24th February 2005

Dear Parents,

• The arrival of snow was predictably met with suitable measures of glee from our pupils yesterday. Some snow was collected for children in Nursery, who were able to use it as a focus for observation, discussion and of course, play.  Whilst we have no ‘St Peter’s blue’ Wellington boots on our current uniform list, parents may wish to pack a pair of ‘wellies’ to school for pupils on snowy days in future.
   
• Last night’s Floodlit Football match against Henry Gotch School was postponed. Details of the new date for this fixture will follow.  Meanwhile, our year 4 and 5 boys played a very exciting match against Havelock School on Thursday night before half term.  Many of you will remember that when we last met this team in the previous academic year, their skills strength led to a result which can sensitively be described as having a large margin between scores!  I am pleased therefore to report that although we lost to them again this time, our team gave them a good match and the score was admirable.  The weather conditions seemed to be more of a challenge to the spectators than to the players, who were determined to play the match despite the fact that there had been heavy rain throughout the whole of that day.  Well done to our boys and girls for their determination, drive and loyalty to their team.
   
• Netball training resumed this week, with some very serious preparation for the next match against Park School, which will be played away on Thursday 3rd March.
   
• There has been a change to the date from which Rugby Club commences.  This will now begin after the Easter Break.
   
• Running Club will also recommence from 15th March.  This is so that children can attend rehearsals for the School Choir that is entered for the Eisteddfod competition.
   
• Chess club started for pupils in years 2, 3 and 4 on Tuesday. Our young enthusiasts set a steely atmosphere of concentration in their Club’s class room earlier this week.  We look forward to hearing more of their progress during this half term. 
   
• Today Rev. Jenny Rowley led our pupils in a whole School assembly relating to this week’s theme of Lent.  She guided our pupils through an exploration of the meaning of this important period of the Church year, helping them focus on its relevance in their own lives.
   
• Following on from the bulletin at the end of last term, please remember that Tuesday is Spring Yellow Day, which is in aid of the national charity Help A Hospice.  This will be a mufti-day in School, when pupils are asked to wear something yellow.  It is hoped that a donation of £1 or more from pupils will make a valuable contribution to the charity’s work. 
   
• Despite the weather there was a loyal turn out to last night’s PTAFA meeting.  We look forward to a well attended Beetle Drive on Saturday.  Our thanks go to all those families supporting this event.  St Peter’s School mums and female friends are urged to join the Ladies Pamper Night, taking place on 4th March.  Further details of this can be found in the attached PTAFA letter.
   
• Minutes of the PTAFA meetings are posted in the PTAFA notice boards, found outside the administration block and also outside the Key Stage two boys’ changing rooms.  The minutes of last night’s meeting will give you some insight into the various ways in which funds raised will be spent.  For example, the art work created by pupils in Key Stage Two collaboratively will be framed, scatter cushions will be purchased for all pupil communal reading areas in the School, and the idea of blackout curtains or blinds for Sunnylands Hall will be researched.  We hope to soon purchase a PA system with the funds raised by the PTAFA events of last academic year.  All of this is so gratefully acknowledged by the Governors, Head and staff of St Peter’s School.