Blandford St Mary Primary School Newsletter Headteacher: Mr Paul Lavis Deputy Headteacher : Mrs Sam Harris
December 2012 Volume 5, Issue 4
Contents: Fundraising update
2
School Nurse Drop-in
2
Christmas party
2
After school clubs
2
Lunchboxes
2
Crib service
3
Severe weather
3
Twas the night before Christmas
3
Diverse Abilities plus
4
Diary Dates
4
Celebration Assembly Dates 21st December ~ Christmas assembly for the whole school (2.30pm)
Dear Parents and particularly the staff of the We’re not quite school who work so tirelessly there yet—but on behalf of our children. In“Merry Christmas” deed, a flavour of the feedback anyway—I hope from the inspector was how it your festive period is a happy one had been noted that the and that you find some time to school has a staff “that goes rest a little! above and beyond that expected of a school…”. I couldMy message to you this month is n’t agree more. We know at one of celebration and I hope times we don’t get things right you’ll forgive me for a large dol- but it isn’t for the want of trylop of pride and general ing and our philosophy shines ‘smugness’ as I share some news through the report that Canon with you… Stephens has written. I’m sure I speak for you all when I say As I shared with you last “thank you” to all the adults in month—we were inspected by the the school who work so hard. Diocese two weeks ago and I am now able to tell you that they Finally—last night was our found us to be “… an outstanding Talent Show and it was fantaschurch school.” As you can imag- tic!! Lots of acts and lots of ine, I am hugely proud of such a talent! A special ‘well-done’ judgement, as are all of us in goes to Emma Wright and Jasschool. Please take some time to mine Upward who will be goread the report which is posted on ing forward to represent our our school website. I would just school at the Blandford Talent like to say a huge well done not Show in the new year. Cononly to all of the children who gratulations to all. make this such a wonderful school to be in but also to our governors Enjoy your break.
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Volume 5, Issue 4
Blandford St Mary Primary School Newsletter
Notice Board Fundraising update We are pleased to be able to give you a round up of all the various fundraising activities you have supported us with. Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal = £77.70 Children in need = £336.41 Shoe box Appeal = 62 shoeboxes Thank you for all your support with these good causes.
Christmas Party
Drop--In School Nurse Drop
The class Christmas parties are being held on Thursday 20th December. Children are invited to come in suitable party wear for this occasion, but please can we ask that no high heels are worn. There is a list on each of the class doors asking for donations of food, so please do look for these.
The next School Nurse drop in is on Thursday 24th January at 8.50am. Please let the office or one of the class teachers know if you would like to make an appointment to see Sarah. You can also just pop in on the day.
After School Clubs There will be no after school clubs until after the Christmas holidays now. You will be informed when the new clubs are on line and available for your children to request in the new year.
Lunchboxes Please can we remind all parents that you should not be putting any sweets or chocolate bars in your Child’s lunchbox as we are a healthy eating school. We must also insist that there is nothing containing nuts of any description, including sandwiches containing peanut butter, as we have a child in school who has a very severe nut allergy. Thank you for your help with this.
Volume 5, Issue 4
Blandford St Mary Primary School Newsletter
Page 3
Eve— Christmas Eve —Crib service There is to be a Crib service at Spetisbury church on Christmas Eve. The service is due to start at 4pm and everyone is welcome. If you would like your child to take part in the Nativity, then please bring them along to Spetisbury school hall on Saturday 15th December at 10am for a rehearsal and costume fitting/ allocation. All children must be accompanied by their parents on each occasion.
Severe weather When it snows, ain’t it thrilling, Though your nose gets a chilling We’ll frolic and play, the
We are now in the season of unpredictable weather, so please check the school website for notifications of closure in the event of snow. We will always endeavour to use the text messaging service as well to keep you informed.
Eskimo way, Walking in the winter wonderland.
Twas the night before Christmas By Clement Clarke Moore Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow..
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly! He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself! A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose! He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Blandford St Mary Primary School Newsletter Blandford St Mary Primary School Birch Avenue Blandford St Mary, Dorset DT11 9QD Phone: 01258-453331 Fax: 01258-455865
Website : www.blandfordstmary.dorset.sch.uk
School Diary Dates: Monday 17th December ~ Nativity (1.30pm) Tuesday 18th December ~ Nativity (9.30am) Wednesday 19th December ~ Nativity (9.30am) Wednesday 19th December ~ Christmas meal Thursday 20th December ~ Christmas Parties Friday 21st December ~ Christmas Assembly Monday 24th December – Friday 4th January ~ Christmas Holidays Monday 7th January ~ Children return to school