Dear Parents/ Carers,

 European School Milk Scheme

I have been informed by Derbyshire County Council that from Thursday 1^st March 2012, milk with the midday meal, will now cost you an extra 22p per day. 

It is quite complicated, but those children under 5 on the 1^st of March 2012 will receive FREE milk but those over 5 who wish to have milk will have to pay 22 per day.  Even those on Free School Meals will have to pay 22p per day if they want milk with their midday meal.  Fruit juice will be available to all and this is free.

In order to access milk then you have to register directly with Cool Milk.

How to register

Milk is free for all children aged under five (at 1^st March 2012) and those children aged five or older will have to pay 22p per day if they require milk.

Just register at www.coolmilk.com  or complete a registration form (attached) and send it to FREEPOST COOL MILK.   PLEASE DO NOT SEND IT INTO SCHOOL.

My child is under five

• Just register by a Tuesday for your child’s free milk to start the following week.
• Free milk will continue until the Friday before your child’s fifth birthday. You will receive a payment request three weeks before this time- if you wish your child to continue to receive school milk simply make a payment. 

My child is five or older

• Complete a registration form or register online as soon as possible. Shortly after registering you will receive a payment request.
• You can pay Cool Milk – NOT SCHOOL – either online, over the phone, at a local PayPoint or by cheque in half-termly, termly or annual instalments in advance.   NOT weekly or daily.
• Just pay by a Tuesday for your child’s milk to start the following week.

If you have any questions regarding school milk please visit www.coolmilk.com  or contact Cool Milk directly on 0800 142 2972 .

Many thanks.

Yours sincerely

P Thomas
Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers                                                                                                                                         

 Newsletter 10

We close at 3.15 p.m. this Friday 10th February for the half term break and re-open on Monday 20th February at 8.50 a.m.  If there is a snow fall in the weekend leading up to the Monday, please log on to our website for details as to whether the school is open or not—www.st-georgescofe.co.uk  The same message should also be on the Derbyshire County Council’s Schools page.  We are always looking for volunteers to clear the snow away so if you think you may be able to help please leave your name and number at the school office.  Many thanks. 

Our Church Schools Inspection

It was confirmed to me last week that after a rigorous and thorough inspection of the teaching of R.E., our Worship and effectiveness of R. E. and the effectiveness of the leadership and management of the school as a Church School, we were judged to be Outstanding.  This is the highest judgement that can be given.  What a fantastic achievement and my congratulations to all.  Never before have we achieved this grade and they are never given lightly.  A copy of the full Report is attached.  So with an Ofsted grade of ‘Good’ and now an Outstanding the school is a fantastic place and it is great that quality is recognised.

Diary Dates for next half term

February

Monday                                           20th                                      Re-open
Tuesday                                           21st                                       KS2 trip to Manchester

March

                                                                9th to 12th                     White Hall Weekend for5/6                                                                                                                                                  12th                                   School closed for INSET
                                                             13th                                      Parents/Carers’ Evening 3.30 — 6.00 p.m.
                                                             14th                                               “          “             “ 3.30 — 4.30 p.m.
                                                             29th                                     Easter Service in Church led by Y3/4—2.00 p.m.  All Welcome
                                                             30th                                    School closes at 3.15 for Easter holidays and re-opens on Monday
                                                                                                            16th April 

Scarlet Fever

The number of cases seems to have steadied but many thanks for being vigilant.  It hasn’t disappeared, so please be wary.

Many thanks.

P Thomas
Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers

 KS2 – Faith Buildings Tour in Manchester
Tuesday 21^st February 2012

 As part of our R E curriculum we have arranged a visit to different faith buildings inManchester.  They will be visiting Manchester Cathedral, the Buddhist Centre and the Jewish Museum.  This is a fantastic opportunity for the children to experience different faith buildings and a trip they should remember for a long time.

The school and PTA are subsidising the trip and therefore making the cost very reasonable.  We are asking parents/carers for a voluntary contribution of £3.00 per child, this is towards the cost of the coach.  The coach will leave school at 8.45 a.m. and return at 3.30 (approx) – depending on the traffic. 

