Swavesey Primary School Parent Portal - Newsletter 79 (10.11.2023)

Updates from Mrs Norden

Today's newsletter is full of new information, including forthcoming events, and some important updates. It's at least the length of a cup of tea or coffee, with maybe a biscuit to dunk. Based on recent testing teaching staff have undertaken (in the name of science assessment CPD), I would suggest a digestive biscuit is a good dunker.

I am pleased to announce that Mr Nunn, will take up our vacant parent governor role, which was uncontested. Mr Nunn brings a wealth of experience in education, and we are very much looking forward to him joining the governing body.

Next week (13th to 17th) is National Anti-bullying week and will be an important focus for us across the school. The theme this year is to 'Make a noise about bullying'. The theme came about following consultation with teachers and pupils by the Anti-Bullying Alliance which coordinates Anti-Bullying Week every year in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Teachers and children wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes. The week begins with 'Odd socks' day on Monday, where we encourage children and adults to wear odd socks to celebrate what makes us all unique. We know that wearing things which are 'odd' can cause some of us to feel off balance, and so we encourage the wearing of socks which are bright and bold if possible instead.

Activities next week will culminate in us supporting Children in Need on Friday (17th), with a non-uniform day to raise money for this worthwhile cause. The children can come in clothes which should be suitable for outdoor play in the present muddy, and possibly cold and/or wet conditions, as well as indoor learning. We encourage spots and the colour yellow to tie in with Pudsey Bear, but this is not a requirement. Donations need to be cash and will be collected in classrooms.

As you may remember from a previous newsletter, myself and Hannah Parish, our Chair of Governors, met with Parish Council representatives to discuss the complaints they have received, and ongoing concerns, about the issues caused by illegal and inconsiderate parking at drop off and pick up times. We were all in agreement that there has been an increase in such parking in recent months, leading to an increase in accidents, near misses and related anti-social behaviour.

During our meeting we discussed and agreed initiatives to try to improve the situation, and the South Cambridgeshire introduction of civil parking enforcement, which will shortly come into force.

As always, I ask you to walk to and from school for the sake of our children and community but if this really isn't possible for you to park legally and considerately of our neighbours, as well as, all pedestrians and other road users.

We will be proactively taking part in National Road Safety week (19th- 25th November) this year to develop our children's understanding of how to stay safe, especially as it has been reported to us that several of the 'near misses' have involved our children and families. From this we will then be undertaking a linked art activity to create signage which will be displayed along areas near to school to remind drivers to help keep our children and community safe when parking.

Additionally, we are investigating the option for reinstating a walking bus, which ran several years ago collecting children from various locations through the village walking them to school and then home again. To support this please can I ask you to complete the very short form which can be accessed here, so we can gather information to support this process.

As you will have noticed, we now have new road markings and signs outside the front of the school which relate to the changes in parking enforcement. SCDC are introducing wardens to patrol villages who can issue fines for illegal parking and speak to drivers about inconsiderate parking. We understand that the wardens are likely to start their patrols within the next few months. This is the extension of a scheme which has already successfully rolled out in Cambridge City.

Hopefully the weather will remain drier, but we know that as November moves on the rain may return, and it is definitely getting colder with the shorter days. Please help the children to remember their coats, gloves and hats to help them stay warm and dry.

Thank you for all your donations to support the RBL poppy appeal. We know that the monies raised support service personnel and families directly, and they are very grateful for all the contributions made. Many of our community will be taking part in Remembrance Day services and parades this Sunday, and we hope the assemblies this week, which have focused on Armistice Day and its meaning, have supported our young people in developing their understanding of the past and the reasons for the events they attend.

In developing our understanding of the convention for the rights of the child, we have come to know that article 38 says we should protect children from war. In honouring those who have given their lives so that we can have a better future, we hope that we, and the generations of the future, will protect all children and strive for peace across the world.

_{Anna-Claire Norden}

_Headteacher