Newsletter 20.12.24

News

20th December 2024

Christmas week at Alveston and what a ball we've had!
We have come together each day to celebrate Christmas as a community. A whole school theatre trip, Christmas Carolling at three local retirement and care homes, Christmas lunch, our Christingle Service at St James' and 'ho,ho, ho!', a visit from the Big Man himself!
 
Christmas in primary school is all about building memories that will last a lifetime. From the fondest memories:
  • playing Mary in the Nativity and singing a solo, Mrs Sinclair (1988)
  • singing solo the first verse of 'Once in Royal David's City' at her Christingle at Holy Trinity, Miss Lennon (1997)
  • being a sheep in the nativity and practising for weeks and weeks, Miss Wright (2007)
to those we would rather not re-live:
  • Joseph becoming a single parent when Mary refused to get on the stage (Anon to save blushes!)
  • having to wear brown knickers and brown tights in the school play,  my mum (1948)
to the downright hilarious memories:
  • the teachers performing a Christmas panto with all the male teachers including the Head Teacher dressed up as dames, Mr Hollis (1986)
  • Mary dropping baby Jesus head first into the manger, Mrs Newitt (any year since 2002)
  • Slipping on ice while carolling, leaving the ground and landing flat on my back, me (2022.)
This week laid down memories for this next generation, each and every one of us squirreling away a story to tell:
  • singing Away in a Manger by candlelight
  • spending most of the day at the panto, having our lunch at quarter to three and going straight home
  • Miss Griffiths pressing the button in the panto at the wrong time.
Oh but what memories to hold on to for a lifetime!
 
You will find all the Christmas reports within the 'News' section of our website, or you may follow these links: 
 
 
Whatever you are doing this Christmas, I wish you the happiest time!
Rest, recharge and refuel ready for the year ahead and we look forward to welcoming all our children back to school on Tuesday 7th January.
 
Happy Christmas to you all!
Anne Clewley
Head Teacher
 

 A proper 'thank you' will follow in the new year, however I just wanted to show my appreciation this side of the Big Day. Thank you not only for your kind and thoughtful gifts, but also for your kind and thoughtful words. As a team and as a Head Teacher, we work incredibly hard throughout the year to deliver an education, experience and environment where children thrive and flourish. The children make my heart sing daily. When you share your words of thanks, recognition and support, a choir of angels join in and take my heart to bursting point!
I go into the Christmas break grateful once again for the community I am a member of, the role I play at Alveston and the utter joy of being a part of all that we do together as the Alveston Family.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
 
 
 
Half Term Cup Winners!
 
Reception ~ Bruno
Year 1 ~ Delancey
Year 2 ~ Cillian
Year 3 ~ Nancy
Year 4 ~ Darcey
Year 5 ~ Elliot
Year 6 ~ Sadie
 
Congratulations to all of our Half Term Cup winners - what an achievement!
 
Team Cup Winners
 
Congratulations to this week's Team Point winners, Avon Blues! Well done to everyone who earned a team point this week.
Sporting Stars!
 
To add to the festive feeling in school this week, we'd like to tell you about a proud achievement last weekend - Magdalena, from Year 3, and her Mummy, Amanda, were two of the 1,000 Santas who ran 5km around Leamington Spa to raise money for the Myton Hospice charity. The event raised over £50,000 and Magdalena did amazingly well. Excellent running, Magda!
 
Jamie, from Year 4, attended the SwordKids grading and competition last Saturday. Jamie passed his grade 2 and earned a medal for taking part in the competition. As if this wasn't fabulous enough, Jamie was the youngest attendee there. Jamie's parents are incredibly proud of him, as are we. En garde, Jamie!
SwordKids this Spring Term!
 
Next term, why not follow in Jamie's footsteps and try your hand at some fencing? 
 
Sword Kids - the leading school Fencing programme in the Midlands - are offering our children the opportunity to learn the art of sword fighting right here at Alveston Primary School!

The club runs on Mondays after school for 45 minutes at a cost of £8.75 per session. All kit is supplied! Sessions start on 13th January 2025 and run for 12 weeks (final session is on Monday 7th April).  Spaces are limited so please don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

See the SwordKids flyer here for more information and a link to booking.

"Sword Kids is built on the core values of courage, resilience and well-being, nurturing both physical and mental strength in their students. And, with a team of experienced coaches, they provide a safe and supportive environment for children to learn the art of sword fighting. Through engaging classes and competitions, Sword Kids strive to empower young fencers and instil lifelong skills that extend beyond the sport."


 

Keeping your children safe at home over the Christmas break

Warwickshire County Council and partners are helping families access information and support to avoid accidents in the home at this time of year.

WCC have said, "To help them learn and develop, children need to experiment, play and take risks. As they grow up, they will become more adventurous and want to explore the world around them. They need a safe environment around them to do this. By getting down to their level and seeing the world through their eyes, it’s easier to spot dangers, and help them avoid danger."

Click here for more information about how to keep children safe this Christmas.


 

Warwickshire Holiday Activities & Food Programme
 

The Winter HAF programme is here!

