Newsletter 6: 17th October 2014

Dear Parents/ Carers,

Year 6 had a wonderful day out this week as they completed their village survey.

Amelia wrote a recount of the day. Here is an extract:

On Wednesday 15^th October, Years five and six went for a trip around Havering. We started the day by walking through Havering Country Park and we saw some ruins of Havering Palace. After that, we visited Bower House and we walked around the beautiful gardens whilst doing a fact sheet; that was lots of fun...

Parent Voice

Don’t forget to join me at 9.30am or 4.30pm on Tuesday 21^st October to discuss your child’s school life. If you are not able to make the event, I will ask for written feedback at a later date.

Attendance Matters

The new Attendance and Punctuality policy is now on the school website. Please take the time to read and digest the new procedures, which were agreed by governors this week.

All of us need to work together to improve our attendance, as we are currently in the lowest 20% of schools in the whole country.

Sadly, 3 out of 4 classes did not reach the Borough’s target of 96% this week.

On a happier note: I would like to offer huge congratulations to class 4- Reception class for having 100% attendance this week. You should all be really proud of yourselves!

Please note: If you have spoken to Mrs Wakeman on the phone about your child’s absence, you no longer need to send a note.

Punctuality

Please ensure that your child arrives to school at between 8.30 and 8.55 so that they can have a calm start to the day, rather than feeling rushed.

Christmas Shoebox Appeal

You may be aware that we are going to take part in the Samaritan’s Purse ‘Operation Christmas Child’ shoebox appeal again this year. Please go to www.samaritans-purse.org.uk for details of how to fill your box. There is a suggested donation of £3 in addition to the gifts, which will pay for transport of your shoebox. Please support this appeal if you can, so that our children can help those less fortunate that themselves. Boxes should be returned before half term.

Remembrance Service

Please let Mrs Waters know if your child is able to do a reading at St John’s special centenary Remembrance Service on 9^th November at 10am. The readings would be most suitable for Year 5 and 6 children. Other families, of course, are welcome to attend.

Friends AGM

The Friends of Dame Tipping (PTA) will have their AGM on Thursday 6^th November at 1.45pm. Please come along, as they will be voting in the committee, as well as organising events to fundraise for the school.

Christmas Fayre

The Christmas Fayre will be run by the Friends on Friday 5^th December, 3pm-5pm at St John’s Church hall. The friends will need lots of support running the event, including clearing away after, as well as everybody turning up to spend their money to support the school. More information will follow.

Parking (again)

I was shocked to hear that one of our parents was parked on the pavement again, causing an obstruction and putting other parents and children in danger. I am sure we would all agree that it is not acceptable for people to have to push their baby’s buggy in the road, as a car is parked on the pavement. Please be considerate towards others at all times.

Commendations

This week’s commendations go to:

Kaci Peart, Louise Stafford, Taylor Moss, Louise Gordon, Matthew Hick, Jack Percival, Kai Boorman, Tami Quadri and Caleb Chen.

Well done, everyone!

Dates for the diary:

·         Tuesday 21^st October- Parent Voice Event 9.30am and 4.30pm

·         Friday 24^th October- Individual photographs. Younger siblings from 8.30am.

·         Friday 24^th October- African Drumming and Dancing with Mrs Bimpong

·         Thursday 6^th November- Friends of Dame Tipping AGM 1.45pm.

·         Sunday 9^th November- Remembrance Service at St John the Evangelist 10am

·         Monday 17^th November- Parents’ open afternoon Years 1, 3 and 5. 1.15pm-3.00pm

·         Tuesday 18^th November- Parents’ open afternoon Years 2 and 4. 1.15pm-3.00pm

·         Wednesday 19^th November- Parents’ open afternoon Year 6. 1.15pm-3.00pm

·         Monday 8^th December- ‘Aladdin’ pantomime in school.

·         Thursday 11^th December-‘Danny, Champion of the World’ at Brentwood Theatre 9.15am

·         Tuesday 16^th December- Reception and KS1 Nativity 9.30am and 1.30pm

·         Friday 19^th December- Christmas Church Service 1.30pm

·         Tuesday 10^th February 2015- Parent consultation evening 2pm-6.30pm

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Kathryn Waters