Slovakia Bound

Hi all,

I'm sitting in a transit van heading across Hungary to Slovakia at the moment, should arrive in Slovakia at about 3.30pm UK time.

I'll try and post some photos if I get time but am only here for a couple of days.

See you all Thursday.

International Links

We are always keen as a school to build links with other schools around the county, country and world! Next week I am visiting Slovakia for 3 days to speak with some Headteachers and visit a school, with a view to forming some exciting links. Sadly I'll be too busy to publish a blog as I did when in India, but will certainly try and get a few photos to share with the children.
In my absence the school will be in the very capable hands of Mrs Green.

Book Fair

The Book Fair is still running and will be in the canteen tonight and tomorrow, if you haven't had a chance to visit please pop along there are some wonderful titles available with some really good offers.

The Craft Fayre.

A huge thank you to our wonderful PTA who did such a great job organising another successful Craft Fayre, thanks also to all the families who came along and supported the event. Over £1400 was raised for the school, we will ensure the money is spent wisely to get some nice extras that will really benefit all the children.

Don't forget the PTA discos next week, posters are around the school with all the info.

Strike Action

If you have been following the news you will know that many of the trade unions that represent public sector workers have voted for industrial action on November 30th (next Wednesday). These include: Unison, NAHT, NUT, ATL, NASUWT. Between them these unions represent the majority of school staff across the country.
As a result we will have a significant number of staff not in work next Wednesday, and to ensure that we are Health & Safety compliant we will need to be shutting some classes for the day.

It is with great regret that I do this, but non-striking staff are advised by their unions not to cover the duties of striking staff, equally Supply Agencies will not offer cover teachers on these days.

For your information the following classes will not be open next Wednesday and the children should stay at home:
Nursery- Morning and Afternoon
Year 1- Venus (Mrs Fox)
Year 2- Galaxy (Mrs Grant)
Year 4- Both classes
Year 5- Both classes

All other classes are fully open and the Year 3 Chatham Dockyard trip will be going ahead as planned.

I apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.

Kind regards


Leigh

Mrs Bird

We are thrilled for Mrs Bird, who has just been given the opportunity to work as Acting Deputy Head at Darenth School from January. This is to cover the maternity leave of their Deputy and she will return to us at the end of this temporary period. In the meantime her class will be ably covered by Mrs Daniels who we appointed last week. This is a great career opportunity for Mrs Bird and we know she'll really enjoy the role.

November Newsletter.

Numeracy Newsletter

Harvest

Thank you so much to all of you who donated produce to our Harvest celebration, the assembly was lovely with a wonderful range of presentations from the children including singing, dancing, acting, poetry and artwork.
The House of Mercy came to collect the produce at the end of the day and were overwhelmed by your generousity.

Gravesend library

It is fantastic that the refurbished library in town is now open, we are particularly pleased that some of our children's artwork is on display-

Another example of our children really working to support its local community.

Improved security

Our new security systems should be up and running very shortly.
Essentially it will mean that our front and rear gates can only be accessed by being 'buzzed-in' via the intercom. Of course they will open freely during normal drop-off and collection times, but other times during the school day they will be magnetically locked.

Parents making use of the car park when dropping at Breakfast Club or collecting from After School Club can buzz the canteen via the intercom.

I'm sure you will agree this is an important further step to ensure the security of everyone using the site.

Residential Blog

In case you missed it, you can follow our exploits at PGL at http://wrothampgl.blogspot.com

Residential blog

For those who wish to see what we're up to when we take Y6 away on the residential trip to PGL in a couple of weeks, bookmark this address:

Http://wrothampgl.blogspot.com

We will keep a diary of our visit.

A few reminders...

This Wednesday there is a meeting for those parents whose children are going on the PGL residential trip on the 26th. Main hall after school.
Next Wednesday there is a meeting for all Y6 parents regarding secondary admissions, main hall after school.

Please remember also that Monday 3rd October is an INSET day.

OFSTED Update

Just to let you know that our OFSTED report is now available from the OFSTED website.

Welcome Back

Looking forward to seeing you all again on Monday, I hope you had an enjoyable summer.
Our OFSTED report is finalised and published, it is available now to view on the school website and you will all receive a paper copy on Monday.
We are thrilled with the outcome, essentially we are acknowledged as a 'good' school with a significant amount of 'outstanding' judgements- 7 in total!

See you Monday.
Leigh

Meet the teacher.

It was great to see so many of you at the Meet The Teacher evening today, I hope you picked up most of what you need to know as regards your child's new class for September. The children also spent some time this morning in their new classes to help them to prepare for September, and all seemed very positive about what lies ahead.

