Children’s Valentine Disco – Friday, 10th February
Tickets are now on sale from the office for £2 each.  These can be purchased between 8.45am to 9.05am and 3.00pm to 3.20pm.

• Reception/Year 1/2 Disco – 6.00pm to 7.15pm.
• Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 Disco – 7.30pm to 9.00pm.

PTA Pop Quiz – Saturday, 24th March 2012.
Registration forms are now available from the school office.  Come along to what promises to be a fun evening.

PTA Nearly New Sale – Saturday, 10th March 2012
This will be happening from 2.00 to 4.00pm.  If you would like to reserve a pitch, forms are available from the school office.

For both the Nearly New and the Pop Quiz you can email the school office requesting an electronic copy (office@barhill.cambs.sch.uk).

Cambridge and County Folk Museum Shadow Puppet Workshop
During half-term (Wednesday, 15th February) the Folk Museum will join local artist and children’s author Jonny Boatfield for a magical introduction to the world of shadow puppets.  Your child will have the opportunity to explore different ways of making shapes and shadows before making his or her own puppet to try out and take home.

This workshop is suitable for children aged 7 to 11 years old.  Admission is free but booking is essential.  Telephone 01223-355159 or email your booking to:  info@folkmuseum.org.uk.  There are two sessions to choose from:  4.45 to 6.00pm or 6.15 to 7.30pm.

Rising Stars
3pm – 4pm Thursday’s fortnightly Bar Hill Children’s Centre (tel 200473) 9th Feb, 23rd Feb, and 22nd March.

Are you concerned about your child’s development, behaviour or social skills? Rising Stars is a friendly group for families with children under the age of 10 with diagnosed or undiagnosed additional needs. Activities for the children include a sensory tent and light show.

Booking required, but if you are unable to get to the Children’s Centre, but do need some support I am able to visit you at home or at a place convenient for you.

Please do get in touch if you have any worries or concerns with Becca Bryant (details below).  Many Thanks,

Becca Bryant, Family Involvement Worker Starship Children’s Centre, (07765-220-653)

Half Term
Holiday Just  a  reminder that there is no school from Monday, 13th February to Friday, 17th February.

Next week there will be a brief newsletter with an invitation to come to a Parent Support Meeting, so watch this space.

Finally, once again I would like to thank Mr Mistry for his contribution to the children’s education and for all his work as deputy headteacher.

Yours sincerely

Lin Whyte
Headteacher

Friday, 03 February 2012 No. 10 Bar Hill Community Primary School PARENTS NEWS LETTER

There have been very few PTA events recently, but the work never stops behind the scenes, and there are lots of plans going on and the new term’s fundraising will be starting soon.

What are we doing with all your cash?
We have been keeping you up to date with the improvements we have funded around the school over the year, but you might not have realised that we have given over £10,000 to the school over last 13 months!   Yes…. £10,000 !!!  We couldn’t have done this without all of your support, but we have to keep going.  Our next target is to replace the children’s school dictionaries.

Coming soon…..dates for your diary.
It is getting to that busy time of year for fundraising.  Here are some dates for your diary.

• The children’s Valentine’s disco is on Friday, 10th February.  Tickets are £2 available from the school office.
• The next Nearly New Sale is Saturday, 10th March from 2 till 4.  Get in touch if you want a stand.
• The next Pop Quiz is on Saturday, 24th March.  The cost will be £4.50 per person.
• The School’s Big Fun Day is after school on Friday, 25th May.
• Further into the future, the Leavers Disco is on Saturday, 7th July.
• End of Term disco is Friday, 20th July.

What can you do?
We have a committee already running, but we always welcome any offers of help, and there is always space for anyone wanting to get involved.  It would be great to see new faces and any new ideas are always appreciated.

How to contact us:
Chat to a member of the PTA in the playground, at any of the events, or see our area of the school website on www.barhillschool.co.uk/pta.   The school office can pass details to the PTA so we can get in touch with anyone interested in joining or helping.

The next committee meeting is 23rd February at 7.30 in the school staff room.

Mr Mistry
Mr Mistry will be sadly leaving us at the end of this half term (17th February).  He will be taking up an exciting new post as a product manager for assessment and curriculum development for primary science.

Mr Mistry has been with us for three and a half years and during that time he has taught different age groups within the school and has been responsible for the development of maths and other areas of the curriculum, as well as helping me lead the school.

I have greatly valued Mr Mistry’s work as both a teacher and deputy head and on behalf of the whole school I want to thank him and wish him every happiness and success in the future.

Water Bottles and School Dinners
Water bottles will now cost £1.50 or you can buy replacement lids for 50p.

School Dinners – Just a reminder that dinner need to be paid for on a weekly basis (either at the start or the end of the week) as the kitchen is self financing.

Dates Until The End Of Term

• Spring Half Term -  13th – 17th February
• Spring Term Closes - Friday, 30th March
• Summer Term Opens – Monday, 16th April
• May Day – Monday, 7th May
• Summer Half-Term – 4th – 8th June
• Summer Term Closes – Friday, 20th July

Children’s Valentine Disco – Friday, 10th February
Tickets are now on sale from the office for £2 each.  These can be purchased between 8.45am to 9.05am and 3.00pm to 3.20pm.

