News
Newsletter Spring Term 2012
Dear Parents,
Happy New Year
A warm welcome to all who have joined us since the last newsletter; we hope you will soon feel part of our family.
At this time of year we have to be prepared for very bad weather conditions, if the weather becomes very bad we occasionally close. When deciding whether or not to open Longwood we have to consider atrocious driving conditions and the situation here as the safety of children and staff, as always, is our prime concern. If the weather is bad and we remain open, please ensure you allow enough time for your journey to collect children before 7pm; maybe even consider taking your children home earlier if they usually remain after the normal school day ends. Closing due to snow, or any other situation is very rare, however, in such circumstances refunds will not be issued. We try to stay open if at all possible as parents appreciated last year when so many other schools closed.
Welcome letters and information
The folder ‘Welcome To Our Rooms’, which can be found on display in our entrance corridor, gives particular information for each area with further details coming home directly from the relevant staff. We also use Parentmail, our website and noticeboards to keep you up to date with information. Please check these, and school bags, regularly.
Friends of Longwood
Many schools establish a group of parents who provide inspired fund-raising activities and social events for the benefit of all, adults and children alike, enhancing the family atmosphere within the school and nursery. Over recent years the staff at Longwood have organised events with specific targets such as equipment for the library, hall and a variety of other resources. We are very grateful to all parents who have supported the events including bingo & quiz nights and the annual summer fete. A new committee is being formed to develop this side of our family business still further and establish ‘The Friends of Longwood’. Please look out for ways to become involved and support this new venture.
Fees/Accounts
Most parents have met Karin, our book-keeper, by now. She is usually at Longwood on Mondays and Thursdays; any parent wishing to discuss fees, ASC or any finance queries relating to their account, please email Karin in the first instance on accounts@longwood.co.uk, she will then look into your query and be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Please note the new fees for this year and update your standing orders accordingly. Also note our bank details for electronic payments which we are encouraging: 16196023 60-10-33. Account name: Longwood & Rainbow. Please use child’s name as reference and indicate fees/outing/clubs/deposit etc.
Keeping in touch
Contact details for parents/carers should be kept up to date. If your address, telephone numbers etc change, please inform the office immediately to ensure we can contact you at all times.
EYFS
Oak/Cherry parents: Parents of children in Oak, and older children in Cherry, may be eligible to move into school when the new term starts on 4th September. If your child will be leaving Longwood before the start of the term, please ensure you give notice by 1st May. Towards the end of the summer term there will be an open evening for you to view school rooms and meet the school staff, however, if you have any questions about moving into school, please do not hesitate to ask Mrs Garman.
Dates for your diary:
You are always welcome to attend your child’s class assembly, 9.05-9.30am approximately.
Fri 24th February – UKS2 and FA. Fri 2nd March – KS1. Fri 9th March – LKS2.
Educational Visits
Thursday 15th March UKS2 & LKS2 to Supreme Court, Westminster.
(Summer term-Thursday 26th April- UKS2 & LKS2 to Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden)
Other visits are in the process of being confirmed.
Dance Show Wednesday 14th March (pre-school and all older pupils)
10.15am for parents of FT, FL & FA classes. 1.30pm for parents of KS1, LKS2 & UKS2 classes.
School Parents’ Evenings Monday 19th March FT, FA & KS1 from 3.40pm. LKS2 & UKS2 from 5.30pm
Tuesday 20th March. LKS2 & UKS2 from 3.40pm. FT, FA & KS1. from 5.30pm
Lists are now on classroom doors for you to sign up.
Nursery Parents Consultations Week commencing 12th March (see group leaders for appointment times)
Focus on Literacy
Week commencing 30th Jan- National Story Telling Week. Why not volunteer to read to your child’s class (grandparents are welcome too)
Thursday 1st March- World Book Day. Come to school dressed as a favourite character from a story book.
Tuesday 20th March – World Story Telling Day. Focus on international stories based on countries of Olympic competitors)
Uniform for school pupils
As we look forward to summer, just a reminder, girls’ dresses should be bought from our suppliers. No open-toed, backless sandals, please. From September 2012, following a year of re-adjustment, all pupils will wear the ‘new’ uniform with sweatshirts only being worn by pre-school children. All pupils will have our green jacket for outer wear. Please ensure your child has the uniform PE kit including for KS2, track-suits.
Sickness & Medicines
Children who need specific medicine/emergency treatment eg. Allergies/epipens, can only be undertaken if we have a doctor’s official letter as written evidence of the child’s need. This also applies to requests relating to dietary needs on medical grounds.
Car Parking
The yellow-hatched area in front of the main entrance is kept clear for emergency vehicles and parents of KS2 pupils only to pull in and drop their child off, not for general parking
Thank you for all the support you continue to give us,
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. M. Garman (Head teacher)
Mrs B Akpan (Nursery & Child Care Supervisor)
