School News 11 March 2010

Weekly Ethos Statement
I know who to go to when I have a worry or I am hurt.

PTA
Make sure you don’t miss it:-  Race Night - Tickets on Sale Now
Friday 12th March 2010,
In the School Hall,
From 7.30 pm (Ticket entry only)

Become a horse owner and receive a PRIZE when your horse wins!!!  Please note that there are ONLY 48 Horses available. HURRY UP AND BUY ONE BEFORE YOU MISS OUT.

NB: This Race Night will be professionally managed and there will be a buffet and bar on site. Entry tickets cost £3.50 (includes buffet). Horses cost £5 each, see list for availability.  Tickets and horses can be bought in the playground or from the school office.

Bags 2 School
Tonight the children have brought home a blue bag for Bags 2 School.  Yes it’s time for a spring clean now we have had some sunshine -time to clear out the old clothes, towels, bedding, curtains, shoes, hats, belts etc.  Any condition can go in the blue bag and if you need a really good clear out just use ordinary bin bags.  Your house will then be able to breathe in the fresh spring air!
This is a fundraising opportunity that the PTA have now used for at least 6 years. After collection, the clothes are sorted. Some are sold on and some are sent to third world countries; also the ones that are not of wearable use are then shredded in third world countries and used to make new material.  In return, the PTA will receive money so please remember to ask friends and family if they want to clear some old clothes etc.  School will be open via the Town Street gates on Thursday 25th March for bags to be left, or they can be brought to school at 9.00 am on Friday 26th March.  The bags will be collected at 9.30 am on Friday 26th March.

Parent Governor Ballot
Counting takes place later on today for the two parent governor positions.  We shall let you know the results in next week’s newsletter. We would like to thank all of the parents who voted.

Parent Mail
We would like to thank all of those parents who have received and completed the data sheet with their mobile number and where possible – their e-mail address.  If you did not receive a letter that was sent out last Wednesday regarding Parent Mail, please contact the school office.  We are hoping all of our parents can be part of this communication method.

Home Access Grant
The government have introduced an initiative under the Home Access Grant whereby parents, who are in receipt of free school meals or child benefit, may be eligible for a laptop computer and broadband internet connection.  Parents wishing to find out more and to see if they qualify, are asked to ring 0333 2001004 for further details.

Gymnastics Club
Last night a group of our children went to Ralph Thoresby High School to take part in a year3/4 gymnastics competition.  The children performed their routines and sequences with tremendous skill. A huge thank you must go to Mrs. Sarah Lowe, who is one of our parents, for coming into school to train the children. They have really enjoyed the coaching and taking part in the competition.

Reception
We would like to thank all those parents of children in Reception who came into school for a Stay & Play session with their children.  These sessions are proving to be very popular and it is a super way of further reinforcing how school links with home.

Year 1
Today, our Year 1 children visited Kirkstall Abbey House Museum as part of their history studies.  The children were fascinated by the exhibits and artefacts on display.  Thank you to all those parents who were able to come along and support the children and staff on their visit.

Year 3H/R
Today the children in Mrs Hudson and Mrs Ronksley’s class presented their wonderful assembly to parents and other children in school.  We would like to thank all those family members who were able to come along and make this a special occasion for the children.

Book Fair
Many thanks to all those parents and children who came to the Book Fair last week.  As a result of your support, we have been able to purchase £280 worth of books for our library and classrooms.

Science Week
Science week begins next Monday 15th March and lasts for a week. We shall begin the week with a 9am assembly on Monday, when children from each class can explain an aspect of science to the rest of the school.

Sport Relief Mile
Just to remind you about the Sport Relief event - we’ve planned to “Pound the Ground” by walking with our buddies! Children can come to school dressed in any type of kit, representing a sport of their choice, if they so wish. We hope that the weather will remain sunny so that, after a rest, we can enjoy a variety of games skills.  Good luck to staff and those Year 3 and 4 children who are going to Leeds on Sunday to walk or run the mile!
Sponsor forms were sent out a couple of weeks ago, so if you would like to donate money, please send in donations with the sponsor form on Friday 19th March.

Open Evenings
This term’s open evenings will take place next Wednesday 17th March and Thursday 18th March. If you did not receive a letter about this last week, please contact the school office. Children in both Years 5 and 6 are invited to attend with their parents and be part of the consultation.

Town Street.
Leeds Highways Department are carrying out a programme of resurfacing on Town Street. As a result, the yellow car parking restriction lines have been temporarily covered over outside school. This has meant that car owners are leaving their cars outside the Town Street gates and thus presenting a hazard for adults and children crossing Town Street. Therefore, please do not park on these restricted areas.

School Dinner Theme
As it is St Patrick’s Day next Wednesday, the lunchtime staff will be cooking meals based on an Irish theme.

School Council
Wednesday 17th March at 9.00 am is the next School Council meeting.

Fire Drill
Last Thursday we had a very successful fire evacuation practice.  The evacuation time of every drill is reported to Education Leeds as well as Pinnacle, who are the facilities management company for our school.

Have a go at designing a logo!
The School Council have informed each class of their latest competition. Children are invited to draw a logo for “Horsforth Healthy Schools’ Week.” This needs to be done on A4 paper. The closing date is Monday 16th March. All entries will be judged on Tuesday 17th March. There will be 3 winners chosen from our school– one from KS1, one winner from Years 3 and 4 and finally a winner from Years 5 and 6. The 3 winners from our school will then be forwarded to compete amongst the other Horsforth primary schools’ entries. So if you have any spare time children, have a go at designing a logo!

Year 6
As part of their history studies, Year 6 are having a 1960’s day tomorrow.