Local Allottment Visit

On the 11th May class NS/JB visited the Framlingham council allotments. where Mr Byer gave a tour and a talk about many tools and plants. Each of the allotment plots cost £10 per year, each of which have an amazing view of Framlingham castle. They mostly had a mixture of fruit, veg and flowers. Some of the fruits were rhubarb (now ready to be picked), grapes, gooseberries, raspberries and strawberries and some of the veg such as carrots, potatoes, onions/spring onions, and beetroot. There were also some herbs like chives and sage. One of the residents of their allotments had a vineyard and a skull in the middle to scare away evil spirits. As parts as our eco warriors topic we looked at how the allotments use compost bins water butts and other recycled materials such as plastic bottles. Mrs Bell and Mrs Rowles also have plots in the allotments.
Report by Georgie and Molly (Class NS / JB)

Whole School Letter (38)

PARKING COMPLAINT – ELMS CAR PARK
We have had a letter from Flagship Suffolk Heritage on behalf of the tenants at the Elms with regard to parking issues. There are dedicated parking spaces behind the Elms which are clearly signed as ‘Residents Parking Only’ and are not public parking spaces; please can we ask that parents do not park in these spaces as they cause disruption to the elderly and disabled tenants. Thank you.

MRS DWYER MATERNITY COVER
Mrs Dwyer will be leaving on her maternity leave on Friday 2 July and Mrs Lord will be full time for the last few weeks of term. In the Autumn Mrs Lord will take the class Monday to Wednesday and Mr Greenacre on Thursday and Friday.

CYCLE TRAINING – Friday 14 May
Please note that there will be Cycle Training on Friday 14 May for those on the course – this will replace the session on 9 July - remember to bring your bikes in.

PLEA FOR A MAN WITH A VAN!
The Friends are in need of a van/pick-up (and driver!) who would be able to help them on Friday 11 June. They need to get the dining tables, which fold flat, and other things up to the field to set up stalls for the Summer Fun evening. Ideally they would like someone at 1.15pm to do a few trips back and forth, and then to do the same at about 8.15pm. If you are able to offer your help in this, it would really be appreciated. Please see/call Caroline Miller at the office, or email: c.miller@hitchams.suffolk.sch.uk
Thank you.

RACE FOR LIFE 2010
We have been given some leaflets regarding this year’s Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK, however we do not have enough to go to every family, so if you don’t have one with this letter the details are as follows: You’re invited to simply walk, jog or run 5km to raise money to beat cancer. The nearest venues are Chantry Park on Sunday 13 June or Trinity Park on Wednesday 7 July. For more details see http://www.raceforlife.org/ or call 0871 641 1111

TESCO VOUCHERS DEADLINE
The last day for accepting these vouchers will be Friday 21 May, when we will need to ‘bank’ them to place our order for free resources. Please hand any into the office before then. Thank you.

INK CARTRIDGE RECYCLING
We have a box outside the school office where you can recycle your empty toner / inkjet cartridges. We receive a cash donation from the company we send them to.

WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK
Don’t forget next week is ‘Walk to School’ week.

New Cricket Club for Year 3 & 4 Children

26 children tok part in the first session of our after school cricket club (Mondays 3.15 - 4.15pm) for year 3 & 4 children. Mr Brook and Mrs Spencer wre delighted to welcome an outside coach to the school. Stuart Wood is from New Zealand. He is in Suffolk for the summer as part of the ECB Chance to Shine scheme (click on logo to find out more). This provides free coaching in state primary schools. Each coach is attached to a club (Stuart is with Worlingworth Cricket Club) and spends much of the week in local schools. He also coaches at the club and plays some cricket himself. Many Robert Hitcham's children already play at clubs such as Worlingworth, Easton and Yoxford. Anybody else wishing to get involved at one of these clubs should see Mr Brook or go to their websites (click on names above) for informatiuon.

First Round of House Cricket

In very chilly conditions Hitcham beat Bulstrode and Mills proved to be too strong for Howard. The matches were played in an excellent spirit (with players encouraging each other) and it was good to get the first matches of the season under way. You can see the scorecards below.

Democracy in Action at Robert Hitcham's

This afternnon saw the final part of our school election campaign. All of the children in Key Stage 2 (7 classes) came to the hall to hear final speeches from the party leaders. Each child was given a ballot paper and went into one of the voting booths. Their ballot papers then went into the ballot box.

