20th January 2005

• Last week ended on a dramatic note, with the visit of Bangers and Mash Theatre Company to Foundation Stage on Friday.  Elliot’s Day Out covered the theme of following instructions and considering the consequences of one’s actions.  To have a live educational theatre group in school is something the children enjoy immensely, as it provides them with an exciting forum in which to think about essential life skills.   I would like to thank the parents of Foundation Stage pupils for supporting this initiative.
   
• Year 5 visited Manor House Museum on Tuesday, as part of their history curriculum focus on Victorians.  The aim of the day was to enable children to examine the differences between factory workers and factory owners.  Pupils were also involved in a session which examined different levels of Victorian society, through music, song and role play.
   
• If there is a change to your child’s end of the day pick-up arrangements then please remember to contact the school office or the class teacher in writing with this information.  Phone calls are naturally appropriate in situations where change of pick-up has arisen at short notice. 
   
• Floodlit football resumes next week, with all eyes firmly fixed upon the Cup.  There are a number of schools competing, many of them with very large classes, meaning that there is a wide choice for team selection.  You will remember from last term that our footballers worked really well together, gelling as a team very early on.  They play Avondale next Wednesday, and from the amount of serious practice going on during break times, it is clear that the boys are focussed upon further success.
   
• Still on the theme of sport, Kevin Innes from Northamptonshire County Cricket Club will be working with boys and girls in Year 5 and 6 on ‘kwik cricket’ skills.  This is part of the Schools’ Liaison programme that NCCC provides, and from which we are pleased to benefit.
   
• Children have been informed that tamagotchi electronic pets are not permitted in school.  They are a distraction from the important business of teaching and learning.  Children have been advised to find a pet sitter for their tamagotchi, so parents, please be prepared.
   
• It is important that Mrs Sharp stores all medicines in the school office.  If your child is receiving a course of medication then written instructions for its administration should be provided.
   
• The PTAFA cake stall will be making a welcome return next week, on Friday 28th January.  The proceeds of this will be donated to the Disaster Emergency Fund, set up to help areas of the world affected by the tsunami. With a week to go, we are hoping that this advance notice will provide ample time for all cake bakers.