Dear Parents

What a wonderful year we have all enjoyed – there is so much to report in all areas of school life – academic, sporting, musical, drama. Every facet has achieved success and been enjoyed by all our children. Please do take time to peruse this letter and reflect in the breadth of experiences the children are enjoying and to look forward to all that has already been organised and planned for 2008/2009.

J4 LEAVERS’ GIFT

We are saying farewell to a terrific J4 who have truly made the most of every opportunity offered to them and been wonderful ambassadors for The Mead – even down to organising the uniform shop! They have given the school a beautiful new bench which I know will be used and appreciated by all members of our community. Thank you J4. Good luck, make the most of your secondary school education and keep in touch.

STAFFING

We wish Rosalyn Bucklitsch, Caroline Preston Bell and Darren Sumner every happiness and success as they move onto pastures new. Mrs Bucklitsch joined us as a supply teacher and stayed! She has now reached the time when she no longer needs to have her life ruled by bells and timetables but can enjoy some well earned ‘me’ time. Generations of Kent and Sussex children, not just Meadites, will be grateful for her care and teaching over some 40 years. She takes our love and best wishes with her into retirement. Caroline Preston Bell has been with us for three years and leaves a wonderful legacy of a well structured and ‘alive’ literacy department for which we are incredibly grateful. Our best wishes go with her as she moves to forward her career. After six years of ensuring our finances stay on track whilst patching up numerous ‘war wounds’ and keeping the buildings intact Darren Sumner leaves not only The Mead but England to start a new life in Canada. The role of Bursar is to say the least multi-faceted and I have no doubt e-mails will be flowing over the next few months!

Starting with us in September are four new members of staff. Miss Elizabeth Riches will be taking a Year 1 class, Mrs Helen Moral a Year 2 class and Mr John Agnew a Year 6 class with the added responsibility for Science. Mr Nicholas Moor will be swapping his ‘army’ family for The Mead family to become our new Bursar.

CUPS

We display our Prizegiving cups together with photographs of prizewinners in the display cabinet on the downstairs landing. We would like to remind this year’s winners that we would like all cups/silverware returned to us engraved in September, together with a named photograph of the current winner in order that we can display them. This way the whole school is able to appreciate the different accolades to which they will be able to aspire in the future.

READING LISTS

Each Key Stage 2 Teacher for the next academic year (J1 to J4 next term) has devised a reading list for their class, a copy of which you should find in your envelope. We cannot over stress the value of keeping the reading routine going throughout the holiday and we are confident that every child will find something on the list which will appeal to them. We do rely on your commitment and encouragement in this so please help us to help your children.

HAIRCUTTING SERVICE

In the Autumn there will be a haircutting service at the school run by Nicky Bassett (mother of Oliver in Year 3 and Eliza in KG) and Janette Dodd (mother of Libby in Year 3 and Ashley in KG). These will run once a fortnight alternating between a Tuesday at 12.30 pm and a Friday at 3.30 pm. These will be at the competitive price of £5 per cut. They are generously donating 10% of the proceeds to F.O.M. Please see the back of this letter under key dates for when they will be in school.

On the subject of hair, please support us in our ongoing battle against the dreaded nits!

• Girls should have their hair tied back or plaited if at all possible. Margaret is stocking hair bands, scrunchies, etc., in the uniform shop.
• Boys hair should be kept short.
• Check your child’s hair regularly. Should they be infected treat immediately – conditioner and a nit comb remain as effective as anything.
• Inform the school so we can warn other families.

Together I am sure we can enjoy a school of clean heads.

SPONSORED FAMILY CYLE RIDE/WALK/PUSH IN AID OF JET

Calling all children, parents, grandparents, dogs, relatives, friends

This will take place on Sunday 28 September 2008 along the ‘Forest Way’ from Groombridge to Forest Row. Please see the enclosed letter and sponsorship form for further details.

