February 2006 Newsletter - Arts Week

This week is Arts Week in school. The children will be working on different types of art work and looking at different artists. The children’s work will be kept and then mounted for a special exhibition which will take place during the mayor’s visit to school on 16th March.

The works of art will be available for purchase at the exhibition!

On Wednesday a South African storyteller will visit school. The storyteller will tell stories and use percussion to accompany the stories. Each class will have a session during the day with the storyteller.

In addition, each child will complete a self portrait which Miss Crossley will use to produce a special “montage” which will be on display in school. We are all looking forward to the enjoyment of Arts Week while further developing our skills.

Mayor Visit

The mayoral visit has been re-arranged for Thursday 16th March at 1.30pm. The mayor will open our garden and tour the school. We will also have a special display of art work.

Ceili Event

On Saturday night we had a great time at the Ceili which was organised by the PTA. The band had everyone on their feet—though a certain person who shall remain nameless ended up on her knees…

There was so much laughter in the room that everyone felt a real lifting of spirits. Thank you to all involved for their hard work.

As well as a very enjoyable evening we raised over £400 for PTA funds. Thank you.

Reminders - Parking

A number of parents have been parking in the car park at the beginning and end of the school day.

Please remember that the car park may only be used if permission has been given due to special circumstances.

It is not safe for the children to be using the car park and the car park is not big enough to accommodate all parents.

Also, you are putting other children at risk by driving down Blackley Close when they are entering and leaving school.

We would appreciate it if you could park well away from the school and the corner of Blackley Close and Chadderton Drive

Class Assemblies

• Wed 8th March Y3
• Thur 23rd March YR
• Thur 18th May Y5
• Thur 25th May Y1
• Thurs 15th June Y3
• Thurs 22nd June Y4
• Thur 29th June Y2
• Thur 13th July Y6

Music News

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term working as a music teacher at Unsworth. The children have enjoyed the music lessons and I am delighted with their enthusiasm and interest. Each week I am greeted by the children in a friendly manner and made to feel very welcome.

The Fame Academy has been a great success and the children’s performance at the end of term was a credit to each one of them.

I have seen great musical potential in many of the pupils. I look forward to developing their skills through the addition of recorder lessons in Y2 and violin lessons in Y1. We are also looking to provide more opportunities for the children to perform in public throughout the course of each term.

On Wednesday 1st March Y4 will be visiting the Bridgewater Hall to see the Halle for Youth concert. The visit will give the children an opportunity to experience the work of an orchestra.

I urge you to support the school in the desire to improve and advance music by supporting our events and encouraging the children in all their musical activities.

Miss Geelan
Music teacher

Sport News

We have played three netball games so far this year in the Prestwich and Whitefield League. We had a close match at Heaton Park coming back from 2—0 down to draw 2—2. Despite defeats at St Bernadette’s and St Michael’s our girls never gave up. We are looking forward to our fixtures against Sedgeley Park, Park View, OLOG and King David after half term.

Miss Crossley

Our first football game this season was a friendly against Hollins Grundy which we won 3—1. Our first league match against St. Margaret’s was won 4—0. St. Michael’s was our next game which saw another 4—0 victory. We suffered our first defeat in a friendly against Sunnybank, losing 3—1 at home. Our fifth game was against Whitefield and was an enjoyable game against a competitive team. We ended as 4—0 victors—our favourite scoreline!

We will be playing more games after half term—please come and support us.

Mr Brown

Attendance Figures

As you will know, our attendance figures are consistently high. Last year our attendance figure was 96% compared to the national figure of 94.6%. Our attendance target for 2005—2006 has been set at 96% again. Each term the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) collects our data so it can be published for parents. Autumn term attendance was 96%.

Whilst attendance figures are very good we are concerned by the small number of children who are consistently late for school. These children have a bad start to the day. Please help your child by ensuring their punctuality.

Dates For next half term

• Monday 27th February – Back to school. Y5 swimming programme begins—every day for next 4 weeks.
• Wednesday 1st March—Y4 trip to Halle
• Friday 7th April – Break up for Easter holidays at 3.30pm. After School Club as usual.
• Monday 24th April – Back to school.

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