12 Nov 2004 - Autumn Term Weekly Newsletters
Weekly Newsletter No 32
Friday 12th November 2004
Dear Parents,
On Thursday (between 4 and 5.30pm) you have another opportunity to meet the teacher. If you wish to take up this opportunity please sign up on the lists on each classroom door.
Congratulations to the following children for their swimming achievements :
Amanda Knill 9 mtrs with float
Ashley Brocklehurst 9 mtrs with float
Shannon Straughan 9 mtrs
Samuel Heard 9 mtrs
Melissa Vellacott 32 mtrs
Saskia Beer 90 mtrs
Hannhah Stern 90 mtrs
Isobel Comerford 90 mtrs
Headlice are once again in the school. We seemed to stop them earlier in the term and if every child is checked (and treated if necessary) this weekend, we can eradicate them once again.
Have you heard your child read today? This week? This month? This term? We know that children who read well make the greatest progress. Research shows that if a child reads regularly with/to parents (at least 4 times per week, every week) they make greatest strides in reading. At school we do our best to listen to children read, and discuss what they are reading, as often as possible ? but with 20+ children in a class and with every curriculum subject to cover this if often not enough. If parents and teachers work in partnership our children will do even better. So, please listen to your child reading regularly.
Dinner money is £7.25 per week (£50.75 for this half-term). This represents good value for money.
Book Club orders need to be in school by Monday please.
Mrs Ferris is looking for volunteers to help make costumes and props for our Christmas Play. Please speak to her if you are able to help.
We hope the KS1 school fruit and vegetable scheme will start within a few days watch this space!
Headteacher
G D Reed
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Weekly Newsletter No 31
Friday 8th November 2004
Dear Parents,
Swimming has successfully restarted for Years 3 to 6 and will continue each Tuesday afternoon until the end of term. Next term it will take place on Monday afternoons. Thanks to parents for ensuring their children had their swimming kit this week a couple of children still need swimming caps however.
Poppies are available for children and parents to purchase in the School Office.
We are beginning the gather in the filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. If you would like to join in please do so as soon as possible.
We have many visitors to our school and they often comment, as this week, on the good behaviour of our pupils and how well presented they are in their school uniform thanks to supportive parents. Please ensure that all of your childs school clothing is labelled. A couple of named sweatshirts have gone missing, so could you please check to make sure that your child hasnt picked up the wrong one by mistake!
This week we say farewell to Margaret Brook who has been responsible for our School finances for the last 3 years. She has provided an excellent service. We wish her well as she takes up a role with Social Services.
Attached to this letter is the latest school book club leaflet; orders need to be in by next Friday please.
Parents are always welcome to discuss their childs progress at school with his/her teacher. On Thursday 18th November, parents of children in who would like to are invited to meet with teachers between 4.00 and 5.30pm.
Our latest computer redeemed from Tesco Computer Vouchers has arrived thank you all very much.
Congratulations to Melissa Vellacott the latest pupil to be nominated for the Headteachers Award. Melissa has received this because of her special kindness to others and her helpfulness.
Congratulations to the following pupils for their swimming achievements:
Winter Warm Up : Scott Ackland, Whitney Beer, Jmaes Groombridge, Alex Haydn-Higgins, Gemma Hayter, Natasha Hill, Luke Hynes, Ben Mansell, Ellie Mansfield, Tyler Newnham, Sarah Spencer, Joshua Stoneman, Aidan Wetherill-Sallis, Samuel Whitton, Josh Haydn-Higgins
12 metres : Jade Tallentire, Rachel Snell
6 metres : Abbie Tattersall, Shannon Straughan
4 metres : Ben Peters
150 metres : Aidan Wetherill-Sallis
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 30
22nd November 2004
Dear Parents,
Im sure you dont need reminding that we close for the half term holiday today. We re-open on Monday 1st November.
Last Fridays successful Cascades swim brought in a further £47 towards our Action Aid sponsorship. We now need the final £150 to allow us to maintain our support for our two Third World children.
Due to booking difficulties the PTA Fayre will now take place early on the evening of Friday 3rd December. The theme will be A Victorian Christmas. Draw tickets (first prize a christmas hamper) will be available soon.
Attached to this letter is a leaflet about Operation Christmas Child the shoebox appeal. In recent years we have acted as a collection point for this worthy cause. If you and your family would like to participate to help poor Eastern and Central European children please start filling a shoebox and send in during the week following half term.
