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MOVING ON...
As you know, this is my last term at Stead Lane First School. It has been a privilege and an honor to be Headteacher of such a fine school! Every day has been different and I have thoroughy enjoyed working with your children and getting to know you all. I believe Stead Lane First School offers an exceptional level of care and provides a first class education for all learners in an environment of creativity and fun! My sole reason for moving on was because of the new proposed academy for Bedlington which would have removed my role next year. Typically this project is unlikely to go ahead now which I believe is a good thing for Stead Lane First School and the local community. I am confident that with your support, Mrs Mallin, the newly appointed Acting Headteacher, will continue to drive the school forward in the next chapter of its development.

Best wishes for the future,

Andy Jones

YEAR 3 FAMILY ASSEMBLY
Our Year 3 children would like to invite their family and friends into our school at 9.10am on Monday 19th July for their family assembly. We hope to see you there!

ANNUAL PUPIL REPORTS
Your child has been handed their end of year report today. While every effort is made to proof read each report, occasionally typos do go unnoticed. If you spot a mistake, your child's teacher will be happy to produce an amended version!
We also require written confirmation that you have received your child's report. Please complete the reply slip and return to school. Any comments you would like to make are always welcome

TERMLY OVERVIEWS
Your child's class overview is available by clicking on the link below relevant to your child's class:

Rec summer 10.doc

Y1 summer 10.doc

Y2 summer 10.doc

Y3 summer 10.doc

Y4 summer 10.doc

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
Due to staff meetings the following clubs will be cancelled next week - football, film and design & technology. These clubs are now finished.

ENGLAND MATCH
As I am sure most of you are aware, there is an England match on Wednesday 23rd June 2010 with a 3.00pm kick off. To enable children, parents and staff to enjoy the match our school will close at 2.30pm on this day. Please let us know if this gives you any child care issues. Thank you.

STEAD LANE GOES FOOTY MAD!
This week our children have been enjoying a varied menu of activities in anticipation of the forthcoming world cup. Each class chose a different team, to learn about the country, its history and traditions and even sampled food from around the world! For example in Year 4 this week the children have been learning about Brazil, Leah Dillon said,
"I've really enjoyed painting and making my carnival mask. This morning we are going to dance and play Brazilian music for our school carnival outside." She added, "It's been fun!" Look out for photos coming soon!

STEAD LANE FIRST SCHOOL WORLD CUP WEEK
The first week back after half term we will be holding a 'World Cup Week' - each class will be learning about a different country:
• Nursery - England
• Reception - USA
• Year 1 - Spain
• Year 2 - South Africa
• Year 3 - Italy
• Year 4 - Brazil
Events taking place will include a KS2 football tournament, KS1 sports afternoon, design a football strip, food tasting plus many more activities. The week will end with a World Cup non-uniform day on Friday 11th June. On this day we would like children to come to school dressed in the colours of their country for a grand festival!

PARENT & PUPIL QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS
During our spring term parent consultation evenings each parent was invited to complete a parent questionnaire to let us know what they liked about our school and what could be even better. The response rate was very high with 95 questionnaires completed. Teachers then consulted with our children to complete a pupils' questionnaire. The results from both groups were extremely positive. Please click on the links below for each table.
PARENTS Questionnnaire 2010 %.doc
Pupil Questionnaire 2010 percentage.doc

WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK
Next week is 'Walk to School Week' and here at Stead Lane we are promoting a healthy lifestyle. The children will be encouraged to walk to school and Key Stages 1 & 2 will receive a 'Walk to School' diary. Children who walk to school all week will receive a certificate, so leave the car at home and get walking!

YEAR 3 VISIT TO SEGEDUNUM
Year 3 are visiting Segedunum on Monday 10th May. If you have not already done so please return your reply slip on Monday as your child will not be able to attend without it. Thank you.

YEAR 3 VISIT TO SEGEDUNUM
Our Year 3 children will be visiting Segedunum on Monday 10th May 2010, please return your reply slip and payment as soon as possible. Spare copies are available from the school office.

P.E.
Please make sure your child has suitable clothing and footwear as P.E. will mainly be held outside during the summer term.

ANTI-BULLYING WEEK
Thank you to parents who attended our anti-bullying workshop and children's assemblies this week. We have put together ideas suggested by our parents. Please pick up a leaflet from outside the school office.

FAREWELL MRS O'CONNOR, WELCOME BACK MRS MALLIN!
It is with great sadness that we will be saying farewell to Mrs O'Connor shortly after the Easter holidays. Mrs O'Connor has been with us now for just over two years, covering a number of maternity leaves. As Mrs Mallin, our Assistant Headteacher, has now returned to school, she will be teaching Year 3 for the summer term. Mrs O'Connor's contract officially ends on April 30th, so you will still see her around school for a couple more weeks, however Mrs Mallin will move immediately into Year 3 after the holidays to ensure continuity with new topics. We shall all miss Mrs O'Connor and wish her all the best in her future career.

