8 Jul 2004 - Summer Term 2004 Newsletters
Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday 8th July 2004
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Tomorrow we have the visit of the Kathakali Indian Dance company, arranged by Beaford Arts.During the afternoon they will be presenting performance and slide show to which all parents, governors and friends are welcome. This commences at 2pm and although we are not charging for our children any adults who attend are invited to contribute £2 to help defray some of the costs. The show lasts for approximately 1 ¼ hours, so tomorrow afternoon children will be dismissed from the Jubilee Hall.
We have now received this years Year 6 SAT results, which once again, are above the national average reflected the hard work of pupils and teachers and the support of our parents. According to Mr Blair (House of Commons yesterday) nationally 73% are at level 4 or above (the expected level for 11 years olds) in English and 73% in Maths. Our current results are:
Maths English Science
Level 4 and above 92% 77% 100%
Level 3 8% 23% 0%
Level 4 31% 69% 66%
Level 5 61% 8% 54%
We are especially pleased with the progress our special needs children have made this year. Currently a few English papers are being re-checked as potentially they could also be level 5.
We are now in a position to confirm that will be able to offer Flute, Brass and Guitar lessons next term so long as there are sufficient parents who wish their children to take part. This is a ?use it or loose it scenario. If you would like your child to have lessons next term (Yr 3 upwards) make certain Mrs Wadsworth in the office knows. For instance trying fife / flute lessons initially for one term could be the start of a life time of musical enjoyment, or even employment. There are at least 2 ex Swimbridge pupils who learnt instruments here and who are now professional musicians! Next term all musical instrument tutors will be employed directly by the school, not Devon Youth Music. All children (from Yr 3 upwards) will be having recorder lessons from September as part of their Music curriculum. The only exception to this being children who are playing another instrument in school; the recorder then becomes optional.
On Sunday afternoon, commencing at 2.30 pm at Barnstaple, we plan to run another PTA Cycle Ride and Barbeque to Fremington Quay. Hopefully there will be a simple treasure hunt and crossword competition to join in with ? in fact fun for all the family. If you can?t cycle drive down to Fremington Quay and join us. Should the weather look unpredictable please phone Victoria Comerford (PTA Chair) on 830774 after 12.30 pm to find out whether we will still be going ahead.
Sports Day is planned to commence at 1.45 on Thursday 15th July, weather permitting. Parents and friends are very welcome. As usual there will be a preschool race and the normal highly regarded cream teas afterwards. We expect to finish around 3.15 pm and parents are asked to collect children from the field. Help with taking sports equipment back to school would be appreciated.
As mentioned previously our Key Stage 1 children will be taking part in the Infant Music Festival at South Molton Community College next Wednesday, For your information we hope to have the exterior of the school decorated during the summer holidays, which commence at 3.30 pm on Wednesday 21st July.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
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Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly Newsletter
Letter No 21 Friday 2nd July 2004
Dear Parents,
By now all parents of children in Years 1 to 6 should have received end of year school reports. We hope these are informative. As you know, there is an opportunity to discuss your childs report on Tuesday 6th July from 4.00pm. Please sign up on the lists on each class door. Please bear in mind that teachers have given you their assessments and thoughts, so the agenda of these sessions in up to parents. We try to send reports to both parents if they do not live in the family home, please let us know if anyone has been overlooked. We are still awaiting all of the Year 6 SAT results these will be sent out when published.
Children in Years 5 and 6 will have sessions in the Lifeskills Bus, in the school layby, next Thursday.
Don't forget :
PTA Cycle Ride Sunday 11th July at 2.30pm at Barnstaple Railway Station
Infant Music Festival Wednesday 14th July (we assume parents give permission to attend unless informed otherwise)
Sports Afternoon Thursday 15th July
Followed by Cream Teas
Last day of term Wednesday 21st July
First Aid course
For staff Thursday 22nd July
First day of next term Wednesday 1st September
Bridget Vellacott has been with us as a Meal Time Assistant for the past few months, but unfortunately has had to leave us. Denise Harley has taken her place.
Out total Tesco voucher collection has now reached a staggering 17,500, thanks to a further donation of 1800 from Swimbridge Post Office. We still have a week or tow, so any odd tokens would be appreciated. We have already ordered a further P.C., and the excess will be banked towards next years collection. Thank you everyone!!!
Dont forget we are still organising musical tuition for next term. If your child will be in Year 3 upwards next term, we can provide brass, flute (and possibly guitar) lessons ? but we need to know beforehand. All new Year 3 children will be starting recorders next year. We ask parents to provide a real (not toy) recorder . These are available from Barnstaple Music Shop in Cross Street, and other outlets at around £5. Alternatively, the school is hoping to obtain a stock which we will sell on to parents. Further details on this will be available later on. Children who are starting flute normally purchase a plastic fife and The Fife Book by Liz Goodwin (total price about £11 from Barnstaple Music Shop). After a year or so, if they are making good progress, our teacher might recommend obtaining a flute.
Please send in any Book Club orders on Monday please.
Class 3 have persuaded Mrs Ferris to take them to Crealy Park on Monday 19th July, In order for the trip to go ahead, a contribution of £10.50 per child will be necessary. Please sign the slip below if you wish to book a place for your child/ren and return to school as soon as possible. Contributions will need to be paid by Friday 16th July. If this presents a problem, please see Mrs Ferris.
Congratulations to the school Footballers who were knocked out in the semi-final in the area Primary Schools Football Tournament. A special mention for Alexandra Haydn-Higgins for being named Star Player.
GD Reed
Headteacher
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Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly Newsletter
Friday 25th June 2004
Letter No 20
Dear Parents,
Within a few days, you should receive a copy of your childs annual school report. We hope you will find this constructive and useful. If there are matters you would like to discuss, you are invited to parent teacher consultations on Tuesday 6th July (Late afternoon early evening)
You will have realised that Wednesdays sports session at SMCC was postponed due to bad weather. It will be rearranged in the Autumn. We will assume that all parental permission slips will be valid for that event, unless we hear to the contrary.
