School Newsletter

Spring Term 2010
Newsletter No. 7 - 5th March 2010

Dear Parents,

Polling Station
Please remember we are a polling station and will be closed in the event of an election. The government needs to give only 17 working days notice of when the election is to be held. The favourite dates which we have been given so far are now Thursday 15th April, Thursday 6th May and Thursday 3rd June, however it could be any other Thursday between now and 3rd June. I apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. 

Reading Sessions
We tried to organise this last year but unfortunately did not have enough helpers. If you have 15 minutes to spare at the start of each day, between 8.55- 9.10am, we are looking for an army of helpers to read with children on a daily basis. You would have a small group of children to read with or play phonic games. This small, regular input would really benefit the children. Please see class staff or myself if you are available.

Reading and Writing at Home
I am very pleased to see that more children have been reading at home - please continue to read with your child on a daily basis. We have also noticed that the extra reading is also having an impact on the children’s writing in school. If you could encourage writing at home, whether it’s stories, diaries or shopping lists, and bring in examples of their work the staff would love to see what the children have been doing.

Hats for Haiti
We raised £118.30 for Haiti. Well done everyone you all looked brilliant.

Lateness
Please remember school starts at 8.55am. The children start working as soon as they come in to school. I have noticed a number of children are persistently late. This will mean that your child is missing out on their handwriting and spelling practise which happens straight after the bell. This will affect their learning and achievement. Please ensure all children are in the playground before the bell. This ensures the children have a settled and calm start to every day.

Table Top Sale and Gardening Morning
This Saturday 6th March is the Friends table top sale in the hall, starting at 12.00. There are 21 tables booked so do come along, there will be plenty of shopping opportunities. And hopefully the sun will continue to shine for the volunteers doing the gardening.

No Smoking Day
Thursday 11th March is National No Smoking Day. It would be great if there could be no smoking around the school grounds on this day!

Easter Bingo
The Friends of Emscote Infant School Easter Bingo takes place on Friday 19th March. There will be a non-uniform day on Thursday 18th March when the children can come to school in their own clothes in return for bringing an Easter egg donation for the bingo and tombola.

Children’s Easter Raffle
Year 2 will be selling raffle tickets in school from Monday 23rd March at 10p a ticket. The tickets will also be on sale at the Easter Bingo.

Easter Church Service
The Easter church service takes place at All Saints Church on Thursday 25th March at 9.15am.

Sport Relief Day
On Friday 26th March children can come to school dressed as a sporting personality or in
their favourite sports gear and bring a small donation for Sport Relief. All the children will be taking part in a fun run in the playground during the day.

Friends Meeting
The next meeting of the Friends of Emscote Infant School is on Tuesday 10th April at 7.30pm in school.

Skills Database
We would like to create a list of parents with skills that might be useful in school. If you are proficient in such skills as carpentry, painting or sewing do let us know.

After School Clubs
Please remember when it is a parents’ evening week clubs run by school staff will not take place. The only club to continue will be football which is run by an outside provider. Sorry for any confusion this time.

Scallywags Kids Club
Offers excellent childcare for children aged 4 – 11.  Breakfast Club 7.45 – 8.45am including breakfast.  After school Club 3.00 – 5.30pm including snack.  Holiday Club 8.30am -5.30pm planned activities and outings. For more information call Jo 07834 241414/Pam07759 301115. If you need a place for September 2010 please contact Scallywags as soon as possible because the club is nearly full.

Money in School
Please make sure that all money for trips, dinners, sports club etc. is sent into school in a clearly labelled envelope.

100 Club
The Friends of Emscote Infant School 100 Club is a monthly lottery draw where half the money raised goes towards cash prizes for 3 lucky winners and the other half goes towards funds to benefit the children in school. If you would like to join (numbers are £1 each per month) please pop in to the office or see Jo West (Ella, Chestnut).

Free School Meals
If you are eligible to free school meal please ensure you collect a form from the school office. Your child will also be entitled to free school milk if they are registered. Even if your child has packed lunch it is important to register for free school meals as the school gets extra funding which will help all the children in school.

Grants for Laptops and Broadband Access
You are reminded families that are eligible for free school meals are entitled to apply for laptops and internet connections. The Prime Minister has made this pledge to try and give ALL children home computer access. You need to ring 0333 200 1004 for an application and we are more than happy to provide any help needed in this process.

Playground
Please remember that the adventure play equipment, train and sandpit are for pupils’ use only during playtime and lunchtime. We are not covered by the school’s insurance for children playing with them before and after school.

Holiday Applications
If you are thinking of taking a holiday during term time you are reminded you need to complete a holiday application form at least 6 weeks before you intend to travel; there is no automatic right to absence for a family holiday and each application will be assessed taking into account such criteria as attendance and SATs exams.

Finally, I would like to thank parents for their continued support to the children and staff of Emscote Infant School which makes the school such a special place.

Debi Cossins
Headteacher