13 October 2017 Charlton Kings Junior School Newsletter
HEAD’S NEWS Where did the term go! Year 6’s topic this term is Century in a Flash...at this rate, I think it will be! School is buzzing as ever: Year 3s have made a great start and feel as though they’ve been here for a long time already. Thank you all for your support and commitment to ensuring the children are ready to learn each day and make the best of everything we offer. DIARY DATES OCTOBER
All the children in the school have enjoyed at least one trip this term. Many Friday 20—this will be a non- were inspired by authors at the Literature Festival for all four Year groups and uniform day for the WWF
Year 6 had a fantastic Evacuee Day —see the report later in this letter. Wear It Wild fundraiser
Cycling Skills Friday 20—House Cross Country this afternoon
Year 6 children have had an opportunity to improve their Cycling Skills and Friday 20—end of Term 1 Road Safety with a team of instructors from Gloucestershire County Council. Monday 30—start of Term 2 They passed with flying colours. Tuesday 31—Y4 to Chedworth Communication with parents/carers Roman Villa
We endeavour to keep the website up to date with diary dates and letters which Tuesday 31—Y6 Height and have been sent home together with a host of other useful information and Weight Checks links. DIARY DATES NOVEMBER
In the past we have used a texting system to inform you about forthcoming Friday 3— INSET day, staff events, club cancellations and other reminders. However, this is proving to be only to attend school very expensive so we will in future rely on sending information out by email Wednesday 8—Y4 Roman Day instead. Emails can be sent to more than one contact and are free to send. We Thursday 9—Parents’ Evening will still use texts in emergency situations but would urge you to check your 3.30-6.30* emails on a daily basis for information from school. Tuesday 14—Parents’ Evening 3.30-6.30* Sports Coach Thursday 23—Meeting for Y2 We have recently bid a very fond farewell to Mr Kirby who has moved to parents—3.30-4.30 Andoversford Primary School. Mr Kirby coached many of our football, rugby and cricket teams achieving high degrees of success in competitions at all lev- *Parents’ Evening booking els. He also taught PE lessons to different year groups in school. It was lovely instructions will be sent out to see him again on Friday at the Albert Dix Tournament—we wish him all the after half-term. best in the future.
We have been delighted to welcome our new Sports Coach, Mr Gill, who joined Advance Notice—PTA us recently. He has picked up where Mr Kirby left off and has already been in- Christmas Fair takes place volved in Football matches, the Albert Dix tournament and assisted with the on Saturday 2 December Cross Country competitions. We are delighted that our teams remain in safe from 11– 2. and experienced hands! GIFT AID, VOLUNTARY DONATIONS, PAYG
In order to cover the cost of the visits and the in-school activities which take place each year we need to ask parents/carers for to make a contribution of £45 per child. This contribution may be made in several ways: Gift Aid—annual donation of £45; Gift Aid—monthly donation of £5 or other; Voluntary Donation—annual sum of £45; PAYG—Pay As You Go for trips/activities as and when they occur, the cost will be shown in the letter giving details about the event. The advantage to the school of parents donating using Gift Aid is that we can claim an additional 25p for every pound donated. Annually over £10,000 is collected in this way and at least £2,500 is given to us by the Inland Revenue. If you are not a taxpayer you will not be able to Gift Aid your contribution but may instead opt for a Voluntary Donation. Alternatively you may simply wish to pay for events and trips as and when they occur, though generally this can amount to more than £45 annually. Whichever method you choose the payments should be made online using the following details:
Charlton Kings Junior School Account number: 60431568 Sort code: 30-91-87 Ref: Child’s name/Class Name
A pink form was given to new parents/carers at the start of the year and many of these have been returned. IF you have not yet returned your form or made your payment please can you do so as soon as possible. If you no longer have a copy of the form please request a new one by emailing [email protected] Parents/carers of Years 4-6 will have completed the pink Gift Aid form last year and do not need to submit another one. However, if you have not yet made your payment please can you do so.