• Reception/Year 1/2 Disco – 6.00pm to 7.15pm.
• Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 Disco – 7.30pm to 9.00pm.

PTA General Quiz Evening – Next Saturday, 28th January
The PTA will be holding a general quiz evening on Saturday, 28th January.   Why not put a team together and join us for what should be an enjoyable evening.

Registration forms for teams (max 8 people per team) are available from the school office and need to be back by Wednesday, 25th January.

Bite Size Catering will be selling burgers and hot dogs on the evening and there will be a licensed bar.  Do come along for a fun evening.

After School Clubs
The following after school clubs now meet in the school:

If you are interested in any of these clubs, contact the school office for more details.

Yours sincerely

Lin Whyte
Headteacher

Happy New Year
Welcome back to the start of our new term.  Even though it seems a long time ago, I hope you had an enjoyable break with your family.  We now look forward to spring and longer days!

Reminder
During the first three weeks of May children in all year groups [except reception and year 1] throughout England have their annual assessments.  KS2 (Year 6) SATs tests will take place during the week commencing the 14th May.  We would also ask all families to avoid taking holidays during this period.

Borrowed Clothes and Wet Play
Please return clothes lent to your child if they have fallen over and borrowed dry clothes from the school.  We are very short now and will not be able to supply clean trousers.

Also, if your child has outgrown any trousers, leggings, pants, knickers or socks please could you donate them to the school.

During wet weather you may want to consider sending your child with a change of clothes.

Medicines and Micropore Tape
If your child is unwell and needs to have either antibiotics or calpol, may we remind you that the school is not allowed to give them to your child.  You either need to come in yourself or have a friend or family member come in for you.

Also, if your child wears earrings, can we ask that they have a box of micropore tape in their PE bag as they need to have their earrings covered while doing PE.

Packed Lunches
Just a reminder that we have a no nuts policy in the school.  This includes cereal bars which may have nuts in them.

Also, we do not allow children to have sweets in their packed lunches.

Free School Meals – Who is eligible?
All children who are at school with parents who are claiming:

• Income Support or
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance or
• Income-related employment and support allowance (this benefit will be introduced from 27 October 2008) or
• Support under part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999 or
• Child Tax Credit but who are not entitled to working tax credit and whose annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) does not exceed £16,190 or
• Guarantee element of state pension credit

* Note: Where a parent is entitled to Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after their employment ceases, or after they start to work less than 16 hours per week, their children are entitled to free school meals.

To apply online go to:   www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

PTA General Quiz Evening
The PTA will be holding a general knowledge quiz evening on Saturday, 28th January.   Why not put a team together and join us for what should be an enjoyable evening.

Registration forms for teams (max 8 people per team) are available from the school office.

Bite Size Catering will be selling burgers and hot dogs on the evening.

Healthy Eating Tuck Shop
We will be restarting the healthy eating tuck shop this Wednesday, 11th January.  Items to buy are still only 25 pence each.

Yours sincerely

Lin Whyte
Headteacher

Happy Christmas from the PTA to everyone in and around the school.

What have we been doing ?
In the short time since our last newsletter there has been a very successful Pampered Chef evening, and the children have designed and sold their own Christmas cards.

Coming soon…..dates for your diary.

There is a lot going on soon and in the new year, with something for everyone.

Sadly we have had to cancel the End of Term Disco this week, because of health and safety at the school, but there will be a Valentines Disco on Friday February 10th

The Christmas Hamper draw will be tomorrow, Thursday, 15th December tickets need to be in to the school office by 9.00am tomorrow morning.

Further into the future…..  A General Knowledge quiz will be on 28th Jan, with Bitesize Catering, and a licenced bar as normal.  Registration forms are now available from the office.  The next Nearly New Sale will be on 10th March 2012, the next Pop Quiz on 24th March, and the Fun Day on 25th May.

What can you do ?
We have a committee already running, but we always welcome any offers of help, and there is always space for anyone wanting to get involved.  It would be great to see new faces and any new ideas are always appreciated.

How to contact us:
Chat to a member of the PTA in the playground, at any of the events, or see our area of the school website here .   The school office can pass details to the PTA so we can get in touch with anyone interested in joining or helping.

Christmas Concerts
Thank you to the Reception and Infant children who have given us two delightful Christmas concerts.  We are looking forward to the following next week:

• Tuesday, 13th Dec - Year 3 and 4 (main church) – 6.30pm
• Wednesday, 14th Dec - Year 5 and 6(main church) – 6.30pm

Christmas Hampers
Five lovely Christmas hampers are now on display in the office.  The school office will be selling tickets until the end of school on Wednesday afternoon.  If you have tickets which you have yet to return, please can you send them back by Wednesday.  They should be returned in an envelope marked ‘PTA Hamper Raffle Tickets’. The draw will take place on Thursday, 15th December.

