HEAD'S VIEW
I have set myself something of a challenge……I promised a ‘round up’ of life at Newbridge since September and I am sitting at my desk wondering how on earth I could encapsulate all that has happened, and all that is good, about our school. I am going to stick to one side of paper because, as you know girls and boys, I do get carried away …..sometimes.
I will start with the children. From day one in September, you have impressed us. Our new children in Reception settled in so well (too well as some fell asleep during our assemblies!) and our Year 6 have quickly shown us, with their enthusiasm and excellent attitudes towards all aspects of school life, that they are going to be a vintage year. In fact, the vast majority of our children have given their best, are really moving on in their learning and they generally live up to the ideals of the school’s ‘Statement of Intent’. Well done, girls and boys, we are all so proud of you for being such decent, hard working people and great fun too!
There have been many, many highlights. I sit here with ‘Hosanna Rock’ and the Upper School Carol Concert songs still running through my head. Last night the choir sang at the Abbey and last Friday at the RUH and two local care centres for the elderly. Each occasion left us feeling privileged to be part of this school. The word ‘magical’ comes to mind. We have seen countless other examples of excellence across all areas of learning too where a particular child has produced their very best. Then there are the ‘extras’ that can sometimes be taken for granted. Our aim to give our children opportunities to find their interests and develop their talents has seen a myriad of clubs on offer. Furthermore, it is wonderful, for example, to see a team entering the Lego Robotics Regional Competition for the first time, more Year 5 & 6 children than before stepping up for the National Primary Maths Challenge, over 100 children learning a musical instrument ……. I could go on! We will all walk away too with strong memories from theme week when World War II spies, Romans and Celts having a difference of opinion, brave knights, Humpty Dumpty and Ancient Greeks all combined to make our school …….umm………different!
Our community has given very generously to the Genesis Trust with our Harvest produce, raised nearly £500 for RUH’s ‘Forever Friends’ appeal (and another £150 collected while the choir were singing last Friday), provided a special Christmas for children in Romania with the shoebox appeal and helped Miss Simpson and Miss Wells achieve their goal of finding out about schools and life in India in February. As regards Ted’s Big Day Out, I can now confirm that our teddy bear singalong was the largest on record! Your support for all these campaigns is hugely appreciated.
We are very grateful too for the work of the Newbridge Primary School Association. The NPSA just keeps going from strength to strength. September’s AGM (greatly helped by the cheese n’ wine aspect I suspect!) set us on the right path with good numbers turning out and lots of new faces too. We are so lucky to have such an active association which brings the community together and raises significant funds for the school to help us move forward. We have seen the first coffee morning very well attended, a superb calendar produced, a memorable Christmas Fair, a Saturday table top sale and a cake sale. We are in the debt of all our parents and carers who find the time in their busy lives to give so much back to the school. Our governors are not often mentioned and yet our governing body work tirelessly behind the scenes to give the best to our children. We welcomed two newcomers in Martin Powell as a parent governor and Vanessa Ferrett as clerk. They have quickly settled (‘too much jargon in education’ is one comment richly deserved!) as has Victoria Janseunne who took over the Chair of Governors’ role from Andy Powell. I am sure that our governing body will go from strength to strength too.
Finally, the staff – they are magnificent and I leave you with the words expressed by a parent in a letter received today: ‘..all the staff should be congratulated on their continued hard work and dedication, not only within normal school hours but for all the extra time and effort they give to make the school such a great one.’ Happy Christmas to one and all!
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY W/B 05/01/09
Monday 05/01/09
- Start of Term 3
Friday 09/01/09
- Term 3 Curriculum Overview out to parents
- ‘My Learning’ folders to be brought home for the weekend
- Year 4 to ‘The Egg’ to see ‘The Nutcracker’
6JS ASSEMBLY
Please note that the 6JS class assembly has been rescheduled for Friday 23rd January 2009 at 2.30pm.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING ‘STARS OF THE WEEK’
Foundation Stage
Maya, Imogen
Years 1 and 2
Joel, Queenie, Hannah, Jazmine
Years 3 and 4
Kirstie, Alice, Joe, Ella
Years 5 and 6
Megan, Jenny, Paige, Isaac, Marlena
PPA Art
Martha., Charlie
PPA PE
Joseph, Mille
PPA Music
Indie, Isabel
CHOIR ON TOUR
On Friday 12th December Newbridge Primary School’s Choir took part in their tour around Newbridge. First stop was the Royal United Hospital where we sang some very joyful Christmas songs in the Atrium. Then we met a friend called Big Ted and he was dancing around. Another friend of ours came to our school and did an assembly about premature babies and she was called Jo. We all went to the RUH’s Oasis (not a swimming pool!) and had our lunch. Then we walked back to school to drop off the Year 3s and 4s.
The Year 5s and 6s carried on to Newbridge Towers (not a tower!). We sang a few songs and the people there let us have a cake and a drink. Next we went to another old people’s home and sang some more songs and then they let us have a drink and a biscuit and some sweets. They were also very generous and gave us a cheque for £25 and more of their donations.
Thank you to Mrs Houston and Miss Amies for organising the tour. Thanks also to Mr Croker for supporting us and parents for accompanying us.
