19 Oct 2007 - Autumn 2007 (first half term) Newsletters
Swimbridge CE Primary School
Weekly Newsletter
No: 29 Friday September 27th 2007
Dear Parents
This week we had the visit of Mr Ray Liverton, long time Swimbridge resident, who was at this school during the Second World War. The older children were enthralled by his stories and reminiscences. Next Friday (October 5th) Class 4 will be travelling to the Cobbaton Combat Museum to further find out about what life was like for children during WW2. If you have not yet given in your child's contribution for the cost of coach and entry we would be pleased to receive it.
Graham Ruhleman was the only person nominated for the vacant post of Parent Governor. As there was consequently no need for an election, Graham has agreed to take up to post and represent the views of parents on the Governing Body. I'm sure we all wish him well.
Many thanks to everyone who checked their children for
headlice last weekend. If all children with long hair
continue to have their hair tied back and hair is regularly checked (and
treated as applicable) we will eradiacte these creatures very quickly.
Most parents of children in Classes 1, 2 & 3 have already
paid their swimming transport money. We welcome contributions from every family concerned.
Can I remind parents of children in Classes 3 and 4 that Recorder lessons take place on Tuesdays. All children (except those receiving musical tuition in another instrument) need their own recorder, in school, every week.
Don't forget that Early Birds Breakfast Club and Cool Kids Club are there for your convenience and for your children to enjoy. Bookings can be made at the School Office. Last week's newsletter included the Cool Kids programme for the following fortnight. There is one change: on Friday October 5th we will be showing the animated film, Hero, a funny and warm tale of a child who believes he can make a difference if he just hangs in there despite overwhelming odds. He teams up with a cheeky young girl and some unconventional friends and embarks on a sometimes perilous, often funny, cross-country quest. We expect many children will want to watch this film (complete with popcorn and drink) so book early at the office or complete the form below.
Computer Club restarts on Tuesday October 2nd from 3.20 to 4.00 for 20 children in Years 4,5 and 6. A note from parents requesting a place is all that is needed, on a first come, first served basis. On Tuesday Oct 16th Computer Club members will be finding out how to transfer their own designs onto tee shirts using computers.
Thanks to those who have returned the Disability Equality Questionnaire. Please return yours if you have not already done so.
Parents of children in Class 4 know that a Paignton Residential week is planned for May next year. There will be a short information meeting for interested parents, in the Library at 3.20 pm, on Thursday October 5th
After school on Thursday November 1st we hope to hold parent / teacher consultations. In the meantime, if you have concerns or just want to find out how your child is getting on, book an after school appointment.
Yesterday we received our latest free computer from Tesco. Thanks to everyone who collected the vouchers earlier in the year. These vouchers really do help our school. Tesco are currently giving out Sports Vouchers. Please help our collection if you shop there.
There is a possibility that Mr Walters, our Sport's Coach, could offer a Sports Club after school on Thursdays, for 50 minutes. This could include basket/net ball, multi skills, hockey, football, tag rugby, crab handball, aerobics etc. We would need to make a small charge for this, to cover costs. We might also be able to arrange for Keyboard lessons (piano / organ) in school. At this stage we are trying to gauge interest in both, so please return the form by next Wednesday please.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
Child's name: _____________________
Dear Mr Reed,
A. Please book my child(ren) for Cool Kids Club on Friday October 5th for a viewing of Heroes. ¨
B. I am interested in my child taking part in:
a) the proposed Thursday after school sports club* ¨
and / or
b) Keyboard lessons* ¨
(please tick relevant boxes)
Parent's signature: ______________________
*More information with be sent to those people interested, dependant on demand.
******************************************************************
Swimbridge CE Primary School
Weekly Newsletter
No: 28
Friday September 20th 2007
Dear Parents
Great news - for the seventh year in succession Swimbridge School has been placed in the top 5% of schools nationally, according to government statistics received this week. These figures (to be published during December) are based on the above-average progress that children make while they are at this school. Well done to everyone! Why not have a look at www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk - and search for Swimbridge. The comparison graphs (especially the value added performance graph) are rather interesting, and don't even include this years results.
