9 Dec 2005 - Autumn Term Newsletters
Dear Parents,
This is becoming an extremely busy time of the year. Last week's newsletter gave details of next week's events. In summary they are :
Monday 12th December School Party in the Jubilee Hall. Donations of food and drink can be taken to the office at 8.45am, or to the Jubilee Hall between 12.30 and 1.00pm. Children should be collected from the Jubilee Hall at 3.15pm
Wednesday 14th December Christmas Dinner
Thursday 15th December Carol Service and Musical Nativity plays in the Jubilee Hall commencing at 9.30am
Friday 16th December Last day of term (for children)
Wednesday 4th January School re-opens
Preparations are well in hand for Saturday's "Friends" fayre in the Jubilee Hall. Many thanks to those who have sold raffle tickets; please can we have the stubbs and money today, or at the beginning of the fayre.
Please check your child for headlice. Unless every child is checked and treated if necessary, these unpleasant creatures will continue in the area.
Each year schools are graded by the amount of progress children make.
This measure compares the Year 6 pupils performance in the national curriculum tests with performance four years earlier. It indicates that the peer group made almost 5 years progress in 4 years.
The scoring is based around 100. The top 5% had a score of 102.3 and above. Swimbridge scored 102.8 putting us in the top 3% nationally, which means we are in the top 171 of all english scores; not bad out of around 16,000 schools. In Devon the top scoring schools were all close - we are ranked 5th, the highest of all North Devon schools! This confirms our place in the Good Schools Guide.
In reality we believe this shows that individual children are catered for. We look at each child and try to tailor aspects of teaching and learning for individual needs where appropriate.
To view the league tables go to
www.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/05/schooltables/primaryschools.
Don't forget to book an after-school session with your child's teacher if you have any concerns or would like to discuss progress.
School Calendars are now available to order at a cost of £3. A proof copy can be viewed in the school office, and Lee will be at the Friends fayre on Saturday taking orders, or alternatively, you can return the slip below.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter 36
Friday 2nd December 2005
Dear Parents
As mentioned on a previous newsletter our Carol Service will take place on Thursday December 15 commencing at 9.30 am. Because of a heating problem in the Parish Church our venue will be the Jubilee Hall. KS1 have been preparing a short musical nativity called 'Donkey for Sale' and KS2 are working on a similar production, 'Stable Story'.
We plan to present these both Thursday 15th together with short Carol Service incorporating carols and readings; in all we estimate it will take around 1 ¼ hrs. We welcome parents and friends, although please be aware that the Jubilee Hall cannot accommodate as many as the Parish Church.
We hope to finish with mince pies.
On Monday May 15th 2006 we plan to take Years 5 and 6 on our regular residential visit to Paignton. Much of the week will be based at Paignton Zoo, along with visits to Kent's Cavern, Torquay Natural History Museum, Paignton Leisure Centre etc. Children will be staying in a hotel close to the sea front.
This is always a very enjoyable time in which the children learn a lot about getting on with each other as well as gaining a greater insight into the variety of animal life.
The cost (to include all admissions, accommodation, food and travel) will be around £160. If you would like to book a place for your child please return the form below by Wednesday December 14th together with a £16 deposit (cheques made payable to Swimbridge Primary School).
There will be an informal meeting about this residential week on Friday 9th December in the Library from 3.30 pm to approx. 4.15 pm. During the meeting child care is available at Cool Kid?s Club, for those who book in with Mrs Wadsworth.
For almost two decades now we have produced School Calendars including term dates, national holidays, photos around our school and fascinating quotes from our school log books. These will shortly be on sale, making ideal presents for grandparents and friends - watch out for details.
We had an encouraging letter recently from the Diocese of Exeter confirming that progress is being made in obtaining the Glebe Field opposite the school, to include sports facilities and , ultimately, provision of a new school.
Don?t forget the Friends (PTA) Christmas Fayre in the Jubilee Hall on Saturday December 10th starting at 2.00pm. We look forward to a great time and, apparently, the visit of someone very special....
It is still possible to book your child into our School Christmas Dinner on Wednesday 14th December. In the past virtually all children have joined in this highlight of the school year. Following this we traditionally show a special film to the children. This year we will watch the original animated version of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
We plan to hold our School Party on the afternoon of Monday 12th December. As in past years we ask that parents send suitable
?party food? ( sandwiches, cake, crisps, fruit etc) either to the School Office on the morning or to the Jubilee Hall at around 12.45 pm. Many children like to change out of their school uniforms for the afternoon. Offers of help organising the food and washing up are always very welcome, please let Mrs Newnham, Mrs Ford or Mrs Squire know if you can help. On this occasion children will need to be collected from the Jubilee Hall, unless they are staying to Cool Kids Club.
