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NEWSLETTER Sep 2004

September, 2004

Dear Parents

Welcome back to the start of the new academic year. I hope you all enjoyed the break. A warm welcome to those families for whom this if their first link with Hawkes Farm.

1 BUILDING WORK
Work on the new entrance is near to completion. We have a larger entrance area and office, new disabled toilet and ladies toilets. Thanks you for your support last term when the entrance area was not accessible.

2 CLASS ORGANISATION
We have the following organisation this year. We are full in Key Stage 1 with 30 children in each class.

Teachers Year TAs

Mrs Gent Rec. Mrs Curran
Mrs Oates/Palframan Rec. Mrs Long
Miss Thomas Yr 1 Mrs Windless
Mrs Vickers/Nash Yr 1 Mrs Moss
Miss Hines Yr 2 Mrs Russell
Mrs Burbidge Yr 2 Mrs Baldwin
Miss McBride Yr 3 Mrs Wood
Mrs Harley Yr 3 Mrs Axell
Miss McRae/Stockdale Yr 4 Mrs Townsend
Miss Graves Yr 4 Mrs Donaldson
Mrs Sullivan Yr 5 Mrs Bedford/Stockham
Miss Bond Yr 5 Mrs Claydon
Mr Lowe Yr 6 Mrs Pearce
Miss Carver Yr 6
Mr Thorn Deputy Headteacher
Miss Porter Music Teacher
Mrs Round Year 6 teacher
Mrs van Dijkhuizen Special Needs – KS1
Mrs Sweatman Special Needs – KS2

3 GOOD NEWS
I am delighted to let you that that Mrs Palframan had a little girl “Bella” during the summer holidays. She hopes to return from maternity leave after Christmas. Congratulations go to Mrs Sullivan (Miss Jones), and Mrs Harley who got married during the holidays.

4 RESULTS
The test results for last years Year 2 and Year 6 can now be shared with you. The results for Year 6 still need validating by the DfES which will be late autumn. However, we can give you the following information.

Results for 7 year olds:

In Reading 88% achieved level 2 or above, with 28% achieving level 3.
In Writing 84% achieved level 2 or above, with 12% achieving level 3.
In Maths 93% achieved level 2 or above, with 28% achieving level 3.
(level 3 is the standard broadly expected for most 9 year olds)

Results for 11 year olds:

In English 95% achieved level 4 or above, with 36% achieving level 5.
In Maths 79% achieved level 4 or above, with 30% achieving level 5.
In Science 95% achieved level 4 or above, with 56% achieving level 5.
(level 5 is the standard broadly expected for most 13 year olds)

The results continue to show the hard work and commitment put in by all involved. Well done to the children, staff and parents for another good year’s results.

5 ATTENDANCE
To continue to improve and maintain such high standards at Hawkes Farm, it is important that your child attends school regularly. As you are now aware, from 1st September, 2004 schools will no longer be authorising holidays in term time. If you do need to request a special absence, please complete a form from the office, and ensure that it is returned at least 10 days before the request date.

More information is available from the East Sussex website at www.eastsussexcc.gov.uk / education and learning / attendance.

6 SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS
We have organised for individual and family photographs to take place in school on Monday, 27th September. These will then be ready in time for Christmas – for relatives, etc.

The family photos (brothers and sisters) will take place from 8.30 am in the infant hall. If you wish for a family photo, please come to the school hall, through the main entrance from 8.30 am. There may be a wait depending on how many wish to have a family photo. Please be patient as this is the first year – and there are always hiccups!

After the family photos, the school will organise for each class to visit the hall during the day to have individual photos. You will then receive a sample of the photos, usually in 4 weeks after the event.

7 SCHOOL UNIFORM
The children looked extremely smart returning to school in their school uniform. Thank you for your support. We do however, still have over 30 sweatshirts in the junior lost property box from last term. This is situated just inside the junior entrance.

If your child’s sweatshirt is missing, please do have a look through when you come to collect your child after school. REMINDER school shoes (black trainers) are part of school uniform. Children may bring training shoes to change into for playtimes.

8 MILK BOTTLE TOPS
Thank you for the large amount of coloured milk bottle tops – we have now finished this collection, but we are still collecting other vouchers, eg, Persil stars, Nestle box tops. Also used printer cartridges.

9 MUFTI DAY
We raised £181 at the last Mufti day in July. The proceeds were split. Half went towards the charity “Shelter”, and the remainder will be used for school projects.

10 HARVEST FESTIVAL
Our Harvest Festival will take place on Wednesday, 13th October. This will be led by Rev. Tomalin. This year we are sponsoring Christian Aid, an envelope will be sent home nearer the time for your contributions. Infant children have the choice of sponsoring Christian Aid or bringing in a contribution of tinned or fresh produce which will once again go to Grangemead Resource Centre.

11 WALKING BUS
There are currently some vacancies for the Walking Bus. They run every morning from Harmers Hay, Harebeating Drive and Anglesea Avenue (vacancies for Anglesea Avenue on Fridays only at present). If you are at all interested in joining this successful scheme, please contact Caroline Wilson – tel: (01323) 847135.

12 VACANCY
We have a vacancy for a Midday Supervisor - 6¼ hours per week. If you are interested, please contact Jean Morton in the School Office.

13 CHANGE OF CONTACT DETAILS
Please don’t forget to keep us informed of any changes of address or contact phone numbers (see form below).

14 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

17.9.04 There will be a special talk from South East Water to KS2. They will also be providing every child will a free water bottle.
27.9.04 Individual and family photographs. Start at 8.30 am.
29.10.04 Friends of Hawkes Farm AGM – 7.00 pm
7.10.04 & Mr Lowe and 8 Year 6 pupils visit
8.10.04 Leicester as part of an RE links project.
13.10.04 Harvest Festival
19.10.04 Parents evening 3.30 – 5.30 am
21.10.04 Parents evening 4.30 – 7.30 am
25.10.04 HALF-TERM
1.11.04 INSET DAY - School closed for children.
7.12.04 Reception/Yr 1 Concert (pm)
8.12.04 Reception/Yr 1 Concert (am)
9.12.04 Yr 2 Concert (am)
14.12.04 Carol Service
15.12.04 Christmas Lunch
21.12.04 Last Day of Autumn Term
5.01.05 INSET DAY – School closed for children
6.01.05 School re-opens

Thank you for your continued support.

Mrs V Cobb - Headteacher