Newsletter 15.9.23

News

15th September 2023

Each year we enjoy planning the year ahead, sorting out the dates and calendar for exciting events which will take us right through the autumn, winter, spring and summer. One of the reasons I love primary schools so much is that the year is unashamedly punctuated with bright, full colour, seasonal celebrations reminding us of the natural world we live in, full of awe and wonder. 
It is always a joy to start getting the 'firsts' of the year in place, such as the first Forest School for our Reception children and the first 'Star of the Week' Celebration Assembly.
Sadly, we know the early term will also be punctuated with bugs doing the rounds, as children come together and socialise in large numbers once again. Staff too do expect to pick up a lurgy or two at the start of the new academic year. Whilst I was expecting to go down with a cold, I was not expecting to pick up a couple of broken bones to start the year. A fairly dramatic tumble on my way home from school has resulted in a couple of fractures which will keep me working at home next week. Far too much drama for Wednesday, Week 2! As the team keep me updated each day, I look forward to seeing more of the autumn term unfold whilst I impatiently wait to return to school.
Wishing you a peaceful (and safe!) weekend,
Anne Clewley
Head Teacher
Stars of the Week!
 
Reception ~ every single one of them is a shining star this week for being so fabulous at settling in!
Year 1 ~ Riley
Year 2 ~ Harry
Year 3 ~ Aria
Year 4 ~ James
Year 5 ~ Yaseen
Year 6 ~ Florence
 
Congratulations to all of our Stars - well done!

House Point Cup Winners!

Congratulations to Tudor Reds!

Reception really enjoyed their first Forest School experience this week. We kept it simple on the field so the children had time to put on their overalls and wellies and learn about this routine. They found lots of beautiful treasures including leaves, sticks, feathers and flowers. We can't wait to go next week and find even more natural treasures.

A parent’s guide to keeping children healthy this school year

As the new school year begins, children, teenagers and their parents prepare for new schedules, homework, friends, and activities. However the autumn also brings common illnesses that can keep children away from their classmates and studies.

This blog post covers steps you can take now and throughout the coming term to help protect your family from seasonal illnesses. It explores available vaccinations, how to recognise symptoms of common illnesses and how to make informed decisions on whether a sick student is well enough to attend school.

Change Makers Healthy Lifestyles Workshop - Autumn Term Club

This autumn term, Mia from Change Makers will be running weekly workshops to support children and families to promote healthy eating and lifestyles. We know our families promote these topics at home, however, often, children respond more positively (or believe it more!) when they are shared by a third party.

All children are welcome to attend this Change Maker club but they must attend with an adult parent or carer. The workshops will commence on 28th September and run from 3:15pm - 4:20pm. Mia lead a whole school assembly this week and more information will follow. The proposed dates are below, showing the topics to be covered. Please let our admin team know if you would like to attend these by emailing parents3002@welearn365.com with the subject 'Change Maker Workshops'. Alternatively, you can fill in this form and return to the office.

Week 1: Thursday 28th September – Eatwell Guide

Week 2: Thursday 5th October – Portion Sizes

Week 3: Thursday 12th October – Physical Activity

Week 4 : Thursday 19th October – Sugars & Convenience Foods

Week 5: Thursday 26th October -  Food Labelling & My Healthy Day

Just a reminder that French Club bookings for this Autumn Term are open to Reception and Years 1-3!  Each session is £7 and will run every Thursday from 14th September to 21st December. 
 
Please click here to book.
 
Merci beaucoup!
**NEW** Tennis Coaching Services from September
 
Stratford Sports Club commenced their tennis coaching services at Alveston CofE Primary School on Tuesday...but there is still time to join!
 
The course of sessions is being offered to Year 1 and Year 2, running up until the half term. Sessions begin straight after school at 15:15-16:15. An upfront cost of £49 for the 7 weeks would reserve your child a space for the course.
 
You can either scan the QR code here to book your child onto the after school tennis club or you can contact the Stratford Tennis office by using the details below if you have any questions:
 
Web: stratfordsportsclub.co.uk
Tel: 01789 296629
Social media: stratfordsport
The Mop Fair is coming soon...!
 
With the screams of delight and all the fun of the Mop fair, come the screams of anguish re road closures! Please see below for information relating to which local roads will be closed, and when, so that you can plan your journeys ahead (and hopefully ward off that annual headache!):
 

Temporary road closures on 20th - 22nd October 2023

For those of you who may not know, the 2022 Annual Mop Fair in Stratford-upon-Avon will take place on Tuesday 11 October and Wednesday 12 October.

The Charity Mop is on Tuesday 11 October from 15:00 until 23:00. The Main Mop is on Wednesday 12 October from 11:00 to 23:00 and will be formally opened by the Chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

Stratford's associated 'Runaway Mop' is on Friday 21 October from 15:00 until 23:00 and Saturday 22 October from 11:00 to 23:00.

Have fun...and dodge that traffic!

Community Interest  
 
Welcome back, everybody! We post all community events and projects on our website under 'Our Community'. For more information about activities open to you and your family, please do check the page regularly.
 
The section below is updated every week, for your quick reference. Check back next week for much MUCH more! In the meantime...
 