Swimming restarts on Tuesday afternoons from 2nd November for all children in classes 3 and 4. Please ensure your child has :-
1. Swimming costume
2. Named towel.
3. Swimming cap.
If your contribution towards swimming transport has not been sent in we will happily receive it!!
Our friends at Goodleigh School are holding a Quiz Night on Friday November at the New Inn, Goodleigh. All are welcome. Phone Theresa on 343608 for details.
A group of our Year 6 children took part in an exhausting but stimulating workshop and concert with the London Community Gospel Choir yesterday. The children?s comments were :
Brilliant, Really entertaining and we really learnt to sing better
Parents of KS1 children should receive a copy of the new school Fruit and Vegetable scheme hopefully starting mid-November.
G Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 29
Friday 15th October
Dear Parents,
Tonight is Cascades night. We have hired the pool at Ruda, Croyde, from 6.05pm to 7.15pm for all family and friends connected with our school. We have also invited our friends at Goodleigh to join in with us. The reduced cost of £1.75 includes 50p per person towards our sponsorship of Atilat and Abagri. I understand the fast food outlets at Ruda will be open after our session. Life guards will be in attendance, but as usual children must have a responsible adult supervising them. Please come along and enjoy yourselves.
Our PTA is a tremendous help to our school. All parents/guardians and staff are members. Last year the PTA donated £3,400 towards equipment for our school; thank you. At last Wednesdays meeting, the following officers were elected:
Treasurer John Groombridge
Secretary Kate Rippin
Joint Chair Emma Dawson
Lisa Adams
Vice Chair Denise Floyd
It was decided to hold our PTA Christmas Fayre on Friday 26th November from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. There will be a meeting next Tuesday at 7.30pm to develop plans for this event please come along with your suggestions and, hopefully, offers of help.
Next Wednesday a group of Year6 children will be participating in an afternoon vocal music workshop at the Grosvenor Church; parents are asked to collect their children from there at approximately 3.50pm. In the evening the London Community Gospel Choir will give a concert, open to the public. Our pupils will perform with the choir, before an audience of around 500 people.
Unfortunately, head lice are once again in the area. This weekend, please check your children?s hair and treat if necessary. Can I remind you that infected children should not be in school until they have been treated. Children with long hair must always have their hair tied up for this reason. I attach a leaflet containing advice. Further advice can be obtained from your GP or a pharmacist www.headlice.org makes interesting reading. If every child is checked and treated (if necessary) this weekend our school will be completely free of head lice on Monday!
Can I remind those who need reminding that we need :
? Internet Consent Forms
? Payments for Music tuition and Swimming contributions.
Attached is our annual autumn appendix to the School Prospectus.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Letter 29/2004
Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday 8th October 2004 www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Attached is the latest school Term Dates, up to Summer Term 2006, agreed at our latest Governors meeting.
Thank you for your understanding about the road works outside school; these are due to local water improvements.
A number of children are receiving flute/fife and guitar lessons at school. We are employing two music teachers to run these sessions. The charges are based on the number of pupils taking part, divided into the staff costs. Children of parents who requested these lessons are expected to continue at least until the end of term as financial arrangements have been made.
Following an incident at a nearby school where a serious injury occurred to a childs ear during a P.E. lesson, can I remind parents about our school policy on jewellery. This specifies that the only jewellery permitted in school in watches and small ear studs. No other form of earring is acceptable. In your childs interests please ensure that they do not wear jewellery on P.E. days; older children may be asked to remove earrings or wear tape when appropriate. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
DIARY DATES
Wed 13th Oct PTA AGM 8.00pm
Thurs 14th Oct French Club re-starts 3.30 ? 4.20pm
Fri 15th Oct Cascades Family Fun Swim 6.05 ? 7.15pm
Mon 18th Oct Mr Jim Wade, Principal at SMCC will visit to meet Y6 pupils
Wed 20th Oct 7.30pm Grosvenor Church, hopefully a group of our children will be performing with the London Community Gospel Choir
Mon 25th ?Fri 29th Oct Half Term
Tue 2nd Nov Y3 ? Y6 swimming restarts at South Molton Pool (Have you paid your contribution yet?)
Fri 5th Nov Devon Fire & Rescue Services will visit school (an appropriate date!!)
Thank you for your support with childrens homework assignments. Parents of children in Class 4 are asked to monitor homework and sign and add comments in the homework diary. Children who regularly read at home make great progress. We value the part parents play in ensuring that their children have daily opportunities to read.
