Dear Parents and Carers,
We are approaching the end of term with excitement and caution. Excitement because we are looking forward to our visit from the Ark Farm, our Festive evening for all classes, Christmas Jumper Day and recording class items for our Christmas Carol Service. We approach with caution because we have to keep an eye on the national guidance with regard to maintaining everyone is Covid-safe. At the moment, we are planning for everything to go ahead. However, we may need to react quickly if the picture changes, so I would encourage you to keep an eye out for any communication from the school concerning these events. I would also like to congratulate the children, staff and Saffy, of course, for achieving the Gold award for ‘The School Dog Mentoring’ program this is an outstanding achievement that you should all be proud of.
SCHOOL VALUE OF THE WEEK (W/C 6th December 2021): Co-operation
Values Roll of Honour (W/C 29th November 2021)
| Excellence | Lerato, Aurelia, Stephanie, Marqueza, Unami, Christiana, Nomsa, Shemilore, Reuben & Jana. |
| Resilience | Eva, Elicia, Matthias, Ed Mitchel, James, Piers, Tayla-Ann & Noah. |
| Independence | Phineas, Lucca, Stephanie, Idelle, Michaela, Evelyn, Micah, Ved, Thandiwe, Aniyah, Jadon, Rutendo, Shemilore, Nomsa, Arjun & Isaac. |
| Co-operation | All of Nursery, Philip, Ed Mitchel, Sophia M, All of Years 2/3, Sophia G, Thiago, Austin, & Aaron G. |
| Self-Control | Aurelia, Elicia, Mahlon, Chloe, Zara, Evelyn, Aniyah, Austin, Christopher O & Lucas. |
| Curiosity | Abel, Matthias, Mahlon, Piers, Michael, Micah, Aaron R, Thandiwe, Kemuel, Jadon, Thiago, Zachary, Nomsa, All of Year 6. |
| Acceptance | Lerato, Joycellin, All of Year 1, All of years 2/3, Tiago, Zachary, All of Year 6. |
| Respect | Eva, Joycellin, Stephanie, Michaela, All of Years 2/3, Christiana, Unami, & Reeya. |
| **Growth Mind-set ** | Eva, Philip, James, Sophia M, Micah, Thandiwe, Christiana, Rutendo, & Amanda. |
Stars of the Week (Headteacher Awards) W/C 29th November 2021:
| Nursery | Matthias |
| Reception | Phineas |
| Year 1 | Idelle |
| Year 2 | Micah |
| Year 3 | Thandiwe |
| Year 4 | Marqueza |
| Year 5 | Austin |
| Year 6 | Eden |
Keep letting your light shine! I am so proud of you all.
Nasal Flu Vaccinations:
The immunisation team will be in school today for those children who consented but missed out on their vaccinations during their previous visit.
| COVID-19 |
| You will be aware that NHS test and trace now get in touch with close contacts, who are then advised to take a PCR test. Pupils under 18 identified as close contacts do not need to self-isolate if they do not have symptoms. As you know, our contingency plan is now in operation due to an outbreak. General COVID information Symptoms: • a high temperature • a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot, for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours • a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – this means they cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal If you are not sure whether you or your child’s symptoms suggest that they have coronavirus or an everyday cough or cold, you can consult this online NHS symptom checker: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/ For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. If you are concerned about your child’s health or the health of anyone else in your household please seek advice from your GP, use NHS 111 online https://111.nhs.uk/or call NHS 111. There are things you can do to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19: • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available • wash your hands as soon as you get to your destination • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards |
Attendance W/C 29th November 2021
Each school in the local authority has an attendance target that is set for them. This year our school attendance target is 97%. Of course, we do not expect children who are unwell to come into school. They need to stay at home and rest to get well. They also need to stay at home, so they don’t pass on illness to others.
| Year Group | Attendance % |
| Nursery | 87.88% |
| Reception | 84% |
| Year 1 | 80% |
| Year 2 | 83.33% |
| Year 3 | 73.33% |
| Year 4 | 100% |
| Year 5 | 100% |
| Year 6 | 94% |
Please contact the office if your child is unable to attend school by 10:00am every day in line with our school policy. We understand that the building is cold, but we have to keep the windows open for ventilation due to Government regulations, so please ensure that your children arrive at school with lots of layers to keep warm.
Christmas Post Box
Pupils are welcome to bring Christmas cards to school to post in the post-box near the Headteacher’s office from today. Please make sure that the recipient’s name is clearly marked on the envelope. The cards will be distributed daily by the office team until the last day of term.
Christmas Dinner:
HCL will be providing us with a vegetarian Christmas dinner this year. This will take place on Wednesday, 15thDecember 2021 (Please note that the normal menu will not be running this day). Children may wear non-uniform at no extra charge. If you have not ordered a Christmas lunch for your child, please remember to pack them a lunch.
We are on WEEK 3 of the Menu this week
Christmas Jumper Day:
On Friday 10th December 2021, we will be taking part in the National Christmas Jumper Day in aid of Save the Children. All children are invited to come to school dressed in their Christmas jumper and bring in £1 for the charity
Fundraising Clothes Bank:
Please feel free to donate any unwanted clothes, shoes or textiles which will help raise funds for our school. Please ensure that all items are in a carrier bag/black sack before depositing. Thank you.
Lost Property:
We always seem to have a large amount of UN-NAMED, UNCLAIMED lost property. Please check the clothing that will be placed on the grassy area outside the main entrance on Friday after school – weather permitting. At the end of term, any unclaimed, un-named lost property will be donated to the HSA school uniform shop. We always try to return named clothing to the children. We urge you to name all items of uniform and check regularly that the name is still legible.
Inclement Weather:
It is always our intention that the school will remain open unless the weather conditions make it difficult for the children and staff to travel to school safely. The decision as to whether the school opens will normally be made by 7am on the day in question. A message will be posted on our website www.stanboroughprimary.org.uk(Please note that the Inclement Weather Policy can be viewed on our website) as well as on Class Dojo. The decision made is based on risk assessment in conjunction with the advice given by Hertfordshire Education Authority, Hertfordshire Police Service and neighbouring schools including our Secondary School.
Key Dates:
| Event | Date |
| Secondary Carol Service | 7th December 2021 – 7pm |
| Ark Farm Visit | 8th December 2021 |
| Festive Evening (bubbles) | 9th December 2021 |
| Autumn Term (2nd half) Ends | 15th December 2021 (15:30pm) |
See link for our school calendar – https://www.stanboroughprimary.org.uk/calendar-2/
Finally, lets us remember – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Love and Blessings,
Mrs Madden
Headteacher