The results of the election:

Theo Bimson (Sport 4 All) 48 votes

Freddy Legg (Animal Party) 84 votes

Jessie Evans (Kids R Us) 20 votes

Adam Scott (Healthy Living ) 9 votes

Ella Beal (Eco Kings) 35 votes

The winner was the Animal Party. However, they did not quite get an overall majority (more than 50% of the votes). Perhaps Freddy needs to talk to one of the other parties so that agreements can be made?

Chicks making great progress in playground shelter

The collared dove chicks in our front playground shelter are making amazing progress. After only one week (since hatching) they are both looking quite large and healthy. It is obviously a good place to live. When they are a bit bigger the young birds will face the most dangerous time of their lives - fledging. This is when they have to leave the nest and learn to fly & find their own food.

Whole School Letter (37)

KEY STAGE 2 SATs (Standard Attainment Tests)
You may be aware that across England Headteachers in both of the two main unions, NUT and NAHT, have voted to boycott the KS2 SATs this year. I have always been in support of the reasonable testing of children to inform our Teacher Assessments, however, how the SAT results are used by the Government and by Ofsted leaves a lot to be desired. The creation of League Tables and over emphasis on a narrow curriculum of Maths and English has been the reason for the dissent among Headteachers.
There has been a question over the legality of the industrial action (this is not a stike!) as Headteachers have a statutory responsibility to administer the SATs. In the light of this, reluctantly, I have decided that this year our children will sit the official Year 6 SATs.
Years 3–5 will complete the internal SATs and Year 2 will be assessed by Teacher Assessments as usual.

YEAR 6 LEAVER SERVICE – CHANGE OF DATE – AGAIN!
We are sorry to have changed the date for the Leaver Service yet again!
(There was confusion over the availability of the Church)
We have now gone back to the original date of
TUESDAY 20 JULY at 1.30pm

WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK 2010 – Monday 17 May to Friday 21 May
This item will not be relevant for children who come to school by bus.
We are keen to promote the wider health benefits of keeping active whilst also providing better promotion of road safety and sustainable travel and so we would encourage all families to walk to school this week if at all possible. Perhaps those who normally drive into Framlingham could park on the outskirts of the town and walk in from there. See attached sheet for more information or take a look at http://www.walktoschool.org.uk/ for activities, support and ideas for children and families for that week.

ACTIVITY WEEK ‘NATURE’ – Monday 24 May to Friday 28 May:
We are planning a whole week of activities dedicated to a theme – this year’s theme is ‘Nature’:
· Foundation and KS1 are going to be exploring and investigating their natural surroundings – visiting the Mere, going for walks, learning about trees, birds and flowers in the British Countryside and looking after our environment. Please could children bring in wellingtons and a waterproof coat during this week. Any parents who feel they have particular skills or interests in this area, please let us know.
· Lower KS2 will be taking part in a carousel of activities based on trees, birds and flowers. They will be looking at how to recognise common plants and animals and investigating what is in our local area.
· Upper KS2 - Over the course of the week the children will: create and follow an orienteering course with a nature theme; learn about preparing an planting vegetables; use the Mere as a stimulus for nature based activities; do Nature Art; and collect information about plant growth and species.

DONATIONS FOR NON-UNIFORM DAY – FRIDAY 28 MAY
For the non-uniform day children can bring a suitable donation for the Summer Sports & Fun evening:
· Bottles for a bottle tombola - wine, beer, cider, spirits, non-alcoholic bottles
· Items for Children’s Tombola - NEW items ie toys, pens, stationary, comics, games
· Cakes - please pledge to make a cake
· Books - Good quality adult and children books
· Toys - Excellent quality toys required (all in good working order please - no missing parts, no junk please - this is not a white elephant stall)
More details of the event with ticket booking forms will follow shortly.