There will be an opportunity to meet with your childs teacher soon after half term to discuss progress etc. In the meantime, if you have any concerns, please book an after school appointment.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 28
Friday 1st October 2004
Dear Parents,
Many thanks for your Harvest donations to support our continued sponsorship of Atilat and Abagri. A total of £196 was raised at our Harvest service; additional contributions are very welcome. Our school has booked Cascades at Club Ruda, Croyde Bay on Friday 15th October from 6.05 to 7.15pm. 50p of the £1.75 entrance will go towards our sponsorship, which is still less than the standard entrance fee. Please come along as a family and bring your friends and relatives.
Swimming commences for Classes 3 and 4 on Tuesday afternoons from 2nd November. We will be using the South Molton pool. KS1 children are having additional P.E./Gym lessons. In the last few years we have requested a voluntary donation to assist with transport for swimming. With school budgets as they are we cannot continue with this activity without your support. A donation of £9 per child (to cover all swimming transport for this term, and through to February 2005)would be gratefully received to assist this vital aspect of the curriculum; if you have more than one child we would ask for £15 for two children and £19 for three. Please complete the slip below if applicable.
Dont forget the PTA meeting on Wednesday 13th October at 8.00pm at school. Please send me your nominations for Chair, Vice-chair, Treasurer and Secretary as soon as possible.
Can I remind you that children should be at school by 8.55pm please, but not before 8.45am. Some children have been arriving before 8.30am, but we are not able to supervise them until 8.45am. Your co-operation is requested.
During the school day (eg after 9.10am and before 3.20pm) all visitors to school, including parents (whether you are bringing a lunch box, or a child arriving out of normal school hours), governors, deliveries, tradesmen etc. MUST report to the school office. This is for the security of our children. Remember that we have an efficient CCTV system operation now.
If you would like to discuss your childs progress at school, please book an after-school appointment with your childs teacher.
Attached to this letter is an article from last weeks North Devon Journal about two of our ex pupils, Neil Tucker and Joe WinchFurness, who have both sadly died.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newletter No 27
Friday 24th September 2004
Dear Parents,
As part of the Government National Grid for Learning Scheme and to support learning opportunities with the school your child will, at appropriate times, be given access to the Internet as an information source, a communication tool and a publishing medium. The Internet is fast becoming a major source of educationally useful material and the primary distribution medium for a wide range of organisations. The potential to support the classroom teacher and the learner is significant and will continue to grow. There are well publicised concerns regarding access to material on the Internet that would be considered unsuitable for school pupils. Whilst it is impossible to ensure that a pupil will not access such material, the school, in liaison with Devon Education Authority, takes all reasonable steps to minimise a pupils access to unsuitable material. These include :
1. Use of a filtered Internet Service to prevent access to Internet sites with unsuitable material.
2. The requirement that where possible Internet access during school hours will be supervised by a member of staff or other responsible adult. This is especially the case with younger pupils.
3. Tracking mechanisms that enable the school to identify which Internet sites have been visited and top monitor Internet access.
4. The education of pupils as to the potential legal consequences of accessing certain types of material
Attached to this letter is a copy of the schools Acceptable Use Policy. All users of school computer equipment are expected to abide by this policy. Users not abiding by the policy may have their right to use the systems withdrawn. For some offences the Police or other authorities would have to be involved. The school has a well established website (www.swimbridge.ik.org) which includes a lot of information about our school. This includes examples of childrens work, events and homework. No childrens names are associated with photographs on the site. At the moment only older children have individual access to the Internet but in the future younger children could also have the opportunity. If you wish to discuss any of the issues surrounding the use of the Internet or the content of this letter, please contact the school. If you are happy for your child to have Internet access, please complete and return the attached form.
French Club is due to restart on Thursday 14th October. There will be a letter about this coming out next week.
The PTA Annual General Meeting is due to take place . Our PTA is a very important part of our school. Every parent is a member of the PTA and you are encouraged to attend the AGM on Wednesday 13th October at 8.00 pm, in school 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 PTA so well during the last school year.
On Thursday 30th September at 9.30 am you are invited to our simple harvest festival service in the Parish Church. Once again we are collecting to raise funds to sponsor our two third world children, Atilat Abaagri (aged 8, from Ghana) and ten-year old Sanjay Singh from India. To continue our Action Aid sponsorship of these two children, we need to raise £400. In previous years, families, governors and staff have contributed towards this fund by sending cash or cheques (payable to Swimbridge Primary School) in the envelopes which children bring to the Harvest Service, as an altar donation. Please help if you possibly can.