Children’s Christmas Lunch
On the last day of term, next Friday, 16th December, the children will be having their annual Christmas dinner.  The cost is £2.00 and the children all receive a Christmas cracker and are served their lunch by the teachers, teaching assistants and office staff.

If your child would like to stay, please send an envelope to the office with £2.00 stating it is for the Christmas dinner.  We need to know numbers by Monday.  Thank you.

End Of Term Discos – Postponed
Due to unforeseen circumstances the end of term disco will not be taking place next Friday (the last day of term).

However, the PTA will instead, for the first time ever, be holding a very special  children’s Valentine disco, on Friday, 10th February.  Watch this space!

Christmas Cards
The red Christmas posting box is now in the school foyer.  Please can we remind you to make sure that every card has the friend’s first name, surname and the class they are in.  If this information is not one the card, it cannot be delivered .

Packed Lunches
Just a reminder that we do not allow nuts in the school as some children have nut allergies.  This includes cereal bars which may have nuts in them.

Also, we do not allow children to have sweets in their packed lunches.

Free School Meals – Who is eligible?
All children who are at school with parents who are claiming:

• Income Support or
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance or
• Income-related employment and support allowance (this benefit will be introduced from 27 October 2008) or
• Support under part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999 or
• Child Tax Credit but who are not entitled to working tax credit and whose annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) does not exceed £16,190 or
• Guarantee element of state pension credit

Note: Where a parent is entitled to Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after their employment ceases, or after they start to work less than 16 hours per week, their children are entitled to free school meals.
To apply online go to:   www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

Yours sincerely

Lin Whyte
Headteacher

Parent Support Group
Next Friday, 2nd December, I am re-launching our support group for parents of children with additional needs.  Whether your child has a Statement, is on School Action, has a disability of any description or is simply in need of extra support in a particular area, we would be very pleased to see you for an informal chat and a cup of coffee.

At future meetings, I will be inviting professionals to come and share their advice with us. If you are interested, please come along to the community lounge at 9.30am.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Katharine Edwards
Special Needs Governor

Free School Meals – Who is eligible?
All children who are at school with parents who are claiming:

• Income Support or
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance or
• Income-related employment and support allowance (this benefit will be introduced from 27 October 2008) or
• Support under part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999 or
• Child Tax Credit but who are not entitled to working tax credit and whose annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) does not exceed £16,190 or
• Guarantee element of state pension credit
• Note: Where a parent is entitled to Working Tax Credit during the four-week period immediately after their employment ceases, or after they start to work less than 16 hours per week, their children are entitled to free school meals.

To apply online go to:   www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

Children In Need
Many thanks to all those who supported Children In Need last Friday.  The children and staff raised £280 some of which came through a number of Year 6 children doing a sponsored silence!

Operation Christmas Child – Send A Shoebox
This has been our largest collection of shoeboxes for a number of years with an amazing 63 boxes being sent out to needy children.  Many thanks for all those families that made boxes up.

Christmas Concerts

• Thursday, 8^th Dec -  Year 1 and 2 (main church) at 6.30pm
• Friday, 9^th Dec - Reception (school hall) at  2.00pm
• Tuesday, 13^th Dec – Year 3 and 4 (main church) at  6.30pm
• Wednesday, 14^th Dec - Year 5 and 6 (main church) at  6.30pm

Christmas Cards
The red Christmas posting box will be out in the school foyer from next Thursday, 1^st December.  Can we remind you to make sure that every card has the friend’s first name, surname and what class they are in.  If this information is not on the card, it cannot be delivered .

Christmas Hampers
The Christmas hampers will be on display in the school foyer from next week.  Tickets need to be back to the office by Tuesday, 13^th December.  If you require additional tickets, please see the school office. The draw will take place on Thursday, 15^th December.

Yours sincerely

Lin Whyte
Headteacher

What have we been doing ?
In September there was a very successful coffee morning, and anyone still wanting to meet the PTA can get in touch any time.  October saw the latest Nearly New Sale, which was another great success, for both buyers and sellers.  There has been a plant sale recently, and a cake stall as well, and there will be more of these in the future.

Where are we doing with all your cash?
With nearly £400 being made in the events above, and money from the end of last term, there is money going out to each class, with specific plans to buy books for the uppers, and maths equipment across the school.  We are even looking at creating a special maths and reading area for the infants.

Coming soon…..lots of dates for your diary!
There is a lot going on soon, with something for everyone.

• A Pampered Chef evening on 14th November. Tickets are available on the door, and a raffle will be happening as well as all the great food.
• The children’s Christmas cards are available through the office now, and tickets available for the Christmas Hampers will be available soon.
• The next Camilles Café will be on 13th December.The End of Term Disco, with Disco Dave, is on 16th December, details coming soon.
• A new event for you all in January, on Saturday 28th, a General Knowledge quiz.  With the same style as the ever popular pop quiz, teams of up to 8 at £4 per ticket and a starting time of 7.30 p.m.

Further into the future…..  The next Nearly New Sale will be on 10^th March 2012, the next Pop Quiz on 24^th March, and the Fun Day on 25^th May

What can you do?
We have a committee already running, but we always welcome any offers of help, and there is always space for anyone wanting to get involved.  It would be great to see new faces and any new ideas are always appreciated.