NEW MOBILE CLASSROOM
You may have noticed our new mobile classroom arrived over the Christmas holidays. This term we are working hard to fit out the classroom so that we are ready for business after the Easter holidays! The room will be used for intensive small group support. I am aware that a number of parents are concerned about the potential tripping hazard of the flag stones on which the building rests. We share your concerns, however have been informed these flags cannot be 'cut back' as this could affect the stability of the building. Therefore I am in the process of taking quotes to build planters and seats around the flags which will make a welcome addition to the playground and ensure the health and safety of our children.

BREAKFAST CLUB DANCE SESSION
There will be no breakfast club dance session on Tuesday 16th March but it will resume on Tuesday 23rd.

TERM OVERVIEWS
For parents of main school children, please click on the link below for your child's term overview which will give you an insight into what your child will be doing in school this term.
Overview Rec.doc
Overview Y1.doc
Overview Y2.doc
Y3 overview.doc
overview Y4.doc

LUNCH TIME MENU
A new menu is on trial in our school over the next few weeks so we would like you to inform us if your child has any allergies to any foods or if they are vegetarian. Please inform a member of staff as soon as possible. Thank you.

SAINSBURYS ACTIVE VOUCHERS 2010
We are once again collecting Sainsbury's Active Vouchers which will be given out from 17th February until 8th June in store and online. Please hand any vouchers into school. Thank you.

NOTICE TO BOOMWHACKERS!
On Monday 8th February, Mr. Jones has to attend a meeting at 3p.m., therefore the Boomwhacker Club will be held on Monday lunchtime instead.

CHALLENGER TREAT
Our Challenger house won last term's merit race and as their reward are going to Bounce Soft Play area in Blyth on Friday 5th February 2010. If your child is in Challenger they should have received a letter with a reply slip for you to give permission for them to go. If you have not already done so, could you please complete and return the slip as soon as possible. If your child is in Challenger and has not received a letter please call at the school office. Thank you.

RECEPTION VISIT TO THE CAT & DOG SHELTER
If you have not already done so, could you please complete and return your child's reply slip to school as soon as possible as your child will not be allowed to travel without it. Thank you.

WELCOME BACK
After an eventful start to the term, not helped by the weather, things are now hopefully back to normal. I'd like to take this opportunity to update parents on recent policy changes in school.
In line with best practise, we regularly review our school policies to ensure they are up to date and working well. We have recently updated two important school policies
• Behaviour & Discipline
• Intimate Care Policy
Updated versions are available in our policy section, please click on the link on our home page. Alternatively a paper copy may be requested from the office.

Also a few other reminders....

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
As another busy term draws to a close, we hope you have enjoyed our programme of Christmas events. It has been a pleasure to see so many friends and parents of Stead Lane children at the Christmas craft morning, fair & disco, Christmas performances and carol services.

May I take this opportunity once again to thank you for your continued support for our school and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a great 2010!

Andy Jones
Head Teacher

CHRISTMAS FAIR THANKS
Thank you to everyone who attended the Christmas Fair last Friday night, we raised over 400 pounds for our school funds. There are still unclaimed raffle prizes:
Adults - White 971
White 833
White 791
Childs - Off-white 111
If you are a winner please collect your prize from the school office on or before Friday 18th December 2009.

CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE THANKS
Thank you to everyone who came along to our Christmas performances yesterday and today, we hope you agree that the children were fantastic and all of their hard work paid off!

CHRISTMAS PARTIES
The class Christmas parties are to be held as follows:
Nursery & Reception - Monday 14th December (NO MORNING NURSERY SESSION ON THIS DAY - ALL CHILDREN TO ATTEND IN THE AFTERNOON PLEASE)Years 1 & 2 - Tuesday 15th December
Years 3 & 4 - Thursday 17th December
School will provide a drink of juice for all children, could parents please provide some food. So we have a variety, could boys please bring sweet items and girls bring savoury. Thank you. Children are allowed to come to school in their party clothes on those days or they can bring them to change into.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Our Christmas Lunch will be on Wednesday 16th December. If you have not already done so please return your child's reply slip as soon as possible.

KS2 CAROL SERVICE
Our Year 3 & Year 4 children are holding their Carol Service at Bedlington Colliery Methodist Church at 10.00am on Wednesday 16th December. All family and friends are welcome.

REC & KS1 CAROLS AROUND THE TREE
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 invite all their families and friends into our school at 2.00pm on Wednesday 16th December to sing 'Carols Around the Christmas Tree'.

