1 Sep 2006 - September 2006 Newsletter
September 2006
Balfour Infant School Newsletter
Telephone: 01273 500617
email: office@balfour-inf.brighton-hove.sch.uk
website: www.balfour-inf.brighton-hove.sch.uk
Dear Parents/Carers
Hello!
This will be the first of many newsletters as the new Headteacher of Balfour Infant School. I have had a very welcoming start to my new role and sincerely hope that you and your child/children have experienced a similarly positive start to the new school year.
I am looking forward to meeting each of you in person over the coming weeks and intend to continue all of the excellent practice that Balfour has a reputation for in the local community. However I can guarantee that any new ideas I may have will only be introduced in the interest of your children?s learning and wellbeing, also that you will be kept fully informed via this newsletter.
The newsletter is produced on a monthly basis and aims to provide details of events and useful information. I hope parents find it helpful.
Staffing News
I am delighted to welcome another new member of staff to the school.
Amy Powell is joining the Reception team.
We are also welcoming Sam Double back from maternity leave as a job-share with Jacqy Biggs in Reception.
Meet the Teacher
Please come and meet your child?s new class teacher on the following dates.
All meetings will take place in the classrooms:-
Year 2 - 2.45 Weds 20 Sept
Year 1 - 2.45 Thurs 21 Sept
Robins/Nightingales - 9.15 Weds 20 Sept
Wrens/Sparrows - 9.15 Thurs 21 Sept
Would Reception parents first deliver their children to class then wait outside until 9.15am.
National Changes to Child Seat Belt Regulations
Have you been made fully aware of the impact these changes may have in relation to your children and your family car(s)?
The new regulations, which come into effect from 18 September, state that all children up to 135cms (4? 5?) must travel in the correct booster seat.
Banyaka Lower School
New parents may be interested to know that our school supports Banyaka School in The Gambia.
Last term we raised £400. The Head teacher , Mrs Gomez, visited Balfour at the end of last term when we were able to present her with a cheque in our school assembly.
This is an ongoing project and children in Year 2 correspond with the children at the school and the staff are also in communication with the teachers in the Gambia.
We hope that our school will be able to raise funds for the school by holding a variety of events. We need your support and feel that the children in our school benefit from this link by broadening their understanding of the needs of children in Africa.
BISA Events
Weds 4 October - Travelling Trends Fashion Show ? there will be a range of adult fashion on show when you will also be able to order and purchase items. Tickets will be on sale soon.
Sunday 8 October ? BISA Sponsored Walk (on the school field). Details to follow shortly.
BISA Meetings:
Weds 13 Sept at 7.30pm (in the staff room)
Weds 11 Oct at 7.30 AGM (School Hall)
Teaching Assistant vacancy
We are wishing to recruit an Assistant to join our fantastic team and to work mainly in Year 2. If you would like to know more about this position including hourly rates and contracted hours please call in to speak to Chrissie Coyle, the Bursar.
The appointment will require an application to be completed and an interview for suitable applicants.
School Garden/ Veg Plot
If you would be happy to help with our school garden, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Chrissie Coyle via the school office.
Reminders
If you are coming into the school reception area, please leave all buggies outside.
Please can I remind parents that there is a no smoking policy in operation over the whole school site, including the playgrounds.
If your child is coming to school on a scooter, please ensure that they do
not use it in the school playground. Also, we cannot ?look after? scooters during the school day.
Please do not allow children to wear jewellery or watches to school.
If your child requires medication whilst at school please contact the school office, medication can only be administered on completion of the correct form.
School starts punctually at 9.00am. Can I remind parents that all children need to arrive at 8.50am in order for them to start at 9.00am. The register will have been taken and the classroom doors will be closed at this time. If you are late for any reason you must bring your child to the school office to sign them in.
Playground equipment restrictions
For health and safety reasons do not allow any children to use the play equipment in the playgrounds whilst waiting to pick up or drop off children before and at the end of the school day.
This equipment is for use during the school day only when it is supervised by the staff.
If your child is injured on this equipment whilst under your supervision the duty of care is yours. I am covering the school against any
liability on its part by reminding you in this newsletter.
Absence procedures
If your child is sick or absent from school for any reason, please telephone the office before 10am on the first day of absence. If your child continues to be unwell, we ask that you telephone the school office on each subsequent Monday morning.
