23 Nov 2007 - Newsletter 4
Dear Parents,
Staffing changes
After ten years at Crossways, Mrs Karen Barber will be leaving Crossways Junior at Christmas to take up a post at Filton College. She has played a major role in school, particularly her expertise in drama for school productions. We wish her well in her new post. If you wish to make a contribution for a leaving gift please send a donation in an envelope marked 'Mrs K Barber' to the school office by Friday 7th December. Mrs L Brear will continue as the job-share teacher and we will appoint a new member of staff during interviews on the 6th December.
Every Child Matters
ENJOY AND ACHIEVE
Class teachers are giving out invitations to pupils who may benefit from extension of learning at Kilve Court. If you receive one of these please seriously consider whether you send your child. These courses have many potential benefits for our able pupils.
Year Four have been undertaking fieldwork in Thornbury town centre. I was delighted to hear glowing reports of the excellent manners and attitude of our pupils when conducting surveys.
This week the whole school PSHE focus has been 'Say No to Bullying'. Pupils have had stories and discussion in assembly and follow up lessons in classes. This is an important issue for all schools and one we take seriously. Please talk to your child and reinforce the message that it is important to TELL an adult.
Extended schools- dance and drumming workshops
On Wednesday the school had an exhibition of drumming with Year Five had follow up workshop lessons financed by government 'extended schools' money. The leader of this workshop is running free after school courses at Manorbrook Primary on Wednesdays after school. There is also a dance workshop at Manorbrook. All our children will have an opportunity to participate but there are currently some vacancies if you wish to join the group immediately.
Many thanks to all who supported out book fair. The sale raised £400 commission which will be spent to add new books to our school library.
Piano for sale!- Having taken delivery of our beautiful new digital piano we now have a traditional piano in good serviceable condition that is no longer needed. If you are interested in purchasing this piano we would invite offers in the region of £350-£400 for this piano which has been well taken care of. Offers to the school office please.
BE HEALTHY
Rugby
The rugby club were runners up to Olveston Primary in the Thornbury tag rugby tournament last month. On Tuesday the team also played Almondsbury Primary resulting in a 13/13 draw. The children all played well in very wet weather and our loyal parent supporters provided encouragement and hot chocolate. The rugby club will finish at 4.15 from now due to fading daylight and the last club session is on 3rd December.
Swimming
We still require regular male volunteer helpers for assisting with swimming on Monday afternoon.
School Allotment
We are proposing to develop a school allotment area in collaboration with Crossways Infant School. If any local community members or parents are interested in being involved, Ms Val Quest is spearheading this project. Both schools are actively trying to work closely together on projects from which our pupils can benefit.
School Dinner payments
If you think you may be entitled to free school meals or are in financial difficulties please contact myself and we will see if there is any way that we can help. The South Gloucestershire school meals service are currently contacting all families who have significant unpaid lunch bills to claim arrears.
STAY SAFE
The Grovesend Crossing proposal has been amended. If you would like to comment on the amended ideas [see letter home on 20.11.07] please contact Christopher Harris on 01454 863 640/ highways@southglos.gov.uk
Hand gel
Recently we have had some children ill with sickness and diarrhoea. As a result we have talked to the children about the importance of hygiene, particularly using the toilet and washing hands. As an extra hygiene measure it has been decided that we will shortly install handwashing gel on entry to the lunch hall. If your child may be allergic to this substance [used in hospitals ] please let the office know and we will arrange an alternative.
POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION
FOCJS
The Autumn Fayre will take place on Friday 23rd November from 6pm- 8pm. All families should have received raffle tickets to sell and the children will be making items for sale. Do come along and support the event and buy a few Christmas gifts.
Prayer meeting
We have a small group of mums who meet once a term. If you would be interested in joining this group please contact me and I will pass on your details.
Santa's helpers!
Thornbury Round Table is looking for volunteers to collect door to door with Santa during December. If anybody is keen to help please tell the school office.
Eco- schools and allotment
Mrs Bess is leading a group of pupils in our work to achieve 'blue flag' Eco-School status [the highest grade]. Part of this initiative is to encourage all our pupils to use initiative and make a personal contribution to our environmental work.
Children in Need
On Friday 16th November an array of nightwear and teddy bears was on view in aid of Children in Need. Some individual pupils were proactive selling bags of sweets, stickers and posters. The school raised £212.40 for this good cause.
Members of our school choir are going to Thornbury Hospital on Sunday 25th November to perform for patients in Henderson Ward. They will perform three pieces.
Christmas events
Christmas is rapidly approaching and the lights are on in Thornbury town centre. This year we are asking each pupil to bring in one decoration each to place on the Christmas tree during the week commencing 3rd December. Tickets for CAMP [Carols and Mince Pies] will be on sale from Monday 3rd December on a first come first served basis limited to two per family.
Christmas dinner
We are running a competition to design a table decoration for Christmas dinner. There will be a prize for the best upper and lower school table decoration.
Holidays
Thomas Cook have currently got some fantastic deals available for families who want to get away during the school holidays rather than during term time to prevent your child's education from suffering. Please contact the School Office if you would like a 'money-off' voucher for your next holiday booking.
