Newsletter 07

No 07 Autumn Term 18 October 2019

STAPLEHURST SCHOOL NEWSLETTER SCHOOL NEWS

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER Dear Parents and Carers

“Children always come first. They are our future.”

With the half term break in sight I would like to share with you how impressed I am with the learning opportunities at Staplehurst this term; it has been busy and exciting with good learning across the curriculum! We are looking forward to sharing this with you at our parents’ evenings, so please make sure you book your appointments when they go live today at 6pm.

This week we celebrated our Pride Awards with the children who have exemplified this term’s value of ‘Positivity’; they have demonstrated this in class, clubs and those with roles and responsibility across the school – they should be very proud of this achievement. Have a restful holiday and we look forward to seeing you on Monday 28 October.

Miss Davenport Headteacher

PRIDE AWARDS – TERM 1 This term our Pride Awards for Positivity were given to:

Year 1 Year 4 Luca S Albert S Ameilia S Billy W Year 2 Year 5 Minnie P Eva B Dexter H Maizie D Year 3 Year 6 Felix P Tommy-Lee F Siena H Josh B WELLBEING AT STAPLEHURST SCHOOL Just like ‘that’ our first half term is already complete at Staplehurst! We hope your children are all enjoying their new year groups and are settling in well. Half Term is the perfect time to recharge those batteries and take some time as a family. Over the holiday, we would like you to work on completing 'random acts of kindness'! These could be within your household or in the wider community. These random acts of kindness help both our own wellbeing and others too. It could be something small, like holding the door open for someone, or something HUGE, like helping an elderly neighbour with their weekly shop. We look forward to hearing what random acts of kindness your child did this half term! Below are some photos of our wellbeing display and we would like to say a huge thank you to Iden Signs for printing these amazing banners for us!

www.staplehurstschool.co.uk Email: office@staplehurst.kent.sch.uk Tel: 01580 891765 Please note the school is not responsible for any content or services provided by third parties and cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies, loss or damage that may result from using such information or services. No 07 Autumn Term 18 October 2019

EARLY FINISH – WEDNESDAY 6 NOVEMBER – 2.00PM Reminder that School closes early on Wednesday 6 November for our Parent/Teacher Consultations between 2.00 and 5.00pm. OPEN MORNING FOR RECEPTION 2020 We held our first Open Morning this week for our prospective parents for Reception 2020. Our children were impeccably behaved as the group toured the school and we would like to say thank you to two of our Learning Ambassadors, Isla and Alfie who helped Miss Davenport during the meeting. PRIDE POINTS CHALLENGE Congratulations to all in Red House as they won this term’s Pride Points Challenge and will be allowed to wear their own clothes on Friday, 1 November.

SCHOOL HISTORY Mr Eric Spear, Headteacher at Staplehurst School from 1982-2004 came in to meet with Miss Davenport this week. Some of our parents may well remember Mr Spear from when they attended Staplehurst School. He briefly shared some of the history of the school and brought in this photograph taken prior to 1988. The view is from the church tower and shows the separate Infant and Junior blocks, before the central main block was built.

Mr Spear will be working with the school in the future to provide some more fascinating insights and to help us prepare for the 140th anniversary of the school in 2023. FAREWELL TO MRS ZIMBER Mrs Zimber will be leaving Staplehurst School on 8 November. As our Business Manager she has played a key role in the school for over 10 years and we would like to thank her for serving the school and community with total commitment and enthusiasm. She has not taken the decision lightly but is very much looking forward to embracing new opportunities and we wish her every success. As from Monday, 28 October, Mrs Keggin will be our new Business Manager; please join me in welcoming her to Staplehurst after Half Term. CURRICULUM NEWS READING AT STAPLEHURST SCHOOL In Benjamin Class (6T) we are enjoying reading Ellen's People by Dennis Hamley. Set in England in 1914, recruiting officers come to Ellen's sleepy Sussex village and when her brother enlists, she knows that life will never be the same again. When her brother returns from the front, injured and broken, Ellen realises her true calling...

This is a gripping book that is teaching us a lot about in wartime Britain. We're excited to read on and find out what happens to Ellen and her brother. It has a sequel set in WW2 which we would like to read next as it is one of our topics in Year 6.

Lauren says:

www.staplehurstschool.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 01580 891765 Please note the school is not responsible for any content or services provided by third parties and cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies, loss or damage that may result from using such information or services. No 07 Autumn Term 18 October 2019

EARLY YEARS NEWS This week EYFS have been learning about different types of homes. During exploring time the children enjoyed exploring different ways of building homes using the construction kits. We are very proud of how well the children have settled into school this term, and are looking forward to next term!

