Purple Patch
Childcare Available
30 Mar 2010 5:31PM
Babysitting
Local woman with own transport available in the evenings to babysit. References provided.
Phone 07952458573.
End Of Term Letter
29 Mar 2010 10:31AM
Dear Parents,
I am delighted that as I sit at my computer the sun is doing its best to shine and the rain, thus far, has held off as today, of course, we have our Easter Bonnet Parades at both sites. This celebration is ‘just the ticket’ to bring what has been a very busy and successful term to a close.
With the year 6 children all but placed, having gained places across a wide spectrum of schools, both independent and state, gaining18 awards including scholarships and exhibitions (all round, academic, mathematics, sport and music)to date between them there is much to celebrate. We also, for the first time, had 3 year 6 children go through to national level in the Primary Mathematics Challenge. Hero and Flora received certificates for reaching this level and Raphael went on to gain a Bronze Medal Award. Congratulations to all those who took part and thanks to Mrs Riley who co-ordinates our entry each year.
Earlier this week we held our annual Easter music concert at Elmgreen School. The venue, described by one of our parents as ‘truly impressive’, certainly came up to that description and added a special element to the evening. With such a vast stage space all the performers were clearly visible and the excellent acoustics enhanced their performances. As I said on the night, all change brings with it an element of challenge and when I first mooted the suggestion that I approach Mr Wilkinson, Head at Elmgreen, about the idea of using their hall, Mrs Holmes embraced the idea wholeheartedly. To move such an event to an unknown space has its challenges, but all those who attended must be in agreement that it was worth all the effort and planning! My thanks go to Mrs Holmes and her team for another glorious night of music and of course; thank you to all the children who took part.
We have had a number of successes over the term with our sports’ programme, including events in football, cross country, rugby, and swimming. They have also participated in hockey and netball matches. My thanks go the team, headed up by Miss King, for their tireless commitment to the programme and to Mr Robinson, Mr Zirgulis and Mrs Sherwood for manning the minibus!
Mr Harrison has again organised cycling proficiency courses for the older pupils and 16 have successfully completed the course with another 14 on the list for next term. Thank you Mr Harrison, for helping to ensure the safety of our children on the road, encouraging their greater independence and environmental awareness.
We all entered, from the youngest pupil to the eldest, the world of books during the book week organised by Mrs Williams. Some fabulous pictures of our Pre-Prep children can be seen on the Purple Patch and the children had the opportunity to meet an author, share favourite books, swap books, enter a book quiz, a shoe competition and read together. Thank you Mrs Williams!
Following the poetry successes of our younger children which resulted in twenty pupils having their work published last term, an Usborne Book event this term has raised over £900 enabling us to purchase around £1,400 of books for Elmcourt. Thank you to one and all, budding poets, readers and adults who give their support!
The RSA have been extremely busy on behalf of us all with coffee mornings and cake sales continuing, forward planning for the summer fair (this seems a good place to give you all quick reminder on their behalf about raffle prizes for the summer fair), pupils’ quiz night and of course, their amazing work to raise a total of £11,000 towards the purchase of two interactive white boards and the repositioning of one already in school. This is amazing in itself but we must not forget that they have also continued to give financial support to the Early Years, the Sports’ Department and our Chess team.
On behalf of all the staff, children and parents, I wish to pass on a huge note of thanks to Martha Jones, those on the RSA committee and all of you who continue to support their initiatives.
Returning to the subject of Chess, well done to the 13 children who successfully took part in the English Schools Chess Championships at Eltham College qualifying for the semi finals in June. A special congratulatory note to Raphael and Hector who have qualified to play for England!
Along with all these events we have had our parent assemblies, two residential trips, School Council initiative to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and JET, a fundraiser for the Haiti Appeal, Open Mornings, dance and music exams all contributing to, as I said earlier, a very busy and also most successful term for our children - a term that started with the snow and is finishing with a touch of sunshine, full of opportunities and successes! Thank you, one and all!
One final note to wish you all a very happy holiday and that you all return safe, sound( including those on the ski trip!) and re-energised for the summer term.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine Brown.
