Wednesday 18 January 2012

Newsletter 13.1.12

Newwsletter 13.1.12
We are all looking forward to our visit to the Natural History Museum on Monday. All children need to be at school by 8.30am as we are leaving school no later than 8.45am. We will be leaving the museum at 3.30pm and hope to arrive back at school by 5pm. We will update you by text of any changes in times.

Please ensure that all children stand with an adult in the playground at the end of the school day. I realise that the children do enjoy the opportunity of ‘extra’ play but we cannot have children running around playing ball games, tag and climbing on the train as it is simply not safe. I have recently noticed a number of siblings riding on scooters and bikes around the playground and this is dangerous.

Many of the children have been enjoying the new extra curricular activities but as we embark upon new activities there are often unforeseen complications. Thank you for your patience and understanding whilst we have sorted the clubs out. We are delighted to have a parent volunteer willing to run a gardening club on a Friday lunchtime but If there are any other parents/carers able to help please speak to Mrs Murray.

I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.
Paul Driver
Headteacher


Food Allergies
All Hertfordshire schools operate a strict no nut policy. This means that no food brought into the school should contain nuts or any traces of nuts. We have a number of children who have food allergies in the school and the importance of adhering to this policy cannot be over emphasised, as in the most serious scenario a pupil coming into contact with incorrect food could lead to a fatality. Please ensure that all food in packed lunches, for cake sales or brought into school does not contain nuts or traces of nuts.


Hertfordshire Admissions Process Consultation
Hertfordshire County Council is running a consultation on the proposed admissions arrangements for the school year 2013/14 and is seeking responses from parent/carers, schools and community groups.
The main change proposed is to allow an increase in the number of preferences from three to four, i.e. parents will be able to apply to four schools, as opposed to only three as currently. Views are also being sought on :
A rule to prioritise children of school staff
Amending the priority area rules and “nearest” school definitions
Other proposals for the treatment of twins/multiple births, a single sex priority area and in year admissions The consultation period runs until 29 February 2012. Please visit www.hertsdirect.org/admissions2013 for more information and to respond online or call Mini Harish on 01992 555840 for a copy of the consultation document.


Pupil Success
Congratulations to the following pupils:
Kiana Mokhtari (Yr 4) has passed her British Gymnastics Proficiency Awards Level 5, 4 and 3!
Asha Bedi (Yr 2) has passed her British Gymnastics Proficiency Awards Level 6 and 5.
Katie Snowden (Yr 1) has passed her British Gymnastics Proficiency Award Level 8.
Thomas Dadswell (Yr 3) has achieved his Puffin Post 2 year badge.
Jessica Poulter (Yr 1) has achieved a Gold Certificate for continued dedication and high standards from the Penny Waterman School Of Dance
Hattie Jenkinson (Yr 2) has achieved her Level 1 National Swimming Award.
Isabel Jenkinson (Yr 3) has achieved her Stages 2 and 3 National Swim Awards.


Beginner String Days
Wednesday 8th February / Thursday 1st March 2012
St Albans Music School is running a ‘Beginner String Day’ for violin, viola, cello and mini bass players of Beginner – Grade 1 standard who are at Primary School.
The event will be held in the main hall of the St Albans Music School, Townsend Drive St Albans from 9.30am to 3pm. The aim of the day is to give young people the opportunity to play in a large ensemble, and to have fun with a variety of styles of music. There will be a short concert at 2.45pm to which parents and friends are warmly invited.
The cost of the day will be £15.00 to cover staffing, music etc.
Places on the course are limited so please apply as soon as possible. Application forms are available from the school office. The closing date for both days is Friday 3rd February 2012.


CommonSENse Harpenden
CommonSENse is a local parent/carer support group who meet monthly to provide practical and emotional support to parents/carers of children with special educational needs or disability.
The group meets in the Salvation Army Hall in Leyton Green, Harpenden at 7.45pm typically on the 4th Monday of the month.
On 23rd January at 7.45pm a team from the LINKS Education Support Centre will be visiting to discuss managing challenging behaviours in children.


FOHBS Second Hand School Uniform Sale
A second Hand School Uniform sale will be held in school on Friday 29th January. If you have any unwanted school uniform which you would like to donate to the school for the sale we would be very grateful. Please leave it in the school office. Many thanks.


Letters Sent Home
Art club 9.1.12 – Yrs 2 and 3
Board games club 9.1.12 – Yrs 1 and 4
X country 10.1.12 – Yrs 4, 5 and 6
Fitness 10.1.12 – Yrs 4, 5, and 6
Football Club 10.1.12 – Yr 5 and 6
RAH Gala 12.1.12 – Year 5
Book Club 12.1.12 – Yrs 5 and 6