Dear Mums, Dads and Carers,

We have reached the end of term 3 already. It has flown by!

We had a visit recently from the assessors for Artsmark. Thank you to Mrs Hampton and Mrs Rorison for the time and effort they put into the application process for Artsmark Gold. Thank you to the staff for continuing to provide a rich and varied Arts curriculum. Thanks to John Mills McDonald who, in his governor role, met with the assessor. The assessor was very impressed with all that she saw and heard about from children, staff and governors. We hope to be able to let you know the outcome very soon.

This term our Christian Value has been “Understanding”. We have looked at many different stories and used advice from the Bible, in particular the book of Proverbs.

Listen my child to your Father’s instructionand do not forsake your Mother’s teaching.

They will be a garland to grace our head and a chain to adorn you neck. Proverbs 1:8-9

Last week we talked to the children about good advice that their parents gave to them….these are some of the things they said you said to them. They do listen to you!

”Be kind and gentle to everyone”
“Don’t get all your toys out at once”
“Don’t wander off in a shop”
“Shut the door and make sure the dog doesn’t get out”
“Put your school clothes ready on the bannister”
“Don’t run with your hands in your pocket”
“Don’t run across the road”
“Learn your spellings” / “Never tell lies”
“Follow your dreams and don’t let anyone hold you back. Whatever you do enjoy it and be brave”
”Time is a great healer”
“Never ever talk to someone you don’t know on the Internet”
“Choose your friends carefully”
“Treat others the way you would like to be treated”

Next term we are focusing on “Responsibility”……..Proverbs 22:6says

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Thank you to you all for your continued patience concerning parking around school. We are working closely with the Weeks family who own the land to the side of the school and hope to have some positive news in the near future. I appreciate the difficulties there are at the beginning and of the school day and thank parents for using the car park on walk to school days. It really helps. Please continue to park with due care and consideration to residents.

Breakfast club continues to thrive. There are some spaces. Please contact Charlotte directly or the school office if you are interested. This is another way of avoiding the 0845/1520 parking issues!

Please remember the Rag Bag collection box which is in the playground. It is filling up again. As soon as it is full enough we will ask for a collection and this of course means we receive money. The money goes towards school projects and in particular the building project. Do have a look through cupboards and drawers over the half term break and see if you can find anything. Remember no pillow and duvets and all should be in tied bags. Thanks.

Jane Gascoigne

Attendance

Week ending / Robins / Owls / Kingfishers / Eagles
6/2/15 / 90.7% / 91.4% / 87.2% / 98.4%
13/2/15 / 96.4% / 90% / 98.4% / 90.8%

Africa Day

On Monday 16th March, the Equalities Team are organising an African Day! There will be a variety of activities going on and the children will take part in these in their house teams. All children will be encouraged to dress up in mufti as an African animal of their choice! We would be really grateful if you would send in a contribution of £1.00 per child for this. The money will be donated to an African Charity.

Many thanks,

The Equalities Team

Reception

As part of their class topic on Space, Reception Class have been learning about the Chinese Lunar calendar (based on the Moon’s orbit of the Earth), and Chinese New Year. We have listened to the story of how the Chinese Years came to be named after 12 different animals. The New Year starting on February 19th.will be the Year of the Goat.

We have also listened to the Chinese story of the Nien who had ‘claws so sharp and teeth so terrible, when he roared he made even the Moon tremble with fear’. The villagers made a huge lion to scare him away so they could enjoy their New Year celebration in peace. Now every year in China people do a lion dance to bring good luck. Reception Class have made their own lion and practised a dance too.

Last week we were visited by a validator for Artsmark Gold. She was impressed by the great variety of Arts we offer at the school. Three children from Year 6 showed her the displays in the hall and classrooms. She met with a further group of children to discuss all the Arts projects they have been involved in at Shoscombe over the last year, such as Egg Theatre productions, Arts Award groups, projects with Edwina Bridgeman, Flamenco Dancing, Circus Club, Craft Clubs, Choir, Music lessons, Dance Umbrella, singing workshops with Vivien Ellis, Whole school days with an Arts focus such as Thai Day, Spanish Day, Christmas Art Day, Grandparents Day, Djembe Drumming and the variety of Arts children do in class on a daily basis as part of cross curricular learning.

The children’s enthusiasm and enjoyment was evident. We will hear shortly whether we have been successful in achieving the Artsmark Gold.

Sophie Hampton

Year 1 and 2

Music and PE experts in Y1/2

Miss Cross has been working in Year 1 and Year 2 since September. She has been a fantastic student, the pupils have really enjoyed working with her and we will all miss her violin playing. As part of her course Miss Cross is now undertaking a placement in another school but we are delighted that she will be returning to Shoscombe in term 4.

We are pleased to announce that Miss Rachel Curtis from UWE is now undertaking a PGCE placement in our class. Miss Curtis is particularly interested in teaching PE. She has been teaching balance and co-ordination this week.

Martin Stevens

Year 3 and 4

Year 3 and 4 have been learning how to be SMART on the internet. We have all made a pledge to stay safe. We have looked at the CBBC website; there are some super activities to do with your children to help them know how to be safe. I have included a link.

