Monday 5 November 2012

Newsletter 11

WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS UPDATE
We would like to clarify that ONLY those children who attended the recording day at Debenham will be able to perform at the concert on 2 December at the Spa Pavilion; this is due to restrictions on how many children can safely fit on the stage. Tickets for families to watch the concert can be booked on 01394 282126. In addition the CD should be available to purchase from 24 November and the DVD from 2 December, more details to follow.

REMINDER - CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX APPEAL - Friday 9 November
Please return the filled shoe boxes for Samaritans Purse by Friday 9 November, don’t forget to include the £2.50 in the envelope. Thank you.

REMEMBRANCE POPPIES – now on sale in school
Poppies will be on sale in the school this week.  They will be brought to the classes each day when the children will have an opportunity to purchase a poppy if they wish to.

HALF-TERMLY DINNER PAYMENT – FOR NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
DINNER MONEY MUST be paid on a MONDAY for the week or half term.
ALL HALF-TERMLY PAYMENTS ARE TO BE MADE BY THE FIRST MONDAY FOLLOWING THE START OF EACH HALF TERM.
DINNER MONEY COSTS FOR AUTUMN 2nd HALF TERM (5 November – 21 December):
There are 7 weeks this term (35 days)
5 days a week                 35 days x £2.10           =          £73.50
4 days a week                 28 days x £2.10           =          £58.80
3 days a week                 21 days x £2.10                        =          £44.10
2 days a week                 14 days x £2.10                        =          £29.40
1 day a week                   7 days x £2.10             =          £14.70
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 12 NOVEMBER, PLEASE.

MRS SPENCER IS EXPECTING!
Mrs Spencer is delighted to let the pupils know that she is expecting a baby in March.  We would like to pass on our congratulations to her and her family on this lovely news.

REMINDER - CHRISTMAS DINNER SLIPS TO RETURN
Slips should be returned for the Christmas lunch choice for EVERY CHILD please.  If we do not receive a slip from you we will ASSUME THAT YOUR CHILD WILL BE HAVING A CHRISTMAS DINNER which will need to be paid for on 17 December.

AUTUMN REPORTS & PARENT CONSULTATIONS
Reports will be coming home on the Friday 16 November.  Along with the report you will find a slip to be returned about booking an appointment to meet with your children’s class teachers for Parent Consultations on either Wednesday 21 or Thursday 22 November from 3.30pm – 6.00pm.  We would expect all parents to make an appointment to see the teacher.  Please return this slip by Tuesday 20 November.
  
FRIENDS AGM – Wednesday 21 November
At the end of last half term we sent out a flyer inviting parents to the Friends AGM, we would just like to remind you of the details:
The Friends AGM will be held on the morning of Wednesday 21 November in the hall from 9.00 to 9.30am.  Parents are very welcome to come into the hall earlier, from 8.40am for refreshments.  It is essential that the Friends get as many parents attending as possible, in order to adhere to the voting procedures of the Charity Commission.
Please show your support of the school by giving  half an hour of your time to attend ~ it does not mean you have to join the Friends! Pre-school siblings are welcome to stay with you.

NEW OFFICE ASSISTANT
We would like to welcome Mrs Nathan to join the team in the school office as a new Admin Assistant;   she will be working with us for 3 mornings each week.

COUNTY SPORTS DATES FOR THE COMING YEAR
Year 5 & 6 pupils will have opportunities to be selected to take part in the following County sporting events to represent the school over the coming year: Netball - 23 November;  Quicksticks Hockey-  14 March;  High 5s Netball - 19 April;  Touch Rugby - 30 April; 
Girls Football - 3 June;  Kwik Cricket - 17 June;  Athletics - 21 June;  Rounders - 25 June;
Cross Country date yet to be confirmed.  Details will follow nearer to each event.

NEW SAFEGUARDING LEAFLET
We have produced a very informative leaflet for parents and volunteers about Safeguarding Children. All regular volunteers will be given a copy, but parents are welcome to pick up a copy from the reception area by the office.  It can also be found on our Policies page on the school website at www.roberthitchams.ik.org

FREE SCHOOL MEALS
It is now quicker and easier to apply for Free School Meals.  For the majority of claimants you will no longer need to send proof of your benefit with the application form.  Suffolk County Council will check your eligibility against the Government’s benefit database and as long as you are in receipt of qualifying benefit, the provision of free school meals will commence.  An application form is available from the school or can be downloaded at www.suffolk.gov.uk

MORRISONS VOUCHERS
If you still have any of these vouchers tucked in your purse or bag, please do drop them into the office, the collection deadline is Friday 9 November.  Thank you.

FRIENDS CAKE STALL
The Friends would like to thank classes DB & GA/VR for their baking at the end of half term. Their cake stall raised £98.75.  Thanks also go to those who helped and bought on the day.

RECEPTION OPEN SESSIONS for Pupils due to start school September 2013
The Reception classes will be open for visits by parents and children due to start school next September.   The sessions are on Tuesday 6 November 9.30-11.30am or Thursday 8 November 1.30-2.30pm.  Parents are asked to please sign in at the school office where admission application forms are available.