Keeping Your Child Safe

UNBELIEVEABLE! Despite all our efforts one determined parent entered the car park, dropped off her children and tried to leave at speed via the ‘in’ gate nearly knocking a parent and child over as she raced out so we wouldn’t stop her. 

If you see anyone trying this please make your feelings known to them about the safety of all children

Walk to School Week

The top classes for walking to school were:

 1M – 90%, 3H – 92% and 6S – 89%.

The poster winners were –

Zaynab Malik                  Amy Bassett

Jack Cockerill                Stephanie Lucas

Shannon Rack                 Aaron Edwards

Dominic Fenn                  Sanah Arshad

Mishaal Kayani                Macie Emery

Jamie Ridge                    Mia Burtt

It would be great if everyone can keep walking – it reduces our carbon footprint, is great exercise and allows you time to chat to your child on the way.

Half-Term

Next week is half-term. We return to school on Tuesday 3^rd November.

School Meal Prices (Autumn Term)

Daily  £1.80 (paid by 9.00am)        Weekly £9.00

School Association

Next Meeting – 19^th Jan. @7.30pm

2009/10 Target £15,000

Supporting – New Drama/Music block

                     Creative Arts Week

                     New Sports kit.....And more

Events – 5^th November – Family Firework Display

              5^th December – Christmas Fair

Hemel East Ring Of Extended Schools – ‘H.E.R.O.E.S.’

Our Family Support Worker at Hobbs Hill Wood is Jules Nudd. She is more than happy to chat with you about any help or support that you or your child might need. If you would like to discuss a concern in confidence or just ask for advice then please give her a call on 07534 213656.

Dates to Note:

Nov  3   Governors Committee Meetings

Nov  4   Individual and family photos

Nov  5   Family Firework Display

Nov 20  Children in Need – Spotty Pudsey and Spotty Cakes

Nov 26  Governors’ Business Meeting

Dec   2  Christmas Disco

Dec   4  Christmas Fair 12.30pm

Dec   8  FS Christmas Show Dress Rehearsal

Dec   9  KS1 Christmas Show Dress Rehearsal

Dec   9  FS Christmas Show

Dec 10  KS1 Christmas Show

Dec 15  KS2 Christmas Show

Dec 16  KS2 Christmas Show

School Journey Dates 2010

Castleton  30^th April – 2^nd May

Isle of Wight   28^th June – 2^nd July

 Term Dates 2009/10 

Autumn Term 2009/10

Thursday 3^rd September – Friday 23^rd October

Tuesday 3^rd November – Friday 18^th December*

Spring Term 2009/10

Tuesday 5^th January – Friday 12^th February

Monday 22^nd February – Wednesday 31^st March*

Summer Term 2009/10

Monday 19^th April – Thurs 27^th May

Tuesday 8^th June – Friday 23^rd July

School Test Week  2010 is 10 – 14 May (Holiday requests will not be granted during this period)

The school may be closed for staff training on other days. *school closes at 2pm (except Nursery)

Firework tickets on sale from the school office until 3pm on Thursday 5^th November.

Keeping Your Child Safe

Despite talking to the children in assembly about the dangers of parents using the school car park there have been a small group of parents who have ignored our requests. This week there was a near miss when a young child jumped out of his parents’ car and ran through the exit gate of the car park at the same time as another parent was driving out. Another parent drove out of the car park without slowing down or looking, narrowly missing a parent and pushchair crossing the exit to the car park. One parent even managed to drive into the car park fence!

It is rather sad that I cannot trust parents to abide by the rules that are there for everyone’s safety. From now on the car park gates will be closed between 8.30 – 8.45am and 3.00 – 3.15pm

Absence and Lateness

Please note that we will only authorise absences where a parent has telephoned the school on each day of the absence between 8.15 – 8.45am. Sending in a letter the next day or phoning outside these times will lead to the recording of an unauthorised absence.

There are a number of KS2 children coming to school late. Please note that classrooms are open from 8.35am and every child should be in his/her seat ‘Ready to Learn’ at 8.45am. The school’s behaviour system will be used to deal with persistent offenders.

Year 5 and 6 Cross Country Top Ten

Boys                        Girls

Thomas Rayner   (2.29)     Alice Bentley (2.25)

Jordan Puddephatt           Jessica Foxwell-Elliott

Callum Archer                  Zoe Hare

Max Elkins                        Megan Dell

Gabriel Kenny                   Kayley Marshall

William Franklin                Isabelle England

Tom Payne                         Tessa Cawley

Jordan Lucas                    Mia Burtt

Richard Patmore              Kate Gedye

Charlie Hayes                   Elinor Walters

School Meal Prices (Autumn Term)

Daily  £1.80 (paid by 9.00am)        Weekly £9.00

Walk to School Week – 12 – 16^th October

Well done to everyone who managed to walk to school all week. The weather has been great all week and made this an enjoyable activity for all those who took part. The challenge now is to see who can keep walking to school and not slip back into getting the car out again! Our assembly on Monday will look at which classes had the most walkers.

Hemel East Ring Of Extended Schools – ‘H.E.R.O.E.S.’

Our Family Support Worker at Hobbs Hill Wood is Jules Nudd. She is more than happy to chat with you about any help or support that you or your child might need. If you would like to discuss a concern in confidence or just ask for advice then please give her a call on 07534 213656.