CHRISTMAS EARLY CLOSURE
On Friday 18th December school will close at 1.30pm for the Christmas break. PLEASE NOTE: There will be no afternoon Nursery session on Friday 18th December. School will re-open on Tuesday 5th January.

HEALTHY TUCK SHOP
The Healthy Tuck Shop is now finished until after the Christmas holidays. If children have any unused tokens they will be able to redeem them in the new year.

MISSING UNIFORM
Cardigans have gone missing in Year 1. If your child has taken a cardigan home by mistake please return it to school as soon as possible.

CHRISTMAS FAIR & DISCO
It is our Christmas Fair & Disco tonight from 5.00 - 7.00pm. You may pay on the door if you would like to come along and don't have a ticket. PLEASE NOTE: Children must be accompanied by an adult at this event. Hope to see you there!

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
Our after school clubs have now finished for this term except Football and Xmas Crew which will continue until further notice.

CHILDREN IN NEED
A huge thank you to everyone who filled and returned their smartie tubes full of money! We don't know the final total yet but we have raised a brilliant amount for this worthy cause.

KWIK CRICKET TOURNAMENT
Some of our Year 4 children will today receive letters as they have been chosen to attend a Kwik Cricket Tournament on Tuesday. If your child does receive a letter please complete and return it to school as soon as possible as your child will not be allowed to take part without it. Thank you.

MONDAY FOOTBALL CLUB
Qualified football coaches are to take over training in our after school football club so this club will now be held on a Wednesday night starting Wednesday 11th November (no club on Monday 9th). If your child cannot make it to the club on a Wednesday please let us know as soon as possible.

SCHOOL CELEBRATES 'ECO WEEK'
Our children have enjoyed learning about the environment in school this week. Visits have included going to Plessey Woods and Rising Sun Country Park. Children have also enjoyed a range of activities within school from decorating cotton bags to making music using junk instruments. Congratulations to those children who were winners of our junk modelling competition and received prizes in assembly this morning. Everyone made a great effort dressing in green today and we raised a lot of money to sponsor a tiger in Bengal from our cake sale.

ECO WEEK
Just a reminder that our children will be working on a whole school Eco project next week. Each class will have a different focus:
Nursery/Reception - Endangered Species
Year 1 - Rainforests
Year 2 - Water Conservation
Year 3 - Recycling
Year 4 - Newsroom - reporting on events in school.
If you can help your child find any information for their project, that would be very helpful.
Also, please remember to keep collecting your junk for our model competition and send it into school.

ECO WEEK
Between Monday 19th - Friday 23rd October we will be launching an 'Eco Week' at school to raise environmental awareness amongst our children. We will be taking part in Northumberland County Council's 'Eco Start' project. Activities during the week will include a litter pick, 'compost collage' and a visit for Year 4 to Plessey Woods. On Friday 23rd October we will hold a non-uniform day for children to come to school dressed in something GREEN. There will be no charge but children are asked to bring cakes which will be on sale at playtime (20p each), proceeds to go to an environmental charity chosen by our school council. During the week, we will also be holding a junk modelling competition with a prize for each class for the child who makes the most creative model using old rubbish - so please start saving your boxes, plastic bottles etc!

YEAR 2 VISIT TO HOLY ISLAND
If you have not already done so please return your child's reply slip and payment as soon as possible as your child will not be allowed to travel without them. Thank you.

P.E. DAYS
Nursery - am - Wednesday
Nursery - pm - Tuesday
Reception - Monday & Thursday
Year 1 - Tuesday & Wednesday
Year 2 - Wednesday & Friday
Year 3 - Wednesday & Thursday
Year 4 - Tuesday & Thursday
Please make sure your child has their P.E. kit in school on these days with the exception of Nursery who just remove their shoes and socks. Children are not allowed to wear earrings for P.E., and as staff are not allowed to remove them, please make sure they do not have them in on these days. Thank you.

TERMLY OVERVIEW
You will today receive a copy of this term's overview to give you an insight into what your child will be learning.

WELCOME BACK
Welcome back to a new school year. I hope you've had an enjoyable holiday, despite the weather! It's been great to see the children back at school this week in their smart new uniform - both parents and children who I have spoken to seem to like the new design. If you would like to order any additional new uniform, all items available are on display in the entrance of school and orders can be placed, as usual, with Mrs. Burn. It promises to be another action packed term so please make a note of the dates on our 'Events Diary', some of which are to be confirmed (TBC).
Click on the link below to view our 'Events Diary'.
DIARY OF EVENTS autumn 09.doc

BREAK UP FOR SUMMER
School will close after lunch on Friday 24th July at 1.00pm for the summer break and there will be no afternoon Nursery session on this day. Please complete a reply slip which we need you to return to school as soon as possible so we know you are aware of this. Thank you.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents once again for their continued support over the year and hope you all have an enjoyable summer break. We look forward to seeing everyone back, refreshed and ready to work on Wednesday 9th September 2009.