On Tuesday 29th June, we are taking a squad of Year 4,5 and 6 children to SMCC for an area football tournament. A parental permission slip was included on Tuesdays special letter. We must have written parental permission slips for this event the squad will be selected from those with parental permission. Please fill in the slip below, if you have not already returned one.
On Thursday morning, 1st July, Class 3 and the 2 Year 4 children in Class 4 will be travelling to Filleigh Village Hall for the Junior Music Festival. Unless we hear to the contrary, we will assume parents give their consent for this visit.
A great big thank you for the tremendous support everyone has given us in collecting Tesco Computers for School Vouchers. We now have a staggering 16,000. Special thanks go to Kings College School in Cambridge, and Caroline at the Cambridge Building Society, along with parents, grandparents and friends from all over the country.
You will know that we have planned musical tuition for flutes and brass next term. I am aware that some children would like to continue guitar lessons. This may be possible if there are sufficient children (please drop me a line) and we are able to find a suitable guitar teacher. Do you know of one?
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 19
Thursday 17th June 2004
Dear Parents,
Please remember that SCHOOL IS CLOSED TOMORROW to allow for Staff training. We re-open on Monday.
Next September, Devon Youth Music will cease to operate individual musical tuition for pupils in schools. We aim to continue to provide tuition in
· Recorders (for all pupils from Y3)
· Brass
· Fife/flute
If you would like you child to have flute lessons (there is a charge to allow us to buy-in a teacher), or brass, and your child is in Year 3 or above, please complete and return the form below. We have a new, enthusiastic fife/flute teacher next term ? now would be a good time to give your child an opportunity to learn to play. Please see me for more information. Next week there will be no flute lessons on Tuesday (22nd June), instead this has been moved to Friday (25th June) for one week only.
Congratulations to our Tag Rugby team who participated in the North Devon Tournament this week. Special commendation goes to Michael Partington who was awarded ?Best Kicker? of the Tournament
Dont forget the PTA Quiz Night will be on Friday 9th July
Congratulations to Bryony Newnham, Josh Haydn-Higgins and Ellie Lang for achieving a bronze award for reading 10 books for bookworms
Don?t forget Parent/Teacher consultations on 6th July, following distribution of reports at the end of June.
Computer Club for Years 4to6 restarts on Friday 25th Jun
G Reed
Headteacher
REMINDER - The school?s involvement in the concert at the Landmark Theatre on Saturday 19th June has been cancelled.
Year 6 children will be visiting Park School on Tuesday 22nd June, or South Molton Community College on Thursday 24th June.
On Wednesday 23rd June, Years R?3 will be travelling to South Molton School for an ?Olympics? day. Transport is provided for this event, but children will need a packed lunch. Our uniform colour for the day will be blue, so blue t-shirts will be useful.
G Reed
Headteacher
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Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly Newsletter
Letter No 18
Friday 12th June 2004
Dear Parents,
Please dont forget that school is closed, for children, next Friday 18th June for a staff training day.
Congratulations to these children for completing stamp cards for good work and helpfulness :
Card 1 Alexander Snell, Haydon Vickery, Oscar Adams
Card 2 Lauren Slape
Card 3 Jacob Heard, Bethany Hill
Card 4 Nathan Singh
Card 5 Saskia Beer, Ben Peters, William Floyd, Olivia Rippin
Card 6 Hannah Stern, Timon Hynes, Danny Lakeman
Card 8 Aidan Wetherill
Card 10 Ellie Mansfield
Card 11 Joshua Stoneman
Card 12 Myles Palmer, Rebecca Snell
Card 13 Rachel Hampshire
Card 14 Natasha Hill
Card 16 Sarah Spencer
At the moment, the County Council is undergoing a review of primary school meals. The school and the LEA agree with Government recommendations on improving health and reducing obesity in school children. The school meals service, while working to financial constraints, aims to provide food that children will want to eat and parents will want them to eat. We encourage parents who provide a packed lunch for their children to pack as healthy and balanced food as possible.
If your child does have school meals, please ensure that payment is made in advance, on the first day of each week, termly or half termly. A few parents regularly forget and we spend a considerable amount of time chasing up debts. I dont think many restaurants would allow people to have a meal one day and pay a fortnight later!! Our new computerised system will automatically produce an arrears letter if no payment is recorded.
Please phone early in the morning if your child is going to be absent from school. If we do not hear from you we will contact parents so that we can be sure that all of our pupils are safely accounted for.
Next Tuesday, our Year 6 children are invited to take part in the North Devon Tag Rugby Festival. Transport is provided, and children will need a packed lunch, sun cream etc. Please return the permission slip.
On Wednesday 16th June, our school nurse will commence the first of a series of 4 PSHE sex education and relationship lessons with Year 6 children. If you would like to discuss this in advance please see me. We strongly recommend that all children participate, but parents do have the right to withdraw them if they wish.
Sadly, due to an insufficient number of children being available, we will be unable to take part in the Landmark Concert on Saturday 19th June. Thankyou very much to those parents who did respond and arranged for their children to attend, this was much appreciated.
I attach an important letter to those children going to Park School in September. They are invited to visit on Tuesday 22nd June wearing Swimbridge uniform, the letter gives further details. Parents normally arrange transport for their own children.
We are still looking for a suitable candidate to join our Meal Time Assistant team for a few hours each week. Please see me, or Lee Wadsworth, if you are interested.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Letter 17/2004
Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday 28th May 2004
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
We close this afternoon for the half-term holiday, and re-open on Monday 7th June.
Many thanks for the successful PTA Fayre held last Friday evening. £680 was raised. Recently the PTA has provided a new colour T.V. for the school, an extension to the fencing around our new playground and new books etc. In the near future the PTA will be funding a replacement notice board outside the school.
Tesco computer vouchers are still coming in. Our total now stands at 8,200. Please keep sending them in.