SCHOOL CROSSING FRANT ROAD

We are extremely aware of the nightmare of the Frant Road and the horrors of trying to cross it. This we know is exacerbated by having most of the available parking on the opposite side of the road to the school. The school, together with the Friends of the Mead, have been fighting for a school crossing for some years and we are delighted to report some positive developments if not the crossing itself – yet!

Progress has been slow but the school is dedicated and determined to see this through and we have now lobbied the Senior Transport Planner who has championed our case. The school has offered to pay for the crossing (the signage and new road markings), the project has been case studied, risk assessed and approved. We are just waiting (apparently along with quite a few other schools) for Kent Highways to schedule the works. We are hopeful for some positive news before we break up … watch this space and the road!

F.O.M.

What a fantastic two years we have had. Every event has been so well supported and we have raised a tremendous amount of money for fun things for the school.

The Summer fun day raised over £2000 before expenses and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped on the day or came to join in.

We are taking many wonderful memories with us and would like to wish Lisa Biggs fun as she begins her role as chair. If anyone would like to be treasurer or secretary please do let Lisa know.

Have a wonderful Summer holidays and see you all in September.

The AGM and New Parents’ Evening is on Thursday 18 September and all are very welcome.

Many thanks.

Jane Morgan and Janette Dodd

PRAYER MEETINGS

These are run by Giles Daubeny (father of Jessie in Year 5 & Jeremy in Year 2) and held approximately twice a term in school. Please ask in the office if you would like to contact Giles, he will always be delighted to hear from you.

Our grateful thanks go to Dilys Threshie who started the group four years ago and has been a tower of strength to the whole community – we will miss her quiet, calm presence around the school.

THE MEAD SCHOOL WIPES THE BOARD AT ISA ART COMPETITION

The regional ISA Art Competition was held at Slindon College near Arundel last Tuesday 20th May. Approximately 30 schools partook and the overall standard was extremely high with some very exciting work for all to enjoy and study.

Mead children won each category for which they entered:
Mia Biggs – First in the U7 2D category with her wonderful interpretation of Lowry
Megan Harrison – First in the U11 Sketch Book category with a special mention of her Sunflower
Theodore Preston Bell – Second in the U11 Sketch Book category
Year 6 girls - Isla Burt, Imogen Clark, Lydia Jones, Jemima Hepburn, Sacha St John, Simone Ritson and Evi Yates – U11 3D Category, for their amazing Time Line Clocks
All the winning work will be taken to the national Art Competition in October. Very Exciting!

Well done everyone.

SCIENCE

We have had another exciting term, the highlight of which had to be our annual visit from Mr & Mrs Wood and their Sensational Science Show. This year sparks really flew as they performed a spectacular range of experiments around the theme of ‘electricity’. Amongst other things, we witnessed ball lightning, sparks travelling up a Jacob’s ladder and even charged puffed wheat flying into the audience. We look forward to Mr & Mrs Wood’s return next year, with a demonstration on ‘forces’.

In the Spring term our school took part in a national experiment called ‘Ready to Learn?’ The children completed an on-line, anonymous survey and a range of games that were designed to gain information about lifestyle and mental agility. The results have recently been published and the main findings are as follows:

• Breakfast – 94% of all children reported they had eaten breakfast. Eating breakfast had the greatest impact on pupil’s ability to do the computer based games. Some foods seemed to be more helpful than others. Sweets, crisps, chocolate and fizzy drinks were associated with taking longer to complete the test. Those who ate eggs also took longer, as did those who drank tea or coffee but pupils who had cereal and toast or bread for breakfast took less time to complete the test, as did those who drank milk and fruit juice.
• Rest – the average amount of sleep for all children was 9.4 hours. 42% of all primary and 57% of all secondary children felt tired when they woke up.
• Journey to school – 87% of all pupils took 20 minutes or less to travel to school. 43% of primary children walked, 51% travelled by car, 5% travelled by bus or train and 1% by bicycle.
• Exercise and physical health – 33% of primary children did some type of physical activity before school, excluding playing with friends.