Sparkle Performing Arts ~ come along to Alveston and shine at Sparkle! Not only will your child develop their technique in dance, drama and singing but they will build confidence, make new friends and have lots of fun! To learn more, please click here.
 
Fitt4Kids....with a difference! ~ Fitt4kids are offering an after-school sports club session on Thursdays from 3:30-4:30pm. For more information, please follow this link. You'll also find information about their-wrap-around sessions and more.
 
Calling all Year 6s! ~ Kineton High School have an upcoming Open Evening on Thursday 28th September. Kineton invite you to meet their teachers; take part in exciting subject activities and have a look at their facilities, including progress on their new school build. Click here for more...
 
The Worry Workshop ~ If your child is feeling anxious or perhaps a little lost, a new 4-week workshop will be running at the Lifeways Centre from Thursday 5th October. Please click here for more details.
 
Below are a few helpful resources to help support you and your local community:
 
Stratford & District Children & Family Centre ~ a new timetable of classes and activities is available for you to view here. The centre is also running a drop-in service for men and women experiencing domestic violence to meet with an outreach worker. Further information can be found here.
  
The latest edition of the Connect for Health school nursing service magazine can be found under the "Our Community" section of our website. 
 
Parents Helpline and Webchat ~ YoungMinds are the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health. This charity also offers three different services to parents and carers who are concerned about their child’s mental health, up to the age of 25. You can find out more about the Parents Helpline, Webchat and Email service here.
 
Last but not least, you can also find a list of Stratford Food Bank's latest "MOST WANTED" items under "Our Community"- Please do take a look.
General Reminders
 
Music lessons in school

If you are interested in music lessons, please click here.  Warwickshire Music have opened their waiting lists for: Piano, Violin, Oboe, Flute, Clarinet, Tenoroon/bassoon, Cello, Viola and Guitar (age restrictions apply to some instruments.  Contact Warwickshire Music directly for more information or to sign up: https://www.warwickshiremusichub.org/ 

Coronavirus within school
If your child tests positive for coronavirus, or has one or more of: temperature, continuous cough, loss of sense of smell or taste, please keep them off school for a minimum of three days or until they are better after three days.  Please report all absences to the school office as below.
 
Sickness and Absence
Please let the school office know each day your child is absent from school by calling 01789 293412 and leaving a message.  You may also email parents3002@welearn365.com. You do not need to contact us daily if your child vomits. Absences for sickness/vomiting will be recorded 48 hours from the end of the day your child last vomited (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 at parents3002@welearn365.com.  

Fitt4Kids before and after school clubs
If you are interested in more information or signing up to Fitt4Kids before and after school clubs, please contact Simon directly: fitt4kids@gmail.com - 07731639980 - http://fitt4kids.org.uk/

Naming Items in school
Please ensure any items brought into school are named so they can be returned to your child if misplaced.  This includes uniform, water bottles, snack and lunch boxes, etc.

Are you eligible for Free School Meals?
Do you know if you are eligible for Free School Meals and other support?  To find out more, please click here to be redirected to our website.

Parents Helpline and Webchat ~ YoungMinds are the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health. This charity also offers three different services to parents and carers who are concerned about their child’s mental health, up to the age of 25. You can find out more about the Parents Helpline, Webchat and Email service here.

Important Dates to Remember

Key dates for the autumn term and the new academic year are HERE!  They have also been added to the website calendar.  You can find information relating to term dates here and teacher led club dates here:

 

Autumn Term (1)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies:

 

 

15/9, 22/9, 29/9, 6/10, 13/10, 20/10

Teacher-Led Clubs (6 wks)

 

11th Sept to 20th Oct

 

1/9/23

 

INSET Day (Children not at school)

21/9

 

Meet the Teacher 4-5pm (Y2, Y4); 5-6pm (Y1, Y3, Y6)

25/9

 

Online Safety Week

26/9

 

Individual school photos

13/10

 

Parents Reading Together Time – 2:30 to 3pm

16/10

 

Bag-2-School

23/10

 

Half-Term Cup Assembly

 

 

 

HALF-TERM 30th October – 3rd November

 

Autumn Term (2)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

10/11, 17/11, 24/11, 1/12, 8/12, 15/12

Teacher-Led Clubs (4 wks)

 

13th Nov to 8th Dec

 

9/11

 

Open Morning 9:30-11

10/11

 

Remembrance Service: Y2 & Y6 to visit War Memorial

14/11

 

Parents’ Evening 3:30-6:30pm (face-to-face)

16/11

 

Parents’ Evening 3:30-6:30pm (face-to-face)

20/11

 

Open Morning 9:30-11

12/12

 

Christmas Performances KS1 9-10am, KS2 10:30-11:30, Rec 2-3pm

13/12

 

Christmas Performances Rec 9-10am, KS1 10:30-11:30, KS2 2-3pm

18/12

 

Half-Term Cup Assembly

TBC

 

Whole School Theatre Trip

22/12

 

Last day of term. Morning only - school closes at midday!

22/12

 

INSET Afternoon (children not in school from midday!

 
Any Friends of Alveston dates will also be included in the website calendar shortly. 
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