Newsletter 8.12.23

News

8th December 2023

Do you remember last week I mentioned that Mrs Newitt and I were excited for the week ahead? Well it didn't disappoint! We arrived in school on Monday to find the Christmas elves had been very busy over the weekend! Not one but 7 Christmas trees lighting the way through school to the hall and the main attraction of our 8th tree! With only the Christmas tree lighting the room, our children and staff sang their way into Collective Worship to Silent Night and captured this magical moment for all time. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the start of Advent. Our tree all in white with flashes of gold has been a team effort. Thank you to our children, families and staff for creating and sharing such beautiful decorations. Thank you too for the Friends of Alveston for purchasing our beautiful trees.
Our stunning circular Advent wreath, with no beginning or end, represents God’s eternal loving presence and its evergreen leaves, which never fade in colour, signify God’s constancy. This week, lighting the first candle symbolising 'hope', we talked about advent and the wreath's meaning and how we can reflect on the symbolism of hope, peace, joy and love, whatever our faith or none. In such a turbulent world, these are values for us all to aspire to.
You can read more about Advent at Alveston here.
Wishing you all hope, peace, joy and love for the weeks ahead,
Anne Clewley
Head Teacher
Stars of the Week!
 
Reception ~ shhhhhhhhh! To be presented next week...
Year 1 ~ William
Year 2 ~ Charlotte
Year 3 ~ Calvin
Year 4 ~ Layla-Belle
Year 5 ~ Felix
Year 6 ~ William
 
Congratulations to all of our Stars - well done!

House Point Cup Winners!

Congratulations to Othello Yellows!


 

Madge the Mermaid!
 
Last week Year 4 took part in a very exciting workshop with author of Madge the Mermaid, Stephen Pass. In line with our work on sustainability, Year 4 discussed the illustrations in the book and how the characters used recycling creatively. The children then went onto read the book with Stephen Pass, draft their own ideas and hear about the opportunity for Stephen to send them a signed copy of his book.
It's Christmas-Lunch Time!
 
We are having our school Christmas lunch on Wednesday 20th December and our lovely kitchen team have asked for numbers ahead of time to help with their planning as they are preparing for a potential 210 Christmas dinners!
 
You can view the full menu here, showing both meat and vegetarian options. Please be aware there is only the roast dinner available on this day with no jacket potato option. If your child/children do not wish to have the Christmas lunch they will need to bring a packed lunch from home.
 
Please see the form to register your choice here by Tuesday 12th December and ensure there is sufficient credit on ParentPay.
 
Thanks so much!
Christmas Week Line Up / Christmas Events!
 
We are delighted that, as we see Christmas decorations sprout up all over Tiddington and the Knitted Christmas tree up at the church, we can get excited about the Christmas events ahead!
Here's a reminder all in one place - just in case you don't make it to the end of the newsletter!

 

   

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

19/12  

 *In-School* Christmas Theatre Performance

20/12

 

Christmas Lunch

21/12

 

Christingle Service (St James’ Church, Alveston, 2pm)

22/12

 

Christmas Party Day! (Christmas jumpers. Fingers crossed a visit from Father Christmas !)

22/12

 

Last day of term. Morning only - school closes at 12.00 midday! INSET Afternoon.

 

 
 
Christmas Lights Competition!
 
The Stratford upon Avon Christmas Lights Committee, in partnership with Davisons Law, are running a competition for children to design a Christmas light with the winning designs being made into decorations to be displayed during the 2024/2025 festive season!

Entries will be judged by the Davisons Law Team and Christmas Lights Committee with the winning designs in each category (infant 4-7 years and Junior 8-11 years).  Entries can be submitted until the 3rd January 2024. 

Download an entry form from their website and you could see your creation in lights!

Website link: https://stratforduponavonchristmaslights.co.uk

Bayleaf Spring Term Cookery Club - ENROL NOW!
 
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!
 
Cookery Club is open to Years 1-6 and starts on Thursday 11th January...so don't delay! You won't want to miss out on cheese pretzels, rhubarb crumble shortbread and double chocolate muffins (as well as lots of other delicious recipes).
 
Please see the flyer for instructions on how to book a place.
 The Big Ambition...Continues!
 

The Children's Commisioner has had an amazing response from nursery, primary and secondary schools across England and as a result has decided to extend the closing date to Friday 19th January 2024 to allow even more children the chance to have their say. This will give schools, children and young people an extra month over the festive season to take part in The Big Ambition .

As you know, 'The Big Ambition' campaign was launched to hear directly from children, young people, and parents across the country about what they need to make their lives better.  

As the General Election approaches, now is a crucial moment to take children and young people’s voices to policymakers, Government, and decision makers, to make sure they are heard. 

The Children’s Commissioner wants to hear from every child and young person in England about their schools, communities, family life, and the wider world. As well as what they want for their future, their hopes, dreams, and aspirations. 

This survey is for all children and young people aged 6-18 and for parents/carers who can complete the survey on behalf of children aged 0-5. Adults can also assist children who are unable to complete the survey independently.  

The survey can be completed here: www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigambition 


 

Keeping Children Safe Online This Christmas
 
With the Christmas festivities just around the corner, children are looking forward to receiving gifts. For many, this may be devices that allow you to go online. Even with the best intentions, many of us will have a false sense of how to keep our children secure, or perhaps think our child is more secure than they actually are.

Please click here for an information sheet with key advice on how to keep children safe online this Christmas. 


 

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 page regularly. This week's highlights include:
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
 
Coronavirus within School
If your child tests positive for coronavirus, please keep them at home for 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 is sick. Absences for sickness 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: parents3002@welearn365.com.  

Key Information

Don't forget to keep up-to-date with our School News by visiting: www.alvestoncofeprimary.co.uk and click on the ‘News’ tab. 

If you are not set up on the e-schools App, and would like to be, email parents3002@welearn365.com for assistance.


 

 

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 (2)

 

Celebration / Star of the Week Assemblies

 

 

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

18/12 - Half-Term Cup Assembly

Teacher-Led Clubs (4 wks)

 

13th Nov to 8th Dec

 

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

19/12

 

*In-School* Christmas Theatre Performance

20/12

 

Christmas Lunch

21/12

 

Christingle Service (St James’ Church, Alveston, 2pm)

22/12

 

Christmas Party Day! (Christmas jumpers + Santa visit)

22/12

 

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

22/12

 

INSET Afternoon (children not in school from midday!)

 
Friends of Alveston dates for 2023 are also included in the website calendar. 
Healthy Schools 2020
360 ES Mark
Artsmark Gold Award
FMSIS Logo