Newsletters

Our Vision

We believe that our children should have the aspiration and opportunity to ‘Live life in all its fullness’ and ‘Shine like stars in the sky’.
 
New this week…
 
Rocket Class
 
Please could we ask that where possible, the children in Rocket Class come into the classroom on their own in the mornings.  The cloakroom is very small and quickly becomes congested which is resulting in some children getting upset.  It is difficult for staff to be able to see the children and to keep them safe when there are a large amount of adults in the room.  If you are able to say goodbye to your child on the bark area it would really help us to get the morning off to a more settled start whilst also promoting your child's independence.
Of course, if your child is not yet ready to be left on the bark (or is in Nursery), you are very welcome to come inside to drop them off.
Thank you for your support with helping to keep all children safe.
 
Year 3/ 4 and 5/6 Football Competition
 
On Wednesday 18^th September, 14 parents of the children selected have already been notified. are attending Outwood Academy to take part in the Football Competition.  They will be leaving school at 9am and returning for 12noon.  We hope that they have a fantastic time and enjoy this opportunity.  If you are sending a snack with your child, please can it be fruit as there are children with severe allergies in attendance.  Water bottle and coats are also needed. Any questions please get in touch with Miss Marlow.
 
Year 6 Bike Ability
 
On Monday 23^rd September, Year 6 will be having a Bike Ability lesson with David.  Please could they bring into school their bike and helmet from home?  If this is not possible, please let us know and we can ask David to bring spares. Many thanks. 
 
Wraparound care survey
We are currently reviewing our wrap around care provision and would be grateful if parents could support us by filling out the attached survey so we can fully understand parental requirements.
 
https://forms.office.com/e/9j8E16ywUL
 
Thank you for taking the time to fill out this form.
 
HELP!
As many of you know, school help out once a month with the Sunday service at St Nicholas Church.  The congregation really enjoys the children’s contributions and looks forward to seeing them.  It is also lovely to see the children grow in confidence as communicators, interacting with members of their community, with some choosing to read in front of a small and friendly audience.
This month’s service will be on Sunday 22nd September at 9:15am…but will be a bit different as the vicar and lay people are unable to take the service.  This means that school has not only been asked to help but to LEAD the service!!  Miss Mandelson is a little bit nervous about this but has been heartened by the children’s enthusiasm - many children have been very supportive, by volunteering to come along to help and/or by offering moral support.
If your child is free and would like to participate, please do let Miss Mandelson know.  You can email her at:  senco@west-tanfield.n-yorks.sch.uk
It would be useful to have replies as soon as possible so parts and jobs can be allocated in good time to practise.  The service starts at 9:15 and usually lasts no more than 45 mins.  Miss Mandelson is happy to supervise any children who are dropped off but, of course, parents are welcome to stay to support.  All welcome!  Refreshments are served at the end and, if the weather is good, it is sometimes nice for the children to pop over to the park afterwards to play together if they have time.
Many thanks for your support.
 
Reminders
 
Reception Reading Meeting
Parents are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting to find out how we teach children to read.  We use a different approach to how you yourself might have been taught- it may even be different to how any of your older children have been taught so please do come along to find out how you can best support your child to become a reader.
The meeting is at 3.30pm on Tuesday 17^th September at St Nicholas School, or you can attend the same meeting at Kirkby Malzeard School at 5pm.


Resources
 
Rocket Class need lots of yoghurt pots and small 'Yakult'-style bottles for a DT project.  Please could you send in to school if you have any of these at home.  Thank you.
 
Reminders
Uniform reminders:
Please ensure that:

• Earrings are removed for all PE sessions – these can no longer be taped up.
• Hair at the shoulder or below is worn up for school each day.

 
A reminder that PE kit is as follows

• Plain navy-blue shorts or jogging bottoms
• Plain white t shirt
• Trainers

Instrumental lessons
Mrs Harris will be starting instrumental lessons again on Friday 13th September. Lessons are available on piano, ukulele, singing or recorder. Please contact her directly on bryonyharris1@gmail.com if you are interested. Continuing students should have received an email already. Many thanks. 
 
Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing Updates…
 
News from the Wider Community…
 
Message from friends
The Friends are having a meeting at 7.30pm in the Bruce West Tanfield on Thursday 19th September, if anybody would like to join us or pass on any ideas they may have for fundraising. We are in need of some new faces to join us this year!