25th January 2007

• Our footballers in Key Stage two are basking in the glory of moving further on in this season’s exciting journey of success, once again becoming county champions of the Sainsbury’s Small School Soccer Sixes tournament. To earn this accolade, last week they played Milton Primary School from Milton Malsor, enjoying support on the sidelines from their fellow pupils for the very last part of a gloriously sunny afternoon.  It was a tight game, with St Peter’s School showing great strength in the first half, which motivated Milton Malsor to be on the attack in the second half.  With both teams showing excellent defence, it was certainly an exciting game.  Albertus Van Rensburg scored for St Peter’s in the last five minutes, with Patrick Sullivan’s superb performance in the second half also warranting particular mention, as well as the last minute point blank save from Rhys Alford!  Milton coach Anthony Withyman was complementary of both our pitch and its setting; we look forward to visiting his school to play a ‘friendly’ in the future.  Now our team prepares to represent Northamptonshire in the regional finals of the Sainsbury’s Small Schools Soccer Sixes on 28th April. 
   
• In the run up to last Friday’s French Day for Key Stage Two, Year Five had an inter year competition to come up with the longest list of famous French people.  5DF won with a list exceeding 600!  Mme Vert led pupils in a number of activities relating to the celebration of Epiphany in France.    A French lunch was served, consisting of gratin de pommes de terres et fromage, salade et vinaigrette et baguette.  For dessert, crepes au citron were served in the French manner that celebrates Epiphany- with a hidden red fruit in one of the portions, the chance recipient of the ‘lucky portion’ being crowned king or queen for the day. Each table had a crown, made by pupils in Year 3 and 4.
   
• After lunch pupils took part in a game of ‘Jaques a dit’ using vocabulary previously learnt in class.  A highly competitive house quiz took place, using vocabulary and facts learnt since September.  Well done to members of Pitsford on their win! Pupils also sang "Sur Le Pont D'avignon" at the end of the afternoon. The French Fancy dress competition was won by Roy Aston Manning, appearing as a very impressive Napoleon Bonaparte. Delicious brioches and chocolat chaud rounded off the afternoon perfectly.  All this fun certainly does not detract from the fact that in good language teaching it is the practical use of the language that is vital, and Friday was loaded with opportunities for our pupils to speak in French.  Meanwhile, Key Stage One eagerly awaits their French Day which takes place in June!
     
• On Monday pupils in Key Stage Two took part in Kwik Cricket master classes led by Kevin Innes.  The skills of bowling, throwing and catching were practiced, and were placed into the context of a whole game.  It was a privilege to have the expertise of this Northamptonshire County cricketer shared with our pupils, and to learn of Mr Inness’s comments about the excellent behaviour of our boys and girls. 
   
• The Box Office is now open for our school show, and a letter is attached giving details.  I hope that many of you will join the audience on Wed 7th, Thurs 8th or Friday 9th February to support the cast.
    
• Advance notice is given that the School will be taking part in Comic Relief’s ‘big red nose’ fund raising on Friday 16th March.  Pupils in Reception onwards will be given a red nose at School, so if parents are planning to contribute to Comic Relief, they are asked to do so in a different way, perhaps by making a donation using one of the methods publicised by the Comic Relief organisation.Parents are aware that for some years now we have operated a drop off system, so that pupils can be driven up to the gate on The Crescent, from where they are greeted by a member of staff and then appropriately supervised as they journey to their relevant play area.  The system was set up in the School’s effort to work in hand with the Fire Service, which has the need to use Headlands as part of their call-out route.  It has come to my attention that there has been a recent increase in the number of families that are parking on Headlands, and then walking down to The Crescent’s school entrance.  I respectfully ask parents to reconsider their actions, bearing in mind that parking spaces on The Crescent lie empty whilst the Headlands is double parked, and safety of pedestrians hindered.  Please consider using the morning drop off system, or appropriate parking on The Crescent.
      
• Mrs Patrick-White and Mrs Loake who run the Uniform Shop have asked me to remind parents that an order for blazers will be placed tomorrow.  A letter went out recently, asking parents to consider Summer uniform requirements at this early stage, due to the amount of time required by our suppliers to fulfil the order.  Please be aware that without placing an order, the Uniform Shop cannot guarantee that there would be a blazer in your desired size available for purchase later in the Summer Term.
   
• The PTAFA Pamper Night was reported to be a resounding success, with the various treatments available serving to lower the pulses and shoulders of our very busy ladies of St Peter’s School.  Thanks to all those who organised and supported the event, and particularly to Mrs Fedorowycz, Mrs Cawthorn, Mrs Martin and Mrs Lington for donating their services freely to the PTAFA’s fund raising efforts.
   
• A letter will be distributed shortly giving details of the next PTAFA event-a Beetle Drive for children, held after half term, on Friday 23rd February.  Advance notice is also give of the forthcoming Quiz Night, taking place on Saturday 10th March, giving plenty of time for you all to organise adult teams of six!
   
• The next bulletin will be on 1st February when there will be a report about Art Week.