At this time of year children often like to send Christmas Cards to their friends. They are asked to post them in the post-box in the reading bay for sorting each day by Class 1, who are doing a project on the Post Office. Envelopes need to have children's Christian name, surname and class please.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
__________________________________________________________________
Weekly Newsletter No 34
Friday 18th November 2005
Dear Parents,
Last Saturday's 'Friends' Barn Dance was a great success and obviously enjoyed by all who attended. A special thanks to the band of organisers who worked hard to make it all possible.
Thanks also for ther cakes. buns, books and comics donated for today's 'Children in Need' sale. This, along with the non-uniform donations, raised £163.00
Our Cool Kids Club is doing very well and proving very popular. There are some vacancies most days - just book (and pay) at the school office. When parents come and collect, please use the Cool Kids entrance (the old school house) not the main school entrance, as this is usually being cleaned.
Children have said of Cool Kids :
'I like cooking cheesecake' (Georgie)
'I love the D.V.D.'s' (Jules)
'I like playing football' (Joe)
'Making the dream catcher was great' (Isobel)
'Cooking at the Cool Kids Club is the best' (Callum)
'I love all the activities at the Cool Kids Club, but the food is the best' (Ashley)
Why not let your child spend a session at Cool Kids Club?
Attached to this letter is a family competition. You are invited to test your knowledge of North Devon by de-coding the anagrams. Please return the sheet with £1 per entry (towards our Action Aid sponsored children). The winning entry will be awarded a brand new Ordnance Survey map of Exmoor, Dartmoor or North Devon worth £8. Go on - have a try!
This week we welcome Mrs Louise Young to our team of mealtime assistants.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newlsetter No 33
Friday 11th November 2005
Dear Parents,
Our Barn Dance (with the Bloatertown Band) is taking place tomorrow night, commencing at 8.00pm at Filleigh Village Hall. Tickets are available at the door. Hope to see you there.
Those of us who went to Cascades last Friday had a good time, making £50 profit towards our Action Aid sponsorship which currently stands at £284.85.
Next Friday, 19th November is Children In Need day when children are encouraged not to wear school uniform but, for £1, come in their leisure clothes. The money raised will be shared between Children in Need and Action Aid. On this occasion we hope to hold a second hand comic and book stall, and a cake and bun stall, so you might like to allow your child some money. If any parents would like to donate some buns/cakes, we would be very grateful.
This week we had a visit from Berwick Coates who was evaculated to this school during World War 2. Children in Class 4 found his memories fascinating and very informative.
We recently took delivery of a new computer, courtesy of Tesco's Computers for Schools Vouchers. We are now collecting Tesco Sports Vouchers and welcome any further contributions. We have collected 5,000 so far!!!
Please note that dinner money should be put into a named envlope if it is cash and brought to the school office on Mondays, please. The cost is £1.50 per day, £7.50 per week. For those who usually pay half-termly, the amount due is £52.50
Don't forget:
1. We are collecting shoe boxes for 'Operation Christmas Child'
2. We are still looking for a school cleaner. After-school child care could be available for prospective parents. Alternatively six-formers or retired people might be interested. Please help us by asking around the community.
3. Please check your child for head lice this weekend, and treat if necessary.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 32
Thursday 4th November 2005
Dear Parents,
Dont forget our family swim at Cascades(Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde) tomorrow evening from 6.15 to 7.15pm. Anyone connected with our school family (parents, children, grandparents, neighbours, friends) are invited. The cost is reduced to £2 per person and incorporates a 50p donation to sponsor our 2 Action Aid children, Atilat Abaagri (Ghana) and Sanjay Singh (India).
This is very much a time for helping others. You should already have received a leaflet about the shoebox appeal (Operation Christmas Child) which we support each year. If your family wish to fill a shoebox with suitable gifts for a needy child (eg hat, gloves, sweets, crayons, notebook, cuddly toy, toothbrush, soap, greetings card), please bring it along to the school office before 20th November.
Friday 18th November is Children in Need Day. To mark this, and support our own Action Aid sponsorship as well, we will be having a non-uniform day, when for £1 children can wear their own casual clothes whilst raising funds for both charities. Other events will hopefully be arranged on the same day.
Attached to this letter is our Data Collection Sheet which enables us to have up to date parent contact numbers in case of emergency. Please amend if necessary and return immediately to the school office.
Don't forget :
Our school Barn Dance at Filleigh Village Hall on Saturday 12th November, 8.00 - 11.30pm
Parent/Teacher consultations on Wednesday 9th November after school
In addition parents are always welcome to book an after-school meeting with their child's teacher.
We have vacancies for an after school cleaner and a lunch time supervisor. If you are interested, please let me know.
Events at neighbouring schools and villages :
Brayford Primary School are holding an Auction of Promises on Saturday 3rd December at 7.00pm in Brayford Village Hall.