The children will need a waterproof coat and sensible shoes, a packed lunch and something to carry it in – e.g. plastic bag.  Pupils who receive free school meals will be provided with a school packed lunch and a drink.  (Please note that glass bottles are not allowed.  Children can also bring £3.00 to spend on the day, but will be responsible for their own money, so should bring a named purse or wallet.

Under the terms of the 1988 Education Reform Act, the cost of this trip must be met by voluntary parental contributions.  It is also a requirement that no child is excluded from a visit because of parent’s inability or unwillingness to pay.  However, as I am sure you realise, the school only has limited funds to help subsidise these visits.  It is the wish to the teachers, and the Governors, that these visits will continue and I know that most parents will agree.  In view of these regulations I regret that if parents do not cover the cost by voluntary contributions, it will be necessary to cancel this trip. 

Please could you sign the consent form below.

Many thanks.

Yours sincerely

P Thomas
Headteacher 

St George’s C E Primary School

 Child’s name ……………………………………………………..

 I do/do not give permission for my child to go on the trip to ManchesterTuesday 21^st February 2012

• I enclose a payment of £3.00 for the trip.
• I will pick my child up from school at approximately 3.30 p.m.
• My child can walk home             

Signed ……………………………………………………..Parent/Carer

Please print name ……………………………………….Date ……………………………………………..

Dear Parents/Carers

I have been notified by the Surgery that a few cases of Scarlet Fever have emerged in New Mills and one of those is at St. George’s. 

The Surgery have re-assured me that the condition is treatable by antibiotics and that parents should look for these symptoms:  high temperature, sore throat, a very fine rash, tongue bright red.  Good hygiene practice is also recommended i.e., washing hands on a regular basis and coughing/sneezing into a tissue which is then disposed of in the correct manner.

If you think your child has these symptoms then it is advisable for them to be taken to the G. P. or walk-in centre before coming to school.

If you want further advice please look at www.patient.co.uk

Many thanks.

Yours sincerely

P Thomas
Headteacher

This is just a quick letter to let you know some arrangements that are coming up. 

Monday 23^rd January – As our topic at the moment is shopping I would like to take the children on a walk to shops in the town.  However, to do this we would need to be accompanied by extra adults.  If you are able to help us with this please let me know, we would be very grateful.

Tuesday 24^th January – This is our student Amy’s last day of her placement so we are going to have a small farewell party for her.  To tie in with our toy shop role play your child may bring in their favourite toy to join us.

Thursday 2^nd February – School trip to the pantomime at theArtTheatre.  Nursery children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.  Children’s tickets are £5.00; adult’s tickets are £8.50.  Please let me know if you would like to go.

Wednesday 8^th February – to launch the School Breakfast Club we are having a Big Breakfast with all the children eating together in the school hall.  More details will follow.

Thank you for sending hats, gloves etc. for your child to wear during outside play; it makes a big difference to the quality of play if they are suitably dressed. 

Carole Townsend
Nursery Class Teacher

Dear Parents/Carers

                                                                                            Newsletter 9

Happy New Year to all!  I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas.

Dates for your Diary

January                  4th                School Re-opens 

February                2nd               Aladdin  -  Art Theatre (7 p.m.)

                                  5th                 Education Sunday  -  all welcome

                               10th                 School Closes for half term at 3.15 p.m.

                               13th to 17th Half Term

                              20th                 School Re-opens

March                 9th to              White Hall Residential Weekend for Y5/6
                             11th

                            12th                   SCHOOL CLOSED — INSET DAY

                            13th                   Parents/Carers’ Evening 3.30  -  6.00

                           14th                    Parents/Carers’ Evening 3.30  -  4.30

                           29th                    Easter Service in Church  -  2 p.m.  -  all are welcome

                           30th                   School Closes at 3.15 for Easter Holidays and re-opens on Monday 16th April

Snow Clearance  -  Help!
If, or when, we get a snow fall, I would appreciate some parental help to clear snow from around the school.  It is a big area to clear so any help would be fantastic.  If you think you can help, please turn up with a snow shovel. If we have to close for whatever reason, please look at the school’s website or DCC site, or listen to the local radio.

Many thanks.