How to contact us:
Chat to a member of the PTA in the playground, at any of the events, or see our area of the school website here. The school office can pass details to the PTA so we can get in touch with anyone interested in joining or helping.

The next committee meeting is 7^th December at 7.30 in the school staff room.

Fire Alarm
Many thanks to everyone for your cooperation when the fire alarm went off at 8.50am this morning.  We were impressed at how the children, staff and parents handled the situation.

The only difficulty was the number of cars parked in the school hammerhead.  This made it very difficult for the fire engine that came and had it had been a real fire it would have been very difficult for the emergency services to manoeuvre their vehicles.

There is also the issue of the safety of your children coming to and from school.  For this reason, please can parents and carers refrain from driving up into the hammerhead at the beginning and the end of the school day.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Children In Need – Next Friday, 18th November
This year’s theme is going to be ‘What I Want To Be When I Grow Up’.  Children are therefore invited to come in fancy dress as something they want to be when they are older whether it be a doctor, a popstar, a super hero, police or fireman, or even a teacher!

There will be a cost of 50p per child with all proceeds going to Children In Need.  The theme was chosen to get the children thinking about the future and how fortunate they are compared to others.

There will be a cake stall at break and we would appreciate it if you could make cakes, biscuits, popcorn, etc.  All food items will be 20p.

School Dinners
It is lovely to see so many parents and grandparents coming in for lunch.  Thank you!

Please can you ensure that Mrs Lewney knows by that morning (at the latest).  This is so our chef cooks the right quantity of food.  The £2.50 needs to be paid on or before the day of having the meal

PTA News
Many thanks to those parent who provided cakes and biscuits for today’s cake stall.  We are most appreciative of your support.

PTA/Pampered Chef Evening – Ready Steady Cook Style
This Monday 14th November – 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start

See two teams battle it out to create the best recipe in this fun cooking show using The Pampered Chef’s innovative kitchen tools.  Up to 15% of every purchase will go to Bar Hill Primary School.

Ticket prices are £1.50 in advance (which includes a glass of wine or a soft drink and chocolate) or £2.00 on the door. Please feel free to bring a bottle, crisps and nibbles will be served.

Tickets now available from the school office.  Why not bring family and friends along to what should be a fun and relaxing evening

Christmas Cards
We were delighted with the quality of children’s Christmas cards. Please send any Christmas card orders in by lunchtime on Monday, 14th Nov.  The orders need to be placed by close of play on Monday.

School Photos
You can order your school photos either on line (instructions in pack) or by returning your order with the money to the school.  Orders via the school must be in by Friday, 18th November.

Operation Christmas Child – Send A Shoebox!
Just a reminder that these boxes need to be back to the office by Monday, 14th November.

Best wishes

Lin Whyte
Headteacher

NO SCHOOL TOMORROW
Just a reminder that there is no school tomorrow as it is a staff training day.

Absence Letters
If your child is going to be off school, please remember to phone in and leave a message either on the answer machine or with someone in the office for each day they are off.  Upon their return, please make sure your child has an absence note for the teacher which has the dates of the days they were off.  If you do not send in an absence note to the teacher, it is recorded as an unauthorised absence.

NO NUTS IN SCHOOL
Just a reminder that children should not be bringing any type of nuts into school as we have a number of children with nuts allergies.  This includes some cereal bars and nutella.

Operation Christmas Child – Send A Shoebox!
As well as this newsletter your child will be bringing home a leaflet from Operation Christmas Child.

Each year more and more of our children are filling shoe boxes for children who will have no Christmas presents otherwise.  These boxes go all over the world to those children most in need.

Last year we sent 54 boxes from our children!  If you need any spare leaflets, let us know.

Boxes back to the office by Monday, 14th November.

School Dinners
If a parent or grandparent comes into school to have a school dinner, the office staff must know by that morning (at the latest).  This is so our chef cooks the right quantity of food.  The £2.50 needs to be paid on or before the day of having the meal.

PTA News
Many thanks to those parent who provided cakes and biscuits for today’s cake stall.  We are most appreciative of your support.

PTA/Pampered Chef Evening – Ready Steady Cook Style

Monday 14th November at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start

See two teams battle it out to create the best recipe in this fun cooking show using The Pampered Chef’s innovative kitchen tools.  Up to 15% of every purchase will go to Bar Hill Primary School.

Ticket prices are £1.50 in advance (which includes a glass of wine or a soft drink and chocolate) or £2.00 on the door. Please feel free to bring a bottle, crisps and nibbles will be served.

Tickets now available from the school office.  Why not bring family and friends along to what should be a fun and relaxing evening

Poppy Appeal
From Monday, 7th November to Friday, 11th November the Year 6 children will be going around to the classroom so your child can buy a poppy.  There is no set amount to give but a donation to this cause is much appreciated by the Royal British Legion.

I hope you all have a lovely half-term and we will see the children on Monday, 31st October.

