St Luke's C of E Primary School, Glossop

11.5.17
Dear All,
My least favourite week of the year is almost finished – SATs week. The reason I dislike it so much is we are required to make the children sit tests which have little or no impact on them and their future, they are mainly used to judge schools. I am delighted with the calm and purposeful way the children have approached the tests, doing their best but not getting too stressed. This is just what we aim for. We will hopefully let you know how the children have done when they get their reports in July. I say hopefully because some years some schools haven’t had their results until during the summer holidays. We will be back to offering a broad and balanced curriculum next week after a weeks interruption.
Next week we are, as is traditional, having our Take One Picture Week. This is a project run by The National Gallery. Every year they choose a picture and invite schools across the country to make a response to it. The response does not have to be an artistic one but can be anything. I cannot wait to find out what the children will come up with this year. The week after will be science week when we will be celebrating all things scientific.
Next week is also walk to school week when children across the country are encouraged to come to school on foot, bike or scooter. If you need to come by car you could think about parking further away from school and walking some of the way.
This Friday 12th May the Peregrines are leading our assembly do join us if you can. We have had to change the date of the Eagle’s assembly to Friday 23rd June.
There have been a number of concerns raised about dogs. I know a number of you combine picking your child up with walking your dog, which is understandable. Thank you for not bringing them into the playground. Please could you tie them up away from the footpaths both in school and alongside school. I know you feel confident your dog can cope with large number of children walking past them, and possibly interacting with them, but not everyone shares your confidence. Some people are wary of dogs and feel unsafe passing them. Some dogs who are normally calm and passive can become agitated when surrounded by large groups of children and might react. I don’t want anxious dogs or people. My suggestions are if you are meeting an older child you could arrange to meet them near the gates where you can supervise your dog and keep them away from other children, or tie them up somewhere like the fence on the other side of the carpark gate, where gardening club made that lovely spring flower display. I am not a pet owner so do not always have the answer if anyone has better suggestions please let me know.
Tom Rank has let me know that there will be no ICT Club on 22nd May as he is unable to be there.
Remember if you have ordered any plants from the PTA the pick up will be on Tuesday 16th May.
Eagles are off to Castleton next week, 18th May, if you haven’t sent in your permission slip yet please do so as soon as possible.
Alice Littlehailes

4.5.17
Dear All,
I hope you had a lovely bank holiday weekend. This one always feels strange when Easter is late but a three day weekend is always a lovely treat.
Thank you to the parents who sent in a petition following the consultation about and decision to change the colour of the school uniform. The points raised had been considered in the decision making process. Please be reassured it was a genuine consultation and the points raised in favour and against were carefully considered. I am sorry the decision that was made does not please everyone, but it was never going to.
Thank you to everyone who has sent in Sainsbury’s vouchers, we have never collected them before as there isn’t a very local one but we now have enough to be able to order something. We are going to use the vouchers for cookery club. If you have any or know anyone who has any we would love you to send them in.
Tomorrow, 5th May, Kites will be leading our assembly and on Friday 12th Peregrines will be taking the lead. Do join us if you can.
Kim our crossing patrol (lollipop lady) will be away from 18th May to 11th June. There may not be anyone crossing the children over the road during this period.
Remember there will be no clubs except PAS on Tuesday 9th May as the staff all have training.
The next PTA meeting is on Wednesday 10th May 7.30 at the Cricket Club

The children are all very excited about science and this event will further feed this excitement.
The University of Manchester Community Festival on 17 June: (open to all) 11-3pm
Come and experience our free Community Festival packed with fun family-friendly interactive activities. We are throwing open our doors for our local neighbours to discover the variety of things we do. Go behind the scenes at the University to find out all about our work and get hands-on with our exciting activities. More information at:
http://www.socialresponsibility.manchester.ac.uk/strategic-priorities/engaging-our-communities/public-events/community-festival-/
Alice Littlehailes