Welcome To The Start Of The New School Year

Dear Parents,


A warm welcome back to the start of our new school year. I hope you all enjoyed the holidays despite the mixed weather!!

The staff and I would like to pass on a big “Thank you” for the lovely presents received at the end of term.

We would like to welcome all our new children, and their parents who are starting their journey with us here at St. Mark’s. We look forward to a long and happy relationship with you and your children.

We also welcome Mr Ian Ramsey and Mrs Linda Watson who have joined our team. Mr. Ramsey will work as a Classroom Assistant in our Reception class with Mrs Cathy Smith. Mrs. Watson will work each Monday and Friday with Mrs. Stobbs in the office, and will also undertake the roll of Lunchtime Supervisor. We wish them well in their new roles.

Here at St. Mark’s we continue to strive to be outstanding in all aspects of school life. Can I remind parents that a proper school uniform must be worn. Brown or Black school shoes should be worn. Trainers are not allowed other than for PE lessons. For health and safety reasons jewellery including earrings must not be worn.

I’m sure you have noticed that during the holidays work has been carried out in school. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Wilcox, our School Business Manager and Mr. Crawford and his team for all their hard work work, during the summer break.

I have also noticed that a number of children have come to school with unsuitable haircuts. Please make sure that during term time your child’s hair is cut appropriately.

Thank you for support.
Mrs Alison Miller

Attendance

Last year was a very disappointing year in relation to our Attendance., which unfortunately fell below the national average. While I understand that there was a number of bugs ,viruses and chickenpox going around, we must improve.


We have been asked to closely monitor our attendance and punctuality. If your child is unwell and not able to come into school, could you please contact the school office on the first day of absence and let us know. If we do not hear from you, you will be contacted as to the reason why your child is not in school.

Each week in our newsletter, we will l show you your child’s class attendance. The year with the highest percentage will earn an extra playtime.

Your support in making sure your child attends school is crucial.

Dinner Money

Please remember the price of a paid school meal is now to £1.90 per day (£9.50 per week). Dinner money can be paid weekly monthly or termly. Cheques should be made payable to “Newcastle City Council”. Dinner money must come into school each Monday morning, in an envelope clearly marked with your child’s name. This should be put into their book bag. Parents whose children do not have their money in school, in line with our school policy will be asked to provide a packed lunch for the remainder of the week.

After School Dance Class

Last term we informed you about a dance club beginning through “Free Motion Dance Company”. Initially we were told that there would be no charge for these classes. However, unfortunately funding for this has now been withdrawn. There will therefore be a cost for these sessions. We need to establish how many children would be interested in joining, to determine whether or not this will now go ahead and how much this would cost each week. Details are as follows;


The club will run each Monday 3.15pm until 4.15pm beginning Monday 13th September through to Easter for our KS2 children (Years 3,4 5 & 6), boys and girls. 25 places are available.

If your child would like to take part, please write a short note giving permission and hand it in to the office. (This also applies to those parents who had already left their child’s name at the office). Please hand this in by Thursday. Places will be allocated on a first come basis. Can we ask that all children who sign up for this class attend each week as the children will be performing in school.

After Easter our KS1 children will have the opportunity to join.

Art Club

Art Club will begin again next Thursday 16th September for KS2 children. Details are as follows;

The club will run each Thursday 3.15pm until 4.15pm. The cost is 50p per week

Places are limited to 15. These will be allocated on a first come basis. If your child is interested then please write a note giving permission for them to attend. Any child who has previously attended Art Club will still need to apply for a place.

WOW

This term we will be starting a Walk to School initiative, WOW (walk once a week) More information will be sent out shortly. Keep practising!