Yours sincerely

Lin Whyte
Headteacher

Year 6 – Admission To Secondary School
This is to remind parents with Year 6 children that they must fill in an application form to the County Admissions Department in order to ensure your child has a place for secondary school in September 2012.

Your child does not automatically go to Swavesey.  You must fill in an admissions form. This must be done by Monday, 31st October.  If you have not completed a form by this date, your child may not get a place at Swavesey.

Tokens For School
Morrisons’ “Let’s Grow” tokens as well as Nestle Cereal “Box Tops For Education” are both being collected by the school. Please can you, family and friends collect these for the school.  Just send them into your child’s classroom.  Many thanks.

Money Payments To The School
When paying money to the school (eg dinner money, trip money, etc) please can the following procedure be followed:

• Cheques should be made payable to Bar Hill School.  If paying for two different things (eg dinner money and school uniform), these must be paid on two separate cheques.
• Money should be handed to the office or class teacher in an envelope with your child’s name, class, and what the money is for.
• All money envelopes should be given to the class teacher who will pass the money on to the school office.

School Holidays
School is closed on Friday, 21st October for a training day and the following week (Monday, 24th to 28th October) for half-term.  We will reopen on Monday, 31st October.

Reminders
During the first three weeks of May children in all year groups [except reception and year 1] throughout England take assessment tests.  Year 2 and 6 children are also taking their national SATs tests.

We are still finding there are children going on the play equipment before and after school.  Our school play equipment must be supervised by a member of staff.  For health and safety reasons please keep your child off the equipment.

School Photos
The school photographer will be in this Thursday, 13th October to take individual and family photos.

Your child should have brought home a lilac letter today to fill in and return to the school by this Tuesday, 11th October.

Parent Mail
If you would like to receive letters and other school information by email log onto: http://www.parentmail.co.uk/
Once on their site go to ‘Parent Login’ in the top right corner.  Next go to ‘Register’.  In the drop down box find ‘Bar Hill’ and then go on from there.

If you have difficulties signing in, bring your email to the school office and they will register for you. This is an excellent way to get those letters that don’t always make it home!

The Playstation
The after school club is open from 8.15am to 6.00pm in school holidays to all children in Reception up to Year 6.

On Friday, 31st October and half term week (24th to 28th October) there will be craft sessions from 10.00am to 12.00 noon.  The cost of the sessions is £5.00.

For more information on booking your child a place, contact Patsie Ostler on 07921-541-549

Best wishes

Lin Whyte
Headteacher

Congratulations
Congratulations, to Mrs Jo Montgomery who was appointed as our new chair of governors.  Mrs Montgomery is a parent of Emily in Year 4 and Poppy in Year 2.

Mrs Montgomery has been a member of the governing body for a number of years and has done a great deal of work to help us develop our science curriculum.  Last term she organised a very successful careers fair at the school for our Year 5 pupils as well as other Year 6 pupils in the local area.

A huge thank you to Mr Richard Sharman who was our previous chair of governors.  Mr Sharman has worked tirelessly to improve our premises and ICT facilities and has been very committed to our school.  We are delighted that Mr Sharman will remain on the governing body.

Healthy Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club runs every morning Monday to Friday.  Parents can drop their children off at the school from 7.45am.  The cost of breakfast and childcare is £2.50 per day.  Parents can use it on a regular basis or a one off basis.

Year 6 – Admission To Secondary School
This is to remind parents with Year 6 children that they must fill in an application form to the County Admissions Department in order to ensure your child has a place for secondary school in September 2012.

Your child does not automatically go to Swavesey.  You must fill in an admissions form.

Swavesy Village College have emailed us to say that we will be receiving their school prospectus sometime next week.  The Open Evening for Year 6 pupils and their parents will be Thursday, 6th October – times to follow.

St Bedes Open Evening will be on Wednesday, 12th October starting at 6.00pm.

Clubs

• Monday – Gymnastics, Years 1 to 3 from 3.20pm to 4.20pm and Years 4 to 6 from 4.25pm to 5.25pm.  The cost of the lessons are £5.00 for the hour.
• Thursday – Choir for Years 3 to 6.  This is run by Miss Welham and is straight after school until 4.00pm.
• Wednesday Lunchtime – Netball for Years 4 to 6 from 12.20pm to 12.50pm.
• Friday (for 6 weeks starting 30th September) – there will be a TAG Rugby club straight after school until 4.15pm.  This is for Years 3 to 6.

There will be an ICT and Drama club starting shortly.

Free Workshop – Let’s Communicate
For Parents/Carers With Children Aged 2 – 5
The Starship Children’s Centre will be holding this workshop on Wednesday, 12th October from 10.00am to 12.00 noon.  To reserve a place or for more information please contact Carole Hood on 01954-200473.

Jumble Sale
There will be a jumble sale tomorrow, Saturday, 24th September, from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the Octagon.  The money raised will go towards autumn bedding plants and seating for the village memorial garden.  There will be second hand clothes, bric-a-bac, a café and much more.

Astro Turf
The new astro turf for the village is now finished and looks terrific.  It is available to hire for a party or just booking a fun session at weekends and in the school holidays.  To book the astro contact Julie on 01954-781838.

