22nd October 2021

We enjoyed seeing parents in school this week for parent consultations and I know the feedback from teachers has been how much better it was to conduct the meetings face to face. I hope that you all found the experience positive.

A busy week, to end a busy term. The Year 2 children began the process of getting ready to be Playground Leaders with some fabulous team training from Al Hill whom I would like to thank for his time - the children really enjoyed the experience!

It was wonderful to see so many real life superheroes in school today some from the present and some from the past - the Year 1 children were able to finish their half-term's topic in style.

The values home learning is coming to an end, with the last one due for completion during the week after half-term. I have sent the children home with a pebble and a tag today for them to paint as part of the half-term challenge. Full details are on Tapestry or Google Classrooms (depending on the year group your child is in).

I hope that you all have an enjoyable break and have an opportunity to rest.

Mrs Reynolds

Half Term Camp

Playball half term camp at Sandygate still has availability for the following days – Tues 26^th  to Thurs 28^th Oct. 10am – 3pm   £40/day

All your favourite playball games, Halloween theme arts and crafts plus dancing and yoga.  Book online  www.playballkids.com    

Parliament Week 1st to 5th November

A Taste of Democracy

In the first week back after the half-term break we will be sampling a 'Taste of Democracy' in school. Marlow Town Council will be coming in to explain to the children the democratic process from canvassing and manifestos right through to voting.

During the week each class will select 2 children to be their 'MP's and they will be canvassing the school on the merits of a particular cake or biscuit (hence the 'Taste' of Democracy!) At the end of the week every child will have a chance to cast their vote with real polling booths and ballot boxes set up in the school hall.

School Clubs

All clubs run by school staff - Recorders, Maypole, Sandygate Stars - will continue next half term. For Recorders and Sandygate Stars there will be a new sign up in January but Mrs Reynolds would like to continue with the Maypole dancers for the whole year with a view to having some performances in the summer term.

Headlice

As with all communities of children we do from time to time suffer from infestations of head lice. We would always suggest that you regularly check your child’s hair and treat as necessary and the half term break is a great opportunity to check and treat. 
Your child has as much chance of being infected as any other and this is in no way a reflection on a family’s standard of hygiene.

To reduce the chances of infection as much as possible we suggest:

• Hair that falls below shoulder level must be tied up at all times for the child’s own safety as well as preventing the spread of head lice. Head lice can easily transfer from head to head in a school environment.
• Using conditioner when washing hair to help prevent the spread of head lice.
• Checking your child’s hair every week. For further information go to http://www.onceaweektakeapeek.com

Attendance For Learning 

Our Attendance for Learning Policy has just been updated and can be found on the school website here

If you are planning to request a Leave of Absence for your child please be aware of the procedure for this.

A Request to authorise term time Leave of Absence form must be completed and submitted to the school office at least 30 days before the planned leave. Parents are strongly advised to discuss the proposed absence with the school before completing the form. We do acknowledge that in some instances, such as family funerals, it may not be possible to complete the form 30 days before the absence.

The Headteacher will consider requests for absence during term time and each request will be considered individually taking various factors into account. 

It should be noted that absence can only be authorised by school in exceptional circumstances and is entirely at the Headteacher's discretion.

The Request to Authorise term time Leave of Absence form can be found on the school website under Parents > School Forms

Thank you to each and every one of you for all your support this half term.  We made it! And school has certainly benefited from your amazing generosity.

The next PFA meeting is 4th November both face to face in the school hall and via Zoom.  Come and share a glass of wine whilst planning how to raise additional funds for the school, particularly the Year1 outdoor classroom. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Bingo Night tickets are still available to purchase on Parentpay.  Come and join us in the school hall on the afternoon of 20th November for some simple family fun. Paper bingo boards, bar and pizza.  Winning prizes and a chance to get together with some school families and enjoy a catch-up.

Christmas Cards: proofs should have been received in book bags and cards, gift tags, mugs, bag for life and tea towels are all available to order preferably via Parentpay should you need any little extra Christmas gifts for friends and family.  Orders close shortly after the half term break so we can have the items returned by early December. Order now to avoid disappointment.

Dates for your diary
Thursday 2nd December: The PFA will hold a stall at Late Night Shopping Marlow on 2nd December.  It would be lovely if you could come along and say hello.  We will also need some volunteers to staff the stall if you fancy selling mulled wine and cookies to the Marlow community.
Saturday 4th December: Sandygate School Christmas Disco is on 4th December 3-5pm. A change to meet Santa, boogie to jingle bells and eat sweets.  What more could a child want?  Tickets will go on sale after the half term break