Dear Parents,

We have quickly settled back into the routine of school life this week and already musing how quickly the year is going! Most of the clubs for the term are underway – the children enjoyed Speed Stacking and Fencing/Archery this week which are 2 of our newer clubs. Year 3 have begun their term of swimming instruction, Year 4 are Forest schooling and Year 6 have now had 2 of their sessions at Fenton’s Curling Rink.

We were treated to Year 3’s assembly today, which was truly a celebration of all they have been learning. Dressed as characters from the Stone Age, they regaled us with facts about the Mesolithic and Palaeolithic eras and entertained us with Family Fortunes Stone Age style. It was great to see how these children have become so immersed in their topic and grown in confidence. Their pride was evident.

You will see a list of dates below for this term. These are also available on the website. Thank you to Mrs Rorke who has been working hard with me to update the website. As always, your feedback is welcome.

You will see from the dates that we are holding another parent forum later in the term. The focus of this will be the Partnership with parents policy which includes guidance on homework and our home-school agreement. Please sign up at the office to let me know if you are able to attend. If you have other questions that you would like to raise, please do email me in advance.

As we are entering another cold snap, I include some guidance below in the event of severe snow or ice. Hopefully, we won’t need it just yet!

Have a warm weekend.

Kind regards,

Julie Burton
Headteacher

23^rd January – National Handwriting Day
25^th January – STEM day
28^th January – Quiet Week
31^st January – Parent Forum 3:30pm – please sign up at the office
4^th February – Story Telling Week
8^th February – Class 2 Assembly
11^th February – Home Learning Exhibition

Severe Snow/Ice Plan for Parents and Families

Every winter brings the possibility of snow and ice. Extreme bad weather can cause widespread and prolonged disruption. Schools are often affected and it can be difficult to maintain an education service.

As a fundamental principle every effort must be made to keep schools open, even if only limited numbers of pupils can attend. However schools may close due to ‘unavoidable’ circumstances. Those circumstances being that it is no longer safe for staff or pupils to be onsite.

We recognise that it is important our school remains open so parents are able to work and pupils can continue to learn. We will make every effort to prepare for severe snow/ice this winter by clearing and gritting key pathways and key access points.

If we do experience severe snow/ice resulting in hazardous conditions, I may have to take the decision to close the school. Once this decision has been made we will notify parents via the Kent Closures website and our own school website. To determine whether the school is open or closed please visit www.kentclosures.co.uk. Search for the school in the search box. The Kent Closures website can also be used to find out if other services in Kent are open or closed, such as nurseries, children’s centres and libraries. We also recommend you sign up for SMS/Email alerts on the Kent Closures website. This service will send an SMS or email alert to let parents know if we are closed. Parents can also listen to KMFM, BBC Radio Kent or Heart FM to hear if the school has closed.

What can you do to help?

• Please visit www.kent.gov.uk/winter for more information about gritting routes and travel issues around Kent so you can plan your journey.
• Please approach the school from the ridge and walk down.
• Please can you provide a packed lunch from home in case school meals cannot be provided.
• Don’t forget suitable warm clothing – gloves, hats, scarves, wellies. Children may wear warm shoes to school and change once in their classrooms. Ensure all of these are named please!
• If you are a working parent or feel you may have a problem with a sudden earlier pick up, please could you put a back‐up plan in place with another family member or parent and inform the school. This will allow staff to leave earlier for their safety if weather dictates.

Many thanks for your support in helping us remain open during periods of severe snow/ice.

Newsletter 14 - 2019

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