By Lily, Amy and Darcie.
NEWBRIDGE CHOIR – THANK YOU
A huge big thank you to our fantastic choir. What a busy few weeks! The Choir Tour last Friday was such fun and you made us so proud. This week you have kept up the amazing performances in all our rehearsals, the school concerts and the Abbey on Wednesday.
Well done and thank you. I hope to see you all back next term for more fun and voices.
Mrs Houston
DINNER MONEY
All dinners must be taken on a weekly basis. The cost of dinners is £9.25 per week. Please send the money in on a Monday morning, in an envelope with your child’s name and class on it.
All cheques to be made payable to B&NES please.
Dinner money for the coming term is as follows:
January - 20 days @ £1.85 = £37.00
February - 14 days @ £1.85 = £25.90
TOTAL = £62.90
For those children in Year 5 going to Kilve, please deduct 3 days from the February total, ie £20.35.
Friday, 19 December 2008
Learning Resource Centre Newsletter Issue: 2
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
So, another year has whizzed by and Christmas is almost upon us!
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first three months in the Learning Resource Centre. The staff have made me feel welcome and it’s been great being around so many lovely books. However, the “stars of the piece” have been the children: they have been really friendly, helpful, well-mannered and enthusiastic – they are brilliant! Hope you all have a Fab Christmas and get lots of reading done during the Christmas holidays! Tony Day, LRC Manager
WELL DONE PUPIL LIBRARIANS
I’d like to publicly say a big thank you to each of the following Pupil Librarians, who have helped me in the library during break, lunchtimes and after school:
Amelia, Emily, Jasmin, Matthew, Jakees, Jacob, Joda, Isaac, Sherliyn, Alayna , Hannah and Harrison.
Other children have also generously given their help on an ad hoc basis.Each, in their own way and own style, has already made a great contribution to the Library. The above children will continue as Pupil Librarians until around Easter, when all the other children who have volunteered to act as Pupil Librarians will be given their chance.
FUTURE PLANS AND SUGGESTIONS
Looking ahead to 2009, we have lots of ideas for interesting activities centred around reading and writing. These include: author visits, writing competitions, LRC-based quizzes and themed events. These and other ideas will feature in a LRC Calendar of Events currently being prepared.
We also plan to acquire some books especially designed to meet the needs of children with dyslexia.
Also, to assist teachers and parents/carers and the children themselves with the selection of books suitable for them (in terms of reading level) we are considering how best to mark or "band" books.
I have been really impressed by the quality of suggestions already made by pupils. These include Year 6 children writing illustrated stories for the Year 6 children themselves to read to infants – the first story is almost complete!
Suggestions from Parents/Carers are always welcome! If you have any ideas, please feel free to drop in to see me in the LRC after school, send your idea in with your child, give me a ring or send me an e-mail! Thank you
WHAT A SUCCESS!
Since our LRC started lending books on 5 November, over 750 loans have been made to well over 250 children.
PLEASE COME AND VISIT!
If you haven’t yet visited the school LRC, please do, we’d love to see you. We are open after school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until 4.45pm
UNWANTED BOOKS & AUDIO BOOKS
If anyone has any books or audio books, that they no longer want, they would be gratefully received. They must be in good condition please and suitable for primary school age. Thank you very much to everyone who has already donated items. We now have enough videos and DVDs thank you. These will be made available for teachers to show in classrooms as special “treats” for the children. If you can bring or send in any books, please let me know who they are from so I know who to thank!
LOVE BOOKS AND CHILDREN?!
I would like to open the LRC Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well, to widen the access the children have to all the brilliant resources we have. However, some volunteer effort will be needed to make this possible. If you are interested, please contact me. Thank you.
FREE BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS!
Each day during the school term in 2009, The Times and The Sunday Times will contain tokens that can be redeemed for free books for schools. If you read these papers, I would be very grateful if you could please collect the tokens and pass them on to me. Many thanks.
So, another year has whizzed by and Christmas is almost upon us!
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first three months in the Learning Resource Centre. The staff have made me feel welcome and it’s been great being around so many lovely books. However, the “stars of the piece” have been the children: they have been really friendly, helpful, well-mannered and enthusiastic – they are brilliant! Hope you all have a Fab Christmas and get lots of reading done during the Christmas holidays! Tony Day, LRC Manager
WELL DONE PUPIL LIBRARIANS
I’d like to publicly say a big thank you to each of the following Pupil Librarians, who have helped me in the library during break, lunchtimes and after school:
Amelia, Emily, Jasmin, Matthew, Jakees, Jacob, Joda, Isaac, Sherliyn, Alayna , Hannah and Harrison.
Other children have also generously given their help on an ad hoc basis.Each, in their own way and own style, has already made a great contribution to the Library. The above children will continue as Pupil Librarians until around Easter, when all the other children who have volunteered to act as Pupil Librarians will be given their chance.
FUTURE PLANS AND SUGGESTIONS
Looking ahead to 2009, we have lots of ideas for interesting activities centred around reading and writing. These include: author visits, writing competitions, LRC-based quizzes and themed events. These and other ideas will feature in a LRC Calendar of Events currently being prepared.
We also plan to acquire some books especially designed to meet the needs of children with dyslexia.
