2nd February 2006

• Once more, there is a great deal to report on since the last bulletin.  Yesterday, pupils in Key Stage Two and their teachers travelled by coach to Leicester’s De Montfort Theatre to see a production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, given by the ‘Shakespeare 4 Kidz’ company. The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet and the feud between the Montagues and Capulets enthralled our pupils. The annual Shakespeare theatre trip continues to be a great favourite for pupils in Years 3 to 6, with this particular theatre company always managing to perform works in an accessible, appropriate and enjoyable fashion.
   
• Continuing with Key Stage Two news, last week ended not just with the marking of the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth, but also with the much awaited Key Stage Two French Day.  Mrs Green, or Mme Vert as she is known to our pupils, led a variety of activities, including a quiz and a lively game of Jacques A Dit (Simon Says) called by Year 5 pupils.  Lunch smacked of a decidedly French flavour too, with menus in French created in an ICT lesson by Year 6 pupils. The afternoon ended with some French number games, followed by chocolat chaud et brioches.  We look forward to French Day for the younger pupils later in academic year.
   
• It has not been possible to find the collective noun for robots, but I wish to report that there were plenty of them at St Peter’s School nursery last Wednesday!  I strongly suspect that the previous weekend was one filled with gluing, sticking, painting and spraying for Nursery parents and children, who busied themselves creating some highly inventive robot outfits for Robot Day.  The result was terrific, and there are some super photographs and yet another new wall display as evidence in Nursery.  All of this activity was as a result of the children’s work on the letter sound ‘m’, characterised by Letterland’s Munching Mike, on which the children have recently been concentrating.
   
• A panoramic photograph of the School’s pupils and staff is taken biennially.  The date for this year and for our Diamond Jubilee School photograph is on the morning of Monday 24th April.  Parents are kindly requested to avoid booking appointments for their children on this day, so that they do not miss the opportunity of being part of this important occasion.
   
• Please note that Netball Club resumes next week, on Wednesday 8th February.  Miss Farrant and Mrs Marshall are looking forward to once more leading the girls on the winning streak they enjoyed for the entire Michaelmas Term!
   
• Our football team have impressed their new coach Mr Holmes over the last two Floodlit Football League matches, with their commitment and determination.  Last week’s game was against Brambleside, who won 2:1.  Despite this Mr Holmes felt that there was a good deal of skill shown from our players, who took on points covered during training sessions, with Cameron Penny running his socks off for the School.    This week our team met Meadowside, who are regarded as an extremely strong team at present.  Mr Holmes would like to give Philip Lombardo a special mention this week.  Whilst up against a team currently enjoying a winning streak, our goalkeeper was excellent in holding his nerve and keeping out some point blank shots.
   
• Please note that Rugby Evolution reply slips should be returned to Mr Holmes as soon as possible.  Parents require another letter with information about this chargeable after school activity are invited to contact the School Office.  In order for this club to take place we need a good amount of interest.  I am sure that boys and girls in Key Stage Two will welcome even more challenge in terms of sports skills and stamina.  Send those reply slips in!
   
• The PTAFA Quiz night which took place on Saturday was well attended, and proved to be an enjoyable and at times challenging night for all concerned, in the nicest possible way!  My thanks are extended once more to parents for joining in so wholeheartedly with this event, and congratulations go to Mrs Payne’s team on their victory. 
   
• The next PTAFA meeting takes place on Wednesday 8th February at 7.30pm in Sunnylands Hall. There has been a great deal of work completed behind the scenes from Mrs Lester, who leads our Diamond Jubilee committee, and this will be reported upon at next week’s meeting. Tickets for the Ball, kindly designed and produced courtesy of Mr Moszynski, will be available at the very start of the Summer Term, and a booking form will be sent out before then. In case you haven’t filled the date of this very special ‘black tie’ event into your 2006 diary, our Diamond Jubilee Ball takes place on Saturday 15th July.   
   
• I am pleased to report that recycling at St Peter’s School has ‘taken off’ in the last few weeks, since the council has made it possible for us to take advantage of their collection facilities.  We now contribute to the recycling of glass, paper, cardboard and plastic containers, in all areas of the School.  It is gratifying to know that our pupils are openly supportive of this commitment, and indeed have been the ones to raise this as an area needing development.  Whilst there is much to teach children, there is also a great deal they can teach us, as long as we listen to them!
   
• Parents of pupils in 4LD are invited to attend their class assembly on Thursday 9th February.  Please remember to report to the School Office, from where parents will be escorted to Sunnylands Hall.
   
• It seems hardly possible that we are already approaching the last week of the first half of Lent Term.  This will be marked with Science Week, which is filled with activities aimed at providing a concentrated emphasis upon this area of the curriculum.  Due to one of the planned events, please note that there is a later finish for pupils in Reception, Year 1 and 2 next Friday.  Pupils in these classes should be collected at 3.25pm from their usual area.   I look forward to reporting upon Science Week in the next bulletin.