Parents can continue to help their children by encouraging them with their homework activities, reading with them on a regular basis and ensuring that they have the correct equipment, such as reading books, reading records, P.E. kit and the like in school.
At the moment we seem to have an influx of headlice. Please make certain that if your child has long hair it is tied back and ensure that you check your child's hair and treat if appropriate.
Swimming for Years 1 to 4 got off to a good start last Monday. Congratulations to these children:
Isobel Turley 5 metres
Thomas O?Brien and Declan Smith 50 metres
Simon Bushen, Hannah and Laura Trawin 60 metres
Lauren Slape 200 metres
Lucie Slape 220 metres
A special thanks to all parents who have already paid their swimming transport money. We welcome contributions from every family, if their child(ren) are receiving swimming lessons.
Recorder lessons for years 3 to 6 have restarted. Every child does need his / her own descant recorder please. These are only about £4.50 and, hopefully can provide the first step in a lifetime of music making. Many of our former pupils have gone on to take up a variety of musical instruments, from starting with the simple recorder.
Early Birds Breakfast Club and Cool Kids Club (officially 'Good' according to Ofsted) are there for your convenience and for your children to enjoy. Bookings can be made at the School Office.
The Cool Kids programme for the following fortnight is:
Monday Sept. 24th and 31st: Making log cabins
Tuesday Sept. 25th and Oct 2nd Autumn Collage
Wednesday Sept 26th and Oct 3rd Art and Craft
Thursday Sept 27th Cookery: sandwiches
Thursday Oct 4th Cookery: flapjacks
Friday Sept 28th Quiz night
Friday Oct 5th Film: Miss Potter
Cool Kids Club would love to receive any dressing up clothes or unwanted fancy dress outfits.
Computer Club restarts on Tuesday October 2nd from 3.20 to 4.00 for 20 children in Years 4,5 and 6. A note from parents requesting a place is all that is needed - on a first come, first served basis. If parents have any hobbies or skills, which could be employed to provide after school clubs for our children, please offer your services. Personally I would like school to provide a Christian Fun Club (a mix of a lively Sunday School and Youth Club) perhaps once a month, and games and artistic activities, all to complement the activities provided by Cool Kids Club. Willing volunteers to help are welcome.
Nominations for the important role of Parent Governor are eagerly requested. Would you be able to help your school in this way? Please give it consideration. To paraphrase President J.F. Kennedy 'don't ask what your school (country) can do for you, but what you can do for your school (country)'.
Attached to this letter is a Disability Equality Questionnaire, which all schools will be sending out this term. Please read it so that our school can be even more accommodating.
Around half term we hope to hold informal parent / teacher consultations. In the meantime if you have concerns or just want to find out how your child is getting on book an after school appointment.
A few future dates:
Ø Friends' Association evening at the Cinnamon Indian Restaurant Thursday October 4th - watch out for news.
Ø Class 4 educational visit to Cobbaton Combat Museum Friday October 5th
Ø Harvest Service 9.05 pm Parish Church Monday October 8th (during which we will have our usually altar service collection for our two sponsored children)
Ø Friends' Association (PTA) AGM 8pm Tuesday October 16th - everyone invited
Ø Half Term holiday Monday October 22nd to Friday 26th
Ø Proposed Friends' Association evening event Friday November 2nd - watch out for news.
Governors please note: next meeting 7.30 pm Tuesday October 9th
Tesco are once again giving out Sports Vouchers. As usual we would
much welcome as many as you, your family and friends can collect.
How about starting a collection at work? One mum did it last
summer and we received 2000 extra tokens we would not have normally
had!
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
******************************************************************
Weekly Newsletter No 27
Friday 14th September 2007
Dear Parents,
Yesterday you should have received a nomination form for the post of Parent Governor at this school. This is a valuable and important position so please consider it carefully. Nomination forms need to be returned to me by Monday 24th September please. Our last Parent Governor, Kate Rippin, who has now moved to Exeter, did a lot to help the school and deserves our grateful thanks.
The Class 4 visit to Cobbaton Combat Museum takes place on Friday 5th October. Parental contributions are requested - please use the slip on last week's newsletter.
