It is with great sadness that I have to bring to your attention a matter which has been raised by members of the public this week. It has been reported that parents on a number of occasions have been witnessed using aggressive behaviour and inappropriate language in front of children whilst on the corner by the entrance to the alley and side gate.  I am really shocked that this has happened and so sad that our community has seen this.  I know families wait in this area and chat but you must remember that your children hear everything, that it is a public area and not part of our grounds and that you are always representing our school.   I therefore ask that this is behaviour is not repeated and respectfully request that we support each other and always represent our wonderful school community in the positive way it deserves.

Collection by older siblings

To help parents with the collecting of children we allow older siblings to collect.  Most of the children are polite, respectful and follow the rules. But increasingly we are having children turn up without masks, on scooters and bikes which they ride into the site and with their friends.  This is not okay and will not be allowed any longer.

If your older child is collecting they are to wear a mask, follow the school rules and not bring friends on site with them; if they do not do this they will not be allowed to collect siblings.  I leave this matter with you parents/carers to manage; I have enough to do managing our school children without adding new ones from other schools.

Christmas Cards and other lovely items

I can’t believe we are mentioning the Ch…… word – oh now we’re not, oh yes we are.  We are doing a fundraising activity with Christmas this year.  The children have designed a picture at school or at home that is part of an order form which will be used to make one of the following: (see photo)

If you would like to order cards, mugs, notepads or more please return the picture to office and pay for your items on Scopay no later than Wednesday 21st October; the order closes on Wednesday at midnight (no orders can be processed after this time).   It needs this length of time to make sure items are here for the start of December. 

If your child has not brought their drawing home and you would like to order, please pop into the school office and get another form.

Writing Challenge for Home Learning

Following on from parent feedback about writing home learning, I am delighted to announce a half-term writing challenge for children from Reception to Year 6, (further details will follow via your child’s Marvellous Me next week). There will be a video clip for each Key Stage to watch and then use to inspire their own story writing. All children are expected to take part (this will be their home learning over half term) and this will be written in their homework book that they are bringing home. If you would like a sneak peek at the videos, please follow the relevant links: 

• Reception, Year 1 and 2: https://www.literacyshed.com/farmer-dans-barn.html 
• Key Stage 2 (Year 3-6): https://www.literacyshed.com/catchit.html 

Our aim is to encourage children to use their imagination and improve their stamina and love of writing, therefore, teachers will mark the writing based on compositional qualities of ideas, not spelling or grammar!  Of course the teacher will be noting how well they are spelling and using grammar and adding this to their ongoing assessment of your child.

Reception Class Photo

As we do most years, our Reception Class (who have given permission for photographs) will be appearing in the First Class supplement of the Surrey Advertiser newspaper; it will be published on Friday 13th November. Local shops will have copies for sale.

Snack Bar

A few parents have paid monies but not booked any days for their children to have Snack in school. Mrs Cooper has put together a guide on how to make sure your child receives their snack. See attached guide or visit www.ash-grange.surrey.sch.uk/snack-bar/

Harvest

It will soon be time for Year 3 to wow us all with their Harvest Assembly, this will take place at the end of next week.   So far we have raised £100 for our local food bank, if you would like to add a contribution to this then please look on your Scopay account (www.scopay.com ) online or send your contribution in through the office.

After Friday we will be shopping for their chosen items and delivering these to the Foodbank, we will take a picture to show our food mountain we have made.

Open Days for Reception 2021

If you know of anyone who is in the midst of choosing their child’s Reception place then please let them know of our activities and dates:

• Friday 6/11/2020 1.30-3pm
• Tuesday 1/12/2020 9.30-11.30am

Here is the link to the website page www.ash-grange.surrey.sch.uk/open-days-1/

Year 6 Applications for Secondary School

Applications for September 2021 Secondary School places are now open at  www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools/admissions/secondary/apply

The closing date for on-time applications is 31 October 2020. Please contact the school office if you need help.

Children in Need

We have pin badges and wristbands available to purchase through Scopay for £1 each. Orders will be sent home with children during the Children In Need week. Children can also wear their pyjamas in return for a £2 donation (through Scopay) on Friday 13th November.