Farringtons School - Junior - Academic Programme

Welcome to the Parents' Page. Here you will find the Friday Bulletin, updated weekly, which gives information about day to day life at Farringtons. Recent editions follow or click on the relevant link for older versions.

BULLETIN - 5 SEPTEMBER 2008

Welcome back everyone and especially warm greetings to our new pupils and their parents

In addition to much other information, a Junior School Information Bulletin, together with the following week’s lunchtime menu and diary of activities is posted on the School website every weekend during term time.

To access information, the Junior School website is www.farringtons.org.uk/junior. Click on the “General Information” tab on the left hand side of the web page. The latest Bulletin is always the first item of the Parents Page. Bulletins can also be e-mailed if requested.

To aid our “green” credentials, we do not send home a paper copy of the Bulletin after this issue unless a parent / carer specifically requests this. Please complete the form at the end of this Bulletin and return it to the Junior School office via your child’s Form Teacher letting us know by which method you wish to view the Bulletin.

ACCOMPANYING THIS MAILING

A letter for everyone from our Headmistress, Mrs James
A list of early morning, lunchtime and FIZ evening activities for everyone
A flier from our Parents’ Association, the FPA, about a Music Quiz Night on 11th October
Information from Miss Lucy about Wednesday and Saturday Ballet and Tap classes
A letter from Miss Tetley and Mrs High for all the parents and carers of Pre-Reception children
A letter for the children in Year 1 about a trip to Sainsbury’s in Chislehurst
A letter from Mrs Long about lunchtime Gym Club for the children in Years 1 & 2
A letter from Madame Cliff about a French magazine for the children in Years 3-6 (inclusive)
A letter for the children in Year 3 regarding “Touch Type, Read and Spell” lessons
Copies of next week’s menu for the children in Foundation Stage classes

PRE-RECEPTION LUNCHES

If you have a Pre-Reception child who remains at school all day, please ensure you have ticked the choices on the weekly menu issued today and return it one of the Pre-Reception staff first thing on Monday morning.

END OF DAY COLLECTION

Form Teachers dismiss children from outer classroom doors / South House front door at the end of each day. If you are unable to collect at the appropriate time, your child will be escorted to the Junior School Library, where they will be cared for until 4.00pm. Please come to the Junior Reception area and your child will be sent out to you. Any child still not collected by 4.00pm will be enrolled at FIZ Club – for which a charge is payable.

FIZ CLUB EVENING ACTIVITIES

Most of the special activities (in addition to homework and free-play time) for FIZ Club, our wrap-around school care service, begin in earnest next week. A list of those already organised accompanies this mailing and we will keep you informed as more are added. Copies of the new Registration Form, which has to be updated annually for both regular and occasional use of this service, are available from the Junior Office or Mrs Samuel. FIZ also operate an early morning Breakfast Club between 7.30 and 8.00am.

Please contact Mrs Samuel on the NEW FIZ telephone number: 07989 257032 to book clubs.

WEDNESDAY 10 and WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER

Informal meetings are planned for the parents and carers of pupils in Years 3 - 6 (inclusive) next Wednesday evening, 10 September and for those with children in Pre-Reception – Year 2 classes on Wednesday 17 September. Children are NOT to attend these meetings, so please make alternative arrangements for their care.

Mrs James and Mr Close will give a short presentation in the Junior School Hall at 7.00pm, following which form teachers will take you to their classrooms to give further information specific to your child’s yeargroup. This will be followed by the chance to ask questions on an informal basis. We expect these events to finish at approximately 8.30pm.

Unfortunately, Mr Ruffle will be unable to attend on 10 September, so is offering the chance to talk about matters specific to Form 6R between 4.00 and 6.00pm on either Thursday 11 or Friday 12 September. If you would like to see him on one of these evenings please liaise with him directly or via your daughter’s contact book

MONDAY 15 SEPTEMBER

This day has been designated as Junior School Photography day. Every pupils will be invited to participate in a day of photo fun – exploring the use of this very important medium in depth. Whilst it is not essential to have one, we would like to ask parents to let their children bring in a disposable or other camera that they may own – CLEARLY NAMED PLEASE! Each camera will be the responsibility of the pupil concerned but we will, of course, be carefully supervising our younger children. Cameras will be supplied for pupils in Pre-Reception.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD

Accompanying this mailing is a Contact Details and Medical Information Form. We would appreciate it if you could please complete and return the form giving details your child / children’s details as soon as possible. We are aware that parents of new pupils may have filled in similar information on other forms recently, but the completed sheets ensure your child’s form teacher and FIZ Club will have essential information immediately to hand.

TTRS - Touch Type Read and Spell

This Club, which is open to all ages from Year 3 upwards, will continue to run on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in the Senior Computer Suite. If you are interested in your child attending and would like more information, please contact Ms Coatz via the Junior School office. A free introductory lesson is available.

UNIFORM

We would like to remind parents that sports kit should be in school during the week, but may be taken home for laundering on Friday evenings. Hopefully, pupils should by now have all the kit that they require for indoor and outdoor P.E. lessons. If you have any queries concerning sports kit lessons or matches, please contact the Junior Office or Mrs Long, Head of Junior Sport.

In view of the very changeable weather conditions, pupils may continue to wear either summer or winter uniform for the time being and girls in Year 6 are permitted to wear the plaid skirt worn by Senior girls, together with a white shirt and plain dark green tie rather than the Junior School tunic if they wish. All children will need to be in winter uniform by Monday 6 October (prior to our individual school portrait photographs day).

FRENCH EXPERIENCE

From Friday 3rd to Monday 6th October, Mrs Long is taking pupils from Years 5 & 6 on the annual French Experience trip to Normandy. At present we have eight spaces left. If your daughter would like to join this excursion, please arrange to speak with Mrs Long on Monday 8^th September. The trip costs £275 per pupil which covers travel to and from the Chateau, all food and accommodation together with a variety of activities. Over the weekend the children will be visiting typical French attractions, enjoy practicing their French language skills and participate in various physical activities.

JUNIOR SCHOOL OFFICE

The Junior School Office is staffed by Mrs Boatwright-Smith, Mrs Cox and Mrs Sinclair. The direct line to the Junior School is 020 8467 0395 for any queries or messages to be passed to Form Teachers. In addition, the following items can be purchased from the Reception area: waterproof shoe/swim bags, rucksacks, book bags, sports bags, water bottles and sun caps(!). Lost property is also handled through the Office. Named items will be returned to their owner at the earliest opportunity, unnamed articles are available to check through at any time. There is also a Lost Property box in South House for articles belonging to children in Years 3 – 6.

WATER BOTTLES

Children are welcome to bring water bottles into school. These are kept on the desk/table for use whenever needed. The bottle should contain only still and unflavoured water and have a secure, leak-proof lid.

NEXT WEEK’S SPECIAL EVENTS

TUESDAY Instrumental Music performance in Chapel for Years 4 - 6 (incl), 8.35am

WEDNESDAY Parents’ Information evening for Years 3 - 6 (incl), 7.00-8.30pm

BEGINNING OF TERM LETTER FROM MRS JAMES, HEADMISTRESS

5 September 2008

Dear Parents/Guardians

Welcome back to the new academic year. I hope that all families have found time to enjoy some rest and relaxation during the break. The summer vacation is always a busy time for the School as we are able to complete maintenance and some reorganisation of classrooms when the School is not in attendance.

This summer we welcomed the Kings English Language School (based in Beckenham) who arrived on the Saturday immediately after we finished and stayed until the end of July. On their departure many Junior and young senior aged pupils joined in a full Activities and Sports Programme run by Barracudas. I also found time between A Level and GCSE results days to attend another Education Exhibition in order to continue to promote the School to International students.

The results at all levels this year were once again a credit to all the students and their teachers. In many areas steady and sustained improvement in attainment is noted. Despite the press coverage surrounding the publication of Year 6 results, we were fortunate in that all our papers were marked and returned appropriately apart from being late. Many Year 6 pupils achieved significantly in their KS2 SATs levels, with half the year group achieving Level 5 in Science. At KS3, Year 9 succeeded in achieving 100% at level 5 and above, with approximately three quarters of the year group achieving Level 6 in both English and Maths. Farringtons girls fared extremely well when compared to the national averages.