ANNUAL PUPIL REPORTS
Your child has been handed their end of year report today. While every effort is made to proof read each report, occasionally typos do go unnoticed. If you spot a mistake, your child's teacher will be happy to produce an amended version!
We also require written confirmation that you have received your child's report. Please complete the reply slip and return to school. Any comments you would like to make are always welcome.

SUN SAFETY
We advise each child to bring a sun hat or cap to school to wear outside on sunny days. It is also especially important during the summer months that children remember to bring their water bottles to school, freshly filled daily. If your child has lost their water bottle, replacements may be purchased from the office for £1.00. Alternatively they may bring their own suitable named water bottle from home.

SCHOOL MILK
There has been no milk this week due to Dairy Farmers of Britain going into liquidation however normal service will resume from Monday.

YEAR 3 VISIT TO AZURE GARDEN CENTRE
If you have not already done so could you please return your child's consent slip and payment as soon as possible. Thank you.

NURSERY SPORTS DAY - CHANGE OF DATE
Our Nursery Sports Day was to be held on Tuesday 14th July but this is transfer day so we have now changed the Nursery Sports Day to Tuesday 7th July. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

ENTERPRISE WEEK SUCCESS
We would like to thank Wansbeck Education Enterprise Network (WEEN) for their help and support, which has made our Enterprise week such a success. Working on the theme 'What would you like to be when you grow up?', the children have been on a number of visits and taken part in various enterprise workshops at school. Watch the local newspapers, as there has been considerable press interest in our activities this week!

ENTERPRISE WEEK
The first week back after the half term break we are taking part in an 'Enterprise Week' funded by WEEN. Our children will be given an insight into different people's jobs and will be thinking about 'What I want to be when I grow up'. We have arranged lots of activities and outings for this week detailed below. If your child's class has an outing during that week a consent slip is needed so you can give permission for your child to go. Please call at the office for these on Monday 1st June 2009 if you do not already have one.

YEAR 4 VISIT TO HANCOCK
Our Year 4 children are to visit the newly opened Great North Museum - Hancock in Newcastle on Monday 8th June 2009. Please click on the link below for more information.
Hancock Museum.DOC

PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE
Thank you to all parents who completed the recent parent questionnaires asking for your opinion of our school. Unfortunately we did not receive many back so to enable us to get as good a view as possible as to how you feel about our school could we please ask those who did not complete one to do so now. Spare copies are available from the school office if needed. Thank you for your cooperation.

TERMLY OVERVIEW
For children in main school, this term's overview to give you an insight into what your child will be learning, is now available from the school office if you have not already received your copy.

COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER
We hope that everyone had an enjoyable Easter break and feel refreshed for the summer term. As you will see from dates on our 'diary of events' which is under our 'Events and Outings' link (copies also available from the school office), it promises to be another action packed term. Once again we will be holding our highly successful 'Stars in their Eyes' talent show. Already our teachers are planning their class visits linked to new summer topics. You will also find events like the summer disco and a new style sports day to look forward to.

EASTER EGG COMPETITION WINNERS
Nursery-Molly Foley & Josh Eastway
Reception-Danielle Pickles & Karriann Newson
Year 1-Jodie Kingdon & Wayne Eastway
Year 2-Abby Clark & Rebecca Lawson
Year 3-Keith Burney & Cameron Bowey
Year 4-Nathan Spratt & Britney Jamieson
Thank you to everyone who took part, as usual there were some fantastic entries, well done!

NURSERY MATERNITY COVER
Mrs Mallin leaves us next Friday to start her maternity leave and we all wish her lots of luck with her new baby, Miss Collingwood will be in Nursery with Mrs Athey until the end of the school year.

HOUSE COMPETITION WINNERS
We would like to thank all our families who entered the 'Name the Rocket' competition. Popular themes included famous astronauts, planets and rockets. The winning names are:
• Voyager
• Endeavour
• Explorer
• Challenger
Congratulations to Liam Smurthwaite, Jodie Kingdon and Lauren Harris who suggested one or more of these names. Enjoy your Easter egg!

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
The after school clubs are now finished except the new multi-skills club which is on until 25th March and the 1-2-1 tuition sessions which finish week commencing 20th April.

SPARE CLOTHES APPEAL
We would appreciate it if you could send any uniform that your child has outgrown in to school for our spare clothes box. We especially need underwear for Nursery and Reception age children. Thank you.

NURSERY/RECEPTION FUNDRAISER
Thank you to all parents who attended our fundraising event on 12th February, we raised £253.28 which will go towards buying waterproofs and wellies for most children.
We still have some unclaimed raffle prizes so please check the lists on Nursery and Reception doors to see if you have been lucky - all prizes must be claimed on or before Friday 6th March 2009.

