If you’re reading this you’ll have gathered that the web-site has yet to be connected. This is due to a delay from South West Grid for Learning for reasons of which we are uncertain. Our web- site provider is now talking directly with them so hopefully it’ll be resolved over the half term break.

2 FSS CANOPY CLEAR OUT SALE!

Please can you start rummaging in your cupboards for good quality, second hand uniform and sports kit, to donate to FSS for a fundraising sale under the Oak Class Canopy!

We’re looking for a wide range of donations; Taekwondo kit, hockey sticks, football boots, trainers, daps, school PE kit, wellies, Brownie and Cub/Scout uniforms, even ballet clothes!  Please bring donations to school AFTER HALF TERM.  The sale takes place on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd March at 3.10pm.

If you’d like to know what FSS is spending its funds on, you’ll shortly be able to look us up on the fabulous new school website under the heading ‘Community’.

3 MALMESBURY LIBRARY PYJAMA PARTY

Malmesbury Library will be holding a pyjama party on Friday 17 February 2012 from 6 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. If you wish to join them for slumber time stories, rhymes and a snack, dress in your pyjamas and don’t forget teddy! Suitable for 3–7 year olds. Book your place at the library. Tel: (01666) 823611.

4 ESSENTIAL SKILLS COACHING FOOTBALL

Click the link below for an application form for the holiday sessions.

 ESCUK_February12

5 MALMESBURY SKATE

It’s on 15th – 17th Feb you can book at http://malmesburyabbey.info/

There are skate/scooter sessions, face painting and a family festival in the mornings with older children skating in the afternoons. A Street Art Workshop Wednesday afternoon and Dance workshops Thursday and Friday. Live Music at 7pm Wed and Thurs and 1.30pm Friday with local talented young people from MalmesburySchool; plus cafe and answers to your questions on life the universe or anything email skate@malmesburyabbey.com

6 BALLET SUCCESS

Today in assembly we were treated to a fantastic performance by Lucy in year 6. Lucy has already danced on the stage at Sadler’s Wells. In December she took part in the Genee Dance Challenge inLeeds. After two days’ instruction she took part in a competition on the final day and came first in her class. She has now been invited to attend a Masterclass at the Royal Academy of Dance inLondonwhich will be held in March.

7 MOBILE PHONES

We have had two instances of mobiles being brought into school recently. Mobile phones are not permitted in school, however if there is an urgent reason for a child to need a phone for after school please leave it at the office in the morning with a covering note so that they can be picked up at the end of the day. 

8 CAR PARKING

Please be aware that there are a limited number of vehicles permitted to be in school at the beginning and end of the school day. We also occasionally have deliveries occurring at these times. Whilst the area is now much safer for children I am concerned that a few have strayed onto the roadway, sometimes on scooters and particularly at the end of the school day. In some cases they may not always realise the potential danger of this action.

Events Calendar 

*** More details to follow

Teacher Development Days

All dates are now finalised

Thank you to all who were able to spare a few minutes to view the new web-site

We expect to go live during the next week and for this to be the last newsletter issued in the current format. We will send a paper note to all parents once we know the changeover date in order to check on parents who do not have an internet connection so that we can make provision for them.

 2 AMY POINTER’S SWIM

Congratulations must go to Amy for completing her swim last Sunday.  We do not know the final amount she raised yet but she has exceeded her £750 goal.  WELL DONE!!

 3 SCHOOL LUNCH THEME DAY – TUESDAY 7^TH FEBRUARY

We regret the Kenya Theme Day has had to be cancelled. Please refer to your paper copy of the normal menu or click on the link on the right-hand side of this page to see the options available. Your child will still be able to claim a Kenya sticker for their Olympics chart.

4 A BIG GREEN ADVENTURE

There are some spare tickets available for the Wednesday afternoon performance of the Year 3/Year 4 production. Please let the office know if you would like to purchase any extras 9first come, first served basis). There are no tickets available for Thursday.

 5 BAKER BOOKS

Your child will have brought home a Baker Books catalogue this week.  If you wish to place an order, please return it to the office with your payment by 

Events Calendar

*** More details to follow

Teacher Development Days

All dates are now finalised

 1 WEB SITE LATEST – Launch Thursday 2^nd February

REMINDER!!

There has been much work behind the scenes populating our new web-site.