Don't forget the Talent Show tomorrow, if your child is taking part then please feel free to come along and watch from the gallery at 10.30am.

On Thursday we have the Leaver's Assembly at 10am, if your child is in Year 6 then come along and bring some tissues!

Leigh

1000 hits!

Sorry, no prizes, but thought you'd like to know that the Blog just had its 1000th visitor.

A great way to communicate I think, please recommend it to others as a way of keeping up to date with what's going on at school.

Leigh

What a week!

Haven't managed to post too much this week as it's been very hectic.

Would like to say a huge well done to our rounders teams who participated so well in the local tournament on Wednesday. Our 'A' team won the overall event, with Rohan winning an individual award for his excellent play, and Ahrizo picking up the fair play award. Our sporting excellence continues!

Also this week saw an amazing performance of The Wizard of Oz by the children of KS2.
Many parents commented that it was the best performance we have ever put on! It moved many to tears! A huge congratulations to all the children involved and especially Mrs Birch, Mrs Hatcher, Mrs Phillips and Mrs Roberston for all their wonderful effort. Thanks also to parents who helped with costumes, props etc.
One of our OFSTED inspectors 'popped in' to see the beginning of the play and ended up transfixed and stayed for the duration. She was immensely complimentary about the performance.

Speaking of OFSTED....
Our inspection is now over after two very intense days, which saw over 20 lesson observations, a number of interviews and much scrutiny of data, policies and procedures. The inspectors also spoke with many children during their visit and a number of parents.
The report should be published on the OFSTED site in around 4 weeks, and I am unable to divulge much about the outcome until then I'm afraid. It's worth mentioning that all of the children were wonderful and drew a great deal of praise from the inspection team- words such as 'amazing', 'delightful' and 'wonderful' were used to describe them!

OFSTED

Hello all,

Well we've been waiting for it since September and it finally arrived this morning, the call announcing our OFSTED inspection.

A team of 4 inspectors will be visiting the school this Thursday and Friday, and to be honest we are looking forward to showing them how much the school has improved since its previous inspection.

You will have received a Parent Questionnaire and Inspection Guidance, please take time to fill in the questionnaire and return in a sealed envelope before 1pm on Thursday, all returns are treated in the strictest confidence and will be handed directly to the inspection team to analyse.

Thanks

Leigh

Summer BBQ

Hope you can all make the PTA BBQ tomorrow at 6pm.

It's always a great family event and excellent fundraiser for the PTA.

All of our PTA have (as always) worked tirelessly to make the event a success, please come along and support.
There are some tickets left and these must be bought in advance at the school office.

Keep your fingers crossed that the rain holds off too!

Leigh

Dressing Up (or down!) Day.

A reminder that tomorrow is a 'Wear-Your-Own-Clothes Day', all we ask is that each child brings in a bottle or some chocolates for the PTA BBQ on Friday.
I have reminded the children in assembly today that jewellery and make up are not permitted.

Thanks

Leigh

A Day At Lords

Having a great day at the cricket with our cricket team and sports ambassadors! Looks like England are going to lose though, I'll post some photos later.

Leigh

Monies for Lunch, Breakfast, After School Club.

Just to remind all those who have school dinners that Total Catering reserve the right to refuse to provide a meal if monies owed are not up to date.
I will be sending out a letter shortly to similar effect for Breakfast and After School Clubs, if your child attends either please look out for it.

Thanks

Leigh

Strike Action Update

Just a quick thank you for your support during last week's industrial action. I appreciate that many of you were inconvenienced and thank you for your understanding.

Key Stage 2 Sports Day

In case you didn't get our text message, we have had to reschedule our KS2 Sports afternoon. Originally planned for the afternoon of Wednesday 13th, it has had to be moved to the morning instead and will start at 9.30am.
Hope to see you there.

Leigh

Family Breakfast again!

This Friday sees our final Family Breakfast of the year, I hope to see lots of you there.
A reminder, it is £1.70 per person. We start serving at 7.55am and stop serving at 8.20am.

Leigh

Further Strike Update

Nursery will be open next Thursday.

IMPORTANT- Strike Action Update, Please Read

Wednesday, 22 June 2011

Dear Parent,

It is with great regret that I have to inform you that as a result of the industrial action next Thursday (30^th June), we have no alternative but to close 7 classes for the day. While a further 2, whilst in school will not receive their full curriculum entitlement.

I have explored every avenue to avoid this, but legislation prohibits me from covering striking teachers with other teachers or support staff. Equally I am not permitted to ask any non-striking member of staff to accommodate additional pupils or duties as a result of striking colleagues.

