Newsletter from Mr. Gulley, May 2010

I thought that I would keep you up to date with a number of news items about our school:-

• The building of our new classrooms is making good progress and we should be able to take possession sometime in June. The development will be a really useful asset as well as solving a major problem we have had with heating and insulation in this part of the school for a number of years. The field will be restored as part of the work. Thank you for putting up with all the inconvenience.
• Our school took part in the recent boycott of the SATs tests. Twelve schools in all in Southend took part. I wrote to Year Six parents to explain my reasons. Basically we know our children and their ability really well. The tests were not always a true reflection of their ability. The assessment techniques used here are as strong and professional as anywhere else. The tests had become superfluous and were restricting our concentration on making as much academic and personal progress as possible. I look forward to their total abolition by the coalition government.
• I have been working closely with the Committee of our new Circle of Friends. They are eager, enthusiastic, hardworking and imaginative in what they do – raising funds for all our children. They have planned an excellent Summer Fair and we should have a really successful day. BUT they and we need many more helpers to make it so. This work is vital and highly appreciated. I would be so pleased to hear that volunteer numbers had increased. If you wish to help, drop a note in the COF notice-board by the Main Office. Most of the teaching and support staff are helping. Please join us.
• I wrote to you recently explaining that we were going to run a Sponsored Event to assist our funds for Swimming this year. Given that we have already reached half-term and many people are saving up for holidays I have decided to delay the Event until the Autumn Term.
• A reminder of some dates:-
• Friday 28^th May – Break-up for half term
• Monday 7^th June – Return after half term
• Friday 11^th June – Teacher training day
• Saturday 26^th June – Summer Fair
• Week commencing 5^th July – Sports Days –
• 5^th – Key Stage One
• 6^th – Year 5
• 7^th – Year 6
• 8^th – Year 4
• 9^th – Year 3
• 21^st July – End of School Year
• 2^nd September – Start of 2010-2011 School Year

Best wishes from Mr. Gulley

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