Friday, 1 March 2013

1st March 2013


Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome back! I trust you all had a wonderful holiday. I have to say, this has been one of the most remarkable weeks in school. The sun has finally shone and the atmosphere across school has been simply breathtaking. I had the pleasure of welcoming a new little girl to school on Tuesday and – as we always do – we had a walk and a talk as we went. I was simply blown away by your children, who bounced enthusiastically around school, eager to tell us their news. Excitement was literally everywhere.. and ALL of it was about new topics, new literacy focus, success in maths, fascination in history... It really had to be seen to be believed! A special mention to Codie O’Callaghan – who proudly showed me her art work. You have a real talent there Codie: keep it up!

 

It’s ALL about EVENTS this week, in our short but crazy half term!

 

Y6 Residential

This week, our Y6 kids have had an absolute ball on a week long residential to Caythorpe Court. This is the first year we have been to Caythorpe, and without doubt the intrepid explorers have chalked up a whole host of new experiences: kayaking, archery, the giant swing, the zip wire, abseiling, aeroball, trampoline volleyball, singing around the campfire to name but a few. Miss Fowler has kept us abreast of the daily adventures, and has confirmed every day just what a fantastic time they are all having.

 

Next week, our Y4’s set off for our first ever Y4 residential to Robin Wood. Miss Glendinning, Miss Carrol, Mrs Speak and Mrs Hawkins are going to have an absolute ball. This trip will actually be our FOURTH residential we have offered this year, with Y4, Y5 and Y6 enjoying a resi, as well as our first ever International visit to Ireland in October. As ever – my thanks to staff who volunteer their time to our residentials. Without them, it simply wouldn’t be possible to provide our children with these life changing experiences.

 

World Book Day

Don’t forget – next Friday 8th March we will be celebrating World Book Day. This event will be marked with class based activities. Children are also encouraged to bring their own favourite book into school to share with a friend during a hot chocolate, marshmallows (or biscuit?) and pyjama session. That’s right – pyjamas! Children may wear their pyjamas to school allllllllllllll day long or change into them if they prefer. Alternatively, they might choose to dress up for the day as a favourite book character – but don’t forget your book! Please mark all books with your child’s name to ensure they make their way home!  

 

As part of World Book Day all children are given a £1.00 voucher towards the cost of a book. To allow you and your child to spend your voucher, we have a Scholastic Book Fair in school from Monday 11th March until Thursday 14th March. The stalls will be open from 8.30 each morning and once again at 3.05 each night. Remember – each pound spent at the Book Fair also earns money for our school library! 

 

Red Nose Day

Friday 15th March is RED NOSE DAY. Miss Hobson is taking the lead on events for RND and more info is coming: rest assured it will involve red, and it will be fun! In the meantime – Red Noses will be available to buy in school for £1, and this will begin next week. Our Y56 pupils will be circulating the classrooms each day offering the 2013 noses for sale.

 

Mark’s Magic Show

Our next Friends event is a family night out with the intention that mum’s, dad’s and the kids come out and marvel at the hocus pocus perfected by our visiting magician.

 

Date of event: Wednesday 20th March

Time: 6.15- 7.30pm

Price: £3.00 per ticket, or £10.00 for a family of four.

Refreshments will be available to buy on the night...

 

If you plan to come, please return the slip below by Friday 15th March. Thank you.

 

We will let you know the new date for the movie night in next week’s newsletter.

 

Leeds City Council – Teaching and Learning Review

Next week, our School Improvement Advisor will be in school on Thursday and observing lessons across school. Trish Lowson joined us as a partner in our improvement in September and is incredibly supportive of – and impressed by - our journey. I am really looking forward to opening the doors to our classrooms and giving our children and teachers the chance to shine. I will, of course, share news of the outcome of this important review with you next week – watch this space.

 

Cookridge Village Hall

Make Playtime FUN! Monday 18th March 7.15pm - 8.45pm at Cookridge Village Hall. An opportunity for parents / carers to pick up affordable, creative ideas to share with their children - make your own playdough, fun activities with sand, ideas for Easter. All proceeds to Cookridge Village Hall. Entry £5 including goody bag and refreshments. To book contact Becky 0113 2672434.

 

Attendance

Attendance this week is just over 95% and once again our Year to date figure rose steadily by 0.1% We ARE going to get back to 96% - I can feel it! Please can I remind all parents that they must contact the school office by 9.30 each morning to notify us of an illness absence. It is our duty to ensure that we know that any child who is absent from school is doing so with their parents knowledge – please help us by making this quick phone call.

 

National Minimum ‘Good’ Expectation
Target
2012-13
Attendance this week
Year to date
95%
96%
96.4%
95.3%
Class attendance figures for this week are:-
Rec
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5
Class 6
Class 7
Class 8
Class 9
A 97.8%
B 95.8%
95.0%
94.0%
97.2%
95.7%
97.9%
99.4%
95.0%
98.9%
94.1%

 

Have a wonderful weekend,

 

Mrs Bailey