I had hoped to cater for the ‘teacher-less’ children myself in the hall, but essentially this would involve me looking after 270 children aged 4-10 for the whole day. Having carried out a risk assessment of this scenario, the implications for Health & Safety would be too great.

I must state to parents that I am in support of the striking teacher’s cause, and would encourage parents to read the NUT posters on display around the school which outline a few facts.

I apologise also for the short notice, but outcomes of staff ballots have only just been made available to us.

Of course there is a possibility that the Government may perform a ‘U-Turn’ on their decision at the last minute, should this be the case we will let you know of any changes of arrangements.

I would urge any parents who are unhappy with the closure of their child’s class to direct their dissatisfaction at the Government rather than the school.

The following classes will be closed, please keep your children at home or arrange childcare:

RG,   1F,   2E,   3HB,   4C,   4BW,   5R

3G and 1D will operate as normal in the morning, however in the afternoon the children will be in the hall with me.

It may be that nursery will be closed for the day also, we will let you know tomorrow.

Kindest regards

Leigh Hovey

Four Square Champions

We entered 2 Year Six teams and 1 Year Five team in this afternoon's tournament, and played fantastically well in all of our matches against the many other schools who took part.

In the end, our Y5 team won, whilst our two Y6 teams met in the final so we were winners and runners up in that competition!!! We were officially crowned European Champions!

Four Square Tournament

For the third year running we are hosting the regional Four Square Competition.
All teams are playing well and the atmosphere is amazing!

Last night of the book fair.

The book fair has been great again this year, come along tonight as it goes tomorrow!

Youth Club

For all those you are aged between 9 and 11 the Youth Club is on again tonight at 6.15pm until 8pm.
An adult must deliver and collect!

Last week's relaunch was really successful, I hope to see even more of you there tonight!
If you've not been before the first session is free, pick up a form from the office or download from the school website.

Don't Forget The Book Fair

There are some fantastic offers at the book fair, and a wonderful array of children's literature to choose from. Something for everyone!

Just 2 evenings left, come along and have a look after school.

Fantastic cricketers.

Our cricket team did themselves proud in the Gravesham tournament yesterday.
Convincingly winning all four of their group games and securing a place in the semi final.
We then met Gads Hill School (whom we had already beaten in the group stages), unfortunately they narrowly beat us, ending a storming run.
From what I saw throughout the afternoon, our team were the most cohesive and consistent team there, we are all extremely proud of the fantastic way they played. Well done all, and thanks to Mr Bennett for his expert coaching.

Kwik Cricket Tournament

This afternoon our Cricket Team will be in action over at the Bat and Ball against many other Gravesham schools.

We are hoping to win a place in the finals in Canterbury, giving us a chance to become Kent Champions.

You may remember we became Gravesham Champions a couple of years ago.

Feel free to come and cheer them on.

Eco Car On Display

Our fantastic Eco Car which was built from recycled materials by our Eco Club is on display in the school entrance hall between now and the summer.


Weather permitting it will be available for children to have a test drive (for a small contribution) at this year's PTA summer BBQ. This event is on Friday 8th July at 6pm, hope to see you all there!

Leigh

Our very own fundraisers!

Good luck and well done to George and Ashwin who are raising money for Great Ormond Street this weekend by doing a 3 mile sponsored walk.

Breakfast

It was good to see many of you at our second Family Friday Breakfast this morning, hopefully you can join us again on Friday 1st July for our final one of the year.

Keeping Children Safe!!!

It's unfortunate that I need to 'patrol' Sheppy Place to encourage parents to park considerately and not use the staff car park, but it seems to be necessary.

Whilst up there this evening I saw a number of parents walking their children through the car park rather than the adjacent footpath.

At this time of day, a number of support staff are leaving the car park while cleaning staff are arriving, please do not walk your children through the car park.

Furthermore, a minority of parents park either across the forecourt of the flats or in private parking bays. As a school we work hard to foster good relationships with our neighbours, please help us to maintain these.

Thanks

Leigh

Book Fair

Don't forget the book fair starts next Monday.

Look out for posters around school.

Leigh

Children's Safety

Just in case you didn't see my letter today....

We are insisting that all children are collected from school by a responsible adult at the end of each day.

Occasional exceptions may be made by prior arrangement with Mrs Green or myself.

Ultimately we want to make sure all children are safe, ensuring they go home with an adult is one step towards this.

Leigh

June Newsletter

Youth Club

After long discussions with the organisers we are now ready to relaunch our YMCA Youth Club this Thursday evening.