Also, to assist teachers and parents/carers and the children themselves with the selection of books suitable for them (in terms of reading level) we are considering how best to mark or "band" books.
I have been really impressed by the quality of suggestions already made by pupils. These include Year 6 children writing illustrated stories for the Year 6 children themselves to read to infants – the first story is almost complete!
Suggestions from Parents/Carers are always welcome! If you have any ideas, please feel free to drop in to see me in the LRC after school, send your idea in with your child, give me a ring or send me an e-mail! Thank you
WHAT A SUCCESS!
Since our LRC started lending books on 5 November, over 750 loans have been made to well over 250 children.
PLEASE COME AND VISIT!
If you haven’t yet visited the school LRC, please do, we’d love to see you. We are open after school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until 4.45pm
UNWANTED BOOKS & AUDIO BOOKS
If anyone has any books or audio books, that they no longer want, they would be gratefully received. They must be in good condition please and suitable for primary school age. Thank you very much to everyone who has already donated items. We now have enough videos and DVDs thank you. These will be made available for teachers to show in classrooms as special “treats” for the children. If you can bring or send in any books, please let me know who they are from so I know who to thank!
LOVE BOOKS AND CHILDREN?!
I would like to open the LRC Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well, to widen the access the children have to all the brilliant resources we have. However, some volunteer effort will be needed to make this possible. If you are interested, please contact me. Thank you.
FREE BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS!
Each day during the school term in 2009, The Times and The Sunday Times will contain tokens that can be redeemed for free books for schools. If you read these papers, I would be very grateful if you could please collect the tokens and pass them on to me. Many thanks.
Monday, 15 December 2008
NEWSLETTER Issue: 2.05
HEAD’S VIEW
It is a very brief one this week but next week’s will be an epic (in length if not content) as I look back over a busy and successful term.
Please find attached a questionnaire which the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) is asking schools throughout the country to circulate to their parents so they can take forward the views of the many. It centres on the value and effectiveness of Key Stage 2 SATs (Year 6) under the present format. I know it is a busy time of year, and questionnaires certainly do not feature high on your priority list at present, but it should only take a couple of minutes to complete and your views would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance for your support.
Standards in all aspects of school life are so important and there are two areas that are slipping just a little at present. The first is lateness to school. I know there are often good reasons for lateness but often there are not. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of children arriving in good time and having a calm and settled start to the day. The other issue is uniform. The vast majority of children are beautifully turned out and reflect the pride we all have in our school. But, lately, we have noticed a number of children who are not dressed according to our uniform policy. I would like to emphasise that black shoes, not trainers, are to be worn and fleeces etc can be worn to school and at playtimes but not in school. The school sweatshirt or cardigan can be worn over the polo shirt in school. Please find attached the uniform policy. Your support in both these areas is much appreciated.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY W/B 15/12/08:
Monday 15/12/08
- Lower School Nativity @ 2.00pm
Tuesday 16/12/08
- Lower School Nativity @ 9.30am
- Upper School Carol Concert @ 7.00pm
Wednesday 17/12/08
- *Lower School Nativity Emmanuel Church @ 9.30am
- Bath Chronicle Carol Concert at Bath Abbey @ 6.30pm
Thursday 18/12/08
- Upper School Carol Concert - 9.30am
- Lower School Christmas party @ 2.00pm
Friday 19/12/08
- End of Term 2
NEWBRIDGE CHRISTMAS CD
Just to let you know that the Christmas CD has been given out this week.
The final date for any last minute orders will be Tuesday 16th December.
Miss Amies.
IMPORTANT NOTICE *
Please note the Nativity Service at Emmanuel Church on Wednesday 17th December will be performed by the alternative Year 2 cast. Reception and Year 1 will not be performing their individual songs.
YEAR 4 SWIMMING
Class 4P will begin swimming again on Wednesday 7th January 2009. The arrangements will remain unaltered from Term 1. If there are any 4P parents who are CRB cleared and able to help supervise the children from 8.45 – 10.30am then please let Mrs Phillips know.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING ‘STARS OF THE WEEK’
Foundation Stage
Kameron, Jerome, Lewis
Years 1 and 2
James, Luka, Kyle, Finn
Years 3 and 4
Katrina, Jed, Abigail, Daisy, Alex
Years 5 and 6
Sophia, Max, Grace, Joe, Charlie
PPA Drama
Nathan
PPA Art
Mimi
PPA PE
Lucy, Jack
PPA Music
Hannah
SWIMMING GALA
On Wednesday 26th November some children from Years 5 and 6 sang ‘wheels on the coach go round and round’ on the coach all the way to the Bath Sports and Leisure Centre, to take part in the Bath and North East Somerset Schools Swimming Festival! Every one had an amazing time, swimming in relays, medleys and single races. Although we came 6th out of 7 schools, we all enjoyed it. The only bad thing was the changing rooms!! With thousands of people treading on your clothes and taking your towel, by then it was 4.00pm and time to go home and we were all exhausted!
We would like to thank Mrs Bartlett for organising our races, Mr Croker and Mrs Roberts for coming with us and giving us unlimited support, whether we needed it or not!!
