Newsletters

Branksome Heath News

September 2006

Dear Parent/Guardian

Welcome back to our new school year. May I extend a particular welcome to the pupils, parents and carers in Year 4 who join our school community.

We would also like to welcome the following teachers to our school—Leila Clerc and Karen Beeston in Year 5, Dora Alderson and Christopher Moore who join us in Year 6 and Briony Paton who joins us in Year 7.

A warm welcome to Janet Bojang, our new Librarian and Susan Sawyer, Greg West and Sarah Baimbridge, who join our very professional team of teaching assistants.

SCHOOL LOCKERS

We are delighted to have been able to give each pupil their own locker at the beginning of this new school year. Very many thanks to the Friends Association and all parents and carers who have raised money towards their purchase.

Each child has been issued with a key at the beginning of the year. There is no charge and they are expected to return it at the end of the year. If the key is not returned, there will be a £5 charge. If the key is lost, a replacement will be issued at a cost of £5.

The lockers are the property of the school and we reserve the right to open them at any time should the need arise.

CAR SEATS

You may be aware that from 18th September 2006 you must use the correct car seat for your child. The law states that for a child from 3rd birthday up to 135cms in height (or 12th birthday whichever they reach first), must be in the correct child restraint if travelling in the front seat. For the rear seat the following applies:

"Correct child restraint must be used where seat belts fitted. Must use adult belt in a rear seat if correct child restraint not available—
In a taxi;
For a short distance in an unexpected necessity;
If 2 occupied child restraints prevent fitting a third."

We have a number of information leaflets available in our entrance hall should you require information about this new law.

Further information can be gained by contacting Road Safety and Transportation Services at St John's House, Serpentine Road, Poole, BH15 3DX or by visiting www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk or www.childcarseats.org.uk/

SCHOOL ETHOS

I think it a suitable time to remind you about our school ethos. When a youngster comes through the school gates, they should feel safe and happy. If this is not the case for your youngster, please do not hesitate in either approaching us in the playground or pop in to see someone.

It was super to see all youngsters in full school uniform, especially black shoes. This year we are determined to ensure that we do not allow trainers to 'creep' into the accepted school uniform.

Compared to other schools in the Local Authority, our attendance rates leave a lot to be desired. Please ensure that your youngsters attend regularly and are punctual.

Staff are out on the playground to supervise pupils at 8.30am. Class registration is at 8.40am.

PARKING

Please do not park your cars in the staff car park or visitor spaces when collecting your child from school.

REMINDERS

Please could we remind parents to telephone the school office on the first day of your child's absence from school, before 10am. If the absence runs on over the weekend, please could you telephone us again on the Monday morning.

Also, please ensure that the office has up to date contact telephone numbers in case of emergencies.

We are a peanut free zone as several youngsters suffer from serious allergies when someone else is eating food containing peanuts. Please help us to avoid any problems by ensuring that your child does not bring peanuts or food containing peanuts into school

BREAKFAST CLUB

If you are interested in your child attending our Breakfast Club, please contact the school office on 747966. The club runs daily from 7.40am—8.40 am and is open to children from Sylvan First School and Branksome Heath. The charge is £2.00 per day for a breakfast of hot drinks, juices, cereals and toast and toppings and lots and lots of fun.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

We are always very keen to have parents in school to help our youngsters. If you are interested in giving up some of your time, please contact the school office.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

19 September  Individual child photographs for Years 4,5 and 6
4, 17 October   Open Morning for new parents 9.30—11.00 admissions 2007
10 & 11 October   4.00—6.30 Parents' Evening
23 October   First day of Half Term
30 October   Return to school and Dental checks for Year 4
6 December   7pm Carol Service at St John's Church
14 December  School Discos
20 December   1.30pm End of Autumn Term
4 January 2006  Start of Spring Term