Newsletters

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’.
 
EASTER TEA PROPOSAL

As you know our Easter Tea was scheduled for the afternoon of Thursday 3^rd April.  Looking at the school diary for the last week of term (which is very busy!), we would like to propose that we move this to the afternoon of Friday 4^th April 1-2pm to tie in with the early end of term finish time of 2pm.  We think that this would be a lovely way to end the term as well as helping parents who would be coming to pick children up at the earlier time anyway.  We do realise that some parents may have made special arrangements to attend on the Thursday, so please do let us know by Monday if you object to this proposal.

Sporting Influence - Basketball
On Tuesday 25th, Sporting Influence are in school working across both Key Stages on our Basketball skills, looking for teamwork and communication.  Nursery, EYFS and KS1 will be first at 9.15 to 10.15 then KS2 from 10.30 to 12.00.  We have had several brilliant mornings working with Sporting Influence so are very excited for this next session.  Please ensure that all children in school that day have their PE kits as we will be getting changed in class before our session.
 
Forest School for Asteroids (Years 3 - 6)
On the morning of Friday 28th, Asteroids will be down in the Forest School with Lisa and Helen, working on our Golden thread of "Being Curious".  I hope they have a wonderful time exploring, crafting, den building and eating whatever delicious treat is cooked over the camp fire. Please can the children come dressed ready in the usual Forest School kit. They can change straight into their PE kit for the afternoon session to avoid having too many changes of clothes!
 
Nursery hours
Further to Mrs Clegg's email earlier in the week, please can all parents of Nursery children let her know of their preferences for Summer sessions and lunch clubs before Tuesday 25^th March.  This can be done via email to helen.clegg@west-tanfield.n-yorks.sch.uk or in person.
Thank you to those parents that have already replied.
 
Bikeability
On Thursday, 27th March, Reception will be joining Dave from "I Want to Ride My Bike" for a fun and educational bike riding session. The children will have the opportunity to learn how to ride bikes in a safe and supportive environment. Permission slips for this event will be sent out today and must be returned to school by Monday to ensure participation.
 
Reminders…
 
Items from Home
Just a polite reminder that we discourage children from bringing toys and other personal items from home.  This is for a number of reasons, but mainly because if these items get lost or damaged it can cause upset.  Of course, we are still always happy to share items of educational interest or achievements during ‘show and tell’ time.  (These items will be stored safely by the teacher during lesson time.)

We have also explained to children that they should not wear SMART watches at school.  An ordinary watch or ‘fitbit’ that tells the time/counts steps only is fine, but any smart watch/device that is able to send/receive calls or messages or take photographs/ videos is treated the same as mobile phones and are not allowed to be used on site.

Gardening Club
In gardening club with Mrs Court, the children are making a bug hotel in Rockets outdoor area and could do with some more items to fill it eg pine cones, shells, pebbles, etc.
 
JAM Messy Church – Tuesday 1^st April
All welcome for our popular after-school session. Details about how to book will follow next week.
 
Message from the friends
The Friends of St Nicholas School have lots of preloved uniform for sale, including shorts and summer dresses for the summer term.  Items are 50p each or £1 for jumpers and coats. Please see the Friends of St Nicholas School Facebook page for more details and send a message to Jen Whitehouse on 07824 355024 if you'd like anything.
 
News from the wider community
Our next Family Service will be held in St Nicholas Church this Sunday 23^rd March at 9.15am.  This is a lovely opportunity to come together with the village community, who do enjoy the children’s contributions.  Many thanks to the children who have volunteered to give up their time to represent their school and help with this.  All welcome.

Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing Updates…
Just a reminder that all our families have access to the Solihull Parenting courses free of charge using a code from North Yorkshire Council.  Just go to:
Online courses for emotional health and wellbeing
...and use the password:
NYFAMILIES