Dates to Note:

Oct. 19     Year 1 and 2 to visit the cinema to see Ant Bully

                Fire Service to visit Nursery and Reception

Oct. 20     Parent consultation evening

 Oct. 21    Year 6 visit to Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood

Oct. 22     Year 3 visit to British Museum

                 Parent Consultation evening

Oct. 23    Year 3 and 4 to visit cinema to see Bolt

School Journey Dates 2010

Castleton  30^th April – 2^nd May

Isle of Wight   28^th June – 2^nd July

 Term Dates 2009/10 

Autumn Term 2009/10

Thursday 3^rd September – Friday 23^rd October

Tuesday 3^rd November – Friday 18^th December*

Spring Term 2009/10

Tuesday 5^th January – Friday 12^th February

Monday 22^nd February – Wednesday 31^st March*

Summer Term 2009/10

Monday 19^th April – Thurs 27^th May

Tuesday 8^th June – Friday 23^rd July

School Test Week  2010 is 10 – 14 May (Holiday requests will not be granted during this period)

The school may be closed for staff training on other days. *school closes at 2pm (except Nursery)

School Association

Next Meeting – 19^th Jan. @7.30pm

2009/10 Target £15,000

Supporting – New Drama/Music block

                     Creative Arts Week

                     New Sports kit.....And more

Events – 21^st October – Halloween Disco

              5^th November – Family Firework Display

Summer Term Questionnaire Results and Actions

1. Has your child been generally happy this year?

    Yes – 97%     No – 3%

2. How would you describe your child’s progress?

    Excellent – 27%      Very Good – 49%   Good – 15%   

Satisfactory – 6% Not Very Good – 2%   Poor – 1%

3. Do you think the New FS and KS1 Spelling has helped    

    your child?

    Yes – 65%     Not sure – 27%      No – 8%

4. Do you think the KS2 Spelling Scheme is effective?

    Yes – 58%     Not sure – 36%    No – 6%

5. Has your child benefitted from swimming lessons?

    Yes – 75%    Not sure – 11%    No – 14%

6. Should we continue to organise swimming lessons?

    Yes – 96%    Not sure – 3%    No – 1%

Actions – New KS2 Spelling Scheme for this term

               Swimming to continue

Choir Performance

A big thank you to the school choir, Mrs Harris and Miss Pledger who sang beautifully at St Benedict’s Church for their Harvest Festival last Sunday.

Year 5 and 6 Cross Country Top Ten

Boys                        Girls

Cass Trangmar   (2.07)     Alice Bentley (2.07)

Kieran Domeney                Zoe Bevis

Thomas Rayner                 Jessica Foxwell-Elliott

Jordan Puddephatt           Kayley Marshall

Callum Bunce                     Isabelle England

Gabriel Kenny                    Tessa Cawley

Tom Payne                         Megan Dell

William Franklin                Mia Burtt

Charlie Hayes                   Courtney-May Williams

Max Elkins                        Jasmine Caines

School Association

Next Meeting – 13^th Oct. @7.30pm

2009/10 Target £15,000

Supporting – New Drama/Music block

                     Creative Arts Week

                     New Sports kit

                    And more

Events – 21^st October – Halloween Disco

              5^th November – Family Firework Display

              5^th December – Christmas Fair

School Meal Prices (Autumn Term)

Walk to School Week – 12 – 16^th October

Walk to school week is upon us again! We hope that as many of you as possible will be able to take part in Hertfordshire’s Walk to School Week.

Children in KS1 and 2 will be having a poster competition with prizes for the best poster. Children from years 1 – 6 will be recording how many children walk to school in each class with a trophy for the class with the most walkers. If you drive some distance to school, your child can still take part if you park more than 5 minutes from the school and walk the remaining distance. Let’s hope the weather is good and we can all get some exercise instead of taking a short trip in the car!

Hemel East Ring Of Extended Schools – ‘H.E.R.O.E.S.’

Our Family Support Worker at Hobbs Hill Wood is Jules Nudd. She is more than happy to chat with you about any help or support that you or your child might need. If you would like to discuss a concern in confidence or just ask for advice then please give her a call on 07534 213656.

Dates to Note:

Oct. 12-16 Walk to School Week

Oct. 14      Year 5 to visit the Tower of London

Oct. 14      Year 1 Visit to Bracknell Science Centre

Oct 16      Year 5 and 6 to visit the Cinema to see Prince Caspian

Oct. 19     Year 1 and 2 to visit the cinema to see Ant Bully

                Fire Service to visit Nursery and Reception

Oct. 20     Parent consultation evening

 Oct. 21    Year 6 visit

Oct. 22     Year 3 visit to British Museum

                 Parent Consultation evening

Oct. 23    Year 3 and 4 to visit cinema to see Bolt

School Journey Dates 2010

Castleton  30^th April – 2^nd May

Isle of Wight   28^th June – 2^nd July

 Term Dates 2009/10 

Autumn Term 2009/10

Thursday 3^rd September – Friday 23^rd October

Tuesday 3^rd November – Friday 18^th December*

Spring Term 2009/10

Tuesday 5^th January – Friday 12^th February

Monday 22^nd February – Wednesday 31^st March*

Summer Term 2009/10

Monday 19^th April – Thurs 27^th May

Tuesday 8^th June – Friday 23^rd July

School Test Week  2010 is 10 – 14 May (Holiday requests will not be granted during this period)

Year 5 and 6 Cross Country Top Ten

Boys                        Girls

Kieran Domeney (2.11)       Alice Bentley (2.10)

Cass Trangmar                  Zoe Bevis

Gabriel Kenny                    Kayley Marshall

William Franklin                Isabelle England

Max Elkins                        Tessa Cawley

Richard Patmore               Holly England

Callum Bunce                     Courtney-May Williams

Jordan Allen                     Kate Gedye

Daniel Armstrong              Megan Dell

Aiden Chevannes               Elinor Walters

Nursery Changes

Due to staff training and sickness we have not been able to provide the stability of staffing we would want in our Nursery so far this term. These issues have now been resolved. Our Nursery Manager, Miss Chowles, is undertaking teacher training in KS1 for the rest of this term. She will return to the nursery after Christmas. For the rest of this term the nursery staff are:

Acting Nursery Manager – Miss King

Acting Assistant Nursery Manager – Mrs Bunker

Nursery Keyworker – Mrs Hobson

Nursery Teaching Assistants – Mrs Allport

                                                 Mrs Dyble

School Association

Next Meeting – 13^th Oct. @7.30pm

2009/10 Target £15,000

Supporting – New Drama/Music block

                     Creative Arts Week

                     New Sports kit

                    And more

Events – 21^st October – Halloween Disco

              5^th November – Family Firework Display

              5^th December – Christmas Fair

Coming soon:

Recycling Champions

Hobbs Hill Wood’s Got Talent

Kidz on the Catwalk

School Meal Prices (Autumn Term)

Daily  £1.80 (paid by 9.00am)        Weekly £9.00

Urdu Club

The first meeting of the club is on Monday 5^th October at 12.15pm in the KS2 Learning Support Base.

