GREENFYLDE CHURCH OF ENGLAND FIRST SCHOOL  

SILVER STREET, ILMINSTER, SOMERSET TA19 0DS

 

Telephone:  Ilminster (01460) 52686

Fax:  Ilminster (01460) 55780  

Email: office@greenfylde.somerset.sch.uk

Website Address: www.greenfyldefirst.ik.org

 

Headteacher:  Mr J Jeffery

 

Date:  17 December 2007                                                                                Newsletter No:  9

 

 

Dear Parent

 

 

Christmas Tree Festival

 

 

 

 

I hope that many of you were able to visit the Minster and see the school’s Christmas tree alongside all of the others.  The collection underneath the tree made £54.00, which is a very good total indeed.  This will be added to other collections at the school and will be used to buy gifts from Oxfam Unwrapped.  Thank you again to the children and staff who decorated the tree so well.

 

On a related matter, you may have seen the lovely Christmas tree we have in our hall.  This was kindly donated by Greenway Farm, to whom we are very grateful.

 

Poppy Collection

 

 

 

 

Our poppy collection for the Royal British Legion made a total of £95.00.  Thank you for your generosity in helping to make such a good sum.

 

Nativity Plays

 

 

 

 

All of our younger children have been involved in putting on nativity plays which have been greatly enjoyed.  The hall has been full for all of these and the children have preformed and sung well.  Congratulations must go to all of the children and the staff who organised the plays.   Thank you to everyone who a came to support the plays.

 

 

Christmas Singing

 

 

A group of singers have, in the last two weeks, visited Muchelney House, Vaughan Lee House, Hazelwell Lodge and Horton Cross to sing to senior citizens.  The visits have been really enjoyed by everyone taking part.

 

 

Yesterday the same group of children sang at the Civic Carol Service in the Minster.  The church was full and the children’s participation was really appreciated.

 

 

Early in the New Year, children will be singing at the Ilminster Senior Citizens’ Christmas Lunch, held at The Shrubbery.

 

 

It is lovely for the school to be involved with the wider community in this way.  It adds a great deal to the experience of the children and, we hope, gives pleasure to lots of locals.

 

 

Carol Services

 

 

These are on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings this week, both at 6.00pm in the Minster.  We would ask parents to attend only one please so as to allow room for all those who wish to attend across both evenings.  Thank you.

 

 

All parents are welcome at a Carol Service and we look forward to seeing you.  Both Services will be followed by refreshments in the school hall.  On that subject, we would be very grateful if anyone is able to donate any mince pies. 

 

 

The FrOGS Christmas Hampers will also be raffled at this time.  Thank you to everyone who donated items for the hampers.

 

 

Car Security

 

 

There have been two incidents recently in

Wharf Lane

; one an attempted car break-in, the second a car having a side window smashed.  The former happened whilst a parent was collecting their child at 3.30pm.

one an attempted car break-in, the second a car having a side window smashed.  The former happened whilst a parent was collecting their child at 3.30pm.

 

Please ensure that your car is left secure and that you report any incidents to the police.  Thank you.

 

 

Car Parking

 

A reminder that, as of next term, there will be no parking concessions in Orchard Vale Car Park at the start of the day.  That is, from 9.00am you will need to have purchased a parking ticket or you will be liable to a fine.  The concession will still apply for the afternoon.  Parents may park from 3.20pm to 3.40pm free.  Outside of those times, normal regulations will apply.

 

 

 

School Cleaning

 

 

We are still in the situation of possibly needing a temporary cleaner for a few weeks.  It would also be helpful to know if anyone would be willing to clean on a supply basis, ie, when a member of staff is absent.  If you are interested in either of these roles, please see me as soon as possible.  Thank you.

 

 

Parent Governor

 

 

Mrs Helen Cridland, a parent governor for the past three years, has recently resigned as a governor due to work commitments.  We thank her very much for her hard work and input over those three years.

 

 

Therefore, there is a vacancy in the governing body for a parent representative.  I will write to all parents in January about this and give you more information and details.  Meanwhile, if you think you may be interested, do please come and talk to me.

 

 

Christmas Lunch and Non-Uniform

 

 

Please remember that Thursday is our Christmas Lunch day.  I know lots of children are looking forward to this.

 

 

We would also like to make this a fun non-uniform day.  Children are welcome to dress up in Christmassy outfits or just wear non-uniform if they wish.  We are not asking for any donation on this occasion – this is just for fun!

 

 

Next Term

 

 

We return to school on Monday 7 January.  There is a FrOGS meeting on Thursday 10 January at 7.00pm in the staffroom.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

 

 

Finally

 

 

May I sincerely thank you for your support to the school, the staff and myself over the past term.  I hope you feel that it has been a happy and successful term for your child. 

 

 

Many parents help the school in lots of ways.  I would like to thank those involved in FrOGS especially.  The time and effort they put in is greatly appreciated.

 

 

The school also benefits enormously from a large number of volunteers who give very generously of their time to help – especially helping children with reading and writing.  Their contribution makes a real difference and we are very grateful.

 

 

On behalf of the school, may I wish you a very Happy Christmas.  All best wishes for 2008.

 

 

 

All best wishes

 

Yours faithfully

 

 

 

 

John Jeffery  

Headteacher