SG Messenger
11 September 2008 - Issue No 2
From the headmaster:
Swimming Pool
All members of the school family will be thrilled with the work that has been done to improve the swimming pool and we are indebted to the PTA for its help. A date to mark in the diary is Wednesday, 15th October at 8.30am when we will welcome Olympic cycling gold medallist, Jamie Staff who will officially “open” the newly refurbished pool. We will be using the pool before then however: although it is now full the water remains a little chilly. We are hoping to swim very soon however.
Uniform
As many of you will know, we have been revising the school uniform. By the end of October (half term) our uniform will be passed over to Simmonds of Tunbridge wells. You can presently view their website on www.simmonds-ltd.com . The changes that are coming into effect this year came about through careful consultation with the parents. We have also been mindful of increasing costs when considering changes.
School Photograph
Our fantastic school photograph that was taken on this year’s Springgrovian Day on 18th May is on display in the main hallway. If you wish to order a copy and have not already done so then there are plenty of order forms available which give you the choice of ordering it framed or unframed or in a special presentation box. The school earns a small commission on each photograph ordered hence this encouragement!
School Matches
Our first matches took place yesterday and we were delighted with the excellent attitude and effort shown by our young sportswomen and men. The girls earned a fine victory over Kent College on the superb Astroturf pitch at Polo Farm in Canterbury; the boys showed tremendous determination and improvement through a tough afternoon of football in a thrilling three-way contest with Northbourne Park and Ashford Friars. Ashford were the deserved winners with a young Rufus Cottrell (ex-SG) putting on a Theo Walcott –like display. Our own Conor Thomason played brilliantly in goal snuffing out many an attack through his brave ability to put his body on the line!
French Breakfast
The French Breakfast is always a memorable event and tomorrow morning will be no different as we welcome all to a special start to the day.
Activities
The activities programme is now under way and I am grateful to Miss Novakovic for her efforts in organising the programme. The activities notice board (in the tunnel outside Form 1) show that a number of activities still have a number of vacant slots. Some may be concerned that we are applying a small charge to a part of school life that was formerly free. In response, I am keen to see a firm commitment through the term made to each activity; I am keen to use income derived to provide the funds that will further develop and improve each activity.
Ballet
Ballet for Nursery and beginners will be on Monday from 2.30 - 3.00
Ballet for Reception and Year 1 will be on Monday from 3.00 - 3.30
Mannix Stud
The riding activitiy which takes place at Mannix Farm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays is now under way with a very enthusiastic group of boys and girls. If you would like your child to participate after school then please contact Mrs Goddard on 01227 700349 and / or visit their website: www.mannixstud.com
Parking
We strive to improve all aspects of school life and the one that gives me most concern is that of parking and the safety of our children on the school campus. It is vital that all motorists drive very slowly through the school; all drivers should pay particular attention when approaching various “blind” spots; all drivers should park sensibly in the main car park leaving a clear space for access to the parking slots beside the fence. the two main car parks are full, please go on to the field. Please DO NOT park on the grass verge on the left hand side of the out-drive as this is likely to cause a serious jam for other parents.
From Jill Russell
Thank you all so very much for my wonderful gifts and send off at the end of last term. Nick and I have already visited some National Trust properties, but are still thinking about what to buy with the NT tokens. These were just a perfect gift! We have booked to go to London to the theatre for a couple of shows\plays. I so appreciate all the wonderful cards with messages, and the beautiful flowers and many other gifts. We made £320 on Sports Day when the school ran the Bannister Mile and broke the record by over 13 seconds! Well done Spring Grove! We have sent the money to the Meningitis Trust a charity obviously very close to the hearts of the Parker family and all of us. I was so proud of all the children as they ran. It was a magical moment and very emotional watching them all totally focussed on running fast to try to beat our record. I hope the school will continue with this Bannister Mile that I started 5 years ago.
My retirement has now officially started as you are all back at school. I shall be thinking of you all a lot and wishing every single one of you lots of happiness and success in this new academic year. Jill Russell
Literacy Evening
Following the success of our talk last year on “supporting and encouraging our children in early reading” we invite you to join us on Tuesday 16th September between 7.00 - 8.00pm to find out more about this aspect of your child’s learning. This is am opportunity for you to find out how we teach reading at school and give you some ideas on how to help them at home.
This evening will be particularly helpful for parents of children in Teddies, Nursery, Reception, Forms 1 & 2 but all are welcome.
A note from Mr Curtis
This S.G.Messenger plus other news and information can all be found on the School Website: www.springgroveschool.co.uk .
To receive information by email whenever the website is updated please email Mike Curtis at mike.curtis@btinternet.com and let him know.
European Day of Languages - 26th September
Sponsorship forms are available from the school office.
Lost Property
Could you please look at home\in car for a blazer for Callum Robison. It is brand new and went missing on Callum’s first day with us!
Anousca de Moubray - Royal Blue Fleece
Dressing Up
If anyone has any dressing up clothes that are no longer needed could you please donate them to school for our nursery and reception classes. Thank you.
Sport
Girls Hockey vs Vernon Holme
SG 3 VH 1
Well done girls. Goals scored by Anna Fenwick, Lauren Fielder and Ottilie Sandford.
Forthcoming Events
Tuesday 16th - Steps in Time Yr 2 - Yr 6
- Literacy Evening - Teddies to Yr 2 7.00 - 8.00pm
Wednesday 17th - House Assembly
U11 Girls Hockey vs JKS ‘C’ (A) 2.15pm
Thursday 18th - 11+ Exam
U9 Football vs Ashford Friars (A) 2.15pm
Friday 19th 11+ Exam
