I’m sure you have seen the posters and donation requests for the May Revels. This week the pupils have started rehearsing for their opening performance. The OSA members are working really hard to ensure all preparations are in hand and we are really looking forward to what promises to be a fun packed event. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather.

End of Key Stage 2 tests.

All Year 6 pupils will be taking their end of Key Stage 2 tests – SATs – during the week beginning 14^th May. Testing will take place every morning during that week. We request that all pupils arrive as close to 8.45am as possible during that week to ensure that testing can start promptly and disruption is kept to a minimum.

Parent Consultation Evening.

Our next parent consultation evening will be held on Tuesday 22^nd May.  A table of time slots will be displayed in the entrance hall for you to make an appointment to discuss your child’s progress. If you are unable to come into school to make an appointment please do not hesitate to contact Carolyn in the office who will be able to do this for you.

Maths information evening.

We are planning to hold an information evening for parents next term on Monday 25^th June – 6.30pm. The focus will be about our approach to teaching and learning in maths and in particular looking at strategies for calculation and ways in which you can support your child at home. Areas covered will be applicable for all age ranges.

Swimming.

Our swimming / PE sessions at Cirencester Leisure Centre start on Wednesday 2^nd May. The coach will leave school at 1.00pm and return at approximately 3.45pm.

Please could you ensure that your child / children come to school that day in their PE kit and that all clothing is clearly labelled.

Cricket coaching for KS2.

As part of the Chance to Shine programme the Key Stage 2 pupils will be receiving cricket coaching on Thursday afternoons (please see attached flyer for information).  PE for Class 2 will therefore now be on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons until further notice.

Dates for the diary.

We would like to extend a very special welcome to James who joins us in Year 6.

With all best regards

Lisa Austin-Harrison

On behalf of the staff I would like to wish all families a very happy new year. We look forward to working in partnership to ensure that our school continues to thrive in 2012.

Class 1 visit to Natural History Museum, Oxford.

In order to support their learning about dinosaurs Class 1 plan to visit the Natural History Museum in Oxford on Tuesday 24^th January.

Dates for the diary.

-OSA Fundraiser – Friday 3^rd February

The OSA are in the process of organising a “race night” fundraising event for the evening of Friday 3^rd February. Make sure that you keep a look out in book bags for further details.

-May Revels

Our annual May Revels is due to take place on Saturday 12^th May. Themes for the event this year have been considered and will be discussed with the pupils who will vote for the final choice.

-Cross Country Dates

MONDAY 16th JAN – Bisley District Race - BISLEY RECREATION GROUND  

TUESDAY 31^st JAN – Bisley District Race - BISLEY RECREATION GROUND  

MONDAY 6^th FEB  -  STRATFORD COURT 3.45pm

TUESDAY 13^th MARCH

Stroud district race – Years 3 and 4  – STRATFORD LEISURE CENTRE 4pm

WEDNESDAY 14^th MARCH 

Stroud district race – Years 5 and 6 – STRATFORD LEISURE CENTRE 4pm

-SATs Week for Year 6 pupils.

This year SATs for all Year 6 pupils are due to take place the week commencing Monday 14^th May. Please ensure that if you have a pupil in this year group that any appointments are not planned for this week.

-Achievement Worship

In Church on Thursday 9^th February at 9.15am

End of Term 3 for pupils Thursday 9^th February (Staff INSET 10^th)

St John’s Ambulance First Aid Training for Class 2.

We are pleased that the OSA has agreed to fund this programme. This means we continue to ensure that when they leave at the end of year 6 all our pupils have achieved the Young Lifesavers Award

Coats.

The Oakridge wind on the village green is famous so as the cold weather continues we would like to ask all parents to ensure that children bring a coat to school every day.

With all best regards

Lisa Austin-Harrison

Next week is our celebration of arts week. We have planned for our pupils to take part in a wide and varied range of activities and experiences over the five days. For your information we attach an overview of the planned activities. Also included is some information about the family photo competition we will be running. Many, many thanks for all the support offered so far but if you haven’t expressed an interest in helping it’s not too late to inform Carolyn of the day and time you are available.