At GCSE, 38% of grades achieved were either A* or A, with 91% of the year group achieving five or more A* - C grades. Eleven of the year group achieved eight or more of their grades at A* or A - an outstanding set of results. Lower Sixth worked hard and achieved a good set of results which will be a solid foundation for their second year in the Sixth Form. Our Upper Sixth pulled out all the stops and by will be preparing for University. 82% of their grades were Grade C or above. Girls are on their way to study Medicine, Geography, Mathematics, History, Accounts, Journalism, and Law amongst others. All our results can be found on the School website. This has been a really successful year and congratulations to all girls and staff who have worked so hard.

The summer was also a time when various maintenance tasks were completed. Both Ferens Hall and the Junior Hall have had their own makeover. The ceiling in Ferens Hall has been repaired and redecorated, as has Queens Court. The Junior Hall sports a new carpet and ‘wet play’ area and has also been decorated. Other classrooms and office spaces have had repairs to ceilings and walls and redecoration. We are making steady progress with the Swimming Pool Project, and are waiting now for the return of tenders at the end of the month.

Many new students have started this term – Year 7 is our most complete year of entry for several years, but we also have new students in almost every other year group in the School. The first day of term passed very smoothly in terms of our organisation of the day, despite the terrible downpour that greeted everyone as they arrived between 8.00 and 8.30 that morning. On 14September we will welcome students from one of our partner Schools in Colombia – Colegio Santa Maria. These students traditionally arrive and share their very lively and colourful Latin American culture for the period of time they are with us. All our students who are learning Spanish should find their presence in School of great benefit in order to practise their Spanish speaking skills.

I hope that all parents have now received a copy of my letter which accompanied the news leaflet announcing our exciting move towards Co-Education in the Senior School from 2010. I truly believe this will secure the future for the School and enable us to continue to develop as a secure and strong provider of independent Christian education for a broad ability intake in this part of South East London. There will be many more meetings and bridges to cross before 2010, but I am encouraged by the strong and positive team of staff that is fully committed to making this step towards the future. This week everyone has become aware of all the initiatives and changes that DCSF is bringing into Secondary Education, and we too must embrace some of these. It is perhaps worth noting that our current Year 7 will be the first cohort that will be required to stay in education until the age of 17. There will also be many curriculum developments that the staff will assimilate as they come on stream as we continue to provide the best possible education to all the children who attend Farringtons.

I’ve mentioned new pupils/students, but this term also sees new members of staff joining the team. Mr Close has been appointed Deputy Head for the Junior School, Dr Mannion as Head of Science, teaching Physics and Science; Miss Henry as teacher of Art during Mrs Allen’s maternity leave; Miss Sweeney as English/French teacher and also Residential Housemistress in South House; Mrs Heighway as Housemistress in West House; Miss Stanton as teacher of Music in the Junior School and Mr Wadley as Assistant Network Manager with responsibility for the School’s Database and Management Information System. I hope they and the new students/pupils will enjoy being part of the Farringtons community.

The girls in the Junior School who have returned in the new winter uniform look very smart. I hope that by the time we return at the start of the next academic year all the Junior girls in the School will have adopted the new look. The girls may continue to wear their summer uniform, if you feel it is warm enough, until half term.

The Parents’ Association has also been busy during the summer and has donated some new role play toys for the Foundation Stage children. I strongly encourage you to support the various fun and fundraising events that are organised throughout the year. The first of these will be on 11 October – Quiz Night. Quiz Nights are usually very popular and provide the opportunity for old and new parents to meet and socialise. Each Form has a parent representative whom I am sure will be contacting class members in order to get tables together for this event. I hope to see many of you on this occasion.

Our whole School Open Day this year is planned for Saturday 27 September. Many pupils/students in both Junior and Senior parts of the School will be expected to attend on that day. They will either be engaged in some class/subject based activity or act as guides and hosts to our visitors. Pupils/students will need to be in School by 9.00 am and be free to leave sometime between 12.00 and 1.00 pm. Thank you in advance for allowing your child to come in on this important day for the School.

There are many opportunities for pupils/students to expand on their taught academic curriculum by becoming involved in extracurricular clubs and activities. Instrumental Music lessons, Speech and Drama, Drama productions, Sports for teams and fitness, Art, Science, Reading and Craft clubs plus many more, including all those that are offered by FIZ are available here at Farringtons. Every girl in the Senior and Junior School should attend at least one School extracurricular activity. Please encourage your child to make sure they have signed up for something. Should your child wishes to receive individual tuition in either Music or Speech and Drama, please contact Mrs Worth or Mr James as soon as possible as timetables for these lessons are now being organised.

In addition to the minibus route that is running for pupils from the Dartford, Swanley, Bexley areas, we are also going to run another minibus from Green Street Green, via Orpington and Petts Wood. Please contact the School Office should you wish your child to use either of these routes. I would encourage as many parents as possible to encourage their child/ren to use either these mini buses, or public transport, or car share in order to alleviate some of the congestion that seems to be increasing each year. I remind parents, once again, about the need to consider others when dropping off your child or parking on the School site. Some students cycle into School and if this can be done safely, I am very happy to provide a storage facility for the bikes and the helmets during the School day. Again please contact the School Office if this is the means by which your child/ren will come to School.

I would like to ask all parents to discourage their child/ren from bringing in any drink other than water – even for School trips. Fizzy drinks, cans and glass bottles of drink of any kind should not be brought into School. ‘Red Bull’ or any other stimulant type drink is not allowed at any School event or trip.

I look forward to a very busy but success filled year in every way. There will be many opportunities to meet you this term at the different occasions - some formal as in information evenings, and some more social as in the Quiz Night.

With every good wish.

Yours sincerely

Mrs C E James MA
Headmistress

BULLETIN - 4 JULY 2008

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE INVOLVED WITH THE SUPERB PERFORMANCE OF “PINAFORE PIRATES” LAST NIGHT

IT WAS AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS

Some notes and reminders for the end of term:

UNIFORM

Children may return to school after the holidays in either summer or winter uniform as the weather in early September can, of course, be quite warm. Girls in Year 6 are permitted to wear the plaid skirt worn by Senior girls, together with a white shirt and plain dark green tie rather than the Junior School tunic if they wish. The Parents’ Association Nearly New Shop in the school grounds will be open on Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd September at the usual times. It is situated by the Sports Hall at the East House end of the Senior School.

EARRINGS

If you are considering having your child’s ears pierced, please could this be done early during the summer holidays? Earrings cannot be removed from the ears for the first few weeks after piercing. On return to school, children should NOT wear earrings on P.E. days. If earrings cannot be removed, then please supply your child with tape to cover them.

DIARY DATES

A list of dates relating to activities in both the Junior and Senior School has been issued to each pupil today. A list of important dates for the first half of the term specific to the Junior School will be issued shortly after the beginning of the Autumn Term.

FIZ CLUB

Our pre-school and after-school club will be open during the summer holidays (except for the month of August). Please telephone Mrs Rimmer on 07800 511745 if you wish to take advantage of this service and have not already completed the form. A list of the evening activities running during the Autumn Term has already been issued and updates will be confirmed at the beginning of the Autumn Term when all the timetables have been finalised.

All members of the Junior School staff thank you for your support and co-operation

during the course of this academic year. We hope that you will have a restful and enjoyable time together over the holidays and we look forward to welcoming you back

at the beginning of next term,

from 8.00am on Tuesday 2 September.

END OF TERM LETTER FROM MRS JAMES, HEADMISTRESS

4 July 2008

Dear Parents/Guardians

We are finally at the end of a very busy Summer Term. It has been truly remarkable with all the many very successful events that have been held recently. Traditionally, the term is remembered for its domination by the public examination system. This year must be the one that is linked to the weather and Sports days!

I am sorry if parents were inconvenienced either on the first scheduled day or indeed the two subsequent attempts to run these events for both Junior and Senior pupils. In both, we managed to complete the swimming, but unfortunately due to the vagaries of our summer, track and field were somewhat curtailed. Thank you for being prepared to come along on any one of these days – let’s hope for better weather next year.

This term is always a time when we say goodbye to pupils and staff. Good wishes are sent to Mrs Bainbridge, Mrs Clarke, Mrs Dunckley, Mr Eastwood, Mrs Halls, Mrs Lloyd, Mr Mahoney and Miss Wiseman as they leave to pursue either alternative employment or other pursuits including retirement; additionally Mrs Allen begins her maternity leave, and the Chapel will be the venue for the forthcoming marriage of Mr Gardner to his fiancée.

