.....St. Benet's School Newsletter

September 2003

Dear Parents, At last – a newsletter! Thank you for your response to my letter sent out last Friday. It has certainly eased the “office situation”, but from this Mon. Mrs Vipond will man the office for 45 minutes each morning. I have spoken to County requesting additional help for the mornings. Sandra Kydd from Barnby & North Cove has very kindly agreed to work in the office during the afternoons.

I would be extremely grateful if dinner money could be paid on a Monday (by cheque preferably) in a named envelope with days / amount included(Ł1.50 per day). It should be handed in to the teacher to send through to the office. Snack money must remain separate from dinner money, and kept in class – thank you for your understanding in this matter.

My grateful thanks to Mrs Anne Curran for agreeing to share the responsibility of overseeing the school in my absence. She is now temporary KS2 Manager and works alongside Mrs Edna Pattenden, as part of the Senior Management Team. Mrs Shelagh Stairs is now Teaching Support Assistant in Class 1, Mrs Jane Easey Teaching Support Assistant in Class 3 along with Mrs Tracey English. Unfortunately the new Teaching Support Assistant we were hoping to employ for this academic year was rushed to hospital for a major operation, but I am hoping to shortly employ someone to support Class 4 and 2. I will keep you posted. Mrs Glynis Reynolds the SENCo at St. Edmund’s has kindly agreed to help support the admin and reviews for pupils with Special Educational Needs.

I have managed to introduce myself to a number of parents, but I am aware I have not met everyone. I am on duty each Tuesday am so please come and have a chat!

The Governing Body met this Wednesday, and a new Chairman was appointed. Mr Tony Hull has taken over as Chairman and it is hoped that a new Vice-Chairman will be appointed soon. A huge thank you is due to Mrs Irene Field for all her hard work as Chairman of the Governors, and I would personally like to thank her for all her kind support for me over the summer holidays

With regard to recorder groups, Mrs Pattenden and Mrs Bauers have agreed to run recorders groups during a lunchtime as an extra curricular activity. This practice is in line with schools across County, and ensures all pupils gain the full access to the National Curriculum during lesson time. The only time this may be altered is when the County employed peripatetic staff visit to give tuition eg brass tuition. May I clarify that this new arrangement is for curriculum purposes only and not linked in any way to the budget as may have been wrongly suggested!

As from next week I would be grateful if each child could bring in a small named bottle of water, to refill if they need, at the water dispenser. Many children take time out of the classroom to have a small drink, not finishing it and tipping the left over water into the trough of the dispenser which has no drain. This has caused a flood onto the new carpet and in due course will permanently cause staining. Children will remain in class to have their drink, and will still be able to continue working.

As agreed by the Governors, from 22nd September KS2 pupils will be entitled to the same lunchtime break as KS1 (12–1.15pm). I am very grateful to the Midday Supervisors for agreeing to extend their paid time.

Term Dates 2003 – 2004
Autumn Term: 2003
First half term:
Wed. 3rd September - Fri. 24th October
Half term holiday: Mon. 27th October - Fri. 31st October
Second half term:
Mon. 3rd November - Fri. 19th December
PD Days: Wed. 3rd September, Fri. 14th November
Spring Term: 2004
First half term:
Mon. 5th January – Fri. 13th February
Half term holiday: Mon.16th February–Fri. 20th February
Second half term: Mon. 23rd February – Fri. 2nd April
PD Days: Mon. 5th January
Summer Term: 2004
First half term: Mon. 19th April – Fri. 28th May
Half term holiday: Mon. 31st May - Fri. 4th June
Second half term: Mon. 7th June - Wed. 21st July
PD Days: Mon.19th April, Mon.7th June, Fri. 21st July

If there are any changes regarding PD days I will let you know at the earliest opportunity.

Masses / Services this term
Tue. 30th September 9.15am Mass – Church
Tue. 14th October 9.15am Mass - Church
Thu. 23rd October 9.15am Harvest Assembly – Hall
Tue. 18th November 9.15am Mass – Church
Tue. 2nd December 9.15am KS1 Advent Service– Hall
Thu. 4th December 9.15am KS2 Reconciliation Service / Confession – Hall
Wed.10th December 1.45pm Nativity Play - Hall
Thu. 11th December 6.30pm Nativity Play – Hall
Fri. 19th December 11am Carol Service – Church
Parents are most welcome to all the above.

There will be an Open Evening for Parents on Mon. 10th November 3.30-5.30pm. There will be more information on this, later in the term.

On Tue. 23rd Sept. there is the Friends AGM. A separate letter is shortly going out to parents.

The Governor's Annual Report to Parents takes place on Wed. 26th November at 6.30pm in Class 4. I am hoping that Alex Savage from Notre Dame High School will give a presentation on the school, and there will be opportunities for you to ask any questions. There will be light refreshments too.

It has kindly been brought to my attention that a workman’s car door was left open with keys in the ignition at 3.15pm. near Class 2 exit door last week. The issue has been addressed and all staff and workmen are asked to be vigilant as this is a potential Health & Safety risk.

Pupils may be left at 8.45am in the playground and a prompt pick up at 3.15pm for all pupils is asked for.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me – the times when I am in school are as follows:
Mon. pm
Tue. am
Wed. pm
Thu. am
Fri. pm
The answer machine is usually on when I am not in school, and either Mrs Curran, Mrs Pattenden or Mrs Kydd pick up the messages. This is common practice within all County schools that an answering machine is often in use. If a matter is of great urgency, you are welcome to contact me at St. Edmund’s school (01986 892502).

All good wishes,
Jan Southgate

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Page last modified 30th January 2004