Important News Balcarras have informed us that meal prices will be increased as from Monday, 30th October. A main meal and dessert will now be £2.20. As before there will be two options—one meat/chicken/fish dish and the other one a vegetarian dish—and there is always drinking water available. The menus may be accessed by clicking here Balcarras Menus. Charity News
REACH—The recent non-uniform day raised £374 for the charity which supports children with upper limb deficiency. Jacob explains that Reach is “an amazing, supportive, positive, inspiring charity which fundraises, organise events and make life as fun as possible.”
World Wildlife Fund—on Friday, 20 October we have a non-uniform day with an animal theme to raise money for the WWF’s “Wear It Wild” day. Your child may come to school dressed as an animal or in animal print clothing and bring a donation of £1 or more for the charity.
Please remember that if they wear a onesie they will need to have suitable clothing for the House Cross Country in the afternoon. We advise ALL chil- dren to wear trainers for the day to avoid changing footwear and they may change into their PE kit before the run.
Little Princess Trust—next Monday, Cammie in 4MJ will be having 7-9” of her hair but off to raise money for this Trust which was set up by a mother who lost her daughter to cancer. The hair is used to make wigs for children going through treatment. So far Cammie has raised £360 through her My Donate fundraiser page.
CLIC Sargent—Edwyn is taking part in his 4th Annual Children’s Fun Run to raise funds for CLIC Sargent who supported his family during his older brother Albert's treatment and which continues to support Albert and the rest of the family. He has so far raised over £700 on his Just Giving page. If you want to join in or cheer on the runners, the event starts at 2.30pm on Sunday, 5th November at the Grange field (next to Church Piece) in Charlton Kings.
Brave the Shave—we are very proud of Mrs Hart who recently shaved her head to raise money for the Macmillan charity. To date she has raised around £600 through her collecting box and her Brave the Shave page.
This year we will not be having a Harvest Festival collection. Instead we will invite children/ parents/carers to donate foodstuffs for a Christmas collection for the local charity Open Door. Further details to follow after half-term.
Finally, we will be having our usual sale of Poppies for Remembrance Day after half-term.
SuperStars ‘Spoooooky’ Multi Sports October Half Term Holiday Course Venue: Charlton Kings Junior School Date: Monday 23rd – Friday 27th October 2017 Times: SuperStars (Age 5-12) 8:45 / 9:30am – 15:30pm MiniStars (Age 4) 8:45 / 9:30am – 13:00pm Costs: SuperStar - £68 / 5 Days, £49 / 3 Days, £20 per day MiniStars - £50 / 5 Days, £35 / 3 Days, £15 per day Availability: 30 spaces (first come, first served) To book: Online - bookings.super-stars.org.uk/ call Hannah on - 0845 2413 682 LITERATURE FESTIVAL VISITS
YEAR 3 had a fantastic trip to see Michael Rosen at the Literature Festival on Monday. He was very funny, and we heard him read some of our favourite poems. We'll be performing some of his poems in English next week.
YEAR 4 - Year 4 were entertained and inspired by Jeremy Strong. He began by sharing the first story he wrote as a six-year old. He then explained how he creates his fantastic books and kept us laughing throughout. He read us an extract from 'Romans on the Rampage' which was full of tension and comedy. We cannot wait to write our next story now - perhaps one of us will be sharing it on a stage at the Literature Festival in the future!
. YEAR 5 had a great experience at the start of the week, leading the way with our school visits to the Literature Festival. This time we joined author Jonathan Stroud for a gripping talk about his passion for the unknown which has inspired him to write his books about three young ghost detectives. We watched him draw some of his scary settings, listened to part of his book and saw a range of covers of his many different novels. We've now been using our own settings to inspire our own writing back in class.
YEAR 6 had an engaging talk from Emma Carroll at the Literature Festival on Wednesday. She talked about her most recent book 'Letters from the Lighthouse' and the process she went through in finding accurate historical sources to draw on when creating her plot and characters. S he was fascinating to listen to and many children now want to read her books.
YEAR 6 EVACUEE DAY
On Wednesday, 27th September, Year 6 became WW2 evacuees for the day, and took a ride on the GWR train! Dressed in their smartest 1940s attire, and equipped with gas masks, they took part in a range of experiences, including a very realistic air- raid, singing WW2 songs and putting out incendiary bombs! The highlight of the day was riding on the GWR steam train and looking at the engine. While on the train, they talked to some real evacuees who shared their memories of their life during the war. The children were very engaged and interested, showing excellent manners when chatting with the evacuees.