 We would like to invite all parents to its official launch on Thursday 2^nd February at 2:30pm in the hall. This will give you the opportunity to see the site and experience the many new facilities it has to offer both for you and your family. We are all convinced that after a short introduction the site will be really easy to use. I do hope many of you will be able to attend.

 We anticipate the new site will replace the existing one during the following week and next week’s newsletter is likely to be the last to appear at the current location. A new interactive calendar will replace the listing shown below each newsletter.

 2 AMY POINTER’S SWIM

Classmates and some of the older children will already be aware that our Y6 pupil, Amy Pointer, is currently undertaking an impressive sponsored challenge.

 Amy is swimming 1455 lengths of Malmesbury pool (this is 23 miles, the entire length of Loch Ness) for Help for Heroes as her brother has recently been deployed toAfghanistan.

 Now on the home stretch with just a few more pre-school day swims to go, Amy is scheduled to complete her challenge at a special session at The Activity Zone, Malmesbury, on Sunday 29^th January between 1.00 and 2.00pm. Swimming in her own lane, Amy will be attempting her final mile in a single session.  

 The Western Daily Press and Wiltshire Gazette and Herald will be there to cover her big finish and it is also hoped there will be an ITV news team at the pool. Amy’s father has recently confirmed that Olympic Medallist Duncan Goodhew will also be appearing as a special guest.

 Spectators from School are very welcome to come and watch and cheer her on!

 Amy has raised a whopping £530 so far, and with your support stands a fighting chance of reaching her new goal £750!!  If you feel you would like to make a donation to Amy’s chosen cause then follow the link below.

 http://www.justgiving.com/amysheroes

 3 TRAMPOLINING

Congratulations to Lauren Vincent who took part in the SW Trampoline Grading for U13 atBathlast week. It involved performing a routine in front of an audience numbering over 400! Well done!

 4 AUSTRALIA DAY

Children had a great day finding about our cousins down-under and enjoying some of the food and fruit that they enjoy. Many thanks to Niki and Andy Walden who organised a specialForestSchools afternoon for the Reception children and gave them the opportunity to cook damper on an open fire and also to our caterer abm who organised taster sessions for the KS2 children.

 5 HEAD LICE

A general plea to all parents to check children’s hair during the weekend. We are aware of a small number of children from all ages have experienced unwanted friends on their heads.

 6 Friends of Sherston School – A Reminder!

This year we are planning to organise Family Olympic Fun Day on Saturday 19th May. 

We would really like some volunteers to help us plan and run this event, and that mean you!  Dads, especially the sporty ones (you know who you are!) we need you to get involved!

We are having an initial planning meeting at 8pm on Wednesday 1st Feb at The Rattlebone. All parents are welcome, we’d really like to see some new faces, so come on down and help your children get into the Olympic Spirit. Look forward to seeing you!

Events Calendar

*** More details to follow

Teacher Development Days

All dates are now finalised

There has been much work behind the scenes populating our new web-site.

 We would like to invite all parents to its official launch on Thursday 2^nd February at 2:30pm in the hall. This will give you the opportunity to see the site and experience the many new facilities it has to offer both for you and your family. We are all convinced that after a short introduction the site will be really easy to use. I do hope many of you will be able to attend.

 2 AUSTRALIA DAY Thurs Jan 26^th – Bring a bush/sun hat for dinner!

January 26^th is Australia Day and as part of the Olympic countries themed meals we will be celebrating the day with an Australian style dinner.

We will be encouraging all children to sport a bush or sun hat for the day (despite the weather!) and to wear it for their meal.

 abm, our catering company, will be organising Bush Tucker Trials in the KS2 classes.

 Oak class will have the chance to make damper Forest Schools style (outside) with Niki Walden during the afternoon. We can’t guarantee Australian weather so the usual warm and/or wet-weather gear will be necessary.

 We hope to send some photos of the day to our friends inAustralia

 3 OBOE AVAILABLE!

Mrs Williams our woodwind teacher tells me there is a spare county oboe desperately needing a player! If your child is Y3 or above and would be interested in taking up this opportunity do contact me.

 4 MALMESBURY ABBEY SKATE (AND SCOOTERS!)2012

If your child might be interested in taking part in this event click on the link below:

http://malmesburyabbey.info/malmesbury-abbey-skate-2012/

 5 PLEA TO DOG OWNERS

Thank you for using the dog park (!) and not bringing your dog onto school premises. However I am aware that a few of our younger children have been startled by dogs which are a bit boisterous when tied up and left. Please be aware of this when you leave your dog and if necessary stay with it or consider alternative arrangements.

