Friday 2 February 2018

Dear Parents/Carers,

Filwood Hope

Filwood Hope is a drop-in advice centre – no need for appointments. We have been serving the community of Knowle West since December 1996. We are the first port of call for many people so however big or small you feel your enquiry to be please do not hesitate to drop-in. We are able to help you with letter writing, form filling, employment issues etc. We look forward to seeing you.

Culture Week 2018

Next week we will all be learning about different countries, cultures, traditions and faiths. As part of this we have a number of visitors coming into school so that children can learn about and celebrate other faiths and cultures.

If any parents have something from their own culture or faith that they would like to share, please let the office or class teacher know. We want to celebrate the diversity in our community.

On Friday children can come into school dressed in the traditional clothes for any country or culture that they wish to celebrate.  Children can interpret ‘traditional clothes’ in any way they like (e.g. it might be day-to-day clothes that people wear in the UK). But can we ask for no football kits to be worn, please. 

Improving Safety at the Beginning and End of the School Day

To improve safety at the end of the day we are asking all parents and carers to make verbal contact with staff before we release the children into your care. In practical terms this just means a ‘hello’ or ‘thank you’ so that we are sure children have somebody to look after them.

Also, if children are collected late or in clubs, we need parents to collect children from the main school entrance.

We are not trying to inconvenience anybody, but need to ensure all younger children need to be supervised by school staff or a parent/carer.

Parents Evening

We will be holding Parents’ Evening on the Tuesday and Wednesday 27th & 28th February. Please telephone the school office to make an appointment (01179664844).

School Lunches

From the 19th February the school meals will no longer be prepared by Eden.  The new catering contract has been awarded to Chartwells.  Details of the new menu will be sent out next week.  Good news - the price of the meals have been reduced to £2.05.

NSPCC Guidance on Internet Safety

The internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect - opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe?

That’s where we come in. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re not sure where to start, our tools and advice will help you keep your child safe.

And for schools and teachers, we've got free classroom resources that can be used in the classroom to help children.

The interactive resources can be found by following this link: 

www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/e-safety-schools/

'Show Racism the Red Card’ workshops for Yr 5 & 6

Last week Years 5 and 6 took part in Show Racism the Red Card workshops. Show Racism the Red Card is the UK's leading anti-racism educational charity. They provide educational workshops, training sessions, multimedia packages, and a whole host of other resources, all with the purpose of tackling racism in society. Established in January 1996, the organisation utilises the high-profile status of football and football players to publicise its message. 

Holidays and Long Weekends - a reminder!

It is highly unlikely that the school is able to authorise an absence due to holiday. Absences can only be authorised in  exceptional circumstances.

Due to government guidance, the school is expected to take action when children have 8 or more unauthorised sessions (4 days). This would normally be in the form of a fine of £60 per child per adult.

So where children have been on holiday in the current year or the previous year, or their attendance is low, it is likely that we will issue a fine if there are more than 8 unauthorised sessions.

Can I remind you that children should not be taken out of school on Mondays or Fridays for long weekends (unless there are exceptional circumstances and it has been agreed in advance).

Family Support Drop-ins

Mrs Selway is now hosting informal drop-in sessions each Friday morning. This time will enable parents/carers to seek support and advice. Mrs Selway will help in any way she can and also provide links to other organisations who offer support. If you have a worry of any kind - pop in!

Children’s cycle skills sessions at the Family Cycling Centre

The Bristol Family Cycling Centre in Hengrove is running a course of cycling skills sessions for children aged 7 to 12 who can already ride, led by British Cycling-qualified coaches. This is in addition to the range of learn-to-ride, disability-friendly and family sessions that take place at the Centre.

The course uses fun games to improve bike handling skills. It is great for those wishing to get more confident on their bike ready for independent riding on the roads as well as would-be racers.

Children will work in two groups, based on cycling experience. Example exercises for Group 1 include weaving through cones, practising cornering, cycling in an ever-smaller space and slow races. Group 2 will do similar games but with more confidence/speed. They may also practise passing things to each other while riding, riding while holding each other's shoulders, drafting and close riding, sprint starts etc. The sessions may also include some fun, handicapped races.

The sessions are run on our traffic-free track and paths. Children can bring their own bike or use one of the Centre’s.

The course runs on Saturday mornings (February 3rd, 10th and 17th and March 3rd, 10th and 24th) from 9am to 10am. It costs £30 (£15 for children eligible for free school meals).

Please book a place via Eventbrite. More information and links for booking are on our website www.betterbybike.info/familycyclingcentre and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/familycyclingcentre.

Do get in touch if you have any questions.

Bristol Family Cycling Centre

Bamfield

BS14 0FE

01275 832800

 cyclingcentre@bristol.gov.uk

Headteacher Awards

The following children will be receiving headteacher certificates:- Azora (YR), Miley W (Y1), Reggie and William (Y2), Gracie, Rubyleigh and Jenson (Y3), Chebuka (Y4). Celebration Assembly on Monday will be at the different time of 2.50pm.

Attendance

Well done to Year 1 and Year 5 who had 97% attendance.

Key dates for Diaries                      

Wb 5th February     - Culture Week

Friday 9th February   - Culture Week non uniform day

Friday 9th February    - End of Term 3 

Monday 19th February   - Start of Term 4

Tuesday 6th March   - Year 3 visit to Tesco

Friday 23rd March   - End of Term 4

Monday 9th April     - Start of Term 5

Friday 13th April    - Easter Mass in Church

14th May - 18th May   - Year 6 SATs week

Friday 25th May     - End of Term 5

Monday 4th June    - Start of Term 6

8th June - 11th June   - Year 6 Manor Adventure Camp

Friday 29th June    - SS Peter and Paul Mass in Church

Monday 9th July    - INSET Day (school closed)

Friday 20th July 2018   - End of school year for children

Monday 23rd July   - INSET Day (school closed)

Tuesday 24th July   - INSET Day (school closed)             




Yours sincerely,



Matt Condon, 
Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers, Absence Due to safeguarding, we do need to be informed by 9am if your child is not able to attend school. If we are...