Headteacher Newsletter Issue 8
FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER ISSUE 8: 17.1.20
Welcome
We would like to welcome Max and Phoenix and their family to, Year Two, Reception and the school.
Headteacher ‘drop ins’
We will be introducing a regular ‘drop in’ block of time for any parents that would like to meet with myself to discuss any questions they may have. This will be once a month. These sessions will start with the afternoon of Thursday 6th February, 2 – 3pm.
Key Stage 2 Wider Opportunities – Music
All the children in Key Stage began their whole class brass lessons with Mr Malam from Essex Music Services last Thursday. Each class receive a ten week course of lessons using our wonderful selection of brass instruments. The children learn to play a range of instruments, listen and appraise, read music and play and perform together. Thank you to the Friends of Clavering who help to fund this fantastic opportunity.
Snow Patrol
It’s that time of year again – if you would like to volunteer your services to help Mr Docking to clear the school grounds in the event of snow, please let the office know so that we can compile a list of names. We are very grateful for any offers of help, so that school can, where possible, remain open.
Bad weather
In the event of severe weather conditions and possible school closure a notice will be placed on the school website.
Parents will be notified via our school website or the Essex County Council on the ‘Emergency School Closures’page: https://www.essex.gov.uk/education-schools/schools/dates/pages/emergency-school-closures.aspx
Please note that when the school is open in bad weather a path will be cleared to enable you to gain access to the school but care does still need to be taken.
Communication Chain
Just as a reminder, in order for the communication chain to be effective it is important that phone calls are made as opposed to emails or texts, in order to ensure contact is made. Normally the chain will be activated the morning of the school closure as the decision is made on the day, unless in exceptional circumstances we know of the need in advance. We will try to open where possible, hence the decision being made at the last minute, once we can assess the school site. We will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible, but as you are aware it takes some time for the communication to pass through.
Facebook can be used as a supplementary means of communication if requested to do so by a member of the leadership team but this is not part of the school process. ParentMail, the Communication Chain, the school website and the Essex link above are the school notifications.
Thank you again for your support with this process.
INSET Dates for the academic year 2020 – 2021
Schools allocate five non-pupil days for staff training:
Wednesday 2nd September 2020
Friday 23rd October 2020
Monday 4th January 2021
Monday 12th April 2021
Wednesday 21st July 2021
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
17th January Non-uniform day – years 1 and 5 – Santa’s boots winners
22nd January E safety – years 3 and 4, 5 and 6, staff, parents. Joined by Manuden
7th February Sharing Assembly – an invitation for Class 6 parents 2.45 pm start
12th February Friends of Clavering Valentine Disco
17th – 21st February Half Term
2nd – 6th March Professional Week
31st March Church
4th March Parent Consultations 3.30 – 6 pm
5th March Parent Consultations 5 – 7.30pm
20th March Sharing Assembly – an invitation for Class 4 parents 2.45 pm start
27th March Sharing Assembly – an invitation for Class 3 parents 2.45 pm start
30th March School Council Spring Fayre
30th March Tray Day 3.15 – 4pm
TBC March Church
3rd April End of term
20th April Summer Term starts
May Day 2020 Bank Holiday Change
Following the announcement by the Government that, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the May Day bank holiday in 2020 will now be Friday 8th May 2020, instead of Monday 4th May 2020.
ACHIEVEMENTS
STAR OF THE WEEK
Week ending January 10th
Year R Henry – for counting very well in twos and practising hard
Year One Millie – for a brilliant New Year’s Resolution
Year Two Oscar – for his hard work and for being a strong role model
Year Three Robin – for her consistent thoughtful contributions in lessons
Year Four Lincoln – for improved focus and effort this week
Year Five Isla – for working hard in Maths
Year Six Agatha – for working hard to improve her presentation in English and Maths
THE TIDIEST CLASSROOM OF THE WEEK!
Our cleaners are judging the tidiest classroom each week. The winners are announced in assembly on a Friday. The class that has won the most times at the end of a term will be awarded an afternoon with an activity of their choice or an extra playtime.
Winners:
Week beginning –
13.1.20 – year 3
‘IT DIDN’T GO UNNOTICED’ AWARD
Rory H – for helping the Playleaders and Midday Assistants
James F – for being an excellent role model for the younger children
REMINDERS:
- DINNER MONEY – School dinners must be paid for in advance. Now that payment is on-line, please check your KS2 child’s account regularly to ensure it is in credit. Dinners cost £2.20 per day, £11.00 per week, £66 for the first half of Spring Term, £132 for the whole of the Spring Term.
- SWIMMING – Year 2 will have a term of swimming instruction in the Spring term. If your child is fit to attend school then they are fit to go swimming, unless a medical note is provided. Swimming will commence Monday 13th January for 11 weeks. A voluntary contribution, which covers the cost of the swimming teaching and transport is £70.00 Please make cheques payable to Clavering Primary School.
If you have any questions at any time then please feel free to make an appointment
Wishing you a good weekend
Rosalind Allsop
Headteacher