Tania Rorison

Year 5 and 6

The Year 5 and Year 6 children have been enjoying challenging themselves with our new fundamental movement skills P.E. programme. It is designed so that children constantly practice skills that they find challenging. They have also spent some time performing skills that they have mastered to their peers

The children have also been learning about the changes they can expect their bodies to go through as they grow older with the school nurse.

Barry McNulty

The Talent Show

The talent show organised by school parliament certainly showcased a variety of talents. MrsChaytors kindly offered to judge the performances all of which were of a very high standard. All participants received certificates and rapturous applause. It was lovely to see how confident all the performers were on stage.

Very worthy winners!!

Breakfast and After School Clubs

Breakfast and after school clubs are going well. Booking forms are still available for Term 4but places are being taken up quickly so make sure you speak to Charlotte as soon as possible if you would like to take advantage of this. The children are provided with breakfast in the morning and a snack after school. There are games and activities both inside and out! If anyone’s contact details have changed, please let Charlotte know. If you would like to make use of this service, please contact:

Charlotte Burnell on07889 062124.

Term 2 Diary Dates

Friday 13th February / Break up for half term / Whole school
Monday 23rd February / Term begins / Whole school
Monday 23rd February / Zumba / Years 2-6 who have signed up
10th March / FoSSA meeting 7.30p.m. - 9.30 p.m. / All welcome
Thursday 11th March / Cross Country at Somervale School / Year 5 and 6
14th March / FoSSA Quiz / All welcome
16th March / Africa Day – children to dress up as an African animal - £1 donation / Whole School
18th March / Dance Umbrella / Year 5 and 6
22nd March / Comenius Visits
27th March / Last day of term – break up for Easter

Could we please remind everyone to ensure your children have the correct kit in school for activities like PE, football, badminton, swimming and Forest School.

****We would like the children to go on the grass whenever possible so could you please ensure your child has wellies in school. If you think they may have grown out of theirs and you are willing to donate them, please let us know.

Severe Weather information:

If we get heavy snow, Jane Gascoigne will ask for the B&NES website to be updated with details of either our closure, change of school hours or a guide to the local road conditions. See below for the link.

We are, again, collecting Sainsburys’ Active Kids Vouchers. We’d be really grateful if you would bring any you are given to the lobby area where the box will be postioned. Many thanks.

Copies of the Egg Theatre Production DVD and the KS1 Nativity will be available shortly at a cost £2.50

Bath Abbey -Tue 24 Feb 6.30-8.00pm

BBC Ten Pieces with Kidenza

A fun and interactive evening of orchestral music ideal for children and families.

Presented by Bath Abbey Schools’ Singing Programme and Bath Primary Schools’ Arts Festival

Tickets £10 Adult, £6 Child

Available via Bath Box Office 01225 463362 / boxoffice@ bathfestivals.org.uk

GET Sported, Multi-sportchildren’s Holiday camp - Ages 5-12 years

Easter camp: Mon 30th March - Wed 1st April

GET Sported offers high quality coaching that builds character.

We offer a wide range of sports and activities including: football, tennis, uni-hoc, rugby, basketball, netball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, badminton, dance, drama, arts and crafts….

Our mission is to help children improve their sports skills but also to develop their character through sporting activities and Christian values. We aim to provide an active caring and safe environment to help them flourish andencourage them to be who they're created to be and equipping them for life ahead.

To find out more or to book visit:

Solly Coaching

EASTER CRICKET COURSE 2015

MARCH 30th– APRIL 2nd - 2PM – 5PMVenue:Hampset CC, Bloomfield Rise,Bath, BA2 2BL

Cricket for 10-13 Year olds

COST:£45for the4-day course

ORindividual days can be booked for£12 per day

Minimum of 2 Coaches

About the Coach:Jon Solly, ECB full-time cricket coach, will lead the coaching for the whole programme.

DBS (CRB) cleared,First Aid Qualified,13 Years Coaching Experience

TROPHIES AND CERTIFIFCATES CAN BE WON

If you have any further enquiries or to book a place on the course,please mailr phone07813 122160

CLERK TO CHURCH VALLEY FEDERATION GOVERNORS

Salary Grade N £1300 allowance p.a.

(paid in advance in 3 instalments, January, April and September).

Required - As soon as possible

Ref: NT

We are looking to appoint a versatile and competent person to cover a wide range of responsibilities including:

  • administration task,
  • convening, attending and minuting meetings and sub committees,
  • keeping abreast of the law and regulations for Governors.

The ability to be flexible is essential as meetings are held after school and in the evenings. Computer skills are essential. Knowledge of the clerking process would be an advantage; however, training will be given. A good communicator preferably with some knowledge of how schools and Governing Bodies operate, Clerks Accreditation is available. Continued support from the Chair of Governors, Headteacher and the Local Authority will also be available.

This allowance reflects the size of the Governing Body and that we are a Federation.

Come and join our friendly school team.Our school operates a safe recruiting policy to ensure child protection and welfare.

An application pack can be sent or emailed to you on request.

Please email your application form with supporting letter marked for the attention of Simon Tombs, Chair of Governors, Church Valley Schools Federation to or post to Shoscombe CEVA Primary School, St Julians Road, Shoscombe, Bath, BA2 8NB.

Closing date: Friday 27th February 2015 @ 17:00

Interview Date: Friday 13th March 2015