Filleigh Village Hall is the venue on Thursday 10th November at 7.00pm for 'Circus Berzercus' with their show Funny Business (phone 01598 760332)
Book this date :
Our Christmas Fayre will be on Saturday 10th December 2.00 - 4.00pm in the Jubilee Hall.
Jessica Hall has been nominated for the Headteachers Award for great helpfulness in her class. She is the youngest child to be nominated for this award.
Also attached to this letter is a leaflet for the school book club. If you would like to place an order, please could you do so by the end of next week (Friday 11th November) to ensure that we receive delivery before the end of term.
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Weekly Newsletter No 31
Friday 21st October 2005
Dear Parents,
We close for our half-term holiday today and re-open on Monday 31st October 2005.
This has been a busy week with Classes 3 and 4 enjoying their history trip to Exeter and Class 3 joining in with other local schools in Wednesday's Music Festival. Today the children enjoyed the special treat of watching the film 'Robots', courtesy of Film Education.
After half-term we have the family swim at Cascades on Friday 4th November, 6.15 to 7.15pm. The pool is hired soley for the use of our school, families, friends and relations, so please make this widely known. The cost is just £2 per person, of which 50p will go towards the sponsorship of our two Action Aid children.
Dont forget our Barn Dance on Saturday 12th November, at Filleigh Village Hall. Again, please make this widely known. Tickets are available from Kate Rippin.
Once again this year we would like to invite you to take part in the exiting Operation Christmas Child project, sending a show box filled with gifts to children who are vistims of war, poverty, famine, disease and natural disaster. If you would like to take part, please bring in your completed shoeboxes after half-term, any time up to 14th November.
We have recently taken delivery of a further P.C. made available by collecting Tesco Computers for schools vouchers. Thank you one and all. We would be pleased to receive the Tesco Sports Vouchers.
Wanted :
Meal time assistant to work on a daily basis from 12.00 till 1.00 to supervise and help organise lunch time play activities.
Cleaner either daily, or on specific days, for 2 hours each session.
All enquiries to Mr Reed or Mrs Wadsworth.
Dont forget parent/teacher interviews from 3.30 to 5.00pm on Wednesday 9th November. Sign up forms are in the corridor by the Office.
You will receive with this letter a proof copy of your child's photograph. Please could you return your oders by 4th November.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 30
Friday 14th October 2005
Dear Parents,
Next Tuesday Classes 3 and 4 will be travelling to Exeters Royal Albert Museum for workshops on Egyptians (Class 3) and World War 2 (Class 4). If you have not yet returned your permission slip and contribution (£6.20), please do so as soon as possible. School uniform, raincoats and packed lunches are needed. We aim to leave just after 9.00am and hope to be back between 3.15 and 3.30pm.
On Wednesday morning, Class 3 will be participating in the area Music Festival which this year is in the Jubilee Hall. Children from a number of other local schools will be joining us.
As previously mentioned we have been offered places for a special showing of 'Robots' at the Barnstaple Cinema on Friday 21st October. The tickets are free, and we have been able to cover the cost of coach transport. This is a 'U' certificate film. Our assumption is that all children will attend unless you let me know you do not want your child to take part. There will be class work linked with this film for some classes.
News in brief :
Our Tesco Sports Voucher total is now approx 750
Half Term commences after school on Friday 21st October. We re-open on Monday 31st October.
Cool Kids Club still has a few vacancies primarily on Mondays and Tuesdays. To book in see Mrs Wadsworth in the School Office.
Next Friends of Swimbridge School meeting is in the Jack Russell at 8.00pm on Tuesday 1st November.
Family swim at Cascades, Ruda on Friday 4th November 6.15 - 7.15pm
Barn Dance at Filleigh Village Hall with the Bloatertown Band on Saturday 14th November.
Our Action Aid collection now stands at £247.05
A special thanks must go to Mrs Beechey for arranging our recent KS2 football coaching with Simon Priest of Exeter City Football Club. You will have received a letter about a joint sponsored 'penalty shoot out' event. We hope you will be able to help with the sponsoring, but this is purely voluntary.
Completed Merit Cards
Card 3 Travis Lovell, Carl Payne, Scott-Russell Ansell and Alexander Snell.
Card 4 Hannah Trawin, Thomas O'Brien and Laura Trawin
Card 5 Joseph Comerford and Catriona Wetherill-Sallis
Card 6 Jacob Heard and Nathan Singh
Card 7 Paul Crossley and Bethany Hill
Parents are alwaYs welcome to book after-school interviews with their child's teacher, but on Wednesday 9th November, Class 2,3 and 4 teachers will be available to those parents who wish to take this opportunity to discuss their child's progress. Please sign up on the lists in the main entrance hall (near the school office). Parents of children in Class 1 have had recent home visits, but if you feel you would like further discussion, please see Mrs French.
