14 Dec 2007 - Christmas Newsletter 2007

We feel very blessed with a range of good news as we come to the end of the long autumn term.

 

 

OUTSTANDING SATS ACHIEVEMENTS 2007

Whilst I believe education is about a great deal more than academic performance, it is immensely gratifying when our children are seen to perform well in this area. You may have already seen in the press that, based on SATs Level 4+ combined achievement in English, Maths and Science, St Peter’s school was the most successful school in the area, covering all Primary schools from the Plymouth border, almost to Okehampton! On top of this, St Peter’s was the 27^th highest performing school in the Devon Authority, out of well over 300 schools! Rest assured we are working hard to attain the highest possible standards in the current year.

 

 

  OFSTED

We are extremely grateful to the 60 of you who kindly returned the questionnaires prior to the OFSTED inspectors visit earlier this week. Clearly, from the feedback we were given, the vast majority of you are very happy with the work of the school, and the few concerns were quite understandable. Thank you for showing the school in such a good light. Until the final report is received, I am unable to say what their judgement is, other than to say we are very pleased with the draft outcome! I will ensure you receive a copy of the report as soon as it is available, probably in the new year.

  

 

SPA CHRISTMAS FAIR

A great big THANK YOU to everyone who made a donation or came to another very successful Fair. Over £400 was raised! Once again a very special thank you to Mrs Pethick, (Rory’s grandmother)  who once again produced a fabulous Christmas cake looking like a pack of beautifully decorated Christmas crackers! It was successfully auctioned for £30.

 

MRS HARRIS

As you are aware, Mrs Harris is retiring at the end of this term. We are planning to make a presentation to her during the carol service. I know she has appreciated the many good wishes and of course we still hope to see her from time to time.

  

MRS FOSTER

Mrs Foster who has been a meal-time assistant at the school for 23 years is also to leave us at the end of the year to take up another job. She has always had a calm, friendly approach to the children who have seen her as someone to chat to and receive support from. I’m sure she will be very greatly missed by all the children and staff. If you would like to make a contribution towards a suitable leaving gift, I’d be delighted if it could be sent into school as soon as possible.

  An advertisement for her replacement will be placed in the press immediately after Christmas, but in the meantime if anyone is available to ‘cover’ during lunchtime ( 12.30 - 1.40 p.m. ), I’d be delighted to hear from you. Also, if anyone is interested in taking on the post and would like to know more details, please contact me.

LIBRARY BOOKS

Please ensure all school library books are returned to school by this Wednesday. They all have either a St Peter’s School stamp or a Devon Schools’ Library label inside the front cover. Thank you.

  

 

TEAM POINTS

Our supply of team points seems to be running very low, which would suggest that children may have some hidden away, lost and forgotten at home. Every one is vital for the teams as they battle it out for the end of term trophy. If any turn up please return them in time for the end of term final assembly. Thank you.

KELLY   COLLEGE ‘TOUGH’ CHALLENGE

Omitted from the last newsletter in the list of pupils in our successful Tough Challenge team, was Benji. My apologies to him, and a very special well done to him. Without this vital team member I’m sure we would not have done so well. Thank you Benji.

  

 

DINNER MONEY

Next term the cost of school dinners will remain at £1.75 per meal, £8.75 per week, £56.00 for the first half term, or £105.00 for the full term. Cheques made payable to Devon County Council please.

 

COLLECTIONS

Could I remind you that we continue to collect

 

     …. Nestle cereal ‘Books for Schools’ tokens,            …..  empty computer printer cartridges,

 

             ...... used postage stamps in aid of ‘Hearing Dogs for the Deaf,

 

                     …. unwanted spectacles for recycling worldwide through Vision Aid, and

 

                            .... Music CDs, DVDs and computer games for the Blue Peter Appeal.

 

Thanks to all who contributed to our Tesco Vouchers for Sport collection. Over 6000 have been gathered! We will be sending them off next week, so if you have discovered any more please send them in to school now!

 

COUNTDOWN TO THE END OF TERM

 

Mon 17th          p.m.-  Christmas Party for years 3 and 4.  These children need not wear uniform on this day.

 

Tues 18^th          9.00 a.m. – Carol Service Rehearsal in the Parish   Church for all those who are presenting readings. These children should report direct to the Church where they will be met by Mr Stirling. A separate letter has been issued to those children involved.

 

                        p.m. – Christmas Party for years 5 and 6.  These children need not wear uniform

                        on this day.

 

Wed 19th          12.30 p.m. Christmas Dinner.  Those children who have a packed lunch are most welcome to come along with some festive goodies. They certainly won’t miss out on the fun!

   

Thurs 20th        2.00 p.m. – Joint St Peter’s and St Rumon’s Carol Service in the Parish   Church .  You are very warmly invited to join us for this special seasonal celebration.  If you are available to help walk down with the children from 1.30 p.m. , this would be greatly appreciated. The children will be dismissed from the church at approximately 3.00 p.m. Please indicate on the reply slip how your child is to get home. Thank you. Children that play in the School Band will need to bring their instruments to school. The larger instruments will be transported to the church by car.

 

The children return to school on Thursday 3rd January 

Finally could I thank all of you who have kindly and generously supported the school, staff and pupils through this term. I assure you it is very greatly appreciated.

The staff and governors join me in wishing you a very happy and blessed Christmas.           

 

Yours sincerely

 

John George

 

(Headteacher)

 

__________________________________________________________________________

 

REPLY SLIP - CAROL SERVICE – Thursday 20^th  December

 

Child's Name …………………………………… …………………    Class ………………….

 

My child           -      will be collected from church by his/her parent/guardian

-         will be collected from the church by   ……………………………………..

 

-     has my permission to make his/her own way home

 

Signed ……………………………………….. (Parent/guardian)