Parent Helpers
We are inviting all parents who helped in school last year to contact the new class teacher to arrange to help again this year.
Parents who wish to help and are new to the school must attend an induction meeting and be police checked. Induction meetings will take place in October and details of the dates will be given in the October newsletter.
Class Assemblies
Parents are invited to their child?s assembly. These start at 9.05am and take place in the hall.
Fri 22 Sept ? Seagulls
Fri 29 Sept ? Swallows
Fri 6 Oct ? Kingfishers
Fri 13 Oct ? Larks
Fri 20 Oct ?Linnets
Fri 10 Nov ? Swans
Fri 17 Nov ? Herons
Fri 1 Dec - Eagles
Library
The school has a selection of books which the children can borrow for one week. The library will be starting again on Monday 18 September at the back of the school hall. Books can only be taken out on Mondays and should be returned promptly.
If you would like to help with the library, please contact Jan Lord in the school office.
School Fund
Throughout the school year children take part in a number of activities which support the curriculum including drama, cooking and Creative Arts Week.
We ask that parents make a contribution of £10.00 per year to support these activities. All contributions can be made at the school office.
Class Photographs
The school photographer will be in school on Tues 10 Oct to take individual photographs. Details on sibling photographs will follow in the October Newsletter.
School Lunches
The cost of school dinners for the next half term is £56.10. Please make cheques payable to ?Brighton
& Hove City Council? and add your child?s name and class on the back.
If your child has just started in Reception school lunches are generally paid for on a weekly basis. This is in case you wish to change your arrangements in the first few weeks. The cost is £8.25 weekly. If you prefer to pay for the half term, the cost is £41.25.
We would ask that all cash payments are placed in a clearly labelled envelope with your child?s name and class.
After School Clubs
Some clubs will start the week beginning 11 September. Details of clubs are available from the office and leaflets will be sent out for many of our clubs shortly.
?Chess for Wizards?, run by Christopher Dunworth, a National Chess Coach, has places available for Chess Club which takes place after school on Wednesdays.
Please telephone clubs on an individual basis to check for availability.
Lunchtime pick-ups
Please let the school office know if a playgroups or nursery is picking your child up at either at lunchtime or after school. If someone else is picking up your child on an occasional basis please inform the teacher and the office.
Emergency Numbers
If there are any changes to your contact information, please let the office know ASAP.
Term Dates
The Autumn Term ends on Friday 15 December at the normal time.
Half Term is from 23-27 October. The children return on Monday 30 October. The school will be closed on Friday 24 November due to a Staff Inset day.
Yours sincerely
Judith Kemp
Headteacher
ADVERTISEMENTS
Advertisements will now cost £1.00 for 25 words. If you would like to advertise here, please collect a form from the school entrance.
Piano for sale £100, can arrange transport for approx £50. Tel 564140
Jumping Beanz. Energetic, exciting and fun physical activity for 2-5 year olds. Mon 11.15, Knoyle Hall, Knoyle Rd. Contact Debbie May 232525
Avon Rep now in the area. Skin care, jewelry and fashion ? orders direct to your home. Phone 383166 for free catalogue
Music for Aardvarks and other mammals ? Thurs mornings ? new term starts 7 Sept. Non-traditional music group for 0-5s at Braybon Ave www.uk-aardvarks.co.uk or 311209
Oliver Moon and the Potion Commotion/ Oliver Moon and the Dragon Disaster ? out now, by a Balfour mum, Sue Mongredien. Frightful Families series in paperback too!
Acupuncturist based close to the Clock Tower. For further info call Stella Byrne on 07947 586302
Children?s Volcano and Dinosaur Workshop with a qualified teacher. Saturday 9 and 16 December 2-4 pm. £25 for both sessions. Call Jo 553767
Is your child starting Karate? Karate belts, white belt upwards, free. (Small charity donation welcome) Call Suzy on 270080
Disco Dollies ? we offer disco parties with a difference. Dressed as funky ragdolls. We teach dance routines and disco games. They?ll have a ball! Call Jules 885208
Taste Deli, Henfield, a relaxed, ambient coffee shop with an extensive range of organic & Fairtrade goodies . Home-made cakes and hand-crafted pies, organic and Fairtrade coffee. Outside catering available. Tel 495551
BALFOUR INFANT SCHOOL CAN ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADVERTISEMENTS PLACED IN THIS NEWSLETTER
Balfour Infant School Newsletter
Telephone: 01273 500617
email: office@balfour-inf.brighton-hove.sch.uk
website: www.balfour-inf.brighton-hove.sch.uk
Dear Parents/Carers
Hello!
