6 Sep 2007 - September 2007

 

FARNHAM COMMON INFANT SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

6th September, 2007

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to a new school year. I hope all the children will soon be settled and familiar with the routines in their new classes. Many new families have joined the school this September, so a special welcome to you and we appreciate it will take time for you to get used to the systems within the school.

Please ask if you are unsure about anything. Teachers are available for very quick, emergency discussions at the start of the day, or an appointment can be made if a longer discussion is needed. Please telephone to make arrangements. Every Thursday morning at 9.15 a.m., once pupils are full time, teachers are available to speak to parents without an appointment. Please use this time to regularly make contact with the teachers. Parents of Acorn Class will have their own arrangements, which they will be informed of shortly.

INFORMATION

Over the next two weeks we will be sending out several information letters regarding a variety of issues. Please look out for these letters in your child's book bag and take time to read them carefully. You will receive information that will help you support your child to make the best of the education on offer.

We are soon to send out Admissions information for applying for a place at the school for children who will be five years old between September 2008 and August 2009. If you have a younger child, or know of a child that will need a place in the school, please make sure we have their details.

POSITIVE PARENTING

Helen Young, our school nurse is planning to run a 'Positive Parenting' course, starting on September 17th. I know that several parents who have attended previous courses run by Helen have found them extremely useful. Further details, with an application form, are available in the entrance or you should telephone 01628 668644.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

# Tuesday 18th September, at 7.30 p.m. AGM of the Friends of the School and an opportunity to 'Meet the Teachers'. A short meeting followed by an informal opportunity to meet your child?s new teacher. This is an opportunity to discuss general issues such as the routines in the classroom, etc. All parents automatically become Friends of the School when a child starts in the school. Acorn Class parents are very welcome to attend to find out more about the various activities organised by the Committee of the Friends of the School, although Acorn staff will not be there on this occasion.

# Monday 1st October - the children will have individual photographs taken. There will an opportunity after school for family groups, including mums and dads to have photos taken. Look out for information on how to apply for an appointment.

# Thursday 4th October at 9.15 a.m. ? Harvest Assembly. You are invited to join the children in celebrating Harvest time. This year we will be raising money for a charity called ?Seeds for Africa?. Items for the harvest display such as fruit, vegetables, flowers, tins and packets should be brought to school on Wednesday, 3rd October, for displaying. The items will be sold after school on Harvest day to raise money for the charity.

# Book Week 8th - 12th October. Several events have been organised, including a Book Fair.

# Christmas Activities:
Assemblies - Tuesday, 18th December at 9.15 a.m. - Children younger than school age admitted. Wednesday, 19th December at 9.15 a.m. - Please make other arrangements for children younger than school age.

Party -Thursday 20th December.

CAR PARK SAFETY

It is the responsibility of all of us to make sure the car park is as safe and secure as possible. Please follow the guidelines you have been given, always following the one-way system, driving slowly to give due care and attention to the young children who will be moving about. Do not obstruct others when you park. Please be alert to any security issues and inform a member of staff if you have concerns.

A355 - There continue to be 'near-misses' on the A355 at the crossing. Forms are available in the office to report any incidents. Collecting data on 'incidents' allows the Governing Body to make informed requests about improving the safety of the road.

WALKING TO SCHOOL

In a couple of weeks we will again be encouraging you, if you do not already regularly do so, to walk home from school on Wednesdays and to school on Fridays. We also hope to start 'Footsteps Training' ? Road Safety training - in the second half of term, with Year 2. If you are willing to help with this, please speak to Penny McPhillips or Julie Smith, who are both parent Governors, or me. We will be able to give you further information on what is needed.

ABSENCE AND ILLNESS

Children should attend school every day unless they are not fit for school due to illness. Please do not telephone the school on the first day of illness, unless the child has developed an infection such as chicken pox or rubella, in which case it is important that we know. Otherwise, only telephone if the child is away for several days.

HOW CAN YOU HELP

# Speak to your child's teacher if you feel able to help in the class with reading or other tasks on a regular or occasional basis. All helpers have to complete a Criminal Records Check.

# We like to have tissues available in each class for the children to use as necessary. Please provide a box of tissues at least once during the year.

# Collect Tesco Sports tokens and place them in the box in the entrance.

Yours sincerely,


Mrs. J.R. Coleman,
Head Teacher.