Can you believe that one month today it will be Christmas Day! I hope that you have got all the Christmas performance dates in your diaries - please check the calendar at the end of this newsletter if you need a reminder.

Children in Need
As mentioned last week, we were very impressed with the generosity of the community for our Children in Need appeal.  Today, Year 2 were able to take part as they were on a school trip last Friday.  I am exceptionally proud to be able to let you know that we will be sending Children in Need just over £700! This is exceptional - well done and thank you everyone.

Covid
This week the school has been hit hard with a Covid outbreak and as well as pupils being affected, at some points this week we have been twenty members of staff down.  Please can we all do our bit to try and keep the school as safe as possible for everyone - in particular, if your child has a high temperature, please keep them off of school until this has returned to normal.  Attached with the newsletter this week is a separate letter from the UK Health Security Agency with regard to this outbreak.

Punctuality
A number of families are arriving late for school every day. It is incredibly important for all children to be in school on time to begin their learning and start the day in a positive way. The school gates are opened at 8.30am and children can enter their classroom from 8.45am. The register is taken at 8.55am. Children arriving at school from 8.55am onwards should be brought to the main office to be signed in. Being late for school can result in your child receiving an unauthorised mark, loss of learning and disruption to their peers. Lateness also has a huge impact on the office staff, accompanying children to their classes. This issue will be a focus for us over the coming weeks so if there is anything that you can do to support us and your child by being in school on time we would greatly appreciate it. 

Parent Staff Association

Thank you to all the parents and carers who have supported the PSA this week by buying raffle tickets and being patient while we got to grips with our new debit card machines! YES WE ACCEPT CARD PAYMENTS NOW! 
On Friday we also launched the tickets for our Christmas grotto experience which was met very enthusiastically by the parents and pupils in Reception. 
Next week will be the final chance to get tickets for either event. We will also be selling packs of very lovely Christmas cards for 50p each, come up to any of our tables which will be set up around the school and our lovely volunteers will be happy to help!

Christmas Lunch
Chef Kim and her team will be cooking the school Christmas lunch on Wednesday 14th December.  This meal is offered to all children, even if you might normally have a packed lunch, please consider ordering one and joining in with the festive fun on the day. The closing date for orders is Monday 12th December - the menu is below.

Wishing you all a calm and happy weekend.

Ian Hutchings

Headteacher