Thursday 30 April 2009

SATs Timetable

Monday 11th May
Science A (morning) Science B (afternoon)

Tuesday 12th May
Writing Test (Long) - morning Writing Test (short) - afternoon

Wednesday 13th May
Reading Test

Thursday 14th May
Maths Test A Mental Maths

Friday 15th May
Maths Test B

Wednesday 29 April 2009

District Schools Cross Country


The annual High Suffolk schools cross country event took place in glorious weather on a farm near Stonham Aspal. We took 50 children from years 6 and 5. The boys race had about 300 runners and girls 200.
We also asked the children to run in house coloured shirts so that we could double up as an inter house competition.
We had some outstanding individual performances this year. Robert Hitchams had 4 boys and 2 girls finish in the top 10 places.
For the boys Adam (from year 5) finished 3rd, William 4th, Charlie 5th and Milo 6th. This was comfortably the best team performance.
In the girls race Imogen (despite getting knocked over and injured on the first corner) picked herself up and ran a superb race to finish 6th. Charlotte also came 8th.
Anybody in the top 25 is invited to take part in another race in a few weeks time against the best runners from another district. Two more of our boys (Charlie and Harry) plus Amy made it into the top 25.
It has been a very busy sporting week in school. The excellent cross country performance of our children is a tribute to their levels of fitness.


































The House results were very close. The top 3 boys and girls from each house had their finishing positions added together. The lowest total is, therefore, the winner.
1st HITCHAM 179
2nd HOWARD 195
3rd MILLS 201
4th BULSTRODE 348
See video below of the start of each race plus some action from the middle of the course.

Netball Team Win District Tournament


On Tuesday 28th April our school Netball team won the District Tournament featuring 14 teams.




















Our Results:
Group matches
4-2 v Stonham
8-0 v Fressingfield
10-0 v Stonham B
9-0 v Wickham
Quarter Final
4-0 v Mellis
Semi Final
2-1 v Debenham
Final
4-1 v St Botolphs
The semi final v Debenham sounds from the score like a close match but the Framlingham shooters had their only poor game. We missed about 10 shots at goal before evetually going into a 2 goal lead. Debenham score with just seconds to go.
In the Final Charlotte and Jessica were back on form to put Framlingham 4-0 up before a late consulation goal by St Botolphs. The sucess of this team was not just about our shooters. Natalia and Brooke were superb in defence - only conceding 4 goals in 7 matches. Lucy, Josie, Krystal and Amy worked tirelessly and with great skill in midfield. A super team effort.









Tuesday 28 April 2009

Swimming Gala 2009


Our inter house swimming gala was held yesterday at Framlingham College. All of our year 6 children took part.
The final positions were:
1st BULSTRODE
2nd HITCHAM
3rd HOWARD
4th MILLS
This proved to be an afternoon of great excitement, fun and exercise. There were 18 different races (using the various strokes) including a medley relay and a fun raft race at the end.
See the videos below.


























Sports Trip to Wickham Market

Last Thursday we took a coach load of teams to Wickham Market Primary School.
We had 2 Netball teams who gained valuable match experience before the annual tournament. Both teams won their matches against Wickham.



Our year 5 football team is very strong this year.
They won 19-1. There is huge potential for next season with this group of players.






We also took our touch rugby team for useful match practice with the tournament coming up soon. Again Framlingham were comfortable winners.










Monday 27 April 2009

Whole School Letter

SUN PROTECTION
Now the summer term has started I wanted to remind you about our Sun Protection policy. The sun’s rays are particularly strong in the summer and they can damage children’s skin, which can sadly lead to skin cancer in later life. Your child’s health and well-being are very important to us, which is why we:
· spend time learning about the importance of sun protection
· provide sun umbrellas in the courtyard and are providing more shade on the field
· encourage pupils to wear hats when outside and to use sunscreen
· encourage pupils to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration
More details of these and other sun protection plans can be found in our Sun Protection policy.
Of course, your support is very important if we are to make this work. You can help by:
· talking to your child about the importance of sun protection at home
· applying a minimum factor 15 sunscreen to your child’s face, neck, arms and legs (if exposed) before they leave home, in order to safeguard them through the day
· always sending your child to school in a hat (preferably with a wide brim)
· ensuring your child brings in a water bottle (with a sports cap)

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
The trip for Nursery and Reception will be on Friday 10 July to the Thornham Field Centre.

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES LIST - AMENDMENTS
I apologise that some of the activities listed did not get updated for this term, please note:
· Tuesday Computer Club is for Year 5 only & Thursday Computer Club is for Year 6 only
· Wednesday Orchestra has now moved to the Upstairs Activity Area
· Wednesday Football Club for Year 4 is NOT running this term
· Thursday K’nex Club for Year 2 is NOT running this term
· Thursday Chess Club for Year is NOT running this term

SCHOOL DINNER MENUS
Please note that we are currently unable to access the front page of the school website and the menu on that page is out of date. To see the current menu please go to the school blog and click on ‘School Dinners’ from the list on the right, this will bring up a copy of the menu handed out last term.