Dates for your diary
31st May ? 7th June Half Term holiday
15th June Tag Rugby Festival
18th June Non-pupil day ? School closed
19th June (evening) School choir at Landmark
22nd June Park Induction Day
24th June South Molton Intake Day
25th June PTA Quiz Night
29th June FootballTournament (Years 4, 5 and 6)
29th June Reports issued (to be confirmed)
1st July South Molton Intake Day
1st July Junior Music Festival (Years 3&4) at Filleigh Village Hall
6th July Parent/Teacher consults
7th July Athletics day at Braunton
8th July Hindu Dance Day (whole school)
11th July PTA Cycle Ride 2pm (t.b.c)
14th July Infant Music Festival (Years R, 1 and 2)
21st July Last Day of Term
Can I remind you that KS1 children should bring fruit for their morning break . We strongly encourage KS2 children to do the same. From September we will have new guidelines about break food. Please do not allow your child to bring sweets to school.
Dinner Money for next half-term will be £47.85 for those who wish to pay in advance. Please make cheques payable to Devon County Council.
At the moment we can offer musical tuition in guitar, flute/fife and brass in school. Shortly we will be planning for next term. I understand there is a new piano teacher in the area Mrs Vicki Redpath (01769 540656) who has vacancies for children and adults.
All visitors (including parents during the school day) MUST report to the office if they visit during school time please. This is for the security of our children. Our CCTV system is now in operation.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 16
Friday 21st May 2004
Dear Parents,
Years 5 and 6 have just returned from a very successful Residential Trip to Paignton. Their excellent behaviour was commented upon wherever they went, so parents should be justifiably proud of them. As part of their follow up work they will be producing Powerpoint presentations of this.
Years R to 4 had a very enjoyable visit to Broomhill Sculpture Gardens yesterday.
Can we remind you that all clothing needs to be labelled. We continue to have a vast amount of lost property which we have no way of re-uniting with owners.
Our close-circuit television system is now in operation. To enhance security during the school day all visitors, including parents, should first report to reception.
At 6pm tonight our PTA Fayre starts in the Jubilee Hall. This change of day (to a Friday evening) is a new venture ? lets all try to make it a great success. Many thanks to those who have worked so hard to prepare for this evening. Help clearing up (at 8pm) would be very welcome. Cakes, sold and un-sold raffle tickets, and other donations for the Fayre can be brought this evening. See you there!!!
Congratulations to these children for receiving stamp cards for good work and behaviour :
Card 1 Haydon Vickery
Card 2 Lauren Slape
Card 3 Jacob Heard
Card 5 Billy Floyd, Nathan Singh, Ashley Brocklehurst
Card 6 Timon Hynes, Hannah Stern, Danny Lakeman
Card 8 Aidan Wetherill-Sallis
Card 11 Joshua Stoneman
Card 12 Rebecca Snell
Card 13 Myles Palmer, Rachel Hampshire
Card 16 Colin Tucker
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 15
Friday 14th May 2004
Dear Parents,
You will no doubt have heard that our PTA Fayre has been moved from Saturday 22nd May to Friday 21st May from 6pm to 8pm! Please offer your services to help in whatever way possible you can. Don?t forget the PTA meeting on Monday 17th May. Please see the PTA newsletter for details.
Last week I mentioned our school performance at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe on 19th June for Years 3 to 6. To date we have had very few replies. Please return the form (an additional one is attached) as soon as possible.
We are grateful that so many parents support the school with its school uniform policy. Children wearing school clothing have a sense of belonging which has been shown to enhance feelings of self-esteem and help raise educational and social standards. The school colour is GREY and it would be greatly appreciated if all parents would bear this in mind when purchasing clothing for their children to wear at school.
We encourage all children to wear the recommended school dress :
Boys : Grey trousers
Grey sweatshirt with white shirt/polo shirt.
Girls: Grey skirt or black plain trousers
Grey sweatshirt or grey pinafore and grey cardigan
Blue ginghjam dress in summer
Grey sweatshirts and t-shirts, embroidered with the school logo are available from Samuel Daws, Barnstaple, or National Schoolwear, Barnstaple.
It is very important that all clothing is clearly marked with the child?s name. Lost property can be collected from the school office.
Jeans are not permitted in school. Our thrift shop often has school clothing available ? contact Mrs Wadsworth in the school office.
Every child should have a large named P.E. bag to be kept on his/her peg containing their P.E. kit. It is vital that children do not wear their school clothes or shoes for P.E. or games sessions. Children also require a painting overall or apron.
The only items of jewellery permitted in school are watches and studs in place of earrings. For health and safety reasons, jewellery should be left at home.
Our Tesco Computers for Schools voucher collection is doing well, thanks to everyone?s support. We have around 6,500, but we do need a lot more!
Attached to this letter is the latest Term Dates, up to 2006. Please destroy or amend all previous lists. You will note that the Autumn Term 2004 starts on 1st September (not 2nd Sept as previously notified), and the school will be closed for a staff training day on17th June 2005. Please contact me if this causes a problem.
By the time you receive this newsletter, children will have completed their SAT tests and teachers will commence marking them! Year 6 papers are sent away to be marked; results are expected by the end of June. To give you an idea of the standards expected in Science and Maths I attach some sample questions. How would you have done?
Next week Years 5 and 6 will be away on their Paignton Residential, returning at around 3.30pm on Thursday. These children will probably be very tired. We do have school on Friday (the day of the PTA Fayre) but Year 5 and 6 children have the option of not needing to come into school until 10am.
On Thursday, the rest of the school will be visiting Broomhill Sculpture Garden, so there will be no children in school ? although the school office will still be open.
The school photographs have now arrived. These are being sent home with younger children initially with older children receiving a copy during next week. There is no obligation to purchase. If you do not wish to keep a copy, please return it to the office immediately. Payment should also come to the office.
This afternoon children will be enjoying a Native American performance of songs and chants and stories. A further performance for adults (£3) and children (free) is taking place this evening in the Jubilee Hall followed by workshops on Saturday and Sunday. If you are interested just go along or phone Ian Godfrey (01271 830878) for details.
We may well have a vacancy in a few weeks, for a meal time assistant for 3 (or more) lunchtimes. Please let me know if you are interested.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Letter 14/2003
Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday, 7th May
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
We enter a very busy period at school with SAT tests for Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 next week. Early nights with plenty of sleep would be advantageous. We try to make these tests as stress free as possible.