We had so many end of year events: the Upper Sixth held a successful Prom with a masquerade theme, the Parents’ Association ran another Fun Day continuing their fundraising campaign in support of the Pool Project, Year 6 gave an outstanding performance of Pinafore Pirates, Infant Sports and Foundation Fun Day, Junior Presentation Afternoon and Senior Prize Giving have all occurred during the last two weeks of term. Thank you to all the parents, guardians and friends of the School for turning up at one, or indeed all of these events.

It is always good to reflect on the year that is past, and to give thanks to God for the many joys and blessings, and for others this has been tinged with sadness. There have been more bereavements associated with the Schools’ families this year than ever before…. I hope that for all our families who have been through this experience you have also felt the strength and support of the School community.

I remind all parents of Junior girls that we will be gradually moving the Junior aged pupils over to the new plaid uniform (the same design as in the Senior School). I would hope that by next September (2009) all Junior girls will have migrated into the new look. I am told that Oz, the School Outfitters, have now received their delivery of the new pinafores. Oz would also like me to point out that, contrary to some speculation, they have no plans to move their business from Petts Wood, although they might at some stage consider moving into alternative premises, but still in Petts Wood. The Nearly New Uniform shop, run by the Parents’ Association, will be open on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 September at the usual times.

In June we had a visit from Ofsted to review our Foundation Stage facilities, its Curriculum and our practice. I am pleased to report that the School received a very glowing report and I encourage parents to read it. It can be found on the Ofsted website: www.ofsted.gov.uk;

· The quality and standards of the nursery education are good;

· Children continue to receive an ongoing strong and stimulating learning environment. Staff work well together as a team and are committed to providing consistent, high quality provision for children.

There were two points for action:

extend the use of the garden to provide opportunities for children to be able to take part in digging and planting activities to increase their understanding of nature;
use snack time to further children's independent and self help skills by allowing them to pour out their own drinks and serve themselves snacks.

With regard to the first point, the garden area will be completed during the summer holiday to facilitate this activity more easily; however, children did have opportunity to grow plants in pots etc. The practice of encouraging independent self help skills is fostered through a variety of ways, and it is normal practice that children help in the distribution of the snack, when the staff deem it is safe so to do. In all other regards the School is meeting the required standard.

During the recent Presentation Afternoon and Prize Giving, the School received a cheque from the Parents’ Association for £50,000, representing the money raised during the course of this last school year in support of the swimming pool project. I understand this did not include the proceeds form the Fun Day which were £11,000. This represents a lot of hard work on behalf of the Committee and your generosity in responding to the various events. Where are we now? Planning has been received from Bromley, the architect is finalising his drawings and specifications will be going out to tender. We hope this next process will be completed inside 14 weeks and we aim to start the build in the Autumn Term finishing in time for the end of the Spring Term.

In their very different ways, we had two very interesting speeches by our invited guests, Mr N Close (incoming Deputy Head for the Junior School September 2008) and The Reverend the Lord Griffiths of Pembrey and Burry Port – currently Minister of Wesley Chapel in London. I hope many Junior parents had the opportunity to meet Mr Close and speak with him during the refreshments at the end of the afternoon.

I have been asked by parents to request that when driving through the School grounds the 5 mph speed limit be observed and that drivers ‘use hands free’ when using their mobile telephone as they move around the site.

It was wonderful to see so many bikes brought into School as part of National Bike Week. I would encourage you to consider if your child could arrive at School using some other mode than being driven by car.

I shall be attending an Education Exhibition in Hong Kong, 16-17 August, and will take the A level results sheets that will have been released in School on Thursday 14 August. I am happy to meet any parents of current students and those waiting to receive their results either at the Fair, or on either of the two days following i.e. 18-19 August. Please contact the School to confirm, should this be of benefit to you.

School re-opens for Year 7 and the Sixth Form on Monday 1 September, and for the rest of the School on Tuesday 2 September.

I wish all parents, guardians, staff and pupils a happy summer vacation and hope that all families benefit from the break. I look forward to seeing you all in the new academic year.

Yours sincerely

Mrs C E James MA
Headmistress

BULLETIN - 27 JUNE 2008

JUNIOR SPORTS DAY

At last! The good weather sort of arrived and the re-arranged Junior Sports Day took place. Congratulations to all the pupils who tried so hard. Thank you to parents and friends for coming along to support them and, not least, to Mrs Long and her team for making sure the event was so well-organised and run.

MATHEMATICS MORNING

Many parents visited us last Wednesday for our Open House Maths Morning. The children enjoyed showing off their numeracy skills and the feedback from parents has been extremely positive. Thank you to all staff members for coordinating and running this very successful event.

INDUCTION DAY

Both Farringtons Junior and Senior School had an influx of extra pupils yesterday for Induction Day and the Junior School’s “Meet your New Teacher” afternoon. Each pupil was introduced to the Form Teacher who will be responsible for them from September and visited their classroom for the next academic year.

FUN DAY

The weather looks set fair for our Parents’ Association’s big event tomorrow (which will take place come rain or shine). As if you didn’t know already, FUN DAY will start at 12noon and entry is “by donation”. With an enormous variety of stalls and activities we are sure that this year will be an even bigger success than before. Don’t forget to come along - bringing rain hats or sunscreen as necessary - join the fun and raise money for our swimming pool project.

NEXT MONDAY

Those Junior pupils who are in Junior School Orchestra are asked to ensure that they bring their instruments into school on Monday morning for a special performance to the rest of the school. They will also need to remain in school until after the performance at Presentation Afternoon on Wednesday 2 July.

END OF YEAR REPORTS

Reports will be sent home via pupils next week – with the exception of Year 6. We are awaiting the Key Stage 2 SATs results and will add these to each Year 6 child’s report before posting them shortly after the end of term.

PRESENTATION AFTERNOON

Junior Presentation afternoon is for all pupils in Years 3 to Year 6. We welcome parents’ presence at this end of year celebration which is being held in the marquee beside South House. We aim to start at 2.00pm and parents and friends are asked to be in their seats by 1.50pm but that you do not arrive before 1.30pm. This will be followed by tea in the Dining Room for all parents, staff and the children involved. We hope that as many parents, carers and friends as possible will come and support the pupils on this special occasion.

END OF TERM

TERM ENDS for all Pre-Reception and Junior pupils (Reception - Year 6) at 3.00 p.m. FIZ Club will be running for those children who normally attend however, there are no specialist clubs running that evening. Should any other parent be unable to arrange the earlier collection time, please contact the Junior Office.

DIARY FOR THE FINAL WEEK OF TERM

Monday 30 June

8-9am and 3-5pm Nearly New Shop open

morning Orchestra rehearsal in the Ferens Hall

Followed by a performance of “Cinderella” to all Junior pupils

afternoon Foundation Stage Fun Activities afternoon

Tuesday 1 July

morning Presentation Afternoon rehearsal

afternoon “Pinafore Pirates” Dress Rehearsal

7.30pm Farringtons Parents’ Association AGM

Wednesday 2 July

9.15-11.00am Year 5 join Year 9 for a Mathematics Trail, puzzles and games morning

2.00pm PRESENTATION AFTERNOON FOR ALL JUNIOR PUPILS

(Years 3 to 6 inclusive).

Thursday 3 July

7.00pm “Pinafore Pirates” Performance, 7.00pm, Ferens Hall

Friday 4 July

8.30 – 10.00am Parents’ Association Coffee Morning in the School Dining Room.

3.00pm END OF TERM

BULLETIN
20 June 2008

COMBINED JUNIOR/SENIOR SCHOOL SPORTS DAY
SATURDAY 21st JUNE – arrangements have already been sent out. Let’s hope for good weather! If there is any doubt please check the school website or telephone the school from 9.00 am onwards.

BIKE WEEK
It was great to see the children enjoying cycling around the school grounds – thank you to Mrs Long for organising this successful event.

INFANT SPORTS AFTERNOON
Thanks to all parents who came and enjoyed this successful afternoon.

FIZ DRAMA PRODUCTION – THURSDAY 19 JUNE
Cinderella was an amazing success well done to the pupils involved and to Mrs Vail for her directing skills.

DOGS
Please note that parents collecting children from school should not bring their dogs onto the School grounds.

