Xmas Newsletter 2011
Dates for your diary
Christmas
Break-up Tuesday 20th December
Return Monday 9th January
Spring half-term
Break up Friday 10th February
Return Monday 20th February.
Christmas in Springwell – As ever this has been a very special time for children in school. Pupils have had the opportunity to eat out in local restaurants (see below), visit the cinema, watch a pantomime, perform in the school concert, sing carols at local venues (see below), take part in Christmas lunch, enjoy our school party and; perhaps most importantly - experience a very special visitor and receive a gift.
Time for Tea – This has been our theme for the Autumn Term and as part of their work pupils have been ‘eating out’ at several location including McDonalds, Chiquitos and Italian restaurants. This culminated in the whole school attending Parmos restaurant for lunch at the end of term. The staff in the restaurant commented how all of our pupils were very well-mannered.
Basic Skills Award – This is a Quality Mark which has been given to school for the fourth time and indicates the high quality of Literacy learning and teaching in school. The assessor said “.... all staff work tirelessly to ensure the best outcomes for their children. Their passion and enthusiasm is palpable.”
Carol Singing - Pupils in school have been carol singing at Tesco in the town where they raised £51 for the NSPCC. They have also been singing for residents at West View Lodge Care Home and also at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.
Hartlepotz – Yes that is the correct spelling! This was a local group who came into school to make ceramic decorations with the children. I am sure you will soon have them hanging on your tree at home.
New Minibus – You may have noticed our new minibus in school and around town. The bus was presented to us by Sir John Hall at Wynyard Hall. Although the Variety Club sponsored the bus and provided half of the funding the rest of the funding was raised by school and Families First with whom we share the bus. We must however thank Hartlepool Hospital Shop in particular who donated several thousand pounds to support our fundraising.
West View Project - Several classes have worked with West View project developing their personal and social skills. This has involved various challenges including scrambling and bouldering at The Wainstones.
Fair-trade Tuck Shop – This is on Friday afternoons. Children may bring up to £1 into school to spend on items from the developing world where the manufacturers are guaranteed a fair price for the goods.
Hartlepool FC Season Ticket – We have a season ticket for an adult and child for every home game this season. The ticket will be raffled the week before each game. Raffle tickets are £1 for each game. If you would like a raffle ticket please get in touch with Kyra George in school.
Winter Coats – The cold weather is now upon us. Please send in a warm winter coat, gloves and hat for your child every day.
Early Breakfast Club & After School Clubs – we have places for pupils in our Early Breakfast Club. This starts at 8.15 every morning and provides breakfast and activities for pupils. There is a small cost £1.50 and parents/carers will have to bring children themselves.
Our After-school Clubs include: trampoline, cookery, relaxation, art football, rugby and computers. Activities take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3.15 to 4.15. If you would like your child to attend please get in touch with Annette Farnsworth in school. Parents usually have to pick their children up from school after clubs.
Internet Safety – I will mention in every newsletter the dangers of unsupervised internet access for children. There have been many instances of children being ‘groomed’ on the internet by unsuitable adults. Children under the age of 13 should not be accessing sites such as Facebook.
Parents /carers should not put images of their children on the web that include images of other children in school.
Alongside our school website school also has its own Facebook page to inform parents of special events. You can check either of these if we have to close school in bad weather, simply search for “Springwell School” on facebook and click like or follow the link on our school website.
Pupils from school should NOT try to contact any school staff via the internet. Child protection guidelines forbid staff to have internet contact with pupils.
