The Pines Infant and Nursery School

Newsletter No 1

First Newsletter of the School Year

School Dinners

Challenging environment Investing in excellence Creating a better future Back to top

First Newsletter of the School Year

Dear Parents
Welcome to the beginning of another school year! This is an exciting time for the
children, moving to their new classes and meeting their new their new teacher.
I would especially like to welcome those families who are new to the school and
the children starting school for the first time. Back to top

Playground

We are delighted that the adventure playground was fitted during the holidays. The children have all spent some time on the equipment and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. There is an adventure trail[ log walk weaver, twin crossover side vaults, log walks, balance weaver, clatter bridge and balance beams] and a tower with slide and scramble net. There is also a big pergola to give some shade during sunny playtimes. In the Nursery playground the children have a new log playhouse and a locomotive, passenger carriage and goods carriage.
I would like to thank everyone involved in helping realise this dream and ask that you help us look after the equipment by making sure it is used properly. To comply with Health and Safety guidelines please do not let your children use the equipment BEFORE or AFTER school? it for use in school time only and for children in our Nursery and Infants.
You will probably notice that the ground by the adventure trail is not quite finished?we are awaiting delivery of some topsoil and will be looking for volunteers to help stamp it down. We do not have a date yet but will let you know.
On a sad note?our garden bench was stolen during the summer holidays. Back to top

School Uniform

The children all looked very smart at the beginning of the new school year?please remember to name all items of clothing and check regularly as name tags come off or fade as the term progresses. Just a reminder about school uniform ? white blouses, shirts or polo shirts; bottle green sweatshirts, jumpers or cardigans [available with school logo from the Community Centre]; grey trousers, shorts, pinafores or skirts [preferably knee length]; green and white dresses; shorts, T-shirt and plimsolls for PE. Please make sure your child has shoes that are suitable for school?trainers, high- heeled shoes and strappy sandals are not really suitable for all day wear. Back to top

School Dinners

The cost of a school dinner has gone up this term to £1.27. Calypso drinks are 31p and milk is 15p.
If your child brings a packed lunch to school, please remember that we like to encourage healthy eating in school and ask that the children?s lunch boxes reflect this. Back to top

Staffing

Year 2 Miss Lucy Tyrrell and Mrs. Elizabeth Brooker
Year 1 Mrs Helen Wood and Miss Alison Gailer
Teaching Support Mrs Margaret Smith
Nursery Mrs Nicola Orsborn and Mrs Pamela Hick son
Teaching Assistants Mrs Sue Corrigan, Mrs Sharon Mrs Margaret Stewart and Mrs Lynne Quarterman
ICT Support Mrs Viv Buckland
Office Mrs Lesley Easton, Mrs Michelle Williams and Mrs Kate Jeffrey
Caretaking and cleaning Mr. Peter Lyne, Mrs Sharon Gates and Mrs Joan Hughes
Sadly I have to inform you that Miss Kerri Gofford, Nursery Nurse, has resigned due to ill health. We are fortunate that Miss Lisa Verhoef will be working in Nursery whilst we advertise for a replacement. Back to top

Just to remind you that children can bring in a named clear plastic bottle of water to drink during the school day. They may also have a piece of fruit for morning break.

Reading Club will start again from 8.30am on Monday 8th September. We look forward to seeing you there.

Angela Smith
Headteacher Back to top

Vouchers

Thank you for all your Tesco?s and Walkers Crisps vouchers. We have collected enough points to buy CD players and books to enhance the curriculum Back to top

Parking

Parking continues to be a cause for concern. Emergency vehicles need access at all times. Please park in the car park, NOT along the path or by the roundabout If the car park is full please use the car park by the Cannie Man shops and use the underpass. We do not wish to have any child involved in an accident caused by inconsiderate parking. Back to top

Reports

Infant?s reports will be available from the class teacher on Monday
30th June. Teachers are available 8th and 10th July if there is something in the report you wish to discuss. There is a series of books available to help your child get ready for the next year in school ? aptly called Get Ready for Year R/1/2/3 etc. If you are interested in buying one of these [£3.50] please complete the form on your letter. They proved popular with those of you who bought them last year Back to top

School Dinners

The criteria for qualifying for free school meals has changed. If you receive any of the following your child is eligible for a free school meal:
Income Support [IS]; Income Based Job Seeker?s Allowance [IBJSA]; Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; Child Tax Credit but not entitled to Working Tax Credit [from 6th April 2003].
Please would you let the office know if you receive any of these, even if you do not wish your child to have a school meal ? it helps the school with finances!!

Yours sincerely.

Angela Smith
Headteacher Back to top