At the moment there is no one to supervise the after school football on the astro on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays after school for Year 4, 5 and 6.  If you are able and interested in doing it, please contact the school office for details.

Best wishes

Lin Whyte
Headteacher

Welcome back!  I hope you all had an enjoyable holiday with your family.

The children have all settled in very well and we extend a warm welcome to all our new reception children and their parents as well as new families to the village.

We also welcome our new teachers David Hawkins, David Hunns and Anna Flack.

Thank You
Claire Worth asked me to thank the parents, children, PTA, governors and staff for all her wonderful leaving gifts.  She was very touched by everyone’s kindness.

Office Hours
The school office is open from 8.40 to 9.10am in the mornings and 3.00 to 3.20pm in the afternoons.  Other than an emergency, could parents please refrain from coming at other times to the office.  Uniform and water bottles are only sold on Wednesdays during the above times.

Healthy Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club runs every morning Monday to Friday.  Parents can drop their children off at the school from 7.45am.  The cost of breakfast and childcare is £2.50 per day.  Parents can use it on a regular basis or a one off basis.

Hammerhead Parking
In the interest of our children’s health and safety, please can parents refrain from parking in the Hammerhead outside the school and library.

There have been some near miss accidents and therefore, please park elsewhere.  Thank you for your cooperation.

No Nuts In School
Just a reminder that children should not be bringing any type of nuts into school as we have a number of children with nuts allergies.  This includes cereal bars containing nuts.

Gardening Club
I want to take this opportunity to thank Lisa Taylor for her dedication to getting our school vegetable plot up and running. Unfortunately for us, Lisa will be starting teacher training next week and will no longer be able to run the popular once a week lunchtime club.

Is there any parent who would be interested in taking it over?  If so, do come and talk to me about it.

Parent Mail
If you would like to receive letters and school information by email, go to: http://www.parentmail.co.uk/, then to ‘parent login’ (which is in the top right hand corner next to school login), then to ‘register’ and follow the directions.  This way you will receive newsletters, menus, and other information if your child forgets to bring them home.

If you are not happy to do it online, give the office your email address and they can put you on the system.

PTA Coffee Morning
Parents are warmly welcome on Friday, 23rd September to the PTA coffee morning.

It will be held in the community lounge from 9.00am to 10.00am.  Do come along for a drink and some cake.  Younger siblings are welcome to come as well.

Astro After School For Year 4, 5, and 6
At the moment there is no one to supervise the after school football on the astro on Mondays for Year 4, 5 and 6. If you are able and interested in doing it, please contact the school office for details.

Yours sincerely

Lin Whyte
Headteacher

The end of term is almost upon us and the final newsletter will be sent home on the last day of term. Thank you for attending and supporting our concerts to date. They have been a real celebration of the children’s achievements this year. I look forward to the Middles’ concert on Monday, 11th July in the school at 2:00pm and 6:30pm and also the Infants’ concert on Tuesday, 12th July in the main church building at 6:30pm. It was good to see so many of you on our Open Evening on Monday. I hope you enjoyed the workshops.

Communication
As has always been the case all communication to the staff or myself should be done through messages in the day book, face to face meetings or via telephone conversations. Only in extreme circumstances in agreement with the member of staff should email be used. We have a policy covering email communication which outlines the above. A copy of this policy is being distributed with this newsletter.

School Office
Just a reminder that if you wish to visit the school office in the morning after you have dropped your child off in their classroom, you must go back outside and enter the school via the main entrance.  Please do not walk through the school to reach the office.

This is a security measure so that we can identify adults who are in the school during the school day.

School office hours are from 8.35am to 9.10am in the mornings and 3.00pm to 3.30pm in the afternoons.  Other than an emergency, could parents please refrain from coming at other times to the office.  Thank you for your co-operation.

Uniform and water bottles are only sold on Wednesdays during the above times.

We would also appreciate your co-operation in not parking in front of the school gates at any time including the beginning and end of the school day as access is required at all times for emergency vehicles.

Key Stage 2 Sports Day
The new date for the Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 sports day is Tuesday, 19th July at 10.00am to 12 noon on the school playing field.

School Dinners
Please note that there are just 2 weeks left until the summer holidays.  Please can all outstanding dinner money be paid by Monday, 18th July as well as what dinners your child will be having that week.  This gives the office plenty of time to complete their year end procedure.

In September the cost of school dinners will remain at £2.00.

End Of Term Discos
These will be held on the last day of term, Friday, 22nd July in the school hall.

Tickets are now on sale from the office from 8.45am to 9.05am and 3.00pm to 3.20pm.

• Reception/Year 1/2 Disco  -  6.00pm to 7.15pm.
• Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 Disco  -  7.30pm to 9.00pm.

Helpers Needed
The Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 disco needs help on the evening.  If you could come for that hour and a half, please let the school office know.