By Grace – 6CS
(‘Our children are a pleasure to be with. Very supportive, sporting in attitude and they gave their best in the pool. Well done!’ Mr Croker)
LOST
Red Newbridge School coat missing since last Tuesday (2nd December). It has the name Danielle on the label and is size 11-12 years. If found please contact Danielle in class 3B. Many thanks.
WANTED – LADIES OF ALL AGES
Get fit in 2009 – Learn a new sport with Lansdown Ladies Cricket Team. Training starts on Friday 16th January 2009 from 7.00pm – 8.00pm at Kingswood School Sports Hall. Get positive with your New Years resolutions and have great fun!
For more details ring Alison Turner on 01225 447697 or Sharon Alcock on 01225 421797.
YEAR 3 TRIP TO THE ROMAN BATHS
On Tuesday 2nd December Year 3 went to the Roman Baths. It was very exciting on the big coach and some of us went on the white mini-bus. We went to the classroom and had three activities. We got dressed up in Roman clothes and we paid for objects we would need to go to the Roman Baths. The interesting sandals were too expensive. The coins were very heavy and the patterns were very funny.
Looking out of the window at the Great Bath it was really hard to imagine it was from the Roman times and 2000 years old. Looking down through the glass at the dark orange drain it felt like you were flying. Then we got the little telephones and dialled the number to know what we were looking at – we didn’t know they had hot and cold baths and games in the water. We looked at cutlery found in the Roman Baths, like a spoon to open oysters with. We liked the mosaics and the Gorgon’s Head that looked like a sun. We had a very nice morning.
By Harry, Elizabeth, Emma, Johan and George– 3B.
(‘What a wonderful description of your visit – I now want to go back to the Roman Baths and look around again! Well done Harry, Elizabeth, Emma, Johan and George.’ Mr Croker)
NPSA NEWS
Christmas Fair Thanks
I am thrilled to announce that the Christmas Fair raised a whopping £2000 for our school. The Christmas Fair is not only a great fundraiser but, just as importantly, it is a really magical night for the children. So many people are responsible for making it such a success that it is impossible to mention them all. However, I would like to thank the organising committee, the class reps, the staff and teachers of the school, all those who came and helped that day (both in the preparation during the day and running the stalls on the night), those who donated cakes, chocolate, tombola prizes, gifts, sweetie jars and wrapping paper and, finally, to each and every one of you who came out on Thursday night and made the fair so much fun!
I would also like to thank all of those who donated raffle gifts and prizes. These include Sian Blunos, Bath Bakery, Heaven Scent Beauty in Batheaston, Window Dressing, Riverford Organic Vegetables, Phoenix Cards, Chelsea Clipper, Jackie Ainsworth’s Forever Aloe, Desh Indian Food, Kindling Coffee, the Hardware Store Chelsea Rd, the off-licence Chelsea Rd, Naughty but Nice, Diane Day, Rebecca Bleeker, Genesis Gym, Abbey Cameras, Lower Weston Post Office and Sarah Aygul who baked a gorgeous gingerbread house cake! Thank you to you all!
By the way, if anyone has any feedback, positive or negative, please email us on npsa@hotmail.co.uk or pop it in the NPSA tray. All comments are welcome and will help us provide an even better fair next year!
NPSA Expenditure
Seeing as we are constantly asking you to donate either money, goods or time for one reason or another, I thought we should let you know how the money you are so instrumental in raising is spent. So, here is what NPSA funds have provided so far this year!
v An outdoor classroom in the conservation area
v More books for the library
v Wet weather games and toys for all the classrooms
v Waterproofs for reception children for wet playtime
v Year 4 trip to Egg Theatre to see ‘The Nutcracker’
v Cookery ingredients for lower and upper school cooking sessions
Thank you for all your support and please keep it coming!
NPSA Fundraising Idea (by Sharon Alcock)
You may have noticed a bit of a fashion buzz in the drop-off zones last week… fifteen mums tried out a new fundraising idea over the week-end – a frock swap based on the BBC TV programme hosted by Twiggy! We all brought along no longer wanted clothes and accessories, along with a few bottles of wine(!) to one of our homes – and swapped for a (very) small fee! EVERYONE went home happy, with new outfits. We had a great and sociable evening, our clothes were recycled and we raised almost £90.00 for the school. It was such fun! Watch out for a special PTA pack – available in the New Year from Reception – which will tell you exactly how to repeat the experience with very little hassle, including printable info. All we ask in return is for any money raised to be donated to NPSA funds - and you get the new clothes! Who needs sales?!
Christmas Decorations
Thank you to all those who ventured out into the cold last Monday night to help decorate the School halls! They look great!
School Calendars
Just to let you know that if you ordered a calendar, you will be receiving it on Monday 15th December. Please put a carrier bag in your child’s bookbag that morning and pick up your calendar along with your child!
(‘Keep up the fantastic work! Last year our school association won a national award, I think we should be heading for an international award! Well done to everyone in the NPSA.’ Mr Croker)
It is a very brief one this week but next week’s will be an epic (in length if not content) as I look back over a busy and successful term.
