-term, and re-opens on Monday 4th November.
G Reed
Headteacher
******************************************************************
Letter 32/2002
www.swimbridge.ik.org.
Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday October 18th 2002
Dear Parents,
Many thanks to all those who searched their children's bedrooms etc. looking for school reading books. To date around 40 have been returned, so please keep looking.
Next Friday evening the school has the sole use of Cascades, Club Ruda, Croyde, from 6.20 to 7.20 p.m. The cost of £1.50 per person includes a 25p donation towards our two Action Aid sponsored children. Please come along and feel free to invite your friends and relations. Children are, of course, the responsibility of their parents or another nominated adult. See you there.
Half-term commences on Monday 28th October for one week. School re-opens on 4th November when the School Photographer will be taking individual and family group photographs during the afternoon. Pre-school children are invited to have their photos taken from 3.15 in the school library.
Please find attached the annual Autumn Appendix to add to your original School Prospectus. This prospectus is also available on our school website.
Our Autumn sale of sweatshirts etc. is doing well. We have sold all sweatshirts, but still have some grey tee-shirts and school baseball caps. Don't forget that school history books (School Heritage) and our latest Compact Disc (Hosanna Rock) are still for sale, all at £5.00.
Last week I mentioned the proposed visit for years 3 to 6 to see the latest Harry Potter film on Friday 22nd November. There will be follow up and preparatory work at school as this film and book will be the focus of literacy work at the end of term for older children. If you would like your child to participate, please complete the form below and return (in a labelled envelope) by Friday 25th October. The cost will be £5.20 per child to include film and coach-fare. If you wish your child to have an ice-cream/lolly (to be selected nearer the time) please tick the box and include an additional £1.20, making £6.40 in all. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
We are continuing our collecting to sponsor Atilat Adaagri and Sanjay Singh. We need to raise a further £241 by Christmas. All suggestions and donations are welcome. As usual we will also be acting as a depot for Operation Christmas Child ? the shoe-box campaign. If you would like to help see the attached form and return your boxes just after half-term, by Friday 8th November please.
You know you are welcome to book an after-school appointment with your child's teacher throughout the year. In addition, on Wednesday 23rd October there will be an opportunity to 'Meet the Teacher' between 4.15 and 6.30. Please sign up your child's class list.
Congratulations to these children for recent swimming success;
Gemma Hayter 200 mtrs
Louise Colome 150 mtrs
Tyler Newnham 225 mtrs
Scott Ackland 250 mtrs
Ben Mansell 300 mtrs
Alex Haydn-Higgins 350 mtrs
Whitney Beer 550 mtrs
G. Reed
Headteacher
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Letter 30/2002
www.swimbridge.ik.org.
Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday October 4th 2002
Dear Parents.
On Monday morning (October 7th) at 9.30a.m. you are invited to our simple Harvest Festival in the Parish Church. We hope that children will be able to bring their envelopes with family donations towards our continued sponsorship of Atilat Abaagri (aged 7, from Ghana) and 9 year-old Sanjay Singh from India.
On the other side of this letter are term and holiday dates for Autumn Term 2003 to Summer 2004 (agreed at this weeks governors meeting) along with the current dates previously sent to you. Please do your best, whenever possible, to avoid family holidays during term time.
At last night's P.T.A. meeting the following officers were elected:
Chair: Victoria Comerford
Vive-Chair: Lesley Davies
Secretary: Angela Roberts
Treasurer: John Groombridge
Please remember that every parent and member of staff is a member of the PTA and welcome to every meeting.
Elections held at this week's Governors meeting resulted in Anne Hayes being chair and David Spencer as vice-chair. The annual governor / parent meeting is scheduled for Thursday November 14th.
I am pleased to announce that we are getting nearer to acquiring our new office extension and upgrading of the boys' cloakrooms. A grant from DfEE has been made available, all approvals have been given, tenders sent out and agreed and work should start later this term, all being well. For health and safety reasons there will be some temporary changes to access routes, playtimes etc. and we expect a little disruption to certain aspects of the school, although not to lessons or safety! The end result should be well worth it. Plans are available on the school notice board at the moment.
