Welcome back to the new school year, I hope you all had a good summer.

Up, up and away!

Mr and Mrs Lowe had a wonderful Champagne Balloon Ride and travelled from Handcross to Hassocks. A once in a life time experience, thank you for this generous gift. There is a photo and letter of thanks in the library which you are very welcome to come and see.

A Goodbye and Some Hellos

The end of the summer term was such a busy time and right at the end Mr Schembri was successful in his application for a new job. We’ll miss him and wish him well.

We are pleased to welcome some new team members:
Blue Unit:
Anne Steer, Louise Lewis and Belinda Humphries - Learning Support Assistants
Melloney Cripps - Teaching Assistant
Yellow Unit:
Anita Turpie and Sue Snook - Teaching Assistants
Red Unit:
Richard Hayes - Learning Support assistant

The Enriched Curriculum

Thanks to your donations we have been able to enrich our curriculum with visitors and performances that have brought the children’s learning to life. Last year we were visited by an Aborigine, owls, eagles and various farm animals. Krazy Kats Theatre performed and ‘Timespan’ took the children back in time to experience The Gunpowder Plot.

THERE IS A DISPLAY IN THE LIBRARY TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF SOME OF THE ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE LAST YEAR THANKS TO YOUR GENEROSITY- PLEASE COME AND HAVE A LOOK.

These visitors are costly but well worth the expense and we are asking you all to donate £10 this year so that we can continue to provide the very best for our children.
Many thanks in anticipation!!

Parents Evening for Year 1 and Year 2

Thursday 13th October
5-7pm
During the Autumn Term we hold an informal evening. The classrooms and shared areas will be set up to give you an idea of the kinds of activities your children learn through. Your child will be your guide!
Please note that there are no appointments.
Just come along and have some fun.

Miss Dowley will let Reception parents know of the arrangements for their children’s consultation.

Time for Planning Preparation and Assessment (PPA time)

From 1st September 2005 all schools are required, by the Government, to ensure that teachers have time during the school day to plan, prepare and assess lessons which meet the needs of every pupil. Therefore the teachers in each Unit will have half a day non-contact time every week to work together. To ensure that the children’s learning is not disrupted the same member of staff will teach your child’s class on these days.
If you would like more information a leaflet from WSCC is available from the school office.

PATCHWORK

Parents and their children working together
We are planning a Saturday afternoon PATCHWORK this term on 15th October
Details to follow.

Drop In Coffee Mornings

These mornings have been very well received and have provided the ideal opportunity to get to know one another and to chat informally about school issues.
You are most welcome to join me in the staffroom at 9.00am on the following dates:
Wednesday 28th September
Wednesday 23rd November
Wednesday 7th December

After School Clubs

We are continuing with Irish dancing on Tuesdays, Fun After School French Club on Wednesdays and Karate on Fridays. Chelsea football coaches will also run a club this term for a limited number of Year 2 children.
Further details will be sent home as soon as we receive them.

A Few Reminders

Following sickness or ’slapped cheek syndrome’ the children must not return to school for 24 hours.

PLEASE check regularly for head lice.

No pushchairs in school.

Please do not allow your children to ride their bikes and scooters on the playground before or after school. May I also remind you that the children must not to use the Activity Trail before or after school. Accidents will happen.

Remember to use the playground gates and not walk across the staff car park - again accidents will happen.

DRINK TO THINK - please make sure your child has a bottle of fresh water each day.

AM Collins
Acting Headteacher

What’s On This Term

Half term is from Monday 24th October to Friday 28th October.
There will be an In-Service Training Day for staff on Monday 31st October when the school will be closed for the children.