Newsletter No 10Friday 12th January 2018

What a busy week already – our children have hit the ground running and working hard!

Nursery admissions

Nursery admissions are now the responsibility of schools therefore if you wish to apply for a Nursery place, pleasesee our website under Parents – Nursery admissions for more details.

Should you have any further questions please contact the office via .

Nursery admissions open 5th February and close on Friday 16th March.

Reception admissions

Just a reminder for Nursery parents - the closing date for reception admissions is Monday 15th January. Visit the Hertfordshire school admissions website to apply.

Behaviour for learning

Over my year, I have taken on a lot of feedback about what we do well and ways to improve our behaviour policy and restorative practises. Consulting with professionals, parents, governors and children, we have updated our Positive Behaviour Policy. We have worked on clarifying rewards and sanctions, setting clear expectations so that it is fair for all. Our aim is to always be positive - by modelling good practices, we all create a thriving culture of learning and tolerance.

One question I often get is what does restorative practice mean? With any incident, it is vital that we understand what has happened, why it happened and getting the children to understand how it affects us all. Details of all this can be found in our policy on the website.

As always, this will be under constant review and at the end of the term, constructive feedback will be warmly welcomed.

New lunchtime zones

Every moment in school is an opportunity for all of us to learn and grow. We have been looking at how to help children to continue to build their physical and emotional development during lunchtimes. As a result, we will be introducing a range of activities with MSA’s and Team captains promoting not only gross and fine motor skills but also building on our Markyate philosophies of team work and learning to help each other. This will be rolled out next Tuesday following our Monday assembly. Our aim is to create more purposeful and enjoyable activities for all children!

Payment for School Dinners

Please can I remind you that school dinners should be paid for in advance via Schoolcomms. Please ensure that you check your child’s balance regularly (this can be done in Schoolcomms) and top up as necessary.

NSPCC

We had a lovely assembly on Thursday with the NSPCC and their Speak Out, Stay Safe campaign. As part of the campaign, school council are organising fundraising activities – details to follow soon! Remember, if you are worried and need someone to talk to, Childline are there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 1111. Visit for more information.

Teacher certificates
Well done to: Imogen, Ruby, Will, Anoushka, Thomas
in KS2
Excellence certificate
Well done to: Ethan, Ethan, Jack, Ben, Alfie
in KS2
Spring dates:
Wednesday 10th January – Year 4 swimming starts
Tuesday 16th January – Nursery stay and play 1.45pm
Thursday 1st February – Parent consultations(5.30pm – 8pm)
Tuesday 6th February – Parent consultations(3.30pm – 6pm)
Monday 12th February – Friday 16th February – Half term
Tuesday 20th February – Nursery stay and play 1.45pm
Monday 26th February – English week
Thursday 1st March – World Book day
Thursday 1st March – Secondary Allocation Day
Monday 12th March – Math & Science week
Wednesday 21st & Thursday 22nd March – KS1 production
Wednesday 21st March – Last swimming lesson for Year 4
Friday 23rd March – Sport Relief
Thursday 29th March – End of term 1.15pm

Mr Armoogum