No. 291 - 3 March
Dear Parents and Carers,
It was lovely to see how enthusiastic the children were about World Book Day this week. Hopefully those that took part in the book swap will have come away with some great new reads. At Pewley, everyone enjoyed reading this year’s short-listed picture books for the Waterstones illustrated book prize. We’re excited to find out which was voted as favourite – do take a look at some of these; they’re all delightful (www.waterstones.com/the-waterstones-childrens-book-prize#illustrated). And at the juniors, it was fun to work out what the children’s favourite books were from a badge or a small accessory that many of them wore as a clue. Credit must go to Sarah, our Year 6 teacher for wearing her elf ears all day in tribute to her favourite author, Tolkien. We’re also enjoying prioritising reading every day in all the classes across the school. Perhaps ask your child what book they’re hearing read aloud at the moment.
You might wonder why, unlike in many schools, we don’t dress up for World Book Day – I feel very strongly that books are wonderful enough in their own right, dressing up often creates an unnecessary stress for families, it can be expensive, and it can be very divisive, with those that can afford an elaborate costume causing others to feel left out. I’m also glad that we do plenty of dressing up at other times, especially when the outfits add to the learning, bringing a historical period of the curriculum to life.
I’ve enjoyed seeing many of you at the HT parents’ evenings this week. Some of my favourite moments in school happen when a child is proudly celebrating a piece of work, sharing with their parents all their triumphs and challenges, and recalling the learning that lies behind their finished written work. Thank you for taking the time to come in and talk about their progress. Next week, it’s the turn of the Pewley parents; do remember if you haven’t yet booked a time for an appointment with your child’s teacher, it’s not too late. Just give either office a call, or send an email to your child’s teacher.
It was lovely to hear how successful the Years 2, 3 and 4 Sportshall events were this week. Huge thanks to our very own sports coordinator, Laura Sutton for arranging this for all the Guildford primary schools. I was especially glad to hear that the children from HTPD were excellent ambassadors, behaving beautifully, supporting one another and taking part with huge determination. It’s great to see our school values being lived out, with an enthusiastic “zest for learning and love of life”.
With love,
Clare
Thought of the Week: The Magic of Forgiveness. Who do you need to forgive today? Jesus heals the paralysed man.
Vacancy
Harrison Catering is looking for a Catering Assistant to join Pewley Down. The 15 hour per week position is to assist with the preparation of fresh food offer, as well as set up and clear down. The full advert is on the School website under vacancies. Please contact paul.thorne@harrisoncatering.co.uk if you are interested.
Infant
Parent Consultations, Tuesday 7 & Thursday 9 March
Please come to the library / office area on arrival. There will be a list showing where the parent consultation meetings are being held.
Teacher-led clubs
All teacher-led clubs are cancelled next week beginning 6 March owing to the parent consultation meetings.
Clay Club with Catherine is cancelled on Tuesday 14 March.
Swimming Kit Year 2
We are running low on spare swimming kit for Year 2. If you have any swimming costumes or towels which are no longer needed we would love to have them. Please also return any kit which your child may have borrowed.
Found
- Black adult-size hat (Anomaly Buro Berlin)
- Girls’ bracelet with pink donut charm (found in the playground)
ParentPay
Outstanding balances on ParentPay - as we approach year-end please could you clear any balances on Breakfast Club or PUPS and trips before 24 March or as soon as possible. If you are experiencing any difficulties, please contact Flora on finance@htpd.surrey.sch.uk.
Lunch
Week 2 beginning 6 March
FOPS News
Hi everyone,
We hope you’ve had a great week!
You may have seen from the ParentMail yesterday that we’ve already raised £8,500 so far this academic year! This has been a huge team effort with the school community so thank you again for your ongoing support. Our next mission is to raise enough money to buy air conditioning for the upstairs classrooms which get unbearably hot for the teachers and children during the summer months.
Sponsored Read
The donations are all in and we can confirm that just under £800 was raised! This will be spent on the new book scheme, Little Wandle, to fund lovely new phonics books.
Sponsored Bunny Hop
On the last morning of the Spring term (March 31st) the children will be invited in their classes to complete an Easter Bunny obstacle course round the school hall! Sponsorship forms will be sent out in advance for those who would like to sponsor their child/class/school on the amount of jumps completed!
