Here we go into the second half of the Autumn term!
The weather is beginning to feel more autumnal now with a chill forecast.

Please make sure your children bring a coat to school from now on.
This half term our thoughts turn to celebrating Christmas and the second part of this
newsletter will inform you of the fun activities we have in store.

 

We would all like to thank you for the funds you have raised to enable Mrs Gosling (Harry’s
mum) to travel to South Africa to support Coco’s Foundation in developing the children’s
village there.
You can help further by donating any clothing or shoes that the foundation will recycle to
raise more money to clothe the children well.
Did you know that without shoes these children cannot go to school?
We have a BIG BIN in our entrance or alternatively you can drop donations at the
hairdresser on Maidenbower Square.

 

Congratulations to Mrs Southall’s class who had 90% of the children travelling to school
without making use of a car!

 

Congratulations to Mrs Buckingham’s class who had 88% of the class travelling on foot or by
scooter.

 

As you may know, over the last two years we have developed a link with the inner city St
Alban’s School in Camden, London. This link has gone from strength to strength over this
time. We are currently working on plans for this year’s shared activities, which promise to
be very exciting. As part of the link we have established, we want to support our friends in
their upcoming fundraising venture. They organise a grand toy sale in December each year,
to raise money for Unicef which is a charity about which they (and we) feel very passionate.
Unicef works in many of the countries that St Alban’s children come from, and they have
often seen this work at first hand, benefitting their families. Unicef runs the Rights
Respecting Schools programme which our children are following.
The St Albans Toy Sale has the dual purpose of raising much needed funds for Unicef, and
allowing the children of St Albans to buy good quality toys, books and games at prices they
can afford. Many of the children have few toys, and eagerly await the fair so they can get
some new things to play with. Last year, we heard about how a number of toys we had sent
had been bought with great delight by St Alban’s children: most memorably a pair of sisters
who had only 50p each to spend had been able to buy the prams they had desperately
wanted for the doll each girl had bought at the previous year’s fair.
We would like to support the children of St Albans in their fundraising by sending them
good second hand toys to sell at the fair. If you are having a clear out before Christmas,
and would like to find a good home for used toys, books or games which are no longer
needed, the St Albans Toy Fair could be just the place! Any donations can be brought in to
school in the week beginning Monday 21st November. Please ensure that toys/games are
complete or in suitable condition to play with (that is that any missing pieces do not affect
the ability to play with the toy/game). St Albans is a primary school with a nursery, so it
caters for children aged 3-11, but the child customers at the fair also include babies and
secondary school aged children so there is no age restriction on the toys, games and books
which can be sent.
If you would like further information, or have any questions, please ask at the office or talk
to Jan James.
Many thanks.

A group of Y2 children are organising our event this year. They will be writing to you soon
with details of the day.

REMINDERS

• Please, please ensure that your children have their PE kits in school EVERY day.
Rehearsals for Christmas are already underway!
• Children who have pierced ears must remove them for PE lessons after the six week
healing time. This is a County as well as a school policy.
• No jewellery should be worn to school apart from stud earrings for pierced ears.
• There seem to be a growing number of back packs being brought to school. Our
cloakrooms are not suitable for their storage and they always end up on the floor!
Please only use back packs if they are necessary for such things as football kits for
club. Thank you.
• We now have several children with an allergy to nuts. Please ensure that no nuts or
foods containing nuts are in your child’s lunchbox.
POPPY APPEAL Children can make a donation and choose a poppy to wear from
the library.

 

Further details from the Friends of Maidenbower Infant School and Nursery

MAD HAIR DAY (to raise gifts for the Secret’s Room) – Friday 25th November
On this day the children can come to school with the craziest hair style!! I understand that
Boots in Maidenbower Square has stocked up on hair glitters and colours.
In return we ask that you donate a gift for dads for the Christmas Fair Secret’s Room to
the value of at least £1.50. Please place the unwrapped gifts in the box that will be in the
library (no alcohol thank you.)
The Secret’s Room will be in the studio. Each child comes in, without an adult, chooses and
wraps a gift for mum or dad. We limit the gifts purchased to two per child.

This year our production is “A Very Special Delivery”
Tuesday 13th December Dress Rehearsal for pre-schools 1.30
Wednesday 14th December Performance 9.45
Performance 1.45
Thursday 15th December Performance 9.45
Please note that there will be no crèche and pre-school siblings, including babies will
not be able to watch the performances on Wednesday and Thursday. Please make your
own child care arrangements.
Please complete the attached slip to order tickets that will be distributed from 1st December.
We have allocated two tickets per family for the performances. This year there will be a
limited number of tickets for the dress rehearsal for grandparents, aunties and uncles
to bring pre-school siblings. There will be a maximum of 2 tickets subject to availability.
Should any of the audience have special seating requirements please let us know in good time
and we will do our best to accommodate those needs.

We are in the process of looking through costumes we already have that we can re-use or
adapt. Should we need any help with adaptations and embellishment your child’s teacher will
be in touch for help!

We party all day!!!!
Children may wear party clothes to school however they will need sensible school shoes. Please
remember a coat as playtimes are likely to be chilly.

Please help your child to make a Christmas themed hat to wear at the Hat Parade.

We would be grateful for a contribution of 50p per child for party food. The teaching
assistants will go shopping so please would you send your 50p into school by Wednesday 14th
December at the latest.
No donations of food thank you.

The children will be enjoying a performance by a children’s magician!! There will also be
dancing and party games.
And finally………………….St Catherine’s Hospice Christmas Friends are available from the
office £1.50 each.