Welcome to our weekly school newsletter. It was lovely to see you all at our parents and carers evenings this week (except Reception families who had theirs earlier in the year). We hope you enjoyed the opportunity to see your child's exercise books and to talk to their teacher about their learning and achievements. Remember you can always chat to your child's teacher on the playground at the end of each school day.

This week, lots of local organisations and charities have been in touch with information for you, but we start with another of our regular "Meet the Governor" items.

Meet the Governors

We are keen for you to know who the school governors are. The Local Governing Body (LGB) meet every term to discuss school improvement, finance, health & safety and policy. Mark Bailey (who is no relation to the head teacher!) is our longest standing governor.

Mark says: "I have been on the governing body since my children attended the school about 16 years ago. I originally intended to step down when the children transfered to secondary school but having enjoyed being part of the school community so much, I haven't been able to tear myself away. Over the years, I have held many positions including Chair and Vice Chair."

PTFA Collections for the Winter Fair

The Winter Fair is coming up on Saturday 9th December! Thank you for all of your donations so far. There is one more donation day in the calendar which is:

• Tuesday 5th December: Donate teddies for the teddy tombola. Another popular stand and the perfect opportunity to have a little pre-Christmas clear out! Pre-loved is fine but please only donate clean teddies. There will be volunteers in the playgrounds on these dates collecting these items.

If you have anything from previous collection days to donate - including presents for the wrapping room, bottles for the bottle tombola, or Jolly Jars - you can donate any of these things to the office on a date that suits you (up to the 7th December).

Another Year Spreading Cheer in BS3 

Local Christmas gift donation scheme BS3 Pass the Parcel will be back for the fourth time this Christmas.  Set up during the dark days of lockdown in 2020 this joyful local project hopes to bring a little light to those in need this winter.

Pass the Parcel works with the community for the community and aims to ensure that those in the BS3 area who are less fortunate, for whatever reason, still receive a lovely gift and treats at Christmas time.

Last year, Pass the Parcel shared over 500 gift bundles with vulnerable individuals, families and children across BS3.  This was achieved with the help of some brilliant volunteers, support from the community, connections with businesses and schools (including this one) and enthusiasm from local traders.

The dedicated team is once more fundraising to purchase gifts and are still in need of monetary donations to their Just Giving account or through their website where you can find out more about the project, links to the Just Giving page and how to get involved in their wrapping day on Saturday 9th December at St Paul's Church in Southville.

Every donation really will make a difference this year.  So go on, share a little Christmas sparkle with others this winter.

Free NHS app helps parents care for their poorly child

As winter sets in and common childhood illnesses become more frequent, parents are being encouraged to use a free NHS app to help them decide how best to care for their child. The HANDi app, which has been developed by a team of specialist children’s doctors, is quick and easy to use and gives parents and carers expert advice on a range of childhood illnesses. These include diarrhoea and vomiting, high temperature, tummy pain, chestiness, head injuries and common problems experienced by newborn babies.
The app takes parents through a series of questions about their child’s symptoms and then advises on the best course of action, whether that’s to treat at home, to make a GP appointment, call NHS 111 or call 999. The HANDi App is available to download for Apple phones from the app store and for Android phones at Google Play. Alternatively, scan the following QR code:

Other Information

• Annes House Childcare is a local nursery with availability for all ages of children between 9 months and 5 years. Click the poster below for information.

• Click on the flyer for details of a holiday tennis camp for children at Knowle Lawn Tennis Club:

• Redcliffe Scout Group is open to young people aged 6-8yrs. Redcliffe Beavers are based in Faithspace and are looking for new members. Click below for more information:

We have lots of lost property at the moment - including coats and jumpers (brrrr!). Please come to the lost property collection point by the front office to see if you can reunite yourself with an item of clothing or two. We hope you have a lovely weekend!