This past month has been quite a testing time for the staff at Manor and I would like to begin this letter by saying a very big ‘Thank you’ to everyone who has given their support to the school over the past few weeks. We really appreciate the fantastic support our school receives from our parents, governors and community in times of stress!

Please can I remind everyone collecting children during the school day that they need to come to the School Office to enable a member of staff to be aware that the child is leaving the school premises.   We are always trying to improve security within school and staff will not release children to parents at classroom doors; unless it has been cleared at the school office first.

I am pleased to report that Mrs McElevey is on the road to recovery and made a very welcome visit to school this morning. We were all delighted to see her looking so well!  Thank you for all the cards, kind wishes and concern you have sent to her, members of staff are visiting her regularly and always take all your messages each time they see her.

Free School Meals
If you are receiving Income support your child will be entitled to free school meals.   If you think you might be eligible, please pop into the school office to discuss this.

School Council
The School Councillors are very enthusiastic and have started their new roles with gusto! They have already thought of some very interesting ideas for improving our school and they will be sending everyone a newsletter in the Spring Term. Please note that they have their own notice board in the entrance hall which is worth looking at.

School Book Fair – 5th December to 12th December
We have Scholastic Book Fairs coming to school during this week and parents and children can browse these cases and purchase some books.  These cases will be open before and after school each day.  The more books you buy the more books school get as a commission so please support us.
 
No Smoking
Please remember that this is a no smoking school and we also discourage smoking in our school grounds.

Children in Need
This year we raised £83 for this charity – thank you for your generosity!

Persil Star Tokens
Thank you everyone who donated Persil Stars which we use in order to acquire new and exciting art materials. This term we have been lucky enough to purchase a mono print set, some more brushes and some soft modelling dough to increase our range of art resources.

Road Safety
We have a school Travel Plan which identifies any issues which need to be addressed to improve safety around our school.

Some parents are concerned that high sided parked vehicles outside of the school are making it difficult for parents and children to cross the road safely.  If you have a four track, people mover or high sided vehicle please help us by parking carefully.

Family Photographs
On Wednesday 24th January we will be organising a family photograph session from 5 – 7 p.m. The photos will be ready for Mother’s Day next year.  More details will be sent after Christmas.

School Helpers
If you would like to help at school, either in a classroom, as a Reading Buddy or behind the scenes please speak to a member of staff. We have a brilliant band of helpers, but we are greedy and could always do with more!

Stepping Stones Pre-School is also looking for helpers on a voluntary basis. If you could or would like to help, please speak to Lucy Pullin, Kelly or another member of staff.

Nat West / RBS Workers
If you work for one of the above companies please could you pop in and have a word with me, as we may be able to acquire some funding for our school.

Healthy Eating
Keeping the nation healthy is, as you are aware, a current government initiative and we are at present busy trying to achieve enhanced status for the Healthy Schools Award.

If you have any concerns about the policies or decisions we make concerning healthy eating (water / no nuts in school etc) we would appreciate it if you could come in and talk to either your child’s class teacher or me – there is always a very valid reason for any decision we make and it is always good to talk about issues which are of concern to parents.

Yours sincerely,

Gill Hamer