How our School compares Nationally:
Every year Key Stage 2 SAT results are compared with the results of the same children four years earlier when they took their KS1 SATs. This is done to indicate the progress they have made, the 'value added' score If a school scores 102.3 or above, they are rated in the top 5% nationally; 100 would indicate a position around the middle, 98 puts a school in the bottom 5%. This year our score was 102.8, so once again Swimbridge School is in the top 5% of schools nationally.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newseltter No 29
Friday 7th October 2005
Dear Parents,
Our Action Aid sponsorship collection now stands at £239.86. Just £160 to go to reach our target of £400 to support Atilat and Sanjay. Our family fun swim at Cascades on Friday evening 4th November will add to this sum, but all donations are welcome.
At Wednesday's PTA meeting the following officers were elected:
Chair Kate Rippin
Vice-Chair Denise Floyd
Secretary Felicity Cornish
(Shared) Lucy Warrillow
Treasurer John Groombridge
During the meeting the PTA constitution was slightly amended and the name changed. We are now the 'Friends of Swimbridge School' which widens those involved in the association from just parents, guardians and staff to include the wider community, An amended constitution will be published shortly. Please remeber that all parents can attend all meetings. The next Friends meeting will be on Tuesday 1st November in the Jack Russell.
Make a note in your diary ; our school Barn Dance with the Bloatertown Band on Saturday 12th November at Filleigh Village Hall.
On Tuesday 18th October, Classes 3 and 4 will be travelling to the Royal Albert Museum in Exeter to view exhibits and take part in workshops connected with the Egyptians (Class 3) and World War 2 (Class 4). We hope that all children will be able to take part. We ask that parents contribute a donation of £6.20 per child to cover the cost of transport and admission. They will also need a packed lunch and their usual school uniform. Our aim is to leave school just after 9.00am and arrive back at school between 3.15 and 3.30pm Please return the attached form to the school office with your donation.
Can I remind you of our jewellery policy :
'The only items of jewellery permitted in school are watches and studs (which are tolerated, not recommended) in place of earrings. In line with County policy, ear studs may need to be removed during P.E./swimming activities. For health and safety reasons other jewellery should be left at home.'
Most children are at school well before the starting time of 8.45am. Pleae can I remind you that all children should be on time. In future, to ensure that our registers are totally accurate, if your child is late, or if you have to take your child out of school during the school day, please go to the office and sign your child in or out. This is very important.
The school photographer will be taking individual and family portraits on Monday afternoon. If you would like pre-school children to have their photo taken, please bring them to the school library at 1.15pm. There will be no obligation to purchase.
A new family, who are moving to North Devon and who have booked their children into our school some months ago, are desperately looking for a 3 bedroom house to rent. Please let me know if you know of anything suitable
Please remember to put your childs name in all school clothing, so that items can be returned to their owners if found. Currently we have 12 school jumpers in the Lost Property box, but not one has a name on it!
If your child is missing a school jumper, please come to the office and have a look!
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Weekly Newsletter No 28
Friday 30th September 2005
Dear Parents,
It was great to have so many parents and friends at our Harvest Service on Thursday. Ihe impressive sum of £218.26 (a record!!) was raised towards our on-going sponsorship of Atilat Abagri amd Sanjay Singh through Action Aid. In all we need to raise £400, so if your child forgot to bring a donation on the day, or if you have any spare cash, please send it in so that we can help those who have so little! We are the sole sponsors of these two children.
Tonight in the Jubilee Hall we will be holding our PTA Quiz Night commencing at 8.00pm. Why not come along and join the fun? On Friday 4th November between 6.15 and 7.15pm the school has booked Cascades pool at Ruda, Croyde for all our families and friends to come an enjoy themselves. The special price of just £2 per person includes a 50p donation towards our sponsored children. so book this date!
A PTA Barn Dance is being planned for November.
On Friday 21st October we have a special treat for all classes. 'Film Education' (who foster links between schools and the UK film industry enabling curriculum links) has offered us free places at the Barnstaple Cinema to see Robots (Certificate U). We assume that all children will be participating as admission is free; we will just need to make a small charge for the coach fare - details shortly.
Congratulations to Bethany Vickery. She has been nominated by staff and children for great kindness and helpfulness especially at lunchtimes.
Everyone is invited to the PTA AGM on Tuesday ommencing at 7.30pm in the school. All parents and staff are members of the PTA, so please come along.
