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Dear parents and carers
Thank you to all those who were able to see our EYFS Nativity, and our Y1-3 Christmas production this week. I hope you enjoyed the performances – the children and staff worked hard to learn the words and put on a good show for everyone!
We are looking forward to the Carol Concert at Staple Hill Methodist Church, on Tuesday next week, when the children from Y4, 5 and 6 have their chance to shine.
Christmas Fair
Thank you to the PSFA for a wonderful Christmas fair last Friday. It was good to see so many people enjoying themselves whilst raising valuable funds for the school. I know Father Christmas enjoyed meeting all of our lovely children too!
Christmas Competition
Well done to Lewis in Year 5 who won an afternoon tea for his family for his colouring in of the John Lewis teddy bear. Many of the children entered this, as a school activity, and we are pleased to say John Lewis appreciated this very much. We are also busy working on more colouring for Tesco’s and the High Street shops in Staple Hill.
Winter Illnesses
I know many of you are concerned about the Strep A information that has been sent out over the past few days. In school we are using the familiar routines put in place around covid for handwashing and sanitising to help prevent the spread of the multitude of germs around. If your child is unwell, please keep them at home and give them time to recover, so that you can all have a healthy Christmas.
LEAF Academy Trust Consultation Updates
As our consultation on forming a new primary academy trust has now closed, I thought you might appreciate an update on what happens next. The data from the consultation is being collated by our external project manager and added to a report along with all other data gathered. Our governors will consider the consultation feedback and a range of other information in January, and governors will vote on whether to proceed on the 18th January 2023. This decision will be taken based on a range of factors.
Once governors have voted, they will write to inform you of the outcome and the reasons for their decision.
If governors vote to proceed, an application will be made to the Regional Director, the Secretary of State’s representative for the South West. Any application made will be considered on the 20th of March, and permission will either be granted or denied. Once we are informed of the decision, governors will write again to inform you of the outcome. If successful, an academy order will be issued, and the legal transfer work will begin, including the TUPE process for staff, with the target conversion date of the 1st of September, 2023.
Should governors vote not to proceed after considering the evidence, they will still write and confirm their decision and the reasons for this.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the survey and/or attend an information session. Your views will help us to make the right decision for our school.
Church Christmas Services
It will be great to see you in Church to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas and there are lots of services for you to do just that. Please see the attached advert, but special Family Fun Christingle Services will be at 2.30pm and 4pm on Christmas Eve. Hope to see you there! Rev Lisa Wigmore
This week we wil hear from Badgers and Robins with their book reviews.
Mr Mead recommends 'The Very Merry Murder Club' edited by Serena Patel & Robin Stevens
"I recommend this book because, despite what the name might suggest, this book is all about solving mysteries and the true meaning of the festive period. It is comprised of 13 short stories that each tell a different mystery from missing presents, to mysterious New Year’s Eve fireworks and even Christmas Cats! Badgers have loved guessing the suspects and solving the mysteries and it has really helped us get in the festive spirit."
Eddie from Badgers recommends 'Kensuke’s Kingdom' by Michael Morpurgo
"I liked this book because even from reading the blurb I felt intrigued. It made me feel a range of emotions especially the fact that he is not alone. It is a fantastic read."
Mrs McNeill reviews 'One Snowy Night'by Nick Butterworth
"Nick Butterworth is one of my favourite authors and I am going to recommend another one of his books. 'One Snowy Night' is a brilliant book and is certainly worth a read. It is my favourite winter story and I have read it many times to the children. Percy the park keeper is a true friend and he genuinely cares about those around him. He always promotes our value of kindness and shows how important teamwork can be. I hope you enjoy the story as much as we do in Robins."
Grace from Robins reviews 'Christmas in Exeter Street' by Diana Hendry & John Lawrence
“I like this book because Mrs Mistletoe is so kind, that she lets all the people that were in a jumble, stay in her house. She shows the Christmas spirit because Christmas is all about being kind and spending time with family and friends.”
Congratulations to the following children who have received ‘Hot Chocolate Friday’ packs from Mrs Haydon:
Hedgehogs – Evee, Squirrels – Spencer, Owls – Alfie H, Robins – Grace, Foxes – Kieran, Deer – Marnie, Kingfishers – Emilio, Woodpeckers – Lorenzo, Otters – Edward, Badgers – Godswill, Falcons – Ronnie, Kestrels – Kayla.
Congratulations to the following children who are our ‘Champions of the Week!’
Hedgehogs – Daniel, Squirrels –Nevada, Owls – Amelia, Robins – Bella, Foxes – Wade, Deer – Reux, Kingfishers – Elsie D, Woodpeckers – Beau, Otters – Sienna, Badgers – Angel, Falcons – Lexi-Rose, Kestrels – Ethan.
Upcoming dates for the diary:
Monday 12th December: Year 6 National Child Measurement Programme
Tuesday 13th December: KS2 Carol concert at Staple Hill Methodist Church, 7.00 pm
Friday 16th December: Last day of Term 2
Tuesday 3rd January 2023: INSET day, no children in school
Wednesday 4th January: Start of Term 3, children return to school