Welcome back to the new school year at Churchstanton. It is great to see all the children back looking relaxed and healthy and full of news about their holidays!

The school has had a several improvements over the past six weeks including the playground, the library, the path to the Foundation area and eventually (weather permitting) the main building! Have you also noticed something that has gone?

I would like to thank the few volunteers who gave up their valuable time to repaint areas of the school and the classrooms to keep it looking in good condition. Without their help the school would not be in the improved condition it currently is, which ultimately benefits all of the children.

I also totally misjudged the amount of time I spent at school and could not complete my decorating chores at home before embarking on my holidays in mid-August. This did not rest well with Mrs Mills and as a result, cost me heavily as a professional had to complete the work. But I have nevertheless survived and lived to tell the tale… albeit by the skin of my teeth!

School Lunches

There will be no hot lunches until further notice, but we will keep you informed.

The school is now trying to ensure many items are recycled and to help aid this target we are asking children to take their rubbish home after their packed lunches. I would also like to remind parents that we are a Healthy School and the children’s packed lunches should reflect this. Chocolate bars are therefore discouraged.

Snacks at morning break must however be a healthy option and confectionary and crisps are not allowed.

Free School Meals

If you are receiving Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance or claim Child Tax Credits and earn less than £16,190 per annum but do not claim Working Tax Credits, you may well qualify for free school meals. If you would like a claim form please contact the school office who will be pleased to send one home for you to complete. If you are eligible for free school meals but do not wish for your child to have them, we would still like you to complete the claim form as the school will receive funding for each eligible pupil irrespective of whether they have the meal.

Security

This is a reminder to all parents picking up their children at the end of the day. Children must be picked up at the far end of the playground so that the school only has one collection area. Please do not wait for your child in other areas of the school, most notably on the path by the swimming pool.

School Uniform

We are very proud of the appearance of our children and are most grateful for the co-operation of parents in sending children to school in the correct uniform, which is as follows:

BOYS

• White shirt/polo shirt
• Navy school sweatshirt (available through the School Office)
• Black or grey trousers/shorts
• Black shoes (no trainers please)

GIRLS

• White shirt/polo shirt
• Navy school sweatshirt (as above)
• Black or grey skirt/pinafore dress/trousers
• Light blue & white checked dress (summer)
• Black shoes (no trainers please)

Optional navy blue school fleece jackets and shower-proof coats may be ordered from the School Office.

PLEASE ensure that all items are clearly marked with your child’s name.

PE Kit

Please ensure children have their PE kits here on their PE days and that they wear the appropriate clothing.
All children should have the following sports kit:

• One white T-shirt
• One pair of blue or black gym shorts
• Daps (Class 1) or trainers with non-marking soles
• Tracksuit or joggers/sweatshirt for outdoor PE in the cold weather.

Sports clothes should be kept in a drawstring bag (available if required from the School Office). Please note that children will only be allowed to participate in PE and games lessons if they have their full kit in school. If your child has pierced ears, only plain studs are allowed and these must be removed or taped over before taking part in PE activities. No other jewellery is authorized in school.

School Absences

If your child is absent from school it is very important that you telephone the school office on the first morning of your child’s absence to report the reason from 8.30 onwards. Alternatively email – sch.105@educ.soemrset.gov.uk

Additionally, if your child needs to leave school early or arrives after registration has closed, please ensure they are signed into/out at the office.

Post

There is a secure post box situated just inside the door of the main reception area. Any letters containing money should have the amount, purpose and your child’s name clearly written on the outside of the envelope.

Dates

29 September Harvest Assembly - 10.30 a.m.
2 October Friends Bad Taste night – Churchinford Village Hall
4 – 8 October Class 3 Residential (Treyarnon Bay)
22 October INSET Day
25 October – 29 October Half Term
9 November Parents Evening
10 November Parents Evening
8 December Nativity - 2.00 p.m.
9 December Nativity - 6.00 p.m.
16 December Class Parties - p.m.
17 December Carol Service - 1.30 p.m.
4 January Spring Term begins
18 February 2010 INSET Day
6 June 2010 INSET Day
22 July 2010 INSET Day

Newsletter

If you would like to receive a copy of the weekly newsletter electronically, please could you register on the school web site www.churchstantonprimary.co.uk please could you also inform the school office so we can adjust the number of printed copies.

Old Furniture

• We have a large TV (not flat screen) with optional display stand and video player to go to a good home in lieu of a small donation.
• There is also a very large desk and computer trolley outside Class 3 – it would still make good firewood if nothing else!

Violin Lessons

Anyone interested in beginning violin lessons please contact Sarah Samson on 01823 601583.

Tea and Tissues

Monday 6th September at 8.50am. Friends would be glad to see any ‘old’ faces to support new mums and dads in the school hall after drop-off.