St. Michael’s Weekly Post – 2nd December 2022

2^nd December 2022

OPAL playtime!

We have introduced some equipment to the field as part of our new OPAL (outdoor play and learning) playtimes. The children seem wonderfully happy and we have already had some very positive feedback from both children and parents. We’ll continue to add new things, discussing these with children in our OPAL assemblies.

In order to maximise playtime during the winter months, we wondered if children could have a pair of waterproof trousers in school. This is not compulsory but it would be great if children could put on their trousers and wellies and then have a brilliant playtime without worrying about getting wet or muddy. We are not expecting you to go out and buy these things but if your child has some you could send in, that would be great. If you have any spare waterproof trousers that you could donate to school we would greatly appreciate it.

Oak Class were invited to attend a science lecture at Marlborough College yesterday, called Gases in the Air.  The lecturer, from Warwick University, demonstrated a number of exciting chemistry experiments, concluding with an explosion of a hydrogen balloon.  Year 6 were so engaged with the lecture, perhaps we have a number of budding chemists in our midst.

School Nursing Service

The School Nursing Service across Wiltshire is required to make sure all children and young people in Wiltshire’s schools, colleges and academies have access to a school nurse to provide information and support to all school aged children and their families.

School nurses provide confidential advice and care to children and young people. They also work with parents, carers and teaching staff within schools and other community settings. School Nurses play a vital role in young people’s development, carrying out screening programmes, managing medical conditions and acting as a point of contact on child protection issues.

The School Nursing Team offers support on a range of children’s health issues including sleep, bed wetting and emotional wellbeing.

If you would like to speak to a school nurse please call:

The Single Point of Access (SPA) number on: 0300 2470090

Or email: vcl.wiltshirespa@nhs.net

Online Safety Workshop

Thank you to everybody who attended the Online Safety meeting on Wednesday evening. Please find attached the handout mentioned as a part of the meeting. This is equally as useful for all parents too! The slides from the meeting can be found here: https://bit.ly/3gKd6CZ. Once the recording is available we will share the link.

Singing 10^th December

Following last week’s Post there have been some amendments to the singing next weekend and it will now look as follows:

Saturday 10^th December, 1pm – Singing at the Fayre – all children from Reception upwards are invited to join us to sing at the fayre.  We will be singing some songs from our upcoming Nativity as well as some Christmas classics.  We would ask that all parents/carers stay in the hall and take their children safely away from the performance area at the end, so you don’t need to give permission for your child to take part.

4pm – Singing at the Brass Band Concert in the church. Children in year 2 and upwards.  Please arrive at the church for 3.50pm, ready for a 4pm start.  Family members can stay for the concert but MUST buy a ticket either from the Aldbourne Post Office or by emailing secretary@aldbourne-band.co.uk.  Adult tickets are £10, children not singing will also need a ticket but children are free.  If you would like to watch your child but this cost is prohibitive, please do speak with Mrs Hamilton in the office.

If parents are not staying for the concert, you can drop your child with us and come back and pick them up at the interval – approximately 5pm.  Please indicate on the permission form what you plan to do.

Please send the children wearing a ‘dash’ of Christmas – tinsel, jumper etc.

Apologies for the change in timings but we hope as many children as possible can join us!

Any questions, please do get in touch with Mrs Godfrey via Weduc.

Festive Dates Reminder

Thursday 15^th December               Our Nativity Performances in the Church – 2pm and 5:30pm

All children are to arrive back at school (through the main entrance) at 5:10pm to get ready for their evening performance.  Children are to then be collected from school after, at a time TBC.

The PTA will be raising money, selling drinks & mince pies.

Can we please ask that younger children attend the 2pm session if they wish to see the nativity, rather than the evening performance.

Friday 16^th December                     School Christmas Lunch – Please book through Lataca.

In the morning, children will be making hats out of newspaper.  If you have any newspaper for recycling, we would love to have it in school.

Tuesday 20^th December                 Pantomime Trip – We will be heading to Newbury Corn Exchange in the morning, wearing school uniform, to see Jack and the Beanstalk. This is now payable via Weduc.

