Celebration! Buckden CE Primary School meets the FMSiS Audit (Financial Management Standards in Schools Award) 2009

We are delighted to report to you that in the last week of half term the school recieved an audit of its financial management and was successful in the process.  So good was the position of the school that we have no actions or development points to improve and can reassure you that we aim to provide the best value in spending and allocating the schools annual budget.  My personal thanks must go out to the Governing Body and Mrs Mews who have supported me tremendously in the process and in compiling the evidence base. 

23rd February 2009  

Welcome Back!.....and Welcome to Mrs Fox in Year 3

Welcome back to the second half of the spring term 2009 - it is also delightful to welcome back Mrs Kennedy this half of term.  I look forward to welcoming you all back into school for the parent consultation evenings in a couple of weeks time - look out for the letters and clipboards in the playground.  The February newsletter came out before half term - look out for the March issue in a couple of weeks time. We also welcome Mrs Jane Fox to the Badgers class for the coming half term - she has been working with us on supply and in the Kangaroos in Mrs Kennedy's absence.

5th February 2009  

SNOW INFORMATION . . . . Thursday 5th February 2009

The school is CLOSED today (Thursday 5th February) - road conditions are perilous this morning.  Announcements about school closures are being made through the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire website and news bulletins.  If you need to leave the school a message please use the school answerphone.  Mr Barber is on site before and after school.

We shall keep you updated with regards to school closure on Friday once we have a clearer picture of the weather forecast for tomorrow. 

SNOW INFORMATION . . . . Monday 2nd February 2009 & Tuesday 3rd February 2009

The school IS OPEN AS NORMAL today (Monday 2nd February).  School will run a normal day closing at 3.15pm.  Please note that to allow staff the time and safety to get home before dark the school will be closed from 3.30pm and have no staff available to deal with enquiries.  Please note that netball club has been cancelled this evening.

Tuesday 3rd February - much shall depend on the conditions over night and how this develops.  Updated notices will be placed on the website, on a notice board outside school and announcements through the local radio - please see the December Newsletter (available on the website in 'letters and communications') for details of radio stations.   If there is NO announcement then the school is open as normal.

25th January 2009  

Badgers Class - Spring & Summer 2009

Following Mrs Bliss' leave of maternity for the remainder of the academic year, we have appointed two teachers to cover this class to the end of the year - Mrs Fox from half term to Easter and Miss Mews from Easter to the summer break.  Both teachers will be coming into school between now and half term to meet with Mrs Bliss and Mr Orwin to ensure a smooth transition for the children.  Mrs Bliss will be back in school for a parents evening for the Badgers for one afternoon and evening only on Tuesday 24th February 2009.  Details to follow.

25th January 2009  

Reading Curriculum Evening - 'The Reading Jigsaw'

Our annual curriculum evening is being held on Tuesday 10th January 2009 at 7.00pm.  Parents are invited to come along to this event to learn more about the 'jigsaw' thats makes up reading in the modern primary school and specifically the schemes, resources, apporaches and strategies we use here at Buckden to support the development of reading.  There are a number of workshops taking place following a presentation in the school hall.

Foundation Stage - Early Phonics (Letters & Sounds)

Year 1 & 2- Guided Reading from a Key Stage 1 Perspective

Year 3 - Intervention Programmes (KS1 and KS2)

Year 4 & 5 - Guided Reading from a Key Stage 2 Perspective

Mrs McKeating & Mrs Breslin - Reading Support (1-2-1 and SEN support)

Year 6 - Accelerated Reader (Mrs Heather) Key Stage 2 Reading Scheme   

Key Stage 1 Multi Skills Success!

Congratulations to our Year 1 pupils who took part in the recent Multi Skills Festival at Hinchingbrooke.  I am delighted to announce that the school came away with the First and Third prizes!! The children were presented with certificates and medals in celebration assembly. 

6th January 2009  

Happy New Year & Welcome Back

Welcome back and Happy New Year to you all.  I hope you have all had a restful and joyous Christmas break.  We have a busy and challenging term ahead.  The cold 'snap' looks set to continue throughout January so would urge extra caution in the playground in the mornings.  Please could you also ensure children are sent to school with suitable clothing for break times and lunch times.  Look out for the next newsletter which details some of the forthcoming events and activities happening in school.

