South Milford Moments
Weekly news Friday 19.7.19
Chair of Governor's report
You ought to know, as the parents and carers of our children, that South Milford Primary School is currently under-funded and losing money.
The stark truth is that, right now, we desperately need to invest in new computers and a fit-for-purpose IT system but we cannot afford to do so.
That’s just one example – in recent years we’ve been unable to spend the money we wanted to on basic classroom improvements and even improving and upgrading toilet facilities.
This issue is certainly not unique to South Milford – any primary school in the country will tell you the same thing.
I do not seek to make any kind of political point here but claims that “more money than ever before is being put into education” are disingenuous.
In real terms, we are facing an 8% cut in our funding.
That’s because funding per pupil is not increasing. However, employers’ contributions towards National Insurance and pensions are increasing, and the recent teachers’ pay awards were not fully funded, even though they were promised as such.
You may well suspect that we could make our funding go further. To that end, rest assured that my colleagues on our governing body, who include experts in fields such as finance, HR and procurement, are leaving no stone unturned.
So what can you do to help? Well, we are all united by our desire to give the children at this school the best possible start to their lives.
Perhaps the company you work for offers match funding. Or your business may be in a position to offer grants or sponsorships.
Direct financial contributions are obviously welcome, as is lending your support to the events and initiatives our PTA run. Additional volunteers are always appreciated and can only lead to bigger and better events.
As a well-known supermarket chain likes to remind us, every little helps.
It would be nice to think that the additional funds raised could be used for little luxuries like school trips and treats for the children. But right now, we need that money for essentials.
Thanks for taking the time to read this sermon. On behalf of the teaching staff and the governing body, we hugely appreciate your support.
Have a great summer and see you in September.
Dan Murphy, chair of governors
Goodbyes
Also, I would like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Humphys, who over the last three years has worked tirelessly to help the children and adults of SMPS to shine. Whilst we wish her luck in the role of Headteacher at Kellington Primary School, we will miss her and all that she brings to the school. Keep shining, Mrs Humphrys, you will be amazing.
Save the Date
Uniform
Summer Library Reading Challenge
This year’s theme is ‘The Space Chase’ where children read library books to receive stickers which will help them to solve the mystery of why the space books are going missing in the galaxy.
Leaflets are to follow however, children can attend their local library (Sherburn, Selby, Castleford or Tadcaster) to take part in this challenge.
Children who successfully complete the challenge will receive a medal and certificate in an assembly in the new academic year! Good luck everyone!
Awards Assembly
We recognise that for some children maintaining 100% attendance is difficult, however, we celebrated 29 children who had attended school every day this year. For some of these children, this is their opportunity to shine.
each year group also recognised children who had made significant progress in the learning, constantly demonstrate high standards of behaviour and for the attitude and ability on the sports field.
Finally, we gave three special awards for 'Outstanding Contribution to the Arts', 'Sportsperson of the Year' and 'Shining Star'.
Payments Due
With the end of the school year approaching please can you ensure all outstanding monies are up to date.
PTA News
The PTA would just like to say a big thank you to all parents, grandparents and carers for your help and support over this year.
Events have included Gin Festivals, the Christmas Fair, the Christmas pound shop, Monday Bun Days, crazy hat competition and discos, parties and film nights for the children.
Your support at these events has helped raise money for the school library; ice creams on the whole school trip to Scarborough; pantomime tickets; speakers at Faith Week and the licence for the Seussical.
And thanks to more recent events - including the Reception children’s fantastic sponsored run - we are well on the way to being able to contribute towards new IT equipment for the school.
So thank you all - we are already planning next year’s events so keep an eye on this newsletter and our Facebook page for details.
Reception Monday Bun Day:
Thank you to everyone who made and bought buns for Reception’s Monday Bun Day - you raised £121.50!
This brings the grand total for the year to £925.14 - well-done everyone!
School Uniform Sale:
If you are having a clear-out over the summer holidays, please consider saving any good-quality items of uniform to sell at the PTA’s pre-loved uniform sale.
Please give any unwanted items to the school office or your PTA class rep after the holidays.
Dates for your diary:
:: Thursday 12th September - PTA annual general meeting, 6.30pm @ school. Everyone welcome.
:: Saturday 19th October - Quiz Night @WI Hall.
:: Saturday 2nd November - Harry Potter Activity and Film afternoon @WI Hall.
:: Friday 22nd November - Christmas Fair, 6-8pm @school.
You can contact the PTA by email at fosms1@hotmail.co.uk or on our Facebook page @SouthMilfordPTA
Dates for your diary
Monday 2nd September - staff training day
Tuesday 3rd September - school opens to children
Monday 9th September - parents invited to celebrations at 3pm
This week's Shining Stars
We celebrated the following children this week in Celebration Assembly:
Reception: Roman
Year One: Lily
Year Two: Lorenzo & Jacob F
Year Three: Finn
Year Four: Rohan
Year Five: Ruby & Tabitha
Year Six: Sophia, Lana, Charlotte, Eva & Abdallah
Sherburn Gala - children's competition
Please see the competition information:
http://www.southmilfordprimary.co.uk/our-latest-newsletter/Termly Super Stars
Termly Super Stars are award to children who have shone in all areas of school life throughout the term. They are awarded a certificate and star badge which they can wear on their uniforms. Well done, to the following children:
Reception: Harry
Year One: Molly
Year Two: Tabitha
Year Three: Zach
Year Four: Lennon
Year Five: Emma
Year Six: Sophia
Winning Team
This half term's winning team is Green.
Last half term's winning team was Orange Team.
Both teams had their treat today.
A final word from Mrs Lawrence...
Every year there are so many people who work together to make our school a successful and amazing place. This includes our amazing staff for their dedication and care, helpers who voluntarily give their time, hearing readers and helping in school, the wonderful PTA who work hard to raise funds and organise events throughout the year, the Governing body who work diligently, often behind the scenes, and of course our fantastic children and you, our supportive parents. We can all feel extremely proud of being a part of South Milford Primary School and helping our school to ‘Shine’!
I hope you all have an amazing summer - laugh, relax and have fun. We look forward to seeing you in September for an even more amazing year.
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