Wednesday 21^st December          Parent Workshop and early finish at 1:00pm

Come and enjoy a relaxed morning in school with your child. Following school drop off, parents/family members are to meet in the school hall. We will start with a story which the staff will share in the hall. This year, after the story, we will all be making our own Christmas tree decorations. Please bring with you any materials you may wish to use to make your very own Christmas tree decoration with your child. You can be as creative as you wish…..nothing is too small, big or glittery….  This parents’ session will be finished by 11:30am.

We realise that not all children will have a family member available to join us.  We therefore ask if any children are without a family member please include them in your group.  Thank you.

School will finish at the earlier time of 1pm on the 21^st December.

Forest School Day – Oak Class

On Tuesday 13^th December, Oak Class will enjoy a day in the forest.  Please come to school in Forest School kit and we recommend lots of layers.

Christmas Chocolate

This year the School Council would, once again, like you to bring in chocolate oranges (or selection boxes) instead of Christmas cards, please. We will be sending them to the Swindon Foodbank to make some children who do not have as much as we do, very happy do this Christmas. Please drop these off at the school gates in the mornings.

Egyptian Day – Cherry and Elder Classes

As a reminder, on Wednesday 7^th December, Cherry and Elder classes will be having an Egyptian Day in school.  This will be an opportunity to bring all our learning on the Ancient Egyptians together and to life. We ask that children come into school in Ancient Egyptian attire.  Please do not buy anything especially for the day, we encourage families to use what they already have at home, to recycle and save money. We are looking forward to this special day!

Christmas Lunch

Christmas Lunch in school will take place on Friday 16^th December.  This can be booked on the Lataca IRIS app. If you are not connected to Lataca on IRIS please request a permission slip from info@lataca.co.uk so they can set you up. Please note, unfortunately on the Lataca app, it states the Christmas lunch will be on Monday 19^th December in error and this is unable to be amended. Apologies for any confusion this causes. Any queries, please email info@lataca.co.uk.

Message from the PTA: Christmas Fayre

Please find attached more information regarding next weekend’s Christmas Fayre. You can also start to place bids on the amazing silent auction items on the following link.

Elfridges Christmas Gift Shop

St Michael’s School PTA invite you to take part in our Christmas shopping event this December!  A chance for the children to choose a surprise gift for adult family members – mum, dad, grandparents, aunties, uncles, etc.

Gifts are priced between £1- £4.50 – Pre-book your child’s place & spend limit via the online form. You can choose to purchase up to 4 gifts per child.  Please complete the form by Wednesday 7^th December.  The shop will be open Monday 19^th December during the school day! Gifts will come home the same day, wrapped and ready to go under the tree!

Wreath Making Evening

Thursday 8^th December, 7pm-9pm – We have a few spaces available on next week’s wreath making evening. We have a local florist joining us to demo and to be on hand to assist one to one. You will have the opportunity to make a wreath and/or a garland – or two! Tickets include all materials needed to make a beautiful, bespoke wreath and/or garland and festive refreshments. All you need are secateurs. Bar available serving mulled wine and Prosecco.  Tickets £30. Email PTA to book your tickets aldbournepta@gmail.com

Burns Night – Sat 28 January 7pm-11pm 
Join us for a Burns Night Celebration with live ceilidh band and a disco at the Memorial Hall, Aldbourne. Tickets are £20 each, with dinner and a welcome drink included. A licensed bar will be available. Please purchase tickets on PTA page on school website https://www.stmichaelsaldbourne.co.uk/our-school/who-we-are/st-michaels-aldbourne-pta/.

Message from Aldbourne Children’s Book Group:

Please find attached details regarding Stories Around the Christmas Tree on Thursday 8^th December.

Message from Aldbourne Rainbows & Brownies:

Christmas Bingo to raise money for Aldbourne Rainbows and Brownies – Saturday 3^rd December 7pm, Memorial Hall

Term 2

Term 3

TD days

Monday 20^th February 2023

Monday 26^th June 2023

Monday 24^th July 2023