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NEWSLETTER APRIL 2008

1 TEACHERS’ STRIKE 24th April
2 GOOD NEWS
3 ADULT ICT SESSIONS
4 SWIMMING POOL QUESTIONNAIRE (see PDF)
5 DIARY DATES

Dear Parents

Welcome back after the spring break. This newsletter contains some very important information – so please do take the time to read the April Newsletter. Thank you.

1 TEACHERS’ STRIKE – THURSDAY, 24th APRIL
You may be aware, following a national ballot, members of the NUT have voted for a day of industrial action on 24th April, 2008. The dispute concerns the Government’s proposed pay award.

As Headteacher, it is my duty to assess whether there will be sufficient staff available on this day, without compromising the safety of either pupils or staff. As a large majority of our staff will be taking industrial action on this day THE SCHOOL WILL NOT BE OPEN TO PUPILS ON THURDAY, 24TH APRIL.

This decision has been based on the overall number of staff available to teach on this day, whether appropriate levels of supervision can be maintained and the number of staff able to provide specific functions and tasks.

All staff who work at this school are asked to contact their unions for further advice.

I will endeavour to keep you informed of developments as they arise, so that parents can make the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.

2 GOOD NEWS
a) Well done to the Year 6 Quiz Team. They won the Hailsham Rotary Quiz which was held at Marshlands School on 12th March. Congratulations to the team of four – Heidi Hollister, Polly Kitchingside, Harry Chatfield and Adam Tomalin. A well deserved victory.
b) Hawkes Farm won the regional Hailsham and Eastbourne Cross Country Competition. Well done to the team of runners from Years 5 and 6.
c) Sport Relief raised £370.55. It was a fun day even though the weather was unpredictable. Children and staff took part in walking and running a mile around the school.
d) Congratulations to our Healthy Walkers from the ‘Walking Bus’. They received a certificate from East Sussex County Council on their fourth anniversary in March.

If you want to join the Walking Bus, please ask for details at the school office.

3 ADULT ICT SESSIONS
Sussex Downs College run ICT sessions at the school every Friday morning. We have a new course starting this week (Friday, 25th April). Do come and find out more. Beginners from 9.00 – 10.45am and Intermediates from 11.00 – 12.30pm. If these prove successful, we hope to continue ICT sessions next year, therefore your support is much needed.

Please contact the school office and book a place (tel: 01323 841466 or email: office@hawkesfarm.e-sussex.sch.uk). Grandparents are also welcome!

4 SWIMMING POOL
As most parents are now aware, it is getting more and more difficult keeping the pool operational for the summer term (Term 6). This is due to Health and Safety regulations, testing and extra costs.

I am keen to look at other options and begin to plan ahead, so that the children get the best opportunities. Swimming is a life skill that brings confidence, safety and enjoyment. Are we offering the best facilities and opportunities for the children at Hawkes Farm? Please do let me know what you think to help me take some proposals to the Governing Body so that together the best decision is made based on everyone’s views (see attached sheet). Please return the form to the school office by Friday, 25th April.

I look forward to reading your comments about the swimming pool.

Mrs V Cobb- Headteacher

5 DIARY DATES
Mon 21/4 Start of Term 5
Tue 22/4 Dental Checks – (selected pupils)
Thur 24/4 SCHOOL CLOSED – TEACHERS’ STRIKE
Fri 25/4 Class and Team Photos
“ “ FoHF Race Evening
Mon 5/5 May Day (school closed)
Tue 6/5 Years 3, 4, 5 SATs Tests
Wed 7/5 Yr 6 meeting re: Blacklands Farm 6.00pm
Mon 12/5 Year 6 SATS test week
Tue 20/5 Year 6 Residential Trip – depart
Fri 23/5 Year 6 Residential Trip – return 4.00 pm
“ “ Last Day of Term 5
Mon 2/6 Inset Training Day (staff only)
Tue 3/6 Start of Term 6
Fri 13/6 Year 4 trip to Hever Castle
Sat 14/6 FoHF Summer Fair
Thur 19/6 Year 1 Trip to Wilderness Wood
Mon 23/6 Healthy School Week
“ “ Infant Sports Afternoon 1.30pm
Tue 24/6 Infant Sports Afternoon (backup date)
Wed 25/6 Junior Sports Day 10.30am (parents invited to picnic at lunchtime with their child)
Fri 30/6 Year 2 Trip to Seven Sisters
Mon 30/6 New Reception Visit 1.30pm - Autumn born
Tue 1/7 “ “ “ “ “ “ “ - Spring born
Wed 2/7 “ “ “ “ “ “ “ - Summer born
“ “ New Parents Meeting 7.00pm - Infant Hall
“ “ Junior Sports Day 10.30am (backup date)
Tue 22/7 Last Day of Term 6
Wed 23/7 Inset Training Day (staff only)