'SNOW' DISCO!
We regret that the disco had to be cancelled last night due to bad weather. To avoid disappointment we telephoned every family in school to inform them of our decision, although regretfully we were unable to contact every parent. May I remind you that it is essential we have your current phone number on our school records so we can contact you in case of a real emergency. So if your main contact number is a mobile and you change your phone, please let us know immediately! We intend to rearrange the disco for after half term, so please keep hold of your ticket. Date to be announced.

SICKNESS
As a number of children have been ill this week with a sickness bug, could we remind parents that it is school policy that children must not return to school until 48 hours after the last time they vomited. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

NURSERY/RECEPTION
Recent changes in the curriculum have meant that all children in Nursery and Reception are spending a great deal of their time outdoors in all weathers. We appreciate that most of our parents provide warm, waterproof clothing but that it can be distressing and time consuming to keep this clothing dry and clean. In order to overcome this problem we would like your help in raising some funds to buy waterproof trousers and coats for all our foundation stage children. We would like to invite you to our fundraising day on Thursday 12th February. Your support would be greatly appreciated as would any donations you can provide for a tombola and raffle. More details to follow. Thank you for your support.

COFFEE MORNING
Just a reminder that all parents/carers are invited to our coffee morning on Thursday 29th January at 9.00am. You will have the opportunity to find out about a short course we will be offering to help you support your child in literacy.

OUR WEBSITE
As you are aware we have a website which can be visited on www.steadlanefirst.org. The website is updated regularly and we would like to include photographs of your children from time to time (may we stress that children will not be individually named), if you have any objections against your child‘s photograph being used in this way could you please inform us in writing as soon as possible. Thank you.

WELCOME BACK!
We would like to wish all our parents and friends of Stead Lane a very happy new year for 2009. We look forward to another action packed term, as you will see from the list of events below. Several teachers are currently organising exciting trips for their classes, so watch this space for further details to follow soon.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
With another term almost over, I would like to take this opportunity, once again, to thank all our parents and friends of Stead Lane for your continued interest and support in our school. It’s been another busy term, with a very successful Ofsted Inspection, numerous trips and visitors, our mural project, Christmas shows, fair and parties, we’re all now ready for a well earned rest! We look forward to seeing you all again on Wednesday 7th January. Have a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2009.

CHRISTMAS PARTIES
The class Christmas parties are to be held as follows:
Nursery & Reception - Monday 15th December (NO MORNING NURSERY SESSION ON THIS DAY – ALL CHILDREN TO ATTEND IN THE AFTERNOON PLEASE)
Years 1 & 2 - Tuesday 16th December
Years 3 & 4- Thursday 18th December
School will provide a drink of juice for all children, could parents please provide some food. So we have a variety, could boys please bring savoury items and girls bring sweet except Nursery who will be informed by Mrs Mallin or Mrs Athey of what to bring. Thank you.
Children are allowed to come to school in their party clothes on those days or they can bring them to change into.

CHRISTMAS FAIR & DISCO
It is our annual Christmas Fair & Disco tonight. If you have not already purchased your ticket, you may pay on the door. The fun starts at 5.00pm!

NURSERY CHRISTMAS PARTY
A reminder that Nursery are holding their Christmas party on Monday 15th December from 12.30 – 3.00pm for all Nursery children. There will be no morning Nursery session on this day.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT MORNING
There are still tickets remaining for our Christmas Craft Morning on Thursday 27th November at 10.30am. Why not come along and enjoy a cuppa and a mince pie while helping your child to make a Christmas craft. Tickets cost £1.50 per adult (children are free) and are available now from the office.

HEALTHY TUCK SHOP
Our school council have suggested setting up a healthy tuck shop in main school. We would appreciate it if you would read the information in the link and complete and return the reply slip to us as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation.
Download file

WOW SCHEME
This year we are taking part in an initiative aimed at encouraging children to walk to school at least once a week. The scheme is called ‘Walk on Wednesdays’ and starts next Wednesday, 12th November.
Northumberland County Council is offering the chance for pupils to take part in a competition and win some fantastic prizes eg; bikes, gift vouchers and wristbands. All you have to do is ‘Walk to School on Wednesdays!’

LOOKING AFTER OURSELVES WEEK
This week our children have enjoyed a wide range of activities along the theme of ‘Looking After Ourselves”. The children have worked with policemen and fire fighters, enjoyed cookery demonstrations from ‘Expochef’ and keep fit from Bedlington High School. If you would like to see what our children have been up to please check out our website after half term at www.steadlanefirst.org.uk

COMMON APPLICATION FORMS
For parents/carers of Nursery and Year 4 children – all application forms must be in by Friday 24th October 2008 so that the LEA Schools Admissions team are able to offer your child a place in the first or middle school of your choice for September 2009. Application forms can also be filled in online at www.northumberland.gov.uk. Delays in filling in the form may result in your child not obtaining a place at their preferred school.