Coronation Party
This family event will take place at Pewley Infant school on Saturday 29th April and will include food, drinks, crafts and games. More details will follow but if you’d like to help organise the event or help on the day please speak to your class rep.
Groundforce Day
We would love you to join us to do some planting and general tidying up of the exterior of the school on the morning of April 22nd, which happens to be World Earth Day! Teas, coffees and biscuits will be provided and you can stay for as little or as long as you’d like. Your help really makes a difference, so please come along if you’re free.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Eleanor and Sally x
Dates for the diary:
- 31st March – Sponsored bunny hop
- 22nd April – Groundforce Day
- 29th April – Coronation party
Junior
Dates for the Diary
- Friday 10 March – Y6 Natural History Museum Visit
Travelling Book Fair
The book fair will be open on Monday 6 March, before and after school. The school earns a commission from the book sales and if we sold a few more books, we could raise £100 towards books for the school library.
ParentPay
Outstanding balances on ParentPay - as we approach year-end please could you clear any balances on lunch, Breakfast Club or Clubs+ and any trips as soon as possible. If you are experiencing any difficulties, please contact Flora on finance@htpd.surrey.sch.uk.
Sports Updates : fixtures and Clubs
Cancelled Clubs
- Monday 6 March - Y4 Netball
- Monday 13 March - Hockey Club
- Tuesday 14 March - Y5 Football Club
Monday 6 March - Y5 & Y6 Netball Tournament at George Abbott
The teams have been sent out on Parent Mail. Pick up at George Abbott at 5pm
Tuesday 7 March - Y3, Y4, Y5 & Y6 XC at St Cat's
The teams have been sent out on Parent Mail. Pick up at St Cat's at 4.45pm
Thursday 9 March - Y5 & Y6 Sportshall Athletics - County Finals
The teams have been sent out on Parent Mail. Please collect from Spectrum at 3.30pm
Saturday 11 March - Y5 & Y6 Surrey School Athletics Association Primary School XC at The Priory, Reigate
The teams have been sent out on Parent Mail.
Monday 13 March - Y5 & Y6 Guildford Hockey Tournament at Charterhouse
The teams have been sent out on Parent Mail. Pick up at Charterhouse at 5pm
Tuesday 14 March - Y5 Boys Football and Y5&6 Girls Football at HT
The teams have been sent out on Parent Mail. Pick up at HT at 4.30pm
Wednesday 15 March - Y6 Netball Tournament at St Cat's
The team has been sent out on Parent Mail. Pick up at St Cat's at 4.45pm
Thursday 16 March - Y6 Boys Football Festival
The team has been sent out on Parent Mail. Pick up at Weyfield at 5pm
Lunch
Week 2 beginning 6 March. Please note there will be a change to the menu on Thursday, swapping the Chicken Tikka for Hot Dog Hash
HTSC News
Events! Events! Events!
HTSC are excited to announce our fundraising events for the remainder of the school year!
We will also be sending out a special ParentMail on Monday, which will detail what all of your amazing support has meant for our school and further details on upcoming events!
Friday, 17th March- Y5/6 Cake Sale - If possible, please donate online to help us be cashless on the day www.pta-events.co.uk/htsc/index.cfm?event=Shop#.ZAH16OzP0Xo
Friday, 24th March- QUIZ AND CURRY NIGHT! Come join us for a fun filled grown up night out starting at 7:00pm. Hurry and get your tickets now to avoid disappointment! www.pta-events.co.uk/htsc/index.cfm?event=Shop#.ZAH16OzP0Xo
Monday, 27th March- Year 5 & Year 6 - Easter Hop! (Disco)
*DETAILS AND PRESALE ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY 6th MARCH!
Monday, 24th April- Year 3 & Year 4- Coronation Party!
*DETAILS AND PRESALE ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY 6th MARCH!
Saturday, 1st July – SUMMER FAIR - Save the Date! More details to come…
Other
The Royal Geographical Society (London) are organising an event on Tuesday 13 June, that is aimed at the younger generation (12 - 20 year olds) to inspire them to adventure and exploration. The event may be interesting for Y6 children Please see the attached flyers for more information. Tickets are available via Eventbrite - https://BeinspiredbyEverest70.eventbrite.co.uk (afternoon tickets are £12)
Guildford Baseball - please see the flyer below about an upcoming opportunity for pupils aged 6-15.