Please find attached a questionnaire which the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) is asking schools throughout the country to circulate to their parents so they can take forward the views of the many. It centres on the value and effectiveness of Key Stage 2 SATs (Year 6) under the present format. I know it is a busy time of year, and questionnaires certainly do not feature high on your priority list at present, but it should only take a couple of minutes to complete and your views would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance for your support.
Standards in all aspects of school life are so important and there are two areas that are slipping just a little at present. The first is lateness to school. I know there are often good reasons for lateness but often there are not. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of children arriving in good time and having a calm and settled start to the day. The other issue is uniform. The vast majority of children are beautifully turned out and reflect the pride we all have in our school. But, lately, we have noticed a number of children who are not dressed according to our uniform policy. I would like to emphasise that black shoes, not trainers, are to be worn and fleeces etc can be worn to school and at playtimes but not in school. The school sweatshirt or cardigan can be worn over the polo shirt in school. Please find attached the uniform policy. Your support in both these areas is much appreciated.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY W/B 15/12/08:
Monday 15/12/08
- Lower School Nativity @ 2.00pm
Tuesday 16/12/08
- Lower School Nativity @ 9.30am
- Upper School Carol Concert @ 7.00pm
Wednesday 17/12/08
- *Lower School Nativity Emmanuel Church @ 9.30am
- Bath Chronicle Carol Concert at Bath Abbey @ 6.30pm
Thursday 18/12/08
- Upper School Carol Concert - 9.30am
- Lower School Christmas party @ 2.00pm
Friday 19/12/08
- End of Term 2
NEWBRIDGE CHRISTMAS CD
Just to let you know that the Christmas CD has been given out this week.
The final date for any last minute orders will be Tuesday 16th December.
Miss Amies.
IMPORTANT NOTICE *
Please note the Nativity Service at Emmanuel Church on Wednesday 17th December will be performed by the alternative Year 2 cast. Reception and Year 1 will not be performing their individual songs.
YEAR 4 SWIMMING
Class 4P will begin swimming again on Wednesday 7th January 2009. The arrangements will remain unaltered from Term 1. If there are any 4P parents who are CRB cleared and able to help supervise the children from 8.45 – 10.30am then please let Mrs Phillips know.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING ‘STARS OF THE WEEK’
Foundation Stage
Kameron, Jerome, Lewis
Years 1 and 2
James, Luka, Kyle, Finn
Years 3 and 4
Katrina, Jed, Abigail, Daisy, Alex
Years 5 and 6
Sophia, Max, Grace, Joe, Charlie
PPA Drama
Nathan
PPA Art
Mimi
PPA PE
Lucy, Jack
PPA Music
Hannah
SWIMMING GALA
On Wednesday 26th November some children from Years 5 and 6 sang ‘wheels on the coach go round and round’ on the coach all the way to the Bath Sports and Leisure Centre, to take part in the Bath and North East Somerset Schools Swimming Festival! Every one had an amazing time, swimming in relays, medleys and single races. Although we came 6th out of 7 schools, we all enjoyed it. The only bad thing was the changing rooms!! With thousands of people treading on your clothes and taking your towel, by then it was 4.00pm and time to go home and we were all exhausted!
We would like to thank Mrs Bartlett for organising our races, Mr Croker and Mrs Roberts for coming with us and giving us unlimited support, whether we needed it or not!!
By Grace – 6CS
(‘Our children are a pleasure to be with. Very supportive, sporting in attitude and they gave their best in the pool. Well done!’ Mr Croker)
LOST
Red Newbridge School coat missing since last Tuesday (2nd December). It has the name Danielle on the label and is size 11-12 years. If found please contact Danielle in class 3B. Many thanks.
WANTED – LADIES OF ALL AGES
Get fit in 2009 – Learn a new sport with Lansdown Ladies Cricket Team. Training starts on Friday 16th January 2009 from 7.00pm – 8.00pm at Kingswood School Sports Hall. Get positive with your New Years resolutions and have great fun!
For more details ring Alison Turner on 01225 447697 or Sharon Alcock on 01225 421797.
YEAR 3 TRIP TO THE ROMAN BATHS
On Tuesday 2nd December Year 3 went to the Roman Baths. It was very exciting on the big coach and some of us went on the white mini-bus. We went to the classroom and had three activities. We got dressed up in Roman clothes and we paid for objects we would need to go to the Roman Baths. The interesting sandals were too expensive. The coins were very heavy and the patterns were very funny.
Looking out of the window at the Great Bath it was really hard to imagine it was from the Roman times and 2000 years old. Looking down through the glass at the dark orange drain it felt like you were flying. Then we got the little telephones and dialled the number to know what we were looking at – we didn’t know they had hot and cold baths and games in the water. We looked at cutlery found in the Roman Baths, like a spoon to open oysters with. We liked the mosaics and the Gorgon’s Head that looked like a sun. We had a very nice morning.
By Harry, Elizabeth, Emma, Johan and George– 3B.
