Newsletter 4.10.24

News

4th October 2024

Just a few short weeks after welcoming our youngest children to Alveston, our thoughts turn to our next round of Open Mornings. This is a time when we welcome new families to see our school in action, to help them decide if Alveston is the the right fit for their child.
 
As a Church of England school, parents always wonder what this will mean to their child's education. Many of us have worked in schools of faith and schools of none and we feel the difference is tangible.  As a school, we aspire to embrace and model Christian values in all that we do. We focus on our school values, which we believe encompass all faiths and British values. Delivering a community which champions the values of kindness, community, honesty, curiosity, creativity, ambition and hope inspires the most warm,  welcoming and productive environment.

We teach our children these values not just by modelling them but also by sharing stories from the old testament and new. Stories which can guide us to make the the right choices not just for ourselves but for our community and our neighbours. This term we have already shared some wonderful stories during our Collective Worship time and RE lessons to exemplify the values in action. The story of Ruth and Naomi, The Good Samaritan and The Loaves and the Fishes  are just three examples of tales demonstrating a good moral code to aspire to.

We encourage our children to be courageous advocates, to know they might be small, but they are mighty. In a world that seems to have lost its way, their voice is important. They have the power to change minds and stories and to lead the way to exemplify our values throughout our communities - local and global. This week our children shared the songs we learnt with iSingPop. All Christian value based songs which wowed our families and shared the messages that we are all amazing, we are loved and that coming together we can achieve so much more. (Next week we will share more about these fabulous concerts!).

We also teach children to think for themselves, to weigh up all the evidence and make their own decisions which can be tricky in this increasingly complex world, and to be guided by their moral compass and the values we hold dear.

As a result, from Reception to Year 6, our children impress us everyday, and they often set the very best examples. From our youngest to our oldest, they speak and act with clarity: those who support their peers; those who seek to serve their community; those who see injustice and seek to readdress the balance in the classroom, the school and in the wider world. When we see our school Christian values lived out by our children, we celebrate them loudly. We know being a Church of England school enhances all that we do and as a result our community shines brightly. Just look at our children!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend of peace and harmony,

Anne Clewley

Head Teacher

Stars of the Week!
 
Reception ~ Ivy
Year 1 ~ Iona & Roxy
Year 2 ~ Georgia
Year 3 ~ Jakub
Year 4 ~ Emerson
Year 5 ~ check back next week!
Year 6 ~ Harley
 
Congratulations to all of our Stars!
 
Team Cup Winners
 
Congratulations to this week's Team Point winners, Charlecote Greens! Well done to everyone who earned a team point this week.
As promised last week, here are the amazing pictures of Year 6 during their day out at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, where they enjoyed a World War II evacuation experience! 
 
The children rode on a steam railway train from Winchcombe to Cheltenham and back again. They experienced a black-out air raid and even got their chance to be firemen by playing an exciting team game. They heard war stories and experienced a variety of primary historical artefacts - including toys and clothes. The children looked wonderful in their 1940s evacuee costumes and they enjoyed their war-time lunch! 
 
"I'm a dingle dangle scarecrow..."
 
The children in Reception this week have been learning about Harvest and Scarecrows. As a class, they read the story The Scarecrows ' Wedding and the children discussed the food harvested at this time of the year, in Autumn. The children made their own scarecrow faces and sang 'dingle, dangle scarecrow'. The children have been enjoying the areas in the classroom linked to their learning. 
Give Me Shelter
 
Last week at Forest School, Year 3 got stuck into making animal homes for our little woodland creatures to shelter in. Taking inspiration from the extreme weather of storms, floods and lightning they were experiencing, and the tales of Percy the Parkkeeper, the children made cosy nests and dens for their little critters. Lots of thought and care went into the building; from finding the perfect location to ensuring there was a food supply. The children left the shelters up just in case any real wildlife needed to seek shelter.
Stepping Back in Time
 
Year 2 had the most wonderful trip to St John’s house today. We dressed up as Victorian children and experienced an old fashioned school day with a very strict teacher! We were not allowed to take many photos in the school room. Then we had a laundry workshop where we grated soap, pumped water, washed the clothes, rinsed them, used a mangle and then looked at the irons. We were all so well behaved even when we weren’t in role as Victorian school children!
 
Thank you so much to Georgia’s mummy, Matthew’s mummy and Sebby’s mummy for all your help and for joining in with the exercises!
 
Miss Griffiths
Year 2 Teacher
iSingPop Concerts
 
This week the children and the iSingPop team presented not one, but three concerts to our families. They were truly fabulous! Next week we will share photos and a write-up of these exciting shows. 
 
iSingPop are a charity and were selling merchandise in school on the concert day. All profits go straight back into their wonderful work with children and young people. Parents have contacted us for more details on the merchandise as it was quite a hit! Merchandise can be purchased direct from iSingPop by following this link shop!
Staff Announcement
 
We are sad to announce that after just a few short months, our caretaker Mr Leonard is reluctantly leaving the Alveston team. Mr Leonard has kindly opened our school each morning and looked after the premises and grounds to keep them safe and looking smart. We thank him for all his support and wish him all the very best for the future.
 
Mr Jay is now opening our school each morning and has already started to look after our grounds. He has done a wonderful job clearing all the leaves and fruits which fall from our magnificent trees and made a real impact already. Thank you Mr. Jay for keeping our playground safe!
 
We are now looking for someone who may be able to support us with our gardening and some of the building maintenance. Whilst our fields and hedges are maintained, we would love to invite some new green fingers to care for our borders and planters. Please do shout if you know someone who would like to get involved.
We are also looking for some help with maintenance. If you know someone who is good with their hands, who could fix a leaking tap, decorate, put up pegs and notice boards, as an example,  - we would love to hear from them! If gardening and maintenance is your thing - or it is for someone you know - we can be flexible with hours and days.
Don't miss the 31 October Secondary School Application Deadline!

