Huish Headlines - November 2003

November 2003

What a busy and quick term! It doesn't seem possible that we are already running up to Christmas.

We have lots of dates for your diaries including PTFA events, our Carol Service in St. Johns and Infant Nativities.

Please do join us – Christmas at school is always enjoyable, if early!

Yours sincerely

V E CAMPBELL
Headteacher

New Arrival!

Webb Ivory

Harvest Festival – Thank you, thank you!

Charity Events

The cake sales were very popular, with both the children and the staff and raised £380.95 which we have donated to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Secondly, we all enjoyed wearing our jeans on ‘Jeans For Genes' day and raised an amazing £193.18 which will help with research into genetic disorder in babies and children.

May we thank you once again for your generosity.

Lesley McDonald

House Elections

All those who stood for election are to be congratulated on the quality of their speeches and presentations, and also thanks to those who helped during the elections.

School Council

Analysis of the Parent and Child Questionnaire

Below is a summary of the findings for those parents who were unable to attend. The results were very interesting and informative:

•  We were delighted to receive 211 responses (over 50%).

•  Obviously a lot of thought and care had gone into completing the questionnaire. This was especially apparent in the parent/child sections.

•  The majority of replies were very positive and parents felt well informed about their child's progress through meetings, reports, induction arrangements and work sharing afternoons.

•  Parents found information given to them was useful –
     a)  when their child started Huish.
     b)  at the Spring Parent's Evenings used to discuss work and children's progress.
     c)  through the Annual written reports given out at the end of the year.

•  There were similar positive comments about the approachability of the school.

•  Whilst the Annual Governors Report is seen as informative a significant number of parents were unsure about the role of the Governing Body.

•  A higher percentage (38%) were also unsure about the priorities for the school over the next few years.

•  During the next year the Governors are working on how to address these.

•  A Governors forum where parents can meet and ask Governors about their role. This might be useful prior to the Spring Term Parents Governors Elections.

•  Priorities for the school could be included in the Huish Headlines with termly updates.

•  The School Development Plan could be available at the Office.

Parent/Child Questionnaire:

•  Parents valued the opportunity to talk with their children about school.

•  Results from the children are interesting.

•  Children felt –
     a)  the things they learn are important to them.
     b)  the work they do in class is interesting.
     c)  they are well cared for and enjoy lunchtimes, and feel they are treated fairly.

•  The school will continue to regularly check how children feel about school. This might be a focus for further questionnaires and the work of the School Council.

•  This exercise has been informative and Governors are grateful to all those who responded.

•  The LEA has been very interested in this initiative and it may well be used as a model for other schools.

Thank you for your help and support

Superschools!

Would you please return sponsor forms and money to the school by Friday 28 th November.

One of our ideas for use of the money raised is to develop an Adventure Play Area within the school grounds.

Finally – Many thanks to all the helpers!

Huish PTFA and Christmas

Craft Fair – 28th November 2:00pm – 4:30pm

As usual there will be a range of craft stalls, refreshments and the all important visit from Father Christmas.

We would be grateful for any donations for the cake stall or tombola on the the day of the fair. Thank you.

Christmas Bingo – 2nd December 7:00pm onwards

Magic Show – 6th December 10:00am – 12 noon

Dates for your Diaries...