Don't forget that on Monday afternoon we start swimming for classes 1, 2 and 3 for 10 weeks, and Gymnastics for Class 4 (for 4 weeks). Thanks to all parents of children in Years 1 to 4 who have already contributed to the swimming transport; we look forward to receiving the rest so that we can maintain this important area of the curriculum.
Right at the end of last term our Cool Kids Club was inspected by Ofsted. A copy of the report is attached. Officially we are classed as 'good' which is above average.
Our Early Birds Breakfast Club has got off to a fine start. Bookings are still being taken.
As you know on Monday 5th October at 9.05am, you are invited to our simple harvest festival service in the Parish Church. Once again we are collecting to raise funds to sponsor two new third world children, Mbawin Mbilla (aged 10, from Ghana) and Shivcharan Asadu (also aged 10, from India).
Mbawin Mbilla is one of a family of 5 poor children. Mbawin lives with his family in a small compound of round huts made of wood and smoothed with mud to shape the body. The roof is thatched with grass. Cooking is done in the open in the centre of the compound, and the usual diet is 'Tuo Zafi' - ground millet and maize mixed into a paste. For families like Mbawin's, farming is the main source of food and income. Crops grown include maize, millet, groundnuts and rice. Communities rely on the rain to water their crops and have no other method of irrigation, so yields are low.
Shivcharan Asadu is an only child. His family has a small plot of land and some livestock. Shivcharan's house is made of mud walls with a thatched roof and there is a protected water source lest than half a kilometre away. The family follow a tribal belief, and they speak Chatisgarhi. Shivcharan belongs to the Kamar tribe in Maadya Pradesh. The Kamars were traditionally nomadic and practised slash and burn cultivation. The community has taken to settled cultivation now, although they still hunt in the forest.
To continue our sponsorship of these two childre, to cover the cost of their education, clothing etc, 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 please) in the envelopes which children bring to the harvest service, as an alter donation. Please help if you possibly can - envelopes will be sent home.
Children in Class 4 should be bringing home a letter - Life in Class 4 - today, detailing aspects of the curriculum they will be covering this term.
We welcome Claire Tucker to our school, on placement, as part of her BTEC in Childhood Studies course, working in Key Stage 1. We also welcome Felicity Reid (no relation!) joining our Cool Kids team every day.
News of two local events you may be interested in :
Songs of Praise for North Devon in the Big Marquee, West Buckland School. Barnstaple Male Voice Choir, Barnstaple Salvation Army Band and Soloists on Sunday 16th September at 3.00pm.
Saturday 13th October at 7.00pm in the Jubilee Hall - Come and try 10 delicous puddings and vote for this year's winner. All profits to Swimbridge Pre-school and Primary School. If you would like to enter a pudding, tel. Paula on 830514 for details. Last entries on 1st October. So far there is Tiramisu, Pannacotta and Fruit Coulis, Rice Pudding, Rhubarb and Orange Meringue Pie, Apply Dapply, Chocolate Truffle Torte and several more to be confirmed. Bar and Raffle - Tickets from the school office, Post Office and Paula Swanson (tel 830514)
At the end of last term, children from Years 2 to 6 were asked to complete a questionnaire about our school. This makes interesting reading - a copy is attached.
Currently we are working on implementing a Disability Equality Scheme. We would very much like to hear the views of any parent, pupils, staff, governors who have anuy disabilities (or have family members with disabilities) about how our school might be improved (access to the building, access to the curriculum, policies and procedures, educational visits, how we send home information etc) The aim is to get a working party to help us plan the way forward to promote equality of opportunity, positive attitudes and to meet the needs of all. Please let me know if you would like to be involved.
Also attached to this letter is a Book Club leaflet. Please send orders in to the Office by Friday 21st September. The school receives commission on parent's orders, and We have already received almost £50 this year, thanks to everyone who has bought books.
*****************************************************************
Weekly Newsletter No 26
Friday 7th September 2007
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to the Autumn Term.
