NEWSLETTER Issue: 4.02

HEAD'S VIEW
What a lucky man I am! In the past two weeks I have been fortunate enough to take part in the Year 5 Kilve Court trip, see the Elm and 2GB class assemblies, watch poetry recitals by the children, be part of 'Book at Bedtime' and see the school full of characters from our favourite books. This is not to mention all the fabulous work I have seen and the events I have missed such as the football team playing brilliantly against WASPS and the Year 3 strings assembly. This is such a rich school in that the children have so many wonderful opportunities and at the same time they give so much back. I cannot speak highly enough of them or the staff who go well beyond the call of duty to bring this rich life to the school. I think the 'Dates for your Diary' opposite is a perfect illustration of that. A particular thanks must go to Mrs Rhodes, our English subject leader, who has organised a tremendous Literacy Week and the team of staff who put their lives on hold to take the children away to Kilve.

To bring you up to date with staffing news, we have made a recent staffing appointment. Mrs Lesley Houston will be joining us in September as a music specialist teacher for PPA time. I am sure she will build on the good work started by Mrs Rutland and work closely with Miss Amies to take music from strength to strength in the school. Talking about strengths, we have been awarded the Activemark 2007 for 'exceptional delivery of the National School Sport Strategy'. This award recognises the range, quality and levels of participation in sport in the school. Well done Newbridge Primary!

The link building is rapidly taking shape and completion date is still set for 25th April. The library part of the Learning Resource Centre is due to be fully furnished by then and we are now starting the process of buying new books for the library. We want the children to have a strong say in this process so next week it is the turn of our upper school children to choose non-fiction books for Key Stage 2. It will be the turn of Key Stage 1 and Reception next. The multi media system for the upper school hall, and a new music system for the lower school hall, are due to be fitted next weekend. Our ReNewbridge funds are truly a blessing!

This is a reminder that this coming Tuesday 11th March marks our fund raising day for LEPRA, the international charity we are supporting this year. The children attended a very informative assembly about the work of the organisation and about the disease of leprosy. We would like to do all we can to raise as much money as possible with the thought that just £21 pays for the medication to cure a person of leprosy. It is hard to believe that, if it was my child, I could not afford that money to free them from such a debilitating disease. All the children and staff will be taking part in dance workouts on Tuesday. Please can you make sure that the children bring their envelopes with their contributions. Any amount you can afford is appreciated and, if you do not have the LEPRA envelope, please put the contribution in an ordinary envelope with the child's name, class and marked 'LEPRA'. Thank you once again for your support.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY W/B 10/03/08:
Tuesday 11/03/08
Lepra workouts – fund raising morning
Year 5/6 cycle training course starts
Wednesday 12/03/08
Year 4 trip to Roman Baths
Thursday 13/03/08
Teams to Primary Gymnastics competition pm
Children’s art exhibited at Community Art Exhibition at St John’s Church
Friday 14/03/08
5D Assembly @ 2.40pm
Year 6 to Life Skills Centre at Bristol

NEWBRIDGE ARE KINGS AND QUEENS ON THE CHESS BOARD!
On Sunday 10th February Newbridge Primary School Chess Team went to Tiverton in Devon to play in the first round of the National Primary Schools Chess Competition. We were separated into two teams, the B team and the A team, in the Under 9s and Under 11s. Each member of the teams played 5 games each. The Newbridge under 9's B team qualified for the semi finals but the A team weren't so lucky. We would like to thank Mr Croker for taking us and the parents for coming and helping us on the day.
By Harry and Oliver Class 4A
('This was a brilliant effort by all four teams and our children deserve a big pat on the back because they were playing against players much more experienced than them. One of our Under 9 teams qualified for the semi finals, taking place over a weekend in May, which is an incredible achievement. Another Under 9 and Under 11 team will be joining them to play in the Plate competition. Thank you to our parents for their support and a well done to all the girls and boys in chess club who make it such a thriving and enjoyable club. We have 50 in the club at present!' Mr Croker)