Our PTA Fayre on Saturday, 22nd May. is fast approaching; please offer your services to help. Thank you for selling draw tickets. Please return stubs and money, or unsold or unwanted tickets to the school office or any PTA officer as soon as possible.
The Health & Safety of our children is always our prime consideration. To this end please ensure that you always bolt the front gate when you enter or leave the school premises. If you visit the school (to collect a child for an appointment etc.) during the school day please report in to reception first. This obviously does not apply before or after school. It is vitally important that we know who is on school premises at any time. The governors have decided to install a close circuit t.v. camera, funded by a government grant. This should enable us to improve security whilst maintaining a welcoming friendly environment.
I have already mentioned the proposed concert of our school choir with the Cwmbach Male Voice Choir at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe on Saturday evening, June 19th. We would like to involve all of Years 4, 5 and 6 and possibly a few Year 3. Our performance will be The Selfish Giant, so long as sufficient children are able to participate. We will clarify arrangements nearer the time but, at the moment, parents of children in these year groups are asked to return the attached form. It is a great experience to work towards a performance like this, and perform in such auspicious surroundings.
Parents of Year 5 and 6 Children who did not attend Thursdays Paignton Zoo meeting should find their child(ren) have a number of information sheets for you.
Collection of milk bottle tops has now ended would you kindly not send any more into school.
Book Club Any further orders should be sent into school by next Friday please together with the payment. (Cheques payable to Swimbridge School please.)
Please note that Dinner Money cheques should be made payable to Devon County Council, not Swimbridge School. Thankyou.
Congratulations to Whitney Beer for gaining the silver award (reading 20 books) for bookworms, and to Bethany Balment, Dylan Vickery and Shannon Straughan for gaining the bronze award (reading 10 books).
Our Tesco Computers for Schools vouchers collection now stands at 6,000. Please keep them coming in !!!
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Newsletter No 13
Friday 30th April 2004
Dear Parents,
Dont forget that school is closed on Monday 3rd May for the Bank Holiday.
Next week, on Thursday 6th May, we have a meeting for Year 5 and 6 parents in the library, relating to the forthcoming Paignton Residential visit.
We had an interesting PTA meeting last Tuesday, mainly discussing our Summer Fayre on Saturday 22nd May in the Jubilee Hall. All parents and guardians are members of our PTA, so please offer your services to help in whatever way you can. Look out for the latest PTA newsletter. Over the years the PTA has provided an enormous amount of valuable equipment for our children and for that we are extremely thankful. Lets all work together and make this years Fayre an enjoyable and profitable afternoon.
Our collection of Tesco Computers for Schools Vouchers now stands at 2400 Please keep them coming in.
The latest pupil to receive the Headteachers Award is Myles Palmer. A number of children and members of staff have nominated him for his kindness to others and helpful attitude around the school.
Congratulations are also due to Whitney Beer and Isobel Comerford who are St John Badgers. Whitney came first in the West Country in the First Aid Final, and second in the competition overall. Isobel was the reserve team member.
Please don?t forget that school lunches are now £1.45 per day, £7.25 per week. Can I also remind you that P.E. equipment required by all children is
For P.E.
? P.E. Shorts (black or white)
? White polo shirt with collar (not the same one as worn during the
rest of the day)
? Short white socks
? Plimsolls or trainers (not those worn during the rest of the day)
For Games
? P.E. kit as above or
? Track suit or
? Jogging trousers and sweat shirt and jumper (not those worn
during the rest of the day)
? Trainers or plimsolls ? for football and tag rugby ;football boots or old shoes
Please ensure that all school uniform and P.E. kit is labelled and school footwear is appropriate (especially for older girls, bearing in mind heel height) We prefer P.E./Games kit etc to be in a draw string bag/plimsoll bag, not carrier bags please. We have kit bags (and book bags) available in the school office, price £2.00
.
Head Lice are in school again. Please check your childs head and treat them if necessary. I would like to remind you that your child should not be in school if affected, until he she has been treated.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 12
23rd April 2004
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to the Summer Term.
Thank you for your continued support in collecting Tesco Computer Vouchers. We need 13,000 and so far our total is 3,480. Please encourage everyone to support us if possible.
Next Friday, 30th April, we will be having the school photograph taken. We are grateful for the support parents give our school in providing their children with the correct school uniform. Our children always look so smart. Please ensure that your child also has a brush or comb on Friday.
During the week commencing 10th May we are required to hold the statutory Year 6 SAT tests. During this week we will be conducting most of the Year 2, 3, 4 and 5 SAT tests as well.
Plans are well advanced for the Year 5 and 6 visit to Paignton. Would parents please note that the final payments needs to arrive in school by 30th April please. The final, revised schedule is below. There will be a final informal meeting about this trip at 3.40pm on Thursday 6th May in the Library. At the end of April, we will be sending a further letter with details of equipment and clothing required for the visit etc
PAIGNTON RESIDENTIAL TRIP PROGRAMME
Mon 17th May
Morning Leave school 9.15 am
Afternoon Zoo Safari (talk and trail)
Evening Jungle Fun Play Area
Tues 18th May
Morning ZooAdaptation to habitat
Afternoon Zooanimal encounter/animal study
Evening Torbay Leisure Centreswim
Wed 19th May
Morning Torquay Natural History Museum
Afternoon Kents Cavern
Evening Zoo Art and Craft session
Thurs 20th May
Morning Zoo animal study and animal trail
Arrive back at school around 3.40pm.
Next weekend a Tibetan holy man/Lama will be visiting the area. He will probably be visiting our school on Friday afternoon and meeting the older children. On Friday 14th May, a native American workshop will be held in the Jubilee Hall.
Congratulations to Ben Watson for achieving the Bronze Award for Bookworms (reading 10 books)
Dont forget that teachers are happy to meet with parents to discuss childrens progress etc. Please book an after school meeting.