Events Calendar 

*** More details to follow

Teacher Development Days

All dates are now finalised

Once again we are very grateful to the Open the Book team made up of members of the village churches for leading our collective worship on Monday mornings.

They will be following the timetable detailed below. Page references to the Children’s Bible are listed to enable parents to follow-up the stories with their children at home.

2 FOR BUDDING ASTRONOMERS!

BBC Stargazing Live Event  on Wednesday 18^th January 2012 (4.30 – 9.30pm) at Lacock, nr Chippenham.

How many stars are in the sky? Is space really the final frontier? Can you photograph the night sky with a mobile phone?

If you’ve been spellbound by TV astronomers like Professor Brian Cox, then join us for a BBC Stargazing Live Event at Lacock on Wednesday 18th January.

The National Trust is playing host to this BBC event with a host of free family activities taking place between 4.30pm and 9.30pm.

Explore the skies with astronomy and photography talks, telescope demonstrations and a mobile planetarium with venues including the Tithe Barn, the village hall and St Cyriac’s church.

Guest speakers include Nick Howes (European Space Agency writer and science broadcaster), Dr Helen Walker who will be discussing if other earth like planets exist and Mark Brake & Jon Chase will be taking a different look at the Solar System using fruit and toilet rolls!

Our star storytellers – Jim and Bea – will be using the night sky as their backdrop as they pick out seasonal constellations, like Orion the Hunter and take you back to the time of the ancient Greeks. But it won’t just be about storytelling, much of our understanding of Physics comes from studying the stars – from black holes to time travel, supernovas to the big bang – many of the answers have come from our night sky.

This is your chance to join us at the Stargazing Live Discovery Night to find how and why the night sky and the stars above us are so important.

There’s live coverage on BBC Wiltshire. Please wear warm clothing, sturdy footwear and bring a torch if you have one. Parking is available in the National Trust car park. Refreshments will be available to purchase from the Stable Tearooms.

3 CHESS SUCCESS

Congratulations to Emily Vaughan who has been selected to represent Wiltshire in their U11 team.

4 WEB SITE UPDATE

The framework for our new web-site has been released and sections are now being populated. We hope to launch the new site before half term with a familiarity session for parents just before the end of the school day and opportunities for children to visit the site during their IT sessions. The date should be finalised by next week.

5 AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS

Forest Schools

There will be Thursday sessions on offer during this term and both Tuesday and Thursday sessions have a limited number of vacant sessions.

Latin

Due to a more advanced group meeting before school on Thursdays there are a few vacant spaces for any beginners wanting to explore Roman life and speak like a Roman!

6 FRIENDS OF SHERSTON SCHOOL

This year we are organising a Family Olympic Fun Day on Saturday 19th May. 

We would really like some volunteers to help us plan and run this event, and that means you!  Dads, especially the sporty ones (you know who you are!), we need you to get involved!

We are having an initial planning meeting at 8pm on Wednesday 1st Feb at The Rattlebone. All parents are welcome, we’d really like to see some new faces, so come on down and help your children get into the Olympic Spirit. Look forward to seeing you!

Events Calendar 

*** More details to follow

Teacher Development Days

All dates are now finalised

Welcome back to the new Spring Term!

I do hope all of us were able to find some time to recharge the batteries over the Christmas break!

We welcome Tim Iliffe-Moon who joined us this week

1 AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS – Spring Term

Most clubs start next week.

A note detailing all clubs and a return form will be distributed to all pupils in Years 1 to 6 today.  There are currently no clubs for Reception children.

2 PUFFIN BOOK CLUB

Your child should bring home a Puffin Book Club catalogue today.  You may order on line at  www.puffinbookclub.co.uk  (click on the Online group ordering box for instructions) or by sending your order in to school.  Please quote our Club Account Number 7915541.  Cheques should be made payable to Puffin Book Club. The last date for orders is Wednesday 25^th January.

3 SALVATION ARMY COLLECTION

Sycamore class would like to thank all the parents who came to watch the Christmas service on the last Friday of term and who donated money; we raised a huge amount which went to the Salvation Army. They used the money to buy a Christmas dinner for forty five homeless and elderly people, who would otherwise be lonely at Christmas time. Captain Lisa Goble said that they all had ‘a thoroughly enjoyable day’.

