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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 - 12 DECEMBER 2008 

Thank you to everyone who came and watched
our Christmas Nativities and Carol Service
BOTTLE TOPS WHEELCHAIR
Mrs Reed would like to say a huge thank you to all pupils and parents who have diligently collected plastic bottle tops and brought them into school since half term.  Following three recently arrived bulging sacks we have now pushed over our target weight and little Neil can have his long-awaited electric wheelchair.
 
CHRISTMAS DVDs
The DVDs of our Christmas celebrations that have been ordered will be available for collection from the Junior School Office between 9.00 and 12noon and 2.00-4.00pm next Monday.
 
FIZ HOLIDAY CLUB
The Christmas Holiday Club runs from 7.30am to 6.15pm from Monday to Friday of next week (inclusive). If you would like to book a last minute place, please contact Mrs Samuel on 07989 257032.
 
FARRINGTONS PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Looking ahead, don’t forget to order your tickets for the Quiz Night on Saturday 24 January and the Summer Ball – the ticket prices for the latter are only at the special rate until the end of January…
 
IN TODAY’S MAILING
School Report for all children from excluding Pre-Reception
Focus on Farringtons Christmas edition
Next term’s calendar
Headmistress’ letter
Menu for the younger children
 
We look forward to seeing everyone return
refreshed, invigorated and ready for the new term
at 8.30am on Monday morning, 5th January 2009
 
 
DIARY FOR THE FIRST WEEK OF THE SPRING TERM
 
MONDAY
8.00 – 9.00am              Nearly New Shop open
3.00 – 5.00pm             Nearly New Shop open
 
FRIDAY
8.30 – 10.00am            Farringtons Parents’ Association Coffee Morning
                                            in the Dining Room
3.45 – 4.30pm              Year 4 play rehearsal for those involved in Scenes 1 & 2
 
BULLETIN - 5 DECEMBER 2008
   
TERM END
We would like to remind parents that term ends at 1.00pm on Friday 12 December.  Juniors should be collected from South House front door, Infants from their normal classroom doors.  If you are unable to collect your child at that time, please contact the Junior School Office.
 
CHRISTMAS POST BOX
The Christmas Card Post Box will remain in operation until the end of term. Collections and deliveries will be made from the Junior Hall on a daily basis.
 
CHRISTMAS DVDs
We have made arrangements for a highly regarded professional service to film our Christmas events next week.  They will be providing DVDs of a combined recording of the two Nativities and a separate one of the Junior Carol Service for purchase at £12 each.  We hope that you will take advantage of this service rather than attempting to record your own and possibly obstructing the views of others. We envisage delivery of the first orders in time for Christmas.  An order form can be found at the end of this Bulletin.
 
VISIT TO PRINCE GEORGE, DUKE OF KENT COURT
As part of our School’s work within the local community, our Year 5 girls will be going to Prince George, Duke of Kent Court to sing Carols to the elderly residents next Thursday morning.  Please ensure that your daughter brings a warm coat for the walk up the road to the residential home.  If you have any queries regarding this visit please contact the Junior School Office.
 
CAKE SALE
Next Tuesday, 8th December we are holding a Charity Bake Sale for pupils in Years 3–6 (inclusive).  Children are invited to bring in 50p to purchase scrummy goodies at morning break time.
 
TAP, JAZZ AND BALLET
Next term’s timetable for Miss Lucy Griffiths’ lunchtime, evening and Saturday classes accompanies this mailing.
 
FIZ HOLIDAY CLUB
The FIZ Holiday Club will run as usual from Monday 15th to Friday 19th December.  If you wish to take advantage of this service and have not already advised us, please ask for a form at the Junior School Office or telephone Mrs Samuel 07989 257032.
 
