Newsletter November 2006
Congratulations to Mrs. Blaythorne and her husband on the birth of Daniel who was born on 25th October. Both mother and baby are doing well!!
GAMBIAN ANTICS!
Year 3/4 had a visit from Juldeh Cammera, a Gambian musician, who introduced
us to the culture of West Africa. Juldeh offered a participatory insight
into Fula culture (West African), including song, percussion, the riti
(1-stringed fiddle) and dance. For the parents who managed to come to
school to see an overview of the workshops, I am sure you will agree that
it was certainly a memorable experience! We were launched into an unknown
world of discovery in West African movement and music. Needless to say
that, although our performance wasn't polished (by any means!), the children
enjoyed a valuable introduction to another culture.
Lamps in the Circuit - An Electrifying Panto!
In a battle against evil, all the panto favourites came together to show just how simple circuits can be. The performance by Kinetic Theatre Group to the children in Y2 and Key Stage 2 was very entertaining and captured the children's interest on a science topic that can sometimes prove challenging.
ENID BLYTON
Gillian Baverstock, Enid Blyton's daughter, came to school to talk to
KS1 children about the creation of Noddy and lots of other books written
by Enid Blyton.
ILLUSTRATORS IN THE MAKING?
Four children were invited to a workshop based at Burley and Woodhead
with a famous children's illustrator, Stephen Waterhouse. Stephen was
incredibly impressed with the quality of the artwork produced and saw
some real talent throughout the day. Well done to the children who took
part.
Educational
visits have taken place as part of our curriculum enrichment, including:
o Y1/2 Science Museum, Manchester
o Y1/2 Hockney Gallery, Salt's Mill
o Y3/4 World War II, Murton Park.
o Y5/6 Whitby
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
There continues to be a vast range of activities available for children
to take part in after school, including numerous sporting events. We are
very proud to announce that Year 6 came 3rd in the area championships
for the 'Sportshall Athletics'; Year 6 boys' and girls' rugby teams won
the area championships and we are winners of the Primary Girls' Football.
The trophy cabinet is in need of expansion! Many children have taken part
in the Year 3, 4 and 5 football tournaments and cross country running.
In December, we will be taking part in
basketball tournaments.
TESCO SPORTS VOUCHERS
Thank you for collecting a total of 9000 vouchers to date. They will be
used to purchase a wide range of playtime/lunchtime equipment e.g balls,
bags, skipping ropes and PE equipment such as junior hockey sticks for
use throughout school.
OPEN EVENING
The school Open Evening on 9th November was very well attended. It provided
a great opportunity for parents and the local community to come into school
to find out exactly how we work. The WWII café was particularly
well visited - thank you for all the donations of war time crunch etc.
(I've heard many stories about interesting baking/burning experiences
with your children!!) The donations raised an extra £187 for the
British Legion Poppy Fund.
MUSIC
We have added to our musical provision with a choir and the number of
instrumental lessons being taken has risen, with an increase in children
taking brass tuition. Miss Worsman has undertaken training in recorder
tuition; she aims to set up a recorder club for Y2 after Christmas.
RECYCLING
We continue to recycle as much in school as possible. The Recycling Factory
are running a scheme whereby each used, recyclable inkjet cartridge or
mobile phone brought into school, earns £1 for school funds. We
would appreciate it if you could bear this in mind before throwing them
away! It is a positive scheme and could also have great benefit to school
resources.
GARDENING
The children from all year groups are involved in bulb planting on the
banking at the back of school. We are hoping to create a coordinated section
of flowers to brighten up the area and also to prevent children from climbing
on this dangerous area. Thank you to all the parents who have helped improve
the pond and garden area in school - it looks much tidier!
PREPARATIONS FOR THE XMAS FAIR
Thank you for all the generous donations which have been sent to school
in preparation for the Fair on Saturday. The discos have been very successful.
We are looking forward to a great morning.
HISTORY MORNING Y3/4
Friends of Burley Oaks have been invited to be interviewed about 'life
in WWII' next Tuesday (28th Nov). If there are any parents who could help
with the running of activities on this busy morning, please let Ms. Archer
know asap please.
For CHILDREN IN NEED, £90 was raised by Y5/6 with their Dodgeball Tournament.
ROAD SAFETY
Once again, may I remind you to be considerate when dropping off or collecting
your children by car. The road becomes very congested and is worsened
when people park on both sides of the road, particularly where the road
narrows.
Please do not walk your children through the car park at any time; it
is not safe!
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Saturday 25th
November
Christmas Fair
7th December - KS1 nativity 2pm
8th December - " 9.30am
w/c 11th December - Xmas parties
Thurs 14th Dec - School Xmas Dinner
Tuesday 19th December
KS2 Carol Service 9.30am
School Closes for Christmas
Claire Hemming
Deputy Headteacher
Don't forget to place your order for the new Burley Oaks Calendar which has been organised once again by the Parents' Association.
If you would like to book for 'The Playstation' over the Christmas Holidays, please call Tina before 8th December on 01943 430126