The class is very grateful for all your kindness and generosity, and we would finally like to thank Mrs. Preston for all the hard work she put into the Christmas service and for helping us to understand the real meaning of Christmas.

4 HEAD LICE

It has been reported that head lice were found in children’s hair at the end of last term. Could you please check and if necessary treat your child’s hair.  Thank you.

5 CHESS SUCCESS

Congratulations to Sam Watling who retained the School Chess Cup for the third year. He is only the second person to achieve this in 19 years! Next year will have a new name on the cup! This term the Chess Club will take part in the UK Schools Chess Challenge.

6 SCHOOL DINNERS

It seems some of you did not receive the copy of this term’s menu which was sent out in the final week of last term.  The menu is now available to view on the school newsletter website, the catering blog and on the parent’s noticeboard by the bike shed so please refer to these if yours has gone missing.

We have been asked to remind you that all lunch requests and money should be sent in on a Monday morning. This facilitates the ordering of provisions and ensures that all monies are ready for collection on the appropriate day. Please remember the cost of a meal is £2.20! 

Events Calendar 

*** More details to follow

Teacher Development Days

All dates are now finalised

 1 AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS – Spring Term

Details of Fencing/Tennis clubs have been circulated – see item 7.

There will be no after-school clubs during the first week of term.

A note with full details of clubs will be circulated soon after our return in January

2 WEBSITE

The final design for the new-look website has been approved and over the Christmas Break the web-designers will be completing their work. We expect this to be back with us for early January. We will then need a couple of weeks to populate the site before we launch it with an event for parents and children sometime before the end of the month. Watch this space for the launch date!

3 MUSIC TUITION

Music lessons for next term will start on the following dates:

4 WELLIES

We always try to ensure all children have some time outside during playtimes. On some occasions particularly at this time of the year children have to stay in even though it’s not raining because the playground is too wet for normal day shoes. We have supplied wellie racks in all classes so we can accommodate wellies brought in for this purpose. Do make use of them during snowy weather!

 5 ROTARY CLUB SLEIGH

The Rotary Club will be bringing their sleigh through the village tonight (weather permitting) between 6.00 and 8.00pm.

 6 CAR PARKING

We make no apology for having to mention this subject yet again but we did witness unauthorised drivers opening the gate and driving in to school on Tuesday this week.  We appreciate the weather was very inclement and made for uncomfortable walking but the decision not to allow vehicles onto the premises at drop off and pick up times was made in the interest of safety of your children in mind. This reasoning has not changed and the behaviour of some has not encouraged us to reverse this decision.

 7 FENCING AND TENNIS CLUBS

Letters have been sent out to parents of those children we believe might be interested in taking part in the Fencing and Tennis Clubs next term.  If you have not received a paper copy and think your child would like to join please use the links below:

 Fencing Jan to Mar 2012

Tennis Jan – Feb 2012

 8 ROOF REPAIRS

We expect to have builders from Daylan Gleed in school for the first two days of the holiday. They will be replacing the lead with a less attractive man-made substitute which is just as expensive as lead. Additional time is also needed to make good the building fabric from which the lead was wrenched. As there is the possibility of a repeat visit we will be leaving the school lights on during this period but if you see any suspicious activity around the school please do report it to the Police by telephoning 101.

 9 EXTENDED SCHOOLS

Malmesbury extended schools are offering the opportunity to learn basic craft skills and provide inspiration to recycle, upcycle and make and mend. The following classes are on offer:

Learn to knit: Thursday 2^nd February 9.30-11.30am

Learn to crochet: Thursday 9^th February 9.30-11.30am

At “The Bungalow”, Malmesbury School

£15 per session – booking essential

For more information and to reserve your place please contact Janice on 07805 062164 or janicebotterill@btinternet.com If you can’t make these times or dates but want to learn a new craft, call or email to find out about individual and group tuition and at-home craft parties. Gift vouchers also available.

 10 A BIG THANK YOU

A big thank you to all who have performed in the wide range of concerts and assemblies during this period and to those of you who have supported them by supplying costumes, helping back stage and practising at home. I really enjoyed the Infant Pirate Extravaganza (!), a Y3 concert of violins and recorders and a recital featuring all our guitar players. Today we were treated to a very thought provoking assembly led by Sycamore Class and in the process they raised a fantastic £182.31 for the Salvation Army in Chippenham who provide care over Christmas for the homeless and elderly who will be alone over the holiday. Finally even our parents (and ex-parents) got in the act with a super Christmas Selection Box Evening enjoyed by a packed house last Thursday.