Warwickshire County Council is thrilled to announce that a wide range of fun and free activities to children and young people eligible for benefits-related free school meals during the winter break from school. It's the perfect opportunity to HAF a go and make the most of the school holiday.

Read more here and see the full programme
Boundaries and Rules - Free Parent Workshop
 
We wanted to remind you that the Children and Families Service will be running a free workshop here at Alveston focused on Boundaries and Rules on Wednesday, 15 January 2025 from 12:30 to 14:30.

Being a parent is exciting and rewarding but there are also times when children behave in ways that are a challenge for us. This 2-hour workshop looks at some reasons why children behave the way they do and offers insight and strategies to help guide their behaviour.

This workshop is for parents/carers of children of all ages. It will focus on:

• How and why boundaries support children’s development

• Parenting strategies that can be used to support boundaries such as rules, praise, routines.

• Identify different parenting styles

• Build an awareness of positive parenting and how to implement this in day to day life

• Looking after our selves as parents and carers

This workshop is a general overview and if further support and advice is identified, contacts and referral pathways will be available at the end of the workshop.

You will find more information about this workshop here.

Booking is now open so please book your place here.
Where Stars Shine!
 
Starting on Tuesday 7th January 2025, SJ Academy are delighted to continue their gymnastics, street dance and cheerleading lessons for our Alveston children. 
 
Please follow this link for more information on sessions and how to book.
Bayleaf Cookery Club - Spring Term
 
Bayleaf Cookery School will be back running an after-school cookery club at Alveston on Thursdays in the Spring term and they’re enrolling NOW!
 
The Cookery Club is open to children from Year 1 to Year 6. Classes start on Thursday 9th January 2025, with the final session on Thursday 10th April 2025. You won't want to miss out on cinnamon buns, Chinese noodles or double-chocolate biscuits (as well as lots of other delicious recipes)!
 
Please see this flyer for instructions on how to book a place.
Joyeux Noël!
 
French Club (for Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3) starts back on Thursday 9th January 2025. If you haven't already, please click here for information and how to book.
 
Merci beaucoup et bonne Année!
Community Interest 
 
We post all community events and projects on our website under 'Our Community'. For more information about activities open to you, your family and your local community, please do check the pages regularly:
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Last but not least, you can also find a list of Stratford Food Bank's "MOST WANTED" items right here. Please do take a look and help to support those in need in our local community.
General Reminders
 
Parking at Drop-Off and Pick-Up
We are so lucky at Alveston that the Football Club allow all our parents who drive to school to use their car park for drop-off and pick-up. This makes it safer for all our children. Please continue to use the Football Club car park. Please do not park on Knights Lane, Oak Road or any double-yellow lines for pick-up or drop-offs. Please also ensure that you do not stop or park within the zig-zag "Keep Clear" markings. This area is marked to keep the flow of traffic moving and to ensure the safety of all pedestrians.
 
Sickness and Absence
Please let the school office know each day your child is absent from school by calling 01789 293412, option 1, and leaving a message.  You may also email parents3002@welearn365.com. You do not need to contact us daily if your child is sick/vomits. Absences for sickness/vomiting will be recorded 48 hours from the end of the day your child was last sick (i.e. if sick on Sunday, come back on Wednesday; if Tuesday come back on Friday) nor for COVID absences.  

 

Medicines in School
We cannot accept medicines in school without a prescription label and a medical form completed by a parent or carer.  Please ask the school office for more information and/or a form via:

parents3002@welearn365.com


 

Forest School Dates - Spring Term 1  

Below are Forest School dates for your diary. The children will need to wear PE kit to school with black tracksuit bottoms or leggings and have a long sleeve, black top such as a hoodie. Wellies and their school coat will also be required:

Date

Year Group

Friday 10th Jan       

Year 6

Friday 17th Jan

Year 5

Friday 24th Jan

Year 4

Friday 31st Jan

Year 3

Friday 7th Feb

Year 2


 
Important Dates to Remember   
 
A selection of key dates for the Spring Term are HERE! More to follow in January. You can find information relating to term dates here and teacher-led clubs here

 ** As advanced warning, please note that our Easter service will be on Monday 7th April 2025 at 2.15pm in church.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Break: 23rd December 2024 - 6th January 2025

 

 

 All children return to school on Tuesday 7th January.

Spring Term (1)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

17/1, 24/1, 31/1, 7/2

 

 

Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks

 

 

13th January to 7th February

 

 

 

6/1/25

 

INSET Day

7/1/25

 

All children return to school on Tuesday 7th January 2025

10/2

 

Half-Term Cup Assembly

14/2

 

FOA Express Yourself Day

 

 

 

 

 

HALF-TERM 17th-21st February 2025

 

 

 

Spring Term (2)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

28/2, 7/3, 14/3, 21/3, 28/3

 

 

Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks

 

 

10th March to 4th April

 

 

 

27/2

 

Young Voices 2025

6/3

 

World Book Day

3/4

 

FOA Easter Bingo

7/4

 

Half-Term Cup assembly

7/4

 

Easter Service at St James’ church

10/4

 

FOA Easter Bake Off/Sale

 

 

 

 

 

Easter Break: 17th-27th April 2025

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