As last year we will organise an open afternoon during Term 2 to exhibit our work and projects.

Secondary School Transfers –Y6

Just a reminder that the closing date for applications for Secondary school places for September 2012 is 31^st October 2011. Please ensure that you have either returned a paper Common Application Form or applied online at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions. Should you have any queries, please contact the Admissions & Transfers team on 01452 425407.

Walk like an Egyptian.

Well done to all in Class 2 for their preparation and research. The Egyptian themed day was enjoyed by all and included such activities as pyramid building, mummification and food tasting.

Keep an eye on the updates on our school website for further insights as to the themed based day.

Communication from School.

At this time of year we always like to remind parents of the opportunity to receive newsletters and other school based communication in electronic format rather than, or as well, as hard copy. Please discuss this with Carolyn if you would like to arrange this.

Parents evening.

As a reminder parent consultation meetings are next week. If you have not already done so you can arrange a time to meet with your child’s class teacher by signing up on the list in the entrance hall or telephoning the office.

Achievement Worship.

This will take place in church on Friday 21^st October at 9.15am.

Arts Week Family Photo Competition

The theme of the competition is ‘our school/our village’.  Entries need to be handed in by 9.00am on Friday 21^st October and can either be e-mailed to school adm...@oakridge.gloucs.sch.uk or given in to the school office.  There will be a prize for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd places and entries should be no larger than A4.  Please put your name on the back of the photo.

Finally, Term 1 ends on Friday 21^st October and Term 2 starts on Monday 31^st October

Many thanks for your continuing support

With all best regards

Lisa Austin-Harrison

Birthdays in October

Mabel 5 on 13^th

Trinity 11 on 22^nd

Henry 10 on 30^th

Following the success of our event last year we are in the process of planning an arts week in school for the week beginning Monday 17^th October. The focus will be our school and our community.  Therefore, we are again seeking to use your help and expertise. If you or someone you know locally would be able to come into school during the week to run a workshop or give a demonstration please tell us. We are very keen to again explore what artistic skills and talents our local community has. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Curriculum information.

Attached to this letter are our termly curriculum overviews highlighting the areas of study for both classes. 

If you have any questions relating to the overview do not hesitate to talk to the class teachers.

PE for Class 2 (Key Stage 2)

Please note that PE sessions for Class 2 are now Monday and Friday afternoons.  The Monday afternoon session will be held at the Village Hall, therefore please could Class 2 pupils be collected from the hall at 3.15pm. (Unless they are attending football club) 

If you have a younger child in Class 1 you may collect your older child from the hall at 3.05 pm to allow sufficient time to get to school for 3.15pm.

PE for Class 1 remains on Wednesday and Fridays.

After School Football Club

After school football club starts on Monday 19^th September and will finish at 4.15pm and not 4.30pm as previously stated.

Data checking sheets.

In order to carry out our annual review we request that the data checking sheets are completed and returned to school as soon as possible. It is important that the information we hold is up to date in case of a need to contact you in an emergency.

Dates for the diary.

On the reverse of this newsletter you will find the latest set of diary dates for Terms 1 and 2. As the term progresses there will undoubtedly be additions to make to this list. However, we will endeavour to provide you with proir notice and where possible keep to the dates and times set. Information about forthcoming events can also be easily accessed on our school website.

Bike parking.

It is good to observe that some children are taking the healthy option in the mode of transport they take to school. However, we request that all bikes are stored by the railings in front of the school and are not left in front of the gate by the door. This gate is a fire exit from Class 1 and needs to be kept clear at all times.

Parent Governor Nominations.

On behalf of the Governing Body I am pleased to inform you that Jonathan Morley is our new governor.

With all best regards

Lisa Austin-Harrison

Firstly, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported our May Revels. In spite of the threat of bad weather with the heavy rain in the morning, the event was really well attended and a fantastic time was had by all, children and adults alike.

Bonnie our May Queen, Katie the May Queen in Waiting, Beth and Hermione the assistants made the opening ceremony a truly moving occasion.  

A tremendous amount of work goes on in the lead up and on the actual day – both before and after the event. For such a small school it is indeed a great achievement.