IN TODAY’S MAILING:
  • Timetable for Miss Lucy’s Ballet, Jazz  & Tap lessons
  • “Raring 2 Go” booklet – Christmas activities in the Bromley area
  • Letter about the Christmas Pantomime for everyone
  • Letter for Foundation Stage pupils about next week’s Nativity
  • Menus for our younger pupils
NEXT WEEK’S DIARY
 
MONDAY
2.00pm            Key Stage 1 Nativity Dress Rehearsal performed to rest of school
 
TUESDAY    
10.00am           Foundation Stage Dress Rehearsal
10.45am           Carol Service and Choir Rehearsals for Key Stage 2 pupils
2.00pm            Deadline for articles to go in the next edition of “Focus on Farringtons”
2.00pm            Key Stage 1 Nativity performed to parents and friends
 
WEDNESDAY
2.00pm            Foundation Stage Nativity performed to parents and friends
7.00pm            Junior School (Key Stage 2) Carol Service in Chapel
 
THURSDAY
10.30am           Year 5 Choir to visit Prince George, Duke of Kent Court – Carol singing
12noon Christmas lunch for all pupils
12.45pm          Christmas Pantomime for all pupils
 
FRIDAY
1.00pm            TERM ENDS
 
COMBINED NATIVITIES
JUNIOR CAROL SERVICE
 
 
Child’s Name: ……………………………………………………………………… 
 
Form: ………………………...…
 
Please supply …………………. copy(ies) of the Combined Nativities DVD
“Whoops a Daisy Angel” and “Are We Nearly There Yet?”
 
Please supply …………………. copy(ies) of the Junior School Carol Service DVD
 
 
I enclose cheque / cash totalling £ ……………… (£12 per DVD).
(Please make cheques payable to Farringtons School)
 
 
Signed: ………………………………………………………………………………… 
 
Date : ………………………...…
 
 
 
BULLETIN - 28 NOVEMBER 2008
  

Special focus on

Good Manners next week

1-5 December

CHRISTMAS MARKET
A big thank you to all the parents, carers and friends of our school who contributed time, money and effort to make last Saturday’s market such a success.  Congratulations to Max Smith (Year 2), who won the trip of a lifetime to Lapland in the big Prize Draw.
 
CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS
We have some scrummy Farringtons Christmas Puddings for sale from the Junior School Office - £10 for the large (2lb) size, £6 for the medium (1lb). 
 
NATIVITY PLAY COSTUMES (Pre-Reception – Year 2)
Please could these be brought into school next Wednesday (3rd December) ready for the Dress Rehearsals?  Thank you.
 
MESSAGE FROM THE BURSAR
Everyone should receive a letter from the Bursar’s Department this week about FIZ Club fees.  If you have not received yours please ask Mrs Samuel or apply at the Junior School Office.
 
FARRINGTONS PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
Everyone is welcome at the next FPA Coffee Morning, which will be held on Friday 5th December in the School Dining Room from 8.30 - 10.00am.  The Association will be selling: Farringtons Christmas Puddings, Christmas Table Linen, Gift Wrapped Sweets & some decorated Christmas Cakes.  A great opportunity to purchase your Christmas Presents whilst eating Mince Pies and drinking tea / coffee.
 
MAY BALL
Leaflets with and ticket application forms for the FPA’s “Vintage Hollywood” Ball were sent out earlier this week.  Please apply at the Junior Office if yours has been misplaced.
 
CONGRATULATIONS
To our Year 2 / 3 Football team for fine performances in the friendly matches against Fosse Bank School earlier this week.
 
GOOD LUCK
To the children in Year 5 competing against Colfe’s in Netball matches next Wednesday.
 
