Newsletter November 2016

www.ourladys-primary.co.uk

Remembrance Day This year, we celebrated in a number of ways-Y6 joined our parish of Blessed John Henry Newman for a thoughtful Remembrance Day Service at the War Memorial on St Mary’s St. In school, a special assembly was held which was led by Mrs McEniff. We wear a poppy On Remembrance Day, And at eleven We stand and pray. Wreaths are placed in memory Of those who died to set us free. Mrs Emerton – New Headteacher We are delighted to announce that Mrs Emerton has been appointed as Headteacher at Our Lady’s. She will begin her role in January 2017. Mrs Emerton will be visiting school this half term and we look forward to welcoming her into our school family. What an achievement! Congratulations to Mr Pat Gibbons for having being a Governor at Our Lady’s for over 40 years. A Celebration Mass took place on 9th November to mark this outstanding achievement.

Mini Vinnies Thank you to all the families for sending in so many items for the Refugees. Nora presented an assembly to the children on Wednesday 16th November thanking all the families for their generosity. Mini Vinnies are truly turning concern into action! 14th to 18th November 2016 The theme for anti-bullying week 2016 was ‘Power For Good’. Our Lady’s school raised awareness with the children to empower them to have a voice if they think that bullying is taking place, whether that be face to face or online. The children took part in class based activities around ANTI-BULLYING. Messages from our Junior Safety Officers During November we have been looking at Anti-Bullying. There are many types of bullying such as name-calling, physically hurting, spreading rumours and ignoring someone. You can help stop bullying by telling trusted adults.

Remember: SEE IT! SAY IT! STOP IT! As the nights are drawing in, it is getting darker earlier, but you can stay safe and be seen by wearing high-visibility vests and carrying a torch. ALWAYS stay with an adult that you trust.

Christmas Fayre News—Friday 2nd December Be sure to note in your diary—Friday 2nd December from 3 pm in school will be our fantastic Christmas Fayre! Santa will be having a special grotto in the Nursery (tickets will be available beforehand, details will follow by letter); there will be a book stall; a cake stall; a pocket money stall; crazy sand; clothes stalls; tombola and much, much more. There will be games and fun galore! The chocolate tombola will be held during the school day so children who cannot come to the Christmas fair will not miss out on the fun! If anyone would like to take a stall for a small donation to the school, please contact the school office. Can you help our PTA? We are still looking for volunteers to join our PTA. Please contact Mrs Stabbins (mum to Isla in Y3 & Caitlin in Y5) or Mrs Gough (mum to Jamie & Baden in Y3) if you are interested in being part of our PTA. Morning Drop -Offs In order to build your child’s independence in KS2, please consider leaving your child before the bell goes. They are old enough to carry their own belongings. Please do not stay too long on the playground; you can continue your conversations outside the school gates. This will also have the added benefit of clearing traffic congestion from around school. All gates need to be locked as soon as the bell goes for safeguarding reasons. Any latecomers will

have to come through the main front gate and MUST check in with the office so we know that they have arrived on site. Thank you. Parking on and around Blackley Close We have had a disturbing report of an incident involving one of our parents and one of our neighbours on Blackley Close. The neighbour was prevented from entering his drive as it was blocked by one of our parent’s cars. Verbal abuse was thrown at the neighbour and he is understandably upset. Sadly this is not the first such instance. We will be asking our PCSO’s to pay regular visits to the area at home-time and would urge you to treat our neighbours with respect. Parent Appointments If you want an appointment with a member of staff, you MUST make an appointment at the school office. Attendance Matters! As you know, we are working hard to improve our attendance this year, and we give congratulations to the following classes for the best weekly attendance, as follows: Week beginning 17/10/16 – Y1 97.33% Week beginning 31/10/16 – Y6 99.17% Week beginning 7/11/16 – Y3 99.23% Week beginning 14/11/16 – Y2 100%

Dates for your Diary Wednesday 30th November 10.30 am - Early Years (Rec/Nursery) - Christmas Play Friday 2nd December 10.30 am - Early Years (Rec/Nursery) - Christmas Play Friday 2nd December 3.00 pm – Christmas Fayre Wednesday 7th December 1.15 pm – Mini-Vinnies singing at St Margaret’s Community Centre Wednesday 7th December 2.00 pm - KS1 - Christmas Play Thursday 8th December 9.15 am - KS1 - Christmas Play Monday 12th December 6.30 pm – Carol Service at Church Wednesday 14th December Y1-3 Flu vaccination program Wednesday 14th December 1.30 pm - Y4 Gospel Performance for parents Thursday 15th December 9.15 am – Y5 Keyboard performance CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS Thursday 15th December Christmas Party Day – Details to follow Friday 16th December School closes for Christmas holidays at 2.00 pm Wednesday 4th January School re-opens for Spring term