Teaching Assistant Vacancy

We have a vacancy for a casual teaching assistant. Casual teaching assistants cover for absent staff usually with at least 24hrs notice but some last minute cover is sometimes needed. If you are interested in this work please contact the school office for further details and an application form.

Hemel East Ring Of Extended Schools – ‘H.E.R.O.E.S.’

Our Family Support Worker at Hobbs Hill Wood is Jules Nudd. She is more than happy to chat with you about any help or support that you or your child might need. If you would like to discuss a concern in confidence or just ask for advice then please give her a call on 07534 213656.

Dates to Note:

Oct. 5 – 9  Science week

Oct 6        Science evening for parents

Oct. 12-16 Walk to School Week

Oct. 14      Year 5 to visit the Tower of London

Oct. 14      Year 1 Visit to Bracknell Science Centre

Oct 16      Year 5 and 6 to visit the Cinema to see Prince Caspian

Oct. 19     Year 1 and 2 to visit the cinema to see Ant Bully

                Fire Service to visit Nursery and Reception

Oct. 20     Parent consultation evening

 Oct. 21    Year 6 visit

Oct. 22     Year 3 visit to British Museum

                 Parent Consultation evening

Oct. 23    Year 3 and 4 to visit cinema to see Bolt

School Journey Dates 2010

Castleton  30^th April – 2^nd May

Isle of Wight   28^th June – 2^nd July

 Term Dates 2009/10 

Autumn Term 2009/10

Thursday 3^rd September – Friday 23^rd October

Tuesday 3^rd November – Friday 18^th December*

Spring Term 2009/10

Tuesday 5^th January – Friday 12^th February

Monday 22^nd February – Wednesday 31^st March*

Summer Term 2009/10

Monday 19^th April – Thurs 27^th May

Tuesday 8^th June – Friday 23^rd July

School Test Week  2010 is 10 – 14 May (Holiday requests will not be granted during this period)

The Bells!

The new system for ‘Ready to Learn’ in KS2 and the removal of most of the bells have worked well this week and will continue after half-term.

Parent Consultation Evenings

I hope every parent had the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress and targets. If there are any further issues you would like to discuss please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher or myself.

Long Hair!

We have been asked to clarify the school rules on long hair. Pupils with long hair are asked to either tie their hair back or wear a hairband or clip to ensure that their hair does not fall over their eyes while they are working. These rules apply to both girls and boys.

Pupils Arriving Late for School

This week we have been targeting pupils who are late for school. The children were reminded about this in Monday’s assembly and yellow cards are now issued to late pupils. Please make sure you give your child a positive start to the day by ensuring they are at school in time for the start of the day.

Year 5/6 Cross Country Results for 10^rd Oct.

    Boys                  Girls

1^st  Louis Glyn    2.20        Alice Bentley  2.37

2^nd Daniel Rahilly               Megan Dell

3^rd Matthew Armstrong    Zoe Hare

4^th Ben Smart                  Claire Weekes

5^th Sam Mitchell               Kayley Marshall

6^th Kieran Domeney          Bridie Linsell

7^th Josh Brown                 Chloe Elkins

8^th Jamie Revell                Louise Hansford

9^th Charlie Hardiman         Courtney-May Williams

10^th Zack Power                 Sadie Rafferty

School Meal Prices (new prices for this term)

Daily  £1.75 (paid by 9.00am)        Weekly  £8.75

Firework Display

Once again our fantastic Family Firework Display will be held on the school field on Wednesday 5^th November. Tickets are available from the school office up until 3.30pm on the 5^th. Further tickets can be bought on the night but will cost more. Make sure you have your tickets for a fabulous evening as well as enjoying your firework food which is included in the ticket price.

Our display welcomes back the big aerial shells that were missing last year and is professionally fired for us by Fantastic Fireworks.

Lightropes are always popular and will be on sale for £1.50.

We look forward to seeing many of you on the 5^th.

School Calendar 

Nov.     5  Individual Photos

            5  Family Firework Evening

            6  Outing to see the musical ‘Wicked’

           11  Year 2 ‘Flying to Mexico’ Day

           13  Governors’ Business Meeting

           15  Children in Need Spotty Cookie and Spotty Cake Sale

           20  Year 1 to Bracknell Science Discovery Centre

           20  District Cross Country Championships

Dec.      4  Year 3 Pantomime visit

             6  Christmas Fair

             9  Nurs/Rec Rehearsal (Grandparents 9.30am)

            10 KS1 Show Rehearsal (Grandparents 10.30am)

            10 Nurs/Rec Show 6.00pm

            11  KS1 Show 6.30pm

            16  KS2 Show 7.00pm

            17  KS2 Show 7.00pm

School Journey Dates 2009

24 – 26 April  Swanage Youth Hostel Activity weekend

15 – 19 June   Isle of Wight

 Term Dates 2008/9 

Autumn Term 2008/9

Tuesday 4 November – Friday 19 December*

Spring Term 2008/9

Monday 5 January – Friday 13 February

Monday 23 February – Friday 3 April*

Inset day Fri 27 Feb – school closed

Summer Term 2008/9

Monday 20 April – Thursday 21 May

Tuesday 2 June – Friday 17 July*

The school may be closed for staff training on other days. *= school closes at 2pm

The Bells!

