St. Matthew's School

Welcome Back

Welcome back to a new term of exciting learning, particularly after this snowy weather.

We are sorry that school was closed last week due to the snow and, in particular, travel conditions. This decision was not taken lightly; we always try to keep school open wherever possible as we have done this week. We have to consider the safety of children and staff in travelling to and from school and ensure adequate in-school supervision. We also have to maintain a balance of giving parents adequate notice that school will be closed while allowing time for the weather and road conditions to improve.

Thank you to those who worked hard to ensure prompt communication about the closure (via various websites, parentmail, 'phone messages etc) and to clear and grit paths at school.

Up to date contact details

Please make sure the office has your up to date telephone numbers (mobile and landline) and email so we can ensure you are included in "parentmail" messages. Thank you to parents who have been so encouraging and complimentary about this system.

Please check the list of dates (left) and note them in your diary. Other activities will be confirmed as soon as possible; eg PTA/family events, trips, sports fixtures, information about next year's residential trip for Year 6.

The date of this term's inset day will be confirmed soon; we are waiting to hear from colleagues at St John Ambulance who are leading a first aid training session for staff.

If your child is entitled to free school meals even if they usually bring a packed lunch please let Mrs Savedra in the school office know as this affects the funding allocated to our school and, as a result, what we can provide for our children.

Parent Voice

You are invited!

Coffee, cakes and conversation!

Friday 5th February at 9am
in the resource room (opposite the nursery in the infant block.)

Do join with school staff to meet together informally for coffee and to discuss how we can continue to make our school a great place for our children. The focus this time will be to talk about future social and fundraising activities for the children and possibly adults too. Ideas already suggested include a family games afternoon and summer picnic. Several parents who have taken the lead in organising and helping with PTA events are stepping back from this role (although they have promised to continue helping!) and we thank them for their efforts. Thank you to Helen Dodson and Vicky Bishop in particular.

Do come along on the 5th with your ideas and suggestions. Your attendance will not commit you to anything!
If you are unable to come but have suggestions or ideas or would like to help with school activities please contact Mrs Lightfoot.

Opportunities for St Matthew's children

We are delighted that we have been successful in our applications to involve some of our children in two special projects this term.

10 children from Year 5 (spring term) and 10 from Year 4 (summer term) have been selected to benefit from "one to one" maths tuition. This is a ten-week programme providing individual teaching for children who meet specific criteria.

Meanwhile a group of Year 6 children are participating in a special "Forest School", enjoying a range of outdoor activities benefiting teamwork, self-confidence and self-esteem.

Parent Communication

Please make sure you have received via your child or by parentmail the following information distributed this week.

• List of clubs
• Curriculum information - a green leaflet outlining what your child will be learning this term
• Letter about entitlement to free school meals 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY