23rd February 2006

• There were lovely accounts of days out with friends and family, skiing trips, having friends to visit, and other enjoyable pursuits given by pupils upon their return to School after half term.  There has been less evidence of coughs and colds, which suggests that the children have benefited from a good rest in readiness for what lies ahead!
   
• This half term promises to be another industrious one, with Kettering Eisteddfod, Book Week and Winter Games Day.  Most importantly, pupils will be encouraged to accelerate their rate of learning as they pass the ‘half way mark’ of the academic year.  Reports will be issued at the end of Lent Term, giving an indication of effort and attainment levels in all areas of the curriculum.
   
• It was Green Day in Nursery on Wednesday.  Children collected green items and those beginning with ‘g’ in their treasure boxes, and took part in a ‘show and tell’ session.  There were green mark making exercises, and art work featuring the colour.  A tasting session of green foods took place, with kiwi fruit, celery, grapes, and lettuce being some of the tastes sampled.  The taste of lime was surprisingly pleasing to many of the children! A jungle display has also been assembled with the help of the children.  Nursery parents are most welcome to admire it, as well as the other new displays of children’s work.
   
• Yesterday there was great excitement from a small but sturdy band of boys and girls awaiting the weather report, which would dictate the fate of Key Stage 1 Football Club! Fortunately, the rain and sleet kept away, and an exhausted but happy group left School after a great first session.
   
• Another source of anticipation for our pupils lies in the start up of Rugby Club after School tomorrow.  I know that there are some hopeful Jonny Wilkinson-s among our pupils, who are looking forward to the opportunity of working with professional rugby players and acquiring new skills as well as refining those already in place.  There are still places available for this club, the cost being £30.
   
• This week’s Floodlit Football friendly at Avondale was cancelled due to staffing problems at the opposing team’s school.  There was no football practice today after School, due to a sports course that Miss Farrant and Mr Holmes were attending.
   
• At the time of writing, the Eisteddfod Committee has not finalised the programme of competitions, so Mrs Payne has not yet been able to issue parents with information relating to venue and time.  This will be conveyed at the earliest opportunity.  In the meantime, please continue to encourage your child to practice at home. 
   
• Children who have been entered for the vocal competition were given a tape over half term to assist them in practice at home.  If this is still festering in their school bag, please urge your budding solo vocalist to sing along to the tape each day.  The songs this year are particularly challenging. Children definitely enjoy the competitiveness of the Eisteddfod occasion more if they feel well prepared on the day.
   
• Please note that rehearsals for Eisteddfod Choir are each Monday, in this very important run-up to the competition.  Full attendance is vital if we are to reach a high standard.  I had the pleasure of joining Mrs Cumming and the choir at some rehearsals this week.  The songs chosen are clearly very popular with members of the choir and a great deal of progress has recently been made – but there is always room for more!
   
• Congratulations to Jessica Todd in 5DF.  She recently reached the last thirteen in a nationwide search for six new child cast members for a production of Mary Poppins, led by the much respected Cameron Mackintosh.  The audition process took place over a number of months, with the last recall taking place in Covent Garden, where Jessica had to sing, dance and act, whilst under the scrutiny of the directorial team.  It is an incredible achievement for her to have got so far!
   
• Tickets for this Friday’s PTAFA’s Beetle Drive have sold well.  The event promises to be frantic and fun, with a good deal of racing from table to table, and attendees are therefore advised to wear non slip soles. 
   
• The next PTAFA event is tomorrow’s Cake Stall and Used Book Stall, which takes place in Sunnylands Hall after School. Thanks to parents who have donated suitable books, and to Mrs Bolter and Mrs Drage for organising and running this stall. The arrival of cakes in the School Office tomorrow morning is eagerly anticipated by all.  Thanks also to the group of mums who run the Cake Stall.  Their steely nerves when having to contend with the twenty minute frenzy that ensues in our pupils’ desire to get to the chocolate cakes is certainly something to be admired!
   
• In next week’s bulletin I look forward to telling you about the activities taking place next Thursday, when we celebrate World Book Day.