All change for the school bell. With different timetables for different age groups in the school we are changing the way we use the bell. There will be no bells during the day, instead, teachers will use the clock to change from one session to another. The bell will only be used for the start and end of the school day – as follows

The morning bell will go at 8.40am This means that:

KS1 children should line up ready for the teacher on duty to arrive.

KS2 children should come into school so they are ‘Ready to Learn’ at 8.45am.

The afternoon bell will go, as usual, at 3.10pm for KS1 and 3.15pm for KS2.

Parent Consultation Evenings

I hope every parent has been able to make an appointment to see their child’s class teacher next week. This is an important time in the year to discuss your child’s progress and targets for the year ahead. Please contact the school office if you have yet to arrange a time. I will be available on both days to talk to parents as will Mrs Wignall, the Deputy Head. If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to come and talk to either of us.

Walk to School Week – Poster Winners

Lucy Goff                    Chanel Lewinson         Humzah Naseem

Bethany Stratford       Luke Graham            Bethany Blythe

Isabelle England          Sasha Moore             Jodie Bunker

Max Elkins                   Robert Patmore        Amani Hayat

Walk to School – The Percentages!

Overall 78% of children walked to school, but which class managed the highest percentage?

1^st 6H     89%                       2S     79%

2^nd 6A    88%                       4BH   79%

3^rd = 4P   83%             9^th     3B     76%    

        5W 83%             10^th    3S     70%

5^th 1M     80%             11^th    2G     65%

6^th = 1L   79%             12^th    5K     63%

Year 5/6 Cross Country Results for 10^rd Oct.

    Boys                  Girls

1^st  Louis Glyn                    Alice Bentley

2^nd Daniel Rahilly               Megan Dell

3^rd Josh Brown                 Zoe Hare

4^th Matthew Armstrong    Claire Weekes

5^th Jamie Revell                Louise Hansford

6^th Kieran Domeney          Kayley Marshall

7^th Ben Smart                  Bridie Linsell

8^th Zack Power                 Ashleigh Boyce

9^th Sam Mitchell               Chloe Elkins

10^th Stefan Lane               Sadie Rafferty

School Journey Dates 2009

24 – 26 April  Swanage Youth Hostel Activity weekend

15 – 19 June   Isle of Wight

Year 5 Visit to the Tower of London

Our first visit to the Tower of London and Year 5’s first school trip by train was a great success. There was so much to see that we didn’t have time to visit every part despite being there for longer than usual. The workshop actor kept the children enthralled for over an hour with his tales of imprisonment, execution and escape. I was very impressed with the behaviour of the children and it was fantastic to see them asking lots of questions and also reaching for their notebooks without any prompting to draw objects and make notes about what they had seen. There were numerous members of the public who commented on the children’s good behaviour and enthusiasm and one Australian couple in particular who commented how polite and helpful the children were when they spoke to them. If you have never been to the Tower then it is well worth a visit.

School Meal Prices (new prices for this term)

Daily  £1.75 (paid by 9.00am)        Weekly  £8.75

Watch out for the new menu which starts after half-term.

School Calendar 

Oct    21  Years 3, 4,  6 to Cinema – Spiderwick Chronicles

          21  Year 4 Speed Stacking at Longdean

          21  Parents’ Evening

          23   Parents’ Evening

Nov.     5  Individual Photos

            5  Family Firework Evening

           11  Year 2 ‘Flying to Mexico’ Day

           13  Governors’ Business Meeting

           20  Year 1 to Bracknell Science Discovery Centre

           20  District Cross Country Championships

Dec.      4  Year 3 Pantomime visit

             6  Christmas Fair

             9  Nurs/Rec Rehearsal (Grandparents 9.30am)

            10 KS1 Show Rehearsal (Grandparents 10.30am)

            10 Nurs/Rec Show 6.00pm

            11  KS1 Show 6.30pm

            16  KS2 Show 7.00pm

            17  KS2 Show 7.00pm

 Term Dates 2008/9 

Autumn Term 2008/9

Tuesday 2 September – Friday 24 October

Tuesday 4 November – Friday 19 December*

Spring Term 2008/9

Monday 5 January – Friday 13 February

Monday 23 February – Friday 3 April*

Inset day Fri 27 Feb – school closed

Summer Term 2008/9

Monday 20 April – Thursday 21 May

Tuesday 2 June – Friday 17 July*

The school may be closed for staff training on other days. *= school closes at 2pm

Walk to School Week

Walk to School Week has been a great success this year and lots more parents and children have made the effort to walk to school rather than drive. Well done to all those who have taken up the challenge.

Next week we will be judging our poster competition and announcing the winner of the class where the most children have walked to school this week.

Walk to School Week is more than just a week. I hope many of you will have enjoyed your walk and will want to carry on walking to school.

My thanks to Miss Sheehan who has co-ordinated this week’s activities.

Maths Week

Lots of activities have taken place this week to help the children develop their mathematical skills and lots of maths team points have been earned by the children. We will see which team has won the Maths Challenge Trophy on Monday.

On Wednesday evening we had a hall packed with parents and children for our ICT and Maths evening. Everyone had great fun trying out the programmes and websites while learning how ICT can help with maths skills and mathematical understanding.

It was great to see so many parents keen to support their children’s learning. My thanks to Mr King and Miss Scott for organising the evening and to all the staff who supported the event.

Year 5/6 Cross Country Results for 3^rd Oct.