IN TODAY’S MAILING
Letter from the Bursar regarding FIZ Club fees
Letter with seat request forms for the Junior Carol Service and two Nativities
This week’s edition of “Focus on Farringtons”
Quiz Night leaflet from the FPA
Menus for our younger the children
 
NEXT WEEK’S DIARY
 
MONDAY
8.00 – 9.00am          Nearly New Shop open
3.00 – 5.00pm          Nearly New Shop open
9.30am                        Transport for London – presentation to Year 6
7.00pm                        Ski Trip Presentation Evening in the Ferens Hall
 
WEDNESDAY        
am                                 Nativity costumes to be brought into school
2.30pm                        Tear 5 Netball Matches v Colfe’s (home fixture)          
 
FRIDAY
8.30 – 10.00am        Parents’ Association Coffee Morning in the Dining Room
8.45am                        4K Assembly – “Christmas”
 
BULLETIN - 21 NOVEMBER 2008
 
REGISTRATION TIME REMINDER
Please could you ensure that your children are in school by 8.30am at the latest.  Thank you.
 
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Come and enjoy – between 11.00am and 3.00pm tomorrow!
 
PARENT CONSULTATION EVENING
Wednesday 26 November, 6.00-9.00pm for all children in Pre-Reception, Reception, Years 1 & 2.  If you have not yet received a confirmation of appointment time note, please contact your child’s Form Teacher or the Junior Office as soon as possible.
 
PLASTIC BOTTLE TOPS
Neil is the name of the little boy who will benefit from all the plastic bottle tops we are collecting.  His electric wheelchair will weigh 38kg (including the battery pack).  So far we have collected two dustbin liners-worth of lids, which weigh approximately 6kg in total so PLEASE keep collecting! 
 
GOOD LUCK
·         To the 20 runners participating in the Inter-Schools Cross Country event at Crystal Palace tomorrow morning.
·         The two U9 Netball teams taking on St. Christopher’s next Wednesday
·         The Years 2 / 3 Football matches at Fosse Bank on Thursday and
·         The Year 6 netballers taking on Year 7 in the Sports Hall next Thursday evening and Breaside in the next round of the U11 League match next Friday evening
 
SHOEBOXES FOR SMILE INTERNATIONAL
The absolute deadline for delivery of shoeboxes to school is next Monday morning.
 
CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCES
Key Stage One Nativity (Years 1 & 2) - 2.00pm, Tuesday 9th December in the Junior Hall.
Foundation Stage Nativity (Pre-Reception and Reception) - 2.00pm, Wednesday 10th December
Junior Carol Service (Years 3 – 6) - 7.00pm on Wednesday 10th December, School Chapel.
 
MAY BALL 2009
Next Monday, Farrringtons Parents' Association will be distributing leaflets to all children regarding the May Ball next year.  Tickets are being sold at the special offer price of £55 per person now rising to £70 per person when booked after 31st January 2009.
 
PLAYTIMES
All children are welcome to bring NAMED skipping ropes and soft balls into school for use in the playgrounds at break times.
 
IN TODAY’S MAILING
Farringtons Parents’ Association Christmas Market leaflet
Next week’s Menu for Pre-Reception, Reception and Year 1 Classes
 
NEXT WEEK’S DIARY
PROSPECTIVE YEAR 7 PUPIL INTERVIEWS WITH MRS JAMES ALL WEEK
TUESDAY    
2.00pm            Deadline for articles to go in the next edition of “Focus on Farringtons”
WEDNESDAY
3.45pm            U9 Netball matches v St. Christopher’s (home fixture)
THURSDAY
3.45pm            Year 6 v Year 7 Netball matches in the Sports Hall
FRIDAY
8.45am             Whole School Assembly taken by Mrs Glenis Ruston
2.30pm            U11 Netball League Match v Breaside (away)
 
BULLETIN - 14 NOVEMBER 2008
 
PARENT CONSULTATION EVENINGS
Years 4 & 5 – Wednesday 19 November
If you have not yet received confirmation of appointment time please contact your child’s Form Teacher or the Junior Office as soon as possible.
 
MORRISONS  VOUCHERS
The final day for receiving these from the supermarkets was last Sunday.  If you have any of the green vouchers lurking please hand them in to one of the offices at your earliest opportunity.
 
