We are at the end of another week and have just two weeks left until we break up for Christmas. Unfortunately we have three classes isolating at the moment; for two of those classes, it is their second time isolating since we returned after the summer break. Events have taken over us this week so unfortunately the Diwali performance is not yet ready, but we have it all recorded and will endeavour to get the edit completed by next Friday.  This Friday update has the events leading up to Christmas included which I hope explains the plans. Thank you for your continued patience and support. 

Payments

Thank you to everybody for making your payments and helping us as we master the Arbor payment module. We will continue to remind you (to help) as you get close to zero on balances, but with the new system and reminders in place, we hope soon to have no money owed. Collectively, £228.85 is owed, down again from last Friday. Some parents have requested to know the cost for the full year’s meals so they can pay all in advance. For those that wish to, the amounts per term/year are:

    • For the last 2 weeks of the term (07.12.20 – 18.12.20) = £21.00
    • Spring Term 1 (07.01.21 – 12.02.21) = £56.70
    • Spring Term 2 (22.02.21 – 26.03.21) = £52.50
    • Summer Term 1 (12.04.21 – 28.05.21) = £71.40
    • Summer Term 2 (07.06.21 – 09.07.21) = £50.40

Parking within the grounds 

As you may have noticed we have had the parking spaces remarked, some with numbers and some for staff. As previously mentioned we have limited spaces and these will only be available for those with exceptional circumstances – if you think this is you then complete this link. Successful applications will receive a parking pass for a time limited period for a specified parking bay. If you are already allocated a temporary parking pass (without a bay number) please complete the link as soon as possible – we will then provide you with the updated pass. If you do not complete this link we will assume you do not require a pass anymore.

I have been made aware that some drivers are using disabled blue badges that are not actually for them. We shall be monitoring this and ask people to use their integrity, one of the school values.

The One Way System

So many of you have commented how the one-way system before and after school works very well. We never mentioned it for picking up at the end of after-school clubs. This is something we have now considered and agree that the same system should be in place to avoid staff, parents, cleaners and any other visitors being forced to come into close contact with others. I would appreciate your support and cooperation with this.  

Parent Questionnaire Updates 

Thank you to all that have so far completed the Parent Questionnaire  and the external 360 Reviews.

We will continue to work on the areas and feedback each week. I trust that communications are much improved. If not, let us know using the 360 Review form. 

Spring Term Clubs

Due to the Covid situation still being with us, clubs will continue to run as we currently are. Apart from a couple of minor changes, the timetable will be the same as it currently is with the same offer. The booking form will be updated and alive at some point next week.

Christmas Cards and Gifts

The subject of Christmas cards was in last week’s Friday update, but since then we have purchased a postbox which the children will pass every morning on their way in; as such, we are now allowing cards across the school. 

To do this safely however, cards need to be posted in the box and this will be emptied every day and delivered to classes two days later. To make this work you need to ensure that the posted Christmas cards have the child’s name, year and class clearly written on them. We hope this will maintain some of the Christmas cheer. 

Christingle Service  

On Wednesday 9th of December we will be taking part in the Christingle (via Zoom) with St Deny’s Church. It would be wonderful if you could take some time to make a Christingle with your child and they bring it in next Wednesday (not before). We will share details of the Zoom link if we can; it would be lovely if we can make it possible for you to join us.  

Foundation Two Decorations

On Thursday 10th December (the first day back after isolation) there will be two sessions for you to join us via Zoom to see us making Christmas decorations. Your child’s class teacher will let you know which session to join (09:00 to 09:30 or 10:30 to 11:00). The Zoom details will be available on your child’s Google Classroom.

Christmas Jumper Day

Friday 11th December is Christmas Jumper Day. Children are invited to come to school in non-uniform with their Christmas jumpers on. Christmas Jumper Day is to support the charity Save the Children. We hope to raise a good amount of money for this worthwhile charity. This can be made via the Arbor app by selecting Trips or by giving cash at drop-off time throughout next week (collection points will be visible.

Christmas Carols

Every class will be singing a carol around the tree before we break up. The carol will be recorded and shared with you. On your classes date, listed below, please ensure he/she comes to school in uniform but with a Christmas jumper (or festive) instead of their school jumper. As the date will be the same as the nativity play for Foundation Two, children will be singing carols in their nativity costumes.

    • FS2 Bees and Butterflies – Tuesday 15 December
    • Year 1 Doves and Parrots – Wednesday 16 December
    • Year 2 Swans and Peacocks – Friday 11 December
    • Year 3 Moon and Sun – Thursday 17 December
    • Year 4 Comets and Planets – Monday 14 December
    • Year 5 Turtles and Sharks – Monday 14 December
    • Year 6 Mayapur and Vrindavan – Wednesday 16 December

Some parents have asked whether gifts can be given to staff. This is something we certainly do not expect but do appreciate the thought. If this is something you wish to do, please send it in with your child and the member of staff can take sensible steps in these Covid times. 

Podcast

The school’s latest podcast has been published and is available – Click here to listen to it.

Focus on…  

The 15th week of the Focus on… series is complete and a huge ‘Well done’’ to all 128 players. View the final podium by clicking here.  The challenge for week 15 will go live soon.

Finally, Christmas Lunch

We will be having Christmas lunch on the last day of the term (Friday 18th). Children may come to school on the last day wearing something Christmasy, leaving their uniform at home (no contributions required). A reminder that we finish at 13:00 on Friday 18th December. 

 

Thank you for your continued support.

Mr Kite

Principal