Welcome Back to everyone for a new school year.
A special welcome also to all our new starters in Nursery,
Reception and further up the school.
Along with this newsletter is a Diary Dates leaflet which gives details of dates for this term and much of the school year.
Please may we draw your attention to the list of clubs and activities which now specify the first date of each club. Remember to bring instruments / PE kits on the correct days and to check collection times.
WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF
I am sure the children will join me in welcoming Mrs Romero to job share with Mrs Armstrong – now class GA/VR, and Mrs Summer-Hayes will be teaching on a Wednesday in class DB. We also welcome Mr Duncan, Mrs Evans and Mrs Barker as new teaching assistants
SCHOOL START AND END OF DAY PROCEDURES
The school will be unlocked at 8.30am to allow children to put their bags on their pegs before going on the front playground. At 8.45am (on the ring of the bell) all parents should exit the school as the children line up for their teachers.
If you allow your child to walk home we require you to complete a form from the office please, else we will be unable to let your child leave school at the end of the day.
Please advise the class teacher of any changes to normal collection arrangements in writing.
If your child is ill or going to be late:
RING THE SCHOOL ANSWERPHONE ON 723354 BEFORE 8.30 am
STATE YOUR CHILDS NAME, CLASS & REASON for absence or lateness
If they are likely to be off for more than one day, state which day they will be back, if you do not know how long they will be off: you must ring EVERY MORNING
Please read the enclosed copy of ‘Attendance – Parent Guide’.
HALF-TERMLY DINNER PAYMENT – FOR SEPTEMBER
DINNER MONEY (whether paid weekly or half-termly) should be paid on a MONDAY.
ALL HALF-TERMLY PAYMENTS ARE TO BE MADE BY THE FIRST MONDAY FOLLOWING THE START OF EACH HALF TERM.
DINNER MONEY COSTS FOR AUTUMN 1st HALF TERM (4 September - 25 October):
5 days a week 38 days x £2.10 = £79.80
4 days a week 32 days x £2.10 = £67.20
3 days a week 24 days x £2.10 = £50.40
2 days a week 16 days x £2.10 = £33.60
1 day a week 8 days x £2.10 = £16.80
Cheques should be made payable to Suffolk County Council (SCC) with your child’s name and class WRITTEN ON THE BACK please. ALL DINNER MONEY SHOULD BE HANDED IN AN ENVELOPE THAT STATES: Child’s Name + Child’s Class + Which days dinner money is for
DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT IS MONDAY 10 SEPTEMBER, PLEASE.
GARDENING CLUB
Gardening Club will continue WITH THE SAME CHILDREN AS LAST TERM until the October half term when it will finish for the winter. It will re-launch after February half term when a letter will be sent out for new children to join.
MEET THE TEACHER – week of 17 September after school
This initiative invites you to attend a presentation by your class and key stage teachers to understand a little more about what your child/ren will be experiencing this year in their new class. The meeting will be no more than 20 minutes, and is not an opportunity for individual chats with your teacher, but will give an overview of your child/rens areas of learning including suggestions for helping at home.
Monday 17 September Classes DB & GA/VR at 3.15-3.40pm in class DB
Tuesday 18 September Classes CA JC LC at 3.15-3.40pm in the hall
Wednesday 19 September Classes NS & EM at 3.15-3.40pm in class EM
Thursday 20 September Classes RV PLDD KV at 3.15-3.40pm in the hall
You may bring your children to sit quietly with you if you wish.
HOLIDAY REQUESTS
The school’s policy regarding absence requests for holidays is that they should be taken during school breaks NOT DURING TERM TIME. Applications to take your child out of school during term time will be considered for exceptional circumstances only. Authorisation may be given only at the discretion of the Head teacher. Applications will not be considered unless they are received at least THREE WEEKS prior on a Leave of Absence form with a full written explanation as to why you are asking for absence during term time.
SCHOOL LETTERS BY EMAIL ......
Many parents now receive their school letters by email; if you would like to register please email us on admin@hitchams.suffolk.sch.uk. We are endeavouring not to produce a ‘hard’ copy to those households that receive letters by email, so please ensure your child is aware they do not need to receive a paper copy.
Those who are already registered do not need to re-register.
The Friends would like to thank classes CH & KM for their efforts at the end of last term – their cake stall raised £155, which was great.
FRIENDS GAMES NIGHT AND AGM – Friday 21 September
The Friends AGM will be held in the interval of the Bingo and Beetle Drive. It is an opportunity for the Friends to let parents know about this year’s fundraising and what the school has used the money for. It is also an opportunity to welcome new members to join; there are a number of members stepping down this year and the Friends are looking for a new Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. If you are interested in becoming part of this team, contact Marie-Therese Walker (Chair) on 07939 265646 or mtwalker666@hotmail.com
NURSERY SPACES
We still have spaces available in our School Nursery this term.
BOOK BAGS
The price of book bags has increased to £2.20. They can be purchased from the office; as well as red, blue, yellow and dark green we now also have purple on order.
GOVERNMENT CHILDCARE COMMISSION SURVEY
The Government is asking for parents who use childcare outside school to complete a 10 minute online survey which is open until 13 September. Please complete it at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Government_Childcare_Commission
They also would like child minders to complete this too.