YEAR 1 VISIT TO WALLINGTON HALL
If you have not already done so, could you please return the reply slip and payment to school as soon as possible. Spare copies of the letter are available from the school office. Thank you.

OFSTED REPORT
As you are aware, we were inspected by Ofsted last week. We are very proud of our report, which you can find a copy of in the main school entrance. I would also like to thank all parents for their positive responses to the questionnaire and continued support for school.

Bedlington Station Residents Association are holding after school events for anyone interested. Please click below to view an enlarged version:

AUTUMN TERM SCHOOL CLUBS
Just a reminder that our extra curricular activities will start next week from Monday 29th September. Please assume that your child has a place, unless you have been informed otherwise. Cookery club is oversubscribed, so to give all our children the opportunity to participate, Year 1 members will attend for 4 weeks (up to half term) and Year 2 for the following 4 weeks (after half term). Also due to the popularity of Gardening club, we regret that Reception children will be unable to attend this term.

OFSTED INSPECTION
We have just been informed that our school will be inspected by Ofsted on 23rd and 24th September. An important aspect of the inspection will be views of parents and children about our school. We have a letter for parents which Ofsted have asked us to distribute and a questionnaire for parents to fill in. If you have not already received your copy please call at the school office. Thank you.

WELCOME BACK TO A NEW YEAR!
We hope that you have had an enjoyable (if not wet) summer holiday and your children are ready for the new challenges and exciting opportunities which lie ahead for them in the coming year. A list of diary dates for this term will be published next week.
As you will have seen, school has been full of activity over the summer holidays with the development of our outdoor area. This is just the start, keep watching for further developments over the next few weeks. For your child’s health and safety we would be grateful if they stay away from building works at the beginning and end of the school day.

END OF TERM
And so, we’ve almost made it to the end of term, or in fact the end of the year! I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all parents and friends of Stead Lane for their continued support since September. It has been a pleasure getting to know you all and a privilege working with your children.
Just a reminder that we break up at 1.30pm on Wednesday 23rd July. Children may bring a toy for the last day – but remember they are responsible for their own property!
Have a great summer holiday, let’s hope the weather improves, and we will see you all next term on Tuesday 9th September.
Yours Sincerely,
J.A.Jones
Headteacher

SUMMER FAIR & DISCO
It is not too late to buy a ticket for the Summer Fair & Disco! Available now from the office!

NO STRIKE ACTION
Parents may be aware that some schools are closing next Wednesday and Thursday due to industrial action taken by Unison. Stead Lane will not be closed, business as usual!

SUMMER REPORTS
Today you will receive your child’s annual written report. While every effort has been made to check each report, if a mistake has slipped through, please accept our apologies and return to school to be corrected. Please sign and return the acknowledgement slip on the back of the report to let us know you have received it. All feedback is appreciated, so if you have any comments (especially positive ones!), that would be great.

YEAR 2 EXIT
Starting on Monday 7th July our Year 2 children will be exiting school via the conservatory.

PARKING
Thank you to all our parents / carers who have cooperated with school and not parked directly outside the school gates on the yellow zig zag lines. The police intend to make spot checks in the future and will be issuing tickets, so you have been warned!!

SENSIBLE FOOTWEAR
Can we please stress the importance of your child wearing sensible footwear for school. With the lovely sunny weather, we would all like to wear our flip flops, but unfortunately this type of footwear is not sensible for playing in the playground and numerous accidents have happened due to this. Also, in Nursery, the children like to play on the apparatus and need sensible shoes to enable them to do this. Thank you for your cooperation.

PARKING
Thank you to those parents who have respected our request not to drive onto school property. Please can we remind you to take care when parking outside of school, not to park on the yellow zig-zag lines outside the gate, or where you will block access for local residents.

LOST UNIFORM
One of our Year 1 pupils has lost her cardigan. It is from Matalan and has her name in. Could you please check any uniform your child has at home incase they have taken it by mistake. Thank you.

YEAR 2 FAMILY ASSEMBLY
Please note that Year 2 family assembly will be held at 9.10am on Friday 18th July 2008 not Thursday 17th July as we stated on previous newsletters. Sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.

STAFF INFORMATION
We will be sorry to see Miss Bell leave us this Thursday 26th June. Her maternity cover for Mrs Beaton has come to an end and Mrs Beaton is returning. We wish Miss Bell good luck for the future.

YEAR 1 FAMILY ASSEMBLY
Our Year 1 family assembly is at 9.00am on Thursday 26th June. The children are really excited to share their work with you all so we hope you can come along.