A fantastic day was had by all and the children were well behaved and really interested by everything they saw. James Keenan Ben Mustoe
James trains at the University of Gloucestershire and GL1 Ben has had a busy couple of weeks with with the Gloucestershire Trampoline Team. He competes his motorcross racing. in 3 disciplines—Individual Trampoline, Double Mini Tram- He represented Great Britain in Belgium poline (DMT) and Synchro Trampoline. and the team came third!! It was a great experience riding with the best children in He represents Gloucester- Europe... really, really fast with massive shire and this year he also jumps. represented the South West Team at a number of events. Last weekend he came 2nd at the The final competition of this Weston Beach race. This race is an season was the English hour and 15min long across the beach Championships which took and 15 metre high sand dunes... it's place last weekend at the very tough but good fun! English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. James qualified for this National Event earlier in the year by winning an English Qualifier. PTA Disco
In Sheffield over a 2 day period James competed in the -9 Friday, 10 age group for Individual Trampoline and DMT and the 9 17 November -12 age group for Synchro. Everyone competed against each other and the top 8 go through to the finals. James came 6th in Individual Trampoline, 3rd in DMT and 1st in Tickets £3.00 on the door Synchro getting a gold and bronze medal. Years 3 and 4—6.00-7.00pm Years 5 and 6— 7.15-8.15pm
Year 5 Technology Day—Emma and Abi
On October 10th, ten people from Year 5 went to St Edward’s Senior School to take part in their annual Technology Day. The theme for this year was Transport and there were two competitions on the day: the first involved making a transport themed pizza and the second to make a working buggy. For the pizza competition, one of our teams made a hot air balloon pizza and the other did a skate board. After all our preparation and cooking at lunch time we ate them! After lunch we made the buggies. One of our teams made a car with a smiley face and moustache and the other team made an ice cream buggy. We had to make a box to put 50g of flour in and if the flour fell out you were disqualified. One of our teams came 4th in the Distance and Speed Categories while the other came 1st in the Best Looking category. At the end of the day all participants were given a goody bag and a certificate and had a great time.
SPARE PE KIT! SECOND HAND UNIFORM !
Whilst we have a fair stock of spare house PE t-shirts, we are sadly lacking in shorts for those “odd” occa- On Friday, 20th October we will be having a sale of second hand uniform in the Meet and Greet area from sions when a child needs to borrow kit from school. 3pm onwards. If you have any items which your child has grown out of or you no longer require we would be most grateful If you have any clothing your child has outgrown we to add them to our supplies. Please can you cut out would be happy to accept it. Please note that we do any name tags so that items don’t get returned to not need any more of the old logo sweatshirts to sell. your child as lost property!
LOST ITEMS: Two children are missing one piece of footwear—a girl’s black leather shoe with Velcro fastening and a bow attached and also a black football boot. One child has lost a new, age 10/11 school sweatshirt labelled Thomas Evans.
POLITE REQUESTS
You are reminded that children should not access the school site until 8.30am as before this time there are no staff on duty to keep an eye on them. On occasions the gates will open earlier but children should still wait until 8.30.
We have noticed that some of the children who go to Balcarras for a hot meal have difficulty in cutting up their food. Perhaps you can encourage them at home to practice rather than doing it for them.
We have had an incidence of headlice in one of the classes. Please regularly check your child’s hair and treat accordingly.
The number of items in lost property grows daily and, where belongings are named, the Year 6 Prefects are able to return these to their owners. However, we still have a huge amount of clothing, shoes, lunchboxes, water bottles etc which are not named and they are simply left in Lost Property. In future we will retain any unnamed items for a week and then either sell clothing as second hand uniform or dispose of the items. Many thanks—your assistance is always greatly appreciated.
