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Byron Primary School

14 Oct 2009

Number 3 - 9th October 2009

Reminder INSET DAY FRIDAY 23rd OCTOBER

Family Learning Week – October 2nd – October 9th
Over the last week we have been running after school workshops for our school families as part of Family Learning Week. These have been well attended with over 25 families taking part over the week and have also been great fun (shooting paint out of water pistols and splattering paint everywhere was fantastic!). Unfortunately we had to cancel the Wii Morning as there were not enough people. Obviously most of you do not like getting up early on a Saturday morning! I would like to thank all the staff for organising the workshops and the parents and children for being a pleasure to work with.

Other Family Fun Activities
• Where: Rotary Field, Brighton Road Purley
When: Saturday 10th October 1-4pm
This is organised by PlayPlace: Giant inflatable football (undercover) Kick London teaching football skills and a 5 a side. T-shirt making, crafts, games marquee for table tennis and pool. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult.
• City of London will offer free guided walks on Farthing Downs on Saturday 24th October 10.30 – 12.00a.m. Booking essential on 01372 279083

Parent Volunteers – HELP NEEDED PLEASE
We want to clear out the BSA room in the school so that the library can be put back into the main school building for the children to use. We need some parent volunteers on Tuesday 13th October from 9 am onwards just for an hour or two to help clear the room and get it ready for decorating. If you are able to help please can you let the school office know or just come along! Your help would be much appreciated.

CAR PARKING
Please remember not to park on the lines outside the school either before or at the end of school. Everyone wants to drop and collect their children from the nearest point possible and it is inconsiderate and dangerous to park in prohibited areas. This area is regularly controlled by the wardens and they do carry out spot checks and ticket vehicles.

Open Afternoon
We are holding an Open Afternoon on Tuesday 20th October from 1.30-3pm. Please take this opportunity to come and look round school and to bring other people to Byron. Tea and coffee will be available. Please do come.

Year 6 Secondary Schools 2010
A reminder for Year 6 parents that the secondary transfer forms are due in to school by Friday 16th October. Do not forget or your child may not get a place at your first choice school.

Parent Evening Appointments
Next Wednesday from 6-8pm and Thursday from 3.30-6pm we are holding Parents Evenings. A letter was sent home last week and we are still waiting to hear from some parents. It is very important that you come and find out how your child is getting on at school. Parental involvement in your child’s education is extremely important if your child is to do well at school. Children need to know that you value and are interested in what they do at school.

Healthy Schools
We are a Healthy School and work with the children to help them understand the importance of keeping fit and healthy. At morning playtime children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are provided with a fruit snack and Junior children are allowed to bring a healthy fruit snack. Fruit is also available to purchase from the school kitchen for 40p. At lunchtime we have healthy meals cooked on site and children can also buy a bowl of salad for 40p from our salad bar.

Every Wednesday parents are invited to come to school lunch with their children. Please ask at the school office for details.

Christmas Card Competition
Eden Foodservice has set a competition for pupils having a school dinner everyday during the week starting 19th October to design their official Eden Christmas card.  The winning designer will have their card professionally printed and used by Eden and will also receive 100 cards for their own family and friends.  Eligible children will be given an entry card which will need to be returned by end of school on Thursday 5th November at the latest.
 
Reading Afternoon
On Thursday 22nd October we have our first reading afternoon. Please look out for the letter coming home soon.

Attendance
Class attendance for the last two weeks is as follows:

Class	Week ending October 2nd	Week ending October 9th
Reception	98%	94%
Year 1	93%	98%
Year 2	97%	99%
Year 3	96%	99%
Year 4	92%	94%
Year 5	97%	98%
Year 6	95%	98%

I would like to remind parents about holiday absence. This was detailed in the Attendance Policy circulated last year and copies are available in the school office. All applications must be made at least 3 weeks before the requested absence and leave will not be given unless your child has had attendance of at least 93% in the previous academic year. Only one period of absence will be granted in any academic year and this will be no more than 10 days. Consideration will also be given to the age of the child, stage of education and time of year. No leave will be granted to pupils in Year 6 during the spring term and the first half of the summer term due to revision programmes and statutory tests, unless there are exceptional circumstances. No leave will be granted for Year 2 during the months of March, April and May due to statutory tests, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

This policy is in line with other local schools and with local authority requirements.

Suggestions Box
We are always looking for new ideas or suggestions about how to do things differently. Please put any suggestions that you may have in the Box which is located in the school entrance area or alternatively come and talk to either myself or Mrs Small. We welcome any ideas that you may have and we are always happy to speak with you.


Clare Wingrave