    Boys                  Girls

1^st  Louis Glyn                    Zoe Hare

2^nd Daniel Rahilly               Megan Dell

3^rd Matthew Armstrong    Louise Hansford

4^th Jamie Revell                Kayley Marshall

5^th Stefan Lane                Bridie Linsell

6^th Ben Smart                  Shannen Avis

7^th Kieran Domeney          Chloe Corr

8^th Zack Power                 Georgina Elson

9^th Josh Brown                Sadie Rafferty

10^th Louis Dunham           Ashleigh Boyce

School Meal Prices (new prices for this term)

Daily  £1.75 (paid by 9.00am)        Weekly  £8.75

(Please note that daily meals are not available on Fridays. You need to book for the half-term using the Friday Special letter.)

Watch out for the new menu which starts after half-term.

School Journey Dates 2009

24 – 26 April  Swanage Youth Hostel Activity weekend

15 – 19 June   Isle of Wight

School Calendar 

Oct    14  Year 5 trip to the Tower of London

          21  Years 3, 4,  6 to Cinema – Spiderwick Chronicles

          21  Year 4 Speed Stacking at Longdean

          21  Parents’ Evening

          23   Parents’ Evening

Nov.     5  Individual Photos

            5  Family Firework Evening

           11  Year 2 ‘Flying to Mexico’ Day

           13  Governors’ Business Meeting

           20  Year 1 to Bracknell Science Discovery Centre

           20  District Cross Country Championships

Dec.      4  Year 3 Pantomime visit

             6  Christmas Fair

             9  Nurs/Rec Rehearsal (Grandparents 9.30am)

            10 KS1 Show Rehearsal (Grandparents 10.30am)

            10 Nurs/Rec Show 6.00pm

            11  KS1 Show 6.30pm

            16  KS2 Show 7.00pm

            17  KS2 Show 7.00pm

 Term Dates 2008/9 

Autumn Term 2008/9

Tuesday 2 September – Friday 24 October

Tuesday 4 November – Friday 19 December*

Spring Term 2008/9

Monday 5 January – Friday 13 February

Monday 23 February – Friday 3 April*

Inset day Fri 27 Feb – school closed

Summer Term 2008/9

Monday 20 April – Thursday 21 May

Tuesday 2 June – Friday 17 July*

The school may be closed for staff training on other days. *= school closes at 2pm

Walk to School Week

Walk to school week is upon us again! We hope that as many of you as possible will be able to participate in Hertfordshire’s Walk to School Week. Children in Key Stages 1 and 2 will be taking part in a Walk to School Week poster competition. There will be prizes for the best poster from each class. Children from Years 1 – 6 will also have the chance of recording how many children walk to school throughout the week. There will be a class prize for the class that has the most number of children walking to school throughout the week.

Fingers crossed that the weather will be suitable next week so that you can enjoy taking a walk to school instead of taking a short trip in the car!

Maths Week

Next week is Maths Week in school. Maths is one of the areas in school where there is still room for improvement so we will be spending the week focussing on this subject.

During the week the children will be earning ‘maths’ team points which will be collected at the end of the week and added together with the winning team being presented with the Maths Team Trophy.

In KS2, with our new laptops, we will be looking at how ICT can improve the children’s understanding of maths.

On Wednesday evening parents and children have been invited to join us for an evening of maths and ICT where we will be looking at ICT activities related to maths and seeing how they can be used in school and at home.

School Meal Prices (new prices for this term)

Daily  £1.75 (paid by 9.00am)

Weekly  £8.75

(Please note that daily meals are not available on Fridays. You need to book for the half-term using the Friday Special letter.)

Year 5/6 Cross Country Results for 26^th Sept.

    Boys                  Girls

1^st  Louis Glyn                    Alice Bentley

2^nd Matthew Armstrong    Zoe Hare

3^rd Daniel Rahilly               Louise Hansford

4^th Kieran Domeney           Chloe Corr

5^th Jamie Revell                Shannen Avis

Harvest

A big ‘Thank You’ to all parents who have donated items for our Harvest celebrations. These items will be shared between the needy residents in our own community and the Dacorum Emergency Night Shelter project (DENS).

School Journey Dates 2009

24 – 26 April  Swanage Youth Hostel Activity weekend

15 – 19 June   Isle of Wight

School Calendar 

Oct      7  Governor Committee meetings

            6-10  ICT and Maths Week

            8  ICT and Maths Evening for parents 6.30 – 8.00pm

          14  Year 5 trip to the Tower of London

          21  Years 3, 4,  6 to Cinema – Spiderwick Chronicles

          21  Parents’ Evening

          23   Parents’ Evening

Nov.     5  Individual Photos

            5  Family Firework Evening

           11  Year 2 ‘Flying to Mexico’ Day

           13  Governors’ Business Meeting

           20  Year 1 to Bracknell Science Discovery Centre

Dec.      4  Year 3 Pantomime visit

             6  Christmas Fair

             9  Nurs/Rec Rehearsal (Grandparents 9.30am)

            10 KS1 Show Rehearsal (Grandparents 10.30am)

            10 Nurs/Rec Show 6.00pm

            11  KS1 Show 6.30pm

 Term Dates 2008/9 

Autumn Term 2008/9

Tuesday 2 September – Friday 24 October

Tuesday 4 November – Friday 19 December*

Spring Term 2008/9

Monday 5 January – Friday 13 February

Monday 23 February – Friday 3 April*

Inset day Fri 27 Feb – school closed

Summer Term 2008/9

Monday 20 April – Thursday 21 May

Tuesday 2 June – Friday 17 July*

The school may be closed for staff training on other days. *= school closes at 2pm

School Test Week  2009 is 11 – 15 May (Holiday requests will not be granted during this period)

Parent Consultation Evenings

I hope every parent had the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress and targets with the class teacher during our consultation evenings this week. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the school office. Don’t forget that you can make an appointment to see your child’s teacher at any time should you wish to discuss their progress or behaviour.

