19 Nov 2008 - Newsletter 19/11/08

 
Dartmouth Primary School and Nursery
Milton Lane, Dartmouth, Devon. TQ6 9HW

Headteacher:  Mr. Rik Meek

            Phone:   01803 833521      Fax: 01803 835163
E-mail:      admin@dartmouth-pri.devon.sch.uk
19/11/07
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯

Dear Parents,

Children in Need

The children in Year 6 planned and ran a highly successful event last Friday to raise money for Children in Need. They did a fantastic job, and we raised a total of £307.80. Well done Year 6, and thank-you to all of you who helped and supported the event.

Remembrance Service

Last week, the school held our annual Remembrance service. Although I was unable to attend, the staff and guests all commented on what a moving occasion it was, and on what a credit the children were.

Change to school holiday dates

As you know, we work very closely with the other schools in our Local Learning Community (St John the Baptist RC Primary School, Blackawton Primary School, Stoke Fleming Primary School, Kingswear Primary School and Dartmouth Community College). In order for all staff from all of the schools to be involved in professional development, we have agreed to make a change to the February half-term. We will now close to pupils on Thursday, February 12th and re-open on Monday, February 23rd. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause – please feel free to speak to me if this causes a problem for anyone.

Attendance

Our recent OFSTED report highlighted that attendance of children at school is below the national average. Obviously, if children miss lots of school, then they miss out on a lot of learning, so it is important that children attend school whenever possible. Many children miss school because of a family holiday, and we understand that sometimes this can be really important and would want to support this if possible. However, the law and the Local Authority guidance is clear about what absences can or can not be authorised (see attached sheet). I have had several discussions with the Local Authority educational welfare officer about this, and he has advised me that I should not authorise absences for holidays during term time for any child whose attendance is less than 93%, for whatever reason. I will therefore use this figure when considering requests for holidays during term time. I am sure you will understand the need for this.

 

Dates for your diary

The Friends of the school are organising a school disco on Tuesday 25th November. Foundation and Key Stage 1 will be from 5:00 until 6:00, Key Stage 2 from 6:00 until 7:00. The cost will be 50p per child, with proceeds going towards the purchase of a new fish tank for the entrance hall.

Parents’ evenings will be held on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of December. You will shortly receive a letter with further details, and offering you an appointment.

Best wishes,

 

Rik Meek