Atilat Abagri 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 fresh 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.
Please send in Book Club and Photograph orders on Monday
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter
Letter No 26
Friday 17th October 2004
Dear Parents,
I can confirm that Cascades (Club Ruda, Croyde) has been booked for Friday 15th October, 6.05pm to 7.15pm. The cost of £1.75 per person includes 50p towards our sponsorship of two Action Aid children, but is still less than the standard entrance fee. Please book this date and encourage your friends and family to join in the fun.
From next week we welcome Michaela Squire as a part time Learning Support Assistant to join our staff.
It is very encouraging to see so many children having fruit for their morning break. Please try to ensure that your child has a healthy snack, and if they have one, a healthy packed lunch. The government is starting a free Fruit for Schools scheme for Years R, 1 and 2.We have signed up for this and hope to start this scheme in mid November. More details nearer the time.
We are also looking into the possibility of re-introducing milk into school during the morning break for all children who would like it. There would need to be a small charge for this. If you are interested please complete and return the form below so that we have an indication of possible take-up.
We will be restarting French Club from mid October, after school, for Year 3 to 6. This is a great way to give your child an opportunity to learn basic French vocabulary prior to starting at Secondary school. We recommend it, especially for Years 5 and 6. Please complete and return the form by Wednesday to enable us to send you further details.
Today we are sending home your childs photo. Please follow the instructions in the envelope.
Mr Parker, the new guitar teacher has asked that children bring an A4 file, some plastic wallets and a blank C90 audio cassette tape to their next lessons.
With this newsletter you will have the latest leaflet from Scholastic Book Club. Please could you return your order to the school office by next Friday, 24th September.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 25
10th September 2004
Dear Parent,
Our school harvest festival will take place on Thursday 30th September at 9.30am in the Parish Church. Everyone is welcome. As in previous years we will be having a collection for the two children we sponsor through Action Aid, one in Ghana and the other in India. We aim to have the necessary £400 this term, so we will welcome all contributions. To this end, we have provisionally booked Cascades Pool at Croyde for early evening Friday 15th October for family and friends of Swimbridge pupils. This will further help us to raise funds for Atilat and Sanjay.
Attached to this letter is a data collection sheet. It is vital that we have up to date contact information. Please update and return this sheet to the office immediately by Thursday 16th September at the latest.
For the safety of our children, please ensure that the school gate is bolted whenever you leave the premises.
If you have any concerns about your child at school, please book an after school appointment with the teacher.
Don?t forget flute/Fife lessons commence next Wednesday, with guitars starting on Thursday. Children will need to bring their instruments (which should be labelled). These should be kept in the music room. Recorders continue on Mondays, with brass on Thursdays.
Please could you check at home for any library books you may have borrowed over the holidays. We seem to be several missing!!!
G D Reed
Headteacher
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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 23
Friday 16th July 2004
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Sunday's PTA barbeque and cycle ride was another great success. The winners of the treasure hunt were the Mansell / Groombridge / Floyd consortium.
Term finishes on Wednesday 21st July so this will be the last newsletter of the school year. We bid a fond farewell to our Year 6 leavers as they commence their secondary education. We hope they will keep in touch with us. Parents of Year 6 children are welcome to join us for our last assembly at 9.20 am on Wednesday morning. We also say farewell to Mandy Twitchen who leaves to take up nursing after working for three years as a Learning Support Assistant.
Important notes for next term:
Term starts on Wednesday September 1st.
Next term we are strongly encouraging healthy snacks for morning break ? fruit or vegetables please.
Our stamp card system is to become a Merit Card programme which will include merit badges, along with the existing certificates etc.
If your child is absent from school please phone before 9.15 am to let us know. For the welfare and safety of all pupils we will phone you to ascertain the whereabouts of your child if we have not already heard from you.
Swimming will restart in November at South Molton Pool.
Last week I wrote about our very good Year 6 SAT results. We try not to put our Year 2 children under unnecessary pressure when they take their KS1 tests. Even so the KS1 results were very encouraging. An average Year 2 child should achieve level 2b. In reading 100% of the children gained this level, in fact 45% achieved level 3. In Maths 90% were at level 2b and 36% achieved level 3. In writing and spelling 72% achieved the expected level. Another fine academic year!
At the end of this high achieving year I would like to express my thanks to the children for their efforts and good behaviour, to parents and governors for help and encouragement and to all the school staff for their dedication and sheer hard work.
Happy Summer holidays!
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
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Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 22
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
Friday 12th November 2004
Dear Parents,
On Thursday (between 4 and 5.30pm) you have another opportunity to meet the teacher. If you wish to take up this opportunity please sign up on the lists on each classroom door.
Congratulations to the following children for their swimming achievements :
Amanda Knill 9 mtrs with float
Ashley Brocklehurst 9 mtrs with float
Shannon Straughan 9 mtrs
Samuel Heard 9 mtrs
Melissa Vellacott 32 mtrs
Saskia Beer 90 mtrs
Hannhah Stern 90 mtrs
Isobel Comerford 90 mtrs
Headlice are once again in the school. We seemed to stop them earlier in the term and if every child is checked (and treated if necessary) this weekend, we can eradicate them once again.
Have you heard your child read today? This week? This month? This term? We know that children who read well make the greatest progress. Research shows that if a child reads regularly with/to parents (at least 4 times per week, every week) they make greatest strides in reading. At school we do our best to listen to children read, and discuss what they are reading, as often as possible ? but with 20+ children in a class and with every curriculum subject to cover this if often not enough. If parents and teachers work in partnership our children will do even better. So, please listen to your child reading regularly.
Dinner money is £7.25 per week (£50.75 for this half-term). This represents good value for money.
Book Club orders need to be in school by Monday please.
Mrs Ferris is looking for volunteers to help make costumes and props for our Christmas Play. Please speak to her if you are able to help.
We hope the KS1 school fruit and vegetable scheme will start within a few days watch this space!
Headteacher
G D Reed
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Weekly Newsletter No 31
Friday 8th November 2004
Dear Parents,
Swimming has successfully restarted for Years 3 to 6 and will continue each Tuesday afternoon until the end of term. Next term it will take place on Monday afternoons. Thanks to parents for ensuring their children had their swimming kit this week a couple of children still need swimming caps however.
Poppies are available for children and parents to purchase in the School Office.
We are beginning the gather in the filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. If you would like to join in please do so as soon as possible.
We have many visitors to our school and they often comment, as this week, on the good behaviour of our pupils and how well presented they are in their school uniform thanks to supportive parents. Please ensure that all of your childs school clothing is labelled. A couple of named sweatshirts have gone missing, so could you please check to make sure that your child hasnt picked up the wrong one by mistake!
This week we say farewell to Margaret Brook who has been responsible for our School finances for the last 3 years. She has provided an excellent service. We wish her well as she takes up a role with Social Services.
Attached to this letter is the latest school book club leaflet; orders need to be in by next Friday please.
Parents are always welcome to discuss their childs progress at school with his/her teacher. On Thursday 18th November, parents of children in who would like to are invited to meet with teachers between 4.00 and 5.30pm.
Our latest computer redeemed from Tesco Computer Vouchers has arrived thank you all very much.
Congratulations to Melissa Vellacott the latest pupil to be nominated for the Headteachers Award. Melissa has received this because of her special kindness to others and her helpfulness.
Congratulations to the following pupils for their swimming achievements:
Winter Warm Up : Scott Ackland, Whitney Beer, Jmaes Groombridge, Alex Haydn-Higgins, Gemma Hayter, Natasha Hill, Luke Hynes, Ben Mansell, Ellie Mansfield, Tyler Newnham, Sarah Spencer, Joshua Stoneman, Aidan Wetherill-Sallis, Samuel Whitton, Josh Haydn-Higgins
12 metres : Jade Tallentire, Rachel Snell
6 metres : Abbie Tattersall, Shannon Straughan
4 metres : Ben Peters
150 metres : Aidan Wetherill-Sallis
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 30
22nd November 2004
Dear Parents,
Im sure you dont need reminding that we close for the half term holiday today. We re-open on Monday 1st November.
Last Fridays successful Cascades swim brought in a further £47 towards our Action Aid sponsorship. We now need the final £150 to allow us to maintain our support for our two Third World children.
Due to booking difficulties the PTA Fayre will now take place early on the evening of Friday 3rd December. The theme will be A Victorian Christmas. Draw tickets (first prize a christmas hamper) will be available soon.
Attached to this letter is a leaflet about Operation Christmas Child the shoebox appeal. In recent years we have acted as a collection point for this worthy cause. If you and your family would like to participate to help poor Eastern and Central European children please start filling a shoebox and send in during the week following half term.
Swimming restarts on Tuesday afternoons from 2nd November for all children in classes 3 and 4. Please ensure your child has :-
1. Swimming costume
2. Named towel.
3. Swimming cap.
If your contribution towards swimming transport has not been sent in we will happily receive it!!