Theft and Vandalism

Sadly, last weekend, a number of bikes were stolen from the nursery play area. At the same time sections of the school football pitches were dug up. If you know anything about these incidents or have been offered a child’s red trike please let us know.

Half-term Break

We return to school on Tuesday 30^th October at 8.45am (8.30am for Nursery). In view of recent thefts and vandalism please report anyone on our site during the holiday to the police if you are passing.

Family Firework Evening

Don’t forget to order your tickets after half-term for this fantastic event.

School Meals – prices

£1.65 per meal – you can buy one meal as long as payment is made by 9.00am on the morning you want the meal

One week’s meals £8.25

School Association News and Dates

School Association Officers–

Chair              Mrs Sam Lane       

Vice Chair        Mrs Tracey Dalmon

Secretary      Mrs Tabassum Munir Treasurer         Mr. Martyn Ford

Assistant Secretary –  Mrs Mary Keane

Fundraising Target for 2007/8 is £15,000

Money raised will be used to:

Support the ICT project to provide laptops at KS2

Fund visiting workshops

Pay for the fruit scheme to be available to all KS2 children

Equip our new Nursery

Purchase equipment for the School Association

Pay for musical instrument lessons for Years 4, 5, 6

This is a big challenge but with everyone’s support I am sure we can reach our target once again.

Christmas Fair is on Saturday 1^st December at 1.00pm

Fire Service Visit

A fire tender from Hemel Hempstead Fire Station visited the school on Thursday (it had to arrive late due to a call-out so unfortunately the Nursery children missed out) The Reception children enjoyed the chance to look over the fire engine and talk to the firemen. A big ‘Thank you’ to Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for taking the time to come and see us.

The fire crew would like to remind everyone that they will happily come out to your house and fit a smoke alarm if you haven’t got one. Just call them on 265028.

School Calendar  

Oct   31   Halloween Discos

Nov      1  Girls Football match against Thomas Coram (away)

           2   Family Firework Evening

           5  Year 5 visit to Three Valleys Water

           7  Individual and Family Group Photos

         15   Governor Committee Meetings

         15   Girls Football Match against South Hill (away)

         29  Governors Business Meeting

Dec     5  Christmas Discos

           6 Year 3 pantomime outing

           11 Nursery and Reception Dress Rehearsal (Grandparents)

           12 Year 1 and 2 Dress Rehearsal (Grandparents)

           12 Nursery and Reception Christmas Show 6pm

           13 Choir Christmas Performance

           13 Year 1 and 2 Christmas Show 6.30pm

           18 KS2 Christmas Show 7pm

           19 KS2 Christmas Show 7pm

School Journey Dates 2008

25 – 27 April  Castleton Youth Hostel Activity weekend

16 – 20 June   Isle of Wight

Term Dates 2006/7

Autumn Term 2007/8

Wednesday 5 September – Friday 19 October

Tuesday 30 October – Thursday 20 December*

Spring Term 2007/8

Tuesday 8 January – Friday 8 February

Monday18 February – Thursday 20 March

Summer Term 2007/8

Monday 7 April – Thursday 22 May

Tuesday 3 June – Wednesday 23 July

The school may be closed for staff training on other days.

*= school closes at 2pm

School Test Week  2008 is 12 – 16 May (Holiday requests will not be granted during this period)

Parent Consultation Evenings

I hope every parent has received the letter about next week’s consultation evenings. Please make sure you have made an appointment so that you can discuss your child’s progress and targets with his/her class teacher. I will be available in my office on both days to discuss any issues you would like to raise.

Football Result

Our team played St Thomas Moore this week in a boys seven aside match. The score was 4 – 0 to us. Well done to the team.

School Meals – September prices

£1.65 per meal – you can buy one meal as long as payment is made by 9.00am on the morning you want the meal

One week’s meals £8.25

School Association News and Dates

School Association Officers–

Chair              Mrs Sam Lane              Vice Chair        Mrs Tracey Dalmon

Secretary      Mrs Tabassum Munir    Treasurer         Mr. Martyn Ford

Assistant Secretary –  Mrs Mary Keane

Fundraising Target for 2007/8 is £15,000

Money raised will be used to:

Support the ICT project to provide laptops at KS2

Fund visiting workshops

Pay for the fruit scheme to be available to all KS2 children

Equip our new Nursery

Purchase equipment for the School Association

Pay for musical instrument lessons for Years 4, 5, 6

This is a big challenge but with everyone’s support I am sure we can reach our target once again.

Christmas Fair is on Saturday 1^st December at 1.00pm

Family Firework Evening

Don’t forget to order your tickets next week for this fantastic event.

School Calendar  

Oct   16   Parent Consultation Evening

         17   Year 5 football and netball festival

         18   Fire service visit to Nursery/Reception

         18   Parent Consultation Evening

         31   Halloween Discos

Nov      1  Girls Football match against Thomas Coram (away)

           2   Family Firework Evening

           5  Year 5 visit to Three Valleys Water

           7  Individual and Family Group Photos

         15   Governor Committee Meetings

         15   Girls Football Match against South Hill (away)

         29  Governors Business Meeting

Dec     5  Christmas Discos

           6 Year 3 pantomime outing

           11 Nursery and Reception Dress Rehearsal (Grandparents)

           12 Year 1 and 2 Dress Rehearsal (Grandparents)

           12 Nursery and Reception Christmas Show 6pm

           13 Choir Christmas Performance

           13 Year 1 and 2 Christmas Show 6.30pm

           18 KS2 Christmas Show 7pm

           19 KS2 Christmas Show 7pm

School Journey Dates 2008

25 – 27 April  Castleton Youth Hostel Activity weekend

16 – 20 June   Isle of Wight

Term Dates 2006/7

Autumn Term 2007/8

Wednesday 5 September – Friday 19 October

Tuesday 30 October – Thursday 20 December*

Spring Term 2007/8

Tuesday 8 January – Friday 8 February

Monday18 February – Thursday 20 March

Summer Term 2007/8

Monday 7 April – Thursday 22 May

Tuesday 3 June – Wednesday 23 July

The school may be closed for staff training on other days.