NEXT WEEK’S DIARY –

Monday 23 June
Staff training (INSET) day (no lessons in school). FIZ Holiday Club will operate as normal.

Tuesday 24 June
9.15 am – 12 noon Working Open Morning
Year 6 all day trip to Danson Watersports Centre
1.30 pm U10 Rounders Tournament at Babington House School
2.00 pm Deadline for submitting articles for next issue of “Focus on Farringtons”
2.00 -3.00 pm Preparation for School event - a meeting (for parents and carers only) of children who are due to join one of our Reception Classes in September 2008

Wednesday 25 June
Maths Morning: Hone up the latest methods of numeracy teaching by visiting the Junior School for our Maths Morning. See how your children cope with the Mathematics problems and have a look at what they will be doing next year.

Thursday 26 June
During the course of the school afternoon session, children will be visiting the classroom that will be their home from next September and meeting their new Form Teacher. They will be joined for the day by some of the children who are enrolled from next term.

Friday 27 June
8.45 am Whole School Assembly taken by Mrs Cliff - Modern Foreign Languages

Saturday 28 June
Fun Day – come along and join the fun from 12.00 noon – 4.00 pm on this very special day in the school calendar.

WITH THIS MAILING
• A Parents’ Association flier for the Fun Day
• Menus for Pre-Reception and Reception classes
• FIZ Club summer holiday and autumn term timetable

Yesterday Year 5 each had a letter inviting them to apply for the important position of Head Girl when they are in Year 6 next year. Our new Head Girl will be announced at the Presentation Afternoon.

BULLETIN - 13 JUNE 2008

EARLY YEARS OFSTED REPORT

The (very positive) feedback from our recent OFSTED inspection has now arrived. More information can be found in the latest issue of “Focus on Farringtons” which accompanies this Bulletin and the full report can be found at www.ofsted.gov.uk.

BIKE WEEK

Next week is "Bike Week", one of the UK's biggest cycling events and an annual opportunity to promote cycling as a source of fitness and fun. Consequently, Mrs Long invites all pupils to bring their BIKE, a HELMET and a BIKE LOCK into school next week. There will be a variety of bike related activities taking place during lunch break each day for the week. When not in use, the bikes will be kept in the area set aside for them immeidately outside the Junior Gym.

ICE CREAM

As part of Farringtons School’s work within the local community all the children in Year 1 have been invited to visit a residential home for retired people “Prince George, Duke of Kent Court” in Shepherd’s Green, to take part in their “Breath of Fresh Air” week. The children will be walking there next Thursday afternoon, joining the queue for the ice cream van (no charge!) in their beautiful grounds (weather permitting) and talking to the elderly residents. If you have any queries regarding this visit, please contact the Junior School office. The children will be back in school for collection at the normal time – for an early night prior to their trip to RHS Wisley on Friday!

INFANT SPORTS AFTERNOON – WEDNESDAY 18 JUNE

Parents, carers, relatives and friends are warmly invited to join us for Infant Sports Afternoon next Wednesday on the field behind the Infant Block. Events start at 2.00pm and will be finished by the normal end of the school day. In the event of inclement weather, please contact the Junior School office after 12.30pm for an update.

FIZ DRAMA PRODUCTION – THURSDAY 19 JUNE

Tickets are still available for next week’s production which commences at 6.45pm in Ferens Hall. Tickets will be available from the Junior Office from Monday next week.

MUSIC EXAMINATIONS

The Associated Boards of the Royal Schools of Music examinations are taking place next Tuesday afternoon, 17 June. Individual times have been issued to every child taking part and there is a full list on the Music Noticeboard in South House.

TESCO VOUCHERS

We have to send off our Tesco “Computers for Schools” vouchers at the end of next week so please check the bottom of shopping bags, handbags and briefcases for any stray vouchers that could be lurking and send them into the Junior School Office. Thank you.

FARRINGTONS SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT SURVEY

A survey together with explanatory letter accompanies this mailing.

NEXT WEEK’S DIARY –

Tuesday Associated Boards of the Royal Schools of Music examinations

afternoon

Wednesday 2.00pm INFANT SPORTS AFTERNOON

Thursday Year 1 to visit Prince George Duke of Kent Court for ice cream and

conversation

FIZ Drama Club Production, 6.45pm in Ferens Hall

Friday Year 1 all day visit to RHS Wisley

Whole School Assembly taken by the Reception classes with

Mrs Hayes and Mrs Williams – “Minibeasts”

Road Safety Talk for Year 6 by Mrs Tullet from Bromley Road

Safety Unit

U11 Rounders matches during the afternoon at Babington House

Saturday JUNIOR & SENIOR SCHOOL SPORTS DAY

(for pupils in Year 3 and above)

Looking ahead to the week after next…

Monday 23 June

Staff training (INSET) day (no lessons in school). FIZ Holiday Club will operate as normal

Tuesday 24 June

Preparation for School event - a meeting (for parents and carers only) of children who are due to join one of our Reception Classes in September 2008

Wednesday 25 June

Hone up the latest methods of numeracy teaching by visiting the Junior School for our Maths Morning. See how your children cope with the Mathematics problems and have a look at what they will be doing next year.

Thursday 26 June

During the course of the school afternoon session, children will be visiting the classroom that will be their home from next September and meeting their new Form Teacher. They will be joined for the day by some of the children who are enrolled from next term.

Saturday 28 June

Fun Day – let’s hope for good weather this year for this very special day in the school calendar!

WITH THIS MAILING

· The latest edition of “Focus on Farringtons”

· A Parents’ Association flier for the Fun Day

· A Farringtons School Development Survey

. Menus for Pre-Reception and Reception classes

WEEKLY BULLETIN - 6 JUNE 2008

CHISLEHURST SOCIETY AWARDS

Congratulations to all those who received prizes at the prestigious Chislehurst Society Awards ceremony yesterday evening. We are most grateful to the parents who came and supported our winners and proud that the children are able to produce such excellent pieces of artwork. The successful entries will be on view in the Marquee, which will be set up near South House for Junior Presentation Afternoon on Wednesday 2 July.

SOIRÉE

To help with preparation for the upcoming Associated Boards of Music examinations, Mr James is presenting a short Soirée on Thursday afternoon, 12 June in the School Chapel. It will begin at 4.00pm and parents, carers and friends are warmly invited. Pupils entered for examinations this term will be playing at least one item each from their set pieces. The examiner will be visiting our school on Tuesday 17 June.

PHOTOGRAPHS

There are still a number of class group photographs that are unpaid. It is essential that the money is with the Junior School office NO LATER THAN 9.00am on Monday morning ready for the collection arranged by Van Cols, our School Photographers. Last orders for team group photographs will also need to be with us by that time. Thank you.

PARENTS OF PUPILS IN YEAR 5

Following the ‘Transfer to Year 7’ meeting held last May, parents of children in Year 5 are invited to make individual appointments to meet with Mrs James to discuss Secondary Education plans.

SPORTS DAY – SATURDAY 21 JUNE

The combined Junior and Senior School Sports Day is taking place on Saturday 21 June. All children in Years 3 – 6 are expected to attend this event and should arrive at school wearing sports kit at 10.15am ready for a prompt start at 10.30am. More information can be found in a separate letter which accompanies this mailing.

FARRINGTONS PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

This week’s mailing includes a reminder to bring in bottles of all shapes, sizes and contents ready for the Bottle Tombola Stall at the Fun Day on 28 June. There are two competitions that are also open between now and the Fun Day. Firstly, the BALLOON RACE – £1.50 will buy you a balloon, which will be released at the Fun Day. The balloon that travels the furthest around the world will win an iPod Nano for its purchaser. Secondly “WHERE IN THE WORLD?” £1 will give you the chance to guess where in the world our bear has come from. The bear is the prize (sorry, it’s not a trip to where the bear came from)!

WITH THIS MAILING

· Sports Day letter for pupils in Years 3 – 6 (inclusive)

· A Parents’ Association flier for the Fun Day asking for bottles

· The latest edition of “Bulletin Board” - for everyone

· Menus for Pre-Reception and Reception classes

DIARY FOR WEEK BEGINNING MONDAY 9 JUNE

MONDAY

8.45am INFANT INTENSIVE SWIM LESSONS CONTINUE

10.00am Whole School Assembly

TUESDAY

All Day YEAR 4 VISIT TO GROOMBRIDGE

1.30pm U11 Rounders Match at St. Christopher’s

2.00pm Deadline for information to be included in the next issue of

“Focus on Farringtons”

THURSDAY

4.00pm Soirée in the School Chapel with performances by music

examination candidates.