Our newsletter dated 13.06.08 informed you that Year 1 is holding their family assembly on Thursday 19th June. The assembly is actually at 9.00am on Thursday 26th June.Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

BRAKE – GUINESS BOOK RECORD ATTEMPT
Well done to our children in Years 3 & 4 who took part this week in the largest national walking bus record breaking attempt. You may have seen us on the news as we walked around our local area to promote walking to school safely. For the full story, see last night’s Chronicle and Journal.

STARS IN THEIR EYES
Just a reminder that ‘Stars in their eyes’ auditions are to be held on Monday 16th June. If your child would like to take part please complete a reply slip and return to school (spare copies available from the office).If your child has already done this, please remind them to bring in their cd or any other items needed for their auditions on Monday.

SCHOOL ORGANISATION 2008-9
Next year there will be a number of changes to staffing in school. Mrs. Rowley and Mrs. Wing will both be on maternity leave and Mrs. Olsen will be working part time, as part of a phased retirement.
Nursery - Mrs. Mallin
Reception - Mrs. McLean
Year 1 - Mrs. Wing / maternity teacher
Year 2 - Mrs. Lockie
Year 3 - Mrs. O’Connor
Year 4 - Mr. Whitehead
Mrs. Olsen and Mrs. Beaton will be covering classes when teachers have their weekly planning and preparation time. We would also like to welcome Mr. Whitehead who will be joining our team in September.

HALF TERM BREAK
School closes today for the half term break and re-opens on Monday 2nd June 2008 at 9.00am (8.00am for Breakfast Club).

WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK
To encourage our children to adopt a healthier lifestyle, after the half term break we are holding a ‘Walk to School Week’. We are encouraging all children to walk to school or, if this is not possible, we ask parents to park a little distance away from school and walk the rest of the way or get off the bus one stop earlier. We hope you will try to participate. Each child will be given their own walk to school booklet in which they will receive a sticker every time they walk to school during that week. Any child who fills their booklet will receive a certificate. Thank you for your cooperation.

READING CHALLENGE
Thank you to all those who took part in our ‘Reading Challenge’. The children completed the challenge and we raised £573.95, half of which is going to buy new books for our school library and half to ‘International Book Aid’. Well done Stead Lane!

HEAD LICE
Can we please remind all parents of the importance of checking your child’s hair regularly as there have been cases of head lice reported in school. Thank you.

SCHOOL GATES
Can we please remind you that the school gates will be closed every morning at 8.45am and are to remain closed throughout the school day. If for any reason you need to open the gates please close them after you to protect our children. Thank you for your cooperation.

READING CHALLENGE
Well done to everyone who took part in our reading challenge! We managed to complete the challenge so our children have enjoyed treats this afternoon. Thank you to everyone who helped us to raise money for our school library and International Book Aid. If you have not already handed in your sponsor money please do so as soon as possible.

NEW CYCLE SHELTERS
As you may have noticed our cycle shelters are now finished. Please fill in a letter (available from the office) if your child is interested.

TEACHER TRAINING DAY
Please note: we have a teacher training day on Friday 2nd May and as it is bank holiday on Monday 5th May, school will close on Thursday 1st May and re-open on Tuesday 6th May at 9.00am.

SPONSORED BOOK CHALLENGE
We have had a report of children knocking on strangers doors for sponsorship. Although the challenge is for a good cause, for safety reasons, we would prefer that children receive sponsors from friends and family only.

BOOK CHALLENGE
Could you please ensure that all sponsor money and reading diaries or answer sheets (Nursery only) be returned to school on or before Friday 9th May 2008. Thank you.

TEACHER TRAINING DAY
Please note: we have a teacher training day on Friday 2nd May and as it is bank holiday on Monday 5th May, school will close on Thursday 1st May and re-open on Tuesday 6th May.

STEAD LANE BOOK WEEK
As mentioned in a previous newsletter, we are holding a book week next week, where the children will enjoy various activities. On Monday the children will get the chance to read in our reading tent, on Tuesday we are holding a coffee afternoon at 2.00pm where our drama group will be performing their play and there will also be a book fair. On Wednesday we are having a visit from a fantastic storyteller who is sure to thrill the children and our book fair will be open again from 3.00pm. On our final day, Thursday 1st May we hope that everyone will come to school dressed as a character from a book.

SCHOOL CLOSURE
School closes today for our Easter break and re-opens on Tuesday 22nd April 2008 at 9.00am (8.00am if you attend Breakfast Club). PLEASE NOTE: Monday 21st April is a teacher training day. Have a nice holiday!

SPRING FAIR
Thank you to everyone who supported our Spring Fair yesterday. Everyone had a great time and we raised money for our school funds!