If you have any concerns about your child at school, please contact your child's teacher for an after school consultation.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 26
Friday 16th September 2005
Dear Parents,
Our Cool Kids Club has got off to a really great start. It is open to all children from 3.15 to 5.30pm, although parents can collect their children earlier if they wish. A whole range of activities go on each day ranging from craft, art, cookery, playing etc. At only £5.90 a session (£2.60 per hour apprx
This is becoming an extremely busy time of the year. Last week's newsletter gave details of next week's events. In summary they are :
Monday 12th December School Party in the Jubilee Hall. Donations of food and drink can be taken to the office at 8.45am, or to the Jubilee Hall between 12.30 and 1.00pm. Children should be collected from the Jubilee Hall at 3.15pm
Wednesday 14th December Christmas Dinner
Thursday 15th December Carol Service and Musical Nativity plays in the Jubilee Hall commencing at 9.30am
Friday 16th December Last day of term (for children)
Wednesday 4th January School re-opens
Preparations are well in hand for Saturday's "Friends" fayre in the Jubilee Hall. Many thanks to those who have sold raffle tickets; please can we have the stubbs and money today, or at the beginning of the fayre.
Please check your child for headlice. Unless every child is checked and treated if necessary, these unpleasant creatures will continue in the area.
Each year schools are graded by the amount of progress children make.
This measure compares the Year 6 pupils performance in the national curriculum tests with performance four years earlier. It indicates that the peer group made almost 5 years progress in 4 years.
The scoring is based around 100. The top 5% had a score of 102.3 and above. Swimbridge scored 102.8 putting us in the top 3% nationally, which means we are in the top 171 of all english scores; not bad out of around 16,000 schools. In Devon the top scoring schools were all close - we are ranked 5th, the highest of all North Devon schools! This confirms our place in the Good Schools Guide.
In reality we believe this shows that individual children are catered for. We look at each child and try to tailor aspects of teaching and learning for individual needs where appropriate.
To view the league tables go to
www.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/05/schooltables/primaryschools.
Don't forget to book an after-school session with your child's teacher if you have any concerns or would like to discuss progress.
School Calendars are now available to order at a cost of £3. A proof copy can be viewed in the school office, and Lee will be at the Friends fayre on Saturday taking orders, or alternatively, you can return the slip below.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter 36
Friday 2nd December 2005
Dear Parents
As mentioned on a previous newsletter our Carol Service will take place on Thursday December 15 commencing at 9.30 am. Because of a heating problem in the Parish Church our venue will be the Jubilee Hall. KS1 have been preparing a short musical nativity called 'Donkey for Sale' and KS2 are working on a similar production, 'Stable Story'.
We plan to present these both Thursday 15th together with short Carol Service incorporating carols and readings; in all we estimate it will take around 1 ¼ hrs. We welcome parents and friends, although please be aware that the Jubilee Hall cannot accommodate as many as the Parish Church.
We hope to finish with mince pies.
On Monday May 15th 2006 we plan to take Years 5 and 6 on our regular residential visit to Paignton. Much of the week will be based at Paignton Zoo, along with visits to Kent's Cavern, Torquay Natural History Museum, Paignton Leisure Centre etc. Children will be staying in a hotel close to the sea front.
This is always a very enjoyable time in which the children learn a lot about getting on with each other as well as gaining a greater insight into the variety of animal life.
The cost (to include all admissions, accommodation, food and travel) will be around £160. If you would like to book a place for your child please return the form below by Wednesday December 14th together with a £16 deposit (cheques made payable to Swimbridge Primary School).
There will be an informal meeting about this residential week on Friday 9th December in the Library from 3.30 pm to approx. 4.15 pm. During the meeting child care is available at Cool Kid?s Club, for those who book in with Mrs Wadsworth.
For almost two decades now we have produced School Calendars including term dates, national holidays, photos around our school and fascinating quotes from our school log books. These will shortly be on sale, making ideal presents for grandparents and friends - watch out for details.
We had an encouraging letter recently from the Diocese of Exeter confirming that progress is being made in obtaining the Glebe Field opposite the school, to include sports facilities and , ultimately, provision of a new school.
Don?t forget the Friends (PTA) Christmas Fayre in the Jubilee Hall on Saturday December 10th starting at 2.00pm. We look forward to a great time and, apparently, the visit of someone very special....
It is still possible to book your child into our School Christmas Dinner on Wednesday 14th December. In the past virtually all children have joined in this highlight of the school year. Following this we traditionally show a special film to the children. This year we will watch the original animated version of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
We plan to hold our School Party on the afternoon of Monday 12th December. As in past years we ask that parents send suitable
?party food? ( sandwiches, cake, crisps, fruit etc) either to the School Office on the morning or to the Jubilee Hall at around 12.45 pm. Many children like to change out of their school uniforms for the afternoon. Offers of help organising the food and washing up are always very welcome, please let Mrs Newnham, Mrs Ford or Mrs Squire know if you can help. On this occasion children will need to be collected from the Jubilee Hall, unless they are staying to Cool Kids Club.