Dont forget that school will be closed on Monday 3rd May for the Bank Holiday
G D REED
Headteacher
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday 8th July 2004
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Tomorrow we have the visit of the Kathakali Indian Dance company, arranged by Beaford Arts.During the afternoon they will be presenting performance and slide show to which all parents, governors and friends are welcome. This commences at 2pm and although we are not charging for our children any adults who attend are invited to contribute £2 to help defray some of the costs. The show lasts for approximately 1 ¼ hours, so tomorrow afternoon children will be dismissed from the Jubilee Hall.
We have now received this years Year 6 SAT results, which once again, are above the national average reflected the hard work of pupils and teachers and the support of our parents. According to Mr Blair (House of Commons yesterday) nationally 73% are at level 4 or above (the expected level for 11 years olds) in English and 73% in Maths. Our current results are:
Maths English Science
Level 4 and above 92% 77% 100%
Level 3 8% 23% 0%
Level 4 31% 69% 66%
Level 5 61% 8% 54%
We are especially pleased with the progress our special needs children have made this year. Currently a few English papers are being re-checked as potentially they could also be level 5.
We are now in a position to confirm that will be able to offer Flute, Brass and Guitar lessons next term so long as there are sufficient parents who wish their children to take part. This is a ?use it or loose it scenario. If you would like your child to have lessons next term (Yr 3 upwards) make certain Mrs Wadsworth in the office knows. For instance trying fife / flute lessons initially for one term could be the start of a life time of musical enjoyment, or even employment. There are at least 2 ex Swimbridge pupils who learnt instruments here and who are now professional musicians! Next term all musical instrument tutors will be employed directly by the school, not Devon Youth Music. All children (from Yr 3 upwards) will be having recorder lessons from September as part of their Music curriculum. The only exception to this being children who are playing another instrument in school; the recorder then becomes optional.
On Sunday afternoon, commencing at 2.30 pm at Barnstaple, we plan to run another PTA Cycle Ride and Barbeque to Fremington Quay. Hopefully there will be a simple treasure hunt and crossword competition to join in with ? in fact fun for all the family. If you can?t cycle drive down to Fremington Quay and join us. Should the weather look unpredictable please phone Victoria Comerford (PTA Chair) on 830774 after 12.30 pm to find out whether we will still be going ahead.
Sports Day is planned to commence at 1.45 on Thursday 15th July, weather permitting. Parents and friends are very welcome. As usual there will be a preschool race and the normal highly regarded cream teas afterwards. We expect to finish around 3.15 pm and parents are asked to collect children from the field. Help with taking sports equipment back to school would be appreciated.
As mentioned previously our Key Stage 1 children will be taking part in the Infant Music Festival at South Molton Community College next Wednesday, For your information we hope to have the exterior of the school decorated during the summer holidays, which commence at 3.30 pm on Wednesday 21st July.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
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Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly Newsletter
Letter No 21 Friday 2nd July 2004
Dear Parents,
By now all parents of children in Years 1 to 6 should have received end of year school reports. We hope these are informative. As you know, there is an opportunity to discuss your childs report on Tuesday 6th July from 4.00pm. Please sign up on the lists on each class door. Please bear in mind that teachers have given you their assessments and thoughts, so the agenda of these sessions in up to parents. We try to send reports to both parents if they do not live in the family home, please let us know if anyone has been overlooked. We are still awaiting all of the Year 6 SAT results these will be sent out when published.
Children in Years 5 and 6 will have sessions in the Lifeskills Bus, in the school layby, next Thursday.
Don't forget :
PTA Cycle Ride Sunday 11th July at 2.30pm at Barnstaple Railway Station
Infant Music Festival Wednesday 14th July (we assume parents give permission to attend unless informed otherwise)
Sports Afternoon Thursday 15th July
Followed by Cream Teas
Last day of term Wednesday 21st July
First Aid course
For staff Thursday 22nd July
First day of next term Wednesday 1st September
Bridget Vellacott has been with us as a Meal Time Assistant for the past few months, but unfortunately has had to leave us. Denise Harley has taken her place.
Out total Tesco voucher collection has now reached a staggering 17,500, thanks to a further donation of 1800 from Swimbridge Post Office. We still have a week or tow, so any odd tokens would be appreciated. We have already ordered a further P.C., and the excess will be banked towards next years collection. Thank you everyone!!!
Dont forget we are still organising musical tuition for next term. If your child will be in Year 3 upwards next term, we can provide brass, flute (and possibly guitar) lessons ? but we need to know beforehand. All new Year 3 children will be starting recorders next year. We ask parents to provide a real (not toy) recorder . These are available from Barnstaple Music Shop in Cross Street, and other outlets at around £5. Alternatively, the school is hoping to obtain a stock which we will sell on to parents. Further details on this will be available later on. Children who are starting flute normally purchase a plastic fife and The Fife Book by Liz Goodwin (total price about £11 from Barnstaple Music Shop). After a year or so, if they are making good progress, our teacher might recommend obtaining a flute.
Please send in any Book Club orders on Monday please.
Class 3 have persuaded Mrs Ferris to take them to Crealy Park on Monday 19th July, In order for the trip to go ahead, a contribution of £10.50 per child will be necessary. Please sign the slip below if you wish to book a place for your child/ren and return to school as soon as possible. Contributions will need to be paid by Friday 16th July. If this presents a problem, please see Mrs Ferris.
Congratulations to the school Footballers who were knocked out in the semi-final in the area Primary Schools Football Tournament. A special mention for Alexandra Haydn-Higgins for being named Star Player.
GD Reed
Headteacher
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Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly Newsletter
Friday 25th June 2004
Letter No 20
Dear Parents,
Within a few days, you should receive a copy of your childs annual school report. We hope you will find this constructive and useful. If there are matters you would like to discuss, you are invited to parent teacher consultations on Tuesday 6th July (Late afternoon early evening)
You will have realised that Wednesdays sports session at SMCC was postponed due to bad weather. It will be rearranged in the Autumn. We will assume that all parental permission slips will be valid for that event, unless we hear to the contrary.
