Hello all,

Christmas jumper week for the whole of next week (we have supported a number of charities recently so this is just for 'fun' and not for charity). 

Christmas dinner - once again a huge 'thank you' to our security company who paid for Christmas dinner yesterday and a huge 'thank you' to all of the staff for making it a 'special' lunch in classrooms. Reception enjoyed their lunch in the hall in front of a festive 'virtual' open fire. 

Friday December 18th - You may have read or seen that the government are allowing schools to move an INSET day if they want to, we could have done this anyway and it is not an 'extra.' IT IS A 'NORMAL' SCHOOL DAY ON DECEMBER 18TH FOR US.

We return to school on Wednesday January 6th. 

1. Eco Christmas - as a school we aren't 'humbug' but we don't have Christmas cards distributed for children. Why not make something more meaningful for someone like a wooden heart with a message or something they can keep. Please do not allow your children to bring Christmas cards into school. 

2. Forest school clothes - 

'Function over fashion' - children need to be warm at forest school so could we please ensure that they have proper layers, warm socks (or 2 pairs of socks), gloves, hat and a good coat please (many 'puffa' jackets are not filled with material that will keep people warm and are fine for fashion but not for the woods). I receive no commission for the following recommendations but they are worth sharing ! 

M and M Direct (www.mandmdirect.com) often has good quality kit at low prices (they have Trespass kit for children at the moment). 

Sport Pursuit is also a good website for slightly more expensive kit (adults and children).

Sports Direct is always good for a bargain as well. 

Maybe we will think about setting up a 'kit swap' when things become a bit more normal - children grow so quickly that we all have coats, wellies and waterproofs that may be too small and people could either donate, swap or ask for a small price (something we will consider for the newsletter). 

School waterproofs - we are in the process of replacing our school waterproofs (round 3 over the last 12 years) and some of our kit has been used for 12 years and lasted well. We are investing a bit more in trousers (as our Regatta ones have pocket holes which let the water in) but they are £16.99 each, though they will last much longer and be more robust). The total cost to replace all of the waterproofs for the entire school in one go would be around £5,500 without any badges or logos. We are likely to replace two years group kit a year and allocate certain colours so it is easier to manage. The PTA generously pay for the replacement of waterproofs for the children and always find the best deal possible. 

3. Clubs next term - 

We are not planning to re-start any clubs until at least February half term, we may not then but will judge the situation by what occurs after Christmas. 

4. School residentials - 

We have received confirmation that The National Trust have closed Stackpole Learning Centre and the staff have been made redundant, a very sad day. Hopefully there may be a glimmer of hope for the future of the centre but we are awaiting news. Currently we are planning a new opportunity with Longtown Outdoor Centre that will take place further afield. There won't be any school residentials until May at the earliest. 

5. Message from Herefordshire Council (this is for all schools not just us). 

Admission process for reception class places

We currently have a high number of primary school reception class applications outstanding and would be grateful if you can please share the following information with parents and carers via your normal channels of communication.

Herefordshire Council’s admission process for primary school reception class school places 2020 opened for applications on 14 September 2020, for children who were born between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017. 

Applications can be made online at: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/reception-class-admissions

Further information is available from the council’s school admissions team on 01432 260926 / 261574 or schooladmissions@herefordshire.gov.uk.

Please note that late applications may result in a child not being offered a place in a preferred school.  Parents and carers must still apply for a reception class place, even if they already have a place in the nursery associated with their preferred school.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 15 January 2021.

More news and information next week.....

Regards

Mr Batstone