This term (from 17th September) Class 1/2 and 3 will be swimming at South Molton Pool every Monday afternoon until 26th November. Children will need a named towel, swimming costume and swimming cap please. It is our aim to help develop children's confidence in the water by teaching non-swimmers to swim, and to develop stamina and water safety techniques for those who can already swim. Children will leave school around 12.50pm, after an early lunch, and return by around 2.30pm. You will appreciate that the cost of pool hire, instructors and transport is very expensive. Fortunately our Friends Association (PTA) is going to cover some of the cost, but we request a contribution of £12 towards swimming transport for the 10-week session (£20 for two children) Please complete the form below. Older children will be swimming next term.
Our Friends Association does so much for our school and your support is always welcome. Every parent is a member!
Last term we sent out our latest school lunch menu. At only £1.75 per day, £8.75 per week (please note the increase from last term) these meals are excellent value for money. Please bring Dinner Money in on Mondays only, cash in a named envelope, or a cheque payable to D.C.C. For those wishing to pay for this half term, the cost will be £57.75.
From Monday afternoon (17th September) Class 4 will need their P.E.kit as they are booked for 4 intensive gymnastic sessions at the Falcons Gym on Pottington Estate. There is no cost for these sessions. Unless we hear to the contrary we will assume that parents give permission for their children to participate.
Guitar lessons re-start next week on Thursday afternoon 13th September. Recorders will be on Tuesdays this term (please note change of day). If your child is in Year 3 or above and you wish him/her to learn guitar but you have not yet booked a place, please see me as soon as possible. Currently we are not able to offer flutes/fifes but if there is a demand we will very probably be able to re-instate these shortly; please let me know if you wish your child to have lessons. It is our aim that all KS2 children learn a musical instrument so children not learning guitar (or flute) will have recorder lessons on Tuesday afternoons; please make sure that your child has a named recorder (if applicable) in school each week.
Our Cool Kids Club continues to provide high quality child care until 5.30pm each day with a range of exciting activities and refreshments. Currently there are some vacancies. Bookings should be made at the school office.
This is the time of year when parents of Year 6 pupils select their secondary schools. 'The Next Step' booklet is available at www.devon.gov.uk/schools and parents are advised to view it there, with an option to request a hard copy if they wish. Apparently, the County Admissions Officer wrote to all Year 6 parents last term issuing a unique identification number. We have a very limited number of these booklets in the school office for those without computers.
Our friends at Swimbridge pre-school are holding a 40/60 sale of good quality second hand children?s clothes, toys and equipment on Saturday 22nd September 10am to 12.30 in the PIP centre in South Molton (by the swimming pool). If you have any unwanted baby or children's clothes, toys etc and would like to turn them into cash contact Amy on 01271 830039 for a seller's information sheet. 40% of profits to the pre-school, 60% back to you.
Congratulations to Timon Hynes for taking part in a performance of Honk at the Queens Theatre this week.
On Friday 5th October Class 4 will be visiting Cobbaton Combat Museum as part of their history work on 'What was life like for children during the 2nd World War'. A donation of £6.50 per child to cover the coach and admission would be appreciated. Please use the attached form.
All being well Years 5 and 6 will be having their residential week in Paignton during May 2008. Details will be available later. The cost will be in the region of £170; time to start saving up maybe?
Children in Reception should be receiving free books and a bag courtesy of the publishers.
We have just received a most encouraging Ofsted report for Cool Kids Club - details next week. Well done to everyone!
Our friends at Swimbridge pre-school are holding a 40/60 sale of good quality second hand children?s clothes, toys and equipment on Saturday 22nd September 10am to 12.30 in the PIP centre in South Molton (by the swimming pool). If you have any unwanted baby or children's clothes, toys etc and would like to turn them into cash contact Amy on 01271 830039 for a seller's information sheet. 40% of profits to the pre-school, 60% back to you.
You are invited to our school Harvest Service in the Parish Church on Monday 8th October at 9.00am.
By now you should have received information about our Early Birds Breakfast Club commencing next Monday (10th September) as an extension to our popular Cool Kids Club. We are providing this before-school childcare facility, initially for a trial period, subject to demand. Booking forms should be returned as soon as possible to the school office to ensure a place. Please note that no other children should arrive at school before 8.30am please, unless they are attending Early Birds.
If you have any concerns about your child at school please don't hesitate to book an after-school appointment with his/her teacher.