Buckden CE Primary School is awarded second Active Mark

I am delighted to inform that the school has recently been awarded the Active Mark 2008 for quality provision in PE and school sport.  This is the second year running that the school has achieved this award.  The school remains committed to 2 hours quality PE in school and a wide range of extra curricular sports provision, as well as accessing a range of 'top up' activities (such as multi skills and tennis) to support the 'Be Healthy' aspect of the Every Child Matters outcomes for children.

Road Safety & Safer Routes to School plus.....Walk to School Week

Walk to School Week starts on 6th October 2008.  This is a week where we work in school to encourage pupils to think about how they travel to school.  This year work will be done in all classes to support this including a 'Walk to School' passport system that will be run by the school council representatives in each class.  Children who walk to school all week will be awarded with certificates.  We hope to extend this out further by encouraging children to walk to school for longer periods of time.  Remember that there is lots of parking at the Millenium Centre if you wish to 'park and stride' to the school (this would reduce the number of cars parking in front of local residents houses) - this would count towards children walking to school during this week. 

In terms of general road safety, there have been a number of small issues that need to be addressed.  I have had some concern for some time over parking at the front of the school.  Please do not park in the staff bays at the start and end of the school day - there have been a couple of incidents of children being almost hit by cars reversing out! 

Could I also ask that parents show consideration when parking in front of neighbouring properties.  We have a good relationship with the neighbours of the school and would ask for your support in showing care when parking near school.  In addition to this it has been reported to school that a number of cars have are seen speeding along School Lane and Mill Road - extra caution should be taken as pedestrians and please use the new school crossing patrol on Mill Road.   If you are driving around school please keep an eye on your speed to ensure the safety of children and pedestrians crossing roads. 

Thank you for your support with this - it is always appreciated.

'What a lovely afternoon!'

We have had a lovely afternoon in Hawks thanks to our generous visitors. Anna and Sam Sommerville-Large who are from Kenya and are in England visiting relatives came in to share their wide and extensive knowledge of our theme for this term Kenya.

We were able to have hads on experience of a range of items made ingeniously by the people of Kenya and find out many facts about how they were made.

Sam was able to share with us on the interactive whiteboard a great range of photographs of the wildlife and landscapes of Kenya. He was also able to tell us some interesting facts about the wildlife and we were able to hold a real Hippopotumus's tooth and a cheetah's claw.

It was a lovely afternoon and some fantastic questions were asked, it was great to see the children of Hawks so engaged in their learning. We would like to thank Anna and Sam for givig us their time and sharing their knowledge, also to Alex and his family for arranging this great visit.

'Pencil Fence' in the Foundation Stage

Thank you for your patience while the new fencing is installed in the Foundation Stage area of the playground.  This is part of the project we have been working on over the summer.  It does mean that the entrance from Mill Road will be closed for at least Friday 19th and Monday 22nd September and we would ask that parents enter the playground through the school lane entrance.  Children from Reception are being sent home through the main entrance to the office - parents are asked to wait in the playground.  Thank you.

The fence is looking great - the first pencils are now in place.  We look forward to seeing the final outcome of this project as well as ensuring the safe and secure play area for our youngest pupils.

Celebration Assembly: 19.09.08

Tidy Tigger was awarded to: Kangaroos & Gibbons              Barney the Attendance Bear: Kangaroos (100%)

House Points: Aragon 114     Hardwick: 92      Hugh: 90       Lincoln: 94         Congratulations to Aragon House

Morrisons 'Lets Grow' Vouchers & School Grounds Development

The school has registered with the Morrisons Supermarket 'Lets Grow' campaign.  This can help the school earn points to redeem against gardening equipment.  Buckden CE Primary School is currently looking at plans and designs for the use of the school grounds and hope to include an outdoor classroom, sensory garden and vegetable (kitchen garden).  This venture from Morrisons will greatly help us - if you shop there please collect the vouchers and bring them into school. 

You can visit the website here to track the points we have at: http://www.morrisons.co.uk/letsgrow/ and enter our postcode PE19 5TT.