Dates for your diary
Friday 23 November FOCJS Autumn Fair
Friday 30 November Fleet Air Arm Museum Trip - Y6
Tuesday 11 December School Christmas Lunch
Thursday 13 December Lower School Party
Friday 14 December Upper School Party
Tuesday 18 December School 'fun' talent show
Wednesday 19 December TERM 2 ENDS
Thursday 3 January TERM 3 STARTS INSET 3
Friday 4 January Theatre visit - pm (whole school)
Friday 15 February TERM 3 ENDS Cakes
Staffing changes
After ten years at Crossways, Mrs Karen Barber will be leaving Crossways Junior at Christmas to take up a post at Filton College. She has played a major role in school, particularly her expertise in drama for school productions. We wish her well in her new post. If you wish to make a contribution for a leaving gift please send a donation in an envelope marked 'Mrs K Barber' to the school office by Friday 7th December. Mrs L Brear will continue as the job-share teacher and we will appoint a new member of staff during interviews on the 6th December.
Every Child Matters
ENJOY AND ACHIEVE
Class teachers are giving out invitations to pupils who may benefit from extension of learning at Kilve Court. If you receive one of these please seriously consider whether you send your child. These courses have many potential benefits for our able pupils.
Year Four have been undertaking fieldwork in Thornbury town centre. I was delighted to hear glowing reports of the excellent manners and attitude of our pupils when conducting surveys.
This week the whole school PSHE focus has been 'Say No to Bullying'. Pupils have had stories and discussion in assembly and follow up lessons in classes. This is an important issue for all schools and one we take seriously. Please talk to your child and reinforce the message that it is important to TELL an adult.
Extended schools- dance and drumming workshops
On Wednesday the school had an exhibition of drumming with Year Five had follow up workshop lessons financed by government 'extended schools' money. The leader of this workshop is running free after school courses at Manorbrook Primary on Wednesdays after school. There is also a dance workshop at Manorbrook. All our children will have an opportunity to participate but there are currently some vacancies if you wish to join the group immediately.
Many thanks to all who supported out book fair. The sale raised £400 commission which will be spent to add new books to our school library.
Piano for sale!- Having taken delivery of our beautiful new digital piano we now have a traditional piano in good serviceable condition that is no longer needed. If you are interested in purchasing this piano we would invite offers in the region of £350-£400 for this piano which has been well taken care of. Offers to the school office please.
BE HEALTHY
Rugby
The rugby club were runners up to Olveston Primary in the Thornbury tag rugby tournament last month. On Tuesday the team also played Almondsbury Primary resulting in a 13/13 draw. The children all played well in very wet weather and our loyal parent supporters provided encouragement and hot chocolate. The rugby club will finish at 4.15 from now due to fading daylight and the last club session is on 3rd December.
Swimming
We still require regular male volunteer helpers for assisting with swimming on Monday afternoon.
School Allotment
We are proposing to develop a school allotment area in collaboration with Crossways Infant School. If any local community members or parents are interested in being involved, Ms Val Quest is spearheading this project. Both schools are actively trying to work closely together on projects from which our pupils can benefit.
School Dinner payments
If you think you may be entitled to free school meals or are in financial difficulties please contact myself and we will see if there is any way that we can help. The South Gloucestershire school meals service are currently contacting all families who have significant unpaid lunch bills to claim arrears.
STAY SAFE
The Grovesend Crossing proposal has been amended. If you would like to comment on the amended ideas [see letter home on 20.11.07] please contact Christopher Harris on 01454 863 640/ highways@southglos.gov.uk
Hand gel
Recently we have had some children ill with sickness and diarrhoea. As a result we have talked to the children about the importance of hygiene, particularly using the toilet and washing hands. As an extra hygiene measure it has been decided that we will shortly install handwashing gel on entry to the lunch hall. If your child may be allergic to this substance [used in hospitals ] please let the office know and we will arrange an alternative.
POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION
FOCJS
The Autumn Fayre will take place on Friday 23rd November from 6pm- 8pm. All families should have received raffle tickets to sell and the children will be making items for sale. Do come along and support the event and buy a few Christmas gifts.
Prayer meeting
We have a small group of mums who meet once a term. If you would be interested in joining this group please contact me and I will pass on your details.
Santa's helpers!
Thornbury Round Table is looking for volunteers to collect door to door with Santa during December. If anybody is keen to help please tell the school office.
Eco- schools and allotment
Mrs Bess is leading a group of pupils in our work to achieve 'blue flag' Eco-School status [the highest grade]. Part of this initiative is to encourage all our pupils to use initiative and make a personal contribution to our environmental work.
Children in Need
On Friday 16th November an array of nightwear and teddy bears was on view in aid of Children in Need. Some individual pupils were proactive selling bags of sweets, stickers and posters. The school raised £212.40 for this good cause.
Members of our school choir are going to Thornbury Hospital on Sunday 25th November to perform for patients in Henderson Ward. They will perform three pieces.
Christmas events
Christmas is rapidly approaching and the lights are on in Thornbury town centre. This year we are asking each pupil to bring in one decoration each to place on the Christmas tree during the week commencing 3rd December. Tickets for CAMP [Carols and Mince Pies] will be on sale from Monday 3rd December on a first come first served basis limited to two per family.
Christmas dinner
We are running a competition to design a table decoration for Christmas dinner. There will be a prize for the best upper and lower school table decoration.
Holidays
Thomas Cook have currently got some fantastic deals available for families who want to get away during the school holidays rather than during term time to prevent your child's education from suffering. Please contact the School Office if you would like a 'money-off' voucher for your next holiday booking.
Dates for your diary
Friday 23 November FOCJS Autumn Fair
Friday 30 November Fleet Air Arm Museum Trip - Y6
Tuesday 11 December School Christmas Lunch
Thursday 13 December Lower School Party
Friday 14 December Upper School Party
Tuesday 18 December School 'fun' talent show
Wednesday 19 December TERM 2 ENDS
Thursday 3 January TERM 3 STARTS INSET 3
Friday 4 January Theatre visit - pm (whole school)
Friday 15 February TERM 3 ENDS Cakes