Please remember to return the ethnic background of your child questionnaire to the school office. Our school secretary is still on sick leave but Mrs Wadsworth, besides being a fine school cook has proved to be a first class temporary secretary. She is usually available in the school office in the afternoons from 2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. .
During the mornings the office is unmanned at the present time. The office is open throughout the day on Tuesdays.
Many of our children took part in a recent Ottakar's poetry competition. Joshua Stoneman, in Class 3. was the North Devon winner, in his section, with his poem, Ten Things Found in a Mermaid's purse. Congratulations to Joshua. He will receive his prize in the store shortly.
Ten things found in a mermaid's purse
A shell, beautiful shell.
A comb, a shiny comb.
A crab, furious crab.
A boot, an old boot.
A fish, a colourful fish.
An anchor, a heavy anchor.
A wig, a wet funny wig.
Seaweed, slimy seaweed.
A hairbrush, a bristly hairbrush.
A map, a secret map.
Joshua S.
Congratulations are due to these children for their recent swimming achievements:
1600 mtrs. Becky Peat
1500 mtrs. Jessica Beer
1300 mtrs. Phoenix Samuelson
1200 mtrs. Arun Mansfield
1000 mtrs. Tom Whitton & Alastair Roberts
800 mtrs. Becca Grose & Carlos Colome
700 mtrs. Colin Tucker
300 mtrs Ryan Webber
Waterwings 2 : Reece Dunn, Michael Partington, Christopher Shapland, Amy Lane, Myles Palmer, Matthew Grose, Rachel Lane, Toni Yeo, Saskia Beer and Richard Tucker
Currently there are a few vacancies for brass or flute tuition in school. If you would like your child to have a go at learning an instrument in school, and he or she in Year 3 or above, please have a word with me as soon as possible.
G. Reed
Headteacher
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Letter 29/2001
www.swimbridge.ik.org.
Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday September 28th 2002
Dear Parents.
Attached to this letter you should find a small envelope, which we hope you will return to school with your family?s donation to enable us to continue to support Sanjay Singh and Atilat Abaagri, through Action Aid.
Atilat Abaagri was born in 1995 and is one of a family of 4. She attends school and lives in Yarigu, Ghana, where her family have a small plot of land on which they grow millet, beans, groundnuts and vegetables. They keep a few goats, chickens and guinea fowl. Atilat's house is made of mud and thatch and there is a bore hole providing clean water half a km away. Most of the year is very dry - only those with access to water can grow anything during the drought which can last for months. The severe and unreliable climate is one of the main factors contributing to the extreme poverty of the people here.
Sanjay Singh was born in 1993. He also attends school. He is in a family of three children living in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Low incomes and lack of employment mean that many families, like his, have high debts. There is little healthcare in the area. During the summer months his family have to travel up to 2 km to fetch water. Sanjay's family depend on agriculture or the forest to earn an income and feed themselves. Crops like rice, maize, kodo and kutki (types of millet) are commonly grown although there is very little spare to sell at the market.
At our harvest service, on Monday October 7th at 9.30 am, we will give our donations towards these two less fortunate children. This is in place of traditional food offerings. Each year we need to raise £400 or more to maintain Atilat and Sanjay. It is our way of trying to help others, please help us - and don't forget that you are invited to join us at the service.
We have booked a further family fun swim at Cascades for Friday Oct. 25th between 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm. The cost will be £1.50 per person and 25p of each entrance fee will go toward our Action Aid sponsorship. Be sure to invite your family and friends and come yourselves!
The national SAT results for Year 6 pupils were published this week. Throughout the country 75% achieved level 4 (the expected level) in English and 73% achieved level 4 in Maths.
I have already recorded that Swimbridge achieved 100% in both subjects (as well as Science) and 58% achieved level 5 (lower secondary expectation) in English, 50% level 5 in maths. It looks likely that we will be awarded a further School Achievement Award this year!
The next P.T.A. meeting will be held on Thursday 3rd October at 7.30 pm.
