8 March 2010 - Newsletter March 2010

Newsletter March 2010 number 4

Social Networking Sites
As stated previously please be aware of and monitor your child´s use of the internet. Some of our children are using a website called Moshi Monsters. They are using this to tease/upset one another. Please be aware of what your child is doing on line!

Sports Relief
Any one wanting to take part in a Sports Relief Mile? An event will be held at Meadowfield Leisure Centre on Sunday 21st March 2010. Contact the leisure centre or via the web: www.sportrelief.com/the-mile/durham-meadowfield-leisure-centre-mile

School Choice
Parents wishing advice regarding Choice of Schools can contact Kate Hogg and Joanne Lambert C/0 the School Choice Advice Service www.durham.gov.uk/schoolchoiceadvice. or Email choiceadvise@durham.gov.uk

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Y3/4
Due to problems obtaining a script and subsequent copyright, the Y3/4 performance of Charlie will now be held after the Easter Holiday. Dates to be issued soon.

Parent Interviews
Thanks to all those who have attended so far. Your child benefits by knowing that you are interested in their academic performance. Tonight each child was issued with a mid year report. It outlines targets, expectations, attendance and ways to support your child´s learning.

Dogs
Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on school grounds due to obvious health and safety implications. Please remember this- even if your dog is the friendliest and most placid dog - it is still not welcome in school. Thanks for your cooperation.

Key Dates
Week beginning 8th March
Monday 8th March Y1 Parent Interviews
Tuesday 9th March Y4 Parent Interviews
Wednesday 10th March Reception Class Parent Interviews
Wednesday 10th Y5 to Gala Theatre French Big Sing
Thursday 11th March Y2 Parent Interviews
Week beginning 15th March
Friday 19th Sports Relief Non-uniform day-dress as a sportsperson or more than more!!
We will be holding some fun sporting challenges on that day so PE kit as well please.
Week beginning 29th March
Thursday 1st April Easter Bonnet and Easter Service

School Breaks up for teaching purposes April 1st 2010
Re open Monday 19th April

Times and dates may change due to conflicting commitments within school-please refer to newsletters for updated information.

Sporting Success
School continues to build up a reputation for excellent sporting achievement and participation. By Easter all of our children will have taken part in at least one inter schools sports competition including Reception Class.

Gymnastics- our school represented all of Durham City in recent county finals. Abbi Greaves and Kaira Farrier were first and third in their age group. Brilliant effort and thanks to Mrs Richards for her work with the children.

Y5/6 Rugby Team were third in their part of a recent city wide competition.

The children not only benefit from the physical aspect of sport but also socially (teamwork/friendship) and emotionally (learning to win and lose).

Art Work
Next time you are in school have a look at some of the fabulous art work the children have be produced. This work has been completed with Susan Warlock a professional artist.

Vacancy for Lunchtime Supervisor - Team Leader
We are currently advertising a vacancy within school - this is for a Supervisory Assistant (Team Leader). If you are interested in applying, application forms and any further information are available from the school office.

A survey of our parents issued in January resulted in the following findings: Questionnaire for parents and carers 2010

(Please tick.) Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree
1 My child enjoys school 40% 57% 3%
2 The school keeps my child safe 43% 55% 2%
3 The school informs me about my child’s progress 34% 63%
4 My child is making enough progress at this school 23% 77%
5 The teaching is good at this school 35% 65%
6 The school helps me to support my child’s learning 35% 63% 2%
7 The school helps my child to have a healthy lifestyle 23% 77%
8 The school makes sure that my child is well prepared for the future (for example, changing year group, changing school, and for children who are finishing school, entering further or higher education, or entering employment) 34% 63% 3%
9 The school meets my child’s particular needs 39% 59% 2%
10 The school deals effectively with unacceptable behaviour 28% 64% 3% 5%
11 The school takes account of my suggestions and concerns 29% 62% 6% 4%
12 The school is led and managed effectively 34% 63% 3%
13 Overall, I am happy with my child’s experience at this school 40% 60%

We will use these results to review current policy. Thanks to all who completed these questionnaires. Results are rounded to nearest percentage.