A review of last half term

It was good to see how quickly the children settled in to their new classes and got used to the demands of this year's work. Thank you for your support with homework and with encouragement to read regularly and learn spellings and number bonds.

Year 6 went to Holly How in the Lake District for their residential visit and had a wonderful time. The weather was largely kind to them and the children experienced a wide range of activities, some of which were a real challenge to many children and therefore a real source of pride when accomplished.

Year 5 had a visit to the Armley Mills Victorian school room. They all looked great in their Victorian costumes and really enjoyed the "hands on" experience off the day. Not many of them would change classrooms on a permanent basis though!

We were sorry that the heating problem at St John's Church meant that we had to have our harvest service at school. But thank you for your support at the service and for all the gifts that the children brought for St George's Crypt - they were very grateful for them.

It was great to see so many children walking to school on "Walk to School Day"; if only we could have that number walking all the time. Please take note of al the opportunities that Mrs Hodges makes for children to get to school safely.

We were delighted to have our submission for Level 2 of the Healthy Schools Award accepted. This acknowledges all that we do to make school a healthy environment, to give the children the support that they need and to promote healthy eating. We are now actively working towards a level 3 submission.

Just before half term we had a wonderful day when the "Primary Colours" team spent the day with us. Our two visitors worked with each key stage in turn and helped to develop the work of our one world week from last term. The children again saw the diversity in the world in food and cultures and gained some appreciation of how our country is made up of a rich variety of cultures. We hope that the day will have stimulated a lot of work for this half term.

Parent Governor

We are grateful for all the work of Mrs Eileen Greenwood during her term as a parent governor.

The count to elect a new parent governor took place, as advertised, on Monday under the scrutiny of Mr Michael Bowers, an LEA appointed governor. 110 votes were cast - a wonderful show of interest in and support for the school.

As a result of that election Mrs Julia Thompson will serve as a parent governor for the next 4 years.

A Note From Mrs Davies

As a number of you have already heard, this will be my last year as headteacher of Roundhay St John's. I will leave next July after nine challenging and rewarding years at the school. The governors have already begun the process of seeking a successor and will be willing to answer any questions that you may have about the process at their annual meeting with parents on Thursday 25 November.

In the meantime there is still much to do to support the work of all the children and the further development of the school and I will continue to give of my best in the interests of the school throughout this school year.

School Photographs
Any orders for school photographs should be returned by this Friday - 5 November. Please note that school does not handle any money or keep any record of orders placed or additional proofs; we are merely a handling agent for the photographers.

Parent Consultations

We look forward to seeing you at one of our Parent Consultation evenings next week. Please return your slip to school as soon as possible to give your time preferences.

Lunchtime Staff

We are still one member of staff short for supervising the children at lunch time. Despite advertising the post we have been unable to fill it. Clearly it is
important that we always have enough staff to give adequate supervision. Please contact Mrs Davies if you know somebody who would like to take on this role or if you are interested yourself. As you know, everybody who works in school in any role has to have a full criminal vetting to ensure the well-being of all our children.

Book Fair

Our Book Fair is on Thursday for one day only. Please take full advantage of having a wide range of books available on your doorstep.

Safety in school

We had some difficulties last half term with children wanting to do gymnastics with earrings in. Please note that small studs only should be worn at school. Children may not be able to do any PE or even use the playground if their jewellery appears to be a safety hazard.

Prayer Group

Please support the parents who regularly attend the Prayer Group in their shoebox appeal. If you have lost the letter or leaflet, there are spares in the school entrance. They would very much like you to bring your contributions on Thursday 11 November either before or after school to the group room.

The members of the prayer group would welcome any other parents who would like to join them. They next meet on Thursday 18 November at 1.45pm at Jill Maffey's house - 17 St Margaret's View. Please ring Julia on 2402036 for more information.

Parent Consultations

We look forward to seeing you at one of our Parent Consultation evenings next week. Please return your slip to school as soon as possible to give your time preferences.

White Rose Soccer

Monday evening soccer training continues with the last session before the winter being on Monday 29 November. As a second coach now comes, there are a few more places if anyone would like to join the group. The cost would be £6.00 for the remaining 4 sessions.

Park and Stride

Our new Park and Stride scheme starts on Wednesday 10 November. Please look out for more details in the next few days.

Christmas Presentation

Throughout this half term all the children will be working on some form of Christmas presentation. They will share this with parents on the following dates:

Foundation Stage Monday 13 Dec at 2.00pm
Tuesday 14 Dec at 10.00am

Key Stage 1 Thursday 9 Dec at 2.00pm
Friday 10 Dec at 2.00pm

Key Stage 2 Tuesday 7 Dec at 7.00pm
Wednesday 8 Dec at 2.00pm
Thursday 9 Dec at 7.00pm

Details about tickets will be given nearer the time.

School Attendance

We have been delighted with the attendance figures so far this term. Last school year, for the first time, we achieved our attendance target, getting a 95.9% attendance against a target of 94.97%. (The target is given to us by the local authority.) Our reward for this was a higher target this year!! We are now asked to achieve over 96% attendance for 2004-2005. Each Friday we announce attendance figures for the previous week and present the cup to the winning class. Last half term year 6 achieved 100% attendance for 4 weeks - what a wonderful start to their final year at primary school.