Dear Parents/carers,

Another week has gone by! I can never quite believe we get to Friday so quickly. It has been a really busy week with parent/carer meetings all week.

I would like to start by saying how lovely it was to see parents/carers in school this week and have the chance to talk to you face to face.

There have been so many lovely comments, so a huge thank you to you all. I would also like to thank you for wearing masks in school, I know this is personal choice but it has made the staff feel very safe when talking to you. We all really appreciate this.

Cases have remained very low in school, as we are still following measures as stated in last week’s letter. At the moment we are going ahead with all planned events, including the showcases for each year group.

A letter will be following next week to allow you to let us know if you’re able to attend.

There will be an offer of a morning or afternoon session so that we can limit numbers.

Inconsiderate parking/path outside of school.

I have mentioned previously that the path outside of school can become very congested at the start and end of the day. Please ensure your children stand with you and do not run around while waiting to come into school. Local residents need to use the paths too.

I have received numerous complaints/phone calls from very upset residents, of inconsiderate parking and verbal abuse over the last few weeks. This is not acceptable behaviour and reflects very badly on the school.

This is “Be Kind” weekend, please be considerate of people who live in houses very close to the school. The police will be patrolling outside of school over the next few weeks at various times to check parking.

Reminders

I have a couple of reminders this week to ensure the office can run as smoothly possible.

Breakfast Club

If you get a text saying you owe money but know that you do not, please ring to query it so that you do not get the same text every week.

Remember Breakfast Club is on every day from 8.20am- arrival by 8.30am at either KS1 or KS2. We now have around 20 children each morning in both departments.

Appointments during school hours/Absence

Please try to get any medical appointments outside of school hours. If you do need to collect during school hours we must have medical proof (i.e. screenshots of text messages, appointment letters or appointment cards). This can be emailed to the secure email address- sugarhill@durhamlearning.net . Please do not go to your GP surgery and request a medical letter for doctor appointments.

Remember attendance is being recorded as before COVID.

Please also ensure you child is here at the correct time. We have a number of children arriving after 9.05am when the doors are closed. After this point your child is late.

Also, if your child is poorly please ring or email school in order to avoid getting the texts from school.

Thank you for your support in these matters. It really does help us run things more smoothly.

Dates- more information will follow over the next half term

At the moment these events will go ahead but MAYBE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Monday 15^th November- Anti Bullying-odd socks

Friday 19^th November – Children in Need non-uniform

Tuesday 23^rd November- Police in school for Y5/Y6 workshops

Week beginning Monday 29^th November- Pantomime

• Wednesday 1^st December- Reception and Y5
• Thursday 2^nd December-Y1, Y3 and Y6
• Friday 3^rd December – Y2 and Y4

Week beginning 6^th December- Global Curriculum Showcase- Year Groups will be sharing the work from their Autumn Term Projects

Friday 10^th December – Christmas Jumper Day

Thursday 16^th December – Parties and end of Term

Christmas holidays-Thursday 16^th December return Thursday 6^th January

Thank you for your continued support.

Have a lovely weekend

Mrs Paula O’Rourke     

Head Teacher