Our friends at Goodleigh School are holding a Quiz Night on Friday November at the New Inn, Goodleigh. All are welcome. Phone Theresa on 343608 for details.
A group of our Year 6 children took part in an exhausting but stimulating workshop and concert with the London Community Gospel Choir yesterday. The children?s comments were :
Brilliant, Really entertaining and we really learnt to sing better
Parents of KS1 children should receive a copy of the new school Fruit and Vegetable scheme hopefully starting mid-November.
G Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 29
Friday 15th October
Dear Parents,
Tonight is Cascades night. We have hired the pool at Ruda, Croyde, from 6.05pm to 7.15pm for all family and friends connected with our school. We have also invited our friends at Goodleigh to join in with us. The reduced cost of £1.75 includes 50p per person towards our sponsorship of Atilat and Abagri. I understand the fast food outlets at Ruda will be open after our session. Life guards will be in attendance, but as usual children must have a responsible adult supervising them. Please come along and enjoy yourselves.
Our PTA is a tremendous help to our school. All parents/guardians and staff are members. Last year the PTA donated £3,400 towards equipment for our school; thank you. At last Wednesdays meeting, the following officers were elected:
Treasurer John Groombridge
Secretary Kate Rippin
Joint Chair Emma Dawson
Lisa Adams
Vice Chair Denise Floyd
It was decided to hold our PTA Christmas Fayre on Friday 26th November from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. There will be a meeting next Tuesday at 7.30pm to develop plans for this event please come along with your suggestions and, hopefully, offers of help.
Next Wednesday a group of Year6 children will be participating in an afternoon vocal music workshop at the Grosvenor Church; parents are asked to collect their children from there at approximately 3.50pm. In the evening the London Community Gospel Choir will give a concert, open to the public. Our pupils will perform with the choir, before an audience of around 500 people.
Unfortunately, head lice are once again in the area. This weekend, please check your children?s hair and treat if necessary. Can I remind you that infected children should not be in school until they have been treated. Children with long hair must always have their hair tied up for this reason. I attach a leaflet containing advice. Further advice can be obtained from your GP or a pharmacist www.headlice.org makes interesting reading. If every child is checked and treated (if necessary) this weekend our school will be completely free of head lice on Monday!
Can I remind those who need reminding that we need :
? Internet Consent Forms
? Payments for Music tuition and Swimming contributions.
Attached is our annual autumn appendix to the School Prospectus.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Letter 29/2004
Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday 8th October 2004 www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Attached is the latest school Term Dates, up to Summer Term 2006, agreed at our latest Governors meeting.
Thank you for your understanding about the road works outside school; these are due to local water improvements.
A number of children are receiving flute/fife and guitar lessons at school. We are employing two music teachers to run these sessions. The charges are based on the number of pupils taking part, divided into the staff costs. Children of parents who requested these lessons are expected to continue at least until the end of term as financial arrangements have been made.
Following an incident at a nearby school where a serious injury occurred to a childs ear during a P.E. lesson, can I remind parents about our school policy on jewellery. This specifies that the only jewellery permitted in school in watches and small ear studs. No other form of earring is acceptable. In your childs interests please ensure that they do not wear jewellery on P.E. days; older children may be asked to remove earrings or wear tape when appropriate. Thank you for your cooperation with this.
DIARY DATES
Wed 13th Oct PTA AGM 8.00pm
Thurs 14th Oct French Club re-starts 3.30 ? 4.20pm
Fri 15th Oct Cascades Family Fun Swim 6.05 ? 7.15pm
Mon 18th Oct Mr Jim Wade, Principal at SMCC will visit to meet Y6 pupils
Wed 20th Oct 7.30pm Grosvenor Church, hopefully a group of our children will be performing with the London Community Gospel Choir
Mon 25th ?Fri 29th Oct Half Term
Tue 2nd Nov Y3 ? Y6 swimming restarts at South Molton Pool (Have you paid your contribution yet?)
Fri 5th Nov Devon Fire & Rescue Services will visit school (an appropriate date!!)
Thank you for your support with childrens homework assignments. Parents of children in Class 4 are asked to monitor homework and sign and add comments in the homework diary. Children who regularly read at home make great progress. We value the part parents play in ensuring that their children have daily opportunities to read.
