15 Feb 2008 - Half term newsletter

February 15^th 2008

Dear all

Just a few reminders before we all get into half term holiday mood!

Hello and goodbye

Last week we said goodbye to Mr Hooker and Miss Harris, who have completed two teaching practices with us – they now go on for a further third practice in a different school, and we wished them all the very best in their future career.

We welcome another new family to our school after half term, when Dominic Parry joins us in Forde class.  I’m sure you will join us in making Dominic and his family feel welcome here with us.

Events over half term

Football in the Community

Torquay United will be running their Football in the Community scheme at Coombeshead on Thursday 21^st and Friday 22^nd February.  The fee is £24.00, but children can attend individual days for £12.00.  These are for children aged 7 – 14 years.  For more information telephone 01803 322551 or www.torquayunitedfitc.magix.net/website.  There is also a four day course at Torquay  Community College, and a one day course for 5 – 7 year olds at Westlands  School in Torquay.

RSPB Wildlife Explorer Roadshow

This fun event is open to young people aged 4 and above, their families and their friends.  There will be lots to join in with including stories, games and quizzes with great prizes.  The Roadshow is coming to Newton Abbot on Tuesday February 19^th from 2 – 4 pm at the Courtenay Centre.  Tickets are £2 per person, available on the door (see attached for discount vouchers)

Missing uniform

Luke, Karim and Ashley-May have all lost new jumpers this term, and their mums are quite rightly loathe to buy any more!  We can only assume that these jumpers (which have names clearly printed in them) have been taken home by other children mistakenly.  Please can you all look at the names in your children’s clothes over half term just in case you have Ashley-May’s, Luke’s or Karim’s!  Thank you.

Mothering Sunday

Don’t forget that on Friday February 29^th it’s the Friends’ annual Mothering Sunday stall.  They are asking that all children bring in a suitable gift beforehand for the stall and then £1 on the day to buy a gift for their own mother, grandmother or carer.  Thank you to those kind parents who have already brought in contributions.

Book Fair

Our Book Fair this year raised a record amount - £373.93!  Thank you so much for your support with this – it all helps the school and it certainly helps our children develop a love of reading.

Tennis lessons

Forde class will be having tennis lessons next term (please see attached letter) so all children in Forde will need their full PE kit in school each week.  The children gain a huge amount from the lessons, and we are one of the only schools in the area that still facilitate them.  I have just finished five weeks of tennis coaching with Courtenay class, and I was amazed at how brilliant the children were to start with, never mind how much progress they made over the five weeks!

Swimming

As I have mentioned earlier in the week, Bradley class will be swimming next half term, and we have already sent out letters asking for your permission and contribution to the cost.  Swimming is a vitally important skill for all children, but particularly for ours, as we live in an area of the UK bordered by the sea on three sides!  Unfortunately for schools it is also a very expensive activity, currently costing us £126 per week!  At the moment we ask you for a contribution of £1 per session towards this cost and I thank you for your support in sending this in promptly.

Finally, may I wish you all a happy and healthy half term holiday, and I’ll see you all on Monday February 25^th!

With best wishes

Susan Rowe-Jones

Headteacher