(‘What a wonderful description of your visit – I now want to go back to the Roman Baths and look around again! Well done Harry, Elizabeth, Emma, Johan and George.’ Mr Croker)
NPSA NEWS
Christmas Fair Thanks
I am thrilled to announce that the Christmas Fair raised a whopping £2000 for our school. The Christmas Fair is not only a great fundraiser but, just as importantly, it is a really magical night for the children. So many people are responsible for making it such a success that it is impossible to mention them all. However, I would like to thank the organising committee, the class reps, the staff and teachers of the school, all those who came and helped that day (both in the preparation during the day and running the stalls on the night), those who donated cakes, chocolate, tombola prizes, gifts, sweetie jars and wrapping paper and, finally, to each and every one of you who came out on Thursday night and made the fair so much fun!
I would also like to thank all of those who donated raffle gifts and prizes. These include Sian Blunos, Bath Bakery, Heaven Scent Beauty in Batheaston, Window Dressing, Riverford Organic Vegetables, Phoenix Cards, Chelsea Clipper, Jackie Ainsworth’s Forever Aloe, Desh Indian Food, Kindling Coffee, the Hardware Store Chelsea Rd, the off-licence Chelsea Rd, Naughty but Nice, Diane Day, Rebecca Bleeker, Genesis Gym, Abbey Cameras, Lower Weston Post Office and Sarah Aygul who baked a gorgeous gingerbread house cake! Thank you to you all!
By the way, if anyone has any feedback, positive or negative, please email us on npsa@hotmail.co.uk or pop it in the NPSA tray. All comments are welcome and will help us provide an even better fair next year!
NPSA Expenditure
Seeing as we are constantly asking you to donate either money, goods or time for one reason or another, I thought we should let you know how the money you are so instrumental in raising is spent. So, here is what NPSA funds have provided so far this year!
v An outdoor classroom in the conservation area
v More books for the library
v Wet weather games and toys for all the classrooms
v Waterproofs for reception children for wet playtime
v Year 4 trip to Egg Theatre to see ‘The Nutcracker’
v Cookery ingredients for lower and upper school cooking sessions
Thank you for all your support and please keep it coming!
NPSA Fundraising Idea (by Sharon Alcock)
You may have noticed a bit of a fashion buzz in the drop-off zones last week… fifteen mums tried out a new fundraising idea over the week-end – a frock swap based on the BBC TV programme hosted by Twiggy! We all brought along no longer wanted clothes and accessories, along with a few bottles of wine(!) to one of our homes – and swapped for a (very) small fee! EVERYONE went home happy, with new outfits. We had a great and sociable evening, our clothes were recycled and we raised almost £90.00 for the school. It was such fun! Watch out for a special PTA pack – available in the New Year from Reception – which will tell you exactly how to repeat the experience with very little hassle, including printable info. All we ask in return is for any money raised to be donated to NPSA funds - and you get the new clothes! Who needs sales?!
Christmas Decorations
Thank you to all those who ventured out into the cold last Monday night to help decorate the School halls! They look great!
School Calendars
Just to let you know that if you ordered a calendar, you will be receiving it on Monday 15th December. Please put a carrier bag in your child’s bookbag that morning and pick up your calendar along with your child!
(‘Keep up the fantastic work! Last year our school association won a national award, I think we should be heading for an international award! Well done to everyone in the NPSA.’ Mr Croker)
Friday, 5 December 2008
NEWSLETTER Issue: 2.04
END OF TERM ARRANGEMENTS
The Upper School Carol Concert will involve all the children in the Upper School. Please see letter attached. There are two performances: one on Tuesday 16th December at 7.00pm and one on Thursday 18th December at 9.30am. Due to the number of children involved entry will be ticket only and limited to a maximum of four per family. If you are able to attend Thursday’s performance then we urge you to come to that one as the Tuesday evening will be the only opportunity for those who cannot attend during the day. Tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis so please contact the office as soon as possible if you wish to come. You will not need tickets for the Lower School performances of ‘Hosanna Rock’.
PLEASE NOTE……
- It was reported to us today by a very concerned parent that three Newbridge girls (identities unknown) ran out across Newbridge Road without looking, at the end of school on Wednesday, and put themselves at great risk. PLEASE TAKE CARE.
- Mr Croker has been contacted by residents on Charmouth Road who, at the end of school, are having litter thrown on to their property, their walls climbed and even having some of our children going on to their property. This is no doubt a minority but please report this to Mr Croker if you see it happening again.
Mr Croker has spoken to the children about the above. Please can parents and carers do all they can to ensure the safety and conduct of our children at the beginning and end of the school day. Thank you.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY W/B 08/12/08:
Wednesday 10/12/08
- Christmas Lunch
Thursday 11/12/08
- Year 3 and 4 Disco 4.30pm – 6.00pm
- Year 5, 6 and 7 Disco 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Friday 12/12/08
- Clubs finish
- Lower School ‘Hosanna Rock’ dress rehearsal @ 9.30am
- Choir ‘tour’ – singing at RUH and two care centres for the elderly (pm)
CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE - NOVEMBER
At the end of every month each class teacher has a very difficult decision to face. They have to choose the one person from their class to receive a Certificate of Excellence. The person they choose has to consistently be the best that he or she can be. That could be in effort and attitude, achievement, behaviour or citizenship. Sometimes it can be very difficult deciding as all of the children at Newbridge seem to work so hard and behave so well! The girls and boys with their names here this month deserve congratulating. It is not easy to be awarded a Certificate of Excellence and they have done extremely well.