At this time of year children often like to send Christmas Cards to their friends. They are asked to post them in the post-box in the reading bay for sorting each day by Class 1, who are doing a project on the Post Office. Envelopes need to have children's Christian name, surname and class please.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
__________________________________________________________________
Weekly Newsletter No 34
Friday 18th November 2005
Dear Parents,
Last Saturday's 'Friends' Barn Dance was a great success and obviously enjoyed by all who attended. A special thanks to the band of organisers who worked hard to make it all possible.
Thanks also for ther cakes. buns, books and comics donated for today's 'Children in Need' sale. This, along with the non-uniform donations, raised £163.00
Our Cool Kids Club is doing very well and proving very popular. There are some vacancies most days - just book (and pay) at the school office. When parents come and collect, please use the Cool Kids entrance (the old school house) not the main school entrance, as this is usually being cleaned.
Children have said of Cool Kids :
'I like cooking cheesecake' (Georgie)
'I love the D.V.D.'s' (Jules)
'I like playing football' (Joe)
'Making the dream catcher was great' (Isobel)
'Cooking at the Cool Kids Club is the best' (Callum)
'I love all the activities at the Cool Kids Club, but the food is the best' (Ashley)
Why not let your child spend a session at Cool Kids Club?
Attached to this letter is a family competition. You are invited to test your knowledge of North Devon by de-coding the anagrams. Please return the sheet with £1 per entry (towards our Action Aid sponsored children). The winning entry will be awarded a brand new Ordnance Survey map of Exmoor, Dartmoor or North Devon worth £8. Go on - have a try!
This week we welcome Mrs Louise Young to our team of mealtime assistants.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newlsetter No 33
Friday 11th November 2005
Dear Parents,
Our Barn Dance (with the Bloatertown Band) is taking place tomorrow night, commencing at 8.00pm at Filleigh Village Hall. Tickets are available at the door. Hope to see you there.
Those of us who went to Cascades last Friday had a good time, making £50 profit towards our Action Aid sponsorship which currently stands at £284.85.
Next Friday, 19th November is Children In Need day when children are encouraged not to wear school uniform but, for £1, come in their leisure clothes. The money raised will be shared between Children in Need and Action Aid. On this occasion we hope to hold a second hand comic and book stall, and a cake and bun stall, so you might like to allow your child some money. If any parents would like to donate some buns/cakes, we would be very grateful.
This week we had a visit from Berwick Coates who was evaculated to this school during World War 2. Children in Class 4 found his memories fascinating and very informative.
We recently took delivery of a new computer, courtesy of Tesco's Computers for Schools Vouchers. We are now collecting Tesco Sports Vouchers and welcome any further contributions. We have collected 5,000 so far!!!
Please note that dinner money should be put into a named envlope if it is cash and brought to the school office on Mondays, please. The cost is £1.50 per day, £7.50 per week. For those who usually pay half-termly, the amount due is £52.50
Don't forget:
1. We are collecting shoe boxes for 'Operation Christmas Child'
2. We are still looking for a school cleaner. After-school child care could be available for prospective parents. Alternatively six-formers or retired people might be interested. Please help us by asking around the community.
3. Please check your child for head lice this weekend, and treat if necessary.
G D Reed
Headteacher
****************************************************************
Weekly Newsletter No 32
Thursday 4th November 2005
Dear Parents,
Dont forget our family swim at Cascades(Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde) tomorrow evening from 6.15 to 7.15pm. Anyone connected with our school family (parents, children, grandparents, neighbours, friends) are invited. The cost is reduced to £2 per person and incorporates a 50p donation to sponsor our 2 Action Aid children, Atilat Abaagri (Ghana) and Sanjay Singh (India).
This is very much a time for helping others. You should already have received a leaflet about the shoebox appeal (Operation Christmas Child) which we support each year. If your family wish to fill a shoebox with suitable gifts for a needy child (eg hat, gloves, sweets, crayons, notebook, cuddly toy, toothbrush, soap, greetings card), please bring it along to the school office before 20th November.
Friday 18th November is Children in Need Day. To mark this, and support our own Action Aid sponsorship as well, we will be having a non-uniform day, when for £1 children can wear their own casual clothes whilst raising funds for both charities. Other events will hopefully be arranged on the same day.
Attached to this letter is our Data Collection Sheet which enables us to have up to date parent contact numbers in case of emergency. Please amend if necessary and return immediately to the school office.
Don't forget :
Our school Barn Dance at Filleigh Village Hall on Saturday 12th November, 8.00 - 11.30pm
Parent/Teacher consultations on Wednesday 9th November after school
In addition parents are always welcome to book an after-school meeting with their child's teacher.
We have vacancies for an after school cleaner and a lunch time supervisor. If you are interested, please let me know.
Events at neighbouring schools and villages :
Brayford Primary School are holding an Auction of Promises on Saturday 3rd December at 7.00pm in Brayford Village Hall.