FRIDAY

All Day YEAR 3 VISIT TO THE BEECHE “HIGH ELMS” FIELD STUDIES CENTRE

8.45am Whole School Assembly taken by Glenis Ruston

1.30pm U10 Rounders Match at St. Christopher’s

WEEKLY BULLETIN - 23 May 2008

INTENSIVE SWIM COURSE

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will be undertaking an intensive swimming course for the first two weeks after the half term holiday. Lessons will begin on Monday 2 June and conclude on Friday 13 June 2008. Your child will need to bring a one-piece swimming costume / swimming trunks, a swimming cap, goggles / arm bands (if worn), pool shoes or flip-flops and a towel. It is important that all items are named and contained in a suitable waterproof bag. Swimming kit should be in school each swimming day. Lesson days and times will be posted in each form. If the weather is unsuitable the children will have P.E. lessons as usual.

CUPS AND SHIELDS

We would ask that any cups / shields given to your child last June at Presentation Afternoon be returned to the Junior School Office immediately after the half term holiday. This will enable us to have them engraved ready for this year’s recipient. Thank you.

CHISLEHURST SOCIETY AWARDS

Once again, Farringtons School has been awarded a large number of certificates and prizes for our entries to this year’s Alun & Joy Jones Environmental Studies Awards. Pupils and parents are invited to the prizegiving ceremony which is taking place at Babington House School on Thursday 5 June. The Primary School Entries Exhibition starts at 6.00pm followed by the Primary Schools Awards Ceremony at 6.30pm. Junior School winners are as follows: Year 1 gained a Highly Commended certificate for “Fun with Amazing Spaces around our School”; Year 2 have been awarded a £25 prize for “Chislehurst Pond (pond life study, inside /outside)”; Amy Fisher in Form 3K has won a £25 prize for her “Acrostic Poems and Drawings” and Aleksander Wiltshire, Sam Cubbidge and Emma Baker, also in Year 3, have each won Highly Commended certificates for their acrostic poems; Year 4 have a Commended certificate for their mural “Bluebell Wood”. In Form 6D, Avni Gupta will receive a Commended certificate for “Farringtons Motto”, Frances Barcelos a Commended certificate for “Chislehurst Village Crest” and Ellie Froggatt a Highly Commended certificate for “Chislehurst Methodist Church”. Congratulations to all those mentioned above as well as our Senior School winners and thank you to all the teachers who entered their work.

FIZ HOLIDAY CLUB

FIZ Holiday Club will be operating for Junior School pupils from Tuesday to Friday (inclusive) next week. Holiday Club runs from 7.30am (we are unable to accept any child earlier than this time) until 6.15pm. The cost is £22 per day or £11 per half day (any five consecutive hours during the day) and you can book for any number of days / half days. If you would like to book a place, please contact Mrs Rimmer on 07800 511745.

WITH THIS MAILING

· The latest edition of “Focus on Farringtons” - for everyone

· A Parents’ Association flier for the Fun Day giving a donation timetable

· A letter for Year 4 pupils regarding a visit to Groombridge Place & the Enchanted Forest

· Chislehurst Society Awards Ceremony invitations for Years 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6

· Menus for Pre-Reception and Reception classes

DIARY FOR WEEK BEGINNING MONDAY 2 JUNE

MONDAY

8.00-9.00am Nearly New Shop Open

8.45am INFANT INTENSIVE SWIM LESSONS BEGIN

10.00am Whole School Assembly

3.00-5.00pm Nearly New Shop Open

WEDNESDAY

1.30pm Under 9 Athletics at St. Christopher’s School

THURSDAY

1.00-5.00pm Under 10 Rounders Tournament at Alley’s School

6.00pm Primary Schools Exhibition – Chislehurst Society Awards

6.30pm Primary Schools Prizegiving – Chislehurst Society Awards

FRIDAY

8.30am Farringtons Parents’ Association Coffee Morning in the Dining Room

8.45am Whole School Assembly “World War II” taken by Form 6D with

Mr Dutton.

ENJOY THE HALF TERM HOLIDAY EVERYONE!

WEEKLY BULLETIN - 16 May 2008

INFANT CONCERT

Thank you to all the parents, relatives, guardians and friends who came to support the children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 performing at the Infant Concert in the Junior School Hall yesterday. The children have thoroughly enjoyed preparing the items for you and we hope that you were impressed by their efforts as they showcased recent musical accomplishments.

FORM 5M ASSEMBLY

Mrs Munro would like to thank parents and carers for all their help in preparing children, supplying costumes and rehearsing lines for this morning’s Assembly “God and Gods!” The result was a very polished performance. Thank you as well, to all the parents who made the time to join us for the Assembly.

CHILDREN WITH LEUKAEMIA

Next Monday morning, 19 May, much of our whole school Assembly will be devoted to our recent charitable undertaking overseen by Ms Bloomfield. We are looking forward to presenting a huge cheque (both in physical size and amount) to two representatives from the charity “Children with Leukaemia”. Reverend Samuel, Ms Bloomfield and Mrs Munro (our charity coordinators) would like to once again say a very big thank you to everyone involved in raising the money, not least Little Miss Magic and Little Miss Sunshine, our London Marathon conquerors, for their immense undertaking, which spurred us on to donate so much more than originally anticipated.

KEY STAGE ONE SATs – week commencing Monday 19 May

We hope that the children in Year 2 have a good weekend with plenty of rest and relaxation so they are fresh and ready for the tasks facing them next week. Pupils need to be in school on time each morning next week. The children have been prepared thoroughly for these assessments and we are keen that they do not engender undue anxiety or apprehension. The tests are essentially a guideline for both parents and schools as to current levels of attainment, therefore performance in the tests should not be interpreted as a measure of individual failure or success.

PUFFIN BOOK CLUB REMINDER

The deadline for orders to be received by Mrs Munro has been extended to next Monday, 19 May.

WITH THIS MAILING

A letter from Mrs Long for the children in Year 4 and those in Year 5 who have joined us since last October regarding a “French Experience” residential activity weekend next term.
A letter for the children in Years 4, 5 & 6 regarding next Easter’s Junior Ski Trip to Austria.
Menu for the week for those in Reception and Year 1.

NEXT WEEK

KEY STAGE 1 SATs WEEK

MONDAY

10.00am Whole School Assembly – “Children with Leukaemia” charity

presentation

TUESDAY

9.15am A talk for Year 6 given by Ms Liz Hardie from “Transport for London”

1.30pm U11 Athletics Meeting at St.Christopher’s

2.00pm Deadline for information to be included in the next issue of

“Focus on Farringtons”

WEDNESDAY

1.30pm Preparation for School Programme

– for children joining one of our 2008 Reception Classes next term.

THURSDAY

3.45pm “French Experience” meeting in Mrs Hook’s classroom (JS1) for

parents of children in Year 4 and those in Year 5 who have joined us

since last October’s trip.

FRIDAY

8.45am Whole School Assembly “Modern Shakespeare” taken by Form 6L

with Miss Wiseman.

3.45pm HALF TERM HOLIDAY BEGINS

REMINDER:

FIZ Holiday Club will be operating for Junior School pupils during half term week. Holiday Club runs from 7.30am (we are unable to accept any child earlier than this time) until 6.15pm. The cost is £22 per day or £11 per half day (any five consecutive hours during the day) and you can book for any number of days / half days. If you would like to book a place, please contact Mrs Rimmer on 07800 511745.

WEEKLY BULLETIN - FRIDAY 9 MAY 2008

HOT SUNNY WEATHER

We would like to remind parents that Junior children should have a school sun hat / baseball cap to wear at playtimes for protection when the weather is hot and sunny. The hats are available from the Junior School office and cost £2.50 each.

On sunny days we ask parents to apply an appropriate long-lasting sun block before bringing children to school in the morning. Sun lotions and creams should only be brought into school on days when children need new applications after swimming lessons, in which case the named bottle / tube may be kept in swimming kit bags during the day.

If bringing water bottles into school, these should be filled with PLAIN (not fizzy or flavoured) water please.

Children who suffer from hayfever should, if at all possible, take long lasting medication before coming into school to ensure minimal disruption. Asthma pumps should be handed to the Junior Office as they are kept in the First Aid room for dispensing.