As we begin to develop the grounds we are looking for volunteers to help maintain them and support the children with the upkeep.  Do you run an allotment or vegetable garden?  Are you a grandparent with some spare time to pass on some vegetable growing knowledge to our children?  Could you spare up to an hour per week to help the gardening club maintain the gardens (including a future vegetable patch)?  Are you green fingered and have some time at a lunchtime or after school?  Please contact us - we would warmly welcome you into school!

Our aim is to have freshly grown fruit and vegetables that will be used in our own kitchen and used as ingredients in our school meals!  Sustainable schools in action. 

Parent Welcome Meetings - back by popular demand!

Our parent welcome meetings were a great success this year and were well attended by both parents and pupils!  The teachers from each team outlined the coming year, expectations for things such as homework, uniform and PE kits.  Parents were invited to visit each unit and talk to the teachers and meet them, ask any questions and find out a bit more about life in the different parts of school.  As Headteacher I would like to thank all the parents that attended and also the staff for the effort and time they gave to make these sessions a great success.

Communication Survey 2008  

A copy of this was sent home at the end of last term, but please find a link in the Partners in Learning section of the school website - link from the Homepage.  There are a number of areas of improvement that will be picked up by the PIL and Parent Council groups.

House Captains for 2008-2009 Announced

I am delighted to announce the house captains for 2008-2009 from our current Year 6 class - the Hawks.  The children were announced in our celebration assembly on Friday 12th September and will begin their duties from Monday!  Congratulations to you all.

Aragon: Faye Brooks & Ben Carter

Hardwick: Ella Nicholls & Tom Langley

Hugh: Ashleigh Bainbridge & James Sweatman

Lincoln: Cara Medlow & Jay James

We also announced our two United 23 Representatives for the Huntingdon Schools Forum: William Frost & Lauren Arscott

                                                 Our new House Captains!

Celebration Assembly: 12.09.08

Tidy Tigger was awarded to: Owls                   Barney the Attendance Bear: Badgers (100%) & Bumblebees (100%)

House Points: Aragon      Hardwick:       Hugh:         Lincoln:     (House Points commence w/c 15th September)

School Council Launched

The new school council was launched in assembly today.  The children have been elected by each class to represent them on this very busy and active group!  We welcome all the new school council representatives and both Mrs Bliss and Mr Clarke look forward to working with them throughout the coming year.  Photographs of the new reps will be on display in the school entrance on the 'Our School Community - Working Together' board.  The school council meet regularly to work on school development priorities.  Click on the 'School Council Tab' at the top of the page to find out more about this group.

Class Assemblies 2008-2009

Throughout the year our classes take turns to present a class assembly to parents, friends and the whole school.  These are normally to celebrate the work being covered or completed over the last term.  They are always to a very high standard.  It is always delightful to see so many family and friends coming into to share these assemblies.  I am pleased to announce the dates for class assemblies this year.  Assemblies are usually held at 9.05am on a Tuesday morning and parents are asked to enter the school via the office.

Parent Welcome Meetings - Wednesday 17th September 2008

Parent welcome meetings are being held once again this year for each year group phase we have in school.  This is an opportunity for you to come and meet your childs new teachers and team, learn about the work that will be undertaken, find out more about the expectations and in particular how homework shall be structured this year.  A new Homework Policy has been produced after consultation with the Parent Council and Partners in Learning group.

Year 1/2 - 3.30pm      Year 3 - 4.00pm       Year 4/5 - 4.30pm   

Reception are holding a welcome meeting on Friday 26th September at 2.00pm to formally welcome all the new parents in our two new reception classes.  The Year 6 welcome meeting will be announced shortly - this meeting will come later in the term and will outline the expectations in Year 6, national assessments (SAT's) and how were progress towards them and transition in preparing for secondary school.  We are awaiting for additional guidance from the DCFS and Local Authority before we hold this meeting.

Foundation Stage Alterations

As you may be aware, a lot of building work internally was completed over the summer break to create a larger, more open Foundation Stage unit in our school.  We are delighted this work has been completed and look forward to making the most of the space created.  However, we are still awaiting the fence to secure the play area for the youngest children in our school.  This is scheduled to be installed during the week commencing: 15th September 2008.  When this work does begin it may mean access from Mill Road is closed - I will update you if this is the case.