The club runs from 6.15pm-8pm every Thursday up until the summer holidays, it is available for 9-11 year olds.

The organisers have put together a structured programme of activities to cover the next 7 sessions. All staff who run the sessions are fully trained and CRB checked youth workers.

I am confident that the club will return to being the success it was last year, the first session for all newcomers is free and we hope to welcome lots of new faces this week.

Application forms are available in the documents section of the school website.

Term 6

Welcome back to a very wet start to term 6.

Lots happening this term- Sports Days, School Production, Leavers Assembly, Reports Out- dates to follow on all.

First reminder- This Friday- Family Friday Breakfast- all are welcome- 7.55am until 8.20am- look out for flyers around the school for more details.

Leigh

Science Fayre Update

The Year 6 Science Fair was a huge success, all the other children and quite a few parents came along and joined in with some very exciting experiments. The excellent way that our Year 6s presented the information and helped the younger children really made me proud.

Lost Property

A reminder that any lost property not claimed by the end of the day today (Friday 27th) will be disposed of or recycled!

Happy Holiday

I can't believe we have another break from school already!

School resumes as normal on Monday 6th June, we look forward to welcoming Mrs Brierley back at this time.

Enjoy the break and let's hope the sun shines a little!

Leigh

PESE Meeting

3.30pm Main Hall-

Meeting for Year 5 parents who's children are considering the 11+ test.

Year 6 Science Fayre

Don't forget, 3pm today in the Main Hall is the Year 6 Science Fayre- I'll hopefully post some photos later.

On Behalf of Helen O Grady Drama Academy....

We would like to welcome back all our students and say a huge Hello to all the new children who have joined us this term. The Summer Term is our show term so is an exciting time at the Academy.

Our Lower Primary class will be presenting the play "Pirate Joe". Pirate Joe has become much too demanding and his crew never seems to be able to have fun. So, of course, they have to come up with a way to

overthrow the captain. Oooh Arrr! Whereas our Upper Primary class and Youth Theatre will be putting on "A Score to Settle". On a very stormy day, two buses, carrying rival football supporters, break down and the only place to shelter is a big old house in the middle

of nowhere.

Classes are held here at Wrotham Road Primary School every Thursday (Lower Primary 4.00-5.00pm, Upper Primary and Youth Theatre 5.00-6.00pm). New students can come for a free trial and bring a friend too !

To find out more please call 01689 812336 or email us at bromley@helenogrady.co.uk

Ocarina Festival

I've just got back from the Ocarina Festival which was held at Shears Green Junior School.

Most of our Year 4s who have been learning Ocarina this year took part, and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

8 schools took part and all played individual pieces as well as whole group performances. Listening to 400 children play Ocarina simultaneously was quite an experience!

As always our children were perfectly behaved and did themselves and the school proud.

Thanks to Mrs Robertson for teaching them over the year, and all the other adults who went along.

Eco Car Success

Our wonderful Eco Team gave Jenson Button something to think about on Saturday when they took part in the Go Kart competition at BAE Rochester.

The team have spent a number of weeks working with Miss Robson and 'Big Wes' the engineer constructing their own battery powered cart almost entirely out of recycled materials. The team of 12 spent all day at the competition, with 6 of them racing. Given that this was their first ever entry into the competition (some schools had been competing for 9 years!), they performed exceptionally well, with Faber scoring a 2nd place in his heat and Zahra coming 3rd in hers.

Unfortunately we didn't make the final but did pick up the award for 'Best Teamwork'.

Well done all of you and thanks to Miss Robson for leading the project.

Mrs Denton

Mrs Denton commences her maternity leave in June, but unfortunately will remain signed off by her doctor on medical grounds until then, so we won't be seeing her again until she returns from her maternity leave. The good news is that she is doing well and we look forward to hearing some exciting news in the next couple of months.

In the meantime we are very fortunate to have had the services of Mrs Barmby to cover her entire absence, she will continue to cover 1D until the end of the summer term.

Leigh

Welcome to my school info blog.

Welcome to our all new school blog, the aim of this blog is to keep all members of our community informed of news and events at the school. The intention is to update this very regularly with all up to the minute information, so please subscribe and 'follow' the blog, this will help ensure that you are notified as any new information becomes available.

It also gives you the opportunity to add comments against any particular news items. Please be aware that comments can be seen by any visitor to the site, if you wish to contact me via email confidentially then you can do so at: headteacher@wrotham-road.kent.sch.uk.

I look forward to strengthening our lines of communication through this media,

Thanks

Leigh