FIZ SCHOOL HOLIDAYS CLUB

The Junior School FIZ Holiday Club will be running during half term week (26 – 30 May 2008) and also on INSET day (Monday 23 June 2008). A separate letter including a booking form accompanies this mailing.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Mrs Long was absolutely thrilled with our Under 11 Athletics team, who came second out of nine schools in this week’s Athletics Meeting at Baston School. We wish our Under 8 and Under 10 Athletics teams similar or even better results for next week’s fixtures.

YEAR 6 KEY STAGE 2 SATs

We hope that the girls in Year 6 have a good weekend with plenty of rest and relaxation so they are fresh and ready for the tasks facing them next week. They need to be on time each morning next week and bring with them all the items listed in the letter sent home recently including transparent pencil case and contents, ruler, calculator, protractor, water bottle and a small pack of tissues.

WITH THIS MAILING

· The latest edition of “Focus on Farringtons”

· FIZ Holiday Club letter with booking form

· A reminder from the Parents’ Association that the Nearly New Uniform shop

will be open both morning and evening next Monday, 12 May

· A letter for parents of children in Year 2 concerning their visit to the Florence

Nightingale Museum next Friday

· A leaflet for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 from “Perform” about a

free drama workshop

· Menu for the week for those in Reception and Year 1

REMINDER

If you simply have to go food shopping this weekend, Sunday is the last day that Tesco stores will be giving away their “Computers for Schools” vouchers – so please don’t forget to pick up yours…

NEXT WEEK

KEY STAGE 2 SATs ALL WEEK

MONDAY

The Nearly New Shop will be open 8.00 – 9.00am and 3.00 – 5.00pm

U8 Athletics Meeting at St. Christopher’s 1.30pm

TUESDAY

Farringtons Parents’ Association Committee Meeting, 7.30pm

THURSDAY

INFANT CONCERT IN THE JUNIOR HALL, 3.00pm

FRIDAY

Whole School Assembly “God and Gods!” taken by Form 5M with Mrs Munro, 8.45am

Year 2 all day visit to the Florence Nightingale Museum

Under 10 & Under 11 Rounders v King's Rochester, 1.30 - 3.30pm (home)

WEEKLY BULLETIN - 2 May 2008

SUMMER UNIFORM

Towards the end of next week the children will be having class and sports group photographs taken. Consequently, we are asking that all children are in Summer uniform when they return to school next Tuesday, 6 May, after the Bank Holiday. Boys’ uniform consists of dark grey shorts, short-sleeved white shirt, plain dark green tie, dark green pullover with school crest and ¾ length grey socks with dark green hoops at the top plus school blazer for outer wear. Girls’ uniform comprises regulation green striped summer dress, dark green cardigan with school crest, short white socks and school blazer for outerwear. Children in Years 3-6 who may also be required for Team Group photographs are reminded that they must also have CLEAN P.E. KIT in school next Thursday 8 May. Thank you.

MEDICINES

We would like to remind parents that medication of any description (including throat pastilles and dermatological creams as well as items such as antibiotics) must be handed into the Junior Office for safekeeping and administering via the First Aid room. Junior pupils are not allowed to keep these items in their possession to avoid the risk of accidental misuse.

EARLY MORNINGS

Children arriving before 8.00a.m must be taken to West House and not left in Junior Reception or unattended on the playground. Playground supervision is provided from 8.00 – 8.30. All Junior and Infant children arriving between these times should be in this playground area. There is limited supervision for children under 4 (Pre-Reception) and this only by arrangement with Mrs James. Please do not leave a Pre-Reception child unattended in either the playground or Junior Reception.

KEY STAGE 2 SATs WEEK

As you will no doubt be aware from previous correspondence, the Key Stage 2 SATs for the girls in Year 6 will take place during the week commencing Monday 12 May. The girls are being prepared thoroughly for these assessments and therefore, we are keen that the tests do not engender undue anxiety or apprehension. They are essentially a guideline for both parents and schools as to levels of attainment in English, Mathematics and Science at this stage of a pupil’s education. Performance in the tests should therefore not be interpreted as a measure of individual failure or success. A test timetable and further details will follow next week.

PLEASE NOTE: Each pupil will need a transparent pencil case for the tests.

CHILDREN WITH LEUKAEMIA

During the Junior School Assembly on Monday morning, 19 May, we are looking forward to presenting a huge cheque: £8,428.53 to a representative from the charity “Children with Leukaemia”.

NEXT WEEK

LAST WEEK FOR COLLECTING TESCO “COMPUTERS FOR SCHOOLS” VOUCHERS

MONDAY BANK HOLIDAY – NO SCHOOL

TUESDAY 2.00pm deadline for information to be included in the next issue

of “Focus on Farringtons”.

WEDNESDAY Rainbow Guides uniform can be worn by members in school

today in honour of their 21^st birthday.

1.30 – 4.30pm, Athletics Meeting at Baston School

THURSDAY CLASS AND SPORTS GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS

FRIDAY Whole School Assembly “The Great Fire of London” taken by

Form 2T with Miss Tetley.

FURTHER DIARY DATES

Already, a number of dates have been added to the Junior School list of activities for this term that accompanied last week’s mailing:

Thursday 15 May 3.00pm, Infant Concert in the Junior School Hall.

Tuesday 20 May Pre-Reception visit by a local veterinary surgeon.

Wednesday 21 May Evening meeting for parents of the children in Year 5.

(See separate letter)

Tuesday 10 June Year 4 day visit to Groombridge

Thursday 19 June FIZ Drama Club production (evening)

Friday 20 June Year 6 talk – Follow-up talk “Preparation for independent

travel” by Rosemary Tullett from Bromley Road Safety.

15-18 May The London Children’s Ballet Company are performing

JANE EYRE at the Peacock Theatre, London WC2. More

information is displayed on posters around the school.

WEEKLY BULLETIN - 25 April 2008

ENVIRONMENT DAY

The weather held, the children were enthused, the input given by Mr Fraser from Thames Water was excellent. Our second year of holding an Environment Day proved a great success and we look forward to completing our entries for this year’s London Schools’ Environment Award. Thank you to all the children, parents and carers for your support. We would like to apologise to Mr Fraser for his name being mis-spelt in recent Farringtons literature due to an error by his organisation when confirming his visit.

FARRINGTONS PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Last Monday’s Fashion Show was a great success and much enjoyed by all – albeit we are now counting the cost to our purses and wallets! The models were very professional and bargains were snapped up in an hour of “Farringtons Fashion Frenzy” after the catwalk presentations.

The next dates in the FPA calendar are the Friday Coffee Morning on 2 May followed by one of the most important events of the Association’s year – the May Ball on Saturday 17 May. The deadline for purchasing tickets for the Ball was today, Friday 25 April. However, Mrs Claire Moore has agreed to extend the deadline to tomorrow evening SATURDAY 26 APRIL. Please send any last minute requests for tickets to her e-mail address: colin.moore841@ntlworld.com or telephone 020 8325 0878.

JUNIOR CAPITAL RUN 2008

For all those 7 to 14 year-olds who thought that Mrs Long and Miss Tetley’s marathon run was easy; we would like to challenge them to complete the “Junior Capital Run 2008”. This event is taking place in London’s Hyde Park on Sunday 20 July over a distance of 2.5km. It is aimed at raising money for Capital Radio’s “Help a London Child” charity. On the same day and at the same venue, Mums, Dads and carers can enter the 10km. “Bupa Great Capital Run”. To enter, telephone 0845 389 2200 or download entry forms at www.greatrun.org.

DIARY DATES

A list of some important Junior School dates for this term accompanies this mailing. There may be a few more added later. We will, of course, continue to provide the following week’s dates at the end of each Bulletin.

NEXT WEEK

TUESDAY WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING, 9.15am – 12 noon.

WEDNESDAY Year 5 all day visit to the Royal Observatory & National Maritime Museum.

THURSDAY Year 6 visit to the Imperial War Museum.

FRIDAY FPA Coffee Morning in the Dining Room, 8.30 – 10.00am.

Whole School Assembly “Tudor Food” taken by Form 3K with Mrs Knight.

SATURDAY Kent Schools’ Swimming Event at Gillingham for Year 6 competitors – warm up begins 11.15am.