9th September 2008 

Governing Body - Chair & Vice Chair Elections

Our Governing Body meets at the start of each academic year to establish its terms of reference, working practices and to elect the Chair and Vice Chair of the Governing Body. 

Having served as the Chair of Governors for the last two years, Mrs Kathy Avery has now stepped down from this role due to a greater work commitment.  Mr Graham Wilkinson, the Vice Chair for the last two years has also stepped down.  I wanted to personally thank them both for thier tireless and tremendous hard work in supporting the leadership and strategic development of the school over the last two years.  Both Kathy and Graham will continue to serve on the Governing Body.

Following nomination from the members of the Governing Body I pleased to announce that Mr Andy Jarvis (current Parent Governor) has been elected as the Chair of Governors for 2008-2009.   Many of you will know Andy and have had contact with him in the playground.  Mrs Kathy Avery has been elected as the Vic Chair of Governors.  The school has had a significant change in leadership over the last 12 months and the school is very much looking forward to working in partnership with both Andy and Kathy.  Our committes will be finalised in the next round of meetings.

We do have a full complement of Parent Governors: Mr Andy Jarvis, Mrs Caroline Hurrell, Mrs Joy Bradley, Mrs Lee Munday, Mrs Anne Carter and Mr Phillip Mowat.  Please see the Governor section of the website for more information.

Building Work - Progress Report

As outlined in the last newsletter of the summer term, building work commenced in the Foundation and Key Stage 1 areas of the school.  To date, the contractors (Lindum Sturgeon) have worked ahead of schedule and have completed the replacement of the activity room floor, built the new partition walls for Key Stage 1 and the Kangaroos classroom, as well as knocking through walls to create a shared open space for the two reception classes.   This week work has started on putting in a new external door from the Kangaroos to the playground and preparing this area for a new fence.  A new carpet in the activity room will be laid next week.  I'll update you again once the work is complete. 

30th July 2008  

Good Bye and Thank You!

We have said a fond farewell to Miss Robinson at the end of the summer term.  Miss Robinson has been with us for the last four years, joining us after a period here as an undergraduate trainee teacher.  MIss Robinson leaves us to undertake a Masters Degree course, an opportunity she could not let pass by.  Wish her all the best for the future and thank her for all she has brought to the school (Fair Trade Foods come to mind!). The school presented her with gifts and flowers in a special assembly at the end of term and she also presented the school with gifts of playground games and sponsored children through Oxfam.

New Deputy Headteacher Appointed

After a very positive and competitive recruitment process we have been able to appoint a Deputy Head teacher for September 2008.  Nine applications were received and we interviewed four candidates.  The successful candidate is Mrs Sue Breslin, currently the 'Leader of Learning' at Brampton Village Primary School.  Mrs Breslin is a very experienced teacher and senior leader with a recent post as Acting Deputy Head.  We are delighted to welcome her to the Buckden Team.

2nd May 2008  

Bon Voyage! Adieu! Farewell.....Happy Retirement Mrs Janet Gunn

After 17 years working in our school, predominantly as a Teaching Assistant, Mrs Janet Gunn is leaving our school today to begin her retirement.  Mrs Gunn has been slimming down her roles over the last 12 months, retiring from midday supervision and bus escorting amongst other roles.  She will be greatly missed by not only the teaching and support staff, but pupils and parents alike.  A celebration assembly was held during the afternoon when memories were shared and gifts presented.  There were wonderful songs and poems, drums and keyboard playing from pupils as well as two piano pieces from Mr Orwin and Mr Clarke.  We wish Mrs Gunn all the very best for the future and hope that she comes and visits regularly.  With the best of wishes from everyone at Buckden CE Primary School.

New School Uniform Launched

Our new school uniform bearing the new logo (designed by our pupils and our community) was launched today.  Samples of the uniform are now on display in the playground in our new communication board.  REMEMBER - the uniform is being phased in over the next 12 months so that current uniforms can 'wear out'.

