9th June 2005

• The children arrived back to School on Monday looking rested and most importantly, ready and raring to go for the final half term in their particular year group. This half term has both a sporting and musical feel to it, with Games Day, Sports Day, and the Key Stage Two Summer Concerts.  These form a welcome backcloth to the planned learning objectives that will be covered in all subjects over the next six weeks.  Although Assessment Week is over, there will be further assessment of topics within all subjects, right up until the end of the academic year.  Reports will be issued at the end of the Summer Term.
   
• Following the announcement of our sponsored read – Readathon - taking place during this week’s Book Week, the majority of pupils arrived back to School with their sponsor cards filled in and their choice of books prepared.  This week’s homework time will be given over to reading.
   
• Please try to pay the Scholastic Book Fair a visit.  There are some excellent reading choices available.  We are aiming to maximise our commission this year in order to spend it on even more reading books for our pupils! The last day for purchases is Monday 13th June. 
   
• As part of our Book Week children have been involved in a range of special activities.  Children in Year One and Two read to children in Nursery and Reception. Some pupils accessed the internet to research authors of their choice. Persuasive writing has been used by others to create an advertisement for a book.  Knowledge of comic book heroes has been used to design an original super hero – it will come as no surprise to parents that this was one of the most popular activities!  In addition to all of this, there has been important consideration of ‘People Who Help Us’, with children in Nursery looking at a range of books on this popular theme.
   
• Earlier today there was an important arrival at School linked to the theme of ‘People Who Help Us’– a real fire engine and some firemen.  This caused great excitement amongst our youngest School members.  The only disappointment might have been that the crew forgot to bring Fireman Sam along with them!  All of this was preceded yesterday with a visit to Nursery by a policeman and policewoman, who soon discovered that the art of questioning was very much developed in the minds of our young and enquiring individuals.
   
• St Peter’s School netball team took part in the quarter finals of the Kettering District Primary Schools’ Netball Tournament before half term.  They played extremely well but could not quite overcome their opponents, who eventually went on to win the league, having already won the tournament earlier in the season. We are very proud of our netball team.  Following the previous academic year when there was less opportunity to arrange games, our girls have done so well this year to win matches against so many teams.  We are all looking forward to the challenges offered during the next netball season, which starts during Michaelmas Term.
   
• A group pf pupils from years 5 and 6 played in a ‘kwik cricket’ tournament, arranged by Kettering Old Grammar School Foundation.  They relished the experience of playing at the county ground, winning their matches against Park, Havelock and Pytchley, and consequently gaining a place in the semi final.  Although victory was denied to our team by just one run, they returned to School with smiling faces, having put up a super performance.
   
• Children in Key Stage Two are looking forward to presenting their Summer Concert next week.  There has been great demand for tickets, so if you have not yet sent in your ticket request slip please do so by tomorrow.
   
• Invitations for Founders Day Prize Giving were sent out to all parents during half term.  In order for us to have firm numbers for our Fire Safety procedures, please return the reply slip to School as soon as possible. 
   
• At long last the warm weather appears to have settled in, and we have apparently been promised something of a heat wave.  There are a number of children wearing sun hats to school that do not comply with the School uniform regulations.  Sun hats are available from the uniform shop, and there is also a small supply in the School Office.  When stocks run out they can quickly be re-ordered. Members of the public frequently comment not only upon the politeness of our pupils, but on how smart they look in their uniform.  Please ensure that girls wear their boaters to and from School, and boys wear their caps.  Let’s keep St Peter’s smart!
    
• The uniform shop will continue to open at 3pm each Monday during this half term.  It will also open specifically for parents of children in next year’s Reception and Nursery on Wednesday 6th July from 10am to 3pm. The Uniform Shop is also open on other dates for everyone: Wednesday 24th August from 10am to 2pm and then on Monday 5th September from 2pm to 3.30pm.  It is anticipated that this last date will be one that parents use to collect already ordered items.  Please telephone the School Office this half term to book a Uniform Shop appointment. Times can then be booked for everyone based on the amount of uniform that needs to be purchased, and this in turn will hopefully minimise waiting time for other customers. 
   
• Following the success of the PTAFA Auction of Promises before half term, plans are well underway for the forthcoming Barn Dance.  A few dads have been generously volunteered for barbeque duties but we need more, so please telephone the school office if you are able to offer either your services or those of another.  This is a great family event, suitable for children and adults of all ages.  The band promises to lure even the most left footed onto the barn floor, so come and join in!  Tickets are available from the School Office.