There were no surprises that the key to a healthy child that’s ready to learn is plenty of rest, a healthy breakfast and regular exercise. However, the data collected will allow scientists to infer how changing lifestyles are impacting our children’s health and mental agility now, and in the future.

Mrs Gemma Bowles
KS2 Science Co-ordinator

NATIONAL YEAR OF READING 2008

As part of The Mead School’s response to the National Year of Reading, classes from Key Stage 2 visited the Tunbridge Wells library. While this is a familiar resource to many, the pupils were treated to a guided tour and explanations of how they may use the library when researching a school project. J4 found the tour of the reference library, located upstairs, fascinating and would gladly have spent more time searching ancient maps of the town for familiar landmarks.

Each class were given a reference activity relating to an area of study at school and scoured books for Victorian, animal kingdom or local information to complete their quiz sheets. The children asked pertinent questions and were surprised by the range of resources including books, tapes, videos, CD’s, maps, pictures on offer at their local library. The library staff made us very welcome and we all enjoyed our informative, relaxed visits.

So, if you are passing the library this summer, why not call in and make use of their wonderful expertise and fabulous range of reading and reference material! You may also like to visit www.yearofreading.org.uk for more information about local and national events.

Caroline Preston Bell
Literacy Co-ordinator

OUR DAY AT CAMBER SANDS

All Key Stage One children and staff had a very enjoyable time on their school trip to Camber Sands. Despite safety instructions regarding swimming, the children enjoyed paddling, building sandcastles and eating their ‘sandy’ lunch. They all behaved beautifully. Many parents joined us and were superb helpers throughout the day. The sandcastles created by each class were all totally different but the competition was won by Middle Infants, who greeted the result with loud cheers. We all arrived back at The Mead, having had a lovely day.

YOGA CLUB

This term the children have continued to enjoy our normal sessions linked to the seaside or space. One of these sessions was taken by Miranda, definitely a yoga teacher in the making. As well as this they have worked in pairs/groups to create pair or group postures. These activities resulted in real co-operation and team work including everyone’s own ideas. We ended our term with a yoga session including a game, story and relaxation, all developed by Jordan. Well done Summer Yoga Group.

KINDERGARTEN REPORT

Kindergarten began the term with an exciting walk through the bluebell woods at Horsmonden, followed by juice and buns. Thanks to the generosity of our parents, we raised nearly £100 for the NSPCC. Thank you to all our parent helpers!

Our topics this term have been farms, sea creatures and growing. UKG had a minibeast zoo in the classroom and were fascinated by the development of caterpillars into butterflies and tadpoles into frogs. We also set up a small wormery and an ‘ant house’. LKG have enjoyed learning about farm animals and sea creatures and watching their beans develop and grow.

Term ended with our traditional visit to Clambers play park in Hastings, where we had a fine day playing, paddling and fighting the seagulls over our sandwiches!

We are very happy to be welcoming Miss Issy Maher back into the Kindergarten as UKG teacher next term. I am sure you will join with us in wishing her the best of luck as she takes the next step in her teaching career.

Jane Ovenden and Loraine Pincott

RECEPTION INFANT REPORT

On 22 May the two Reception classes travelled to Blackberry Farm. We had been learning about farm animals in our topic and were looking forward to seeing them. We enjoyed seeing the ducks, geese, cows, sheep, pigs and llamas. We had great fun running in a field and picking buttercups. The tractor ride was enjoyed by everyone. We enjoyed our day and learnt many new facts.

The highlight of our trip to Camber Sands was the sandcastle competition. Parents, teachers and children designed, dug and decorated our castles and the winner was Middle Infants. Reception Infants had a wonderful day exploring the rock pools, paddling in the sea, collecting shells and eating our picnics. Everyone enjoyed being by the sea and playing with the children in their class.

FRENCH

This year has been extremely rewarding. The children have been as keen as ever. I am so proud of them and their level of work. The Spring and Summer terms have been very enjoyable despite having to learn about action verbs, personal pronouns and constructing complex sentences. They talked bout likes and dislikes, leisure, food, shopping and town.