Filleigh Village Hall is the venue on Thursday 10th November at 7.00pm for 'Circus Berzercus' with their show Funny Business (phone 01598 760332)
Book this date :
Our Christmas Fayre will be on Saturday 10th December 2.00 - 4.00pm in the Jubilee Hall.
Jessica Hall has been nominated for the Headteachers Award for great helpfulness in her class. She is the youngest child to be nominated for this award.
Also attached to this letter is a leaflet for the school book club. If you would like to place an order, please could you do so by the end of next week (Friday 11th November) to ensure that we receive delivery before the end of term.
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Weekly Newsletter No 31
Friday 21st October 2005
Dear Parents,
We close for our half-term holiday today and re-open on Monday 31st October 2005.
This has been a busy week with Classes 3 and 4 enjoying their history trip to Exeter and Class 3 joining in with other local schools in Wednesday's Music Festival. Today the children enjoyed the special treat of watching the film 'Robots', courtesy of Film Education.
After half-term we have the family swim at Cascades on Friday 4th November, 6.15 to 7.15pm. The pool is hired soley for the use of our school, families, friends and relations, so please make this widely known. The cost is just £2 per person, of which 50p will go towards the sponsorship of our two Action Aid children.
Dont forget our Barn Dance on Saturday 12th November, at Filleigh Village Hall. Again, please make this widely known. Tickets are available from Kate Rippin.
Once again this year we would like to invite you to take part in the exiting Operation Christmas Child project, sending a show box filled with gifts to children who are vistims of war, poverty, famine, disease and natural disaster. If you would like to take part, please bring in your completed shoeboxes after half-term, any time up to 14th November.
We have recently taken delivery of a further P.C. made available by collecting Tesco Computers for schools vouchers. Thank you one and all. We would be pleased to receive the Tesco Sports Vouchers.
Wanted :
Meal time assistant to work on a daily basis from 12.00 till 1.00 to supervise and help organise lunch time play activities.
Cleaner either daily, or on specific days, for 2 hours each session.
All enquiries to Mr Reed or Mrs Wadsworth.
Dont forget parent/teacher interviews from 3.30 to 5.00pm on Wednesday 9th November. Sign up forms are in the corridor by the Office.
You will receive with this letter a proof copy of your child's photograph. Please could you return your oders by 4th November.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 30
Friday 14th October 2005
Dear Parents,
Next Tuesday Classes 3 and 4 will be travelling to Exeters Royal Albert Museum for workshops on Egyptians (Class 3) and World War 2 (Class 4). If you have not yet returned your permission slip and contribution (£6.20), please do so as soon as possible. School uniform, raincoats and packed lunches are needed. We aim to leave just after 9.00am and hope to be back between 3.15 and 3.30pm.
On Wednesday morning, Class 3 will be participating in the area Music Festival which this year is in the Jubilee Hall. Children from a number of other local schools will be joining us.
As previously mentioned we have been offered places for a special showing of 'Robots' at the Barnstaple Cinema on Friday 21st October. The tickets are free, and we have been able to cover the cost of coach transport. This is a 'U' certificate film. Our assumption is that all children will attend unless you let me know you do not want your child to take part. There will be class work linked with this film for some classes.
News in brief :
Our Tesco Sports Voucher total is now approx 750
Half Term commences after school on Friday 21st October. We re-open on Monday 31st October.
Cool Kids Club still has a few vacancies primarily on Mondays and Tuesdays. To book in see Mrs Wadsworth in the School Office.
Next Friends of Swimbridge School meeting is in the Jack Russell at 8.00pm on Tuesday 1st November.
Family swim at Cascades, Ruda on Friday 4th November 6.15 - 7.15pm
Barn Dance at Filleigh Village Hall with the Bloatertown Band on Saturday 14th November.
Our Action Aid collection now stands at £247.05
A special thanks must go to Mrs Beechey for arranging our recent KS2 football coaching with Simon Priest of Exeter City Football Club. You will have received a letter about a joint sponsored 'penalty shoot out' event. We hope you will be able to help with the sponsoring, but this is purely voluntary.
Completed Merit Cards
Card 3 Travis Lovell, Carl Payne, Scott-Russell Ansell and Alexander Snell.
Card 4 Hannah Trawin, Thomas O'Brien and Laura Trawin
Card 5 Joseph Comerford and Catriona Wetherill-Sallis
Card 6 Jacob Heard and Nathan Singh
Card 7 Paul Crossley and Bethany Hill
Parents are alwaYs welcome to book after-school interviews with their child's teacher, but on Wednesday 9th November, Class 2,3 and 4 teachers will be available to those parents who wish to take this opportunity to discuss their child's progress. Please sign up on the lists in the main entrance hall (near the school office). Parents of children in Class 1 have had recent home visits, but if you feel you would like further discussion, please see Mrs French.