CHAIRPERSON FOR THE ‘FRIENDS’
The Friends are still looking for a chairperson to replace Karen Debenham when she leaves at their AGM in September. They are looking for anyone who is enthusiastic about the school, it helps to be organised but there are no special skills required. They don’t have to be a parent - a grandparent or other family member would be great. If you are interested, or know of anyone who may be interested please contact Caroline Miller in the school Office or Mary Whiteley (Vice Chair) on 723640.

AFTER SCHOOL MULTI-SPORTS COURSE

Premier Sport will be running an after school ‘Adventure Sport’ course for Year 3 Pupils, combining the fun of Sport with the achievement of basic skills, where individual progress is the aim. It will run on a Monday from 3.15pm – 4.15pm. Leaflets were given out last week and the course starts today, 28 April. Those who did not apply for a place can still do so. The course runs until 8 June, and costs £18.75. Spare leaflets are available from the office.

Friends Fashion Show Movie


Molly Miller has been using her superb ICT skills again. She has made a film using photographs from the Friends Fashion Show. The clothes were by Benchmark Kidz.








Friday 24 April 2009

Suffolk Healthy Schools Awards

On Thursday 23rd April Theo and Jessie (from Class RV) went with Mrs Elphick and Mrs Miller to the Suffolk Healthy School Awards at Glemham Hall.
First we had to walk into a large marque and sit down at a table. Someone made speeches and we received an Award for being a Healthy School. We then watched a video and had our photos taken.
After the awards we got to try out some fun activities. We went into a converted double decker bus which had some large plasma screens.
It was amazing. You could see what you would look like if you were unhealthy or unfit.
The bus also had a smoothie maker and 2 computers.
Theo and Jessie were given goodie bags with lots of free stuff.
All in all it was great fun.
by Theo (Class RV)















Cricket Skills: Bowling

Over the next few weeks Alfie Hulbert and Mr Brook are making a series of cricket skills films.
Each one will show you how to perform a skill for the great game of cricket.
This first one looks at bowling.

Thursday 23 April 2009

Robert the school Hedgehog in Australia

Robert (cousin of Prickles) has just come back from the 'holiday of a lifetime' with the Miller family. Molly Miller (from class DB) has used some of her photos to make a super little film of Robert's trip 'down under'.

Tuesday 21 April 2009

Whole School Letter (30)

A WARM WELCOME BACK TO THE SUMMER TERM

CELEBRATION ASSEMBLIES

Celebration Assemblies are on Fridays at 2.30pm. Parents are invited to watch their own child’s class and we would ask that you take your seats between 2.20-2.25pm. We endeavour to bring the children in as quietly as possible and we would appreciate the parents joining us in this. The rota is as follows:
24 April DB
1 May CH
8 May EM
15 May JB/PS (NS)
22 May No assembly
29 May Half-Term
5 June CA
12 June GH
19 June Non-Pupil Day
26 June KT
3 July PL/DD
10 July LC
17 July No parent assembly

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY FOR THE SUMMER TERM
Friday 24 April ‘Friends’ Fashion Show (6-8pm)
Tuesday 28 April N Suffolk large school Netball tournament – selected team
Monday 4 May BANK HOLIDAY
Monday 11 May Music for Schools Parent Meeting 6.30-7.30pm (see overleaf)
Monday 11 – Friday 15 May Year 6 SAT’s Week (Standard Attainment Tests)
Year 2 Teacher Assessments Week (Standard Attainment Tests)
Monday 11 – Friday 15 May Year 3, 4 and 5 Internal School SAT’s Week
Monday 18 – Friday 22 May Walk to School Week
Monday 18 – Friday 22 May Activity Week – ‘Space’ – further details to follow
Tuesday 19 May N Suffolk New Image Rugby Tournament – selected team
Wednesday 20 May SCC Catering Special Menu ‘FA Cup Final Lunch’
Thursday 21 May Year 6 Sports Festival at TMHS
Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May HALF TERM
Friday 12 June ‘Friends’ Family Fun & Sports Evening (5-8pm)
Wednesday 17 June Photographer (Classes/Year 6 Individual/Sports Teams)
Friday 19 June NON-PUPIL DAY
June 22 – July 17 Friends After School Swimming Sessions (3-4pm) TBC
Wednesday 24 June Sports Day – Foundation & KS1 9.30am, KS2 10.30am
Friday 26 June Reserve Sports Day
Thursday 25 June SCC Catering Special Menu ‘Paddington Bear Birthday Lunch’
Friday 26 June Non-Uniform Day – donations for Summer Fete
Monday 29 – Tuesday 30 June Bring Your Father, Grandfather or Uncle to Lunch Days
Wednesday 1 July TMHS New Intake Evening for Year 6
Thursday 2 July Area Athletics Tournament
Friday 3 July Summer Fete on field (6-8pm)
Monday 7 – Friday 11 July Year 6 Camp Week
Thursday 4 June Classes LC, JC & EM – Trip to Banham Zoo
Tuesday 7 July Classes GH, RV, NS, CA, PLDD & Year 5 (DB/GM) – Trip to Colchester Zoo
Date to be confirmed Classes CH, KT & Nursery – Trip TBC
Friday 10 July N Suffolk large school Rounders Tournament – selected team
Monday 13 July TMHS New Intake Day for Year 6
Monday 13 July Whole School moves to new 2009/2010 classes from 11am-12noon
Thursday 16 July Year 6 Leavers’ Service - 1.30pm. Parents invited. Classes GM DB GH, RV, and siblings of Year 6 Pupils.
Friday 17 July SCC Catering Special Menu ‘Seaside Special’
Friday 17 July LAST DAY OF TERM
Thursday 3 September Pupils’ return to school for the new academic year

