Good afternoon,

I hope you all had a good half-term in the sunshine.  It was lovely to welcome the children back on Tuesday for another busy and exciting half-term.

It has been wonderful to see some super writing already this half-term and seeing the children so focused and determined.  As we progress to the end of term, we still have 6 weeks to see accelerated progress and a readiness for transition.  Our Year 6 children are visiting their schools for next year, and we have leaders from schools coming to meet the children here.  Within school we have planned several transition sessions and we hope these will make the move up to the next year group seamless.

Over the next couple of weeks, our Year 1 children will complete a Phonics screening and our Year 4 children, their Multiplication check.  Thank you for your support at home as we make the most of each day to embed their learning and knowledge.

Next week, we have class photos on Monday.  Please can all children come to school in their summer uniform – this includes plain white or grey socks.  No PE kit is needed in school for this day.

On Friday next week, we are excited that there will be a PCA benefit match taking place on their field across the road.  This will be a big day for the cricket club.  Morning drop off should all be able to remain unchanged.  During the day we will have the opportunity to take Goldfinch and possibly some Year 4 children to the field for some expert cricket coaching and training, followed by refreshments and a match.  There are other local schools participating and this should be a wonderful morning for the children involved.

Due to the additional pressure this event will put on driving and parking through the village, we will be extending the pick-up time.  Please collect your children from the playground as normal, but you can collect between 3pm and 3.25pm.  The benefit match is due to begin between 3.30pm and 4pm, and we have been invited to provide the flag waving for the ex-professional cricketers and the Finchampstead team as they take their positions for the match.  We would love as many children to take part, and Nirvana have plenty of flags to make this possible. To provide assurance that we have enough happy to take to part, I attach a form link below.  This is an honour for our pupils and I hope as many as possible will go over to the park, collect a flag and participate in this event.  There will be a BBQ, ice creams etc. so it should be an event for all to enjoy.  We would like the whole school to be in PE for the day.  Please can all children wear their red shorts and school logo PE t-shirt for the day. https://forms.office.com/e/tNK1vgQ4tG?origin=lprLink

Yesterday, parents should have received an email regarding help at the Summer fete.  FOSFA need your help to run stalls. Please support them as they work hard to support our children.

Before wishing you all a lovely weekend, I wanted to remind you all that the school carpark is for staff, visitors and contractors only.  The Greyhound pub kindly welcomes parents to park there and there are over 100 spaces at the memorial car park.  It is important for safety reasons that the front carpark is not used by parents.

I do wish you a lovely weekend, and thank you for your support.

With kind regards

Jacquie Vanstone