Flute lessons will restart on Wednesday 2nd October. May we remind all parents of children having these lessons that they will need to return their Devon Youth Music contracts.
Attached to this letter you will find information relating to the ethnic background of your child. Please fill in the questionnaire and return it to the school office. This is in addition to the Data Collection Sheet which you have already returned. Sorry about this but they are national requirements.
Watch out for news about a new style French Club.
Next Thursday we should have the Halifax Bank with us at 8. 45 (new savings accounts welcome)
So far you have kindly donated £348 to help with this term's Leisure Centre activities - many thanks!
Don?t forget that school will be closed on Monday to allow staff to attend an important conference.
I hope to publish future term dates (from Autumn 2003 to Summer 2004) next week, pending governor approval.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
********************************************************************************************* Letter 27/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday September 20th 2002 www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Please find attached a separate letter about Devon's school funding campaign. This is hopefully is being sent out to all parents in Devon schools
Every parent is a member of our P.T.A. and you are encouraged to attend the next meeting on Thursday October 3rd at 7.30 pm. Nominations are requested for officers (chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer and secretary). If you would like to nominate a parent (please ask them first), or yourself, please return the form below to me as soon as possible. I must express my grateful thanks to the hard-working team of officers who have managed the P.T.A so well during the last school year.
Following last Wednesdays very stimulating visit to Torrington 1646, can I remind parents of children in Class 3 that they will be having the same educational experience on Wednesday next, 25th September. A voluntary donation of £5 per child to help cover admission and transport is requested; please complete the form below.
Don't forget that school is closed on Monday 30th September for an area staff-training day.
Many thanks to all those of you who so kindly contributed towards our swimming / gymnastic activities, which continue on Tuesday. If you have not yet helped with this, we would appreciate your financial support.
We will be holding our Harvest Service in the Parish Church on Monday October 7th at 9.30am. You are welcome to attend and, of course, you are welcome to discuss your child?s progress with your child's teacher by booking an after school consultation.
We are collecting Nestle Box tops. Please send these into school, preferably in an envelope.
May I also remind those parents who have not yet returned their Data Collection Sheets to do so urgently please.
We would welcome more dressing up clothes for lunchtime activities please.
I am certain that you realise how important regular attendance at school is for your child?s education. Although parents are able to take their children away from school for family holiday (for a maximum of two school weeks) this is not encouraged. Last year one child was present for only 77% of the year due to holidays and occasional illnesses; this child missed ¼ of his education. On the other hand half a dozen children attended for 100% of the time!
Our average attendance was 94.5% last year and we aim is to try to improve this by at least 1%. For this to succeed we ask parental support. At the end of each term we plan to reward high attendees with a special award.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
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Letter 26/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday September 13th 2002
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Attached to this letter is a very important Data Collection Sheet. Please check yours and make any necessary amendments. This is urgent. Please return on Monday or Tuesday - thank you. Because our school secretary has been away for some time a number of amendments have not been made, making this revision even more important.
Can I remind you that school lunches cost £1.30 per day (£6.50 per week / £48.10 this half term). Dinner money should come to school in a named envelope on the first day of each week.
Don't forget that school is closed for a staff training day on Monday September 3oth
Next Tuesday, due to Barnstaple Fair, we will not be going to the North Devon Leisure Centre. Our sessions will continue from the following Tuesday.
Many, many thanks to those parents who have kindly sent in a donation towards our Leisure Centre activities, requested last week. In case you have forgotten we would appreciate a donation of £7.00 per child (less than 60p per session) if possible; £5.00 for second children; an additional slip is attached if required.
Many of you will have seen Claire's House and the gardens surrounding it which will be a permanent memorial to Claire Starley. I am certain that Claire would have loved this facility, which includes a special tree planted a few days ago. Once again special thanks must go to Mr Tallentire. We still need to do some more fund raising for this important project
On Wednesday next (September 18th Class 4 will be travelling to Torrington to learn from the Tudor and Stuart experience of Torrington 1646. This is an integral part of the children's history work. There are many changes to this interactive and living museum that many children have previously visited a few years ago, and which proved so beneficial. We request a contribution of £5 (to include transport and entrance), in a named envelope please. Children should return by 3.30 pm. The following week Class 3 will be enjoying the same educational experience. Unless we hear to the contary we will assume that parents give permission for their children to take part in this visit.