LOWER SCHOOL
Elm – Thea
Willow – Joel
1H – Alfie
1R – Phoebe
2B – Sam
2C – Amelia
UPPER SCHOOL
3B – Harry
3H – Lukes
4P – Cassidy
4W – Hannah
5C – Ben
5PB – Tom
6A – Ellie
6CS – Katherine
6JS – Isabella
LEGO WANTED
The Robotics Club desperately need some Lego. If you have any that you would be happy to donate please see Mr Cumpson or Miss Wells.
Many thanks.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING ‘STARS OF THE WEEK’
Foundation Stage
Cherry
Years 1 and 2
Florence, Theo
Years 3 and 4
Beatrice, Ruby, Meghanne
Years 5 and 6
Daniel, Tom, Harriet, Katherine, Bryony
PPA Drama
Jake
PPA Art
Emily
PPA PE
Elijah, Finlay
PPA Music
Cassidy, Max
My Learning
Rosie
LINK ROMANIA SHOEBOX APPEAL
Thank you to everybody who contributed towards this appeal. A total of 60 boxes have been sent to Romania. (‘Your generosity will mean a great deal to many children less fortunate than ours. Thank you to all those who contributed and to Mrs Bateman for organising the Appeal.’ Mr Croker)
LOWER SCHOOL PARTY
Please can parents/carers make a voluntary contribution of £1.00 towards the cost of the party food. Please can you also notify us of any dietary requirements.
Children are very welcome to bring their party clothes to school in the morning and get changed after lunch, in time for the party.
LAST OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THE COUNCIL THAT WE CARE ABOUT HOME-SCHOOL TRANSPORT IN B&NES - AND THAT THEY SHOULD TOO
Newbridge Primary School parents and children have been fantastically supportive of the campaign to improve home-school transport in B&NES - thank you! We need your help one last time - please come along to the Guildhall on Monday 8 December at 5.15pm, ready for the Public Contributor session in the Banqueting Room at 5.30pm. Our bit of the meeting will be over by 6pm, so it won't be a long session. Help us show the Council that Every Child Matters to us - and that we expect them to meet their responsibility to our children by investing in home-school transport in our area to ensure that it is affordable, reliable and safe. Thanks again for your support - it makes all the difference.
INDIA STUDY VISIT
Miss Simpson and Miss Wells would like to thank everyone who attended the Quiz Factor last Friday. A great evening was had by all and our Quizmaster kept everybody entertained. Many thanks to the staff team who helped make it such a success.
CLUBS NEWS
- Just a reminder that there will be no Cheerleading or Music Technology clubs after school on Monday 8th December.
- Due to the discos there will be no cricket club on Thursday 11th December. Instead it will now be held on Friday 12th December at the same time.
ROBOTICS CLUB REPORT
Apologies to Alex and Tom who were omitted from last week’s Robotics Club report.
NPSA NEWS
Newbridge Primary School Birthday Calendar 2009
A final reminder that you can still order the fantastic, original Newbridge Primary School calendar for £7.50. Remember this is a fundraising calendar which will help raise money to support and enhance our children’s time at school.
You can still view a mock up of the calendar in the Upper School Foyer and the final order date is TUESDAY 9th DECEMBER . Spare order forms can be found in Reception. Please leave your order and payment in the NPSA box in Reception.
Calendars will be delivered before the end of term via your children. To help save both money and the environment we have not ordered plastic bags for the calendars, so it would help us if you could pop a large, strong carrier bag in your children’s book bags next week, to keep the calendars clean when they bring them home!
Nearly New Uniform Sales
We will be holding our first Nearly New Uniform sale in the New Year. More details will follow soon, but in the meantime hold onto your children’s out-grown uniform. Watch this space!
School Discos - 11th December - Help Needed
School discos for Years 3 and 4 will run from 4.30 - 6.00 pm; for Years 5 and 6 from 6.30 - 8.00pm. We need Year 3,4,5 and 6 parents/carers to help with the discos, so please fill in the tear-off form below if you can help out for an hour (or if you want to join in the dancing). Please leave the form in the NPSA box in Reception by Tuesday 9th December. Your help will be much appreciated!
The Upper School Carol Concert will involve all the children in the Upper School. Please see letter attached. There are two performances: one on Tuesday 16th December at 7.00pm and one on Thursday 18th December at 9.30am. Due to the number of children involved entry will be ticket only and limited to a maximum of four per family. If you are able to attend Thursday’s performance then we urge you to come to that one as the Tuesday evening will be the only opportunity for those who cannot attend during the day. Tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis so please contact the office as soon as possible if you wish to come. You will not need tickets for the Lower School performances of ‘Hosanna Rock’.
PLEASE NOTE……
- It was reported to us today by a very concerned parent that three Newbridge girls (identities unknown) ran out across Newbridge Road without looking, at the end of school on Wednesday, and put themselves at great risk. PLEASE TAKE CARE.
- Mr Croker has been contacted by residents on Charmouth Road who, at the end of school, are having litter thrown on to their property, their walls climbed and even having some of our children going on to their property. This is no doubt a minority but please report this to Mr Croker if you see it happening again.