G D Reed
Headteacher
Weekly Newsletter
No: 29 Friday September 27th 2007
Dear Parents
This week we had the visit of Mr Ray Liverton, long time Swimbridge resident, who was at this school during the Second World War. The older children were enthralled by his stories and reminiscences. Next Friday (October 5th) Class 4 will be travelling to the Cobbaton Combat Museum to further find out about what life was like for children during WW2. If you have not yet given in your child's contribution for the cost of coach and entry we would be pleased to receive it.
Graham Ruhleman was the only person nominated for the vacant post of Parent Governor. As there was consequently no need for an election, Graham has agreed to take up to post and represent the views of parents on the Governing Body. I'm sure we all wish him well.
Many thanks to everyone who checked their children for
headlice last weekend. If all children with long hair
continue to have their hair tied back and hair is regularly checked (and
treated as applicable) we will eradiacte these creatures very quickly.
Most parents of children in Classes 1, 2 & 3 have already
paid their swimming transport money. We welcome contributions from every family concerned.
Can I remind parents of children in Classes 3 and 4 that Recorder lessons take place on Tuesdays. All children (except those receiving musical tuition in another instrument) need their own recorder, in school, every week.
Don't forget that Early Birds Breakfast Club and Cool Kids Club are there for your convenience and for your children to enjoy. Bookings can be made at the School Office. Last week's newsletter included the Cool Kids programme for the following fortnight. There is one change: on Friday October 5th we will be showing the animated film, Hero, a funny and warm tale of a child who believes he can make a difference if he just hangs in there despite overwhelming odds. He teams up with a cheeky young girl and some unconventional friends and embarks on a sometimes perilous, often funny, cross-country quest. We expect many children will want to watch this film (complete with popcorn and drink) so book early at the office or complete the form below.
Computer Club restarts on Tuesday October 2nd from 3.20 to 4.00 for 20 children in Years 4,5 and 6. A note from parents requesting a place is all that is needed, on a first come, first served basis. On Tuesday Oct 16th Computer Club members will be finding out how to transfer their own designs onto tee shirts using computers.
Thanks to those who have returned the Disability Equality Questionnaire. Please return yours if you have not already done so.
Parents of children in Class 4 know that a Paignton Residential week is planned for May next year. There will be a short information meeting for interested parents, in the Library at 3.20 pm, on Thursday October 5th
After school on Thursday November 1st we hope to hold parent / teacher consultations. In the meantime, if you have concerns or just want to find out how your child is getting on, book an after school appointment.
Yesterday we received our latest free computer from Tesco. Thanks to everyone who collected the vouchers earlier in the year. These vouchers really do help our school. Tesco are currently giving out Sports Vouchers. Please help our collection if you shop there.
There is a possibility that Mr Walters, our Sport's Coach, could offer a Sports Club after school on Thursdays, for 50 minutes. This could include basket/net ball, multi skills, hockey, football, tag rugby, crab handball, aerobics etc. We would need to make a small charge for this, to cover costs. We might also be able to arrange for Keyboard lessons (piano / organ) in school. At this stage we are trying to gauge interest in both, so please return the form by next Wednesday please.
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
Child's name: _____________________
Dear Mr Reed,
A. Please book my child(ren) for Cool Kids Club on Friday October 5th for a viewing of Heroes. ¨
B. I am interested in my child taking part in:
a) the proposed Thursday after school sports club* ¨
and / or
b) Keyboard lessons* ¨
(please tick relevant boxes)
Parent's signature: ______________________
*More information with be sent to those people interested, dependant on demand.
******************************************************************
Swimbridge CE Primary School
Weekly Newsletter
No: 28
Friday September 20th 2007
Dear Parents
Great news - for the seventh year in succession Swimbridge School has been placed in the top 5% of schools nationally, according to government statistics received this week. These figures (to be published during December) are based on the above-average progress that children make while they are at this school. Well done to everyone! Why not have a look at www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk - and search for Swimbridge. The comparison graphs (especially the value added performance graph) are rather interesting, and don't even include this years results.
Parents can continue to help their children by encouraging them with their homework activities, reading with them on a regular basis and ensuring that they have the correct equipment, such as reading books, reading records, P.E. kit and the like in school.
