19 April 1999

Dear Parents,

Welcome back after the Easter break, to what is to be a long and action-packed term. A number of developments will be happening in school over the next few weeks.

• We're going to start a 'Paired Reading' project this half term: a home-school scheme involving parents and children. We hope to involve all children in the school and are to start with our Year 2 class. The parents of children in that class will hear more about this over the coming days.
• You may be aware of the recent publication of the Government's National Numeracy Strategy. Over the course of the coming term the staff will receive training in this new national initiative in preparation for the implementation of the new maths curriculum next September. As part of this training, we have been directed to nominate a school closure day, which in our case, is to be Friday 11^th June. As the school will be closed to the pupils on that day, can I ask you to make alternative arrangements for your children. If there are any problems, please don't hesitate to have a word.
• PSA: Beetle Drive: On Thursday 22 April at 6.30pm: Remember the fun we had last year? Tickets are available in school - £1 each. As last year, we'll be playing in pairs so it may be a good idea to think about this in advance. A great event for all the family, so do support us!
• Lunchtime Supervisors: We have a vacancy for a midday supervisor to work with the older children for 5 lunchtimes per week from 11.45pm until 1pm. We also have a vacancy for a supervisor to work on a Monday lunchtime with our youngest children - both at £4.48 per hour with holiday retention. Please get in touch if you'd like more information.
• Food for Kosovo: Along with other local schools, we have agreed to join The Lakes School in sending aid to the crisis-ridden areas in Kosovo. We have been asked to provide packets of rice, pasta, cooking oil and flour, which should be sent to school any time from now until 17^th May. Many thanks for your help.
• Home-School Agreement/Homework: As from next September, all schools must have a Home-School Agreement in place. The governors are currently working on this, and when we have more information, we'll let you know more. In addition, over the next few weeks, we shall also be providing guidance about homework.
• Help in School: The help many parents give in our classrooms is invaluable. If you have a spare few minutes and would like to help on a regular basis, please get in touch.

Please find a list of dates and events on the back - more will of course be added and I'll send out a fuller version in the next couple of weeks.

Yours sincerely,

David Raven-Hill