Newsletter 27: 10th May 2019
‘The best that I can be’
Meeting with the Minister of State for School Standards
On Wednesday, I visited the Houses of Parliament, along with some other Havering Headteachers, to meet with the Minister of State for Schools, Nick Gibb. We were able to speak very frankly to him for over an hour about the challenges we face, particularly in Havering. Our local MP Andrew Rosindell organised the visit, which was a rare opportunity to speak directly with someone who has a lot of influence over school funding. We left the meeting feeling that our voices had been heard and hope that the next spending review will take the concerns of Headteachers, teachers and parents into account.
LIFE Passports
All children in LIFE schools will be given a LIFE Passport today, full of fun activities to complete this term.
There will be certificates for children who complete them and hand them in by 1st July and special prizes for those who include additional information and photographs. I hope you will all enjoy completing the activities together, or talking about ones that you have already completed.
Polling Day
The school will be used as a polling station on Thursday 23rd May. The late notice is due to the fact that the European elections are now taking place because of the delay to Brexit. I am hopeful that an alternative polling station will be found in the village so that future elections will not necessitate the school closing. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
An Evening of Song with Dame Tipping Gospel Choir (and friends!)
On Wednesday 22nd May at 6.30pm in St. John’s church, Dame Tipping Gospel Choir are presenting an evening of song. The children’s choir will also be taking part and there will be solo performances from Bethany Rose, the choir’s director. The event is a fundraiser for the school, so please come and support if you can. Tickets will be on sale from next week (£5 for adults and £3 for children, including refreshments). The children will bring home a letter and ticket request form about this today. I hope to see lots of you there.
SATs Breakfast Club
We are inviting all children in Year 6 to attend a special breakfast club, free of charge, on Monday to Wednesday of SATs week (13th-16th May). Please bring your Year 6 child in for this if you possibly can. We will be starting at 8.15am.
Wellbeing Tea Party
Our LIFE Ambassadors and Collective Worship Leader surprised the staff today with a tea party. They wanted to show all the staff how much they are appreciated. As well as tea and cake, the children gave speeches to the teachers and support staff. They gave a special thank you to Mrs. Johnson, who has worked at the school for nearly 40 Years and who turned 80 during the holidays.
Special Lunch
On Thursday 16th May, Census Day, we will be having a special ‘Superheroes Day’ lunch. The menu is: Sweet Chilli Chicken Pasta, Cheese and Tomato Pizza, Garlic Bread, Salad or Baked Beans and a Jam Doughnut. Meals cost £2.20 and are free for all children in years R, 1 and 2. Please encourage your children to have a school lunch on this day, as it helps with our funding.
Clubs Payments
All children who have applied for clubs have been allocated places.
Please could you ensure that you pay for clubs before they attend. Mrs Wakeman has put 2 offers on Squid- 1 for sports clubs and one for all other clubs. Thank you for your co-operation.
Attendance
Reception and 1 : 97.58% ; Class 2 :100% ; Class 3 and 4 : 95.67% ; Class 5 and 6 :97.32 %
Class 2 are our attendance Superstars once again !
Work of the Week
Reception/Year 1- Layla-Rose Stevens for writing an excellent letter to Prince Harry and Meghan.
Class 2- Sian Stafford for her beautiful presentation and precise instructions
Class 3/4- Maisie Randall for working with real enthusiasm this week and Demi-Bleu Strunkey for making a fantastic model of a flower.
Class 5/6- Faye Newman for her fantastic factual writing.
Commendations
Reception/Year 1- Harlee Hammonds-Johnson for approaching all of his learning with enthusiasm and Lily Nicholls for being very helpful and very kind.
Class 2- Ella Murch, Eva Ali and Michelle Nemhara for persevering to tell the time in 5 minute intervals.
Class 5/6- Sapphire Hagon for her continued effort and excellent spelling record.
Dates for the Diary
Wednesday 22nd May- Dame Tipping Gospel Choir presents an evening of song at St. John’s Church 6.30pm
Thursday 23rd May- SCHOOL CLOSED for polling day
Friday 14th June- Class and whole school photos
Friday 21st June- New Reception intake information afternoon 1.15-2.30pm
Dates for the Diary from the Friends of Dame Tipping
Fathers’ Day breakfast- 14th June 2019
Mrs K Waters