Weekly Update from Mr Meehan

This week, our week began waving off our excited Year 5 pupils to their Carroty Wood trip. Whilst a bit cold at times, the weather was generally kind (give or take the odd shower!) and the children were great role models for our school and got immersed in all the activities. I know that Mr Burkinshaw was impressed with how the children challenged themselves and each other, encouraged, supported and looked after one another, joined in with everything and kept their spirits up - even when it rained! 

The rest of our junior children enjoyed hearing the story of how one author showed great perseverance and resilience in getting her first novels published; this was Mel Taylor-Bessent who visited us on Tuesday, who has just published her second children’s book, ‘The Christmas Competition’. At CCNM, we are blessed to have another author and storyteller visiting us, at both the infants and juniors, next Monday, as Bob Hartman visits us to entertain the children and bring his stories to life in song and actions. We want to keep the reading vibe going, and there will be news of a spin-off writing competition for the juniors coming soon. 

It was a lovely Harvest service this morning down at Christ Church, which has ended the week beautifully. For me, it was the first time to see all our children at work together and it was a delight. The singing was beautiful to hear, and my thanks to Mrs Bond for practising all the songs with the children in these recent weeks. The children were in good voice! It was also lovely to see some of our parents joining us for this act of worship.

You can see some photos of these and other activities that children have been involved in at school in this month’s newsletter here.

Thanks for getting started on the booking for parents evening. We are pleased to also let you know of an additional opportunity to come into school and see all your child’s books in our forthcoming ‘Learning Look’ event. This will be a time for you to come in with your child so they can show off all their learning so far in the year. This will be Thursday 10th November between 5-6pm and you are all warmly invited. 

 

Key Updates for Parents

World Day 

In response to ‘pupil voice’ we are excited to have a World Day on Monday 17th October. Children are welcome to prepare a presentation to share with their class about their own country or a country of their choice. They are also welcome to come in traditional dress from their country if they would like to.

Parents’ Evening - Online Video Appointments - 18th - 20th October

We have the following online opportunities for parents to meet with their childrens’ class teachers:

• Tuesday 18th October - Y6 Parents’ Evening - 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday 19th October - Nursery - Y5 Parents’ Evening - 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday 20th October - Nursery - Y6 Parents’ Evening - 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (School closes 1 hour early)

Further details with booking instructions have been sent separately via ParentMail.

No Nuts

Please don’t put our community at risk - for some, exposure to nuts could kill - there should be no nuts in lunch boxes or given as snacks on the school grounds.

PTA Drinks & Nibbles AGM
The PTA would like to invite all parents to join us on Thursday 13^th October 8PM for AGM drinks and nibbles (Infant Hall) - meet the PTA team and other parents across the school community and hear all about the highlights and exciting plans for this school year at our annual AGM. It’s a lovely opportunity for the parent community to come together. 

Nursery & Reception Tours for Prospective Parents

We have the following tours available for prospective parents looking for a place in Reception:

• Thursday 13th October @ 9:30 a.m.
• Thursday 20th October @ 10.30 a.m. 
• Thursday 10th November @ 9:30 a.m. 
• Monday 21st November @ 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday 24th November @ 9:30 a.m.

Nursery tours are available on Tuesday 18th October and Tuesday 1st November @ 9:30 a.m.

Appointments During School Hours

Wherever possible please make appointments out of school hours. However, if your child has a medical appointment during the school day, please remember to inform the office, either in person or by email.

SCL Holiday Club - October Half Term £200 Giveaway

Please see the attached poster from SCL Holiday Club for a chance to win up to £200 of One4All retail vouchers.

Donations to Food Banks

We are aware that some parents at the Harvest Service today were disappointed not to get the opportunity to donate food.  We have included a link to the Trussell Trust, who support a nationwide network of food banks, if you would be interested in making a donation.

Teaching Assistant Job Vacancies

Are you an enthusiastic teaching assistant who has a passion for learning, will put the needs of our children first and has excellent interpersonal skills? Are you a flexible and confident team player who has experience of working in school settings? Then we have the job for you. You would be supporting children’s learning, assisting the class teachers and helping to make and maintain a positive, organised and efficient environment.  For more details see the school website.

 

Key Dates - Autumn 2022

• Monday 3rd October - Whole School - Author & Bible Story Teller Visit (Bob Hartman) 
• Thursday 13th October - Reception Tour for Prospective Parents @ 9:30 a.m.
• Friday 14th October - PTA Disco’s Infants followed by Juniors
• Tuesday 18th October - Nursery Tour for Prospective Parents @ 9:30 a.m.
• Tuesday 18th October - Y6 Parents’ Evening - 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday 19th October - Nursery - Y5 Parents’ Evening - 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday 20th October - Reception Tour for Prospective Parents @ 10:30 a.m.
• Thursday 20th October - Nursery - Y6 Parents’ Evening - 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (School closes 1 hour early)
• Friday 21st October - Inset Day (School closed)
• Monday 24th - Friday 28th October - Half Term
• Tuesday 1st November - Nursery Tour for Prospective Parents @ 9:30 a.m.
• Thursday 10th November - Reception Tour for Prospective Parents @ 9:30 a.m.
• Thursday 10th November - Whole School - Learning Look @ 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Wednesday 16th November - Reception - Y6 Individual Photographs
• Monday 21st November - Reception Tour for Prospective Parents @ 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday 23rd November - Y1-6 Author Visit (Banji Alexander)
• Thursday 24th November - Reception Tour for Prospective Parents @ 9:30 a.m.
• Tuesday 6th December - Christmas Music Concert 
• Wednesday 7th December - Christmas Music Concert (reserve date)
• Friday 9th December - Christmas Jumper Day
• Thursday 15th December - Christmas Party Day
• Friday 16th December - Christmas Service at the church - 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
• Friday 16th December - Last day of term - School closes 1 hour early:
  • Infants @ 2:15 p.m.
  • Nursery @ 2:20 p.m.
  • Juniors @ 2:30 p.m.
  • Connect will start at 2:15 p.m. and run until 5:15 p.m.