At the moment we seem to have an influx of headlice. Please make certain that if your child has long hair it is tied back and ensure that you check your child's hair and treat if appropriate.
Swimming for Years 1 to 4 got off to a good start last Monday. Congratulations to these children:
Isobel Turley 5 metres
Thomas O?Brien and Declan Smith 50 metres
Simon Bushen, Hannah and Laura Trawin 60 metres
Lauren Slape 200 metres
Lucie Slape 220 metres
A special thanks to all parents who have already paid their swimming transport money. We welcome contributions from every family, if their child(ren) are receiving swimming lessons.
Recorder lessons for years 3 to 6 have restarted. Every child does need his / her own descant recorder please. These are only about £4.50 and, hopefully can provide the first step in a lifetime of music making. Many of our former pupils have gone on to take up a variety of musical instruments, from starting with the simple recorder.
Early Birds Breakfast Club and Cool Kids Club (officially 'Good' according to Ofsted) are there for your convenience and for your children to enjoy. Bookings can be made at the School Office.
The Cool Kids programme for the following fortnight is:
Monday Sept. 24th and 31st: Making log cabins
Tuesday Sept. 25th and Oct 2nd Autumn Collage
Wednesday Sept 26th and Oct 3rd Art and Craft
Thursday Sept 27th Cookery: sandwiches
Thursday Oct 4th Cookery: flapjacks
Friday Sept 28th Quiz night
Friday Oct 5th Film: Miss Potter
Cool Kids Club would love to receive any dressing up clothes or unwanted fancy dress outfits.
Computer Club restarts on Tuesday October 2nd from 3.20 to 4.00 for 20 children in Years 4,5 and 6. A note from parents requesting a place is all that is needed - on a first come, first served basis. If parents have any hobbies or skills, which could be employed to provide after school clubs for our children, please offer your services. Personally I would like school to provide a Christian Fun Club (a mix of a lively Sunday School and Youth Club) perhaps once a month, and games and artistic activities, all to complement the activities provided by Cool Kids Club. Willing volunteers to help are welcome.
Nominations for the important role of Parent Governor are eagerly requested. Would you be able to help your school in this way? Please give it consideration. To paraphrase President J.F. Kennedy 'don't ask what your school (country) can do for you, but what you can do for your school (country)'.
Attached to this letter is a Disability Equality Questionnaire, which all schools will be sending out this term. Please read it so that our school can be even more accommodating.
Around half term we hope to hold informal parent / teacher consultations. In the meantime if you have concerns or just want to find out how your child is getting on book an after school appointment.
A few future dates:
Ø Friends' Association evening at the Cinnamon Indian Restaurant Thursday October 4th - watch out for news.
Ø Class 4 educational visit to Cobbaton Combat Museum Friday October 5th
Ø Harvest Service 9.05 pm Parish Church Monday October 8th (during which we will have our usually altar service collection for our two sponsored children)
Ø Friends' Association (PTA) AGM 8pm Tuesday October 16th - everyone invited
Ø Half Term holiday Monday October 22nd to Friday 26th
Ø Proposed Friends' Association evening event Friday November 2nd - watch out for news.
Governors please note: next meeting 7.30 pm Tuesday October 9th
Tesco are once again giving out Sports Vouchers. As usual we would
much welcome as many as you, your family and friends can collect.
How about starting a collection at work? One mum did it last
summer and we received 2000 extra tokens we would not have normally
had!
G.D.Reed
Headteacher
******************************************************************
Weekly Newsletter No 27
Friday 14th September 2007
Dear Parents,
Yesterday you should have received a nomination form for the post of Parent Governor at this school. This is a valuable and important position so please consider it carefully. Nomination forms need to be returned to me by Monday 24th September please. Our last Parent Governor, Kate Rippin, who has now moved to Exeter, did a lot to help the school and deserves our grateful thanks.
The Class 4 visit to Cobbaton Combat Museum takes place on Friday 5th October. Parental contributions are requested - please use the slip on last week's newsletter.