*= school closes at 2pm

School Test Week  2008 is 12 – 16 May (Holiday requests will not be granted during this period)

Maths Week

What a fantastic week we have had. Maths was done with a clown and Mr Numbervator, there were tables quizzes, a teddy bear maths day, over 100 parents attended one of the maths workshops and lots of activities took place in the classroom. Who has won the team point maths challenge? – you’ll have to wait until Monday to find out! My thanks to Mrs Green for organising the week.

Football League Result

In our first league game of the season the boys’ team won their match putting six goals past Boxmoor Primary School. Well done to the whole team.

Year 1 and 2 Playground at 8.45am

Parents please make sure you have said goodbye to your child and that they have lined up by 8.45am rather than waiting for the whistle to go before doing this.

Staff Vacancies

We are looking for one or two casual Teaching Assistants. These are people who might be available at short notice to cover for other TAs. Application forms are available from the school office.

School Meals – September prices

£1.65 per meal – you can buy one meal as long as payment is made by 9.00am on the morning you want the meal

One week’s meals £8.25

Harvest Festival

Thank you to everyone who sent in Harvest gifts.

School Association News and Dates

School Association Officers–

Chair              Mrs Sam Lane  

Vice Chair        Mrs Tracey Dalmon

Secretary      Mrs Tabassum Munir Treasurer         Mr. Martyn Ford

Assistant Secretary –  Mrs Mary Keane

Fundraising Target for 2007/8 is £15,000

Money raised will be used to:

Support the ICT project to provide laptops at KS2

Fund visiting workshops

Pay for the fruit scheme to be available to all KS2 children

Equip our new Nursery

Purchase equipment for the School Association

Pay for musical instrument lessons for Years 4, 5, 6

This is a big challenge but with everyone’s support I am sure we can reach our target once again.

Christmas Fair is on Saturday 1^st December at 1.00pm

Staff News

At the end of this half-term we will be saying goodbye to Mrs Davies, our Nursery Manager, who is moving to Bristol. Mrs Davies has worked in our Nursery for over ten years and has been a great asset to our school. Many of the children in the school had their educational journey begun by Mrs Davies when they came to school for the very first time. We wish Mrs Davies and her family all the best for their new life in Bristol. 

First to Fifty

Three children have hit the first level in our team point challenge by reaching 50 points this week. Congratulations to:

Kirsty Cawley

Aaron Palmer

Keziah Buckley

Starlight Donate-A-Disc Appeal

This week the School Council decided to support this appeal which encourages people to donate an old DVD or console game to help children who are seriously or terminally ill. All you have to do is take you disc/game to your local blockbuster. A slip with more details will be sent home next week.

School Calendar  

Oct   16   Parent Consultation Evening

         18   Parent Consultation Evening

         31   Halloween Discos

Nov      1  Girls Football match against Thomas Coram (away)

           2   Family Firework Evening

           5  Year 5 visit to Three Valleys Water

           7  Individual and Family Group Photos

         15   Governor Committee Meetings

         15   Girls Football Match against South Hill (away)

         29  Governors Business Meeting

School Journey Dates 2008

25 – 27 April  Castleton Youth Hostel Activity weekend

16 – 20 June   Isle of Wight

Term Dates 2006/7

Autumn Term 2007/8

Wednesday 5 September – Friday 19 October

Tuesday 30 October – Thursday 20 December*

Spring Term 2007/8

Tuesday 8 January – Friday 8 February

Monday18 February – Thursday 20 March

Summer Term 2007/8

Monday 7 April – Thursday 22 May

Tuesday 3 June – Wednesday 23 July

The school may be closed for staff training on other days.

*= school closes at 2pm

School Test Week  2008 is 12 – 16 May (Holiday requests will not be granted during this period)

Maths Week

The children have had a very active week full of mathematical activities. On Monday the Happy Puzzle Company worked with the KS2 children with lots of practical maths activities. Also on Monday, Bubblz the Clown worked with our younger children, presenting maths in a fun way. On Thursday the whole day was devoted to the Smarties Challenge where every child was given a tube of Smarties to use to solve a challenge they thought of themselves. The Smarties could only be eaten once the challenge was complete!

On Wednesday evening eighty parents joined the school staff for a very successful maths workshop. Parents had the chance to hear about what we do and to tackle some of the challenges themselves.

My thanks to everyone who has contributed to maths week and especially to Mrs Green who planned and co-ordinated the event.

Football Success

Our girls’ football team played their first match on Tuesday against Thomas Coram School. The girls played very well and won the match with a spectacular 5 – 0 result. Well done to all the girls who represented their school so well.

Parents of Children in Years One and Two

It is lovely to see so many parents joining us for Tuesday mornings for reading and games activities. All parents are welcome to come along so do please join us either on a regular or occasional basis.

School Association News and Dates

School Association Officers–

Chair              Mrs Sam Lane         Vice Chair        vacant

Secretary      Mrs. Helen Clark     Treasurer         Mr. Martyn Ford

Assistant Secretary – Mrs Tabassum Munir

This year’s target £15,000   

Events for this term are:

The family race night has been cancelled due to lack of interest

Nov. 3   Family Firework Night

Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 – Craft workshop for Christmas Fair

Nov. 25  Christmas Fair

Dec  19  Christmas Discos

Advance Notice – Summer Ball – 12 May 2007

Parent Consultation Evenings

I hope every parent has received the letter about next week’s consultation evenings. Please make sure you have made an appointment so that you can discuss your child’s progress and targets with his/her class teacher. I will be available in my office on both days to discuss any issues you would like to raise.

