Winter has arrived!

It has been a very cold end to January with lots of ice and a tiny bit of snow. We are endeavouring to keep the grounds salted to prevent slippery surfaces and to ensure the children can still go out at break times. Please make sure all children come appropriately dressed for school with jumpers, cardigans and coats, so everyone can stay warm this winter.

Safety Reminder

Just a reminder, please, when children and parents are entering the school they must do so through the main gates. There have been an increasing number of parents and children using the car park to access school and, we feel, this is just an accident waiting to happen. Also, the entrance to the car park should always be kept clear so that staff can enter and exit the car park safely, without manoeuvring around badly parked cars.

Sports Update

Last month, Years 5 and 6 took part in the Kettering and District Sportshall Athletics event; there were 15 schools who took part and our team did an amazing job and received silver medals for 2nd place. They have now qualified for the level 3 County Finals which will take place sometime in March.

Last term, Years 5 and 6 won the District Small Schools Football competition and qualified for the Level 3 County Finals, which took place last month. After a hard-fought tournament, Isham took County Silver medals and came 2nd. I was very proud of their perseverance and sportsmanship.

Years 3 and 4 are currently working hard on a dance performance for a competition that will take place in Northampton in March. KS1 and Reception have been learning to use the fixed apparatus safely and with control. They have been balancing, rolling and climbing as well as building their stamina through running

Dawn Jenkinson, Sports Co-ordinator

Term Time Holidays

Isham Primary School does not authorise term time absence, other than in exceptional circumstances. All planned absence should be discussed with Mrs Howarth in the first instance.

Whilst all term-time absence impacts negatively on your child’s learning in school, parents should specifically avoid taking children out of school in the following periods and in the run up to these times:

• Y1 children: Wk commencing 24th June (DfE Phonics test)
• Y2 children: May (DfE SATs Assessment period)
• Y6 children: 13th-17th May incl (DfE SATS week)
• Y4 (from 2020) children: week in May/June TBC (DfE Times Table tests)

We would like to remind you that a Penalty Notices (PN) will be issued with immediate effect if your child misses ten school sessions (a full day equates to TWO school sessions) in any 6 week period.

This includes:

• Any absence marked as unauthorised - this includes holiday
• Persistent late arrival after the register has closed

If the absence is for longer than 15 days, a PN may not be appropriate & the matter may lead to a prosecution.

A PN is issued with an invoice of £120 per child, per parent. 28 days are given to settle. If this is paid within 21 days, it reduces to £60.

Please be reassured that, at Isham, we would rather work with you regarding attendance and appreciate all discussion with our parent body regarding planned absence.

Dates for your diary

Dates in bold are newly added

February 2019

• Monday 4th February: FOIS Meeting in school, 9am - all welcome
• Friday 8th February: Life Education Bus in school - all year groups
• Tuesday 5th February: Online Safety Day
• Tuesday 12th February: Reception health screening in school
• Tuesday 12th February: Parents' Evening, 3.40pm-6.00pm
• Thursday 14th February: Parents' Evening, 3.40pm-6.00pm
• Friday 15th February: School closes for half term, 3.30pm
• Monday 25th February: School reopens to pupils
• Monday 25th February: School Photos
• February 28th February: FOIS School Disco

March 2019

• Thursday 7th March: Year 4 Faith Roadshow
• Friday 15th March: Y3 and 4 Dance Show Down
• Monday 18th March: Y3 and 4 Project Afternoon
• Wednesday 20th March: Y6 Sats Booster Session, 3.30 - 4.30pm
• Friday 22nd March: Y5 and 6 Project Afternoon
• Wednesday 27th March: Y6 Sats Booster Session, 3.30 - 4.30pm
• Thursday 28th March: Reception Farm Trip
• Friday 29th March: Reception Stay and Play
• Friday 29th March: Gala Queen Selection, School Hall, 2.50pm

April 2019

• Monday 1st April: Gala Day Meeting for the Retinue, School Library, 8.45am
• Tuesday 2nd April: Y4 Faith Roadshow
• Wednesday 3rd April: Y6 Sats Booster, 3.3. - 4.30
• Thursday 4th April: Easter Service at St Peter's Church, 2.30pm
• Friday 5th April: School closes for Easter, 3.30pm
• Tuesday 23rd April: Teacher Training Day
• Wednesday 24th April: School reopens to pupils