NEWS! NEWS! NEWS!

Outdoor Developments:
We have been busy outside planting new trees and building willow structures. Both activities were really successful and a great big thank you to those families that helped.

Our Reception staff along with colleagues from our local pre-schools, have been training on outside play. Nicola Cushion and Adrienne Walton have both completed two days training on Forest Schools. This is an exciting way of learning outside and making full use of our wonderful grounds.

We are creating a new hard surface play area which is currently being fenced. This will allow two classes to use the Huff and Puff equipment in a designated space.

We are liaising with our PTA to order benches and an outdoor classroom.

The “ mysterious hole” on the field has been explored by Norfolk property Services. It turned out to be a soak-away. They are repairing and resurfacing the area.

Sustainable Schools
Many of our art projects have been using recycled materials this term. Our Year 2 children have worked hard with Schools Waste Action to learn more about recycling, materials, and making paper. They will be working on promoting a waste-free lunch next term.
We will also be working with Thea from RSPB next term. She will be helping us with bird feeders as well as working on an environmental project.

As part of  Leadership development I am involved in an International Leadership programme. This project focuses on Sustainable schools and as part of the programme I will be visiting several schools in Adelaide, Australia. This visit will take place in March. I have asked members of our School Council along with Ms Lewis to be my “sponsors”. Their job is to ensure my learning impacts on our school! I’m sure the school council members will demand a lot from me!

“Does anyone have any unwanted childrens’ trousers? We would like to have them as part of our spare clothing stock. Thanks”

New Pupils for 2009
Please remember to register your child for Reception September 2009 before December 31st. This applies to everyone, even if you already have a child at our school. Apply Online.

Stationery Shop
This has been very successful. The children have been able to handle money, work out coin values, add and subtract and make decisions. We will be open each Tuesday from 8:45am. Year One are very welcome to visit us now.

PE News
We have now started our Sports Council and also our Sports Leadership Awards. Thanks to Jo Thompson and Sarah Manning for setting these up.

Children have been learning about the Haka as part of their dance module. Some of them performed in assembly-very scary!

Country Dancing is going well. There are still spaces if you want to join in: Thursday 8:30 in the hall.

Does your child know about money? Can they identify different coins and what they are worth? Can they add simple amounts using pennies, fives tens or twos? It would be great if they could become more familiar with these skills. Could they do this at home?

Leavers and Arrivals
You might be aware that both Mr and Mrs Zarins are retiring at Christmas having worked for over 20 years in the area. Mrs Zarins has inspired hundreds of pupils over many years particularly with her artwork and drama. If you would like to contribute towards a retirement gift for Mrs Zarins please see Ms Lewis (Magpie Class – first room on left in new block).

As from January Ms Sheree Brock will join us as classteacher for Barn Owls.