Several decisions were made after consultation with parents, pupils and staff.  The decision making process was guided by the 'Partners in Learning' group after several months considering parental and pupil responses to consultation.  We recognise it is always diffucult to accomodate everyones preference, hence the delay in announcing the new uniform following considered discussion.  The main change is the switch to a single colour with the new logo - Navy Blue - as well as an update to the PE tops now featuring house colours.  This has also been an opportunity to reinforce the uniform policy on footwear and changing for any physical activity.

The details of the uniform were sent home in a letter tonight, including an order form to purchase new items.  Old style 'acorn' jumpers are still available to purchase from the office now at half price.  The old uniform is being phased out in two rounds - the red option will be phased out from September 2008 and the full implementation of the new logo uniform will be from September 2009.  Further copies of this letter are available from the school office.

UPDATE: In error the reference to girls being able to wear navy cardigans and grey trousers was omitted from the letter that came home - we apologise for this oversight.  Girls WILL be able to wear navy cardigans and grey trousers.  

Planned Strike Action from members of the NUT (National Union of Teachers)

As you may be aware from local and national news, it was announced by the National Union of Teachers that members would be balloted on strike action for Thursday 24th April 2008. 

I am pleased to announce that Buckden CE Primary School WILL BE OPEN AS NORMAL on Thursday 24th April 2008, as members have elected not to strike.  Classes will operate as normal.  This notification is being confirmed by a letter home on Friday of this week.

Cross Country Success! In the words of Mrs Bullimore "Go On Buckden!" 

Pupils from year 6 competed in the County Cross Country Competition at Longsands Community College this evening.  Mrs Bullimore has been preparing and working our team in advance of this event and we are pleased to announce that the Buckden Boys A team came 6th out of 70 teams, Buckden Girls A team came 28th out 57 and Buckden Boys B team cam 34 out 70 teams.   Well done to all who took part - we are very proud of your achievements.  Thank you to Mrs Bullimore and our parents who came along to support this popular sporting event!

11th April 2008

Goodbye and Good Luck

The school said good bye and good luck today to Mrs Amanda Freeman.  Mrs Freeman has been working in our school for almost 8 years now as both a teaching assistant and our first aid manager.  Mrs Freeman is leaving us to take up a new post at another local school (in Huntingdon) where she has gained a well earned promotion.  In our celebration assembly we said farewell and presented her with gifts of planters and shrubs.  Mrs Freeman left us some gifts of a new 'professional' football for the girls football team and giant dominos game for the playground.  We wish her every success in her new post.

11th April 2008

New Look Newsletter - by popular demand!

A new look newsletter format will now be coming home in an A3 format at the start of each month.  See edition 1 here --> Newsletter 1 The next edition of the newsletter shall be coming home on the 2nd May 2008.  All newsletters and general letters will be uploaded to the website from this month so you have a ready reference for any lost letters!  Please click on the 'Newsletters and Letters' tab on the home page (main page - left hand side).  Also - if you would like these communications by e-mail, please speak to the office about signing up to 'parentmail' our popular school-home e-mail service.

8th April 2008

New Security Arrangements - with effect from 8th April 2008 

A letter has been sent home this evening to outline some changes we have had to make to school security over the Easter Break.  For some time now the local authority has been actively encouraging all primary schools to ensure they have what is known as a 'single point of entry'.  This in effect simply means ONE single entry point for all parents, carers and visitors to the school.  Our school is unique in that we have a high proportion of external doors around the perimeter of the building. 

In order to ensure the safety and security of staff and pupils at all times, the external doors will now be closed and locked from the outside. This has been a concern from the schools point of view for some time and we have now been able to implement the relevant changes and improvements.  With effect from Tuesday 8th April 2008 parents, carers and visitors will not be permitted to enter the building through any perimeter door other than the main entrance to the office/reception area. 

This really is important as our school widens its provision of out of hours learning and clubs, as well as the staff and Governors being satisified that the school is safe and secure at all times, particularly at times when there are numerous adults around the school site at the start and end of the school day.  Any adult entering the building must report to reception and sign in. 

20th March 2008

Farewell and thank you for the music! 