The J4 class worked particularly hard on their French diary which they will hopefully cherish in years to come.

All Infants and Juniors met our French guest Paul (age 12) for one day during their lesson. They had the opportunity to socialise and talk to a young French speaker - Paul comes from the town where I was born, Blois. We did a presentation together on our region “La Vallée de la Loire” with maps, leaflets and postcards. After extensive research, the Juniors are now experts at reading the map of France, locating main cities, rivers, mountains and bordering countries.

Remember, if France is your holiday destination, please bring back postcards for our “show and tell”.

I would also like to thank the Friends of the Mead for their generous gift which will be used for some educational games.

Bonnes Vacances!
Christine Sautereau-Chandley
J1

We have had a wonderful year! The children have been extremely responsive to everything we have done. The two classes have worked together very well. Even though we are in fact two separate classes, the children have benefited from a wider group of friends and have become a very secure and well integrated year group.

One of the highlights this term was our visit to the Barbican to listen and participate in the concert magnificently delivered by the London Symphony Orchestra. We were both amazed at the children’s interest and enthusiasm. Their behaviour was exemplary.

We are thrilled with our new interactive whiteboard and have found it to be an invaluable teaching tool, enabling us to draw on a range of educational internet resources to enrich our children’s learning. The children are really excited about our new toy and we have had some great fun using it.

Rachel Crouch and Jill Faure

+ x - ÷ A ‘Sum’-mary Maths Whizz Report + x - ÷

Well what a start to the Summer Term!! The first ever time the Maths Whizz Progression Award has been given by the company behind ‘Maths Whizz’ – Whizz Education, to pupils at The Mead School.

The rationale behind this award is to formally recognise the progress that our children make on their own individual personalised Maths Whizz programmes. Consequently this award is open to any child at the Mead, regardless of their age and mathematical level.

This term the award was given to Andrew Graham of J3F. Monique Kleinschmidt and Toni Burkett of Whizz Education enjoyed a Mead school assembly before officially presenting Andrew with his award as well as giving him a lovely framed certificate celebrating his achievements!

So what a challenge for our Mead children to go off with during the Summer holidays!! Every single child now has an opportunity to push forward their own Maths level and gain real extrinsic recognition through the chance of winning the Maths Whizz Progression Award.

All will be revealed during the first few weeks of the Autumn Term…….Good luck to all and happy ‘Maths Whizzing’ over the holidays!!

For our new children joining the school in September 2008, I will be sending out parental and children’s individual passwords and login details at the start of the new school year. I will also be inviting parents to an informal meeting to explain the workings and rationale behind Maths Whizz very soon into our new Autumn Term!

Isobel Feaver - Director of Studies

Drawing by Alexander Quinn, J1

SYNTHETIC PHONICS AT THE MEAD SCHOOL

I am sure, that as parents, you are all well aware of the ongoing debate that surrounds the seemingly endless controversy over which teaching method is the most effective, when teaching our children to read.

Here at The Mead, we can safely put our hands on our hearts and say that we do not have ‘reluctant readers’ – one of the more unfavorable descriptions that have been created to describe those children who are not remotely interested in picking up a book! In the same breath however, we do pride ourselves in being a very forward thinking and ever-evolving school, that really does move forward with the changing times and new educational developments.

Literacy combined with developing an innate love of books and reading, lies at the core of The Mead curriculum. Indeed one of the key ways of turning a child into an ‘independent learner’ is to foster not only a love of reading but also to instill into that child, the ability to decode and decipher the texts with which they are faced.

One of the most exciting and (on the surface) innovative approaches that is at the forefront of helping children to learn to read and develop life literacy skills, is the use and application within schools of the Synthetic Phonics principles.

Synthetic Phonics is a method of teaching reading, which first teaches the letter sounds and then builds up to blending these sounds together to achieve full pronunciation of whole words.

In the light of the Rose report, the Government has been advising schools to adopt the Synthetic Phonic approach, due to overbearing proof of its effectiveness in not only helping children to read more effectively and indeed at an earlier age but that at the same time it may singularly prevent a vast number of children, developing the type of literacy based difficulties later on in their education.

