Autumn Newsletter 1
10th September 2015
Autumn Letter 1
Dear Parents
The start of the new school year is always an exciting one with everyone in new classes and the school welcoming some new and some familiar faces to the staffing team. I am delighted to welcome Mrs Saunderson as the new teacher in Wharfedale and
Mrs Ritchie and Mrs Heard who both return after maternity leave to form a new partnership in Airedale class. We also welcome
Mrs Mattocks who joins our HLTA team and will be working in KS2.
Mr Gibbons and his cleaning team have been busy over the summer and the whole school is shining and ready for the new term ahead.
I look forward to catching up with you all and to what I am sure will be another exciting and successful year in the life of the school.
Lunches
You will all be aware that Richard Taylor School was one of a number of schools which tendered for a new catering contract in the summer term. Mellors will be delivering our catering contract from September working with Lynne and her team who will still be the team delivering our meals. Until lunch numbers become clear we will be operating a cafeteria style system. Mellors were chosen as our new contractor with the aim to raise the range and choice of our children’s menu and we look forward to what we are sure will be a very successful new partnership.
SAT’s News
Following the fantastic Year 6 results in 2014, I am very pleased to announce that our 2015 end of year 6 results have been equally successful with 95%+ of children achieving Level 4+ in all tests and significant numbers achieving Level 5 in all subjects. Well done to all of the Year 6 children and staff who have worked so hard to achieve these outstanding results.
Cashless Office
A final reminder that the school office will be operating a cashless payment system for everything except Friends fundraising events. If you are uncertain about how to set up your account for cashless payment, please speak to the office team. Computer access will be provided to anyone who needs further guidance with setting themselves up on the school system. Please remember to let the office know if your child changes his/her meal pattern – school meals should be taken for half a term at a time.
Staffing
We are currently seeking to recruit Playleaders to work with children, Monday-Friday 11.55-1.10 .p.m. term-time only. For further information please contact the Office or email admin@richardtaylor.n-yorks.sch.uk.
North Yorkshire Police
Residents in Harrogate have the chance to raise concerns or compliments about crime and policing with the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, Julie Mulligan, on Tuesday 29th September.
The appointment based surgeries will take place between 4.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, 12 Granby Road, Harrogate, HG1 4ST, giving residents the opportunity to raise personal or private issues good or bad, on a one to one basis. Surgeries are by appointment only.
If you would like to book some time with Julia, please telephone 01423 569 562 or email info@northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk.
Harrogate Library
This year the Harrogate Library signed up 880 young people to their Record Breakers Summer Reading Challenge. The challenge is due to finish on Saturday 12th September. To make sure that all those children who signed up to the challenge do not miss out on their rewards, please remind your child to return their books by Saturday.
Friends
The first Friends meeting will take place on Monday 14th September. Please come along and get involved with planning for the MacMillan Coffee Morning, Harvest Tea and Christmas Fair- it will be a busy meeting and a great chance for new parents to meet our friendly team. Last year the Friends raised funds for improvements to our early years outdoor play area. Tendering issues slowed the start of the improvements but all problems have been solved and we look forward to work starting in the near future.
Newsletters
We would like to continue to email newsletters to those parents who are happy with this arrangement. Please remember to let the office know of any changes to your email address. If you require a paper copy please also let the office know. In addition, the newsletter is always placed on the school website and class windows.
Dates for your Diary
Do not forget to look out for weekly blogs from every class on the school website which will update you on what is happening. The Headteacher blog also lets everyone know about the events taking place in school.
The dates below are the first set of dates which you may need to put in your diary.
Monday 14th September 7 p.m. Friends Meeting
Tuesday 21st September Start of Year Service at St. John’s Church at 1.15.p.m.
Friday 25th September Macmillan Coffee Morning.
Thursday 8th October Harvest Festival at 9.15 a.m.
Friday 9th October Harvest Afternoon Tea for Local Community at 2 p.m.
Tuesday 20th October Parents Evening – Early
Wednesday 21st October Parents Evening – Late
Friday 23rd October School finishes at 3.15 pm for half term
Monday 2nd November Training Day
Tuesday 3rd November School re-opens
Yours sincerely
A Symonds
Head teacher