Once again another quiet Christmas at Sherston and I haven’t mentioned the Story Box Theatre, Discos………….!

Events Calendar

*** More details to follow

Teacher Development Days

All dates are now finalised

 We have a number of events taking place during the final week of term.

 Carol Singing – Monday (5:30pm)

We hope to sing carols around the village on Monday 12^th December. This will be in aid of the Salvation Army’s work with the homeless. If you would like to come, please be in school for 5:30pm. Please bring a torch; warm clothes and reflective items are really useful also. We hope to visit the High Street,Cliff Road and Anthony’s Close. We expect to be finished before 7pm.

 Story Box Theatre – Tuesday (9:30am)

Once again we welcome Rod Burnett and the Story Box Theatre. This year’s performance will be the tale of The Pea, The Bean and The Enormous Turnip. Once again parents are welcome to attend.

We are very grateful to the FSS for funding this event

 Violins & Recorders (Y3) (11.00am)

Beech class will be giving a short concert featuring violin and recorder groups.

 Guitar Concert – Wednesday (2:30pm)

A short concert featuring pupils who have guitar lessons with Mrs Bisgrove.

Parents who have children performing are most welcome to attend

 Christmas Dinner – Thursday

Please note the closing date for meal orders has now passed

 Christmas Disco – Thursday

There will be two fab discos in the main hall.  Infants 5.30-6.30 Juniors 6.45-7.45. Party clothes at the ready!

 Christmas Service – Friday (10.00am)

Led by our Y6 this will take place in the School Hall. Parents are welcome to attend

 2 STACKPOLE 2012

Advance warning that our visit to Stackpole for the current Y5 class will be from Monday September 3^rd to Friday 7^th September 2012. Please note that this will start on the first day of the Autumn Term.

 3 BRAESIDE RESIDENTIAL (Y3)

Thank you for the large number of positive offers of help regarding transport to Devizes. This is a great help in keeping the cost of the residential visit down. We hope to be able to provide parents in Beech class with actual costs next week.

 4 MUSIC SUCCESS

Congratulations to Amy Peevers who has passed her Grade 1 Piano with ‘Distinction’.

 5 ROTARY CLUB SLEIGH

The Rotary Club will be bringing their sleigh through the village (subject to the weather) on Friday 16^th December between 6.00 and 8.00pm.

 6 CAR PARKING

We have received a further complaint from a member of the public about the inconsiderate parking by members of the school community.  Please do not to park on the corner of the junctions withGreen LaneandSopworth Roadas this causes severe visibility problems for drivers trying to enter and exit these roads. Can I also ask parents not to park inButler’s Close as residents recently have had difficulty in accessing their drives. Thank you in anticipation of your co-operation over these matters.

 7 CHRISTMAS CRACKER EVENING

A big thank-you to all who were involved in another really successful evening! It was great to be able to forget my long-suffering cold for an hour and have a good laugh. I do appreciate the time and effort put in by so many and as always it was good to see parents of past-pupils and for the first time past-pupils coming back to support us in this event.

 8 THEFT OF LEAD

You may be aware that the school was the victim of a serious theft of lead from our roof probably over last weekend. Other thefts in the area took place at a similar time. We are awaiting the visit of a surveyor but we expect to have a non-lead replacement. Naturally we have insurance, however we are uncertain as to how much of the cost will have to be borne from our own school budget. If you did see any suspicious activity over the weekend please report it to the police using their phone line 101.

 Events Calendar

*** More details to follow

 Teacher Development Days

All dates are now finalised

Tuesday 3^rd January 2012

Monday 12^th March 2012

Monday 11^th June 2012

Friday 29^th June 2012

Monday 23^rd July 2012

Many of you will have noticed we have not been closing the gates recently trusting that parents will observe our request not to bring their vehicles in to the school grounds at drop off and pick up times.  We have been disappointed to note that some are abusing this trust.  Please may we remind you that only authorised vehicles are permitted on site at these times, all other vehicles should be parked in the local vicinity.  Thank you.

 2 INFANT CHRISTMAS PRODUCTION – CHANGE OF TIME TO 1.45PM

The performance of ‘Captain Christmas’ is unfortunately taking longer than was first anticipated. For this reason we have had to change the start time to 1.45pm.  We hope this will not cause too much inconvenience to those of you who have to arrange time off work.