DIARY DATES

FIRST HALF SUMMER TERM 2008

APRIL

Wednesday 9 April TERM BEGINS

Thursday 10 April Year 5 day visit to Copper Mills Water Treatment Plant

Friday 11 April FPA Coffee Morning, 8.30–10.00am

Monday 14 April FPA Nearly New Shop open: 8.00–9.00; 3.00–5.00pm

Tuesday 15 April Pre-Reception and Foundation Stage Mobile Farm visit

FPA Committee Meeting, 7.30pm

Monday 21 April Year 2 day visit to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich

FPA Fashion Show, 7.30pm

Tuesday 22 April Environment Day – whole school activity

Wednesday 23 April Year 5 day visit to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich

Friday 25 April Class Assembly Form 1B – Shakespeare & St. George

Saturday 26 April Royal British Legion Ball, Sports Hall, 7.30pm

Tuesday 29 April Whole School Open Morning, 9.15am–12noon

MAY

Thursday 1 May Year 6 day visit to the Imperial War Museum

Friday 2 May FPA Coffee Morning, 8.30–10.00am

Class Assembly Form 3K – Tudor Food

Saturday 3 May Kent Schools’ Swimming – Gillingham, 11.15am

Monday 5 May BANK HOLIDAY

Wednesday 7 May Athletics Meeting at Baston School, 1.30pm

Thursday 8 May Class and Team Group Photographs day –

SUMMER UNIFORM

Friday 9 May Class Assembly Form 2T

Monday 12 May KEY STAGE TWO SATs WEEK (Year 6) commences

FPA Nearly New Shop open: 8.00–9.00; 3.00–5.00pm

U8 Athletics Meeting at St. Christopher’s

Tuesday 13 May FPA Committee Meeting, 7.30pm

Friday 16 May Year 2 day visit to the Florence Nightingale Museum

Class Assembly Form 5M – “God and Gods!”

U10 Athletics Meeting at St. Christopher’s

Saturday 17 May FPA May Ball, 7.00pm

Monday 19 May KEY STAGE ONE SATs WEEK (Year 2) commences

Tuesday 20 May Presentation for Year 6 – Transport for London

U11 Athletics at St Christopher’s, 1.30pm

Wednesday 21 May Preparation for School Programme – event for children

joining Reception 2008 classes, 1.30–3.00pm

Friday 23 May Class Assembly Form 6L – “Modern Shakespeare”

HALF TERM BEGINS AT 3.45pm ON FRIDAY 23 MAY

JUNE

Monday 2 June TERM RECOMMENCES 8.30am

FPA Nearly New Shop open: 8.00–9.00; 3.00–5.00pm

INFANT INTENSIVE SWIMMING LESSONS BEGIN

Wednesday 4 June U9 Athletics at St. Christopher’s, 1.30pm

Thursday 5 June U10 Rounders Tournament at Alleyn’s Junior School

Chislehurst Society Awards Ceremony, 5.30pm

Friday 6 June FPA Coffee Morning, 8.30–10.00am

Class Assembly Form 6D – “Revue”

Tuesday 10 June U11 Rounders at St. Christopher’s 1.30pm

FPA Committee Meeting, 7.30pm

Wednesday 11 June Parents’ Forum, 7.00pm

Friday 13 June Year 3 day visit to the Beeche Centre, High Elms

School Assembly taken by Mrs G Ruston

U10 Rounders at St. Christopher’s, 1.30pm

Last day for Infant Intensive swimming lessons

Wednesday 18 June INFANT SPORTS DAY (Years 1 & 2)

Friday 20 June Class Assembly – Reception Classes “Minibeasts”

U11 Rounders Tournament at Babington House 1.00pm

Saturday 21 June JUNIOR AND SENIOR SCHOOL SPORTS DAY (Year 3 up)Monday 23 June INSET DAY – NO SCHOOL

Tuesday 24 June U10 Rounders Tournament at Babington House, 1.00pm

Preparation for School Parents’ Information Afternoon,

Wednesday 25 June Mathematics Open Morning

Thursday 26 June INDUCTION DAY – Meet your new teacher for each class

Friday 27 June Modern Foreign Languages – Junior School assembly

Saturday 28 June FPA Fun Day

Monday 30 June FOUNDATION STAGE FUN DAY

(Pre-Reception & Reception classes)

JULY

Tuesday 1 July Farringtons Parents’ Association AGM, 7.30pm

Wednesday 2 July JUNIOR SCHOOL PRESENTATION AFTERNOON

(Years 3–6)

Thursday 3 July Junior School Play – evening performance

Friday 4 July FPA Coffee Morning, 8.30–10.00am

FINAL ASSEMBLY

TERM ENDS FRIDAY 4 JULY 2008

FIZ HOLIDAY CLUB WILL OPERATE DURING HALF TERM WEEK

(27 – 30 MAY) FROM 07 -25 JULY AND FROM 26 AUGUST – 1 SEPTEMBER

WEEKLY BULLETIN - 21 April 2008

ENVIRONMENT DAY – TUESDAY 22 APRIL

Message from Mr Ruffle, Form Teacher 6R

The Junior School has chosen next Tuesday to be “Environment Day”. Each class will be involved in a range of activities based on our two key themes – Water/Waste Water and Litter. Mr Iaian Fraser from Thames Water will be joining us for the day to offer his advice and expertise. We will begin the day with a short Assembly led by 6R followed by a talk from Mr Friaser. During the day the children will be “off-timetable”, completing water and litter-based activities. These will include noise/litter surveys, identifying ways to conserve water and writing letters to local businesses about environment issues. At the end of the day we will be having a short Awards Assembly. The whole purpose of the day is for the children to enjoy themselves whilst learning key facts about water use and our environment. As part of our entry for this year’s London Schools Environment Award, we have started an Environment Club for children in Years 3 to 6, which meets every Friday lunchtime. Key jobs are to keep the school litter-free and to encourage wildlife around our pond (we spotted lots of frogspawn today). Thank you for your support.

NEXT WEDNESDAY – 23 APRIL

Non-uniform day is for SENIOR SCHOOL ONLY – Junior children are not taking part in this charity initiative and should be in uniform as usual.

UNIFORM REMINDERS

Children may wear winter OR Summer uniform for the present. We leave it to parents to decide based on the prevailing weather conditions. However, we ask that all children are in Summer uniform by the day after the Bank Holiday – TUESDAY 6 MAY, in time for the class group photographs taking place that week.

As mentioned in a Bulletin last February, we have decided to improve the quality of the tunic worn by girls in our Infant and Junior Departments. Instead of the existing plain green, we have commissioned a plaid to match the skirts worn by girls in the Senior Department. Girls in Year 6 will be able to wear the senior school plaid skirt. The new tunic will be worn with a plain white, long-sleeved shirt and the plain dark green tie (to match those worn by Junior boys). The new uniform should come into use in September 2008. Existing green tunics can be worn until September 2009, when we hope the changeover will be completed.

FLORA LONDON MARATHON – EASY!

Mrs Long and Miss Tetley completed the full 26.2miles in a fantastic time of 4 hours, 31 minutes and 31 seconds – crossing the finishing line holding hands! We offer them our sincere congratulations and a quick and full recovery from the sore legs, feet and toes… We are still adding up all the donations that have come in via various means for the “Children with Leukaemia” charity and will report the total in due course.

IN THIS WEEK’S MAILING:

Each child should bring home a sheet from the Farringtons’ Parents Association regarding tickets for the Black and White May Ball on Saturday 17 May. In addition, girls in Year 6 should receive a message from the Parents’ Association regarding next Monday evening’s Fashion Show.

FASHION SHOW

There are still tickets available for next Monday evening’s Fashion Show. Buy them from one of the school offices on Monday morning or pay at the door £5 per ticket (to include complimentary glass of wine for adults).

DVD OF THE YEARS 3 – 6 CONCERT, 10 MARCH 2008

We are delighted at the number of parents who have already bought copies of the Junior School Concert DVD, all proceeds from which are being donated to our swimming pool cover appeal. If you would still like to purchase a copy please complete an order form and return it, together with £10 cash or cheque per copy, to the Junior School Office. Cheques should be payable to “Farringtons School”.

