School Newsletter March 2015
Thank you to all our parents for support and encouragement. We‟ve had a packed term with lots of fun activities and learning. It‟s not been long since the last newsletter, but here are a few important practical matters for you to consider. Health Alert! I expect most of you are aware of East Lothian‟s Council‟s policy on children who have been sick. It‟s the one which says children should remain off school for 48 hours after vomiting. Yes, you‟ve seen it before in the newsletter. So what‟s new? The problem is not everyone is following this good practice. After all, a parent might say, “My child seems completely better this morning. Childcare would be difficult. He‟s eager to come back. I don‟t want him to miss school.” On the face of it this sounds reasonable. The child may be better. However, this is an assumption, and the assumption may be wrong. Recently we have had a couple of cases of children returning to school too quickly after vomiting and the following day a member of staff who was in contact with the child developed the same symptoms and had to take time off work. Despite our best efforts, staff absence always causes disruption. Please can you do your bit to keep other children and staff healthy by ensuring you follow the 48hour-rule? The same good advice applies if a child has diarrhoea: wait 48 hours after the last instance. Thank you for your support. Roll on the summer and fewer bugs!
Issue 5
Sporting Matters Please can you check that your child has appropriate kit for taking part in PE lessons? Recently there has been a rise in the number of pupils either without kit, or with inappropriate kit for the sport they are taking part in. For activities outdoors, pupils need adequate warm clothing as well as shorts and t-shirt (eg joggers and a hoodie). They also need trainers which can get muddy. When playing sport on a field (eg football, rugby), children must have a separate top to wear. If they wear their school sweatshirt this can get very dirty if they land in the mud! Children without adequate kit will not be able to take part in lessons. Marie Curie Mini Pots of Care On Wednesday 11 March the whole school took part in raising money for Marie Curie Nurses. The children brought in a donation and the children got to take home their mini daffodil that they planted back in October last year. We managed to raise a fabulous £40 - thank you to everyone who took part. Parent Consultations Hopefully pupil post has worked and your child has brought you an appointment time for meeting with your child‟s teacher next week. The staff are looking forward to meeting with you. Please let us know if you haven‟t received a time slot.
Safe School Travel However your child is travelling to and from school, it is very important that we know where your child is going at the end of the day. We are, of course, aware of who is normally collected and who walks home. Problems arise when arrangements are changed without the school being informed. Young children can get confused about how they are getting home and sometimes tell us the wrong thing. Please keep us in the loop. We are not allowed to „hand children over‟ to another parent if we are expecting mum or dad as usual. A quick phone call or note to say Mrs So-and-so is collecting your child is all we need to know.
Dates for your Diary March 18th Maths Observation P3 (10-10.50am) 19th Maths Observation P4-7 (9-10am) 20th Maths Observation P1&2 (9.30 – 10.30am) Maths Observation P4-7 (9.40-10.20am) th 24 Nursery and P1-7 Parental Consultations th 25 P1-7 Parental Consultations th 27 Maths Observation P4-7 (9.40-10.20am) 31st Church Easter Service (all welcome) April 1st Football Festival End of Term 20th Back to School 27th P7 at School Camp
We do recommend the school bus service to those living outside the village. It‟s not just that it‟s free – bus travel is safer than going by car. It‟s also greener.
May 1st 4th 18th 27th 28th
Please let us know in writing, or by phone call, when you would like your child to come home by bus, and contact us again if you need to change a regular arrangement. Once you have told us your plans, we can ensure your child is either safely walked to the bus, or brought to the door to be collected. Thank you for your help.
Class Highlights Sheets due out School Holiday School Holiday Meadowbank Athletics P7 at Risk Factory P6 at Big Cook Little Cook Event
.
Easter Egg-citement Our Easter Service will be taking place in the village church on Tuesday 31st March at 9.30. All parents, family and friends are welcome to join us as we celebrate the start of Easter. It‟s a few weeks off yet, but this seems like a good opportunity to wish everyone a happy Easter! Please remember to keep an eye on the school blog http://edubuzz.org/blogs/athelstaneford/ for the most up to date information. If you have any concerns or queries please do not hesitate to contact me. Iain Devereux Acting Head Teacher
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