19th May 2005

• The younger pupils at St Peter’s School, Kettering had great fun this week, performing in their Summer Concert.  Nursery children sang songs on the theme ’people who help us’, whilst pupils in Year 1 and 2 performed songs based on traditional African stories of a trickster spider called Anansi.  Reception class then joined them to present a short musical version of the traditional story of Cinderella. Pupils also had the opportunity to display their skills in playing ocarina and a range of percussion instruments to accompany the songs. The children learn a great deal from taking part, not just about rhythm and pitch, but also about team work and discipline.  Most importantly, they love showing their work and this really develops their confidence.
   
• Year 5 and 6 went off on their residential trip to Norfolk last week.  They had a super time, and took part in an exciting range of activities and trips.   Staff accompanying them reported on the frequency with which their good behaviour and politeness was commented upon by members of the public.  In Key Stage Two last week, Years 3 and 4 had the whole of the playground and grass area to their disposal during morning and lunch playtimes, and there were some great games of football with these two year groups collaborating really well.  Despite all of this, there was a great welcome for the home comers on Monday, when all of Key Stage Two were reunited.  It was warming to see how pleased the Key Stage Two pupils were to be back together…they really are a soppy lot underneath all the bravado!
   
• Last week’s whole School assembly was very special, with Reception class being in attendance for the first time.  They did really well, joining in with the hymn, listening carefully and even contributing ideas to the theme of the day – Special Places.  They will be joining the rest of such assemblies during Summer Term.
   
• From time to time it is important for us to run a fire drill.  In preparation for the next one, please would parents ensure that if their child needs an inhaler, one labelled with the pupil’s name and class is left in the School Office.  As part of our evacuation plan, pupils are naturally led out of the School buildings immediately, with no time available to search for their inhaler in their desk, or for a teacher to locate an inhaler they may be in charge of.  Instead, Mrs Sharp would bring out inhalers to the fire assembly point on Key Stage Two playground.
   
• Consultation appointments for Wednesday and Thursday have now been allocated.  If you requested one then your child should have passed on a slip giving the time of your slot.  Please note that these appointments have to run to time.  Your regard of this would be greatly appreciated.  There is always an opportunity for further discussion with the class teacher after School, and parents and teachers are always welcome to make additional appointments. 
   
• Congratulations to the pupils in Years 2 and 3 that entered the Poetry Vanguard examinations through their Speech and Drama lessons.  They achieved a very high standard.  To get a pass requires 65 marks and this in itself is something to be proud of, but this year the boys’ and girls’ marks were either merits or distinctions, which are a reflection of the hard work they must have put in, not only in their Speech and Drama lessons but also in their practice at home.
   
• A group of Year 4 and Year 6 pupils played in the Independent Schools Association under 11 ‘kwick cricket’ tournament at Highfield School in Nottinghamshire yesterday.  They clearly enjoyed the opportunity of competing with a range of schools, pupils and abilities, and came home with some successes under their belts, as well as some inspiration and motivation for further improvement.
   
• St Peter’s School Swimming Gala takes place at Kettering pool next Friday starting at 10am.  The spectator section is available for parents, but please be aware that space is limited.  It is a very humid environment, so cool attire is advisable! A letter with details of this event will go out to Key Stage Two parents at the start of next week.
   
• The PTAFA will run a cake stall after School tomorrow, with funds being raised for the Princess Diana Air Ambulance.  We hope that there are plenty of supplies left in the School Office on Friday morning after some busy baking sessions this evening.  Before rushing off for the weekend, do please pop in to Sunnylands building to make a purchase!
   
• This Saturday’s PTAFA Auction of Promises is proving popular.  Thanks to so many of you who have supported this by making donations.  We want to fill our hall, so please, please, please buy a catalogue and come to the event on Saturday night.  Parents are selling catalogues after School tomorrow, or you can come to the School office to purchase one for each member of the large party we hope that you will bring!