There will be an opportunity to meet with your childs teacher soon after half term to discuss progress etc. In the meantime, if you have any concerns, please book an after school appointment.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 28
Friday 1st October 2004
Dear Parents,
Many thanks for your Harvest donations to support our continued sponsorship of Atilat and Abagri. A total of £196 was raised at our Harvest service; additional contributions are very welcome. Our school has booked Cascades at Club Ruda, Croyde Bay on Friday 15th October from 6.05 to 7.15pm. 50p of the £1.75 entrance will go towards our sponsorship, which is still less than the standard entrance fee. Please come along as a family and bring your friends and relatives.
Swimming commences for Classes 3 and 4 on Tuesday afternoons from 2nd November. We will be using the South Molton pool. KS1 children are having additional P.E./Gym lessons. In the last few years we have requested a voluntary donation to assist with transport for swimming. With school budgets as they are we cannot continue with this activity without your support. A donation of £9 per child (to cover all swimming transport for this term, and through to February 2005)would be gratefully received to assist this vital aspect of the curriculum; if you have more than one child we would ask for £15 for two children and £19 for three. Please complete the slip below if applicable.
Dont forget the PTA meeting on Wednesday 13th October at 8.00pm at school. Please send me your nominations for Chair, Vice-chair, Treasurer and Secretary as soon as possible.
Can I remind you that children should be at school by 8.55pm please, but not before 8.45am. Some children have been arriving before 8.30am, but we are not able to supervise them until 8.45am. Your co-operation is requested.
During the school day (eg after 9.10am and before 3.20pm) all visitors to school, including parents (whether you are bringing a lunch box, or a child arriving out of normal school hours), governors, deliveries, tradesmen etc. MUST report to the school office. This is for the security of our children. Remember that we have an efficient CCTV system operation now.
If you would like to discuss your childs progress at school, please book an after-school appointment with your childs teacher.
Attached to this letter is an article from last weeks North Devon Journal about two of our ex pupils, Neil Tucker and Joe WinchFurness, who have both sadly died.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newletter No 27
Friday 24th September 2004
Dear Parents,
As part of the Government National Grid for Learning Scheme and to support learning opportunities with the school your child will, at appropriate times, be given access to the Internet as an information source, a communication tool and a publishing medium. The Internet is fast becoming a major source of educationally useful material and the primary distribution medium for a wide range of organisations. The potential to support the classroom teacher and the learner is significant and will continue to grow. There are well publicised concerns regarding access to material on the Internet that would be considered unsuitable for school pupils. Whilst it is impossible to ensure that a pupil will not access such material, the school, in liaison with Devon Education Authority, takes all reasonable steps to minimise a pupils access to unsuitable material. These include :
1. Use of a filtered Internet Service to prevent access to Internet sites with unsuitable material.
2. The requirement that where possible Internet access during school hours will be supervised by a member of staff or other responsible adult. This is especially the case with younger pupils.
3. Tracking mechanisms that enable the school to identify which Internet sites have been visited and top monitor Internet access.
4. The education of pupils as to the potential legal consequences of accessing certain types of material
Attached to this letter is a copy of the schools Acceptable Use Policy. All users of school computer equipment are expected to abide by this policy. Users not abiding by the policy may have their right to use the systems withdrawn. For some offences the Police or other authorities would have to be involved. The school has a well established website (www.swimbridge.ik.org) which includes a lot of information about our school. This includes examples of childrens work, events and homework. No childrens names are associated with photographs on the site. At the moment only older children have individual access to the Internet but in the future younger children could also have the opportunity. If you wish to discuss any of the issues surrounding the use of the Internet or the content of this letter, please contact the school. If you are happy for your child to have Internet access, please complete and return the attached form.
French Club is due to restart on Thursday 14th October. There will be a letter about this coming out next week.
The PTA Annual General Meeting is due to take place . Our PTA is a very important part of our school. Every parent is a member of the PTA and you are encouraged to attend the AGM on Wednesday 13th October at 8.00 pm, in school 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 PTA so well during the last school year.
On Thursday 30th September at 9.30 am you are invited to our simple harvest festival service in the Parish Church. Once again we are collecting to raise funds to sponsor our two third world children, Atilat Abaagri (aged 8, from Ghana) and ten-year old Sanjay Singh from India. To continue our Action Aid sponsorship of these two children, we need to raise £400. In previous years, families, governors and staff have contributed towards this fund by sending cash or cheques (payable to Swimbridge Primary School) in the envelopes which children bring to the Harvest Service, as an altar donation. Please help if you possibly can.
Atilat Abagri 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 fresh 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.