NEXT WEEK

MONDAY

Year 2 all day visit to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich

FPA Fashion Show, 8.00pm Ferens Hall

TUESDAY

ENVIRONMENT DAY – Whole Junior School activity

WEDNESDAY

Year 5 visit to the Royal Observatory & National Maritime Museum

FRIDAY

Whole School Assembly “Shakespeare & St. George”

taken by Form 1B with Ms Bloomfield

SATURDAY

Royal British Legion ’40s Ball, 7.30pm, Sports Hall

REMINDER

Children may wear Winter OR Summer uniform for the present. We leave it to parents to decide based on the prevailaing weather conditions. However, we ask that all children are in Summer uniform by the day after the Bank Holiday - TUESDAY 6 MAY, in time for the class group photographs, which will be taking place later that week.

WEEKLY BULLETIN - 14 MARCH 2008

Welcome back everyone

and especially warm greetings to our new pupils and their parents

FRIDAY BULLETINS

The Bulletin is posted onto the school website weekly. “Hard” copies are only distributed to those parents who have specifically requested them. Please complete the form at the end of this Bulletin if you wish to receive a paper copy every Friday via your child’s school bag.

IN THIS WEEK’S MAILING

A letter from our Headmistress, Mrs James, should accompany this mailing so general information in today’s Bulletin is brief. In addition, you should receive two sheets from Farringtons’ Parents Association (regarding the Nearly New Uniform Shop and the Fashion Show). Year 6 pupils should be bringing home a letter regarding a visit to the Imperial War Museum; and pupils in Year 2 and Year 5 have a letter regarding their visits to The Royal Observatory in Greenwich.

DVD OF THE JUNIOR CONCERT – 10 MARCH

One of our parents filmed the Junior School Concert, which took place towards the end of last term. Although it was not taken in a professional capacity, it is of excellent quality and he has very kindly offered to make copies for sale to parents. In addition, we have been told that the entire proceeds of any sales will be donated to our swimming pool cover appeal. We are extremely grateful for this generous offer and hope many will take it up. If you would like to purchase a copy of the DVD please complete the order form and the end of this Bulletin and return it, together with £10 cash or cheque per copy, to the Junior School Office. Cheques should be payable to “Farringtons School”.

SKIPPING

Now is the time of year when Mrs Long concentrates on developing our younger pupils’ skipping skills. Consequently we would like to encourage pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 to bring in a named skipping rope for use in P.E. lesson times and out in the school playground at break times.

SPEECH & DRAMA

As mentioned in Mrs James’s letter, Miss Mann is no longer teaching Speech & Drama at Farringtons. The Junior School’s timetabled Drama lessons are continuing as usual with different teachers. The small group “Speech & Drama lessons have been discontinued for the remainder of this academic year but will be re-instated in September. Those children taking LAMDA examinations this term will continue with their individual lessons and each child has been given details of lesson time and teacher.

NEXT WEEK

MONDAY

The Parents’ Association Nearly New Shop will be open between 8.00 and 9.00am and again between 3.00 and 5.00pm.

TUESDAY

Nepicar Mobile Farm will be visiting School all day. Children in Pre-Reception, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will all have a chance to learn more about a variety of animals and handle some of them.

The Farringtons Parents’ Association is holding its first Committee Meeting of the term at 7.30pm.

FRIDAY

The whole school assembly at 8.45am will be taken by Mrs Glenis Ruston.

FIZ Club are holding a Disco Evening in the Ferens Hall between 6.30 and 8.30pm for children in Year 1 and above. Profits from this event will be in aid of “Children with Leukaemia”.

11 April 2008

Dear Parents/Guardian

I trust that all families had an enjoyable Easter break and benefited from time away from School. It was good to welcome the Senior skiers back on Easter Sunday and I am grateful to the staff who organised and accompanied this trip.

Some Senior pupils attended revision classes during the first week of the holiday in preparation for their GCSE and A Level examinations, which start in earnest in a few weeks time. The FIZ Club also operated throughout the Easter break providing younger pupils with somewhat more relaxing pursuits than academic work. It was good to see everyone returning promptly for the start of the new term - lessons, activities and trips are already fully underway.

The end of the Spring term saw the departure of Miss Mann one of our Drama teachers. Miss Mann is currently producing a show in a central London theatre. Following this she will be touring in Europe as Director to a Theatre company, staging productions in various venues. We wish her every success with these ventures. With some slight reorganisation of the two timetables (Senior and Junior) the Senior Drama curriculum will be taught by Miss Bliss; Miss Kilgallon and Mrs Vail will teach Junior Drama for the remainder of this academic year. Speech and Drama examinations are planned for the beginning of May so lessons will continue until then for those who have indicated they wish to take their examination this term. New arrangements for these extra activities will be in place for the start of the Autumn term. The Year 6 pupils with their teachers are planning to work on a production which will be performed at the end of term.

I remind parents that pupils (Juniors) may wear either their summer or winter uniform from the start of this term. However all Junior pupils must be in full summer uniform from Tuesday 6 May until the end of term. I refer back to my letter at the end of the Spring term, and remind you that girls (Seniors) should wear their blazers to School this term if they need an external jacket and not bring black coats or scarves to School.

Tuesday 6 May also marks the beginning of the Key Stage 3 SATs examinations. All Year 9 pupils should ensure they are in School promptly each day. I would ask parents to ensure any necessary medical appointments during that week occur out of School hours. The following week, 12 – 16 May, Year 6 will be taking their Key Stage 2 SATS and will also need to be in School promptly each day. Mrs Trill, our Examinations Officer, retired at the end of last term and we are delighted that Mrs Garforth has quickly taken up the reins of this significant part of School management. We hope that Mrs Garforth will soon feel at home with us at Farringtons as she steps into her role at one of the busiest periods for examinations.

Following the success of last year’s event, Sports Day for all Junior and Senior pupils is Saturday 21 June. All pupils (except Pre-Reception, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 who have their own events) are expected to attend. Monday 23 June is a training day for the teaching staff and therefore pupils are not expected to attend on that day (unless they are timetabled for a public examination). FIZ Club will be operating for those parents who usually use that facility during holiday periods. Prizegiving for Junior and Senior pupils will be on Wednesday 2 July, during the afternoon and evening respectively. As these are compulsory events, Senior girls who do not attend either Sports Day or Prizegiving will be expected to remain in School on the afternoon of the 4 July and will leave at 4.00 pm and not with the rest of the School at about 2.00 pm.

The new weekly bulletin for parents of Senior girls will be emailed from next week. This will contain weekly updates of fixtures, events and items of general information. Most parents have submitted an email address as part of their contact information. Please ensure we have your contact details should you wish to receive this regular update. The office address is head@farringtons.kent.sch.uk.

This term the Parents’ Association have already been busy preparing for the various events. The first of these takes place in a week’s time – 21 April - a Fashion Show with a difference - high street fashion at bargain prices, modelled by some well known members of our School community! Senior girls are welcome to attend if accompanied by an adult – tickets are £5.00 and available from either School Office. This is followed by our themed May Ball on Saturday 19 May. At the end of term, the Association is planning a repeat (apart from the weather) of the Fun Day from last year. Class Reps will be in touch about creating the hampers for auction that were a huge success last year. Please respond positively to parents who have volunteered to coordinate each class’s efforts. The Association also intends to hold another raffle and tickets will be sent home after half term for you to buy and sell to your friends and family. All proceeds from these initiatives are going towards the swimming pool development. The AGM of the Association will be held on the evening of the 1 July – again an important date for your diary.

Please check the School Calendar carefully. This is sent out termly, usually at the end of the preceding term to which it refers, and accompanies either a report or grade card (Seniors) or with the end of term correspondence for Juniors. Not on the calendar but recently arranged, The Lady Mayoress of Bromley is visiting the Senior School on Wednesday 16 April. She will be here from 12.00 pm until 2.00 pm. I am really pleased that following her visit to our opening of the Pre-Reception building she has shown an interest in wishing to view the rest of the School.

The snow last weekend was quite a shock, although many children enjoyed the opportunity to play with sledges and to build snowmen. The first of the Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions gets underway next week so I hope we are now set for some warmer weather.

I look forward to seeing many of you at one or more of the many events that are scheduled for this term.

With every good wish.

Yours sincerely

Mrs C E James MA
Headmistress

END OF TERM LETTER FROM MRS JAMES, HEADMISTRESS

19 March 2008

Dear Parents/Guardians

As I write, we are now in the most important week of the Christian calendar, Holy week – final preparation for the celebration of Easter. The next time Easter will be this early (23 March) is 2228.