Brass Musical Instrument Tuition

All of our musical instruments have now arrived and there are some ‘interesting’ sounds coming from the KS2 hall throughout the day on Thursdays!

We were delighted to be joined in assembly by the Head of Music at Longdean school and two Longdean students who showed us what the future holds for those who practise with their instruments regularly.

School Calendar  

Oct 17     Year 6 to see Oliver Twist at Jarman Park

Oct 17     Parent Consultation Evening

Oct 18    Year 1 to see Cars at Jarman Park

Oct 18     Parent Consultation Evening

Nov 1       Netball against Bridgewater (away)

Nov 2      Individual and Family photos

Nov 3      Year 4 visit to St Albans Abbey

Nov 3      Family Firework Evening

Nov 9      Governing Body committee meetings

Nov 10    Year 2 visit to the Science Museum

Nov 22    Year 6 visit to Hughenden Manor

Nov 29    Governing Body business meeting

Dec  8     Year 3 Pantomime visit

Dec   11   Nursery and Reception Grandparents Dress Rehearsal

Dec   12  Year 1 and 2 Grandparents Dress Rehearsal

Dec   12  Nursery and Reception Christmas Performance 6.30pm

Dec  13   Year 1 and 2 Christmas Show 6.30pm

Dec  14   KS2 Christmas Show 7.00pm

Dec  15   KS2 Christmas Show

Term Dates 2006/7

Autumn Term 2006/7

Monday 4 Sept – Friday 20 October

Tuesday 31 October – Wednesday 20 December*

Spring Term 2006/7

Thursday 4 January – Fri 9 February

Monday 19 February – Fri 30 March*

Summer Term 2006/7

Monday 16 April – Thursday 24 May

Wednesday 6 June – Fri 20 July*

The school may be closed for staff training on other days.

*= school closes at 2pm

Have you returned your secondary transfer form? These must be with us on Monday. Don’t forget – Act now!

Maths Week

Next week (9 – 13 October) is maths week. During the day on Monday the children will be taking part in maths activities organised by The Happy Puzzle Company. Don’t forget to pop into the junior hall after school on Monday to see the maths games and activities that The Happy Puzzle Company have for sale. Wednesday evening is our parents’ maths evening so do feel welcome to join us and see how we teach maths at our school.

Parents of Children in Years One and Two

A number of parents are trying to talk to their child’s class teacher on the playground at the start of the school day. We would appreciate it if parents would not do this as the teacher on duty needs to concentrate on bringing the children into school and settling her class. If you need to speak to the teacher please either make an appointment via the school office or write a note in the yellow book.

Headlice

Headlice have appeared once again. Although headlice are not a health hazard they can make children feel uncomfortable and it is best to get rid of them as soon as possible. Please check your child’s hair regularly and treat any lice or eggs as soon as possible.

There is now a new headlice treatment available from the pharmacy or Tesco called HEDRIN. This is used immediately then repeated one week later.

Do please help us to keep this problem under control by treating the problem as soon as possible.

School Association News and Dates

School Association Officers–

Chair              Mrs Sam Lane         Vice Chair        vacant

Secretary      Mrs. Helen Clark     Treasurer         Mr. Martyn Ford

Assistant Secretary – Mrs Tabassum Munir

This year’s target £15,000   

Events for this term are:

Oct. 14   Family Race Night

Nov. 3   Family Firework Night

Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 – Craft workshop for Christmas Fair

Nov. 25  Christmas Fair

Advance Notice – Summer Ball – 12 May 2007

Next meeting – 2 November 7.30pm – all welcome

Football Success

Our boys’ football team played their first match on Thursday against Bishop Wood School. The boys played very well and won the match with a spectacular 6 – 1 result. Well done to all the boys who represented their school so well.

Mrs Cannon

Mrs Cannon will be leaving us at half-term as she moves to Yorkshire to begin a new life in the country. We would like to thank her for her commitment to our school over the past 12 years and wish her the very best in her new life.

Second Hand Uniform Shop

The shop will be open again on Tuesday 10^th October from 2.45 – 3.30pm in the Dining Hall. Please come in through the main entrance and see if we have anything you need. My thanks to Sue Stainer for giving up her time to run the shop.

School Calendar  

Oct 9-13  Maths Week

Oct 10     Boys football against Leverstock Green (away)

Oct 11      Year 5 visit to Hatfield House

Oct 11     Drama Workshop for Y R/1/2

Oct 11      Maths Workshop for parents

Oct 12     Girls football against Bridgewater (home)

Oct 17     Year 6 to see Oliver Twist at Jarman Park

Oct 17     Parent Consultation Evening

Oct 18    Year 1 to see Cars at Jarman Park

Oct 18     Parent Consultation Evening

Nov 1       Netball against Bridgewater (away)

Nov 2      Individual and Family photos

Nov 3      Year 4 visit to St Albans Abbey

Nov 3      Family Firework Evening

Nov 9      Governing Body committee meetings

Nov 10    Year 2 visit to the Science Museum

Nov 22    Year 6 visit to Hughenden Manor

Nov 29    Governing Body business meeting

Term Dates 2006/7

Autumn Term 2006/7

Monday 4 Sept – Friday 20 October

Tuesday 31 October – Wednesday 20 December*

Spring Term 2006/7

Thursday 4 January – Fri 9 February

Monday 19 February – Fri 30 March*

Summer Term 2006/7

Monday 16 April – Thursday 24 May

Wednesday 6 June – Fri 20 July*

The school may be closed for staff training on other days.

*= school closes at 2pm