Please send in Book Club and Photograph orders on Monday
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter
Letter No 26
Friday 17th October 2004
Dear Parents,
I can confirm that Cascades (Club Ruda, Croyde) has been booked for Friday 15th October, 6.05pm to 7.15pm. The cost of £1.75 per person includes 50p towards our sponsorship of two Action Aid children, but is still less than the standard entrance fee. Please book this date and encourage your friends and family to join in the fun.
From next week we welcome Michaela Squire as a part time Learning Support Assistant to join our staff.
It is very encouraging to see so many children having fruit for their morning break. Please try to ensure that your child has a healthy snack, and if they have one, a healthy packed lunch. The government is starting a free Fruit for Schools scheme for Years R, 1 and 2.We have signed up for this and hope to start this scheme in mid November. More details nearer the time.
We are also looking into the possibility of re-introducing milk into school during the morning break for all children who would like it. There would need to be a small charge for this. If you are interested please complete and return the form below so that we have an indication of possible take-up.
We will be restarting French Club from mid October, after school, for Year 3 to 6. This is a great way to give your child an opportunity to learn basic French vocabulary prior to starting at Secondary school. We recommend it, especially for Years 5 and 6. Please complete and return the form by Wednesday to enable us to send you further details.
Today we are sending home your childs photo. Please follow the instructions in the envelope.
Mr Parker, the new guitar teacher has asked that children bring an A4 file, some plastic wallets and a blank C90 audio cassette tape to their next lessons.
With this newsletter you will have the latest leaflet from Scholastic Book Club. Please could you return your order to the school office by next Friday, 24th September.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 25
10th September 2004
Dear Parent,
Our school harvest festival will take place on Thursday 30th September at 9.30am in the Parish Church. Everyone is welcome. As in previous years we will be having a collection for the two children we sponsor through Action Aid, one in Ghana and the other in India. We aim to have the necessary £400 this term, so we will welcome all contributions. To this end, we have provisionally booked Cascades Pool at Croyde for early evening Friday 15th October for family and friends of Swimbridge pupils. This will further help us to raise funds for Atilat and Sanjay.
Attached to this letter is a data collection sheet. It is vital that we have up to date contact information. Please update and return this sheet to the office immediately by Thursday 16th September at the latest.
For the safety of our children, please ensure that the school gate is bolted whenever you leave the premises.
If you have any concerns about your child at school, please book an after school appointment with the teacher.
Don?t forget flute/Fife lessons commence next Wednesday, with guitars starting on Thursday. Children will need to bring their instruments (which should be labelled). These should be kept in the music room. Recorders continue on Mondays, with brass on Thursdays.
Please could you check at home for any library books you may have borrowed over the holidays. We seem to be several missing!!!
G D Reed
Headteacher
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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 23
Friday 16th July 2004
www.swimbridge.ik.org
Dear Parents,
Sunday's PTA barbeque and cycle ride was another great success. The winners of the treasure hunt were the Mansell / Groombridge / Floyd consortium.
Term finishes on Wednesday 21st July so this will be the last newsletter of the school year. We bid a fond farewell to our Year 6 leavers as they commence their secondary education. We hope they will keep in touch with us. Parents of Year 6 children are welcome to join us for our last assembly at 9.20 am on Wednesday morning. We also say farewell to Mandy Twitchen who leaves to take up nursing after working for three years as a Learning Support Assistant.
Important notes for next term:
Term starts on Wednesday September 1st.
Next term we are strongly encouraging healthy snacks for morning break ? fruit or vegetables please.
Our stamp card system is to become a Merit Card programme which will include merit badges, along with the existing certificates etc.
If your child is absent from school please phone before 9.15 am to let us know. For the welfare and safety of all pupils we will phone you to ascertain the whereabouts of your child if we have not already heard from you.
Swimming will restart in November at South Molton Pool.
Last week I wrote about our very good Year 6 SAT results. We try not to put our Year 2 children under unnecessary pressure when they take their KS1 tests. Even so the KS1 results were very encouraging. An average Year 2 child should achieve level 2b. In reading 100% of the children gained this level, in fact 45% achieved level 3. In Maths 90% were at level 2b and 36% achieved level 3. In writing and spelling 72% achieved the expected level. Another fine academic year!
At the end of this high achieving year I would like to express my thanks to the children for their efforts and good behaviour, to parents and governors for help and encouragement and to all the school staff for their dedication and sheer hard work.
Happy Summer holidays!
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
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Swimbridge Primary School
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 22
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