19th January 2018
Dear Parents,
The weeks seems to be going by so quickly. I gave out raffle prizes and a treat for each child to recognise their efforts in ‘Stepping it up’. It was a lovely way to start the week.
This week has been busy with parent meetings for Early Years, Phonics and Key stage 1 SATs. I would like to thank so many of you for attending; we really appreciate your time and support. For any parents who were unable to attend, the presentations are on the class pages of the website.
Last Friday we had great fun with a Staff v Yellow Goldfinch team football match. It was very close with a 5-4 win for the children. Congratulations to Oliver on scoring the winning goal. Thank you to Mrs Gan, Mrs Judge, Miss Parish, Mr O’Reilly and Mr Lamden for representing the teachers. I was delighted when Mila described my football as amazing, if only it were true! Today 8 children took part in a Madejski Football Tournament; I will share how they played on Facebook. Thank you to parents and Mrs Weston for supporting us to take part at such late notice.
On Friday evening the Governors treated the staff to a wonderful evening and home cooked meal as a thank you for the year. It is lovely to have the evening together and I know staff enjoy the evening and appreciate the effort and thanks of the Governors.
On Thursday this week we had a great FOFSA meeting; 2018 looks to be very exciting! A letter has been sent home in book bags today regarding the tables and chairs we wish to purchase for Key stage 2.
Next week is going to be an even busier week with Headteacher interviews taking place on Wednesday and Thursday. The Governors will inform you of the outcome in due course.
On Tuesday Melanie from Warren Lodge is planning to come and speak to Chaffinch class about her role within a care home. As I have mentioned previously, we are looking forward to taking groups of children to the home to lead activities for some of the residents. Melanie will be able to answer any questions the children may have and give them information of what to expect. It is such a wonderful community opportunity and something that will be valuable for everyone involved. A permission letter will be sent out to Chaffinch children soon. If at any point you have any worries, concerns or personal circumstances that you wish us to be aware of please see either myself or Mrs Dodds.
Finally, I would like to thank Mr and Mrs Fox for providing and organising a wonderful learning experience for the children on Monday 29th January. I have included information below and hope that you can join us for the relevant parts of the day.
A special visitor
On Monday, January 29th we will be having a very special visitor to School:
Bob Hartman.
Bob is a performance storyteller par excellence. He has been entertaining audiences on both sides of the Atlantic for many years with his books and performances, which bring together retellings of Bible stories and traditional tales from around the world with his own imaginative stories. His books are full of humour and insight, whilst his storytelling sessions are exciting, engaging, dynamic - and above all, interactive!
Bob is going to spend time with each class during the day but we want parents to have the opportunity to hear him too. Therefore, the day will start at 09:00 with a special session for grown-ups in School House. Tea and coffee will be served. There will be a further opportunity to see Bob in action at the end of the day 2.30pm when he will be leading a whole school assembly to which you are also invited. We have made arrangements with Quench Bookshop to have some of his books available to buy on the day and later in the week.
I am sure you will join me in thanking Mr and Mrs Fox.
I wish you all a restful weekend; we have had many families and staff unwell over Christmas and the New Year and we hope those who are unwell feel better soon.
Jacquie Vanstone