The name 'Synthetic Phonics' comes from the concept of 'synthesising', which means 'putting together' or 'blending'. Therefore what is synthesized / put together / blended in reading are the sounds that have been prompted by the letters on the page.

Indeed it can be argued that Synthetic Phonics is a much accelerated form of phonics that does not begin by establishing an initial sight vocabulary. With this approach, before children are introduced to books, they are taught letter sounds.

After the first few of these have been taught they are shown how these sounds can be blended together to build up words For example, when taught the letter sounds /t/ /p/ /a/ and /s/, the children can build up the words 'tap,' 'pat, 'pats', 'taps', 'sat', etc.

So it is a key principle of Synthetic Phonics that the children sound each letter in turn and synthesise the sounds together in order to generate the pronunciation of the word. This way the children construct the pronunciation for themselves.

Within the teaching of Synthetic phonics most of the letter sound correspondences, including the consonant and vowel digraphs (two letters making one sound, e.g. sh, ch, th, ph - vowel digraphs comprise two vowels which, together, make one sound, e.g. ai, oo, ow,) can be taught in the space of a few months at the start of their first year at school. The result of this is that children can read many of the unfamiliar words they meet in text for themselves, without the assistance of the teacher.

It is with great enthusiasm that from September 2008, our Foundation and Infant staff at The Mead will embark on a comprehensive Synthetic Phonics teaching program. A whole host of new resources have been purchased to complement this initiative.

We are positive that this exciting and highly effective approach to teaching reading, writing and spelling will be embraced by the children. Leading to our already excellent Literacy teaching being augmented by this fresh and highly recognised Synthetic approach.

As you already know, here at The Mead we believe that clear communication is key. Be it between children themselves, between children and staff or between staff and parents. It is with this principle firmly in mind, that the Foundation and Infant staff will be inviting all parents in – right at the start of next term (the new academic year) into school to see and discuss this initiative.

We plan to hold a Parent’s Workshop, where not only will you be given more information about how the Synthetic Phonics program will be implemented within your own child’s class but you will also be invited to participate in some activities that will clarify the real essence and rationale behind this teaching initiative.

So with this in mind, I know that we will be in for an extremely exciting and rewarding new school year – as we, here at The Mead embrace another new initiative, moving and developing ever forward as a school.

Isobel Feaver
Director of Studies

SCHOOL COUNCIL GOES GREEN!!!!!

And no I am not talking about a strange David Banner / Incredible Hulk transformation!!

The School Council’s latest initiative is to work cooperatively with the Mead School’s Eco Club. The aim is to put in place schemes that will enable the school to achieve the prestigious Green Flag Award.

As many of you know, as a school we take our environment responsibilities seriously. Our own Eco Club, ably co-ordinated by Miss Seymour, works like clockwork twice a week on a plethora of green tasks!

They have sole responsibility for emptying our class recycling bins as well as the food waste bins. We not only recycle paper but also pencil sharpenings, plastic, cans, bottles, the list goes on and on…..

The development and utilisation of composting bins, water butts, analysing water usage and other initiatives are all in the pipeline. The School Council and Eco Club will begin their Green Flag campaign by doing a thorough audit of our school’s current ‘Eco – Friendly’ initiatives.

This will be followed by the School Council developing an Eco – Friendly / Green Flag Action Plan that will involve and link in with all levels of life at The Mead.

We shall of course keep everyone informed on our progress!

May I just add……. that if there are any parents out there with particular expertise in this area, it would be wonderful to hear from you. The children (and I) would be thrilled by your support and any advice or guidance you could give us in the course of our Green Flag campaign!

Isobel Feaver
Director of Studies

BREAKFAST CLUB

We are thrilled with the success of our Mead Breakfast Club, so brilliantly run by our talented school cook Anita. The calm and friendly atmosphere that pervades the dining room during this early morning time is really very special.

