Swavesey Primary School Parent Portal - Newsletter 42 (11.11.2022)

Updates from Mrs Norden

KS2 children this week have been involved in two external events, and they should be proud of how they represented themselves and the school. A huge well done to them all especially for their team work and commitment. You can read more about these in the news articles below.

Today Year 1/2 have had an exciting day in school where history has been brought to life through first-hand experiences, provided by 'History off the Page'. It has been lovely to see the children thoroughly enjoying the return of such events in school, and we look forward to reading more about their day next week.

Next week we will be joining in with national 'Anti-bullying week', the theme of which this year is 'Reach Out'. We will start with our annual 'Odd Sock' day on Monday and invite everyone to wear odd socks to celebrate individuality, supporting an understanding that everyone is different and everyone is equal in a simple but fun way for children. There will be other activities through the week through which we will highlight how important it is to be kind, be a friend and ask for help.

On Friday next week (18th), as you will have seen in the last two newsletters, we will be holding a non-uniform day to raise funds for children who are in need. The children can come in non-uniform for the day, which should be suitable for outdoor play in the present wet and muddy conditions, as well as indoor learning. We encourage spots and yellow to tie in with the children in need Pudsey theme, but this is not a requirement. All donations this year will go to our chosen charity 'Direct Support for Ukraine', who support single parent families in Ukraine, who have children with severe disabilities (cerebral palsy, genetic disorders, mobility issues, sight and hearing loss etc).

Unfortunately, there have been a few matters this week which have caused concern and I ask for your support with these. We have had quite a bit of lateness this week, which has created disruption for classes. Lateness not only causes interruptions for those already teaching and learning, but often leads to anxieties for those who are late. The school day starts at 8.50am, which is when the register is taken. In most classes by 8.55am direct teaching and learning will have begun. At 8.55am children are formally registered as late and must come in through the front entrance to be recorded on the electronic system to assure our safeguarding systems.

Bridget, who does our school crossing, has raised concerns over cars dropping children off on the yellow hazard lines outside school which is a 'clear way zone', and therefore a fineable offence. Not only does this create a danger to those waiting and crossing, but is inconsiderate of all we do to try to support everyone's safety. Please walk to school where possible and if you really need to drive please park safely and walk your child to school.

Additionally, yesterday there were several children waiting for dance lessons last night who were climbing over the school fence into the car park and had to be asked by staff to get down. If you are waiting for access to the premises it is really important to carefully supervise children and ensure that they are being safe. Climbing the fences, and the car park itself, are not safe for the children.

We hope everyone has a restful weekend and we look forward to seeing lots of fabulous 'odd socks' on Monday.

_{Anna-Claire Norden

Headteacher}