News article
Your Weekly Letter from the Head Teacher - Thursday January 19th 2012 | Thu, 19 January 2012
Dear Parents and Carers,
It seems that hardly a day goes by this New Year without another new announcement from the Department for Education and the Education minister Michael Gove. I want to assure all parents that at West Jesmond we are keeping ourselves well informed of all new developments at this time of tremendous educational change and planning a future for us that is secure and bright.
We will face many challenges in the coming year including the emergence of the new primary curriculum (though this now looks as if it has been delayed again), the consideration of academy or trust status within our partnership of schools, considering our response to the emergence of free schools within the City and aggressive competition and meeting the increased demands of a new inspection framework.
All in all it will be a very changing and busy time ahead but I remain confident that together we can decide what is best for our school and our children. The school’s governing body is being very proactive in reviewing our needs and we will continue to keep parents informed and consulted as we move forward. If anything it makes me more determined than ever to put our children’s needs first.
Mr Wallis-Clarke’s Young Achievers
Lola in Year 5 came to show me her excellent creative writing, retelling a fable and Arlo in Year 2 also did some excellent writing telling me about a spider hiding in a shop!
Anna in Year 2 achieved her Badge 5 in the the Newcastle City Gymnastics assessment and Holly in Year 2 achieved her Rainbow 200m swimming badge. Donya in Year 2 also did an excellent piece of writing about a shopping trip! Well done to Mrs Hogan’s class this week!!
Poppy and Bradley were sent certificates for their first performance in a NEMCO City music ensemble. (They are still in my office if they want to come and get them and get their special sticker from me too!)
Ferdoes in Year 4 received a special thank-you letter from the Queen at Buckingham Palace after he had written to her to wish her a Happy Christmas. Dan in Year 4 also showed me his Stage 4 swimming certificate from Jesmond Pool and Sumayya in Reception was also delighted with her Stage 2 swimming badge and certificate.
Toby and Jake were presented with a certificate from Mrs Reed for completing the second stage of their spelling and reading programme. Well done boys! And finally Robert in Year 5 showed me an excellent piece of work showing excellent mastery of using punctuation.
I continue to look forward to hearing from you and your children in the future so that we can share everyone’s success within our school community.
PARENT CONSULTATION EVENINGS
Just forward notice that our meetings for you to come and talk to your child’s class teacher about their progress will be held this term on Wednesday 22nd February, Monday 27th February and Wednesday 29th February. More details about booking appointments will be sent out this term but please get these dates into your diaries for these important meetings. During these open evenings governors will be available and we are going to be holding a consultation event in the main entrance so please come and tell us your thoughts and views of what you like about our school and how we can make it even better.
RECOGNITION OF GOVERNOR SERVICE
I was invited at the end of last term to a very special event at the Mansion House to recognise the achievement of Jane Edminson our Chair of Governors in recognition of her 10 years of service as a member of the governing body. It was a wonderful event and rightly celebrated this dedication and commitment to our school in the presence of the Lord Mayor.
TASTE OF THE MANOR
It was also wonderful to be invited along to a new musical, dance and media showcase event at Heaton Manor on Tuesday night. Students are now regularly performing in the intimate surroundings of the performing arts studio and it was great to see many ex-West Jesmond pupils playing, dancing, singing and having their media film-work shown. It was truly impressive event and can recommend it to any parents considering going in the future. The refreshments also created by the GCSE Food technology group were fabulous too!
NEW CLOTHES RECYCLING BANK
Eagle-eyed parents will have noticed that we now have a new clothes recycling bank at school. It is in the small yard at the side of the school near the Year 6 entrance on Tankerville Terrace. This will be open to parents before and after school to drop off any unwanted clothes and other items. (Please can items be secured in a plastic bag). (Items to be included: unwanted textiles including adult and childrens clothes, paired shoes – tied together with laces or elastic bands, hats, bags, belts, curtains, towels and bed linen).
For each load the Friends receive a small donation so not only to you get to recycle old clothes you help to fund raise for the school at the same time. I’m sure children will love filling the bank so have a rummage and see what you can find that can be re-used. I’ve already managed to already make some space in my wardrobe by sorting through my work shirts and ties! All donations are gratefully accepted!
With my very Best Wishes to you all for another very successful week ahead at West Jesmond
Gary Wallis-Clarke
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0191 281 0000