How our School compares Nationally:
Every year Key Stage 2 SAT results are compared with the results of the same children four years earlier when they took their KS1 SATs. This is done to indicate the progress they have made, the 'value added' score If a school scores 102.3 or above, they are rated in the top 5% nationally; 100 would indicate a position around the middle, 98 puts a school in the bottom 5%. This year our score was 102.8, so once again Swimbridge School is in the top 5% of schools nationally.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newseltter No 29
Friday 7th October 2005
Dear Parents,
Our Action Aid sponsorship collection now stands at £239.86. Just £160 to go to reach our target of £400 to support Atilat and Sanjay. Our family fun swim at Cascades on Friday evening 4th November will add to this sum, but all donations are welcome.
At Wednesday's PTA meeting the following officers were elected:
Chair Kate Rippin
Vice-Chair Denise Floyd
Secretary Felicity Cornish
(Shared) Lucy Warrillow
Treasurer John Groombridge
During the meeting the PTA constitution was slightly amended and the name changed. We are now the 'Friends of Swimbridge School' which widens those involved in the association from just parents, guardians and staff to include the wider community, An amended constitution will be published shortly. Please remeber that all parents can attend all meetings. The next Friends meeting will be on Tuesday 1st November in the Jack Russell.
Make a note in your diary ; our school Barn Dance with the Bloatertown Band on Saturday 12th November at Filleigh Village Hall.
On Tuesday 18th October, Classes 3 and 4 will be travelling to the Royal Albert Museum in Exeter to view exhibits and take part in workshops connected with the Egyptians (Class 3) and World War 2 (Class 4). We hope that all children will be able to take part. We ask that parents contribute a donation of £6.20 per child to cover the cost of transport and admission. They will also need a packed lunch and their usual school uniform. Our aim is to leave school just after 9.00am and arrive back at school between 3.15 and 3.30pm Please return the attached form to the school office with your donation.
Can I remind you of our jewellery policy :
'The only items of jewellery permitted in school are watches and studs (which are tolerated, not recommended) in place of earrings. In line with County policy, ear studs may need to be removed during P.E./swimming activities. For health and safety reasons other jewellery should be left at home.'
Most children are at school well before the starting time of 8.45am. Pleae can I remind you that all children should be on time. In future, to ensure that our registers are totally accurate, if your child is late, or if you have to take your child out of school during the school day, please go to the office and sign your child in or out. This is very important.
The school photographer will be taking individual and family portraits on Monday afternoon. If you would like pre-school children to have their photo taken, please bring them to the school library at 1.15pm. There will be no obligation to purchase.
A new family, who are moving to North Devon and who have booked their children into our school some months ago, are desperately looking for a 3 bedroom house to rent. Please let me know if you know of anything suitable
Please remember to put your childs name in all school clothing, so that items can be returned to their owners if found. Currently we have 12 school jumpers in the Lost Property box, but not one has a name on it!
If your child is missing a school jumper, please come to the office and have a look!
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Weekly Newsletter No 28
Friday 30th September 2005
Dear Parents,
It was great to have so many parents and friends at our Harvest Service on Thursday. Ihe impressive sum of £218.26 (a record!!) was raised towards our on-going sponsorship of Atilat Abagri amd Sanjay Singh through Action Aid. In all we need to raise £400, so if your child forgot to bring a donation on the day, or if you have any spare cash, please send it in so that we can help those who have so little! We are the sole sponsors of these two children.
Tonight in the Jubilee Hall we will be holding our PTA Quiz Night commencing at 8.00pm. Why not come along and join the fun? On Friday 4th November between 6.15 and 7.15pm the school has booked Cascades pool at Ruda, Croyde for all our families and friends to come an enjoy themselves. The special price of just £2 per person includes a 50p donation towards our sponsored children. so book this date!
A PTA Barn Dance is being planned for November.
On Friday 21st October we have a special treat for all classes. 'Film Education' (who foster links between schools and the UK film industry enabling curriculum links) has offered us free places at the Barnstaple Cinema to see Robots (Certificate U). We assume that all children will be participating as admission is free; we will just need to make a small charge for the coach fare - details shortly.
Congratulations to Bethany Vickery. She has been nominated by staff and children for great kindness and helpfulness especially at lunchtimes.
Everyone is invited to the PTA AGM on Tuesday ommencing at 7.30pm in the school. All parents and staff are members of the PTA, so please come along.
If you have any concerns about your child at school, please contact your child's teacher for an after school consultation.
G D Reed
Headteacher
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Weekly Newsletter No 26
Friday 16th September 2005
Dear Parents,
Our Cool Kids Club has got off to a really great start. It is open to all children from 3.15 to 5.30pm, although parents can collect their children earlier if they wish. A whole range of activities go on each day ranging from craft, art, cookery, playing etc. At only £5.90 a session (£2.60 per hour apprx