Dear Parents & Carers,
As we approach the end of another academic year, we said goodbye to our Year 6 on Friday and they are spending this week at their Secondary Schools in preparation for September. We are delighted with the success they have achieved in SATs, where everyone gave of their best and achieved remarkable results. However, for me, their greatest achievement was the resilience they have shown in transition to secondary and their fantastic end-of-primary celebrations – The Trial of Goldilocks Performance as well as their ‘Celebration’ Collective Worship - showing their very best and we have great expectations for each of them.
In our school the children spend today in their new classrooms and have a chance to think about their successes and where they want to go next with their learning. They set themselves targets and hear about the curriculum they will be following over the next academic year. It is an exciting time and all the children seem to have enjoyed their day.
Deployment of Teachers
Two of our teachers will be leaving us at the end of this week. Mrs. Henry, after many years with us, is moving on with her career taking up a new post at a school in Darlington; Mr. Stamford, having successfully completed his induction, is going on to further postgraduate study. We wish them both well with their future careers. Miss Teal, an experienced teacher has been appointed to take up post with us in September.
Your children have been preparing for September with their teachers today. However, I’m sure you will be interested to know the arrangements. As you know we have a number of teachers who work part of the week and so over this next year:
Nursery - Mrs. Hutchinson
Reception - Miss McMorris
Year 1 - Mrs. Dixon
Year 2 - Mrs. Clark & Mrs. Lupton
Year 3 - Mrs. Wright & Mrs. Clark
Year 4 - Miss Teal & Mrs. Wright
Year 5 - Mrs. Marshall & Miss Teal
Year 6 - Mrs. Brookbanks & Mrs. Marshall
Miss Crowe and Mr. Boagey will continue to work with children and classes across the setting.
Finals Afternoon & Family at School Picnic
This year Sports Afternoons have been enjoyed under very Sunny weather. We hope this continues for Wednesday’s ‘heats and finals’ afternoon, starting from 1.30 pm.
Our traditional Summer picnic will be on Thursday, 17th July. Remember to prepare a picnic packed-lunch for your children, or if you need to access one prepared by the school kitchen, please let us know. (Some parents have already informed us – thank you!)
Uniform
As we turn our thoughts to the new academic year, please be conscious of our uniform requirements: our uniform is grey for trousers, skirts, shorts, pinafores etc. (NOT black or navy); white or jade for shirts, polo shirts etc; and, navy for jumpers, sweatshirts, cardigans and coats. Please note all children in school need two pairs of footwear: indoor footwear can be shoes or slippers, but not training shoes or slipper socks; outdoor shoes can be trainers or shoes for use at breaktimes. We are very lucky to be having new carpets fitted in the classrooms over the Summer break, so we hope to keep them in good condition, by wearing indoor shoes/slippers.PE uniform consists of a T-shirt in a given house colour, with navy shorts and, for outdoor sessions, navy tracksuit. Please note that NO jewellery is allowed as part of our uniform policy. Piercings of any kind, including ear-rings must be removed before coming into school. (If you would like your child to have pierced ears, knowing that it takes 6 weeks before they can be removed, this Friday would be an ideal opportunity. However, please remember they cannot be worn in holiday care.) Also, please be aware that no branded items are necessary – plain shirts, jumpers and coats are the norm. Parents wanting to have clothing with a school ‘logo’ are advised to limit the number of these to reduce costs.
Charity and fundraising: Thank you!
You and your children have raised lots of money for charities across the year including Macmillan, St. Cuthberts Care, Cafod, the hospice… and we are also very grateful for the monies raised through sponsored events and raffles to support our enhancement activities. The Sponsored music practice before the Spring Ensemble raised £1266.60, which covers the cost of replacing instruments and attending concerts including Royal Northern Sinfonia at the Glass House, which so impressed the children. The Early Years Raffles, Tombola, Bake Sales etc. raised over £1500.00 – an amazing total that enables us to engage the children in hatching ducks, watching butterflies emerge, visits in the local area and to the theatre and cinema, as well as extending our range of toys and equipment for the very young.
Payment System
Our payment system is ‘My Child At School’ (MCAS) for anyone paying for school meals, Out of School Hours Care (including Breakfast and After School Care as well as Holiday Care), residential visits etc. If you have any difficulties with the systems, please contact reception.
Our patronal feast for St. John Vianney takes place during the Summer break on Monday 4th August and is a time to especially celebrate our learning and worshipping communities. As ever, please remember in your prayers the children and families of our setting and all the staff that support them throughout the year.
I am sure everyone is hoping that the glorious weather continues during the Summer Holiday and I hope everyone has time to enjoy being together with family and friends. Please continue to hold the children, families and staff of our school community in your prayers. I look forward to welcoming all the children back on Tuesday 2nd September.
Yours sincerely,
John Hardy, Head Teacher