“Believe in yourself” Maths evening
Last Wednesday the school hosted a maths evening where some of the key aspects of how maths is taught were explained. The main focus of the evening was to explain how parents can help their children with maths at home. The first part of the presentation looked at developing a PMA (Positive Maths Attitude) and a Growth Mindset. Then the Calculation Poli- cy was shown. This ensures all children are taught efficient methods for all four operations whilst also developing a soundnde u rstanding of why/how the methods work. Finally, 'The Passport' was looked at and explained in more detail. The key message here is that little and often at home really supports your child as they learn these crucial number facts. Continually testing a child does not ensure they learn their number facts. They must play games, sing songs, draw arrays etc. to help learn the tables before being tested on them. So, please remember: reinforce the PMA attitude at all times at home; when helping with any calculations do stick to the strategies taught in school; and help them learn their number facts in a variety of ways. If your child is finding any of the homework too challenging please let their class teacher know and they will support them. The PowerPoint is available on the school website as are links to some helpful documents when working with your child at home.
Known Absences
If you know that your child is going to be absent from school for a particular reason such as dance or music exam, secondary school visit, medical appointment, please email Reception rather than the Class Teacher to ensure that we keep our attendance records up to date. Thank you.
Photos
We try to take photos at matches or other events, however, it is not always feasible. If parents spectate at any of these activities we would be grateful to received copies of any photos you may have. We always check to see if children are allowed to have their photograph included in the newsletter and in any case never publish surnames. Please email in any photos you may have for us to use.
Charlton Kings Junior IMPORTANT DATES School Friday 20 October—end of Term 1 East End Road Monday 30 October—start of Term 2 Charlton Kings Friday 3 November—INSET day, staff only to attend
Cheltenham Tuesday 19 December—end of Term 2 GL53 8QE Tuesday 2 January—INSET day, staff only to attend
Tel: 01242 526171 Wednesday 3 January—start of Term 3 reception@charltonkings- jun.gloucs.sch.uk
Note that all terms end at the usual school finishing time of 3.10pm
The school calendar for 2017-18 is available on the website under Parents—Calendars. The calendar for 2018-19 will be available shortly, once all dates have been confirmed. FREE SCHOOL MEALS
All Infant School children currently have a Free School Meal every day if they wish to take one. However, in Junior Schools it is up to parents/ carers to register for FSM. Even if your child does not wish to take a meal at Balcarras there are many benefits to registering and all the information is strictly confidential. FSM children attract additional funding into the school and in the past been used to cover the cost of school visits for such children, additional support in the class and peripatetic music lessons.
If you think you may be eligible PLEASE DO REGISTER. Any additional funding helps us to help your child. Reminder that this will take place in school for Years 3 and 4. Please complete the online form emailed several weeks ago to give permission (or not) for your child to be vaccinated. The date for our school is Friday, 24 November.
Charlton Kings Junior School
East End Road, Charlton Kings Cheltenham, GL53 SQE
Telephone: (01242) 526171 Facsimile: (01242) 250925
WE NEED YOU!
Job Vacancy - Lunchtime Supervisor
We are seeking a Lunchtime Supervisor to work with our midday supervisor team, offer- ing supervision of pupils, during the lunchtime period.
No previous experience required
Training provided
Charlton Kings Junior School has very well behaved children
Working contract is:
5 days per week
1 hour each day - 12.20pm to 1.20pm term time only
salary grade to be offered is Grade C point 11 £15207 pro rata (£7.90 per hour).
If you are interested in applying for this vacancy, please contact Susan Jackson, School Business Manager, [email protected] or the school reception desk or tel: 01242 526171.
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff, and volunteers, to share the same commitment. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Cycle Skills Club Due to popular demand the Cycle Skills Club will continue after the half term Break. There will be another 5 week program starting on Monday 30th October. If you wish your child to take part, please click on the link appropriate for your child’s year group and to book and pay on-line.
MONDAY CYCLE SKILLS SESSIONS - YEARS 3 and 4 - beginner cycling. Riders must be able to ride their bike and bring with them a bicycle, helmet and for this term a pair of gloves and a waterproof coat. https://nickyharverson.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php? appointmentType=4449633
THURSDAY CYCLE SKILLS SESSIONS - YEARS 5 and 6 - improver cycling. Riders must be able to ride their bike and bring with them a bicycle, helmet and for this term a pair of gloves and a waterproof coat. https://nickyharverson.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php? appointmentType=4449642
If you have any questions then please give me a call.
Nicky Harverson email: [email protected] mobile: 07740899907