THEATRE AT THE RONDO
Drama and Art specialist, Paulo Baigent, is directing a play, "Of Dark and Bright" at the Rondo Theatre. The play is a historical drama set in the Isle of Man in the 15th Century. It is suitable for adults and young people over the age of 15.
Performances start at 8.00pm from Wednesday 19th – Saturday 22nd March. Tickets available from the Bath Festivals Box Office.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING 'STARS OF THE WEEK'
Foundation Stage
Edward, Florence
Years 1 and 2
Finn, Ethan, Harry, Holly, Connor
Years 3 and 4
Freya, Oliver, Edward, John
Years 5 and 6
Paige Clark, Samuel Parrett, Keira, Fynn
PPA Art/Drama
James, Georgia
PPA PE
Elle, Bradley
PPA Music
Sydney, Harriet, Ben

CELEBRATING WRITING
Ode to my nan
You are the most beautiful sparkling waterfall flowing through the air.
You are the most gentle bonfire crackling and popping in front of my eyes.
You are the most delicious and most tasty cakes I’ve ever tasted.
You are the fluffiest and smoothest dog jumping at me for something to play with.
You are the sweetest and crunchiest apple melting into my mouth.
Without you I would probably be lost.
Alfie Mahon
Class 4P

HOCKEY REPORT – NEWBRIDGE ON THE UP!
On Sunday 2nd March both of the Newbridge hockey teams travelled to the University of Bath to play in the hockey league. Each team played two games. Both played very well and enjoyed every moment. We would like to thank Mrs Bartlett for coaching and supporting us. We would also like to thank the mums who came along and supported us, even though it was Mother’s Day! A special thank you goes to Cathy Ball for watching and supporting us on this cold day, even though it was her birthday. Written by the team.
('I was really pleased with how well all the children played on Sunday. It was obvious that all the coaching sessions they received have made a huge impact on their skills technique and playing together as a team. This became evident when Newbridge A won their last game 3-0, thanks to great goals from Alex and Samuel. Well done everyone. Thanks again to all those parents who came and supported us, it really does make a difference having people cheering on the side line.' Mrs Bartlett.
'Well done to the hockey team, to Mrs Bartlett and Mrs Lynch and to all our parents who supported. Our first win too – brilliant!' Mr Croker)

SWIMMING GALA
On Friday 8th February most of year 4 went to Monkton Combe swimming pool for a swimming gala. Newbridge were up against St Stephen's and St Mary's and we had a great start by coming first in the girls' 25m freestyle relay. We also came first in the boys' ring relay and many others. Newbridge definitely would have won the prize for supporting our team the loudest! Newbridge were also congratulated for clapping others. All it took was the 'GO' and we were off. We also finished really well by coming second in the boys freestyle woggle relay. Mr Croker and Mrs Roberts said they were proud of us. We probably would have come first if it had been a competition. We would like to thank Mr Croker and Mrs Roberts for taking us and supporting us all the way.
By Katie and Jack (4A)
('Mrs Roberts and I had a lovely afternoon being part of a team who were so supportive of each other and of the other swimmers. They all did us proud, giving their best, showing what talented swimmers we have and all done with a smile! Well done to the Year 4 swimming team.' Mr Croker)

COMMUNITY ART EXHIBITION
St John's, Lower Weston on Thursday 13th March. Evening launch with jazz band. Exhibition open through to Sunday 16th March. This is a celebration of talent in our local community. We would love for you to display some of your work. Ring 317323 or email crgar@tiscali.co.uk for more details.

EASTER MENU - WEDNESDAY 19TH MARCH
Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy or Roasted Vegetable Flan
With Locally Grown Roast or New Potatoes
Locally Grown Medley of Fresh Vegetables
Easter Sponge Surprise with Custard or Easter Biscuit or Fresh Fruit Cup

If your child has school dinners on a weekly basis, there is no need to pre order the Easter meal.
Please send in £1.85 (if you are only ordering the Easter meal) or £9.25 in an envelope with your child’s name, class and details of your order on the front on Monday 10th March.
If you would like to order the Easter meal, this must be done by WEDNESDAY 12TH MARCH.

NEWBRIDGE PRIMARY QUIZ NIGHT
Friday 14th March - 7.30 pm. Over 18’s only – Licensed bar. Tickets £ 6 – including nibbles and a delicious homemade supper. Either make up a team of 6 people or turn up on the night and we will find you a team. Please complete the form below, place it in an envelope with the correct payment and return to school by Wednesday 12th March. Tickets are also on sale in the Lower School Playground.