NEWSLETTER Issue: 2.09

HEAD'S VIEW
Today saw our first house event as a primary school. Every girl, boy and member of staff (except myself and Mrs Kennaugh) now belong to one of the four houses. We see this as a valuable way of promoting the sense of being part of a team with representation across the whole school. In addition, the events we plan will concentrate on key skills and attitudes such as collaboration, flexibility and bringing out the best in others. Today the children within their houses have been working in groups of four (typically Reception, Year 2, Year 4, Year 6 or Year 1, Year 3, Year 5, Year 6) to produce a collage of their house bird within a limited time. All of the entries will then be displayed in giant house collages at the end of the afternoon for all of us to admire. I write this before the event so fingers crossed! There has been a slight amendment to the house names. After not inconsiderable discussion, reference to a number of twitchers' manuals and enhanced knowledge on the part of many of us, the names are now Eagles, Falcons, Ospreys and Owls. It was agreed that kestrels, our original choice, were of the same family as falcons and that ospreys who are the only members of their family (an individual lot) would be a suitable replacement. I hope there are no kestrels out there who feel too offended. Our children will have been informed of their houses shortly before the house event.

Another first is coming up on Monday with the new extended school hall opening for business and our very first whole school assembly. Our builders (Biggs), who have been exceptional, have been working overtime to ensure we can gather at 9.15am. For those of you who have seen the new hall, I know you are as delighted as we are with the outcome. It is a fabulous space which will allow for a huge range of activity in years to come. We are not yet there with the ReNewbridge extras such as the multi media system, staging, lights and so on but they are well on their way. If you would like to come and see the hall, I am available at 3pm on both Monday and Tuesday to give you a guided tour!

The link building is now rising before our eyes. Due to budgetary constraints, we have had to make amendments to the original plans. The overall size of the building has been reduced and the proposal to use straw bales in the walls has had to be set aside. Unfortunately, such technology is still of considerable expense. What I am certain about is that come the end of April we will have a school environment to be proud of and one which will help us move forward as a school with great ambition.

PARENT SUPPORT IN YEAR 3
We have been delighted with the level of support offered by the Year 3 parents this year. The number of volunteers for both reading and the recent trip to Roman Baths has been incredible. We are so grateful for your support and can assure you that your help is appreciated and having an impact on your children’s learning. We would like to say a big thank you to Sally MacDonell for all her time, skill and effort in creating the fantastic Roman coins which are now on display in the lower school hall. The Year 3 team.
('This echoes our parental support throughout the school. Your help in so many ways makes a difference. We could not do it without you!' Mr Croker)

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY w/b 19/11/07:
Wednesday 21/11/07 - Girls football match vs WASPS (tbc)
Thursday 22/11/07 - 1HO Assembly – 2.45pm
Friday 23/11/07 - 6B Assembly – 2.45
Auction of Promises – 7.00pm

NEWBRIDGES CHESS MATCH AGAINST KING EDWARDS
On Friday the 9th of November Newbridge chess team played King Edwards chess team in a chess match. At 3:15, after school, Newbridge chess team went to the blue room and found out our board numbers (best first). After that we went on the coach to King Edwards to play our matches. When we were there we were shown where to sit and what their rules were. Then we played our chess match, the first game counted towards the score but you could play a friendly after if you wanted. At the end we heard the score - it was 25 and a half to King Edwards and 14 and a half to Newbridge. Thank you to Mr Croker for teaching and supporting us and the parent helpers who came along and those who offered.
By Sydney and Liam.
('Over 40 players from Newbridge taking part and they all did amazingly well against a very strong chess-playing school ………… my old place.!I felt very proud of the girls and boys on both sides of the board.' Mr Croker)

AUCTION OF PROMISES - 23rd November 7.00pm (for 7.45pm)
Upper School Hall
Licensed bar and snacks
Don’t forget to buy your tickets for the auction – they are selling fast.
Year Group Hampers
Thank you for all the offers of items for the hampers. Please could you bring all the items in to school between Monday 19th and Wednesday 20th November and hand them to your class teacher. The hampers for each year are as follows -
Reception - Children's art & craft
Year 1 – New baby
Year 2 – Children's Christmas
Year 3 – Fairtrade
Year 4 – Indian food
Year 5 – Christmas
Year 6 – Ladies pamper yourself
Thank you all for your help.
Jo Stevenson

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING 'STARS OF THE WEEK'
Foundation Stage
Bonnie, Jack
Years 1 and 2
Poppy, Maddi, Ruby, Emily, Henry, Hannah, Harvey, Faisal, Jadek
Years 3 and 4
Cassidy, Thomas, Beth, Amy
Years 5 and 6
Guy, Oliver, Rashane, Joe, Lucas, Joseph
PPA Music
Maddie, Matthew
PPA Drama
Ralph, Sinead, Jack
PPA PE
Abigail, William, Sophie

SCHOOL DINNERS
Please note that school dinners or packed lunches must be taken on a weekly basis. It is not possible to change during the week.
Thank you.

BLUEBELLES
We are a creative arts support group for women who have had or are suffering from Postnatal Illness and we are looking for volunteers to help with the following:
Childcare – Can you give 2 hours per month?
Artists/Craftworkers – Do you have a hobby that you could demonstrate?
If you can help, or would like to find out more, then please contact Dawn Worthington via Elm Class

TEACHING ASSISTANT VACANCY
Teaching Assistant - Level 3, Grade O for 19.30hrs per week required to support a reception child with severe speech and language delay and poor fine motor co-ordination difficulties.
A qualification in British Sign Language is essential as signing is the pupil’s initial form of communication.
Support will include working one to one with the child as well as small groups to promote peer signing. There will also be opportunities to support the whole class and staff to encourage a signing environment.
If interested, please contact the School Office.

CHRISTMAS CARDS
Don't buy your Christmas Cards yet – each class is in the process of making their own – they will be on sale shortly.

RENEWBRIDGE
All the evidence from the ReNewbridge appeal needs to be in school as soon as possible as we are putting together an official record in the form of a book.

SHOPPERS CRECHE
Staff will be running a shopping crèche at Saturday 1st December from 9.30 – 12.15. £5.00 per place. Places will be limited and you will be able to sign up initially at the Auction of Promises. All the money raised will go towards the ReNewbridge Appeal.