SCIENCE CLUB Science club for Year 5 has ended with a bang! We have learned about many different chemical reactions through experiments but our favourite was learning about carbon dioxide and carbonated drinks. We started off by making invisible ink and learning about how to reveal the message. We also learned about different rock types through using chocolate (after hearing that Year 3 did this in a Science lesson!). Thank you to the Year 5 children who attended and Miss Hayward and Mrs Lindsay are looking forward to Science Club with Year 4 next term!

SPORTS NEWS TRI-GOLF CLUB Unfortunately Tri-Golf Club has been cancelled for the last couple of weeks due to the poor weather and the conditions on the field. However, the children really enjoyed practising their skills and we are pleased to confirm that the Club will start again in the Summer Term.

SCHOOL INFORMATION ATTENDANCE CONGRATULATIONS - TO THE AMAZING MURPHY (EYG) CLASS – 100% attendance – you are setting the standard and we are very proud of you. Punctuality and good attendance is important to establish positive habits as children, develop, grow and move on to their next stage. 100.00%

96.00%

92.00%

88.00%

84.00%

80.00% 1

EYD EYG 1RS 1KS 2H 2O 3C 3F 4H 4S 5C 5F 6L 6T

YR 6 SECONDARY SCHOOL APPLICATIONS Online applications for secondary school admissions are now open and the national closing date for all secondary school applications is midnight on the 31 October 2019. You can apply for up to 4 schools, putting them in order of preference. It's in your best interest to list 4 schools. Naming only one school does not guarantee your child a place at that school or give your child priority for a place over another child, neither does naming a school more than once. For advice call 03000 412121 or email [email protected]. You can also find lots of information on the following link:- https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/secondary-school-places.

YEAR R ADMISSIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2020 If you have a child due to start in Year R in September 2020 we would advise that online applications will open on the 5 November 2019 for parents wanting to apply. The closing date is midnight on the 15 January 2020. Applications should, where possible, be made online using www.kent.gov.uk/ola . Offer day is 16 April 2020 where you will be offered a school for your child. Please see www.kent.gov.uk/primaryadmissions for full details or contact Mrs Clark in the school office should you have any enquiries. We are doing tours round the school on Wednesday mornings at 9.30am on 13 and 20 November. Please contact the school office if you would like to book a place on these tours. DIARY DATES Forthcoming events: Friday 18 October Thursday 31 October Parent Consultation Bookings Open Closing Date for Secondary School Applications End of Term 1 Wednesday 6 November Monday 21 to Friday 25 October Early Finish (2pm) Half Term Parent/Teacher consultations (2.00-5.00pm) Monday 28 October Thursday 7 November Start of Term 2 Parent/Teacher Consultations (5.00-6.30pm) Wednesday 30 October Wednesday 27 November Individual and Sibling Photographs Year 6 trip to Kent Life WW2 Day SCHOOL DINNER ROTA w/c 21.10.19 Year 4, 6, 5 w/c 28.10.19 Year 6, 5, 4 PTA NEWS

CHRISTMAS PANTO The PTA is delighted to announce it will be hosting its first ever panto at the Staplehurst Free Church on 30 November at 6pm. Tickets to Jack and the Beanstalk will be sold on the school gates, but if you do want to pre-register for tickets, please send them a message on their Facebook page Staplehurst School PTA or email [email protected]. Prices are: £7 adult £5 child £20 family of 2 adults and 2 children, additional children £2 The PTA is also currently running a prize draw to win two free adult tickets on its Facebook page. And don't forget to register to support the PTA and your child's education by signing up to Easyfundraising.org.uk - where you can earn free donations while you shop online. COMMUNITY NEWS

EX-PUPILS’ SUCCESS AT CRANBROOK SCHOOL We were proud to hear that two of our former pupils, Ewan P and Oliver B, who are now in Year 7 at Cranbrook School have been awarded Bronze Awards for demonstrating kindness, helpfulness and friendliness.

1894 to 2019 – 125th ANNIVERSARY OF STAPLEHURST PARISH COUNCIL Yes, it really was that long ago that Parliament created Parish Councils and Staplehurst is proud to be one of the first. All of the clubs, groups and organisations in Staplehurst have been invited to stage an exhibition to fill the Old School buildings (now known as the Village Centre). Local history will be revealed and you can find out about the activities now on offer in this active community. When? Saturday 26th October from 10am until 4pm

CHILDREN’S CHOIR Children’s choir 'Sing!' meet weekly on Fridays 6pm - 6.45pm at All Saints Church (find them right at the back of the church). They are child led in their repertoire. There’s no fee, no experience and no need to book. The choir is led by Jacqui, Becca and Amelia (qualified teachers and musicians). Contact 07581 172 972 for more information. BROWNIES AND RAINBOWS IN STAPLEHURST There are vacancies in the Staplehurst Brownie and Rainbow Units and they would love to hear from young girls in the village who would like to have fun, learn new skills and make new friends at the Rainbow and Brownie Units at the Kathie Lamb Guide Centre, Jubilee Field, Headcorn Road. For more information call Sally on 01580 892424 or visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/joinus or call 0800 169 5901. LUCY ROBINS SCHOOL OF DANCE Lucy Robins School of Dance classes are now taking place at the Staplehurst Village Centre on Monday afternoons.

