NEWSLETTER 3 (2004)                        31 March 2004

Dear Parents, Guardians, Friends & Governors

Performance   Thank you to Mr Lacey (Ella and Jemima’s dad) who did a lovely guitar and music assembly for the teachers and children – it was fantastic.

Book donation   We have received a large donation from Emma and the Clayson family to purchase books for the classroom and library.  Thank you so much.

Book Fair   Thank you for supporting this event.  Your purchases raised £410 for school funds.

Parents’ Evenings   Excellent attendance from you all – I know all the teachers enjoyed talking with you and sharing news about your child’s learning.

Reading   We are developing our reading schemes in an effort to improve standards further.  Non fiction books have been purchased to that end.  These books will be available at certain colour levels after Easter.  Please note: some of the books have 2 sorts of print – the bold is for the child to read and the extension material may be read by the parent.  I’m sure you will find them all most interesting!

SATs – Year 2 children   You will be interested to know that in 2004 our school is part of a trial of new assessment arrangements for 7 year olds.  Your child will still be doing all the tests as usual but your child’s end level will consist of teacher’s assessment levels throughout Key Stage 1 as well.  In my view this is a small step in the right direction – I hope that from this trial England will follow the example of Scotland and Wales who

do not have these exams at all for 6 and 7 year olds.

Absence   Under legislation, only a Headteacher of a school may authorise absence.  When you send a note in myself and the attendance officer, Mrs Williams, decide whether absence will be authorised.  Please make sure you do your utmost to get your child/children to school. 

By the way, Headteachers may authorise 10 days absence in an academic year for family holidays.  Please consider the effect of 2 weeks absence from school especially when days are taken before or after a school holiday.  You all have the dates in your brochure and next year’s dates in the January 2004 newsletter.

Dates   2 April                Break up at 1.30 pm.

           19 April               Return to school.

R Thomas