28th January 2022

This morning I really enjoyed watching Dragonflies lead the first of this term's value- focused, class -led worship and having parents and carers there to join in made the occasion even more special. My thanks to Mrs Mitchell and Mrs Daniel for preparing the children for this - the value of service was portrayed beautifully!

The Explorer Dome caused great excitement on Thursday as the Reception and Year 1 children were able to add more depth to their science learning. The awe and wonder exclamations that could be heard as the children learned about the solar system and the stars (Reception) and light and shadows (Year 1) told us that the experience had definitely sparked their imaginations.

You will read below about the changes that are happening within our Governing Board following our Full Board meeting yesterday evening. I am really sorry to be saying goodbye to Governors that have made a massive contribution to the school over their time on the board. I would like to thank Caroline Ridges & Kenneth Claassen for their service and support, but I am particularly grateful for the time that Adam Buckley has given during his 5 years as governor. In his role as Chair of Governors, he has been a huge support to me through these challenging times.

Mrs Reynolds

Message from the Chair of Governors

Dear Parents,

I wanted to let you know that, after 5 years as a Governor and 3 years as Chair of Governors, this week I am stepping down and handing over the reins to Mark Skoyles as the new Chair of Governors with Daphne Howarth as Vice Chair.

The past 2 years have been particularly challenging for everyone involved with the school, but I am very proud that we have managed to remain open for key children throughout the entire pandemic and for the whole school population on every day that we were allowed to. That is down to hard work and dedication from all the staff in school. Particular thanks must go to Mrs Reynolds who has led the school magnificently.

The role of the Governing Board is to lead the strategic direction, performance manage and ensure the budget remains sustainable. I’m sure Mark and the team will do this admirably in the future. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank two of my fellow Governors who are also stepping down at this time, Caroline Ridges and Kenneth Claassen. I appreciate everything that they have done for the school during their time as Governors. 

Thanks and all the best.

Adam Buckley

Report from School Council/RRSA/Eco Warriors/Arts Council

Next Week's 'Learning at a Glance'

Change to PE Day - Reception & Year 2

For next week (w/c 31st January) there will be changes to PE days for Reception and Year 2. Reception will have PE on Wednesday and Year 2 will have PE on Monday and Thursday.  PE days will then return to normal. 

Candlemas Service

We will have a special school worship to celebrate the feast of Candlemas on Wednesday 2nd February.  Candlemas is also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Christ and celebrates the presentation of Jesus at the temple, as described in Luke 2:22-40, and is one of the oldest festivals in the Christian church. In many countries it marks the end of the Christmas festivities and is when decorations are taken down. It is called Candlemas as this was traditionally the day when all the church candles for the year were blessed.

This service is being led by some of the Year 2 Worship leaders and their parents have been invited, however we are unable to welcome the rest of our parent body on this occasion.

We hope to have an Easter Service at the end of this term to which all parents and carers will be invited. 

NSPCC Number Day 2022

Friday 4th February Non-uniform Day

We are once again supporting the NSPCC Number Day this year. In previous years we have asked children to come to school 'Dressed as Digits' but this year we thought we would have a Non-Uniform day and create some DIgit Dress Up in school.

On Friday 4th February we are therefore asking children to come to school in their own clothes and we will then Dress as Digits at school. Clothes must be practical for school and for outside play and should not be a dressing-up costume. 

We would like to raise some money for the NSPCC and have created a Just Giving page here  or use the QR code below 

School Worship

We would ask that parents register if they would like to attend school worship using the links below. We also ask that you wear a mask when on school premises and if you are able to take a LFD test before attending that would be appreciated. 

The remaining Class Worship dates are as below and parent sign up will be communicated in the school Newsletter 2 weeks before each date. 

• Butterfly Class Friday 4th February register here  https://forms.gle/3myJiGEwQtjLFNiy8
• Ladybird Class Friday 11th February register here  https://forms.gle/CQtWnbXLcR3BkbZ27
• Bee Class Friday 11th March
• Ant Class Friday 18th March
• Grasshopper Class Friday 25th March

Year 1 Java Performance

The details for the Year 1 Java performance have now been finalised and it will take place on Wednesday 9th February from 2 - 3pm.

The Year 1 children will be spending the next few weeks working with Aris Daryono to create a traditional Javanese puppet show accompanied by Gamelan music and would love to invite their parents to watch.

As space in the hall is limited we can only offer 2 tickets per family for this event and these must be booked on Eventbrite and we will need to scan the Eventbrite QR code when you arrive. The link for booking is  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/year-1-java-performance-tickets-255105887577

For the performance we would ask that:

• face coverings are worn at all times on school premises
• attendees take a lateral flow test before attending if possible
• you should not attend if you have any COVID symptoms

Snowdrop Walk to raise funds for local charity

The popular Child Bereavement UK Snowdrop Walk will be held in the stunning surroundings of West Wycombe Park on Sunday 6 February 2022.

The Snowdrop Walk is a day to remember babies and children who have died and children who are bereaved each year. People will be able to plant a snowdrop in memory of someone special and wander the grounds, taking in the beautiful views.

Individual snowdrops will be available to purchase on the day and a nature trail will keep youngsters amused. Further activities and refreshments will be available throughout the day in the village hall.

Child Bereavement UK in Buckinghamshire helps children and young people (up to age 25), parents, and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. We also provide training to professionals, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.

Time:  10.30am – 4pm

Early bird tickets: £3 Adults, under 16 & concessions £2 (under 3's Free)

Early bird tickets can be purchased at www.childrbereavementuk.org

Or

Tickets can be purchased on the day: £5 Adults, under 16 & concessions £3 (under 3's Free)

For more information or to purchase tickets please go to www.childbereavementuk.org

Update to COVID Risk Assessment

We have reviewed COVID Risk Assessment in the light of the changes to regulations made this week. We have relaxed some control measures but we have decided to keep many in place to ensure that our staff feel safe and to do what we can to protect the health of everyone. Below are the key points:

• Parent Helpers no longer need to war a face covering whilst they are in school helping.
• Other visitors to school will need to wear a face covering.
• Where there are large groups of adults congregating, we are asking them to continue to wear a face covering. eg at drop off and pick up or to attend school events.

Just a few more days until we make the first draw of the 100 club.  Entries are still available to buy via parent pay and the 1st lucky winner will be notified on Monday 31st January.  A reminder that all entries are rolled over and so you have 7 chances to win £50 for your £10 entry fee.

Quiz night is confirmed as Saturday 2nd April 2022.  We are excited to be able to hold this event.  More details will be provided next week but for now you may want to recruit your fellow quizzers to form a team of 8 adults. 

We are looking for a new organiser to run the Pre Loved Uniform sale.  The sales help to raise several hundred pounds a year for the school and require only around 1hr of time per month.  Louise has been running the sales for a while now, but her children will be Sandygate Graduates in the summer, and so the role will be vacant.  It would be wonderful if someone would be willing to step up, shadow and take over the sale so that we can continue to raise much needed funds this way and also provide quality uniform to school families for a very small fee. Please email marlowcofpfa@gmail.com or whataspp your year group if you can help.