3.45pm Modern, jazz and street dance. Ages 4-6yrs 4.30pm Modern, jazz and street dance. Ages 7yrs+ 5.15pm BOYS ONLY STREET DANCE **NEW CLASS** Suitable for all ages. Free taster session for all Staplehurst School pupils. Please email [email protected] to arrange a free trial class or visit www.Lrsd.co.uk for more information. FUSION CHEERLEADERS Join Fusion Cheerleaders every Thursday from 4.30pm – 5.30pm. Suitable for ages 7-13, led by a professional cheerleader with 5 years’ experience. Classes are held at The Weald Sport Centre, Cranbrook and cost £7 per session and paid for in half term blocks. The first lesion is FREE! To book or for more information please visit www.fusioncheerleaders.co.uk. MILLBROOK GARDEN CENTRE, STAPLEHURST A great family half-term treat not to be missed One of the UK’s oldest family circuses, Paulos Circus, makes a welcome return visit to Millbrook Garden Centre from Wednesday 23 to Sunday 27 October. Showcasing the very best of live entertainment with a brand new thrilling autumn show to entertain you and your family this half term! Tickets cost £7 and can be booked in store or online: millbrookgc.co.uk. Double helping of festive treats Two magical events are happening at local garden centre, Millbrook, located on the Staplehurst Road, this December. Boys and girls are invited to board the Millbrook Express and be transported to a winter wonderland! Children of all ages can enjoy games and crafts, including making magical reindeer food and Christmas badges with Santa’s elves, before finally arriving at Santa's cosy log cabin. Santa will be there to greet all the children and give them all a gift to take home. Tickets cost £11 for children/£4 for adults and can be booked in store or online: millbrookgc.co.uk. Plus new for 2019, Paulos Circus will be returning with this December with a magical family Christmas Show from 19th December to 5th January. Tickets cost £7 and can be booked in store or online: millbrookgc.co.uk. HOTSHOTZ HALF TERM TENNIS CAMP On Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 October Hotshotz Tennis are running a Tennis Camp from 9.00am–1.00pm at Staplehurst Tennis Club, Frittenden Road, Staplehurst. It’s £20 for one day or £35 for both days and all ages are welcome and there’s a 20% discount for siblings. To book your place go to www.hotshotztennis.co.uk. HALF TERM EVENTS AT LOCAL LIBRARIES Coxheath Library – Junk Modelling on Tuesday 22 October from 10.00 to 12.00. This is a FREE activity, booking essential. Marden Library – Hallowe’en Crafts on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 October from 10.00 to 12.00. This is a FREE activity. Kent History and Library Centre, Maidstone – Once Upon a Time in a Faraway Land…. Join story tellers from the Maidstone Interfaith Group for this fun session of traditional stories and activities from faiths across the work on Thursday 24 October from 3.00 to 4.00pm. This is a FREE activity, booking required. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all events. STAPLEHURST UNDER 5s PLAYGROUP EVENTS 26 October 10am to 1pm Fundraising stall at Staplehurst Farmers Market Pop down with the kids to Staplehurst Cricket & Tennis Club. There will be a stall with Crafts, Biscuit Decorating, Face painting and Lucky Dip. 26 October 7.30 – Late Halloween Party Book the babysitter and come and have a fun evening out at the Staplehurst Cricket & Tennis Club. There will be a DJ, reasonably priced bar, popcorn, cakes, and a raffle. Fancy dress is totally optional but there will be prizes for best dressed! Tickets are £8 and include a hot dog, and are available from the Playgroup or Made by Kent or the Saturday market. All profits go directly to the playgroup. www.staplehurstschool.co.uk Email: [email protected] Tel: 01580 891765 Please note the school is not responsible for any content or services provided by third parties and cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies, loss or damage that may result from using such information or services. No 07 Autumn Term 18 October 2019

STAPLEHURST FREE CHURCH LIGHT PARTY: an alternative to Halloween for families with children up to 10 years old Thursday 31st October, 4pm to 6pm Lots of fun with great things to make! But please bring a clean small plastic bottle for one of the activities. Please come dressed as a good character or superhero. Please bring a picnic tea. Drinks will be available for adults and children. Charges: £2 for the first child £1 for each additional child. Under threes free. Children please remember that you need your parents or carers to stay at the party with you!