Mr Croker has spoken to the children about the above. Please can parents and carers do all they can to ensure the safety and conduct of our children at the beginning and end of the school day. Thank you.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY W/B 08/12/08:
Wednesday 10/12/08
- Christmas Lunch
Thursday 11/12/08
- Year 3 and 4 Disco 4.30pm – 6.00pm
- Year 5, 6 and 7 Disco 6.30pm – 8.00pm
Friday 12/12/08
- Clubs finish
- Lower School ‘Hosanna Rock’ dress rehearsal @ 9.30am
- Choir ‘tour’ – singing at RUH and two care centres for the elderly (pm)
CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE - NOVEMBER
At the end of every month each class teacher has a very difficult decision to face. They have to choose the one person from their class to receive a Certificate of Excellence. The person they choose has to consistently be the best that he or she can be. That could be in effort and attitude, achievement, behaviour or citizenship. Sometimes it can be very difficult deciding as all of the children at Newbridge seem to work so hard and behave so well! The girls and boys with their names here this month deserve congratulating. It is not easy to be awarded a Certificate of Excellence and they have done extremely well.
LOWER SCHOOL
Elm – Thea
Willow – Joel
1H – Alfie
1R – Phoebe
2B – Sam
2C – Amelia
UPPER SCHOOL
3B – Harry
3H – Lukes
4P – Cassidy
4W – Hannah
5C – Ben
5PB – Tom
6A – Ellie
6CS – Katherine
6JS – Isabella
LEGO WANTED
The Robotics Club desperately need some Lego. If you have any that you would be happy to donate please see Mr Cumpson or Miss Wells.
Many thanks.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING ‘STARS OF THE WEEK’
Foundation Stage
Cherry
Years 1 and 2
Florence, Theo
Years 3 and 4
Beatrice, Ruby, Meghanne
Years 5 and 6
Daniel, Tom, Harriet, Katherine, Bryony
PPA Drama
Jake
PPA Art
Emily
PPA PE
Elijah, Finlay
PPA Music
Cassidy, Max
My Learning
Rosie
LINK ROMANIA SHOEBOX APPEAL
Thank you to everybody who contributed towards this appeal. A total of 60 boxes have been sent to Romania. (‘Your generosity will mean a great deal to many children less fortunate than ours. Thank you to all those who contributed and to Mrs Bateman for organising the Appeal.’ Mr Croker)
LOWER SCHOOL PARTY
Please can parents/carers make a voluntary contribution of £1.00 towards the cost of the party food. Please can you also notify us of any dietary requirements.
Children are very welcome to bring their party clothes to school in the morning and get changed after lunch, in time for the party.
LAST OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THE COUNCIL THAT WE CARE ABOUT HOME-SCHOOL TRANSPORT IN B&NES - AND THAT THEY SHOULD TOO
Newbridge Primary School parents and children have been fantastically supportive of the campaign to improve home-school transport in B&NES - thank you! We need your help one last time - please come along to the Guildhall on Monday 8 December at 5.15pm, ready for the Public Contributor session in the Banqueting Room at 5.30pm. Our bit of the meeting will be over by 6pm, so it won't be a long session. Help us show the Council that Every Child Matters to us - and that we expect them to meet their responsibility to our children by investing in home-school transport in our area to ensure that it is affordable, reliable and safe. Thanks again for your support - it makes all the difference.
INDIA STUDY VISIT
Miss Simpson and Miss Wells would like to thank everyone who attended the Quiz Factor last Friday. A great evening was had by all and our Quizmaster kept everybody entertained. Many thanks to the staff team who helped make it such a success.
CLUBS NEWS
- Just a reminder that there will be no Cheerleading or Music Technology clubs after school on Monday 8th December.
- Due to the discos there will be no cricket club on Thursday 11th December. Instead it will now be held on Friday 12th December at the same time.
ROBOTICS CLUB REPORT
Apologies to Alex and Tom who were omitted from last week’s Robotics Club report.
NPSA NEWS
Newbridge Primary School Birthday Calendar 2009
A final reminder that you can still order the fantastic, original Newbridge Primary School calendar for £7.50. Remember this is a fundraising calendar which will help raise money to support and enhance our children’s time at school.
You can still view a mock up of the calendar in the Upper School Foyer and the final order date is TUESDAY 9th DECEMBER . Spare order forms can be found in Reception. Please leave your order and payment in the NPSA box in Reception.
Calendars will be delivered before the end of term via your children. To help save both money and the environment we have not ordered plastic bags for the calendars, so it would help us if you could pop a large, strong carrier bag in your children’s book bags next week, to keep the calendars clean when they bring them home!
Nearly New Uniform Sales
We will be holding our first Nearly New Uniform sale in the New Year. More details will follow soon, but in the meantime hold onto your children’s out-grown uniform. Watch this space!
School Discos - 11th December - Help Needed
School discos for Years 3 and 4 will run from 4.30 - 6.00 pm; for Years 5 and 6 from 6.30 - 8.00pm. We need Year 3,4,5 and 6 parents/carers to help with the discos, so please fill in the tear-off form below if you can help out for an hour (or if you want to join in the dancing). Please leave the form in the NPSA box in Reception by Tuesday 9th December. Your help will be much appreciated!
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