NORTHBOURNE NEWS
Issue No: Nine
Date: 6th November 2009
Welcome back! We hope you had an enjoyable holiday and feel refreshed for the new term.
PARENT CONSULTATIONS
Thank you to all parents, grandparents and children who attended parent consultation meetings this week. These are really valuable opportunities to discuss your child’s progress and targets, and to keep you informed about their learning. The feedback we received about the meetings on our brief questionnaires was really positive; we are glad you find the meetings helpful.
At Northbourne, we are always looking at new ways to help you work alongside us to benefit your child’s learning. Please speak to your child’s class teacher, Mrs. Burr or Mr. Shaughnessy if you have any suggestions for how we can build on this further.
NEXT STOP...X FACTOR!
The school choir, along with Miss Holloway and Mrs. Ramsbottom, went to Hanover Court on Tuesday this week, where they had been asked to perform at a meeting of the residents and the Alzheimer’s Society. The choir made an excellent impression on the audience; everyone at the meeting was thrilled with the singing, and even requested an encore of Jingle Bells and Stand By Me! Miss Holloway was really proud of both the singing and the behaviour of everyone in the choir; well done for representing the school so well, and thanks to Miss Holloway and Mrs. Ramsbottom for organising and leading the concert.
B-L-U-E DAY
It is Anti-Bullying Week starting on November 16th, and, to show that we do not tolerate bullying in school, we will be marking the week in a number of ways. During the week, we will be reviewing our bullying policy with everyone linked to the school, including children and parents. We would love your input into this policy, and the school council will be meeting next week to decide how best to gather these views from you. The week will end in a B-L-U-E (Be Loving and Understanding to Everyone) day, where we would like everyone to come to school dressed entirely in blue clothes! In addition, the whole school will be transformed into an art gallery on B-L-U-E day between 2:30 and 3pm, where everyone will display their anti-bullying themed art-work around the school. We hope you will be able to join us for our exhibition, and to share your views on this important issue.
PTA MEETING
Thanks to the parents who indicated that they would like to be involved in the PTA following the letter which was sent out last term. Without the support of parents, we are unable to run any of the fund-raising events which children enjoy so much.
If you didn’t return the letter but would like to get involved, we are having an informal PTA meeting in The Oak pub next Thursday (12th). Please do come along to meet the rest of the group and to share your fund-raising ideas.
SICKNESS AND TUMMY BUGS
Recent advice given to the school from the Oxfordshire County Council states that people should stay away from school or work until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours. Exclusion from swimming should be for 2 weeks following last episode of diarrhoea. Children can swim following sickness-only bugs. If your child has had diarrhoea during the term that he/she is swimming please let us know when you inform us of the absence so that they are not taken swimming. Those who handle food as part of their work should check with their employers and GP before returning.
CLUB NEWS
A final reminder that due to a staff INSET meeting, netball and international clubs will not take place on Tuesday 10th November. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. Netball club has been re-scheduled this week, and will take place on Wednesday 11th November instead.
MAIN ENTRANCE DOOR
The main entrance is a security door and is for the safety of children. All people entering and leaving the building are closely monitored. May we therefore remind parents that the door is only to be used when visiting the office or signing in or out when helping with a school activity. Please do not use it as a general exit point when collecting children from school. Thank you.
STEPPING STONES PAMPER EVENING
Stepping Stones Pre-school will be holding a pamper evening on Friday 27th November. The event will take place on the school hall starting at 7.00 pm. There will be lots of stalls including: Pampered Chef, Candles, Cards and Sweet Temptations (the new sweet shop in town). There will also be a number of pamper treatments available. Please put this date in your diary. Tickets will be £2.00 and this will include a glass of non-alcoholic mulled wine and a mince pie. More information will be available after the half term holiday. Thank you in advance.
Christmas is around the corner and there's loads of fun to be had! With oodles and oodles of festive activities to do at Christmas Camp children are sure to use up that holiday energy giving adults even more time to prepare for the holidays (and peace of mind that their children are having fun in a safe environment). Choose from “Deck the Halls Day” Monday, “NK Day of Caring” Tuesday or our “Fireside Pyjama Party Day” Wednesday or join us for the lot! All children ages 3-11 are welcome!
Neighbourhood Kids is a joint childcare venture of schools in Didcot. We’re partnering for the positive!
Pick up more information and booking forms by visiting the school office or downloading them from our website (www.northbourne-school.org.uk) and return your completed forms to the office by NOVEMBER 15th as the Christmas Camp will only run if there is sufficient demand.
Ring our Childcare Co-ordinator at 07599 018 627 for more information or to book a tour.
Hope to see you on the playground!