Yours sincerely

P Thomas
Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers 

New Mills Art Theatre Pantomime 2012  -  Aladdin 

We are arranging to take our children to see this year’s pantomime in the Art Theatre on Thursday 2nd February 2012.  The cost will be £5.00 which includes the cost of an ice-cream.  Our PTA are also subsidising the cost, which is appreciated.

The children can be dropped off at the Art Theatre for 7.00 p.m., and the performance is due to start at 7.15 p.m., where staff from school will supervise them that evening and they can be collected at approximately 9.45 p.m. 

This is a fantastic opportunity offered to the children to see a live performance and it is local, with no additional travelling costs to other towns or cities.

I do hope you can take up this offer and if it is a success we hope to repeat it annually.

Please can you return the slip with the money by Friday 20th January 2012.

Many thanks.

Yours sincerely

P Thomas
Headteacher

———————————————————————————————————————————-

ST. GEORGE’S C. E. PRIMARY SCHOOL 

I / We wish to attend New Mills Art Theatre on Thursday 2nd February 2012 and enclose £5.00 (per child) for the pantomime.

Signed ………………………………………………………………………………………..Parent/Carer

Dear Parents/Carers

Newsletter 8

Many thanks to all for their hardwork on  the Christmas Fair.  We raised over £900. for P.T.A. funds, that’s amazing!!  It’s our best ever!

In the new year I shall be writing to you again about the P.T.A. and any changes/improvements you would like to make.  Look out for that letter, it may be at the bottom of your child’s Reading Folder!

Christmas in school has been a great success once again with parties and concerts.  Monday 19th will be our Carol Service in Church and starts at 2 p.m.  All welcome.  At the end of the service you may collect your child(ren) from school and then school closes at 3.15 p.m. for the Christmas holiday.  We re-open on Wednesday 4th January 2012.

Snow Warning
The forecast for tomorrow (Friday 16th) is for heavy snow overnight.  If this is the case, please come along in the morning with a snow shovel.  Any help will be gratefully received.  This plea for help applies to anytime there is heavy snow.

From everyone at St. George’s C. E. Primary we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Many thanks.

Yours sincerely

P Thomas
Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers
                                                                                                        Newsletter 7 

Many thanks for supporting Children in Need and our chocolate non-uniform day.  For Children in Need we raised £112., which is excellent!

The Christmas Fair is this Friday 9^th December at 2 p.m. in the school hall.  We still need your help on the day please and bottles, toys, bric a brac.  There will be lots of stalls and Father Christmas!  You can collect your child(ren) at 2 o’clock to enjoy the Fair together.

Christmas Concerts – Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th December – 2.00 p.m. – School Hall
Please note that due to high demand for seats we are trying again this year to allocate seats for KS1 and Nursery parents on the Monday performance and KS2 and Nursery parents on the Tuesday.  Due to Health & Safety reasons the hall cannot accommodate everyone.  We are asking if only 2 family members watch on the allocated ay.  Thank you for your co-operation with this.

Due to limited space, buggies, push chairs etc will have to be left outside.

Data Update Form
On the reverse is a Data Update Form -  Please only fill this in if any details have recently changed.

Diary Dates for December 2011

9^th Christmas Fair  -  2 p.m. – school hall

8^th to 12^th Christmas Tree Festival in St. George’s Church

12^th & 13^th Christmas Play – 2 p.m. – school hall

14^th KS1 party (p.m.)

15^th KS2 party (p.m.)

16^th Nursery party (a.m.)

19^th School’s Carol Service in Church 2 p.m. All welcome.

3.15 school closes for Christmas holildays and re-opens on Wednesday 4^th January 2012.

Many thanks.

Yours sincerely

P Thomas
Headteacher

 DATA UPDATE FORM

If there are any changes or additions to the information we already have please only fill in the changes or additions here – together with your child’s name at the top of the form.  Many thanks.

 Wanted :

•  Bottles for the Bottle Tombola
• Prizes for the Raffle
• Bric a Brac in good condition
• Toys, Books and Games in good condition
• Your help in the days leading up to the Fair
• Your help on the day of the Fair
• New members for the P.T.A.

Please get in touch with the school office if you can help.

Many thanks.

P Thomas
Headteacher