South Milford Moments
Weekly News Friday 20.12.19
A word from the Chair of Governors
The end of the term, year and even decade seems like a fitting moment to draw breath. It’s only when you pause for a moment that you realise what a vibrant, non-stop environment our school provides.
Since September, the children have enjoyed trips to Fairburn Ings (Year 4) and Bishops Wood (Reception) while Year 5 spent three days at Kingswood on a residential visit and the whole school went to a pantomime.
Years 5 and 6 welcomed a visitor into school for a stimulating World War 1 workshop.
In recent weeks, we’ve all enjoyed whole-hearted KS1 and KS2 Christmas performances with the children relishing the chance to perform in front of us. The kids have also made a singing appearance on Minster FM.
Thanks largely (but not exclusively) to Miss Bee’s efforts, we have had some notable sporting successes, both on an individual and team level, in a range of disciplines. It’s great that our kids are getting the chance to compete; and it’s great that our kids are excelling.
It isn’t just the special occasions either – anyone who follows the school on Twitter (ask in the office if you’d like to sign up) is treated to inspiring pictures and videos of the children learning on a daily basis.
From the times when I have visited school this term, I can personally vouch for the energy and learning in evidence throughout the school.
This term has also seen our shiny, new library open for business, not least thanks to our brilliant librarian (and, I must confess, our vice chair of governors) Mrs Burrow. The children have responded with great enthusiasm to this new environment.
For much of the above we owe huge appreciation to our PTA for their tireless fund-raising. To all involved: you know who you are – thank you.
We should all be proud of the children – not just for their attitude but also their behaviour, which is largely outstanding. I’m also pleased to say that attendance levels are high and we have a record number of pupils, with most classes full.
None of this is possible without a fantastic team of teachers and support staff – and it all begins with the headteacher.
We can all agree that this is the end of a long term. Teachers, children and parents – even governors for that matter – are all looking forward to a well-deserved break.
On behalf of the governing body, I’d like to thank you for your continued support of the school and offer you the compliments of the season and all the very best for 2020.
Dan Murphy
Key Stage 2 Stars
We are so proud, as you must be, of the way the children sang and performed with such confidence and enthusiasm. Their behaviour was amazing - they really did shine.
Many thanks for all the positive feedback we have received, the KS2 team really appreciate your kind words.
Goodbye
We are also saying good bye to Miss Chugg, who has only been with us a very short time. She has secured a position closer to home.
Young Voices
Not long to go before our exciting concert. The tickets have arrived. These will be sent home on Tuesday 7th January along with further information about the performance day.
Please encourage your child to continue to learn all of their words as children do not have their word sheets on the day. You can find these on our website.
Our final rehearsal will be on Wednesday 8th January 3.15-4:15pm
PTA News
Fundraising update:
We are very pleased to tell you that we have met our £5,000 target to buy the first instalment of Chromebooks for the children to use in school.
With money raised this term and last year, the school will now be able to buy 16 Chromebooks, a charging trolley and associated software.
We were also able to donate £2,000 for the tickets to the pantomime.
This would not have been possible without your help and support so thank you to every single one of you. Please keep supporting your school.
Thank you!
Santa Dash – Sunday 22nd December 1pm:
If your child is taking part in the Santa Dash on Sunday, please don’t forget to ask friends and family to sponsor them.
All proceeds will go to our ongoing fundraising drive to replace the old IT equipment in school.
If anyone would like to donate, please go to our fundraising page:
www.gofundme.com/f/new-chromebooks-and-it-equipment
If you or your child would like to run but haven’t signed up yet, please go to southmilford-santadash.co.uk
Nativity Costume Hire:
We are aiming to start a costume hire next year to help raise money for the school while saving parents a few pounds at the same time.
In order to make this happen, we need you to donate any costumes that you no longer need or have outgrown.
Please hand any pre-loved outfits to Laura Daniels or Lucy Hicken, or leave with the school office.
Thank you!
Contact the PTA at southmilfordpta@outlook.com or through our Facebook page @SouthMilfordPTA
Have a very Merry Christmas and thank you again for your continued support.
SANTA DASH
Visit to Grove House
Children from the Young Voices Choir visited the residents of Grove House on Thursday afternoon to share some Christmas joy. Well done to the children who sang and played the recorder to entertain the older members of the community.
A STAR at Christmas
Christmas Raffles
Thank you to the Menzies family who, once again, kindly donated the prizes for the raffles. We raised an amazing £431.10 on the production raffles. The chocolate raffle raised a staggering £245.33.
Thank you to all of you who bought raffle tickets.
The Sun Books For School
After School Clubs
Clubs are now ready to book on ParentPay. Please see attached list of clubs available and make any necessary payments on ParentPay.
Letters Home this Week
DVD of Christmas Performances
The dress rehearsals of the Christmas performances are being filmed and put onto a DVD. Both performances will be on one disc. See the letter for information about how to order.
Dates for your diary
Friday 20th December – 3:15pm School Closes for the Christmas holiday.
Tuesday 7th January – School Re-opens to children.
SAVE THE DATE: KS1 Musical Evening Story
We would love KS1 children and their families to save the date for 22nd January 5pm to join us for a musical story. This event will include a chance for you to enjoy a story together, narrated with live music, whilst enjoying a hot chocolate.
Please keep an eye out for a letter including a return slip to book a place.
Winning Team
Autumn 1 half term's winning team was Purple.
Autumn 2 half term's winning team was Orange
This week's Shining Stars
We celebrated the following children this week in Celebration Assembly:
YR -Caitlin
Y1 - Max
Y2 - Oliver
Y3 - Isla
Y4 - Isaac
Y5 - Oliver S
Y6 - Edith
We also celebrated this term's Super Stars:
YR - Oliver J
Y1 - Thea
Y2 - Megan
Y3 - Jacob P
Y4 -Olivia
Y5 - Henry
Y6 - Isla
Final word of 2019 from Mrs Lawrence
What a fantastic term we have had. It’s hard to believe we have already done fifteen weeks of this school year. I always say this but our children are truly fantastic and the progress they are making is wonderful to see.
I look forward to seeing you all in the new year for what I hope will be another spectacular term.
Wishing you all the best for the festive period and for 2020.
Mrs Lawrence
P.S School reopens to children on Tuesday 8th January.
South Milford Primary School
Mrs Lawrence
Email: admin@sm.starmat.uk
Website: http://www.southmilfordprimary.co.uk
Location: South Milford Community Primary School, Sand Lane, South Milford, Leeds, UK
Phone: 01977 682359
Twitter: @southmilfordcp