This will be the first of many newsletters as the new Headteacher of Balfour Infant School. I have had a very welcoming start to my new role and sincerely hope that you and your child/children have experienced a similarly positive start to the new school year.
I am looking forward to meeting each of you in person over the coming weeks and intend to continue all of the excellent practice that Balfour has a reputation for in the local community. However I can guarantee that any new ideas I may have will only be introduced in the interest of your children?s learning and wellbeing, also that you will be kept fully informed via this newsletter.
The newsletter is produced on a monthly basis and aims to provide details of events and useful information. I hope parents find it helpful.
Staffing News
I am delighted to welcome another new member of staff to the school.
Amy Powell is joining the Reception team.
We are also welcoming Sam Double back from maternity leave as a job-share with Jacqy Biggs in Reception.
Meet the Teacher
Please come and meet your child?s new class teacher on the following dates.
All meetings will take place in the classrooms:-
Year 2 - 2.45 Weds 20 Sept
Year 1 - 2.45 Thurs 21 Sept
Robins/Nightingales - 9.15 Weds 20 Sept
Wrens/Sparrows - 9.15 Thurs 21 Sept
Would Reception parents first deliver their children to class then wait outside until 9.15am.
National Changes to Child Seat Belt Regulations
Have you been made fully aware of the impact these changes may have in relation to your children and your family car(s)?
The new regulations, which come into effect from 18 September, state that all children up to 135cms (4? 5?) must travel in the correct booster seat.
Banyaka Lower School
New parents may be interested to know that our school supports Banyaka School in The Gambia.
Last term we raised £400. The Head teacher , Mrs Gomez, visited Balfour at the end of last term when we were able to present her with a cheque in our school assembly.
This is an ongoing project and children in Year 2 correspond with the children at the school and the staff are also in communication with the teachers in the Gambia.
We hope that our school will be able to raise funds for the school by holding a variety of events. We need your support and feel that the children in our school benefit from this link by broadening their understanding of the needs of children in Africa.
BISA Events
Weds 4 October - Travelling Trends Fashion Show ? there will be a range of adult fashion on show when you will also be able to order and purchase items. Tickets will be on sale soon.
Sunday 8 October ? BISA Sponsored Walk (on the school field). Details to follow shortly.
BISA Meetings:
Weds 13 Sept at 7.30pm (in the staff room)
Weds 11 Oct at 7.30 AGM (School Hall)
Teaching Assistant vacancy
We are wishing to recruit an Assistant to join our fantastic team and to work mainly in Year 2. If you would like to know more about this position including hourly rates and contracted hours please call in to speak to Chrissie Coyle, the Bursar.
The appointment will require an application to be completed and an interview for suitable applicants.
School Garden/ Veg Plot
If you would be happy to help with our school garden, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Chrissie Coyle via the school office.
Reminders
If you are coming into the school reception area, please leave all buggies outside.
Please can I remind parents that there is a no smoking policy in operation over the whole school site, including the playgrounds.
If your child is coming to school on a scooter, please ensure that they do
not use it in the school playground. Also, we cannot ?look after? scooters during the school day.
Please do not allow children to wear jewellery or watches to school.
If your child requires medication whilst at school please contact the school office, medication can only be administered on completion of the correct form.
School starts punctually at 9.00am. Can I remind parents that all children need to arrive at 8.50am in order for them to start at 9.00am. The register will have been taken and the classroom doors will be closed at this time. If you are late for any reason you must bring your child to the school office to sign them in.
Playground equipment restrictions
For health and safety reasons do not allow any children to use the play equipment in the playgrounds whilst waiting to pick up or drop off children before and at the end of the school day.
This equipment is for use during the school day only when it is supervised by the staff.
If your child is injured on this equipment whilst under your supervision the duty of care is yours. I am covering the school against any
liability on its part by reminding you in this newsletter.
Absence procedures
If your child is sick or absent from school for any reason, please telephone the office before 10am on the first day of absence. If your child continues to be unwell, we ask that you telephone the school office on each subsequent Monday morning.