Parents and carers of children who have just started in Year 6 have been asked to apply for their child’s secondary school place by the deadline of 31 October 2024

Last year, there were 7,172 children who applied for a Warwickshire secondary school place by the deadline, with 81% being offered their first-choice school and a further 14% being offered a place at another of their top three school choices.  

However, each year there are families who are disappointed on National Offer Day when they are offered a school that doesn’t reflect their preferences at all. This is often because they only apply to one school, instead of using more of the six possible choices on their application form. Families that miss the 31 October deadline are also much less likely to get offered a place at a preferred school.  Applications made after the 31 October date will be classified as late and won’t be processed until after 3 March 2025.

There are plenty of useful resources for parents and carers on Warwickshire County Council’s website to help you decide on which schools to include on your application form. This includes a priority area map, a list of all local schools and a handy video to help them to make realistic choices of schools: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/secondaryplace.

Please note: there is an extended deadline of 31 December 2024 if your address changes before then. So if you have moved house and are submitting an application before 31 December 2024, please include relevant documentation of your move with your email (tenancy agreement or completion letter from solicitor) as we will then be able to class your application as on time.

To make an application please apply online.


 

Upcoming Friends Event Dates!

The Friends of Alveston Primary are busy finalising details for their exciting upcoming events – make sure to add these to your calendars:

Autumn Disco – 11th October 2024
AGM – 24th October 2024
Crazy Hair Day – 25th October 2024
Odd Socks Day – 12th November 2024
Christmas Fayre – 6th December 2024
Christmas Fayre Bake Off & Sale – 6th December 2024

For all events, log on and register at:
https://www.pta-events.co.uk/friendsofalveston

More details will be released nearer the events!

Autumn Disco - Booking is NOW Live!

Get ready to dance the evening away with DJ Bazza's Beats!

Date: Friday, 11th October
Location: School Hall
Timings:
KS1: 3:15pm - 4:15pm (Includes pre-booked snack box)
KS2: 4:30pm - 5:30pm (Snacks available for purchase)
Dress up in your favourite Autumn-themed fancy dress (optional) and let's have a blast!

Don’t miss out on the fun – book your tickets now: https://www.pta-events.co.uk/friendsofalveston

A Message from Public Health Warwickshire
 
Now the new school year has arrived, and we've welcomed many new children to their journey into education, it provides us with food for thought, to ensure everyone is protected from many viruses and diseases that continue to circulate, eg, measles and whooping cough. These are preventable infections and vaccinations can protect our children's health which in turn prevents absence and missing vital learning. 

Statement from UKHSA - UK Health Security Agency:

MMR uptake rates are still too low in some areas in England and there is still potential to see outbreaks, particularly as children start mixing more on starting or returning to school.

Measles spreads very easily among those who are unvaccinated, especially in nurseries and schools. It can be a very nasty illness and, in some children, can be very serious, leading to hospitalisation and life-long complications and tragically even death in rare cases. Getting vaccinated not only gives children protection but it also helps to prevent the spread of the disease and protect those more vulnerable.

Please click here to view the childhood immunisation schedule, clearly showing when children should have received their vaccinations.

If any vaccines are missed, they can be given at any time to catch up and ensure full protection. Contact your GP today to book an appointment. 

If you have any questions please email dphadmin@warwickshire.gov.uk


 

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.  


 

Important Dates to Remember  
 

Key dates for the Autumn term are HERE!  You can find information relating to term dates here and teacher-led clubs here

** Please note that our Christingle date has changed to 19th December (as per the email sent on 1st October via the eSchools app). As advanced warning, please note that our Easter service will be on Monday 7th April 2025 at 2.15pm in church.
 

Autumn Term (1)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

11/10, 18/10

 

 

Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks

 

 

16th September to 20th October

 

 

 

11/10

 

Year 5 Bell Boating Trip (rescheduled)  [event sheet sent on 13/9/24] 

11/10

 

FOA Autumn Disco (KS1 3:15-4:15PM, KS2 4:30-5:30pm)

15/10    

 

Parents’ Evening 3:30-6:30pm (face-to-face) [event sheet sent on 23/9/24] 

17/10

 

Year 2 & 3 Reading Trip  [event sheet sent on 27/9/24]

17/10    

 

Parents’ Evening 3:30-6:30pm (face-to-face) [event sheet sent on

18/10

 

Year 4 Trip to Cadbury World  [event sheet sent on 26/9/24]

21/10    

 

Half-Term Cup Assembly

24/10

 

Harvest Festival 2:15pm

24/10

 

FOA AGM

25/10

 

Crazy Hair Day

 

 

 

 

 

HALF-TERM 28th October – 1st November

 

 

 

Autumn Term (2)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

8/11, 15/11, 22/11, 29/11, 6/12, 13/12

 

 

Teacher-Led Clubs – 4 weeks

 

 

11th November to 6th December

 

 

                          

7/11

 

Open Morning 9:30-11

11/11

 

Remembrance Service: Y2 & Y6 to visit War Memorial

12/11

 

Odd Socks Day

18/11

 

Open Morning 9:30-11

6/12

 

FOA Christmas Fayre/ Bake Off & Sale

10/12

 

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

11/12

 

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

16/12

 

Whole School Theatre Trip

17/12

 

Half-Term Cup Assembly

18/12

 

Christmas Lunch

19/12

 

** Christingle 2:15pm

20/12

 

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

20/12 (pm)

 

INSET Afternoon (children not in school from midday)

 
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