On Tuesday 29th June, we are taking a squad of Year 4,5 and 6 children to SMCC for an area football tournament. A parental permission slip was included on Tuesdays special letter. We must have written parental permission slips for this event the squad will be selected from those with parental permission. Please fill in the slip below, if you have not already returned one.
On Thursday morning, 1st July, Class 3 and the 2 Year 4 children in Class 4 will be travelling to Filleigh Village Hall for the Junior Music Festival. Unless we hear to the contrary, we will assume parents give their consent for this visit.
A great big thank you for the tremendous support everyone has given us in collecting Tesco Computers for School Vouchers. We now have a staggering 16,000. Special thanks go to Kings College School in Cambridge, and Caroline at the Cambridge Building Society, along with parents, grandparents and friends from all over the country.
You will know that we have planned musical tuition for flutes and brass next term. I am aware that some children would like to continue guitar lessons. This may be possible if there are sufficient children (please drop me a line) and we are able to find a suitable guitar teacher. Do you know of one?
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 19
Thursday 17th June 2004
Dear Parents,
Please remember that SCHOOL IS CLOSED TOMORROW to allow for Staff training. We re-open on Monday.
Next September, Devon Youth Music will cease to operate individual musical tuition for pupils in schools. We aim to continue to provide tuition in
· Recorders (for all pupils from Y3)
· Brass
· Fife/flute
If you would like you child to have flute lessons (there is a charge to allow us to buy-in a teacher), or brass, and your child is in Year 3 or above, please complete and return the form below. We have a new, enthusiastic fife/flute teacher next term ? now would be a good time to give your child an opportunity to learn to play. Please see me for more information. Next week there will be no flute lessons on Tuesday (22nd June), instead this has been moved to Friday (25th June) for one week only.
Congratulations to our Tag Rugby team who participated in the North Devon Tournament this week. Special commendation goes to Michael Partington who was awarded ?Best Kicker? of the Tournament
Dont forget the PTA Quiz Night will be on Friday 9th July
Congratulations to Bryony Newnham, Josh Haydn-Higgins and Ellie Lang for achieving a bronze award for reading 10 books for bookworms
Don?t forget Parent/Teacher consultations on 6th July, following distribution of reports at the end of June.
Computer Club for Years 4to6 restarts on Friday 25th Jun
G Reed
Headteacher
REMINDER - The school?s involvement in the concert at the Landmark Theatre on Saturday 19th June has been cancelled.
Year 6 children will be visiting Park School on Tuesday 22nd June, or South Molton Community College on Thursday 24th June.
On Wednesday 23rd June, Years R?3 will be travelling to South Molton School for an ?Olympics? day. Transport is provided for this event, but children will need a packed lunch. Our uniform colour for the day will be blue, so blue t-shirts will be useful.
G Reed
Headteacher
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Swimbridge Primary School
Weekly Newsletter
Letter No 18
Friday 12th June 2004
Dear Parents,
Please dont forget that school is closed, for children, next Friday 18th June for a staff training day.
Congratulations to these children for completing stamp cards for good work and helpfulness :
Card 1 Alexander Snell, Haydon Vickery, Oscar Adams
Card 2 Lauren Slape
Card 3 Jacob Heard, Bethany Hill
Card 4 Nathan Singh
Card 5 Saskia Beer, Ben Peters, William Floyd, Olivia Rippin
Card 6 Hannah Stern, Timon Hynes, Danny Lakeman
Card 8 Aidan Wetherill
Card 10 Ellie Mansfield
Card 11 Joshua Stoneman
Card 12 Myles Palmer, Rebecca Snell
Card 13 Rachel Hampshire
Card 14 Natasha Hill
Card 16 Sarah Spencer
At the moment, the County Council is undergoing a review of primary school meals. The school and the LEA agree with Government recommendations on improving health and reducing obesity in school children. The school meals service, while working to financial constraints, aims to provide food that children will want to eat and parents will want them to eat. We encourage parents who provide a packed lunch for their children to pack as healthy and balanced food as possible.
If your child does have school meals, please ensure that payment is made in advance, on the first day of each week, termly or half termly. A few parents regularly forget and we spend a considerable amount of time chasing up debts. I dont think many restaurants would allow people to have a meal one day and pay a fortnight later!! Our new computerised system will automatically produce an arrears letter if no payment is recorded.
Please phone early in the morning if your child is going to be absent from school. If we do not hear from you we will contact parents so that we can be sure that all of our pupils are safely accounted for.
Next Tuesday, our Year 6 children are invited to take part in the North Devon Tag Rugby Festival. Transport is provided, and children will need a packed lunch, sun cream etc. Please return the permission slip.
On Wednesday 16th June, our school nurse will commence the first of a series of 4 PSHE sex education and relationship lessons with Year 6 children. If you would like to discuss this in advance please see me. We strongly recommend that all children participate, but parents do have the right to withdraw them if they wish.
Sadly, due to an insufficient number of children being available, we will be unable to take part in the Landmark Concert on Saturday 19th June. Thankyou very much to those parents who did respond and arranged for their children to attend, this was much appreciated.
I attach an important letter to those children going to Park School in September. They are invited to visit on Tuesday 22nd June wearing Swimbridge uniform, the letter gives further details. Parents normally arrange transport for their own children.
We are still looking for a suitable candidate to join our Meal Time Assistant team for a few hours each week. Please see me, or Lee Wadsworth, if you are interested.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Letter 17/2004
Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday 28th May 2004
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
We close this afternoon for the half-term holiday, and re-open on Monday 7th June.
Many thanks for the successful PTA Fayre held last Friday evening. £680 was raised. Recently the PTA has provided a new colour T.V. for the school, an extension to the fencing around our new playground and new books etc. In the near future the PTA will be funding a replacement notice board outside the school.
Tesco computer vouchers are still coming in. Our total now stands at 8,200. Please keep sending them in.