Parent Helpers
We are inviting all parents who helped in school last year to contact the new class teacher to arrange to help again this year.
Parents who wish to help and are new to the school must attend an induction meeting and be police checked. Induction meetings will take place in October and details of the dates will be given in the October newsletter.
Class Assemblies
Parents are invited to their child?s assembly. These start at 9.05am and take place in the hall.
Fri 22 Sept ? Seagulls
Fri 29 Sept ? Swallows
Fri 6 Oct ? Kingfishers
Fri 13 Oct ? Larks
Fri 20 Oct ?Linnets
Fri 10 Nov ? Swans
Fri 17 Nov ? Herons
Fri 1 Dec - Eagles
Library
The school has a selection of books which the children can borrow for one week. The library will be starting again on Monday 18 September at the back of the school hall. Books can only be taken out on Mondays and should be returned promptly.
If you would like to help with the library, please contact Jan Lord in the school office.
School Fund
Throughout the school year children take part in a number of activities which support the curriculum including drama, cooking and Creative Arts Week.
We ask that parents make a contribution of £10.00 per year to support these activities. All contributions can be made at the school office.
Class Photographs
The school photographer will be in school on Tues 10 Oct to take individual photographs. Details on sibling photographs will follow in the October Newsletter.
School Lunches
The cost of school dinners for the next half term is £56.10. Please make cheques payable to ?Brighton
& Hove City Council? and add your child?s name and class on the back.
If your child has just started in Reception school lunches are generally paid for on a weekly basis. This is in case you wish to change your arrangements in the first few weeks. The cost is £8.25 weekly. If you prefer to pay for the half term, the cost is £41.25.
We would ask that all cash payments are placed in a clearly labelled envelope with your child?s name and class.
After School Clubs
Some clubs will start the week beginning 11 September. Details of clubs are available from the office and leaflets will be sent out for many of our clubs shortly.
?Chess for Wizards?, run by Christopher Dunworth, a National Chess Coach, has places available for Chess Club which takes place after school on Wednesdays.
Please telephone clubs on an individual basis to check for availability.
Lunchtime pick-ups
Please let the school office know if a playgroups or nursery is picking your child up at either at lunchtime or after school. If someone else is picking up your child on an occasional basis please inform the teacher and the office.
Emergency Numbers
If there are any changes to your contact information, please let the office know ASAP.
Term Dates
The Autumn Term ends on Friday 15 December at the normal time.
Half Term is from 23-27 October. The children return on Monday 30 October. The school will be closed on Friday 24 November due to a Staff Inset day.
Yours sincerely
Judith Kemp
Headteacher
ADVERTISEMENTS
Advertisements will now cost £1.00 for 25 words. If you would like to advertise here, please collect a form from the school entrance.
Piano for sale £100, can arrange transport for approx £50. Tel 564140
Jumping Beanz. Energetic, exciting and fun physical activity for 2-5 year olds. Mon 11.15, Knoyle Hall, Knoyle Rd. Contact Debbie May 232525
Avon Rep now in the area. Skin care, jewelry and fashion ? orders direct to your home. Phone 383166 for free catalogue
Music for Aardvarks and other mammals ? Thurs mornings ? new term starts 7 Sept. Non-traditional music group for 0-5s at Braybon Ave www.uk-aardvarks.co.uk or 311209
Oliver Moon and the Potion Commotion/ Oliver Moon and the Dragon Disaster ? out now, by a Balfour mum, Sue Mongredien. Frightful Families series in paperback too!
Acupuncturist based close to the Clock Tower. For further info call Stella Byrne on 07947 586302
Children?s Volcano and Dinosaur Workshop with a qualified teacher. Saturday 9 and 16 December 2-4 pm. £25 for both sessions. Call Jo 553767
Is your child starting Karate? Karate belts, white belt upwards, free. (Small charity donation welcome) Call Suzy on 270080
Disco Dollies ? we offer disco parties with a difference. Dressed as funky ragdolls. We teach dance routines and disco games. They?ll have a ball! Call Jules 885208
Taste Deli, Henfield, a relaxed, ambient coffee shop with an extensive range of organic & Fairtrade goodies . Home-made cakes and hand-crafted pies, organic and Fairtrade coffee. Outside catering available. Tel 495551
BALFOUR INFANT SCHOOL CAN ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADVERTISEMENTS PLACED IN THIS NEWSLETTER