Drop In Session For Next Year’s 1 and 2
This Thursday, 14th July at 3.15pm the parents and children for next Years 1 and 2 will have the opportunity to drop in and say hello to Mr David Hawkins the new area leader

Yours sincerely

Lin Whyte
Headteacher

Each and every member of the team made a very positive contribution to the team performances in every game. The team spirit was excellent as they all encouraged one another and really captured the whole ‘working together’ team ethic.

The children were fantastic ambassadors for Bar Hill school and the teachers, parents and helpers were very proud of their efforts.

Thank you to Mrs Lemon for all her efforts to make it an enjoyable day.

Dates For You To Note

• Sports Day for Reception, Year 1 and 2 (KS1) will now be on Friday, 1st July at 1.30pm
• Sports Day for Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 (KS2) will be on Friday, 8th July at 10.00am
• Concert Year 5 and 6 only Thursday, 30th June – Two Performances – 2.00pm and 6.00pm
• Concert Reception – Friday, 8th July (School at 2.00pm)
• Concert Year 1 and 2 – Tuesday, 12th July (Main Church Building at 6.30pm)
• Concert Year 3 and 4 – Monday, 11th July (School at 2.00pm and 6.30pm)
• School Open Evening – Monday, 4th July from 6.00pm to 8.00pm

The Playstation – Bar Hill Out of School Club
We would like to thank everyone for attending our Craft and Activity Afternoon, we hope you all enjoyed yourselves, we really do appreciate your support. We were very lucky with the weather and raised £1001.  This will go towards a new boiler.

To thank you for your support, we are giving you the chance to come and see us at the fete, where you could win a free session in our draw, either for after school or a craft session in the Summer Holidays.

School Dinners
Please note that there are just four weeks left until the summer holidays.  Please can all outstanding dinner money be paid by Monday, 18th July as well as what dinners your child will be having that week.  This gives the office plenty of time to complete their year end procedure.

In September the cost of school dinners will remain at £2.00.

Holidays
Parents are reminded that holidays should not be taken in school time.  In line with the government’s guidance, all absences will be marked as “unauthorised”.  Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Bar Hill Village Fete and Fun Run
This week the children had someone come in to tell them about the village fun run which will be taking place on Saturday, 2nd July.

The fun run race for primary school children will start at 1.00pm and will be one lap around the village green. The race for secondary school children will start at 2.00pm and will be 2 laps around the village green. The race for adults will start at 3.00pm and will be 3 laps around the village green. There are application forms at the school office if you would like to join in.

Kind regards

Sanjay Mistry
Deputy Headteacher

Science Week
The children have enjoyed an exciting Science Week doing lots of different activities. Our thanks to Jo Montgomery, a governor and parent, who has had a big input into this week.

Careers Day
On Tuesday, we hosted a Careers Day for our Year 6 pupils. There were representatives from the NHS, The Royal Air Force, Shepreth Wildlife Park, The Hair Dressing Salon at Swavesey, Haarts Estate Agents, NAPP Pharmaceutical, The Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge Building Society and the Careers Service.

Pupils from the local cluster of primary schools attended and it was a great success.

Play Equipment
We are still finding there are children going on the play equipment before and after school. Our school play equipment must be supervised by a member of staff. For health and safety reasons please keep your child off the equipment.

School Uniform
Lately there have been an increasing number of children who have been creatively extending our school uniform range!

Can I just remind you that our school colours are navy, grey (black for Year 6) and that hoodies, short skirts and various accessories (long scarves, etc) are not appropriate for school use.

Please also make sure your child has appropriate footwear to go on the school equipment.

School Payments
Just a reminder that whenever you are making a payment to the school by cheque, it should be made payable to ‘Bar Hill Primary School’.

If there is a queue at the school office, there is a locked red box in the foyer where you can post money or correspondence to the school.

Class Photographs
Today your child should have brought home a proof copy of their class photo. You can order copies through the school, in which case completed orders together with cash/cheque need to be returned to the school before 21st June. You can also order on line, details of how to do this are on the order form.

Fun Day – Tomorrow, Saturday, 11th June – School Playing Field
The Playstation will be having a Fun Day tomorrow on the school playing field.

It will be held from 12.00noon to 4.00pm

Dates For You To Note

• Sports Day for Reception, Year 1 and 2 (KS1) will be on Tuesday, 21st June at 1.30pm
• Sports Day for Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 (KS2) will be on Friday, 8th July at 10.00am
• Change of Date for Reception Concert it is  now Friday, 8th July at School at 2.00pm
• Concert Year 1 and 2 – Tuesday, 12th July – Main Church Building at 6.30pm
• Concert Year 3 and 4 – Monday, 11th July – School at 2.00pm and 6.30pm
• Concert Year 5 and 6 – 30th June – School at 2.00pm and 6.00pm
• School Open Evening – Monday, 4th July from 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Kind regards

Lin Whyte
Headteacher

The snakes were very popular

With the sun shining and the school field full of hustle and bustle the school PTA Annual Fun Day proved to be a resounding success.

The excellent weather ensured the children, staff, parents and carers of Bar Hill Primary were able to enjoy the amazing selection of stalls and attractions.

One particular stall, featuring some very exotic animals, proved to be very popular with children and adults alike.

