29th September 2005

• Today pupils from all sections of our School took part in their Harvest Festival.  Rev’d Jenny led the children in this morning’s assembly, which was set against a colourful backcloth of Harvest produce donated by pupils and parents.  Sunnylands Hall has been decorated with an array of children’s art work, representing all year groups within our School.
   
• On Wednesday I had the pleasure of witnessing Reception Class putting together their class display of Harvest Festival food.  So much care had been taken at home in the presentation of the fruit, vegetables and flowers with some eye catching artwork adorning the containers.  Reception Class were clearly so very proud of what they had done at home with parents!
   
• Tomorrow a group of volunteer parents will bag up and distribute the food donations of our Harvest Festival to The Grange Over 60’s Club in Kettering.  This is an organisation with which our School has enjoyed a happy association over a number of years.  Another ‘thank you’ is conveyed to our harvest produce distribution team.
   
• Once again, the response to our collection for the Goodwill Village in India has been excellent.  All parents are warmly thanked for involving themselves so wholeheartedly in this important part of our School year.  This level of support has been mirrored in the high take-up of tickets for this evening’s Harvest Supper, organised by the PTAFA.  I look forward to reporting upon this event next week.
   
• The girls’ football match originally booked to be played on Tuesday, needed to be cancelled by our opponents Hall Meadow.  Much to our girls’ relief, the game has been rescheduled for Tuesday 4th October.  An alternative date of Friday 14th October has also been set for the netball match that was due to be played yesterday, following a cancellation from our visiting team St Edwards.
   
• On Wednesday St Peter’s School football team played their first game of The Crescents Floodlit Football League at Avondale School.  Their match against Meadowside was strongly contested, ending in a 2-0 defeat for our team.  Although one injury was sustained, spirits remain high for next week’s match against Avondale.
   
• On Tuesday our Nursery children took part in a ‘theme’ day.  Each of them made a treasure box at the start of term.  This is taken home prior to a theme day, and returned to school with special objects that children have collected linked to the chosen theme.  On Tuesday an assortment of yellow objects were brought to school, together with items beginning with ‘c’.  Later that day Nursery children gathered conkers for their nature table.  It will be ‘scarecrow day’ in St Peter’s School Nursery next Thursday, so this will be one day of the year when a blind eye will be turned to the standard of attire! 
   
• Last week’s bulletin contained a reminder that there will be no late club on Monday 3rd October 2005 due to a whole staff training session that will take place immediately after School.  Please note that for the same reason the School Office will be closed at the end of School on Monday too.
   
• Next week is Assessment Week.  This is an opportunity for teachers to collate data from tasks completed by our pupils that will assist them in formulating learning strategies aimed at moving pupils on in their learning journey.  Assessment Week is not about finding out what pupils do not know.  The whole procedure is run in a positive manner.  Pupils generally relish the opportunity to take part in these activities.  The consultation evenings, on Wednesday 19th October (4.30pm – 6.30pm) and Thursday 20th October (4pm – 6pm) will provide an opportunity for teachers and parents to discuss pupil progress and targets for the academic year.
   
• Please note that there will be no formal homework set during assessment week.  This will hopefully encourage pupils to get themselves to bed even earlier next week so that they are refreshed for the next day!
   
• Following the visit of Mrs Barnes from Barnardos, any donations should be returned to School in the A4 envelopes distributed earlier this month.  Pupils who return envelopes will be entered into a prize draw for the much coveted Barnardos Barney Bear that currently resides in the School Reception area.
   
• There will be a PTAFA Cake Stall in Sunnylands Hall tomorrow, from 3.30pm.  Parents of Nursery and Key Stage One pupils are respectfully asked not to enter the Hall until 3.30pm, as lessons for pupils in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 would still be in progress before then.  Please come and start the weekend with the purchase of a treat that will also serve to support the work of MacMillan Cancer Relief, the chosen charity for this month’s Cake Stall.