As all our Mead children know, the food that Anita and her staff create is truly gorgeous – consequently the Breakfast Club menu provides our children with lots of healthy and filling options from which they can choose.

The Breakfast Club will run from the beginning of next term and will be open to all Mead children. No reserving of places is required, children simply need to turn up on the day and their names will be noted in Anita’s attendance register.

Isobel Feaver
Director of Studies

DRAMA & BALLET

The term started with many children visiting the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells to see the touring production of ‘Joseph & His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ which was greatly enjoyed by all.

Earlier this year we were lucky enough to have a visit from Support Act Productions, so we were delighted that they could make a return visit with their production of ‘The Sword in the Stone’. J4 and both J3 classes were nicely entertained by a highly inventive and beautifully presented version of this classic tale.

After many futile attempts in previous years to arrange a J4 trip to The Globe Theatre on the South Bank this Summer we finally achieved it! What a wonderful experience it was to see a delightfully ‘playful’ production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream; starring Siobhan Redmond. A great introduction to the work of the Bard!

Keen members of staff were invited to join a theatrical make-up course held in school, to prepare them for our Summer Show requirements. Kate Griffiths, a professional make-up artist gave instructions on how to do both general and character specific stage make-up including false hair, beards, and noses! Some of the cast may be unrecognisable!

All the children have really enjoyed rehearsing for our show ‘Olivia’ and many are working very hard to produce credible cockney accents. However, you do have the Summer holidays to get them back to normal! We all hope you enjoy this fun-filled production and appreciate all the hard work the children have put into it.

In the Summer holidays Mrs Pennink and myself will be attending a week long course – ‘How to Write an Opera’, run by The Royal Opera House, in preparation for our Summer Show next year. With such a big year group we will need to produce a show flexible enough to fulfil everyone’s high expectations.

The ballet pupils have put all their excellent exam work to good use and have worked very hard on a ‘Dream’ ballet for the show – they all look wonderfully professional.

I would like to pay tribute to our J4 leavers this year. They have been a joy to teach and I wish each and everyone of them much future success. Please come back and visit?

Toni Hassan

DVDs and videos of the Summer Show can be ordered from Endorfin using the enclosed form.

MUSIC

As always the summer term has been a very full one. Last term’s Associated Board results were excellent. There were not as many entries but in the first theory exams the children gained three passes at Grade 2 and one merit. In the practical exams, notable were Theodore Preston Bell with Merit for Grade 2 violin, Jordan Spooner Merit Grade 1 Piano and Olivia Ziani Distinction Grade 1 Piano.

Having sung the whole of ‘Joseph’ last term, the choir went to a production at the Assembly Halls and thoroughly enjoyed themselves – especially the ‘Elvis’ style for Pharoah. The choir have worked enthusiastically both in their role for the Show and for some very different pieces for Prizegiving. Many thanks to Mrs Preston Bell for her help this year.

There have been two outings to the Barbican to hear the London Symphony Orchestra. The Top Infants and J1 went to a concert entitled ‘Big and Small’ and heard and saw a programme including the Ravel ‘Bolero’, Vaughan Williams’ Tuba Concerto (Reuban’s favourite) and Haydn’s Farewell Symphony (Harry liked the two violins that were left at the end). The story of Bartholomew the Bear and the participation songs were hugely enjoyed.

J4 and J3 went to a Russian programme (Prokofiev, Shostakovich, etc.) and again were very impressed.

These concerts are important for the children as they are often the first time children have experienced a live orchestra – so different from listening to a CD. From their reactions and what they have written, the children found the concerts amazing and memorable.

We are absolutely delighted that the Friends of the Mead have kindly bought a new piano for the school. Though the piano hasn’t arrived before the informal concerts, these were a huge success from many points of view. Instrumental soloists from J3 and J4 gave their concert in the studio – where later many were to take their Associated Boar exams. The J2, J1, TI and MI gave their concert in the dining hall – our first concert there. Everyone had a turn! There are a record number of children learning instruments and of course they all want their star turn!