Staff, Pupils and friends of Buckden CE Primary School said a fond farewell to Mrs Leverett in a special leavers assembly on the theme of an Opera.  Throughout the assembly cards were presented from each class, intertwined with performances from year groups - including the African Drums, Handbells and singing from Year 2, 3, 4 and 5.  Children from the hand bell ringing club performed the opening to the assembly (and the close!).  Our Kangaroos performed a song (very ably led by Mrs Kennedy who took the drama role too seriously!). Children from across the school presented Mrs Leverett with gifts of two cherry trees, compost, stakes and plant food. In addition to this she was presented with cards and garden centre vouchers.  Mrs Leverett talked through the happy times she has had in the school and how much she has enjoyed bringing music alive in the school again.  She also talked through the gift she wished to leave the school - a trophy for Year 6 Leavers' for Performing Arts.  We know Mrs Leverett will not be a stranger to the school and we shall see her over the coming years in her new role as a Primary Inspector for Cambridgeshire.  The school wishes Mrs Leverett well in her future career and THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC!

20th March 2008

Thank You 

We said a big thank you to Mrs Janet Gunn who retired from her position as a bus escort for our children who travel into school the from the surrounding villages.  A gift of flowers and cards were presented at the start of Mrs Leverett's leaving assembly.  

New Headteacher Appointment - A Message from the Chair of Governors

Following Mrs Leverett's resignation the Governing Body has undertaken and completed a recruitment process over the last two days to find a new Headteacher for our school.  The selection process was completed yesterday and I am pleased to let you know that Mr Andrew Clarke has been appointed as Headteacher.

As you know, Mr Clarke had already accepted the position of Acting Headteacher for the summer term, so Mr Clarke's appointment as Headteacher will now take effect from 7th April 2008. 

To cover the Deputy Head post in the interim (summer term 2008) Mrs McKeating and Mrs Bliss shall be acting as Assistant Headteachers for the school.

Yours Sincerely,                                                                                                                                                      Kathy Avery (Chair of Governors)

Tesco Computers for Schools Vouchers

Once again we are collecting the Tesco Computers for Schools vouchers which are now available from all Tesco stores and petrol stations until the 3rd May 2008.  There is a collection box in the school entrance lobby.  Pleaase help us to collect as many vouchers as possible to help us build up the ICT resources in school.  Thank You!

Book Banding  

During the week of 14th April 2008 the Key Stage 1 reading scheme will be reorganised and book banded by the local authority 'Schools Library Service'.  This means that it will be essential for ALL reading books to be returned to school during that week.  We shall remind you nearer the time when the books need bringing back.

Mini Pots of Care Appeal - Marie Curie Daffodil Day 

Thank you for your support and donations with this appeal.  We have collected almost £300 to date - if you have any more sponsor money or donations please send them in as soon as possible.

Mathletics Championships Success!

Buckden pupils took part in the annual online 'Mathletics' challenge along with several other local schools.  Pupils were competing on line with individuals from not only Cambridgeshire and the rest of the UK but also with children from schools as far afield as China, Australia, New Zealand and the USA!  At one point a pupil from our school was Number 1 (really!) in the world rankings.  Our schoolo came 2nd overall for Cambridgeshire and our Year 5 team were the best performing school in the UK.  Our thanks go to Mrs Gibbs and Mrs Bullimore who led on this event and supported so many of our pupils in achieving these honours.  May we also take this opportunity to thank parents for their support at home.

Well Done Key Stage 1 - 2nd Place in Sports Competition!

Buckden was represented at a local sports festival last week as part of our work with the Huntingdon Sports Partnership Programme.  We are delighted to let you know that our team of children came second overall in the competition and were presented with medals and certficates in assembly last Friday.  It is great to see our KS1 pupils taking part in local competitions as so often this is the domain of Key Stage 2.  Well done to you all! Thank you to Miss Robinson and Miss Adcock for leading on this event.

SEAL Curriculum Evening

Our SEAL/PSHE Curriculum Evening last Thursday was well attended by a cross section of parents, staff and Governors from the school.  Annabel Talbot & Cathy Murphy (PSHE Service) led on the theme of 'Change' and building children's resilience to change with particular reference to the changes faced in schools.  Mrs Leverett, Mr Clarke and Mrs Bliss all spoke about various aspects of the SEAL work in school and what it practically looks like in lessons. Also at the evening were a range of local services linked to the wider school (such as HuntSNet - our local group of schools, health servcies, the library service, Governors and school representatives). 