Next Thursday (September 19th ) we will be holding Book Fair in school during and after school. You are invited to join your child after school to see what is available. This is for one day only.
French Club for children in classes 3 & 4 is after school on Wednesdays and for younger children after school on Mondays (restarting next Monday). We assume that all children who were previous members of this club will be attending unless parents have already informed us differently. If you no longer wish your child to take part please phone Mrs Cesbron on 01363 83072. New members are welcome.
The next PTA meeting is on Thursday October 3rd at 7.30 pm
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
Dear Mr. Reed
I enclose a donation of £_____ to help support the swimming / gymnastics programme for this term. (Cheques preferred, payable to D.C.C. please)
Child's name: ___________
Signed: ___________
Dear Mr. Reed
CLASS 4 only
I enclose a donation of £_____ to help cover the cost of the Torrington 1646 visit on September 18th.
Cheques preferred, payable to Swimbridge Primary School please)
Child's name: ___________
Signed: ____________
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Letter 25/2002 Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly NEWSLETTER
Friday September 6th 2002
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to the Autumn Term. Along with our new children we welcome Miss Hancock to our staff this year, as the teacher of Class 1.
We recommence our North Devon Leisure Centre sessions next Tuesday; a rota is attached overleaf. Swimmers will need swimming costume, towel and swimming cap please. You will appreciate that the cost of using the leisure centre (for swimming and gymnastics) along with transport costs is quite a drain on our budget. In recent years we have asked parents if they would be willing to make a voluntary donation to help us maintain this and once again we make the same request. We would appreciate a donation of £7.00 per child (less than 60p per session) if possible; £5.00 for second children. In the past the vast majority have helped us with this. This is a request for voluntary donation and children will not be excluded if their parents are unable to comply. However, if insufficient support is forthcoming we might have to reconsider this part of the school programme in the future.
A reminder that all of class 4 need to have recorders this year, as these will be used in ordinary music lessons. If they do not have one we would appreciate parents getting one for them so that they can join in this subject fully. Usual recorder lessons, for everyone (classes 3 & 4), start on Monday afternoon.
Unfortunately, Mrs O'Hara our school secretary is still away on sick leave. It is therefore vital that all money brought into school is clearly labelled in a named envelope please. Please do not give teachers any money which is not in an envelope; cheques are always preferred. During part of the afternoon Mrs Wadsworth will usually be available in the school office covering some of the secretarial duties.
In the interests of security we ask parents to remain out of the building at the end of the school day. Please feel free to wait either by the school gate or under the shelter in the large playground. Please remember that in the morning, before school, teachers are always busy preparing for the day, and tending to the needs of their class. Parents of younger children, in Class 1, are welcome to bring their children into the classroom.
As always we invite you to discuss your child?s progress at a mutually convenient after school; please book an appointment as required.
It is our aim to introduce a more uniform P.E. kit by next September (2003). We hope children will be equipped with dark shorts and a white top (tee shirt) and / or tracksuit. It is important that all children have suitable P.E. footwear (trainers or old shoes or football boots) for sports on the field and plimsolls. Please ensure that all clothing is labelled. It is helpful if children?s PE kit is in a PE bag and footwear is in a boot bag of some sort, both of which are kept on the child's peg.
A reminder that French Club restarts next Wednesday after school with the Infant French Club beginning on Monday afternoon. Please let me know if your child would be interested in joining.
A special thanks must go to Mr. Tallentire who is working hard to complete the area around Claire's House and to PTA and members of staff who where involved in fund raising for our school during the recent Lightquest.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
Dear Mr. Reed
I enclose a donation of £_____ to help support the swimming / gymnastics programme for this term. (Cheques preferred, payable to D.C.C. please)
Child's name: ___________
Signed: ____________