October 2005
A Fond Farewell
I’m sure parents and children will join me in wishing Lynda Barnes a well deserved long and happy retirement.. She has given distinguished service to the children of the school for many many years as both crossing patrol and as midday supervisor. Thank you Lynda, we wish you well.
South Asian Earthquake
As you know, the Pakistan and Kashmir region have suffered their worst earthquake. We have all seen the tragic pictures on television and in the newspapers. We understand that about 30,000 people have died and many may still be trapped in the rubble, which is scattered over thousands of miles. It is particularly sad that a number of schools have been destroyed with massive loss of children’s lives.
We are sure that many people in our school community would like to help. School has decided to donate our accumulated lost property as there is great need of wearable clothing.
Additionally, and in the spirit of Ramadan, we are suggesting that children, teachers and parents forego their usual mid morning snack on Wednesday 19th October and instead contribute what such a snack might have cost to the relief fund. Teachers will collect contributions on that day.
We thank you for any support that you can give.
Our thoughts and best wishes go to our families who are affected by this tragedy and are concerned about their friends and family in Pakistan.
Issues Related to Attendance
Every year schools are expected to set targets for attendance. Last year Hunter’s Bar Junior School met the target with 95.3% attendance. Thank you for your support. I know parents and carers are keen for children to attend school because, as you can see, attendance is good. In the small number of cases where we have concerns we always discuss this with parents/carers.
For your information I need to bring changes in the law and policy developments to your attention:
1) The new Anti-Social Behaviour Act means that Penalty Notices can be issued for pupils with a level of unauthorised absences from school and parents / carers may be subject to a fine. This will be issued by post after a warning and cases of absence without acceptable cause.
Support and guidance on attendance is always available and if you have any questions about this or if you need any help to achieve an improvement then please contact us to discuss the situation.
Advice and support can also be made available through the Attendance and Inclusion Service by contacting 273 5701
2) Holidays in Term Time: there is perhaps a perception that pupils are allowed 10 days holiday from school each year. However the government’s position regarding term time leave is that “under exceptional circumstances the Headteacher may consider giving permission for a child to be absent from school for a maximum of 10 days in any one school year.”
Thank you to all parents who complete a holiday request form in advance of a term time holiday. Please continue to do so, with as much notice as possible. I understand that it is not always easy for parents/carers to get time off during school holiday time and in most cases this leave is authorised.
Term time leave will not be authorised if:
· The pupil is due to take an examination during the period of the leave of absence.
· The pupil has an attendance record below 90%, with at least 20% of the absence being unauthorised.
· The holiday period is requested during the first two weeks in September.
If you wish to see more details of the above policies they are available to read at the school office.
School holiday dates for 2006 / 7 are available at:
www.sheffield.gov.uk/education/our-schools/terms-and-holidays/2006-2007
Activities for after School
Allegra Hollbrook contacted me to draw attention to her classes over at Ecclesall. They offer a number of activities, details and prices of which can be found on the website; www.clubs4children.org
Also...if you are interested in Creative Dance, contact Charlie on 0771 357 2028 or charlie@e-dance.net …They have classes for different ages on Thursdays and Fridays and workshops are run on a drop in basis. £2.50 per child, additional younger siblings £1:00.
Visit the