Don't forget that on Monday afternoon we start swimming for classes 1, 2 and 3 for 10 weeks, and Gymnastics for Class 4 (for 4 weeks). Thanks to all parents of children in Years 1 to 4 who have already contributed to the swimming transport; we look forward to receiving the rest so that we can maintain this important area of the curriculum.
Right at the end of last term our Cool Kids Club was inspected by Ofsted. A copy of the report is attached. Officially we are classed as 'good' which is above average.
Our Early Birds Breakfast Club has got off to a fine start. Bookings are still being taken.
As you know on Monday 5th October at 9.05am, you are invited to our simple harvest festival service in the Parish Church. Once again we are collecting to raise funds to sponsor two new third world children, Mbawin Mbilla (aged 10, from Ghana) and Shivcharan Asadu (also aged 10, from India).
Mbawin Mbilla is one of a family of 5 poor children. Mbawin lives with his family in a small compound of round huts made of wood and smoothed with mud to shape the body. The roof is thatched with grass. Cooking is done in the open in the centre of the compound, and the usual diet is 'Tuo Zafi' - ground millet and maize mixed into a paste. For families like Mbawin's, farming is the main source of food and income. Crops grown include maize, millet, groundnuts and rice. Communities rely on the rain to water their crops and have no other method of irrigation, so yields are low.
Shivcharan Asadu is an only child. His family has a small plot of land and some livestock. Shivcharan's house is made of mud walls with a thatched roof and there is a protected water source lest than half a kilometre away. The family follow a tribal belief, and they speak Chatisgarhi. Shivcharan belongs to the Kamar tribe in Maadya Pradesh. The Kamars were traditionally nomadic and practised slash and burn cultivation. The community has taken to settled cultivation now, although they still hunt in the forest.
To continue our sponsorship of these two childre, to cover the cost of their education, clothing etc, 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 please) in the envelopes which children bring to the harvest service, as an alter donation. Please help if you possibly can - envelopes will be sent home.
Children in Class 4 should be bringing home a letter - Life in Class 4 - today, detailing aspects of the curriculum they will be covering this term.
We welcome Claire Tucker to our school, on placement, as part of her BTEC in Childhood Studies course, working in Key Stage 1. We also welcome Felicity Reid (no relation!) joining our Cool Kids team every day.
News of two local events you may be interested in :
Songs of Praise for North Devon in the Big Marquee, West Buckland School. Barnstaple Male Voice Choir, Barnstaple Salvation Army Band and Soloists on Sunday 16th September at 3.00pm.
Saturday 13th October at 7.00pm in the Jubilee Hall - Come and try 10 delicous puddings and vote for this year's winner. All profits to Swimbridge Pre-school and Primary School. If you would like to enter a pudding, tel. Paula on 830514 for details. Last entries on 1st October. So far there is Tiramisu, Pannacotta and Fruit Coulis, Rice Pudding, Rhubarb and Orange Meringue Pie, Apply Dapply, Chocolate Truffle Torte and several more to be confirmed. Bar and Raffle - Tickets from the school office, Post Office and Paula Swanson (tel 830514)
At the end of last term, children from Years 2 to 6 were asked to complete a questionnaire about our school. This makes interesting reading - a copy is attached.
Currently we are working on implementing a Disability Equality Scheme. We would very much like to hear the views of any parent, pupils, staff, governors who have anuy disabilities (or have family members with disabilities) about how our school might be improved (access to the building, access to the curriculum, policies and procedures, educational visits, how we send home information etc) The aim is to get a working party to help us plan the way forward to promote equality of opportunity, positive attitudes and to meet the needs of all. Please let me know if you would like to be involved.
Also attached to this letter is a Book Club leaflet. Please send orders in to the Office by Friday 21st September. The school receives commission on parent's orders, and We have already received almost £50 this year, thanks to everyone who has bought books.
*****************************************************************
Weekly Newsletter No 26
Friday 7th September 2007
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to the Autumn Term.
