•·         WELCOME BACK - may I take this opportunity to welcome you all back to school after the summer holidays and trust that we are looking forward to a very busy term. There have been a number of changes which I need to alert you to ensure all are informed about developments - please see below.

• STAFFING CHANGES -
• Ms Cox who is known to the children as the Welsh and art teacher has been successful in her application for the post of welsh advisory Teacher for the authority and will commence duties on the 19^th September. Ms Cox has taught at the school for nearly 19 years and will be sorely missed. The secondment is for one year in the first instance and will be temporarily covered by Miss Alex Richards for this term with a view to reviewing the cover long term.
• Mrs Riley - teaching assistant in class 1 has reduced her working pattern and will now work 3 days a week - Monday -Wednesday. The job share teaching assistant will be Mrs Melissa Asbury working Thursday and Friday.
• As part of Flexible working patterns -Mrs Hallett ( Class 7 )and Mrs Lawlor ( Class 3 )will commence this term on 4 days a week with cover provided in both classes by Miss Alex Richards ( Class 7 on Thursday and Class 3 on Friday )
• The school would also like to welcome Mrs Sara Evans who is our new year 5 teacher and wish her all the very best for the future.

• CROSSING PATROL - I am please to announce that the school will regain a new crossing patrol person starting in the next few weeks, due to the appointment of Mrs Maxine Parrish. In the meantime I must however continue to warn parents about the very real dangers of children crossing the road in non designated areas. Please stress the importance of crossing at the zebra crossing.

• PTA MEETING - there will be a PTA meeting on Thursday15th September at 3.30pm held in the school. All new members are welcome to attend and support the school in raising much needed funds.
• NAMES IN COATS - already this term we have had a problem with a loss of coats. I cannot stress enough that it is imperative that all coats are clearly marked with children's names. This is not the case with a number of coats presently.
• GOOD LUCK & BEST WISHES- staff and pupils would like to wish the Abbott family all the very best, as they make their move to Australia next week.   Joel and Noah will be missed by all of us.  Please keep in touch.
• BLOCK SWIMMING SESSION- Year 4 children (Class 5 and 4) will be attending swimming this term. There has been a change in the way that lessons will operate this academic year. Children will now have a swimming lesson every day for 3 weeks. It is imperative that the children in class 5 and the 5 children in class 4 bring their kit and towel each day for that period. A small contributory charge of £3 per child has been requested to cater for the cost of transport. Lessons will start on Monday 12^th September.
• CHELTENHAM SHOPPING TRIP- a trip has been organised for Saturday, 19^th November to Cheltenham.  The cost per seat is £11.00.  To book a place please contact Mrs Havard in the office.  This is a great opportunity to visit the Christmas market.
• OLD CHILDREN'S DRESSING UP COSTUMES WANTED - if any parent has a costume that does not fit your child anymore, please could you consult any member of staff in the Foundation phase as we are looking to replenish our dressing up box.
• INFANT HALL AREA - we can no longer allow parents to walk through the lower hall during the morning due to health and safety issues ( congestion )and we ask that all parents hand children over to a member of staff at the entrance. If you require speaking to a member of staff, then this can be arranged via the school office. Your total cooperation with this matter is appreciated.
• CLUBS - the following clubs will be in operation next week (see club form):

 MONDAY - GYMNASTICS - Year2 and 3 only (finish at 4.15pm)

TUESDAY - TREASURE SEEKERS - Year 2 -6 (finish at 4.30pm)

WEDNEDSAY - ECO CLUB - Year 3 - 6 (finish at 4.30pm)

THURSDAY - HOCKEY CLUB - Year 4 - 6 (finish at 4.30pm)

FRIDAY - DREAMTEAM SOCCER - all ages - fee paying club (finish at 4.30pm)

We will notify you of proposed dates for the term next week and apologise for the inconvenience.

 A .G .Lloyd

Head teacher