May I begin by wishing all those who have an association with Temple Sutton Primary School and Children’s Centre a very happy new year. I would also like to thank those who sent me cards and gifts for Christmas; it was very generous and greatly appreciated.
While I continue to learn and develop a clear sense of what I need to do to help the school maintain its excellent reputation, we have managed to make a start in improving some aspects of the school building. To date, four upstairs classrooms have been refurbished with new ceilings and lights – this was long overdue. Also the path at Norwich Avenue gate has been extended, and a small waiting area outside the new extension should help avoid congestion.
I am sending out a big plea to those who use these areas to try and educate all the community to use the paths and hard standing areas and not cut off the corner!
Currently we are also planning to spend some money updating the school computer systems but making the right investment is key at this stage.
Having talked to all staff on 3 January 2012, there remains an air of confidence and satisfaction in what the school is doing, but we are not complacent and would like to hear from you if you feel that there are outstanding issues that we as a school should be dealing with.
For those not aware, the school population is rising and will continue to do so, with four classes moving into the juniors from now on. Because of this the governors and I are working with the local authority in planning for this expansion, which will likely mean more refurbishment and updating of facilities and classrooms.
I am more than happy to receive complaints from parents, etc., regarding the state of the windows and the waste of energy/heating, as these complaints will be forwarded to Southend-on-Sea Borough Council. The precious money that the school receives should be used by the governors and I to ensure the best educational outcomes for your children, and should not be spent on capital expenditure programmes which are the responsibility of the local authority.
Following the emergency closure of the school on 6 January (due to electrical failure in the locality) it has come to light that our text messaging service was not as efficient or effective as it should be. Please could I ask that:
a) Any parent/carer not signed up to Parentmail to collect the forms from the school office and subscribe to the service
b) Check that the school office has a current and valid mobile phone contact number.
It is likely that in the next two weeks we are going to send a trial message to all parents/carers on our data base to check the system. We will give you written warning and we can check how good the system is at that time.
The school is looking forward to a full and extensive programme of events this term, which includes working with other local schools to prepare for a big Olympic style event at Garons Park later in the year.
Dates for your diary:
Parents’ Consultation Evenings: 6th – 10th February 2012
Schools’ Olympic Event, Garons Park: w/c 9 July 2012.
YR6 – SATs Week (Public Exams):– w/c 14 May 2012.
YR6 – Isle of Wight Residential Trip: 24.6.12 – 29.06.12.
Mr T Barrett
Headteacher