Happy New Year 2018
Dear Parents
We are looking forward to working with you in partnership. We want all our pupils’ to be happy and successful. There are a number of residential visits arranged in Key Stage 2. Year 5 have 2 nights and 3 days at Nell Bank in Ilkley and Year 4 have 2 days at Malham Cove. We are continuing with our Design and Technology in partnership with ICSAT at Dixons Technology College in Bradford. Our musicians and Key Stage 2 instrumental teaching continues to be very successful. One of our key priorities, both in staff training, and with pupils’ is the development of reading.
Pupils’ must develop a wider vocabulary – word, words, words and their meanings. Please continue to read to your child right up to Year 6. Encourage an interest in the news and discuss. I am always available, by appointment, to discuss how you can help and give specific advice for your child.
Uniform: Thank you for your support. When replacing clothing, please can you buy the correct uniform. School trousers/skirts are grey and navy (not denim, or fashion). School jumpers can be ordered from school with the school logo.
Girls and boys, with pierced ears, should wear plain studs in school (not hanging or fashion earings).
School start time: This is 8.50am children should be in the playground when the bell rings. The gate is locked at 8.55am promptly as nursery uses this area near the gate. Late pupils; report to school office. Please allow extra time to get to school in cold January weather.
Lateness Concern: Since September 2017, 86 pupils’ (not nursery) have been late at least once. We record the minutes late and they amount to 2899 minutes or 48 hours in total for the 86 pupils’ concerned. Lateness does not just affect your own child because it also holds up the day for the rest of the class. I will be writing an individual letter to all the parents concerned. Late marks are included on the school report and are part of the record that goes to High School.
Please support us in ensuring that your child has a good habit of arriving at school on time every day. Lessons are held up for all when a child arrives late.
A Respectful Request: We are happy that small messages or letters are passed on to teachers in the playground, (or given to the office). However, please can we respectfully ask that you do not come into school at morning registration/start time to speak to teachers. It is embarrassing to have to ask parents to leave; teachers need to care for their class (health and safety) and get on with the school day. If you need an appointment for a discussion with the class teacher, please request this at the school office.
Dinner Money: In an envelope please Monday morning (£12.00). Your child gives this to the class teacher.
Attendance: Overall 98% to 1st January 2018. Good attendance (ofsted judgement) is over 96%.
Please ring school on the first day of absence, if your child is ill.
Lunchtime Supervisor Post: There is a vacancy for a lunchtime supervisor. The prospective candidate must be able to speak English fluently as communication with pupils’, is a requirement. The supervisor is required 11.45am to 1.00pm daily Monday – Friday. If you are interested ask for details in the school office.
Parent Governor Opportunity: There is a parent governor vacancy. We now require key skills to contribute to this body and one area of need is for someone with IT knowledge, and internet safety. If you are interested in discussing this important position in the school, please make an appointment, with the office for a discussion with myself. Please be prepared to discuss any skills/areas of expertise where you think you could contribute to the school. The post requires that you have time available for 3 meetings with the main governing body and times for sub-committee meetings. Whilst this is a voluntary position, it nevertheless requires time, and commitment to the school.
Dates for your diary
Family Assembly: Friday 19th January
Friday 26th January
Friday 9th February
Residential Visits: Year 5 – Nell Bank 15th January – 17th January
Year 4 – Malham Cove 27th February – 28th February
Fair Trade Fort-night : Monday 26th February – Sunday 11th March
Thank you for your continuing support for the school.
Yours sincerely
J.Turner
Headteacher