Parent consultation meetings – Tuesday 24^th May 3.15pm – 5.30pm and Thursday 26^th May 4.15pm -6.30pm.

Please ensure you book an appointment to discuss the progress of your child / children. Timetables will be displayed in the entrance hall but appointments can also be booked by telephoning or sending an email to the school office.

Dates for your diary – Term 6.  

Thomas Keble Public Speaking Competition.

In March Kallum  and Jack  were the Oakridge finalists in the public speaking competition judged by Thomas Keble Y9 pupils. They both performed extremely well at the final competition which took place last week in front of staff, pupils and parents from the surrounding primary schools. A huge amount of confidence and skill was demonstrated by both pupils. The Headteachers in the locality have agreed that the event should be held annually and as such have organised for each school to have their own shield. Kallum and Jack will be the first pupils to have their names engraved on our special school shield.   

Holy Trinity visit.

We look forward to welcoming Y5 pupils from our link school in Camden on Tuesday next week. The Class 2 pupils will need to bring suitable outdoor clothing – coat and wellies.

End of Term 5.

Is it the end of Term 5 already? Our end of term achievement worship will take place in church at 9.15am on Friday 27^th May.

Can you help?  Do you have any video footage of the dancing or singing from the 2010 May Revels?  If so, Emma Wynne-Jones would very much like to have a copy. Please contact the school office for further details.

Finally, well done to all of our Year 6 pupils for their hard work and mature attitude towards the end of Key Stage 2 SATs this week. We have all been impressed by their attitude and approach.

With all best regards

Lisa Austin-Harrison

Well done everyone for their amazing efforts with the fundraising. As a school we raised £70.85. The Y5 and 6 girls also collected over £83.00 through their sponsored silence.

The pupils who attend the cross country club at Bisley also raised over £500 with their huge fun run.

German club performance.

The play performed by the German club pupils (and pets) was a roaring success and had us all in fits of laughter. We thank Mrs Wise for all her hard work and support with this. If you did not attend, or would like to see it again, video clips can be viewed on our school website.

Healthy Living Week – progress so far.

All staff and pupils would like to extend their thanks to all the volunteers that have helped make this week run so smoothly. Mrs Warren would like to give a special thank you to the helpers who monitored the children with sharp knives and were prepared to be put into the recovery position six times!

K’nex challenge.

Congratulations to Katie and Hermione who as winners of the in school competition represented the school at the final K’nex challenge last week.

On behalf of myself and all the staff I would like to wish all families an enjoyable and restful Easter break.

Please remember that Tuesday 26^th April is an INSET day for staff. Pupils start back on Wednesday 27^th April and will need PE and swimming kit for that afternoon.

Permission slips and cakes for the Royal Wedding day celebration party also need to be returned to school by that day.

Governor meeting minutes

Copies of the minutes from the last governors’ meeting are available from the school office.  Please see Carolyn if you would like a copy.

With all best regards

Lisa Austin-Harrison

Term 5 dates.

 Friday 8^th April – end of term 4

 Wednesday 27^th April – start of term 5 – and swimming pm!

 Thursday 28^th April – Royal Wedding celebration at Bisley

 Friday 29^th April – Bank holiday

 Monday 2^nd May – Bank holiday

 Tuesday 3^rd May – back to school

 Saturday 7^th May – May Revels

 Monday 9^th May – SATs week for KS2

 Tuesday 17^th May – Holy Trinity school visiting

 Tuesday 24^th May – parents evening

 Thursday 26^th May – parents evening

 Friday 27^th May – end of term 5

 Monday 6^th June – start of term 6

Congratulations to our cross country team who yet again performed brilliantly this week in the two final Stroud Area competitions at Stratford Park. In the Year 3 race our school gained medals for Zoe – 8^th place and in the Year 4 race Libby – 3^rd place and Esme – 8^th place. At the competition on Tuesday Hester gained a place to enter the County finals by coming 6^th in the qualifying race.

Once again we are incredibly proud of all runners who have made great progress through the season and set a great example to all.

The Riddiford Cup.

A squad of pupils from our school club entered the indoor 6 a side football tournament at Thomas Keble last Friday. They played matches against teams from local primaries – most of which were made up of year 5 and 6 pupils. Our team, consisting of pupils from Y1 to Y6 really held their own. It was nail biting viewing!