The string group have worked hard with their Vivaldi concert for Prizegiving and a string quartet have recently started a piece. The wind group and recorder groups have all made super progress and have had much fun

The instrumental teachers do a wonderful job. Thank you everyone.

If you would like your child to start an instrument next year please let me know as soon as possible.

Sarah Stuart Pennink

SPORT REPORT – SUMMER 2008

Again we have had a very busy term in the sports department.

Sports day was a great success and very exciting. We wish to thank all those parents who dressed in house colours. Maybe next year, we could have all parents doing this – it looks so good during the Tug-of-War, which is always a highlight. Results as follows:

1st Thackeray 220
2nd Wellington 214
3rd Chalybeate 188

Well done to all.

The annual inter-house swimming gala was equally exciting down to the last event and the results were:

1st Chalybeate 88
2nd Thackeray 86
3rd Wellington 57

We have awarded 186 swimming badges this term. This is again excellent. Well done.

J4 windsurfing days were fantastic, due to strong winds and everyone had a most enjoyable time.

J4 also took part in the Tag Rugby Festival where both teams progressed through to the quarter-finals – a good result. Thank you to the parents for great support.

Many thanks again for all the Sainsbury vouchers – a record year with 24,858 vouchers. Our order has already been placed, and we look forward to new equipment in due course.

We also have 8,836 Tesco vouchers banked, awaiting a decision on order.

May we please make the usual plea once again for all PE to be clearly marked with names. Lost property is a major problem.

Next year’s ski holiday letter will be sent out in September 2008.

The new style swimming trunks for junior boys will be in stock for September.

Thank you once again to everyone for the great support and to Mr Keatley-Palmer for the wonderful photos.

TANDEM SKYDIVE FOR CHARITY

Dear Parents

As some of you may know, on 10 May I did a tandem skydive in aid of Breast Cancer Campaign.

I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big ‘THANK YOU’ to all the parents and my colleagues who were so generous in their sponsorship and helped to raise a FANTASTIC £700!

It really was the most amazing experience and not nearly as scary as I thought it was going to be! If you ever get the chance to give it a go, I thoroughly recommend it. It is definitely something I will never forget.

Thank you all again.

Debbie Latty

ON THE MOVE

Debbie Latty and Bron Cowdery have now moved into ‘The Den’ (Mrs Culley’s old office) for their new home. Children’s response has been enthusiastic and they are enjoying the plush surroundings.

ABSENCES

Can parents please phone into the school office by 9.15am should a child not be attending school.

CONTACT DETAILS

Can all parents please ensure that Elizabeth has your up-to-date contact details including e-mail addresses.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Last year’s decision to return to school in September wearing summer uniform proved an enormous success and we managed to keep summer alive until half term! I know the children will be delighted to continue with this move and I just hope the weather ‘plays ball’! I appreciate our new children will have only purchased winter uniform – obviously this is absolutely fine, but should you wish to purchase some summer shirts or dresses we still do have some summer uniform in both the second hand and the new uniform shop. Please enter your requirements in the uniform folder in the school office.

The uniform shop will be open on Monday 8 September and Tuesday 9 September from 10.00 am – 2.00 pm. The Second-hand Uniform shop will be held on Monday 8 September in the Gym from 10.00 – 12.00.

Shoes are always an issue particularly for the older children and I do suggest you visit Andrea Afrifa (Isaac RIB) who runs ‘Stampede’ along St Johns Road. She is very aware of school requirements and has a wide selection of suitable shoes.

THE PERFECT AND ACCEPTABLE PENCIL CASE

The number and size of each child’s pencil case(s) has grown and multiplied throughout the year, finally reaching unmanageable proportions! They have all been shown the “perfect” pencil case, outlined here, and we ask for your assistance in ensuring these criteria are consistently met. Please don’t forget Mrs. Taylor’s wonderful stationery shop held every Tuesday morning in the car park. She stocks everything your child needs at highly competitive prices.

