Derry Hill School

16th December 2008

Dear Parents and Governors

This newsletter comes to you at the end of a very busy term. Last week saw the Christmas celebration shared by Key Stage 1 in a wonderful Christmas celebration ”Nearly No nativity”. May I take this opportunity to thank the staff who give of their time and patience and all the pupils who play such a key role in these events.

All pupils will finish school at 2.10 on Friday 19th December after our Key Stage 2 Carol Service in the church beginning at 1.15. All children will return to school in the New Year on Monday 5th January 2009. May I wish everyone a happy restful and peaceful holiday.

The Wolf and the Woodcutter Pantomime
The pantomime “The Wolf and the Woodcutter” was enjoyed by all children and staff on Friday 5th December. The performance lasted for an hour and a half and everyone was engrossed the whole time, “Oh yes they were!!”

Swimming 2009
Year 3 will be taking part in swimming lessons in Terms 3 and 4. We have negotiated with Calne Leisure Centre for Year 3 to have an hour lesson 10.30-11.30 on Mondays. The dates are as follows:
January 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
February 2nd, 9th, 23rd,
March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
A letter has been sent to all parents of Year 3 pupils requesting a donation of £25 which helps towards the cost of transport by coach to and from the pool, pool hire and lifeguard. Please make cheques payable to Derry Hill Primary School. To make this activity possible we rely on donations from parents.

Year 2 will be taking part in swimming lessons in Terms 5 and 6

Admissions Policy 2010-2011 Consultation.
Changes to the admission law following consultation (The Education and Skills Bill) means that for admission arrangements for entry in 2010-11 all admission authorities (schools) are required to consult with relevant parents. Please find the draft admissions policy on the school website.
I would be grateful if you could feedback your responses to admin@derryhill.wilts.sch.uk by January 30th 2009.

Free School Meal Eligibility
If any parents are receiving Income Support benefit they may be entitled to receive free school meals for their children. Schools receive extra funding for children that are eligible, whether or not they choose to take free school meals. I should be grateful if parents could let me know, in confidence, if they are entitled to receive free school meals for their children.

Important Lunchtime Details
Mrs Smith has been advised by Sodexo Ltd that any child with a food allergy or special dietary needs, must be on a register. Could you please inform Mrs Smith in writing if your child has any food allergies or special dietary needs by Friday 19th December 2008 at the latest. If Mrs Smith does not have this information by the end of this term, then your child will be unable to have a hot school lunch at the beginning of the New Year.

Dates and Events for the New Year

Some More Information About the Term Ahead

Students
Our three school placement students will be joining us full time for the month of January, Emma Pratt Year 4, Santana Briggs Year 5 and Kathryn Dunmow Year 6.

Ephiphany Church Service
A church service to celebrate Epiphany will be held on Tuesday 6th January at 9.30. All parents and friends welcome.

Road Safety Workshops
Year 1, 3 and 4 will be taking part in Wiltshire Walk Safe Road Safety Programme. The programme encourages and helps children develop the skills required to deal with the traffic environment as a pedestrian and to develop strategies to make decisions and assimilate the risks in on-road situations.

Andy’s Music Workshop
On Tuesday January 13th Andy Warn’s Sounds Roadshow will be visiting the school. Andy is an accomplished musician and an experienced teacher. He will be working with all the children, promoting their enthusiasm for music as a whole, and giving them the opportunities to play a variety of instruments. It promises to be not only an entertaining day but an educationally memorable experience.

Term 4

Holiday Monday 16th February- Friday 20th February

May I wish you all a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Yours sincerely

S Staton

Sheryl Staton
Headteacher