This term (from 17th September) Class 1/2 and 3 will be swimming at South Molton Pool every Monday afternoon until 26th November. Children will need a named towel, swimming costume and swimming cap please. It is our aim to help develop children's confidence in the water by teaching non-swimmers to swim, and to develop stamina and water safety techniques for those who can already swim. Children will leave school around 12.50pm, after an early lunch, and return by around 2.30pm. You will appreciate that the cost of pool hire, instructors and transport is very expensive. Fortunately our Friends Association (PTA) is going to cover some of the cost, but we request a contribution of £12 towards swimming transport for the 10-week session (£20 for two children) Please complete the form below. Older children will be swimming next term.
Our Friends Association does so much for our school and your support is always welcome. Every parent is a member!
Last term we sent out our latest school lunch menu. At only £1.75 per day, £8.75 per week (please note the increase from last term) these meals are excellent value for money. Please bring Dinner Money in on Mondays only, cash in a named envelope, or a cheque payable to D.C.C. For those wishing to pay for this half term, the cost will be £57.75.
From Monday afternoon (17th September) Class 4 will need their P.E.kit as they are booked for 4 intensive gymnastic sessions at the Falcons Gym on Pottington Estate. There is no cost for these sessions. Unless we hear to the contrary we will assume that parents give permission for their children to participate.
Guitar lessons re-start next week on Thursday afternoon 13th September. Recorders will be on Tuesdays this term (please note change of day). If your child is in Year 3 or above and you wish him/her to learn guitar but you have not yet booked a place, please see me as soon as possible. Currently we are not able to offer flutes/fifes but if there is a demand we will very probably be able to re-instate these shortly; please let me know if you wish your child to have lessons. It is our aim that all KS2 children learn a musical instrument so children not learning guitar (or flute) will have recorder lessons on Tuesday afternoons; please make sure that your child has a named recorder (if applicable) in school each week.
Our Cool Kids Club continues to provide high quality child care until 5.30pm each day with a range of exciting activities and refreshments. Currently there are some vacancies. Bookings should be made at the school office.
This is the time of year when parents of Year 6 pupils select their secondary schools. 'The Next Step' booklet is available at www.devon.gov.uk/schools and parents are advised to view it there, with an option to request a hard copy if they wish. Apparently, the County Admissions Officer wrote to all Year 6 parents last term issuing a unique identification number. We have a very limited number of these booklets in the school office for those without computers.
Our friends at Swimbridge pre-school are holding a 40/60 sale of good quality second hand children?s clothes, toys and equipment on Saturday 22nd September 10am to 12.30 in the PIP centre in South Molton (by the swimming pool). If you have any unwanted baby or children's clothes, toys etc and would like to turn them into cash contact Amy on 01271 830039 for a seller's information sheet. 40% of profits to the pre-school, 60% back to you.
Congratulations to Timon Hynes for taking part in a performance of Honk at the Queens Theatre this week.
On Friday 5th October Class 4 will be visiting Cobbaton Combat Museum as part of their history work on 'What was life like for children during the 2nd World War'. A donation of £6.50 per child to cover the coach and admission would be appreciated. Please use the attached form.
All being well Years 5 and 6 will be having their residential week in Paignton during May 2008. Details will be available later. The cost will be in the region of £170; time to start saving up maybe?
Children in Reception should be receiving free books and a bag courtesy of the publishers.
We have just received a most encouraging Ofsted report for Cool Kids Club - details next week. Well done to everyone!
Our friends at Swimbridge pre-school are holding a 40/60 sale of good quality second hand children?s clothes, toys and equipment on Saturday 22nd September 10am to 12.30 in the PIP centre in South Molton (by the swimming pool). If you have any unwanted baby or children's clothes, toys etc and would like to turn them into cash contact Amy on 01271 830039 for a seller's information sheet. 40% of profits to the pre-school, 60% back to you.
You are invited to our school Harvest Service in the Parish Church on Monday 8th October at 9.00am.
By now you should have received information about our Early Birds Breakfast Club commencing next Monday (10th September) as an extension to our popular Cool Kids Club. We are providing this before-school childcare facility, initially for a trial period, subject to demand. Booking forms should be returned as soon as possible to the school office to ensure a place. Please note that no other children should arrive at school before 8.30am please, unless they are attending Early Birds.
If you have any concerns about your child at school please don't hesitate to book an after-school appointment with his/her teacher.
G D Reed
Headteacher