Newsletter June 2007


Dear Parents,
Please take time to read my final newsletter of the year and take note of important dates. I cannot believe we are in the last month of the academic year! We have three long-serving members of staff leaving us this summer. Dona Ana Maria is retiring and Dave Beckett and BJ Foreman are leaving to pursue other interests. I am sure you will join with me in thanking them for their many years of service to the school and wishing them all the very best for the future. The distressing case of Madeleine has made us all aware of the dangers in today’s society and all our thoughts are with her and her family at this time. Please also see the separate item on security. While not quite there yet, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a relaxing summer break.
Kind Regards

Mrs Sam Durham
Acting Head Teacher

Important Calendar Dates


Thursday 7th BANK HOLIDAY
13th Key Stage 3 Sports Day Almancil Stadium 13th Music School from Lisbon
16th School BBQ
Week beginning 18th Y10 Work Experience
19th & 20th Drama Challenge Y6 to Y9
21st Y5 & 8 São Rafael Beach Study
24th Band Concert in Loulé (Lyons Garden Party)
26th Y6 Zona Aventura
27th Band Concert - School Hall 7:00pm
29th Prizegiving – School Hall 9:00am
29th – SCHOOL CLOSES 12:00


Drama Challenge Years 6, 7, 8& 9

Parents of pupils in the above classes are cordially invited to the performances for Y6 plays and KS3 DramaChallenges (School Hall):
Y6 Plays –Tuesday 19th at 2:30pm
Y7 Drama Challenge -Wednesday 20th at 11am
Y8 Drama Challenge – Wednesday 20th at 9:15am
Y9 Drama Challenge – Tuesday 19th at 9:15am

School Band

There are two more concerts planned before the end of term (see calendar dates). They had a very successful visit to Vale Verde School in Burgau on the 23rd May where they performed outside. They played and sang in very windy conditions but still managed to greatly impress the staff and pupils of Vale Verde. I accompanied them on the visit and as usual was very proud of both their conduct and performance. The choir from CAISL, the American School, visited us last Thursday and delighted our pupils with their singing. A music school from Lisbon will be performing for our pupils on 13th.

Security

I am aware of the heightened concerns about security at the school and would like to inform parents that steps are being taken to make the site more secure. Work will begin soon on making the inner perimeter inaccessible to anyone who has no legitimate reason to be here. I would like parents to help in the following ways:
  • - pick children up promptly after school and from extra-curricular activities,
  • - notify us if someone else has been asked to pick up your child,
  • - if an older child has your permission to walk home we must have this permission in writing
  • - do not park outside the gate and expect your child to walk out to meet you.
Please do not expect to enter the school grounds by the back gate because this will remain locked until opened for PE lessons and lunch break. The children’s safety is paramount and I am sure all parents will welcome and cooperate with any initiative which is brought in to ensure this. With the security in mind, it has come to our attention that many of our pupils are accessing internet sites which we consider inappropriate and potentially harmful. Please monitor carefully what sites your child accesses.

Sports Days

Key Stage One children, parents and staff thoroughly enjoyed the morning of 30th May. This year’s trophy went to Green Team. Key Stage Two Sports Day took place on Friday 1st June at Almancil Football Stadium. The trophy went to RED team. Many thanks to everyone who helped make these events so successful, especially Sr. Paulo, Dougie Knowler and Y10 PE group.

Fitness club for children of all ages

Next academic year, Mr and Mrs Watson will be offering this at school as an extra-curricular activity. They will be giving taster sessions to the Primary School before the end of term.

Car Park

Please do not block the back lane near staff parking as this also blocks access to the disabled parking spot in front of the office.

Television appeal

The school would welcome any donations of TVs, video players (yes we still use them!) and DVD players, if you are updating your systems.

Swimming

May I remind parents that, in accordance with guidelines in the Key Stage Booklets, girls must wear one piece bathing suits when swimming at school. Bikinis are not permitted.
Holiday Summer Schools
Portuguese
The Language Department is very willing to run Portuguese clubs and lessons during the summer months. If you would be interested in such provision, please return the completed slip to the school office by 16th June, and we can make arrangements for suitable age related sessions.
Art & Drama
Ms van Allen will run an Art & Drama club if there is sufficient interest. Please complete and return the slip below.

Cabo Verde Appeal

A group of university students are collecting medical and educational items to take to Cabo Verde and work with the local people. Last year’s stay was a success and they have identified a list of needs for this year. Full details are available on an information poster on the school wall. They would appreciate anything you can give.