Diary Dates

September 2000

Dear Parents

Welcome back to what is always a busy Autumn term.

I’d like to start by saying thank you. Firstly to the staff for spending a considerable amount of time in school during the holidays, creating a stimulating and organised environment for the children to come back to, and also at home completing termly plans. I’m sure that you’ve found the Class Newsletter helpful and informative, however should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

I’d also like to thank Mr Burrell, Mrs Rayner, Miss Seaman, parents and grandparents for decorating and refurbishing Miss Seaman’s classroom and the Pratten corridor. We had a lot of fun and the transformation is amazing, however there are a few small tasks outstanding and if you are able to help please contact either Miss Seaman or myself.

Finally, on behalf of all the staff I would like to thank you for your end of year gifts and cards, they were all gratefully received and appreciated.

And now on to the news…

School Website

Today we have launched our school’s website, thanks to Nigel Timms who has spent many hours at home setting it up. The website is currently being developed and is in its infancy however, plans for the future will involve the children publishing projects and school events/news. At present, should you wish to log on, you will find general information about the school, as contained in the current school brochure, the Millennium Literacy Newsletter, Curriculum Maps from Year R to Year 6 and this Newsletter.

Both staff and pupils are extremely excited about this and grateful for Nigel’s enthusiasm and commitment to the school.

Individual/Family group photographs will be taken on THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER. Request forms will be issued closer to the date.

Violin Lessons

Please inform the school in writing should you wish your child to stop receiving violin lessons with Ms Turpin. Notification needs to be given by the end of each term otherwise costs have to be met from the school’s budget which is unfair on non-participating pupils.

Guitar Demonstration

I have arranged for a Swindon based guitar teacher to give a demonstration on TUESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER in the Activity Hall at 10.10 am. If you are interested in your child receiving guitar tuition on a private basis or would like just to come along and indulge, please complete the attached slip.

KS2 – Lessons start this FRIDAY 15 SEPTEMBER, however we are desperately in need of a regular helper to replace Mrs Peters. Please come forward and assist with the bus run, even if you are only able to do so for a limited period of time. Your help is invaluable and essential to the continuation of swimming lessons. The cost remains the same at £15.50 for the term and cheques should be made payable to Lydiard Millicent CE School.

KS1 – I have been notified that there are now mechanical difficulties at the Hreod Parkway pool resulting in swimming being postponed until after half-term. Please refrain from paying until further notice, cheque/cash payments already received have not and will not be banked. Although this situation is beyond my control I apologise for the disruption and your child’s disappointment. The Governing Body and myself have looked into hiring the pool at the Health Hydro but this would mean disrupting the KS2 swimming programme at the Lime Kiln Centre, where we are extremely satisfied with the provision. I ask you to be patient and optimistic that KS1 swimming will resume to normal soon.

Clubs will be announced later this term, however Football for Years 3 to 6 will start next week on WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER at 3.15 pm with Mr Arnold, meeting in Miss Davis’ room. Please remember to complete the attached slip to authorise permission.

Mr Arnold’s SATURDAY workshop will start on SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER. Mr Arnold has specified a maximum of 30 pupils from Year 4 upwards, however there may be some places for Year 3’s depending on uptake. If you would like your child to attend the SATURDAY SOCCER WORKSHOP please complete a CODE of CONDUCT form available from the School Office and return by WEDNESDAY 20 SEPTEMBER.

Meningitis Vaccinations

Vaccinations for Year 2 to Year 6 pupils have been arranged for THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER. If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact the School Nurse, Mrs Rose Matthews on Swindon 877233.

This year’s service will be held on THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER at 10.00 am at All Saint’s Church. The themes for focus will be ‘sharing’ and ‘neighbours’ and the Rev Peter Knight has asked me to remind you about limited seating and parking. We look forward to seeing you there.

TD Days

Having publicised TD Days for the academic year earlier than ever before, I regret to inform you that the January date has had to be changed from 8 January 2001 to 19 JANUARY 2001. This is so that the Literacy Adviser for Wiltshire can undertake a days training on spelling strategies, an area which despite progress is still an area for improvement both nationally and at a school level. Please continue to support your child with Spelling Homework Activities as this is proving to be extremely beneficial.

Homework

Last September we introduced the new Homework Policy for Year 1 to Year 6 and despite the initial "shock" responses, your comments during the year have been positive and favourable. We are due to review this policy this month and I would welcome your feedback for consideration rather than produce a questionnaire, which in many ways may inhibit your responses. I would ask you to comment via letter or e-mail, commenting on; amount, appropriateness and timing. Thank you.

And finally the …

Petrol Crisis

Taxis and private petrol may well run dry before the end of the week, please inform the School Office if you are encountering difficulties.

WDS have informed me that hot meals will definitely be provided on Thursday and Friday. THE SITUATION FOR MONDAY IS UNCLEAR, THEREFORE PLEASE COULD YOU PROVIDE YOUR CHILD WITH A PACKED LUNCH IN CASE THE SITUATION DOESN’T IMPROVE OVER THE WEEKEND. Hopefully, I shall be able to inform you on Monday as to whether there will be hot meal provision for the rest of the week.

It is our aim to keep the school open as long as possible and as many pupils as possible, provided that there is no risk in their health and safety from the lack of staff or essential supplies and services.

The calendar has been produced on a separate sheet of paper so that it can be removed and placed in a prominent position, I hope you find this helpful.

We look forward to a happy and successful year ahead.

Best wishes.

K Godfrey

Headteacher

I would like to attend the Guitar Demonstration on Tuesday 19 September.

Name of child _______________________________ Class ______________________

Signed _____________________________________ Date ______________________

Parent/Guardian

I give permission for my child ______________________________ in Class _____________

to attend Football Club with Mr Arnold on WEDNESDAYS.

Signed ____________________________________ Date ______________________

Parent/Guardian