 3 CLUBS

The following clubs will meet next week:

All other clubs have finished for this term.

Only Monday Choir, Fencing and Latin will meet in the final week of term.

 5 FOREST SCHOOLS CHRISTMAS SESSIONS

The KS1 session (Saturday 10^th December) is fully booked.

There are still 3 places left for the KS2 event to be held on Tuesday 20^th December.

Please contact Niki Waldon via the office if you wish to book a place.

 5 CAROL SINGING

We hope to sing carols around the village on Monday 12^th December. This will be in aid of the Salvation Army’s work with the homeless. If you would like to come, please be in school for 5:30pm. Please bring a torch, warm clothes and reflective items are really useful. We hope to visit the High Street,Cliff Road and Anthony’s Close. We expect to be finished before 7pm.

 6 CHRISTMAS CRICKET CAMP – Westonbirt School 19^th – 21^st December

Details of a cricket camp for 8 years and over can be found in Reception

 7 CATERING NEWS

Don’t forget to send in your slips and payment for the school Christmas Lunch by Monday 5th December. The lunch will be on Thursday 15th December. Also, a reminder that there will be two special menus next week – first there is an Indian Theme Day menu on Tuesday 6th December, and the Design a Lunch winners menu will replace the usual choices on Thursday 8th December. Full details of menus are available on the school dinners blog and noticeboards at school.

 8 FSS NEWS

 Christmas Selection Box Evening – Thursday 8th December 6.30pm

This is a fantastic evening of festive entertainment and fun for all the family, put on by parents and friends of the school.  Tickets will be on sale at the Christmas Fair and at the school by the scooter rack next week.  Make sure you get yours as it’s always a sellout!  All children need to have an adult with them; please bring a cushion for comfy floor sitting.

 Christmas Disco’s – Thursday 15th December

There will be two fab discos in the main hall.  Infants 5.30-6.30 Juniors 6.45-7.45. Party clothes at the ready!

Events Calendar 

***  More details to follow

Teacher Development Days

All dates are now finalised

Tuesday 3^rd January 2012

Monday 12^th March 2012

Monday 11^th June 2012

Friday 29^th June 2012

Monday 23^rd July 2012

It does appear that negotiations between the government and public sector unions/organisations have failed to avert the threat of strike action next Wednesday.

We are not able for legal reasons to ask staff about their intentions until 48 hours before potential action. I am therefore unable to give you any concrete details until Monday when I will send out a note to all families. In the meantime I will repeat my advice given over the last fortnight that parents should seek to organise alternative childcare arrangements to cover the possibility that their child’s class will not operate on Wednesday.

At this stage the only definite information is

 Beech class (Y3) will operate as normal.

School Dinners will be available for children who are in school

Further to previous information guitar lessons will now take place on Thursday 1^st December

Fencing lessons will run at the normal times on Wednesday

A further update will be distributed on Monday

 2 BIRD CAM

I am told the link does work!

You should be able to access the web cam through

           http://webcam.sherston.wilts.sch.uk

 You will then be asked for a user name and password. These are

          birdwatch   and     nest

 3 NEW STYLE WEBSITE

Further to our report last week our first draft for the new website was sent off yesterday and we hope that the new site will be up and running early in the new year.

 4 HALL PROJECTOR

On Tuesday the new projector and screen were installed in the hall. This will be a great asset for assemblies and presentations. We are very grateful to the FSS for their financial support which has enabled this impressive resource to be provided in school.

 5 AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS

The following clubs finished this week

          Netball

          Football

          Art for the current group (Group 2)

 There will be no chess or art club on Friday 2^nd December as the Christmas Fair is held that afternoon. The final chess club will be held on Friday 9^th December.  Art club will also be held on 9^th December but for Group 1 only.

 6 MORRISONS TOKENS

This offer has now closed and we are unable to accept any further tokens. Your collection totals nearly 2000 which we can use to augment our gardening tools. Many thanks!

 7 FSS NEWS

Christmas Cards and gifts featuring your child’s artwork are ready to order NOW!

