Welcome to the July edition of The Heights Primary newsletter. As the autumn 2014 term fast approaches – less than six weeks to go, not that we’re counting – we are really excited about getting down to the nitty, gritty aspects of the school. Obviously every detail of the school is important, but we are now dealing with the more tangible elements, the features that the children themselves will really appreciate. This month it’s all about the temporary site, induction days and the PTFA, so read on for more information.

We make every effort to keep our community updated about their new school so we hope you enjoy reading. And of course, if you need any more information or have any comments please do get in touch.

Many thanks

The Heights Primary School team

Email: info@theheightsprimary.co.uk
Visit: www.theheightsprimary.co.uk

 

Selecting the first school for your child is always a tough, thought-provoking decision, but if your child is already at school, the decision as to whether to move them to another can be even more stressful, particularly given how fortunate we are to have great local schools. With this in mind, we were particularly pleased to hold the induction day for Year One children on Wednesday 9th July. We would like to thank Queen Anne’s School for generously donated their facilities to allow the Year One children to meet their new teacher and classmates. The session went very well with reports from parents that the children had an amazing time and are all looking forward to beginning their new journey at The Heights.

Wednesday 9th July was a busy day for all the Heights staff, with a parents evening being held for both reception and Year One parents. Headteacher Mrs Edwards was joined by reception teachers Mrs Rizvi and Mr Crispin, Year One teacher Mrs Abi Edwards, two of our teaching assistants Mrs Dawes and Mrs Bareham and the school secretary Ms Greenwood. A lot of information was delivered to parents, but it was definitely information which everyone was excited about as there was a real buzz to the evening, everyone clearly thrilled to have their children starting school in just a matter of weeks.

We are pleased to announce that planning permission was granted last week for our temporary site just off Gosbrook Road. This meant that the demolition of the old buildings could take place this week – please follow this link.

Foundations are being poured as we type and this week will see the shells of our brand-spanking new classrooms dropped in to place. By the end of this week you’ll be able to see how they will look from the outside and get a good idea of how the site will work. Over the coming weeks the contractor will be fitting them out internally, adding all the walls, ceilings, lighting and sanitaryware to create the finished school ready for next month.

Whilst they’re doing that Mrs Edwards and the team have been placing orders for the many new items that the children will need to carry out their lessons; furniture, books, sports equipment, etc. We look forward to unpacking the boxes of all our deliveries, ready for opening day on the 5th!

Following the public meeting last month, The Heights Primary Trust received a request to outline how the school’s catchment area was defined. We released a document outlining the process and showing some of the data used in the Evidence of Demand section of the bid which was submitted to the Department of Education back in December 2012.  Click here to read the document.

The first official PTFA (Parent Teacher and Friend Association) meeting took place on 16th July, with a number of key roles being elected. The current PTFA committee is:

Chair – Jeni Carter
Vice Chair – Alex Denny
Secretary – Vanessa Mann
Marketing & Communications Team – Emma Palk, Liz Mackereth & Steve Gibson
Treasurer (Banking & Funds) – Fiona Denny
Treasurer (Events) – Lisa Bramley
Licence Holder – Simon Mackereth
Fundraising Lead – Craig Dolby & Khayyam Aslam

We have also selected class reps for the three classes. They are:
Mrs Edwards’ class: Alison Ray & Alice McCarthy
Mrs Rizvi’s class: Helen Morgan & Becs Leach
Mr Crispin’s class: Emma Sanigar & Jamie White

Although school hasn’t even begun, the PTFA are already making plans to raise money to buy awnings for the school so the children have more opportunity to be outside whatever the weather.

A social event for parents is being planned on Saturday 18th October at St Andrews Hall, further details to be confirmed, but it should act as a great way for everyone to get to know one another.

And finally, if anyone would like to join the Heights team for the Henley 10K on 12th October please get in touch with them via the Facebook page.