Newsletter 29th September 2017

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Friday 29^th September 2017

Dear Parents and Carers

We are 4 weeks in to term and the summer holidays seem a long way away.  At this time children start to become a little more tired and half term (we break up on Friday October 20^th) seems as if it will never come.  Can I remind you please that children need to sleep well.  Generally the NHS recommends:

Age in years	Approximate hours of sleep
4	11 hours 30 minutes
5	11 hours
6	10 hours 45 minutes
7	10 hours 30 minutes
8	10 hours 15 minutes
9	10 hours
10	9 hours 45 minutes
11	9 hours 30 minutes

How lack of sleep can affect children: Evidence shows that night time sleep is just as important as healthy eating and exercise for children to develop. Those who don't get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight or obese. This is because they tend to crave and eat sugary or starchy food during the day to give them energy to stay awake.  The key to how much is enough sleep, is whether a child gets up fairly easily in the morning, is alert and happy for most of the day and is not grumpy.  Younger children who are persistently sleep-deprived seem irritable and overactive, seek constant stimulation and don't concentrate well. 

Reception Places for September 2018 – 19

It is that time of year when parents start looking for schools.  For children due to start Reception in September 2018, the deadline for applications is 15^th January 2018.  We are holding an ‘Open Week’ for prospective parent/carers from Monday 13^th November to 17^th November 2017.   Please phone the school on 0207 703 9264 to make an appointment for a tour of the school at one of the following times:-

• Monday 13^th November at 1.30pm
• Tuesday 14^th November at 9.30am & 1.30pm
• Wednesday 15^th November at 1.30pm
• Thursday 16^th November at 1.30pm & 6pm
• Friday 17^th November at 1.30pm

 

We still have a few spaces across the infant school.  Please advise friends and family if they need a space for their child.  We would be pleased to see them. Please telephone the Infant school: 0207 703 9264 for a meeting with the Head of School.

Mac Millan Coffee Morning

Thank you to everyone who supported our coffee morning and ‘own clothes’ day. Wow what a turn out – the school hall was packed!  Last year, through your generosity we raised an amazing £633.  We will let you know the total for this year as soon as possible. Thank you again!

High Expectations and Standards

We started the year off well with children well equipped for school but as time has gone on children may have lost items of clothing or things have become difficult to find. All school uniform should be named. We do need children to be equipped properly for PE so can you make sure they bring in named PE kits. The government have prioritised sport in the curriculum and we want to make sure we are improving children’s physical fitness and self-discipline by providing regular physical activity. 

Safeguarding

We have a duty of care to the children in our school.  We know that our parents work hard to ensure all our children are safe.  Sometimes child abuse can happen and it can take many forms.  It could happen to any child, in any family in any place and online. Sometimes children themselves struggle to treat other children as they should.  We can all play our part in preventing abuse.  School is somewhere where parents should seek support.  School is here to help families cope.  If there is any family in difficulty, put them in touch with our Safeguarding team at school.  The team is:

• Mrs Gallagher – Juniors and Infants  - Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Ms Kirrane  - Infants
• Mr Reilly  - Juniors
• Mrs Grant Canning  - Juniors
• Mrs Chys  - Infants

 

Dates for your diary

Wednesday 18^th October: Parents Evening

Thursday 19^th October: Parents Evening

Friday 20^th October: International Day

Friday 20^th October: Break up for half term (21^st October - 29^th October)

Monday 30^th October: Return to school after half term

 

Reflection:

It is not easy to understand the mind of God. He sees goodness where we see none; he showers blessings where none seem to be deserved. Yet even with our limited vision we can be sure he is near us whenever we call him.

 

Anita Gallagher

Executive Headteacher