A Message from the Headteacher and Chair of Governors  

Curriculum Themes - Spring 2008  

Some parents have been asking for information about the forthcoming curriculum themes for after Christmas.  More detailed information about the units will come out in the unit newsletter at the start of the spring term - so look out for those! These themes run up to half term (5 weeks).

Year 1/2 Toys-Are-Us!                    Year 3/4 Invaders & Settlers (The Romans)                Year 5/6 Over to the news desk.....

If you think you have some expertise in these themes (especially Year 5/6 who are looking for anyone with contacts in news press or television media) it would be appreciated!

DIARY DATE! SEAL's Curriculum Evening 

We are running a SEAL's Curriculum Evening on Thursday 17th January 2008 at 7.00pm.  This is an opportunity to hear more about the programme but in particular how to devlop resilience and managing change.  Information about this has been sent home in the December 2007 Newsletter (Click here to read the newsletter).  

Your children have made their start in our school and over the coming years, as they move through their school life, they will need to respond to a number of challenges and changes in their lives.  We want our children to develop resilience - the ability to deal with challenges by understanding them, recognising their own skills, seeking advice and then moving on with their lives.

The challenge for adults is to support and help young people while encouraging them to be independent and recognising the desire to "find their way in the world".  

This curriculum evening will be chance to reflect on how home and school can support our children in their social and emotional development.  It will be an opportunity for parents to find out more about the services and sources of support which are there to help them in their role.  It should be a really useful and informative evening and we hope that as many of you as possible will attend.  More information will follow in the spring, but for now - add the date to your diary!

Sickness and Absence 

If your child is absent from school for any reason, please telephone the school BEFORE 9.30am and leave a message on the automated telephone answering service.  If the school does not hear from you, we shall telephone to ensure your child is safe at home.

If you wish to request an absence for your child or time off school please send a letter detailing the dates your child will be absent from school and the reason you have to take your child out of school during term time.  All requests will be dealt with according to the strict criteria set down by Government and Local Authority guidelines.

Please remember that requests for holidays in term time will NOT be authorised unless the circumstances are exceptional.  

Young Voices Concert - Fantastic!

Yesterday the children from our singing club and 'BoyZone' joined 5000 other children to perform in the annual 'Young Voices' concert at the NIA in Birmingham.  These concerts are held to raise money and awareness of Great Ormand Street Children's Hospital and the CLIC Sargent charity.  Demand has grown to such an extent that there are now two concerts held at each venue (Birmingham NIA, The London O2 Arena, Sheffield Arena, Manchester MEN Arena and the Royal Albert Hall).  The concert showcases young musical talent and features not only hundreds of school choirs, but also a number of young artists who perform throughout the show.  Each year more famous artists join the concerts and this year our children 'screamed the roof off' with excitement when Lee Ryan (formerly of Blue) and Breadyman (Beat Box Star!) came on stage to sing with the children!  I am sure you will be hearing (or have already heard) many of the songs as we have incorporated some of these into our Christmas Service at St Mary's Church - so look out for our own performance of 'Love Shone Down'.  

The Young Voices concert programme is available to browse in the entrance to the school and photographs from the events are availble to download from the Young Voices website (www.youngvoicesconcerts.com) as are details of how to order the concert DVD (a copy of the form can be printed and sent off).  There is also the chance to download the song by Lee Ryan 'Reinforce Love' which is a charity single for CLIC Sargent and Great Ormand Street Hospital which the children joined in with at the concert - download at http://www.tunetribe.com/OOFL.   

Cricket's Cracking Assembly

The Crickets class provided a stunning rhythmic assembly this week, presented to pupils, staff and parents.  The theme for the assembly was 'Ancient Egypt' with the children taking us through time using rhyming couplets to present the history of the period, this also included some stunning drama (well done Tom!).  The assembly was also an opportunity for the children to demonstrate the lessons from the Wider Opportunities Music programme of african drumming that has been taking place in school this term.  The assembly showed what a tremendous amount the children had learnt in such a short space of time about a Journey Down the Nile.

