4th May 2006

• Pupils in Years One to Six have been involved in QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority) assessments this week.  Progress in a range of literacy and numeracy tasks will be noted.  A final assessment of science knowledge and understanding also takes place in Year 6, to round off the regular science assessments that occur throughout the year as pupils ‘move’ through the School.  The tests’ format differs for all year groups to take account of progression of skills.  Test situations are not necessarily the best way of assessing ability in Nursery or Reception, and in these areas detailed and regular observations of developmental areas are recorded by staff. Tasks for the older pupils in School include: reading for comprehension, extended writing, shorter writing tasks, spelling, mental maths, calculator and non calculator maths tasks.  The results of Assessment Week will be discussed during the parent/teacher consultations, due to take place on Wed 24th and Thurs 25th May.  A letter regarding appointments for this will be sent out in due course.
   
• Year 5 and 6 are looking forward to next week’s residential trip to Govilon, details of which will feature in the next bulletin.  Parents of pupils in Year 5 and 6 will be able to attend an assembly prepared by their children about the trip, later during this term.  Returning though to this week; it promises to be one of outings for other pupils too.  On Wednesday pupils from Year 1 through to Year 4 will spend a day at Boughton House.  During the week, pupils in year 3 and 4 will visit the Alfred East Art Gallery to take part in two workshops.  The first looks at landscapes, focussing the Gallery’s permanent collection.  This will offer an opportunity to link across the curriculum with art, design technology, geography and literacy.  The second workshop is about portraits and narrative paintings, taking into account links with art, design technology, history, drama, and citizenship.  More about these visits will be included in the next bulletin.
   
• Please note that due to the residential trip next week, clubs run by Mrs Payne, Miss Farrant, Mrs Sant and Mr A Holmes will not run, as these members of staff are away with the children throughout the whole week. Please therefore collect your child after School or book in for Late Club.  To summarise, there will be no Knitting Club (Mon 8th) Netball Club (Wednesday 10th), Cricket Club (Thursday 11th), Computer Club (lunchtime Friday 12th)
   
• On the sporting front, there is one netball match still to play in the Kettering High 5’s league.  This will be at home on 18th May, against St Edward’s. If we win this match then we will be runners-up in the league, building upon the third place position gained at the end of the last season.  Previous match details follow.  The home match against Hall Meadow on Thursday 20th April resulted in a 10-4 win for our girls. On Thursday 27th April St Peter’s drew 4-4 in a home game against Havelock.  Miss Farrant reports that this was a tense game, with end to end action, and super support on the sidelines! 
   
• Last week’s ‘share your work ‘ session was very well attended, and the look of pride on pupils’ faces as they showed parents the fruits of their labours was really a sight to behold.  There will be an opportunity to look at displays of pupils’ work in all class rooms after the Founders’ Day picnic.
   
• Good luck to pupils taking their Poetry Vanguard examinations on Thursday 11th May.  If you would like details of Speech and Drama lessons for the start of the next academic year, please contact the School, so that Mrs Sally Arnold’s contact details can be supplied.
   
• The fast turn-over of completed application forms for Summer Term clubs was very helpful.  Thanks to parents for making such an ‘early’ return.  Pupils have thoroughly immersed themselves in all that is on offer, and now that good weather and light is more the norm, it is excellent to see our School grounds being used so extensively by the children.
   
• Details of ticket purchase for the first two of the forthcoming Summer Concert series at St Peter’s School have been distributed this week to parents of pupils in Nursery, Reception Year 1 and 2.  The children are looking forward to sharing their creative work with an audience.  Details of costumes required have also been given out, and costumes should be in school by Monday 8th May.
   
• Booking for tickets for the Diamond Jubilee Ball is busy.  Details of the Ball have now been advertised in a number of small publications based in Kettering’s surrounding areas.  At last week’s PTAFA meeting, parents were keen to explore the fund raising aspects of the Ball, and a number of large local companies have subsequently received a letter describing promotional opportunities.  Parents with business connections wishing to present to their associates a letter from the School suggesting promotional opportunities are warmly welcome to telephone the School Office, giving the business’s address and relevant contact.  If you have not yet purchased a Diamond Jubilee Ball ticket, then order forms are available from the School Office.
   
• Saturday’s PTAFA Race Night promises to be a good night.  Thanks to all parents and friends of the School who have supported this by purchasing tickets or sponsoring races.  If you are a ‘last minute’ punter, please contact the School Office tomorrow to find out if there are any tickets still available!
   
• Thanks to all organisers, bakers and purchasers contributing to last week’s PTAFA Cake Stall, which raised £46.10 for Dr Barnardos. Similarly, thanks are extended to the organisers and supporters of the Used Book Stall, which also ran on Friday.
   
• The next PTAFA meeting will take place on Tuesday 6th June at 7.30pm in Sunnylands Hall, when there will be discussion about the PTAFA organisation of the late afternoon and evening schedule for Founders’ Day.  If you would like to contribute to this, then please come along to the next meeting and join in.  There is no expectation of regular attendance of PTAFA meetings in order to ‘have your say’!  A short questionnaire has been attached about the PTAFA element of Founders’ Day, which I hope that you will find time to complete and return.
   
• The next bulletin will be circulated on Thursday 18th May.