NAMED CHARITY FOR THE YEAR

The staff have chosen ‘The Anaphylaxis Campaign’ as the school’s chosen charity for the year.

The Anaphylaxis Campaign was set up to offer information and support to those who experience or live with someone who experiences a severe allergic reaction to a particular type of food.

We dedicate our charity choice to all the pupils in school who do have anaphylaxis and in particular to Edward Wright in Year 6, who will leave our school this year, and his mum, who has offered the school much support and advice.

Along with this letter is a leaflet ‘Anaphylaxis – The Facts’ to give more details. To kick start our fundraising we will be having a non uniform day on the last day of this half term – Friday 22 October 2004. For the voluntary contribution of £1 (or more) pupils may wear fancy dress or their own clothes, preferably orange and white (which are the campaigns colours) for the day. If your child wishes to take part please ensure £1 is sent to school by Wednesday 20 October and support this worthy cause.

HARVEST FESTIVAL – THURSDAY 7 OCTOBER 2004

Please remember our harvest celebration is 9.30am this Thursday. Nursery and Reception pupils will not be attending the celebration in the hall but will have their own assembly in the classroom. All parents, relatives and friends of the school are welcome. As detailed in the last newsletter all pupils up to Year 5 are asked to bring a basket or the box of tinned meat, fish, vegetables and/or toiletries to be donated to the Padley Centre, Derby.

Year 6 pupils are asked to contribute fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables as well as dried and tinned goods to deliver to our neighbours on St Alkmunds Close.

Please remember tins must have a ring pull and not be dented or out of date. As a reminder a list of requirements is attached.

All gifts should be brought to school on Wednesday 6^th or Thursday 7^th October.

Please support this good cause.

PUMPKIN COMPETITION

Please apply the last bit of t.l.c. to your pumpkin before bringing it into school on Wednesday 6 October with a name label on. Judging will take place on Wednesday and the winners announced on Thursday after our harvest assembly. Please remember to collect your child’s Pumpkin on Thursday afternoon – any pumpkins remaining on Friday will be disposed of.

HOME-SCHOOL AGREEMENT

Last week you should have received the home/school agreement, which I would appreciate you reading and returning to school by Friday 8 October. The agreement provides mutual support and sets out clear objectives. It is not a legally binding contract but if you wish to have a formal partnership with the school and approve of the terms of the agreement then the appropriate section should be signed and returned to your child’s class teacher for safe keeping with your child’s school records.

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL/LATE ARRIVALS

If your child is absent from school due to illness it is important that you let us know by telephoning school in the morning so we can code the registers accordingly. It is expected that a letter will be sent on your child’s return to confirm the absence and its details.

Sometimes parents query the number of unauthorised absences detailed on their child’s annual report. Unauthorised absences will be coded as such for late arrivals and for unexplained absences, ie, without a phone call and letter. Your support to prevent unauthorised absences would be appreciated.

MUSIC LESSONS

The Peripatetic music teachers have organized their new timetables and issued contracts and instruments to the pupils they can accommodate. As always, demand for uptake is high and time available is limited.

If your child has requested to learn to play an instrument and has not received any details then they have been placed on a waiting list and will be offered a place by the teacher as vacancies arise. If you need clarification please do not hesitate to ask.

WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK

This week Monday 4 October to Friday 8 October is ‘Walk to School’ week and as a school we would very much like to support the campaign which encourages parents or cares to walk their children to and from school to promote a safer and healthier environment. If you are able to walk rather than drive please do so.

JUNIOR PUPILS GAMES LESSONS

All Junior pupils should have their navy and white p.e. kit and plimsolls in school at all times. In addition, as autumn has arrived and there is often a chill in the air, junior pupils need a plain navy or black tracksuit or jogging suit, socks and trainers for games lessons. This kit may need washing each week especially if the recreation ground is wet and muddy. Pupils need this extra kit as follows:

Wednesday games Years 3 & 4

Friday games Years 5 & 6

Friday tennis Year 3

HALF TERM ACTIVITIES

Allestree ‘School’s Out’ club are running Halloween activities during half term Monday 25 October-Friday 29 October 7.15am until 6.00pm at Woodlands Sixth Form Block. There are also sports activities taking place.

To book a place or for further information and details of fees telephone Amanda on 01332 737947 or 07984 908836 or e mail allestreeschoolsoutclub@hotmail.com

PTA DISCO – MONDAY 18 OCTOBER

The date for the school disco has been changed as the school was unavailable on the original date booked. The Infant disco will be held 6-7.15pm and the Junior disco 7.30-9.00pm on Monday 18 October.

PARENTS EVENING – TUESDAY 12 AND WEDNESDAY 13 OCTOBER

The boards to make an appointment for Parents Evening are on display in the entrance hall until this Friday. Please make an appointment to see your child’s class teacher, as this is an opportunity to discuss how well your child has settled into their new class and to share their targets for this term.

PERSIL STARS

Please could you send any ‘Persil Stars’ as we will be collecting them over the next few months. The school will receive Art and Craft materials for the children to use.

I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Yours sincerely

S J Whyld (Mrs)

Headteacher