Well done to Jack N, Bonnie, Elden, Hester, Edward, Felix, Jack O-H and our super goalie Hannah.

Many thanks to Nick Miles, our team coach and Miss Burtwell for their dedication to training all our footballers.

Invitation.

Mrs Wise our German teacher would like to invite all parents of our German Club pupils to a short performance on the afternoon of Wednesday 30^th March at 2.55pm.

Red Nose Day – Friday 18^th March.

Message from pupil council – To raise money for Comic Relief we will be having a non-uniform day on Friday with crazy hair if you wish! We will also be organising wake and shake to the tune from the Red Nose Day song, icing red nose day biscuits and having a Malteser track race. Can we suggest a donation of £1 per pupil to take part.

Healthy Living Week – Monday 4^th April – Friday 8^th April.

This term our pupils will be taking part in a themed week exploring “healthy living”. Some workshops and events booked so far include – first aid training, the making of healthy meals, a sports afternoon and possible visit from the Gloucestershire Life Bus.  If you have any ideas about workshops you would like to run or help with please get in touch. Your support would be much appreciated.

Royal Wedding Celebration – Thursday 28^th April.

To mark the forthcoming Royal wedding we are currently planning a special event for the pupils of Oakridge and Bisley to celebrate together. So far we have arranged for our pupils to catch the local bus to Bisley where they will have the opportunity to meet with other classes and take part in a street party on the playground. More details will follow but our aim is make the day a very special one to be remembered by all.

After school and holiday clubs.

There is now an option for our pupils to be transported to the club but places will need to be allocated on a first come first served basis. If you are interested in either the after school club or Easter holiday club please see Carolyn in the school office for more details.

Finally, I was thrilled to be invited to attend the karate grading at the village hall last weekend. It was stunning to see the progress our pupils have made. Well done to all pupils achieving their first belt and indeed Sophia Russell for her skill and dedication in setting up the school.

Our Christian Value of the term is

Forgiveness

Mothering Sunday Family Service 3^rd April at 9.30am

Congratulations to our cross country team who yet again performed brilliantly this week in the competition at Marling School. This time our school gained medals for Libby third place and Esme tenth place in the girls Y3/4 race and Hester  for third place in the girls Y5/6 race. Yet again all runners did really well.

Our runners met and shared a warm up session with the team from Bisley School. Kate who runs the team at Bisley has kindly offered to open up the opportunity for Oakridge pupils to join them on Monday training sessions after school. If your child would be interested in taking up this offer please discuss this with Carolyn.

Governors’ Newsletter Discontinued.

Taking on board feedback received in relation to previous communications, the governing body have decided to discontinue the Governors’ Newsletter.  To ensure parents remain informed, the minutes of each meeting of the governing body will be advertised via the school newsletter.  All parents wishing to see a copy of the minutes can obtain these via the school office.  The possibility was considered of sending each parent a hard copy of the minutes as well as displaying them on the school notice board.  However, due to printing cost and lack of space respectively it was deemed unnecessary, as the document can often exceed 5 pages.”

Update: Management Partnership.

The Management Partnership with Bisley Blue Coat School is so far proving to be a success. Spending time in both schools each day has proved manageable and resulted in pupils, parents and staff at both schools maintaining daily contact with the head. A separate, more detailed update will be sent to parents in the coming weeks and will provide feedback on the questions and concerns reviewed during the recent parent/governor meeting.

World Book Day 2011.

This celebration day takes place on Thursday 3^rd March (the first week in Term 4).

We would like to mark the occasion by asking all pupils to bring in their favourite book and dressing as one of their favourite fictional characters.

Achievement Worship.

This term’s Achievement worship will take place on Thursday 17^th February 9.15am at the church.

End of Term 3.

Term 3 ends at 3.15pm on Thursday 17^th February. Term 4 starts on Monday 28^th February 2011.

We look forward to seeing many of you at the Family Ceilidh on Saturday.

