September 2008 - Newsletter No.1


WELCOME BACK TO THE N


EW SCHOOL YEAR

Welcome back to school everyone, we hope you all had a wonderful summer break that was not too much of a wash-out!

I have already completed my first week as Headteacher at Abbey Park and have enjoyed every minute. I certainly feel privileged to be leading such an exciting and successful school. The staff and pupils have all been so friendly and supportive, it feels like home already.
I have had the opportunity to chat at the beginning and end of the day with many parents and look forward to getting to know you all over the next few weeks. I also remind all parents and carers that there is a ‘Comments Box’ in the Entrance Hall and warmly welcome any ideas or thoughts that you have.
Your views are very important to the school and are a great way to enable us to move forward and make further improvements


UNIFORM

All children have started the new school year looking very smart in their uniforms, which I thank you all for. Should you need any new items of clothing or equipment with the school name and logo please collect the relevant form from the office, deliveries will arrive each Thursday.
May I also remind you to label all items of clothing and bags as it is so easy for things to get muddled up? Should any items get left in school they will be placed in the lost property chest located in the Entrance Hall.


EARLY MORNING & AFTER SCHOOL ARRANGEMENTS

Like any beginning to a new school year we are making sure that all parents and pupils are fully aware of the arrangements for the school day. It is so important that we ensure the safety of all our staff and pupils so ask that you follow the guidelines below.

  • 8.40am
 Children arrive and wait on play-ground.
Doors will be opened only if it is raining.
  • 8.45am
 Teacher blows whistle and children line up.
  • 3.15pm
 End of school day
Teachers will bring children out on to the play-ground where they will be
available for 10 minutes should you wish to discuss anything.

Please avoid entering the school building with your child and visit the office for any enquiries that can not be dealt with by the teacher at the end of the day.


NOAH’S ARK TRUST RUN TO REMEMBER EVENT

We are encouraging our children and families to support this charity event which will take place in Worcester’s Countryside Centre on Sunday 21st September. The 1km race will raise money for bereaved children in the area and is also a great opportunity for the whole family to get active.
Details can be found at www.noahsarktrust.co.uk



PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF BAD WEATHER

The school has received a warning from County due to expected bad weather, whilst we hope that the rain will stop we need to make sure you all know what to do if there is any localised flooding and we may be forced to close. The school will contact any of the local radio stations listed below as early as possible. These stations will then announce any closures.
•    Radio Wyvern
•    BBC Hereford & Worcester
•    BRMB
•    Heart
•    Touch FM
This procedure will be the same in the event of snow at other times of the year.


OTHER NEWS

We are very pleased to welcome Mrs Claire Mitchell to our staff team, she will be teaching the Reception Class every Thursday. Most of you will have already met Mrs Mitchell as she has been in school covering staff over the past year. We know she will fit in well and have no doubt that our children will gain lots from being taught by her.


DATES FOR THE DIARIES

Wednesday 10th Sept        Rugby Training starts for Year 4 children.
Wednesday 1st Oct        Rugby Training starts for Year 3 children.
Friday 17th Oct            Harvest Festival for parents and neighbours.
Friday 24th Oct            Welcome Assembly and children break up for Half-term holiday.
Monday 3rd Nov            Children return to school.


I am planning to send a more detailed list of forthcoming events and dates over the next few weeks to help you organise your calendars.
Once again a great big thank-you to everyone who has helped me to settle in during my first week at Abbey Park, I know there will be many exciting times to come.   


David Johnson