The atmosphere was wonderful and the children were entertained for hours, with each class running their own stall and taking a very active role.

Huge congratulations to all the Fun Day PTA and their planning committee and to all the children, staff, parents and carers for making it such lovely day.

We’re looking forward to next year already.

School Fun Day – On The School Playing Field – NOW!
It’s happening now!  Come and join the fun.  No need to cook dinner tonight – come and eat at our barbecue.

Our children have been having a lovely Enterprise week making things to sell.

Play Equipment
Our school play equipment must be supervised by a member of staff.  Therefore, could parents please keep their children off the play equipment before and after school.  Thank you for your co-operation

Science Week
The first week after half-term (6th-10th June) is Science Week and our Year 5 are off to Kingswood in Norfolk for three days. If you are a scientist and would like to come in to work with our children, do let us know.

Readathon
Thank you to all those parents who have supported their children in the Readathon and also for the monies collected so far.

Each class will be spending the money raised on books and so far the winning class is Mrs Bailham’s class (Class 1 – Reception) who have raised over £100!  So please could you send in any remaining monies before half-term.

Careers Day
On Tuesday, 7th June we are hosting a careers fair our Year 6 pupils and Year 6 pupils from eight local schools.

This means that at lunch time the children will be eating their dinners in their classrooms and all the teachers as well as the midday supervisors will be on duty to provide extra cover.

There will no change regarding school meals. It is roast chicken as usual!

Tesco Vouchers
Please can you bring in any remaining vouchers next week please.  We will be bagging up the remaining vouchers for collection at the beginning of June.

School Dinners
Just a reminder that school dinners need to be paid for weekly.  If paying by cheque, please make them out to ‘Bar Hill Primary School’.

If there is a queue at the school office in the morning, there is a red post box in the foyer to leave items.

Dates For You To Note

• Sports Day for Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 (KS2) will be on Friday, 8th July at 10.00am
• Sports Day for Reception, Year 1 and 2 (KS1) will be on Tuesday, 21st June at 1.30pm
• Concert Reception – Thursday, 14th July (School at 2.00pm)
• Concert Year 1 and 2 – Tuesday, 12th July (Main Church Building at 6.30pm)
• Concert Year 3 and 4 – Monday, 11th July (School at 2.00pm and 6.30pm)
• Concert Year 5 and 6 – 27th and 30th June (School at 7.00pm)
• School Open Evening – Monday, 4th July from 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Half-Term
Half-term holiday will be Monday, 30th May to Friday, 3rd June.  School reopens on Monday, 6th June.

I hope you have an enjoyable half-term break with your children.

Kind regards

Lin Whyte
Headteacher

School Fun Day – Friday, 20th May
This will be held after school and promises to be a really fun family event. The PTA will be sending out a separate flyer with all the information on it. On the back will be a colouring competition for your children to enter.

Save The Children/Japanese Tsunami Fundraiser
Thank you to all who supported this event. An amazing £355.40 was raised. Congratulations to the winners of the colouring competition – Lucas Winter-Castillo and Tilly Knott!

Football On The Astro After School
Year 3 and 4 football sessions have begun on the astro on Mondays from 3.15pm to 4.00pm.

Year 1 and 2 will be starting after the Easter holidays on Fridays from 3.15pm to 4.00pm. Year 1 and 2 children must be supervised by a parent/adult.

Tennis
Free taster sessions for families (children must be accompanied by an adult) on:
Tuesday 10th May and Thursday 12th May.
Times: 3.30pm – 5.00pm or 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Come along and have a go.

Bar Hill Library – Urgent Meeting
The future of our library is under threat. There will be an urgent meeting to discuss the future of the library this Thursday, 12th May.

It will be held in the main church building and starts at 7.00pm. Please come and support your local library.

SATs Week
Year 6 SATs commence this Monday, 9th May. Year 2 SATs will be throughout the month of May.

Plant Collection
If you ordered summer bedding plants from the PTA, they can be collected after 3.00pm on Wednesday, 18th May.

Tesco Vouchers
Thank you for all the vouchers you have collected for us so far. Also, please thank your family, friends and neighbours who have also collected for us.

Tesco finish giving out vouchers this Sunday, 8th May. Please may we have all your vouchers in as soon as possible.

If you have the time, could you bundle them up in packs of 100 with a rubber band, the office would be most appreciative!

Sainsbury Vouchers and Box Tops For Education
Many thanks for all the vouchers we have been receiving. Please continue to encourage friends and families to collect vouchers for us. Sainsbury vouchers continue until June.

Sun Cream, Water Bottles and Hats
Now that the weather has improved and the sun is shining please remember to provide sun hats and apply sun screen in the morning. Also, make sure your child has their water bottle.

Play Equipment
The children are now playing on the school’s outdoor play equipment. In order to play on this equipment, they must have trainers or sensible shoes on. They are not allowed to play on it wearing sandals or slip on shoes.

Next Year’s Term Dates
We have sent out a sheet via your child and Parentmail to let you know what next year’s term dates will be. If you need more copies, the office has extra copies.

Kind regards

Lin Whyte
Headteacher