26th November 2007

Buckden 9 - Brington 0

The opening match of the Dickenson Cup resulted in a conquering win for Buckden with nine goals from the strong Year 6 team.  Brington fought bravely throughout the match and their players worked hard despite the crushing accumilation of Buckden goals. 

Badger Brilliant Class Assembly

The Badgers class assembly today was a tremendous display of hard work and commitment from the whole team in the Badgers class.  They took us through a superb account of thier work during anti bullying week - with a story and song! Bully Busters was based on the tune from Ghostbusters! Well Done Badgers - a super assembly!

Welcome Back

A big welcome back to you all at the start of the second half of the autumn term.  A vast amount of building work was completed over the half term break (the swimming pool is now gone and the area levelled) including the erection of two walls to give the owls a closed classroom and a new resources area.  FOB's now have a secure cupboard inside school too!  

We are about to embark upon our second curriculum themes across the units:   Year 5&6 - The Victorians                          Year 3&4 - Expedition to the Arctic       Year 1&2 - Why do we Remember?

REMINDER - Parents Consultation Evenings are being held this week - Tuesday 30th October (late session 3.30 to 7.30) and Wednesday 31st October (early session 3.30 to 6.30).  If you have not yet made an appointment there is still time to do so through the office or class teachers.

15th October 2007

Building Work

As you will have now seen in the school grounds work is well underway in developing the school site.  As we break for half term much of the work is completed and the contractors are ahead of schedule.  As we finished school this friday the following aspects were completed: (1) Swimming Pool demolished, (2) shed for playground games relcoated, (3) Cycle Racks relocated, (4) bases laid for the workshop, garage and shed, (5) Grounds work completed for new car park area and (6) gates repaired.  Over the half term break it is envsiaged that the swimming pool area shall be levelled and the site cleared ready to install the new fencing to make the front of the school secure.  After this building alterations will commence in the Owls classroom with the building of a new wall to make an enclosed classroom and resources room as well as a new store room for FOB's in the year 3/4 cloakroom area.

1st October 2007

Roald Dahl Day 

What a fantastic day! Thank you for your support and help with costumes for the day.  We hope you have had the opportunity to see our school featuring in the local press.  We have featured in both the Town Crier and Hunts Post.  Copies of the articles are on display in the entrance lobby.

1st October 2007

Open Evenings - Thank You!

A successful series of open evening meetings were completed on Thursday 27th September and each was well attended - and well done to those parents who sat through two!  May we extend a big thank you to all those parents who attended.  We had some fantastic feedback from each meeting and we hope that the information presented gave you a better and clearer insight into daily life and work in each of our units.  We attempted to film these briefing sessions and hope to get some of the information uploaded to the website in due course.  The evenings gave parents the chance to visit the classrooms and talk directly to the teachers in each unit. 

15th August 2007

Facelifted School Lobby

Mr Barber has been busy over the summer term giving the reception area to the school a bit of a makeover! We have tried to make the entrance more inviting and welcoming.  There will be updated information available (such as the school prospectus, awards and trophies, school awards such as the Healthy Schools status, children's work) as well as an interactive photograph display unit and some new furniture.  Of course you shall still be warmly greeted by Mrs Mews, Mrs Mayes and Mrs Marsh who are always on hand to help with your queries.

10th August 2007

Governor & 'Partners in Learning' Pages Uploaded

Click on the link on the left hand side of Home Page to the all new Governor and Partners in Learning pages.  Here you will find an up to date list of our school governors as well as information about the work that they do in and around school.  You will also find the work of the Partners in Learning group which is a cross section work party, inclduing staff, governors and parents, who meet regularly to discuss improving the work of the school.

20th July 2007

Welcome to our new Year 6 Teacher...

We are delighted to welcome Mrs Michelle Heather to the school as our new Year 6 teacher.  Mrs Heather joins us from Brampton Junior school as our new teacher and Art Subject Leader.  She is very excited about joining our school and is keen to develop further the high standard of art and design work across our school.  Her new class shall be called the 'Hawks' whom she had the pleasure to meet during the recent class swaps and open afternoon.