CLUB STARTING DATES
Guitar Wednesday 22 April
Maypole Dancing Wednesday 22 April
Recorders Thursday 23 April
Keyboard Friday 24 April – contact Mrs Fisher on 01728 604056 for info
Knitting Club Monday 27 April
Cricket Tuesday 21 April
Wind & Brass Tuesday 28 April
Holy Horrors Christian Club Wednesday 29 April
Please note Singing Club on a Friday lunchtime is now open to all pupils in Year 3 to Year 6.
Please find attached a copy of this term’s School Activity Club dates

MUSIC FOR SCHOOLS - WIND AND BRASS LESSONS
Monday 11 May Music for Schools Parents’ Meeting 6.30-7.30pm in Class DB
Mrs B Channon, from Music for Schools will be re-starting with her current pupils of the wind and brass group on 28 April. There are spaces available for Year 3 to Year 6 pupils who would like to start these lessons. Therefore the above parents’ meeting will take place on Monday 11 May for any parent who would like more information. The children will have had a demonstration by the staff from Music for Schools in the week before. Instruments include flute, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet etc and lessons cost £50 per term. For further details about instrument loan/purchase etc please ask for a leaflet from the school office – and see next item.

BUYING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR LESSONS
There is a scheme available called an ‘Assisted Instrumental Purchase Scheme’ (AIPS) which enables schools to purchase musical instruments on behalf of parents. This saves money on the purchase because the school can claim back the VAT. Once the parent has chosen an instrument the school will place a formal order. Once the instrument has arrived the school will pay the invoice and the parent will reimburse the school for the total excluding VAT. The pupil must be having music lessons at the school.

PLEASE - NO PUSHCHAIRS IN SCHOOL
Please can we ask that parents do not wheel pushchairs into school, they cause a huge problem with congestion especially when the bell goes for children to make their way to class.

PARKING IN ATLASFRAM
We have been asked by AtlasFram Group, New Road, to advise parents that their car park should not be used by parents when dropping off/collecting children from school. It is a private car park and is for their staff and delivery lorries only.

HOME ACCESS GRANT (FOR HOME COMPUTERS)
As detailed in a previous letter, low income families in Suffolk may qualify for a Home Access Grant to pay for a Next Generation Learning @ Home Package. Attached is a checklist to see if you are eligible, if you are please DO NOT contact the school office, but ring their direct line number (08456 031 842).

Tuesday 7 April 2009

Share afternoon in Class CA


Last Tuesday afternoon many of our parents and some grandparents came in for our share afternoon. We had lots of Easter activities to do and make. These included grass-head people, stain glass windows, Easter cards and boxes, spring flowers, weaving and origami. We all had a great time and enjoyed our afternoon. We would like to say thank you to Mrs Harold and Mrs Waddell for organising the afternoon and our parents for coming to share.
Class CA



Friday 3 April 2009

Travelling by Tuba

We had our annual visit from 'Travelling by Tuba'.
Click on the picture to go to their website.
Chris and Stewart tour the country giving demonstrations, concerts and workshops about wind and brass instruments.
This year some of our children decided to film parts of their workshop. They have amazing skills with a wide range of instruments and give an interesting background to the history of instruments from around the World.
They are also very entertaining.
Watch the videos below - all filmed by two of our year 5 pupils.











This film shows highlights of the Travelling by Tuba roadshow this year.


School Eco Council

Robert Hitcham's has recently started an Eco Council. Mrs Hopkins and Mrs Mawson help run the council with 2 representatives from each class in the school.
They have already had discussions about key environmental issues afftecting the school. They have surveyed each class with a questionnaire.
The council members have also started some practical tasks such as paper recycling in each classroom and turning electrical items off standby at the end of the school day.
The school are working towards a Bronze Award for Eco Schools.

The Eco Council have started a noticeboard in order to remind the whole school community about the 4 Rs: Recycle, Reuse, Reduce and Repair.
















Some of our Council members at work.

Easter Service at St.Michael's Church

Our Easter Service this year was held in St. Michael's Church, Framlingham.
Some year 6 children worked with Rev Graham Owen on a short play. The theme was about who took responsibilty for putting Jesus on the Cross.
You can watch a video below.


Everybody sang some Easter songs such as Lord of the Dance. Miss Ashberry's hand chime group played a version of this classic piece as did Miss Hitchcock's recorder players.
You can watch them in action below.