School Newsletter

Spring Term 2010
Newsletter No. 5 - 6th January 2010

Dear Parents,

Happy New Year to you all.  Exciting though it was to start the term with a snowfall it has caused disruption to everyone. I apologise for the inconvenience caused by having to close the school. I am aware how awkward it was for working parents and would like to assure you that the decision was not taken lightly. However, the teaching staff at Emscote come from Coventry, Kenilworth, Stratford, Leamington and Warwick, and with just two of us within walking distance that is not enough for 160 children! I am crossing my fingers that the snow goes soon so I can sleep at night instead of checking the weather every hour.

Christmas Concert Collections
I am delighted to inform parents we have been able to send £300 to the Myton Hospice Charity. Thank you everyone for a magnificent total.

School Council
We now have an active School Council committee comprising of children from each year group. The representatives attend the committee meetings and report back to their class.

Healthy Living
As part of our healthy lifestyle initiative we would like to encourage children to drink water at lunchtimes and not bring in other drinks. Many children consume only a small amount of their lunchtime boxed or bottled drinks and the rest goes to waste.  All children have access to the cold water machines in school and are used to regular drinking sessions in class and they are able to refresh their bottles throughout the day. Replacement water bottles are available from the office at 35p each. This is only a suggestion and not a ban on other drinks! Please discuss this with your child.

Eco School
Please remember to recycle your old Christmas cards at Tesco’s and help save trees!

Scallywags
Scallywags still have some places for breakfast and after school on a casual or permanent basis. For more details and a booking form call into the Contact Centre before or after school or phone Jo 07834 241414/Pam 07759 301115.

Sharing Assemblies
Our sharing assemblies continue to be well attended and parents tell me they really appreciate seeing the lovely things the children are doing in their classes.

The sharing assemblies this term will be as follows:
Friday 9.15am
22nd January Holly class
29th January Oak class
5th February Sycamore class
5th March Cherry class
12th March Chestnut class
19th March Willow class

Clubs
After School
Monday – 3- 3.45 Gymnastics Yr1
                5.30 – 6.30 Kung Fu
Tuesday – Football and Cheerleading
Thursday – 3–3 .45 Art Yr2
                  3-3.45 Sewing Yr1
Lunchtimes
Tuesday – Computers
Wednesday – French
Thursday - Recorders/Spanish

Reading at home
Please could you support your child by reading with them at home. I know it can sometimes be difficult to find time to read with your child, but it is very rewarding having this special time together, and your input can really support your child and their progress in all areas.
Last half term Cherry class got the reading award for the most reading at home.

Helping in class
We are always looking for parents to help in school. If you can spare an hour a week class teachers would greatly appreciate the help.

Smoking
Please, please could you remember to smoke away from the school site. Not only is it now illegal to smoke on the school grounds, but also smoking does affect other parents and families, and is against the message of healthy lifestyles that the school portrays. I would really like to reduce the smoking that takes place just outside the school site and if you can refrain from smoking until you have left the area it would be much appreciated. Thank you for your consideration.

Dropping off and collecting
Please do not park in the service lane outside the school. This is for emergency vehicles that must have clear access at all times. Parking in this area puts the children in danger when they are coming to and leaving school. If you can walk to school this would reduce the congestion.

Family Information Service
For free information on a range of topics such as childcare, nurseries and services for children have a look at the website www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fis.

Friends Meeting
Last term we had really good attendance at the Friends of Emscote Infant School meetings. The next meeting is at 7.30pm on Tuesday 12th January. If you are able to help with the organising of events in school please come along.
 
Parents Coffee Afternoon
Last term we held a coffee afternoon for parents to meet each other in the staffroom for a chat. This term the coffee afternoon will be on Thursday 28th January at 2.15pm.

Parents Meetings
Please find time to attend parents meetings where we will discuss your child’s progress and how they can be supported at home. This term they will be held on Tuesday 9th February 3.00 - 5.30pm and Thursday 11th February 4.00 – 7.30pm.

Chinese New Year
February 14th marks the start of the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese lunar calendar. In celebration County Caterers will be offering a special oriental lunch menu on Friday 12th February.

Term time Children’s Clubs and Activities
An updated list of over 50 local term-time clubs and activities is now available on the school website, in paper format from the school office or via email from stock.r@myton.co.uk. Activities include Football, Spanish, Sea Cadets, Youth Clubs, Dance, Martial Arts, Badminton, Drama … and many more.

Debi Cossins
Headteacher