Mon 16th Dec 2019
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL! Please see our PTFA Facebook Page Contact school: sch.164@educ.somerset.gov.uk Website: https://stbenedictsjuniorschoolglastonbury.org/
Residents at the St. Benedict’s Care Home welcomed some special visitors last Wednesday as our Mini-Police team delivered a festive Bingo session. Led by Mini-Police organisers Mel Rowlands, Katie Moyse and Paul Lindsell, the event went down a storm with the elderly residents as the Year 5 pupils enjoyed the opportunity for some multi-generational bonding. The power of this was evident in the feedback from the Care Home staff who reported that they saw one resident clap her hands for the first time since joining them. Proof, if it were needed, of the strength of community. The Mini-Police have also recently gained a certificate in understanding Dementia and enjoyed First Aid training.
Last Tuesday’s Carol Concert was a huge success, with St. Benedict’s Church packed to the rafters with parents, carers and friends. The concert, organised by our very own musical maestro, Mrs Coton, was a real showcase of performance from our talented pupils; it included sparkling contributions from Glee Club, Drama Club and Recorder Club as well as heart-warming singing from the whole-school. The performances were punctuated by readings from the Christmas story by pupils from all year groups.
Congratulations to all involved and thanks to Maxine, Mrs Holt, Miss Grenter and Mrs Coton for investing their time and skill into developing our children’s talents.
ATTENDANCE CHAMPS! Attendance for 9th – 13th Dec: Cat Class: Unicorn Class: Chameleon Class: Owl Class: Spider Class: Tortoise Class: Peacock Class: Leopard Class:
90% 92% 95.3% 91.8% 91.8% 96 % 97.9% 88.6%
Having raised a tremendous £1600 in the build up to Christmas, St. Ben’s PTFA would like to say a huge THANK YOU to you all for your donations and support this term and wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Do you know anyone who will not be able to have a Christmas meal this year? Christmas can be a tough time for some, and we all believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a Christmas Dinner. We have some tickets available for a free Christmas lunch at the Town Hall and we’d love to hear from anyone who might be interested in them. Please pop in to see Mr Ranger for more information…
Sadly, this Christmas we are waving goodbye to two treasured members of staff. After fifteen years of lunchtime service and swimming sessions, Dawn Andrews will be leaving St. Benedict’s. Dawn is one of the loveliest people you could wish to meet and pupils and staff alike will sorely miss her gentle nature and kind words and actions. Dawn would like to spend more time with her family and we wish her luck in all she does next. There will always be a seat for you in the staff room, Dawn! Chloe Mott is also leaving us. Chloe has been at St. Benedict’s for just over a year and has made a huge impression in this time. As well as being a brilliant TA in Years 5 and 6, she has always been happy to lend a hand wherever needed and we will miss her incredible enthusiasm and heartwarming smile. Good luck for the future Chloe, and please come and see us soon.
On Monday 16th December, the school chess team will be taking on a staff and friends team in a multi-generational match-up. Following their recent 12-12 thriller vs Millfield Prep, the pupils are in buoyant mood; the staff, however, are like quivering wrecks as they try to remember everything they know about the rules of chess! The result of the match will be published in our first newsletter of 2020…
Weekly Awards:
Head Teacher’s Awards:
Teachers’ Awards:
STARS OF THE WEEK
Cat Class: Unicorn Class: Chameleon Class: Owl Class: Tortoise Class: Spider Class: Leopard Class: Peacock Class:
Daniel Lannie Safiye and Elliot Amy-Jane and Tyler Angelika Freddie M Lydia Noah
Aaron Toby M Felicity and Lyla Isabelle and Owl Class Tabetha Raeven Maude Filip
The Mini-Police for their fantastic Bingo session at the St. Benedict’s Care Home. Also, Dorothy for amazing equestrian skills – a rosette for 2nd place in her gymkhana and 1st place in show jumping – wow!
PARKING PROBLEMS It has come to my attention that some parents/carers are parking dangerously outside school. This is a particular problem at the back of school (opposite Proper Job). The message from the children of St. Benedict’s is clear… “DON’T PUT OUR LIVES IN DANGER!” It may be more convenient for you, or save you finding a space somewhere else, but you are risking lives if your car obscures a crossing place. Please do not park on yellow lines, even if just for a few minutes. Also, could you please not leave your engines running whilst waiting by the school. Children are particularly affected by air pollution as their lungs are still developing and it can increase their risk of a range of long-term issues including asthma. I’m sure we all share the same hopes for the children in that they are able to live happy and healthy lives, and small steps like turning your engine off will have that positive effect of improving air quality. Thank you in advance for your co-operation.
Year 3 Nativity Tuesday 17th December The Year 3 nativity will be in St. The week ahead Benedict’s Church on Tuesday 17th
December at 6:30pm. Please bring all Year 3s to school at 6pm, so that they can prepare for the show…
Christmas Jumpers Wednesday 18th December The staff are wearing Christmas jumpers in support of Save the Children to help create a brighter future for children. The children are welcome to join us in wearing Christmas jumpers or a Christmas themed outfit. Please bring a donation for the appeal. Those children not taking part should wear full school uniform.
As ever, we will be running a St. Benedict’s Christmas postal service with our post-box situated by the pews. Please ensure the following information is on every card to make sure it gets to the correct person: FULL NAME OF THE PERSON RECEIVING THE CARD, THE CLASS THEY ARE IN.
Dates for your diary Date Tuesday 17th December Wednesday 18th December Wednesday 18th December Friday 20th December Monday 23rd December 2019– Friday 3rd January 2020 Monday 6th January Tuesday 7th January
Class Unicorn & Cat All
Event Year 3 Christmas play to parents 6 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. start. Christmas Lunch.
All All All
Christmas Jumper Day – wear your Christmas jumper to school and bring in a donation for Save the Children Last day of Autumn term Christmas Holidays
All All
Inset Day First day of Spring term – everyone expected back at school.