Dates for your diary
31st May ? 7th June Half Term holiday
15th June Tag Rugby Festival
18th June Non-pupil day ? School closed
19th June (evening) School choir at Landmark
22nd June Park Induction Day
24th June South Molton Intake Day
25th June PTA Quiz Night
29th June FootballTournament (Years 4, 5 and 6)
29th June Reports issued (to be confirmed)
1st July South Molton Intake Day
1st July Junior Music Festival (Years 3&4) at Filleigh Village Hall
6th July Parent/Teacher consults
7th July Athletics day at Braunton
8th July Hindu Dance Day (whole school)
11th July PTA Cycle Ride 2pm (t.b.c)
14th July Infant Music Festival (Years R, 1 and 2)
21st July Last Day of Term
Can I remind you that KS1 children should bring fruit for their morning break . We strongly encourage KS2 children to do the same. From September we will have new guidelines about break food. Please do not allow your child to bring sweets to school.
Dinner Money for next half-term will be £47.85 for those who wish to pay in advance. Please make cheques payable to Devon County Council.
At the moment we can offer musical tuition in guitar, flute/fife and brass in school. Shortly we will be planning for next term. I understand there is a new piano teacher in the area Mrs Vicki Redpath (01769 540656) who has vacancies for children and adults.
All visitors (including parents during the school day) MUST report to the office if they visit during school time please. This is for the security of our children. Our CCTV system is now in operation.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 16
Friday 21st May 2004
Dear Parents,
Years 5 and 6 have just returned from a very successful Residential Trip to Paignton. Their excellent behaviour was commented upon wherever they went, so parents should be justifiably proud of them. As part of their follow up work they will be producing Powerpoint presentations of this.
Years R to 4 had a very enjoyable visit to Broomhill Sculpture Gardens yesterday.
Can we remind you that all clothing needs to be labelled. We continue to have a vast amount of lost property which we have no way of re-uniting with owners.
Our close-circuit television system is now in operation. To enhance security during the school day all visitors, including parents, should first report to reception.
At 6pm tonight our PTA Fayre starts in the Jubilee Hall. This change of day (to a Friday evening) is a new venture ? lets all try to make it a great success. Many thanks to those who have worked so hard to prepare for this evening. Help clearing up (at 8pm) would be very welcome. Cakes, sold and un-sold raffle tickets, and other donations for the Fayre can be brought this evening. See you there!!!
Congratulations to these children for receiving stamp cards for good work and behaviour :
Card 1 Haydon Vickery
Card 2 Lauren Slape
Card 3 Jacob Heard
Card 5 Billy Floyd, Nathan Singh, Ashley Brocklehurst
Card 6 Timon Hynes, Hannah Stern, Danny Lakeman
Card 8 Aidan Wetherill-Sallis
Card 11 Joshua Stoneman
Card 12 Rebecca Snell
Card 13 Myles Palmer, Rachel Hampshire
Card 16 Colin Tucker
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 15
Friday 14th May 2004
Dear Parents,
You will no doubt have heard that our PTA Fayre has been moved from Saturday 22nd May to Friday 21st May from 6pm to 8pm! Please offer your services to help in whatever way possible you can. Don?t forget the PTA meeting on Monday 17th May. Please see the PTA newsletter for details.
Last week I mentioned our school performance at the Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe on 19th June for Years 3 to 6. To date we have had very few replies. Please return the form (an additional one is attached) as soon as possible.
We are grateful that so many parents support the school with its school uniform policy. Children wearing school clothing have a sense of belonging which has been shown to enhance feelings of self-esteem and help raise educational and social standards. The school colour is GREY and it would be greatly appreciated if all parents would bear this in mind when purchasing clothing for their children to wear at school.
We encourage all children to wear the recommended school dress :
Boys : Grey trousers
Grey sweatshirt with white shirt/polo shirt.
Girls: Grey skirt or black plain trousers
Grey sweatshirt or grey pinafore and grey cardigan
Blue ginghjam dress in summer
Grey sweatshirts and t-shirts, embroidered with the school logo are available from Samuel Daws, Barnstaple, or National Schoolwear, Barnstaple.
It is very important that all clothing is clearly marked with the child?s name. Lost property can be collected from the school office.
Jeans are not permitted in school. Our thrift shop often has school clothing available ? contact Mrs Wadsworth in the school office.
Every child should have a large named P.E. bag to be kept on his/her peg containing their P.E. kit. It is vital that children do not wear their school clothes or shoes for P.E. or games sessions. Children also require a painting overall or apron.
The only items of jewellery permitted in school are watches and studs in place of earrings. For health and safety reasons, jewellery should be left at home.
Our Tesco Computers for Schools voucher collection is doing well, thanks to everyone?s support. We have around 6,500, but we do need a lot more!
Attached to this letter is the latest Term Dates, up to 2006. Please destroy or amend all previous lists. You will note that the Autumn Term 2004 starts on 1st September (not 2nd Sept as previously notified), and the school will be closed for a staff training day on17th June 2005. Please contact me if this causes a problem.
By the time you receive this newsletter, children will have completed their SAT tests and teachers will commence marking them! Year 6 papers are sent away to be marked; results are expected by the end of June. To give you an idea of the standards expected in Science and Maths I attach some sample questions. How would you have done?
Next week Years 5 and 6 will be away on their Paignton Residential, returning at around 3.30pm on Thursday. These children will probably be very tired. We do have school on Friday (the day of the PTA Fayre) but Year 5 and 6 children have the option of not needing to come into school until 10am.
On Thursday, the rest of the school will be visiting Broomhill Sculpture Garden, so there will be no children in school ? although the school office will still be open.
The school photographs have now arrived. These are being sent home with younger children initially with older children receiving a copy during next week. There is no obligation to purchase. If you do not wish to keep a copy, please return it to the office immediately. Payment should also come to the office.
This afternoon children will be enjoying a Native American performance of songs and chants and stories. A further performance for adults (£3) and children (free) is taking place this evening in the Jubilee Hall followed by workshops on Saturday and Sunday. If you are interested just go along or phone Ian Godfrey (01271 830878) for details.
We may well have a vacancy in a few weeks, for a meal time assistant for 3 (or more) lunchtimes. Please let me know if you are interested.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Letter 14/2003
Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday, 7th May
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
We enter a very busy period at school with SAT tests for Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 next week. Early nights with plenty of sleep would be advantageous. We try to make these tests as stress free as possible.
