Friday 21st June 2013

Dear Parents/Carers,

This week, staff all over school have been celebrating as they’ve collated end of year assessment information. It has been wonderful to be an observer of the celebratory conversations between teachers and support staff as they have seen the children surpass targets, often making more than expected progress within the past academic year. This accelerated progress is down to effective partnership working between teachers, support staff, pupils and parents and is characterised by hard work, dedication and determination. Well done, one and all!

Phonics Screening Test

 

Chief amongst our causes of celebration are the outcomes of the Y1 phonics screening test. This national test was introduced last year and coincided with our brand new approach to systematic synthetic phonics. You may remember we welcomed leading practitioner and advisor to the government Debbie Hepplewhite into school to accelerate the pace at which we mastered this aspect of teaching and learning. Last year, we were delighted when 70% of our Y1 pupils secured the pass mark. Results for 2013, however, have far exceeded our expectations with over 90% of Y1 pupils this year securing the pass mark. Our dedication to phonics is no longer the work of Foundation and Key Stage 1, and the impact of this 30 minute strand of daily dedicated teaching and learning is really evident in the children’s reading and writing right across school. Many individuals spelling, in particular, has – frankly – been transformed as they have mastered the tricky alphabetic code. We will, of course, be sharing news of your child’s end of year attainment and progress in the reports which teachers are currently busy writing, but I will also share news of our whole school outcomes via the newsletter as soon as we have the full picture: watch this space!

 

Summer Fair 2013

After many years under the direction of the beloved Mrs Willets, last Saturday’s Summer Fair marked the first one for nigh on 20 years that happened without her inimitable guidance. It was wonderful to see the event unfold in time old tradition, with all our favourite stalls making an appearance. Despite the rain, the event raised just short of £2,500 for school – money that will be ploughed straight back into events and equipment in school that government funding does not always run to!

 

There are many, many thanks to offer in relation to the fantastic committee who made the fair a success this year, and who have worked really hard across the year to keep the Friends group going strong. First of all, Mrs Herbert – our wonderful, enthusiastic and spirited Chair –, Mrs Nixon – our brilliant secretary and organiser - and Mr Nixon – who has taken the reigns as Treasurer. Thanks also go to Mrs Farrell, Mrs Stafford, Mrs Brown, Mr & Mrs Philpott and Mrs Bannister for their great teamwork. Gigantic thanks to Mrs Hallat, who stepped into role of chief organiser with natural flair (!),  and Mr Hallat for his work before, during and after the event. Thanks also to staff members who donated items for the staff hamper and, in particular, to Miss Streams who sourced the Nintendo DSi and Mrs Arnott who, frankly, sourced 50% of the remaining raffle prizes! Final thanks, of course, go to you – for your kind and generous donations of stock for the stalls and for coming along and having some fun with us!

 

Joseph Lillywhite

Our non uniform day last Friday raised over £200 in support of Joseph Lillywhite’s appeal. Further details of Joseph’s appeal are available on http://www.justgiving.com/josephlillywhite. Joseph’s family are touched by your kind donations and best wishes and pass on their grateful thanks.

 

R to the A to the P - Respect All People

This was one of the key messages of rapper and poet Donovan Christopher who came to Cookridge on Tuesday to work with 6 children from our Year 6 and a group of other children from Leeds' schools.  He spent the day inspiring them to write their own poetry on a range of themes from Humpty Dumpty to Respect and the importance of being yourself. Donovan delivered a fantastic assembly, full of energy and entertained all with his incredible use of words, song and rapping technique!  But most of all, the children ended the day buzzing and feeling proud of what they'd achieved! Thanks to Miss Fowler for continuing to source inspiring authors and artists and persuading them to come to Cookridge!

 

Attendance

This morning, 36 children with 100% attendance for the entire year received their 100% attendance certificate. This is a fantastic achievement, and should be a very proud moment for the children – and parents – concerned! In addition, all pupils who have surpassed our 96% school attendance target for this were entered into the ‘Bonus’ Chancer draw, with 10 extra pupils being selected at random to join the annual attendance trip, the details of which will be finalised early next week. 100%ers (and Bonus Chancers!).. Look out for your letters next week. Congratulations and well done!

National Minimum ‘Good’ Expectation		Target 2012-13		Attendance this week				Year to date
95%		96%		95.7%				95.2%
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 92.0% B 92.7%	94.6%	98.0%	97.2%		96.2%	95.3%	97.3%		96.7%	96.0%	95.4%

FUNTIME BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

It is now more affordable to use Funtime Before and After School Club. At the recent AGM it was decided that going forward we will waive the current £10 registration fee – that means if you want to use Funtime now or in the future all you need to do is pop up and fill in the registration form for FREE.

Also as a SPECIAL OFFER Funtime are also offering a FREE TASTER SESSION which means your child can attend a session for FREE.

 
Simply call into the office and complete a slip or speak to Ann Sadler in the Funtime room to book them in.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Sam Bailey