There are two ways of ordering – if you’re in a rush it’s best to order online. Go to www.my-fundraising-project-co.uk Put in the ID code which has come home on the sample card in your child’s book bag. Then you’re away. You’ll be able to buy cards, thank you cards, and all kinds of Christmas gifts featuring their design, £1 per gift goes to school, £1.25 per pack of cards, but you will have to pay postage.  OR you can order just the Christmas cards via school, at £6.50 for a pack of 10, £1.50 of which goes to school.  You just fill in the form on the sample card and return it with your cheque made out to ‘Friends of Sherston School’, no later than Monday 28^th November. Please put in the allocated box by the office.  These orders will come back to school, it doesn’t cost you or school any postage, but it can take up to a week, that’s why there’s a tight turnaround on school orders. Please help us make the most of this fundraising opportunity! Many thanks, Friends of Sherston School

Christmas Fair is on Friday 2nd December

The FSS School Christmas Fair is just around the corner and one of the popular features is the Secrets Room, where the children choose and wrap presents for parents and keep it a secret!  So we need your donations now!  Please donate quality new items for gifts suitable for Mums and Dads such as chocolates, candle, costume jewellery, Dad gadgets, bottles of wine.  Please put them in the box which will be next to the scooter rack all next week.  Any last minute tombola goodies are most welcome too!  You will also soon be receiving cake plates, and we’d be very grateful if you could return them with cakes or cookies, (big or small) in time for us to sell at the Fair on Friday. Thanks for your support, we look forward to seeing you there! 

8 DESIGN A MENU COMPETITION WINNERS

We’re delighted to announce that Milly Harvey (Chestnut Class) and Olivia Ascough (Ash Class) were chosen by abm as the winners of their recent Design a Menu competition. Milly’s tasty Meatball and Pasta main course (M) followed by Olivia’s Chocolate Fudge Cake and Ice Cream will be available to everyone to sample on Thursday 8th December, and will replace the usual choices for that day. The vegetarian option will be Jacket Potato with Beans and Cheese (V). Details of the menu are available on the noticeboard at school and will be posted on the School Dinners Blog.  

Olivia and Milly will be invited in to the kitchen to help Pam prepare the dishes for that day. Well done to Milly and Olivia and thank you to the other pupils who entered the competition. 

Christmas Lunch Menu

This year the Christmas Lunch will be on Thursday 15th December. The menu choices have been sent home in book bags today. Please complete the tear off slip, indicating your child’s choices for the meal, and return the slip along with payment (£2.20 per meal) to the school by Monday 5th December. Please enclose the correct amount in cash or make cheques payable to Abm Catering Ltd. Abm are offering a festive choice ofTurkeywith all the trimmings or Quorn fillet with vegetables and roasties, followed by Christmas Pud or Jelly & Ice Cream.

9 SAFETY IN THE HIGH STREET!

As you are probably aware the Post Office has now moved to the old school building. Having spent over twelve years in that building I am fully aware of the potential road safety issues around its entrance! Please take care with your children as drivers do use the area outside the doorway to pull in, sometimes at speed, and also be aware that the crossing point opposite the school is often covered by parked cars.

I am aware that some improvements to the pavements in the area are planned but this may take a year or more to complete.

10 ADVENT FLYER

Saturday 26^th November

Church of the Holy Cross Sherston

10am – 12 Midday

A family journey to Bethlehem

Stories, craft, refreshments and quiet time

Fun for all ages from 3 – 93. No charge but please let Becky know if you will be coming – there will be room!

Becky Fisher

Phone 07974 030212

Email Becky.fisher@deanery.org.uk

11 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION POPPY APPEAL

The school raised £115.65 for the above appeal.

12 CHILDREN IN NEED

Mrs Walker would like to thank all who contributed to the massive total of £350.39. She would like reassure all that both hers and Mrs Clark’s feet have fully recovered from their ‘barefeet day’ which included a walk down to the collection centre with the OCC Shoeboxes!

I would like to add that we have all been immensely impressed with the generosity of the School Community in the last few weeks. If one tries to put a value on the shoeboxes (not easy!) our fund-raising for the four charities must have exceeded £1000, a massive sum for a school of our size. Thank you once again for your generosity.

13 HIGH FIVES NETBALL

Congratulations to our all-girl team who came 8^th in the recent High-Five Netball Festival held at Malmesbury

14 ESC UK FOOTBALL FUN WEEK

Follow the link below for details and application form.

 ESCUK_Xmas11

Events Calendar 

Teacher Development Days

There are no teacher development days planned for the Autumn term.

All dates are now finalised

Tuesday 3^rd January 2012

Monday 12^th March 2012

Monday 11^th June 2012

Friday 29^th June 2012

Monday 23^rd July 2012