Dear Parents and Carers

 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

 

I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope that everyone had a good chance to get some rest and enjoyed the Christmas Holidays.

 

At the beginning of this new calendar year I would like to give everyone a few reminders so that we can all get the New Year off to a good start.

 

Electronic Registration

We are now using a new electronic registration system to record pupil’s attendance. The register opens at 8:40a.m this means that we expect the children to be in their classroom at this time. The register closes at 8:55a.m.

 

If your child is not in their classroom at 8:40a.m they will be marked as late. If they are not in their classroom by 8:55a.m when the register closes they will be marked absent for the whole morning session.

 

If a child is consistently absent or late this could result in a penalty notice and a fine. This is in line with government guidance on attendance.

 

School Uniform

All children are expected to wear the correct school uniform. Please consult our School Uniform Policy on our website if in any doubt over correct uniform.

 

Parking

Even though we are only in the first week of a new term I have already received complaints from our neighbours regarding parents parking over their drives and even parking on their drives!

Please can everyone show respect and consideration to others when dropping off and picking up children.

 

Acceptable Use Agreements for School ICT Systems

Many thanks to everyone who signed and returned the Acceptable Use Agreement for school ICT systems. This is important as it acts as a reminder to the children about using our ICT systems appropriately. It is particularly important that parents make sure that the children understand fully the reasons for this agreement.

 

If you haven’t yet returned your child’s signed agreement please do so as soon as possible.

 

Latest Online Safety Newsletter

Our latest online safety newsletter for parents has been published on the Latest News tab on our school website. The newsletter provides useful advice and tips on how to help keep the children safe while using online resources.

 

Admissions to Reception for September 2023

16^th January 2023 is the closing date for admissions for reception class in September 2023.

 

Parents need to apply online https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools/school-places/primary-school-places and complete our Supplementary Application Form which must be returned to the school.

If both of these are not completed unfortunately a child may not be offered a place at St Simon’s.

 

Amazing Fact

This year I am hoping to include an amazing fact provided by the children so if you have any amazing facts please send them into school by Thursday each week and I will include one each week in the Newsletter.

 

Africa is the only continent which is in all four hemispheres on the Earth. Hanoc Year 5

With best wishes

 

Peter McCabe