Autumn Newsletter 1
5th September 2016
Autumn Letter 1
Dear Parents
Welcome back to the start of the new academic year. I hope that everyone had a wonderful summer break. Everyone has been busy getting the school ready for the new term and we are all looking forward to the new term.
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.
SAT’s News
A great deal was made of the increased challenge presented by the newly introduced tests for children at the end of Key Stage 2 at the end of the 2015-16 academic year. I am delighted to report that our children produced some very pleasing results. Nationally 53% of pupils achieved the new expected standard in reading, writing and maths, at Richard Taylor School 65% of pupils achieved the expected standard. I would like to thank all of the staff and children for their hard work last year.
Mr Ward
Reminder about Just Giving page. Mr Ward is shortly to begin his amazing fundraising adventure from York to Whitby in his homemade plastic bottle boat. He is raising funds for school and there is still time to support his efforts via the Just Giving page (https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/mark-ward).
Friends
The first Friends meeting will take place on Monday 12th September 2016. 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.
Cashless Office
A reminder that the school office operate 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.
Bilton Library
The NYCC and library service summer reading challenge ends on Saturday 10th September. There is still time to complete the 6 reads needed to earn your ‘Big Friendly Read’ medal and certificate.
Church News
Sunday 11th September is Education Sunday and the school will be involved in marking the event by participating in the Sunday morning service at St John’s Church. Please come and join us if you are able.
Trespass
Unfortunately we have had a number of incidents over the summer holidays where local youths have entered the school grounds and caused a nuisance by mess. The police are fully aware of the issue. If you see or hear anyone on school grounds out of school hours please help us by reporting it to the police. Thank you.
Key Dates
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 weekly Headteacher blog also lets everyone know about the events taking place in school.
The online diary is regularly updated and is a good way of checking that you have the correct date in your diary.
The dates below are the first set of dates which you may need to put in your diary.
Monday 12th September 7 p.m. Friends Meeting
Tuesday 27th September Start of Year Service at St. John’s Church at 1.15.p.m.
Friday 30th September Macmillan Coffee Morning in Hall
Thursday 6th October Harvest Festival at 9.15 a.m. theme ‘Seeds’
Friday 7th October Harvest Afternoon Tea for Local Community at 2 p.m.
Wednesday 12th October Parents Evening – Early
Thursday 13th October Parents Evening – Late
Friday 21st October School finishes at 3.15 pm for half term
Monday 31st October Training Day
Tuesday 1st November School re-opens
Yours sincerely
A Symonds
Head teacher