One sensible pencil case 30cms
2 x blue handwriting pens
2 x pencils
pencil sharpener
rubber
30cm ruler
glue stick
scissors
calculator
coloured pencils
optional: gel pens/felt pens

Also Collins pocket English dictionary – colour edition
ISBN 0-00-470946-2 £7.99

J3/J4 protractor
Compasses
Fountain pen and cartridges
Ink eraser
Oxford Concise Dictionary

NB Tippex is banned throughout the school.

PERMISSION SLIPS

It is vital that we receive permission slips before taking children off the school premises. However, in a community school like ours that can lead to a swamp of paperwork. To simplify and reduce the number of permissions slips which are sent out each year, we are enclosing one permission slip valid for the year which will cover any walking trips undertaken from school, i.e. journeys to and from King Charles the Martyr Church, Trinity Arts Theatre, etc. Please return to your child’s class teacher on the first day of next term.

CLASS ‘GET TO KNOW YOU’ MEETINGS

At the start of next term each class teacher will hold a ‘get to know you morning’! During this the teacher will outline the routine, curriculum and expectations for the children during the coming year. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have.

Matches Autumn Term 2008

KEY DATES FOR AUTUMN TERM 2008

With every best wish for a happy and relaxing summer holiday. Good luck to all our leavers – we are proud of you all, and know that you will continue to fly ‘The Mead flag’ wherever you go.

We look forward to welcoming everybody else and all our new family members back to school on Thursday 11 September.

FORM PRIZES

English Prize Sasha St.John
Maths Cup Jack Hutchings
Science Cup Amelia Hepburn
Junior Science Cup Oliver Bassett (our very own David Bellamy)
French Cup Charlie McVickers
Tom Bucklitsch RE Cup Christopher Threshie
Project Cup Lydia Jones
The Mead Endeavour Shield Charlie McVickers
Art Cup Isla Burt
Junior Ballet and Dance Cup Imogen Clark
Infant Dance Cup Kira Nicholls
Performing Arts Lydia Jones
Drama Cup Amelia Hepburn
Senior Music Cup Sasha St.John
Special Music Prize Natasha Bharucha
Junior Music Cup Olivia Ziani
Tennis Cup Jack Hutchings
Cricket Shield Jack Hutchings
Mead Football Challenges J3B
Captain of Football team Hamish Streeter
Team: Paul Forster, Toby St John, Charlie Jones, Ben Sheppard, Elliott Hayward, Danny Ovenden, William Ditcham, Jordan Spooner
Tag Rugby Jack Bear
Senior Swimming Daniel Colbran
Junior Swimming Byron Ritson
2000m swimming Amelia Hepburn, Simone Ritson, Jack Bear, Daniel Colbran, Jack Hutchings
Hicks Diving Cup Robert Price
Senior Athletics Daniel Colbran
Junior Athletics Oliver Colbran
Service to Sport Simone Ritson
All Round Sportsperson Lydia Jones & Guy Dexter
Most Promising Sportsmen
Infant Boy Nathan Barnes
Infant Girl Callie Spooner
U9 Boy Oliver Colbran
U9 Girl Kirsten Douglas
U11 Boy Daniel Colbran
U11 Girl Sasha St John
Judo – Boys Cup Robert Price
Judo – Girls Cup Lottie Collins

CHARACTER AWARDS

The Burke & Ling Award for Services to The Planet - Natasha Bharucha (2nd Year Running)

Joie de Vivre Cup - Megan Fisher

Kilby Cup for perseverance - Jemima Hepburn

Copsey Cup – Jack Maynard

This cup is presented to the child or children who have shown outstanding qualities in caring for others.

Courtesy Cup - Simone Ritson

The Lyell Cup for Personal Development - Evi Yates

Citizenship Cup – in memory of Lizzie Coyne - Christopher Threshie

Flanagan Cup - Lydia Jones/Amelia Hepburn
For the child who has made the most of his or her time at The Mead School

HOUSE TROPHIES

Finally, the House Trophies, hard fought for by every member of each house:

HOUSE Swimming

HOUSE Athletics (Sports Day)

TERMLY HOUSE RESULT

HOUSE Shield