From the Head

1^st December 2011

Dear Parents,

We have had an excellent week at the school, with a lot of sport, and preparations going on apace for the various Christmas performances.

CHRISTMAS CARDS

Christmas cards (designed by the children) will be on sale on the front desk from today.  All proceeds will go to the Polaris Foundation that does excellent work for various projects in Africa.  I, therefore, do encourage you to buy your cards from us; ask at the Reception. 

PARENTS' PARKING

It has come to my attention that the car park outside the school gates is not being used as it should be.  It is essential that parents take only one space and do not park across two or more spaces.  In addition, when reversing or advancing in and out of spaces, parents must be both vigilant and patient.  This is essential for everyone´s safety and peace of mind.

SECURITY

We are always trying to improve security in the school.  As you know we now have a caretaker.  We are also in the process of changing the gate opening and closing system, which will mean when suppliers come to the school the gate will automatically close behind them.  It will also mean that, except when the buses are going in and out, the gate will be closed first thing in the morning, preventing intruders from getting into the school.  Staff will have their own key to open the gate.  We will no longer use the stone to hold open the gate first thing in the morning.  Instead the catch will be engaged to ensure it can be opened between 9am and 9.30am.  Please do not be surprised to see the pedestrian gate shut during these times; just push it and make your way in as normal. 

CHRISTMAS FAYRE- KEY STAGE 1 AND EYFS

The Christmas Fayre will function as previously.  Except for brief supervised visits, children will be kept in classes in Key Stage 1 and Early Years, unless the children´s parents come to pick them up and take them to enjoy the fayre.  Payment for activities will be by 50 cent tokens.

MOBILE PHONES, IPODS, MP3 PLAYERS ETC.

A reminder, once again, that mobile phones are not to be brought into school for any reason.  Personal music listening devices of other kinds can be brought in for use on the bus only.  They should not be used once the boy or girl is in school.

HOLIDAYS NEXT WEEK

Due to the National Holidays the school will be closed next week on Tuesday 6^th and Thursday 8^th December.  I hope you enjoy the shortened working week. 

CHOIR SINGING IN CARTAGENA

Despite initial assurances that the choir singing could take place in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, we have been asked to move it to the Plaza de San Francisco.  It will still be at 10am on 16^th December.  The choir singing in Murcia remains in the Plaza de San Domingo at 10am on 14^th December.  Members of the choir will be out of lessons Period 1 and 2 on the coming Monday for rehearsals.

FIGHTING CHILD OBESITY- A PROJECT WITH MURCIA UNIVERSITY AND TORRE PACHECO AYUNTAMIENTO

I am pleased to inform you that our school is going to take part in a school health project on obesity carried out jointly by the University of Murcia and the Town Hall of Torre Pacheco.  Our Primary and Secondary children will be asked to fill in some questionnaires about their eating habits at home and during their spare time, among other issues.  They will also receive comprehensive medical checks by trained doctors and nurses.  If you would prefer your children not to take part in this project, please send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it stating your objection by 7^th December.  If we do not receive an objection, we will assume that all of our primary and secondary children are participating. 

REPORTS

A reminder that reports will be published only on ClaSSic.  If you do not have a printer at home then do feel free to ask for a printed copy from Reception.  The reports will be available from 22^nd December.

PRE-NURSERY YELLOW

I am very sorry to report that Mrs June Riley has to return home for the rest of term due to unfortunate family circumstances.  She has already completed your children´s reports  and will be back ready to go in the New Year.  In her absence for the last 2 ½ weeks of term, Mrs Michelle Joyce  will be deputizing for her.  She already knows your children well as she was here at the beginning of term, deputizing for Mrs Riley, and will be with the class until the end of term.

Best wishes

Robin Silk