SPRING FAIR
We are holding our Spring Fair on Thursday 3rd April 2008. We have various events for all of the family. Tickets cost £1.00 per child and this includes juice, crisps and a turn on some of our activities. Adults are free. Tickets can be reserved using the reply slip distributed earlier this week, if you did not receive one copies are available from the office.

SPRING FAIR APPEAL
During our Spring Fair we will be having a toy and book stall, bric-a-brac stall, tombola, raffles for adults and children and a cake stall. If you could donate to any of these stalls it would be greatly appreciated.

EASTER BREAK
School closes today, Thursday 20th March, for the Easter break and re-opens on Tuesday 25th March. Our annual Easter holiday is from Friday 4th April until Tuesday 22nd April. We wish you a very enjoyable bank holiday weekend.

CONSERVATORY
Work is nearly complete on our conservatory which will enable small groups of children to work out of the classroom. The conservatory was made possible from a Small Schemes Grant which we received through our governor, Councillor Bill Ashbridge, to whom we are extremely grateful.

LOST
A child in Year 4 has lost their tracksuit. It is a white jacket with orange print and green bottoms, with the nike logo on both. The size of the tracksuit is 7/8 years. If your child has brought it home by mistake please return it to school as soon as possible.

MILK IN MAIN SCHOOL
Please fill in and return the attached milk form if you wish your child to receive milk.

HEAD LICE
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, we have had several cases of head lice in school. Unfortunately this week there have been more cases brought to our attention throughout the whole school. Once again can we please stress the importance of checking your child’s hair regularly and immediate treatment if needed. Thank you.

TRINITY YOUTH WALKING BUS
There are to be slight changes to arrangements for children who attend Trinity Youth after school club. Two of our teaching assistants, Mrs. Cotton & Mrs. Williamson, will now be working alternative weeks walking the children to Whitley Memorial First School.

REWARDING GOOD BEHAVIOUR
This half term we have updated our whole school behaviour policy (copies available from the school office). Displayed in each classroom is a set of “Golden Rules”.

Our Golden Rules

We are gentle | We do not hurt anybody
We are kind and helpful | We do not hurt the feelings of others
We work hard | We do not waste our own or others’ time
We look after property | We do not waste or damage things
We listen to people | We do not interrupt
We are honest | We do not cover up the truth

AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE PROVISION
A number of parents have expressed concern that Trinity Youth will no longer be providing a pick up service from school after half term. Following a meeting with Trinity Youth and the Children Information Service this week, I can confirm that the service will be continuing after half term.

In the meantime, I am seeking to employ a supervisor from school who will be responsible for walking our children to the after school club, so that the service can be guaranteed in the future

NEW OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRAIL
As part of our drive to become a more Healthy School we have been thinking of ways to improve the playground facilities for children in Key Stages 1 and 2. The children have said that they’d like some equipment like the children in Nursery and Reception. We have approached the school Governors and Councillor Bill Ashbridge, a long serving Governor here, has managed to secure funding to pay for an adventure trail for the main play area.
School has benefited from a number of small scheme grants over the years. We really appreciate that Councillor Ashbridge values our community and our children’s needs.

HEAD LICE
Several cases of head lice have been reported in school this week. Could we please remind parents to be extra vigilant and regularly check their child’s hair.

YEAR 4 TRIP TO RISING SUN COUNTRY PARK
This trip takes place on Monday 4th February. If your child has not yet returned their reply slip, please do so as soon as possible as we cannot take them out of school without your consent.

WATER BOTTLES
It is the school’s policy that all children have access to water in the classroom at all times during the day.
As part of our push to become a more Healthy School we have purchased a water bottle for every child in main school.
The bottles should be taken home every night, washed, refilled with water and returned to school the next day.
Bottles should not be refilled with juice – they are for water only.
If your child has milk they will continue to also have their milk as usual.
If a bottle is lost – you may purchase a replacement at a cost of £1.00.

EVENTS THIS TERM
We have another exciting programme of events planned for this term. Please see reverse of letter – worth keeping on the kitchen wall!

SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS
Active Mark
Last term our schools commitment to physical activity and exercise, both within the planned curriculum and through extra-curriculum activities was rewarded with accreditation of the Active Mark Award. We were successful because our children participate in high quality PE which is significantly above the national average, we hold an annual sports day and we have met or bettered the national average for the percentage of children who participate in sports clubs linked to school.

WELCOME BACK!
We hope you have had a good Christmas and send you our very best wishes for 2008. This promises to be another exciting term in school with many opportunities for our children. We have successfully bid for funding to develop our school garden and create a story telling area, which will be designed in consultation with our children and school council. Our Year 4 children will also be commencing a Creative Arts project with artists from the Sage, where they will be performing with other schools in Bedlington in the summer term.