HELP NEEDED FOR SUMMER SPORTS & FUN EVENING – FRIDAY 11 JUNE
This year we are combining elements of previous Summer Fetes into the Summer Sports & Fun evening. In addition to main focus with all the local clubs coming in to do Sports and games with the children we hope to have a Bar, BBQ, Tuck Shop, Bottle Tombola, Children's Tombola, Lucky Dip, Bouncy Castle, Cake Stall, Toy & Book Stall, Face Painting and more.
To ensure this event is a success we cannot do it without the support of parents willing to give some time to help run a stall, or help set up or clear away at the event. Please contact Marie-Therese Walker on 723053 or mtwalker666@hotmail.com or pop into the school office to register your support for the event. Thank you

BAGS2SCHOOL COLLECTION
The Friends would like to say thank you to all the families who filled the charity collection bags with clothing, textiles and shoes, we are really pleased to tell you that the collection weighed 740kg which earnt £296 from Bags2School. For your information there will be another collection on 2 November, just after the Autumn half-term.

FRAMLINGHAM GALA WEEKEND
Please find with this letter details of the Framlingham Gala on the weekend of 28-31 May 2010

AFTER SCHOOL SWIMMING
The Friends hope to start daily after-school swimming on Monday 21 June until Friday 16 July. Parents will receive more details nearer the time.

It's the BIG Election

Tomorrow is the day of the big election. Robert Hitcham's is holding its own Key Stage 2 Election.

Over the last few weeks the children have formed 5 parties: Sport 4 All, Eco Kings, The Animal Party, Kids 'R' Us and Healthy Living.

Each party has held meetings where they have debated issues, elected leaders (following speeches), written manifestos, designed logos and created posters, rosettes and badges.

The parties have been busy campaigning for votes in what promises to be a very close result. You won't have to wait up all night to see the results! Check the BLOG tomorrow (late afternoon) to see the outcome. See video below of party leaders.

On Thursday 6th May (the same day as another minor election is taking place) all of the children will hear final speeches from the party leaders before casting their votes in our very own secret ballot.

You can meet the party leaders by watching the video below.

May Day Maypole Dancing

Mrs Pascoe's Maypole Dancing Team put on their annual May Day demonstration. This was their first performance in what will be a busy season for the team. They are invited to dance at a number of village fetes.
As you can see from the pictures the children are really enjoying taking part in Maypole dancing.

Swimming

The pool will be cleaned and should be ready for use after half-term. We hope to start swimming on Monday 7 June – weather permitting. After discussion it has been decided that Nursery children will not participate in this activity. Classes DBGM, RV, NSJB and GH have decided not to use the school’s pool as they have done deep water swimming at Framlingham College.

Please could you make arrangements for your children to have swimming equipment ready to bring to school after half-term:
· swimming costume
· swim hat
· towel
· footwear to get to and from the pool.
If your child does not bring in their swimming kit they will not be able to swim.

Our pool is well balanced as far as chlorine and acid levels are concerned and therefore Goggles should not need to be worn. If your child really has an eye irritation we must have a letter from you stating the reasons why your child must wear goggles. Accidents have happened in school pools because of goggles snapping back on eyes.

To avoid the perennial problem of the small tiles in the swimming pool acting like pumice stones on tender feet, parents may like their children to wear socks or close fitting ‘swimming’ shoes (usually sold for use on a stony beach). We feel ‘jelly’ shoes would not be acceptable as they would be too restrictive.

Swimming hats (£1.00) and swimming bags (£1.80) are available from the school office.
Please ensure all items are named.

Children should take swimwear and towels home every time they are used. In this event, to help with the washing, parents may find it helpful to have a second set in reserve.

SWIMMING HELPERS
We can only hold swimming lessons if we get enough parent helpers.
Children need support with dressing and young children must be escorted to and from the pool.
The teacher must stay by the pool at all times to be with the children within the fence perimeter. Younger children must have an adult in the pool with them.
Each teacher is arranging their own timetable of help so if you can spare 1 or more hours please indicate on the timetable overleaf and pass to the relevant teacher.

Please try to keep to a committed time, or find a replacement. Thank you.

Volunteering - Please delete as applicable:
· I would be willing to assist in the teaching of swimming
· I would be willing to go into the pool with the younger children
· I would be willing to help with the undressing/dressing of children or be in the classroom with
children.
Safeguarding – Please delete as applicable
· I have previously completed a Volunteer Form and brought in ID to get a List 99 check
· I require a Volunteer Form and List 99 check – Please see the Office Staff

SWIMMING TIMETABLE - SUMMER 2010

PLEASE LET THE TEACHER KNOW WHICH CLASS/TIME YOU CAN HELP WITH:

PSKM THURSDAY1.15 – 3.00pm
CH WEDNESDAY 1.15 – 3.00pm
KT MONDAY 11.15am – 12.15pm + WEDNESDAY 11.15am – 12.15pm
LC TUESDAY 1.15 – 2.15pm + THURSDAY 11.15am – 12.15pm
JC MONDAY 9.00 – 9.55am + FRIDAY 9.00 – 9.55am
PLDD MONDAY 1.15 – 2.15pm + FRIDAY 11.15am – 12.15pm
EM THURSDAY 9.00 – 9.55am + FRIDAY 1.15 – 2.15pm
CA WEDNESDAY 9.00 – 9.55am + FRIDAY 10.00 – 10.55am

Results of the Parent Survey

Thank you for all those parents that took the time to complete our survey. 74 parents of children in Reception, year 2, 4 and 6 responded. Some questionnaires were filled in by parents with children in more than one year group. The detail % table has been sent on the letter viathe pupils.
In addition we have read all your comments carefully and detailed below are the key points.
Positive comments focused on the following:-
Happy children
Good teaching
Approachable teachers
Positive sense of school community
The Blog
Share sessions and celebration assemblies
Curriculum information sessions for parents
Wide range of opportunities

Parent Consultation Day provoked both positive and negative comments. Some parents would like the opportunity to meet their child’s teacher without their child being present. You can arrange this by contacting the teacher prior to the meeting. Others liked the opportunity to hear and discuss their child’s progress and targets with all concerned parties present.

Areas for improvement seemed to focus on 3 areas:
Communication with parents
More notice for events (eg share sessions)
More guidance on homework

We have a number of measures already in place to improve these:
1. School letters can be received by email (Please contact the office if you wish to be added to the list) Letters are numbered and additional copies can be found outside the office. They are also available on the school Blog. (There is a designated computer in the computer suite which parents can use to view the Blog if they have no access to a PC)
2. We have now set Share Session dates for a whole term ahead and advised parents via letter the previous term. We will endeavour to do the same for next academic year along with the termly calendar dates on the first letter of each term.
3. We hope the Maths Workshops have helped parents support their children with their maths homework. In addition any parent can make an appointment to see a teacher at a mutually convenient time to discuss their child’s progress or ask questions about homework.
We are looking at ways of further improving communication about pupil progress.

Other Comments:
Several parents raised concerns over year 6 children eating lunch in the courtyard in cold weather -the children are given the choice of eating in the courtyard or in the hall, so it’s up to them to decide!

Several comments were made about bullying and how we deal with it. Obviously we feel this is a very important area and as part of our ongoing work we address bullying through our PHSE work and circle times. A number of parents did not answer this question and wrote that they had no experience of this. A small percentage of parents felt that we did not deal with bullying which is a concern to us. Without knowing more detail we cannot address these particular concerns. However if you would like to speak to the Class teacher, Head teacher or Parent Governors they would be happy to discuss with you any concerns you may have. Please speak to one of the office staff to arrange this.

Following several queries regarding sports provision to Parent Governors, we have outlined below the range of sports/physical education we provide both during school time and out of school hours.
Each class has 2 sessions of PE each week. In good weather most classes manage more than this. During the spring term Year 5 and 6 both swim at Framlingham College. The rest of the school swims in our own pool during the summer term.
We hold inter-house matches and also take part in matches against local schools. Years 5/6 have the opportunity to run in the large school cross country race. Children from years 1-4 each join children from our pyramid schools in annual sports festivals held at Thomas Mills. Lunchtime clubs include Netball-Year 6 girls, Speed stack Year 5 and Football Year 4.
There are the following after school sports clubs:-
Football Y5/6 Autumn Tuesday
Rugby Y5/6 Spring Tuesday
Hockey Y5/6 Spring Tuesday
Cricket Y5/6 Summer Tuesday
Y3/4 Summer Monday
Tennis 3-6 (ltd no’s) All year Monday
Maypole Y3/4 Spring/summer Wednesday
Swimming (friends) All Summer June 21 – July 16
If you have any further questions about PE please speak to your class teacher.

Finally...
There were some very positive comments on how happy the children are and how they enjoy coming to school. They particularly noted how well behaved the children are, the friendly atmosphere in the school and the commitment of the staff.

New Cycling Proficiency Course

Mr Byer and Mrs Eyles have started a new cycling course for year 5 children on Friday afternoons.