A Festive Friday Night Round Up from Mr Schumm

2 Dec 2022

 

Good afternoon,

 

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas… I know, I know, there’s still weeks to go but, from the dates below, time is running out and the school is awash with carols!

Our two Year 4 classes delighted us with assemblies on Friendship and Christmas. Mr Perry’s class was first off the block with a friendship feast of songs, dance and acting. They were marvellous and, at just under 40 minutes, a triumph for Mr Perry! Next, came Mr Faith with a rather retro Christmas extravaganza with even a dash of Cliff Richard! They soon had us well and truly in the festive spirit with their wonderful acting and singing skills.

 

Black History Trail

Y5 enjoyed a LBHF Black History Trail today around our local area. The children saw Fanny Eaton’s memorial, discussed Esther Bruce’s work outside of her old place of work, Charing Cross Hospital, and, sensitively discussed the slave trade whilst at Hammersmith Bridge by the Thames.

 

Inspection

Yesterday, our school Local Authority Lead Advisor, who is also an Ofsted Inspector, visited the school to meet with myself, curriculum leaders, observe lessons and chat with children. It was an extremely positive experience with her highly praising staff for their subject knowledge of the specific areas and their continuing drive to ensure our standards are high. She was also highly complementary of the outreach and enrichment experiences we are offering the children to enhance their education. She praised the children’s behaviour and described them as confident and bubbly and, most importantly, happy!

As you will be aware we are due an Ofsted visit imminently and, if you have been reading the news, then you will be aware that an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ is now like gold dust! We will, of course, be aiming for that ‘gold dust’ but it is just worth reiterating that the criteria and process is very different now to when we were last inspected.

 

Pantomime-tastic

Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 travelled to The Lyric to enjoy the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. They had a wonderful time and were soon cheering and dancing in the aisles.

 

Quiz Night

Thank you FOSS for a fantastic Quiz Night – it was stupendous! A massive thank you to Justine, Louise and Jamie whose organizational and quiz mastering skill were truly a sight to behold. A great time was had by all and a smashing amount of money was raised for our terrific children’s education. Thank you and thank you again.

 

And here they are! A few important date reminders – fasten your seatbelts it’s going to be a bumpy few weeks! 20 house points if you can name that film.

 

Tuesday, 6th December – Reception Nativity at 2pm in St Stephen’s Church. The House Captains will be collecting for their chosen charities

 

Wednesday, 7th December – Christmas Lunch – the children may wear a Christmas jumper on that day.

A reminder from Cookie.

Thank you everyone who has so kindly bought in ‘sockings’ for next week’s Christmas lunch.

For those who have waited to make them this weekend 🙂 please bring them in by Tuesday at the latest.

For those of you who missed my last email:

  • A socking is our new version of a Christmas cracker. 
  • Any clean sock will do, any size, any colour.
  • Stuff it with anything fun and with nothing made of single use plastic.
  • Please add a joke or riddle if you can, as that is often what the children enjoy most.

Merry Christmas and much love, Cookie x

Thursday, 8th December – Years 1 and 2 Nativity in the school hall at 9.30am and 2pm. The House Captains will be collecting for their chosen charities. Plus:

  • Nursery Christmas Lunch
  • Own Clothes Day – please donate a bottle
  • The Great St Stephen’s Drinks Party (Parents/ carers only) on Thursday 8thDecember from 7.30pm onwards. This event is organised by the school and is an opportunity for us to say thank you for being such amazing parents. This is the perfect community event where you won’t have to be in charge of a stall, answer numerous questions, buy a ticket or buy a raffle ticket! It’s all about the festive cheer, Christmas music and delicious nibbles! There will be a cash bar to get the festive banter flowing. Please reserve a place via Parentmail – 2 places per family.
  • Busy Day!

Saturday, 10th December – The Christmas Fair – 12 – 4pm. Have you pre-booked your tickets for the many exciting rides at this year’s Christmas Fair on Saturday, 10 December? We are thrilled to bring a new attraction to the fair, the larger-than-life Snow Globe! This exciting inflatable chamber will have artificial snow giving each family an opportunity for loads of fun and great photos!

 

Our Christmas Fair could use more helpers, can you spare a half hour or an hour between noon and 4pm? If you can, please get in touch to find out how you can help! pta.foss@gmail.com

 

Wednesday, 14th December – House Captains Zoom Quiz – Ticket price is £5 per person. The ticket covers entry to the quiz, a goody bag and other things that will be needed during the Quiz.

Thursday, 15th December – Carols by Candlelight Service in St Stephen’s Church at 6pm. The concert involves the children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. They will need to wear full school uniform and be back at school for 5.45pm. The House Captains will be collecting for their chosen charities

 

Friday, 16th December – Christmas Service at 9am in St Stephen’s Church

 

And that’s your lot! Have a wonderful weekend and see you on Monday hopefully after a very fruitful Sunday evening – guess who I got in the school sweep Stake? Senegal!

 

Mr Schumm