St. Michael’s Weekly Post – 15th July 2022

15^th July 2022

This week has been another busy one, in the run up to the end of the school year.  Key Stage 2 have been preparing for their performance of “Cinderella Rockerfella”, which will now be in the church given the forecasted hot weather next week.

Today Key Stage 1 have enjoyed a visit from the Shelburne Ensemble. Children have joined in with singing and playing on the xylophones. They were so fortunate to hear a beautiful rendition of Puccini’s O mio babbino caro as well as Disney’s Encanto Surface Pressure, “Give it to your sister, your sister’s stronger” may well be sung all weekend long.

We had a very special event this afternoon in school, the Year 6 leaver celebration and Cup Service. It was wonderful to welcome in the families of the Oak Class children, who have been part of the school community for the last 7 years.  We have celebrated all the children’s wonderful success throughout their time with St Michael’s and we wish them all well on their next adventure.

End of Year Celebration Service – Friday 22^nd July

Next Friday, at 11am, the whole school community is welcome to join the school in church.  This will be an opportunity to celebrate the great year we have had in school and say farewell to Oak Class.

Early Finish – Next Friday, 22^nd July

As a reminder, school will finish at 1pm next Friday.  Please pick children up from the playground.

Heat Wave – Monday & Tuesday

With the planned heat wave next week, at the moment we are proceeding on the basis that school will be open on Monday and Tuesday and we will be following the guidance issued by Wiltshire Council.  If the Council provide any additional guidance over the next few days, we will update you further.

Driving in the Village

We have been informed that some parents are leaving their car to idle whilst at drop off or pick up. This is illegal and contravenes the Highway Code. It is also frustrating for our lovely neighbours who experience higher volumes of emissions into their properties. Therefore, can you please make sure your engine is turned off when stationary. Thank you.

Sport Enrichment Days – Wednesday 20th & Thursday 21st July

As a reminder, next week, we have two Sport Enrichment Days, when the children will experience a range of sports, led by visiting coaches. All children are to come to school in PE kit on both days. There will be a charge of £5 for this event to cover the cost of the external coaches. Please support us by paying £5 via Weduc.

September – 8:45am School Day Starts

As a reminder, we will be starting our school day 5 minutes earlier, from September onwards.  The school gates will open at 8:35am, ready to start the school day at 8:45am.  This is following the recent Government announcement regarding a compulsory 32.5 hour school week.

Message from Aldbourne Pre-School – Early Year Practitioner Vacancy

Aldbourne Preschool are looking to recruit an Early Years Practitioner to join our team, hours to be agreed. You will be part of a fun, dedicated team working part time in a vibrant stimulating environment that enables children to learn through play.  You will need to have experience of working in a preschool and have a high level of self motivation and commitment to Early Years.  Candidates need to have a friendly, caring, enthusiastic, outgoing personality and be good at working in teams.  A level 2 or 3 qualification in Children’s Care and Pediatric First Aid Certificate are desirable.  Experience in safeguarding as well as being familiar with EYFS best practice are also desirable .  As this role is working in regulated activity according to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Baring Certificate (DBS).

For an information pack and job application form email admin@aldbournepreschool.com. To discuss the position or arrange a visit please call 01672 541648, before Friday 22^nd July and speak Cleo Jerram or Caroline Kaneen.  The closing date for applications is Monday 22^th August 2022.

Message from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service want your child to have a fun and safe summer. Please take a moment to discuss with your child how they can help keep themselves and others safe, especially as they become older and more independent and may be spending time outside with friends rather than family:

• Fire safety outdoors: BBQs and campfires. Due to the high fire risk, BBQs and campfires are banned in many parts of Dorset. If you do have a BBQ further safety advice can be found here Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service | Barbecues (dwfire.org.uk) If clothes catch fire: stop, drop and roll. If someone is burnt: cool, cover and call for help Burns and scalds – NHS (www.nhs.uk)  Never play with matches or lighters.

• Water safety: If possible swim at a lifeguarded beach between the flags. Jumping directly into water can cause cold water shock. If you do fall into water unexpectedly, or feel scared when in water then Float to live: lie on your back with your arms and legs out like a star until your breathing calms. If you see someone in trouble in the water, encourage them to Float, do not enter the water yourself, if possible throw them something to hold on to and call 999 and ask for the coastguard if at the coast or fire and rescue service if inland. Be aware of tides and currents and underwater hazards. Further safety information can be found here: Know the risks (rnli.org)
• Road safety: always wear a seatbelt (and if required use a car seat) when in a vehicle, take care and stay alert as a pedestrian and wear helmets when on bikes, scooters and skateboards. THINK! – Road safety
• If your child needs help in an emergency call 999. If they have a mobile phone ask them to download the what3words app which will help them give an accurate location.  what3words /// The simplest way to talk about location  Calling the emergency services as soon as possible will make sure help gets there as quickly as possible, but never call 999 as a joke or hoax call. This video is suitable for older children (age 8 plus (462) Stern Hoax Call Message – YouTube)

You may find these short videos useful to start a conversation with your child:

Foundation and year 1 ( ages 3 – 6 ) Staying Safe (462) Summer Safety Foundation and year 1 – YouTube

Years 2 and 3 (ages 6 – 8) Be Aware and Take Care (462) Summer Safety Year 2 and 3 – YouTube

Years 4,5 & 6 (8 -11 ) Think Firefighter (462) Summer Safety Years 4 5 and 6 – YouTube

Within the education section of the website you can find more resources and activities for children to help discuss the safety messages:  Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service | Education (dwfire.org.uk)

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service wish everyone a fun, happy and safe summer

Diary Dates – Term 6

Next Academic Year – Term 1

TD days

Monday 25^th July 2022 – Now an extra holiday for all

Thursday 1^st September 2022