Dear Parents

 As we start a new academic year at King’s Wood I would like to welcome the children back and hope you had an enjoyable holiday together.  We have new members of staff joining our team and there will be an opportunity for you to meet them during this early part of the term. 

Staffing 

Uniform 

It is the beginning of the school year and the children look very smart.  It would be wonderful to keep up this standard all year.  So just a few reminders:

• No haircuts shorter than grade 2.
• Please label all school uniform.  We cannot return items that your child may mislay unless their name is clearly marked on them.
• Uniform is no longer sold from the School Office.  Items with the school logo (sweatshirts, cardigans, fleeces, book bags, PE bags and t-shirts) are only available from the National Schoolwear Centre in Church Square off the High Street.  Other uniform items are available from standard retailers.

Lunchtime Meal Arrangements

As part of the ‘Healthy Schools Campaign’ it has been necessary for the private caterers to alter the menu structure for the children.  As you are aware the price of a school meal was increased to £1.60 per day during the summer term.  This term there will be a choice of two set meals for your child/ren to choose from at a cost of £1.60 which includes a main meal, dessert and a drink.  It will not be possible to purchase extra food items.   The private caterers have requested payment is made on the day or in advance as it is no longer acceptable to operate in arrears.   If a child comes to school without lunch money parents will be called to either bring payment for a meal or provide a packed lunch for that day.

School Hours 

The teachers plan many exciting lessons and activities for the children and it is very important that your child is in the classroom for the beginning of the day to ensure they do not miss the start of the lesson.   When the gate opens at 8.40 am in the morning the younger children (Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2) may go straight to their classroom.  The older children (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6) go onto the playground and the bell is run at 8.45 am.  The teachers will then collect the children and escort them to the classroom for a prompt start to the day at 8.50 am.   The younger children finish at 3.00 pm and need to be collected promptly by an adult.   The older children (Year 3 and above) finish at 3.10 pm and will be escorted to the gate by the class teacher between 3.10 and 3.20 pm to be met by the parent/s.  If your child is going to walk home on their own you will need to write a letter informing the class teacher of this fact.

Contact with School 

Please could we remind parents that if you wish to see a teacher, pass on a message, ensure that your child has medication or just check a particular detail, the way to do this is through the school office.  (Please do not call in unexpectedly in the morning to see a class teacher or try to have a conversation with them when they are bringing the children in from the playground in the morning.  Their job is to be with ALL the children ensuring they have a safe and satisfactory start to their day.) 

Security 

We ask that all parents, regardless of the time of day (before school and after school) or whom they wish to see, to come through the front entrance so that we know who is in the building.  We work strongly with all pupils to ensure that they do not open doors even to people who they know.  

Go for 100% Attendance 

 We would like to take this opportunity to remind parents of our procedure for notifying the school of any absence. High attendance levels are essential for your child’s education.  Even a 90% attendance record is the equivalent of missing nearly 4 school weeks every year.  Where possible please try and plan medical and dental appointments, etc outside the school day. For other absences, please telephone the school by 9.15 am to advise the situation and send a letter with your child when they return for our records.   We will be celebrating with those pupils who maintain a perfect attendance record on a termly basis with certificates.  Pupils achieving 100% for the entire year will be rewarded.  Last year, many children recorded perfect attendance for the school year.  

Swine ‘Flu 

This is the latest advice which has been sent to schools.  Children with any ‘flu like symptoms should not be taken to school and their parents/guardians should be asked to take them home if they arrive with symptoms.  If a child is taken ill during the day, their parents should be called immediately and asked to collect the child who should be kept separate from other children (to reduce the risk of infection) until they are collected.   There is no need to stay away from school unless symptoms are experienced.  Staff/parents should remain vigilant for any ‘flu like symptoms and parents should be reminded of the need to keep children at home if unwell. Those with an existing medical condition, who begin to suffer ‘flu like symptoms, should contact their GP for advice and treatment as soon as possible.   Good hygiene, using a tissue and washing hands properly will help keep us all healthy.  I am sure parents will support us by teaching children these good habits at home and reminding children they are important.   We will let you know of any updates to the guidance we receive from the County Council or the Government. 

Head Lice 

Please check your child’s head tonight and treat if necessary.  County no longer provide a nurse to go around schools checking on children’s health.  It is down to us to keep this problem under control.   I am afraid that we are not allowed to recommend any particular treatment.  You must talk to your doctor, surgery nurse or chemist for advice. 

Nursery Aged Children  (born between 01.09.2005 and 31.08.2006) 

Please note that parents of children born between the above dates should register their application for a school place by early November 2009.   The information booklets and application forms for September 2010 admission are available from your child’s pre-school organisation as well as our school office.  Failure to register your child in time may mean they are not allocated to the first school of your choice.  It is therefore important that you complete the form fully and return it with the supporting address evidence as soon as possible.

School Term Dates

 Staff training dates-no pupils in school:

Friday 23rd October 2009, Monday 4th January 2010 and Wednesday 21st July 2010

Easter 2010: Friday 2nd April-Monday 5th April 2010

Early May Bank Holiday: Monday 3rd May 2010

Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 31st May 2010

The staff and I look forward to working with you for the benefit of the children throughout the academic year.

Yours sincerely

Miss M E Gormley

Headteacher