Our PTA Fayre on Saturday, 22nd May. is fast approaching; please offer your services to help. Thank you for selling draw tickets. Please return stubs and money, or unsold or unwanted tickets to the school office or any PTA officer as soon as possible.
The Health & Safety of our children is always our prime consideration. To this end please ensure that you always bolt the front gate when you enter or leave the school premises. If you visit the school (to collect a child for an appointment etc.) during the school day please report in to reception first. This obviously does not apply before or after school. It is vitally important that we know who is on school premises at any time. The governors have decided to install a close circuit t.v. camera, funded by a government grant. This should enable us to improve security whilst maintaining a welcoming friendly environment.
I have already mentioned the proposed concert of our school choir with the Cwmbach Male Voice Choir at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe on Saturday evening, June 19th. We would like to involve all of Years 4, 5 and 6 and possibly a few Year 3. Our performance will be The Selfish Giant, so long as sufficient children are able to participate. We will clarify arrangements nearer the time but, at the moment, parents of children in these year groups are asked to return the attached form. It is a great experience to work towards a performance like this, and perform in such auspicious surroundings.
Parents of Year 5 and 6 Children who did not attend Thursdays Paignton Zoo meeting should find their child(ren) have a number of information sheets for you.
Collection of milk bottle tops has now ended would you kindly not send any more into school.
Book Club Any further orders should be sent into school by next Friday please together with the payment. (Cheques payable to Swimbridge School please.)
Please note that Dinner Money cheques should be made payable to Devon County Council, not Swimbridge School. Thankyou.
Congratulations to Whitney Beer for gaining the silver award (reading 20 books) for bookworms, and to Bethany Balment, Dylan Vickery and Shannon Straughan for gaining the bronze award (reading 10 books).
Our Tesco Computers for Schools vouchers collection now stands at 6,000. Please keep them coming in !!!
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Newsletter No 13
Friday 30th April 2004
Dear Parents,
Dont forget that school is closed on Monday 3rd May for the Bank Holiday.
Next week, on Thursday 6th May, we have a meeting for Year 5 and 6 parents in the library, relating to the forthcoming Paignton Residential visit.
We had an interesting PTA meeting last Tuesday, mainly discussing our Summer Fayre on Saturday 22nd May in the Jubilee Hall. All parents and guardians are members of our PTA, so please offer your services to help in whatever way you can. Look out for the latest PTA newsletter. Over the years the PTA has provided an enormous amount of valuable equipment for our children and for that we are extremely thankful. Lets all work together and make this years Fayre an enjoyable and profitable afternoon.
Our collection of Tesco Computers for Schools Vouchers now stands at 2400 Please keep them coming in.
The latest pupil to receive the Headteachers Award is Myles Palmer. A number of children and members of staff have nominated him for his kindness to others and helpful attitude around the school.
Congratulations are also due to Whitney Beer and Isobel Comerford who are St John Badgers. Whitney came first in the West Country in the First Aid Final, and second in the competition overall. Isobel was the reserve team member.
Please don?t forget that school lunches are now £1.45 per day, £7.25 per week. Can I also remind you that P.E. equipment required by all children is
For P.E.
? P.E. Shorts (black or white)
? White polo shirt with collar (not the same one as worn during the
rest of the day)
? Short white socks
? Plimsolls or trainers (not those worn during the rest of the day)
For Games
? P.E. kit as above or
? Track suit or
? Jogging trousers and sweat shirt and jumper (not those worn
during the rest of the day)
? Trainers or plimsolls ? for football and tag rugby ;football boots or old shoes
Please ensure that all school uniform and P.E. kit is labelled and school footwear is appropriate (especially for older girls, bearing in mind heel height) We prefer P.E./Games kit etc to be in a draw string bag/plimsoll bag, not carrier bags please. We have kit bags (and book bags) available in the school office, price £2.00
.
Head Lice are in school again. Please check your childs head and treat them if necessary. I would like to remind you that your child should not be in school if affected, until he she has been treated.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 12
23rd April 2004
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to the Summer Term.
Thank you for your continued support in collecting Tesco Computer Vouchers. We need 13,000 and so far our total is 3,480. Please encourage everyone to support us if possible.
Next Friday, 30th April, we will be having the school photograph taken. We are grateful for the support parents give our school in providing their children with the correct school uniform. Our children always look so smart. Please ensure that your child also has a brush or comb on Friday.
During the week commencing 10th May we are required to hold the statutory Year 6 SAT tests. During this week we will be conducting most of the Year 2, 3, 4 and 5 SAT tests as well.
Plans are well advanced for the Year 5 and 6 visit to Paignton. Would parents please note that the final payments needs to arrive in school by 30th April please. The final, revised schedule is below. There will be a final informal meeting about this trip at 3.40pm on Thursday 6th May in the Library. At the end of April, we will be sending a further letter with details of equipment and clothing required for the visit etc
PAIGNTON RESIDENTIAL TRIP PROGRAMME
Mon 17th May
Morning Leave school 9.15 am
Afternoon Zoo Safari (talk and trail)
Evening Jungle Fun Play Area
Tues 18th May
Morning ZooAdaptation to habitat
Afternoon Zooanimal encounter/animal study
Evening Torbay Leisure Centreswim
Wed 19th May
Morning Torquay Natural History Museum
Afternoon Kents Cavern
Evening Zoo Art and Craft session
Thurs 20th May
Morning Zoo animal study and animal trail
Arrive back at school around 3.40pm.
Next weekend a Tibetan holy man/Lama will be visiting the area. He will probably be visiting our school on Friday afternoon and meeting the older children. On Friday 14th May, a native American workshop will be held in the Jubilee Hall.
Congratulations to Ben Watson for achieving the Bronze Award for Bookworms (reading 10 books)
Dont forget that teachers are happy to meet with parents to discuss childrens progress etc. Please book an after school meeting.
Dont forget that school will be closed on Monday 3rd May for the Bank Holiday
G D REED
Headteacher