With all best regards

Lisa Austin-Harrison

Birthdays in February

Oli – 8 on 12^th

Florrie – 7 on 12^th

Harry – 8 on 15^th

Hannah – 10 on 21^st

Welcome back and Happy New Year to all families.  

On behalf of all staff I would like to send thanks to all pupils and families for the gifts received at the end of Term 2. They were very much appreciated. 

After school football club.

This very popular club will start again on Monday 10^th January.  Collection will be from the village playing fields at 4.15pm.  This term the club will be open to all pupils including Reception.  If you would like your child to be included please inform Carolyn in the school office.

Influenza Guidance.

Listed below is the latest information received from the Local Authority regarding the virus. In order to reduce the spread of illness it is recommended that children displaying signs of influenza are kept away from school. This also applies to what people call “gastric flu” which is a gastrointestinal infection with another virus – usually norovirus or rotavirus. Following a bout of vomiting it is National and County guidance that pupils should remain absent from school for 48 hours.

Management Partnership between Oakridge and Bisley Blue Coat Schools.

As we start the New Year so does our temporary Management Partnership arrangement. During the first four weeks I plan to be at each school for part of the day every day. The timetable will be organised according to each school’s weekly prioirites but based upon 2.5 days in each setting. If you need a meeting with myself please talk to Carolyn in the office who will book an appointment. Any immediate concerns will be dealt with by Issy Warren our Senior Teacher.

Snow patrol.

Recent experience leads us to believe that snowy winters will continue to be a weather feature in the UK. As such I would like to explore the possibilites of keeping the school functioning if staff are unable to travel to school.

I would like to speak to any parent who would be prepared to form part of an emergency “snow patrol” team. Any volunteer would need to have full CRB clearance and be prepared to be called upon at short notice. As with the planning of all procedures that involve the safety and well being of children any plan would be subject to full risk assessment, Governing Body approval and stautory guidance.

If you are able to assist please express an interest by Friday 14^th January.

 The Christian value this term is TRUST.

The recent exhibition of pupils’ work was extremely well attended by parents, governors and friends of the school. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed showing families and visitors their artwork. Many positive comments were received about how stunning the school looks with such a wide range of displays. Once again we wish to communicate our thanks to all who supported the week.

Cross country stars – race two.

Congratulations to our cross country team who yet again performed brilliantly this week in the competition at Stratford Park. Our school gained medals for Libby  first place and Zoe  eighth place in the girls Y3/4 race and Hester  for second place in the girls Y5/6 race. Three top ten medals for a school of our size is indeed a wonderful achievement. Yet again all runners did really well. 

Children in Need.

The Pupil Council and Mrs Wynter have been busy planning a fun packed day of fundraisng to take place next Friday 19^th November. Their plans for the day are as follows;

Sponsored “wake and shake” –  a form, one per family, to raise money by completing a non-stop 30 minute wake and shake session (usually 10 mins) is available from the school office.

The Pupil Council also suggest a donation of £1 to take part in the following “pick and mix” activities;

Wearing odd shoes – for example one slipper and one wellie.  The more odd the better.   

Bring in your bear – as long as they are well behaved

Bake a cake competition – bring in 4 decorated fairy cakes from home. There will be a small prize for the winning cakes with the most creative design.

Non- uniform day – wear your choice of clothes but remember PE will still take place during the afternoon.

Pupils are invited to participate in some or all events.

Operation Christmas Child.

A total of 18 boxes have been collected at school and will be taken to designated drop off points by Alison Miles. We extend our thanks to all who have taken part and to Mrs Miles for her support with this initiative.

Remembrance Day.

Our Y6 “Truly Trusted” pupils visited the grave of a WW1 solidier in Bisley to lay a small wreath. The grave has been adopted by the family of a Y6 pupil through a national scheme. The children are now keen to find out more about this local soldier.   

As well as being involved in the Poppy Appeal, all pupils marked this special day by walking to the village war memorial to take part in two minutes silence at eleven o’clock. We joined Reverend Richards and villagers including Mr Gardiner who played the Last Post on his cornet. Thank you to Katie in Y6 for reading the prayer.

Birthdays in December

Kieran – 5 on 10^th

Hester – 10 on 12^th

Jack – 6 on 13^th