THANK YOU
To all the parents of Pre-Reception children who acted as chauffeurs for the trip to the Churchill Theatre yesterday.  The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the performance was excellent.
 
GOOD LUCK
To the children in Year 3 chosen to participate in next Thursday’s Mini Tennis match against Baston next Thursday and those in Year 5 playing Netball against St. Christopher’s next Friday.
 
FIZ CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CLUB
The club will operate from 15 – 19 December 2008.  Please complete and return the attached form as soon as possible if you wish your child to attend.
 
IN TODAY’S MAILING
 
Snow White Pantomime Flier: one lucky person will win 2 tickets for this at the Christmas Market
FPA Christmas Market donations request
Focus on Farringtons
Bulletin Board – Christmas Special.
 
 
NEXT WEEK’S DIARY
 
WEDNESDAY        
YEAR 5 TRIP TO THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Academic and Sports scholarship tests for entry to Year 7 at Farringtons
6.00-9.00pm    Years 4 & 5 Parents’ Consultation Evening
 
THURSDAY  
3.45pm                Year 3 Mini Tennis Match v Baston (home fixture)
4.00pm            Junior School Soirée in the School Chapel
 
FRIDAY
8.45am             Whole School Assembly – Taken by Form 3K with Mrs Knight
1.00pm            Under 10 Netball v St. Christopher’s (home fixture)
 
SATURDAY
11.00am           FARRINGTONS CHRISTMAS MARKET
 
BULLETIN - 7 NOVEMBER 2008
YEAR 7
Year 6 girls have been invited to attend a morning of activities tomorrow prior to their Year 7 Entrance tests, which are taking place next Wednesday.
 
PARENT CONSULTATION EVENINGS
Consultation evenings are taking place for parents of all children over the next few weeks:
Years 3 & 6 – Thursday 13 November
Years 4 & 5 – Wednesday 19 November
Pre-Reception, Reception, Years 1 & 2 – Wednesday 26 November
If you have not yet received a letter please contact your child’s Form Teacher or the Junior Office as soon as possible.
 
POPPY APPEAL
Poppies are available from the Junior School.  Please wear yours with pride.
 
FINAL REMINDER
The photograph orders are being collected from School next Monday morning, 10 November.  If you decide over the weekend that you would like to purchase your child’s photograph, order forms with the correct money must be with the Junior School Office by 8.30 am on Monday morning.
 
LUNCHTIME JAZZ DANCE AND TAP CLASSES
There are still places left at these newly established classes with Miss Lucy Griffiths.  Children are welcome to come along for a free trial lesson between 12.30 and 1.00pm. All children will bring home a voucher for a trial lesson this afternoon:
Tuesday – Tap
Wednesday – Beginners Jazz Dance
Friday – Advanced Jazz Dance
 
SHOEBOXES
Reverend Samuel is looking forward to receiving your filled shoeboxes or sponsorship donations by 24 November.  More information available on the Smile website: www.smileinternational.org. 
 
IN TODAY’S MAILING
 
Travel Plan: An explanatory letter from Mrs Cliff and a survey sheet. 
Please help us by completing the survey.
 
Christmas Market flier: The Parents’ Association is in urgent need of donations for this event, especially Bottles, Books, DVDs and CDs.
 
Free trial lesson voucher: For lunchtime Jazz Dance or Tap class with Miss Lucy Griffiths.
 
Prize Draw tickets:
Two Prize Draw tickets for each child (more available from the Office if desired) offering you
the chance to win an amazing Christmas trip to Lapland for just £2.00!
 
DIARY - WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2008
TUESDAY
YEAR 3 ALL DAY EXCURSION TO LEEDS CASTLE         
2.00pm            Deadline for the next edition of “Focus on Farringtons”
3.45pm            Under 11 Netball Matches v Bromley High School, 4 teams, home fixture                    
WEDNESDAY        
YEAR 7 ENTRANCE TESTS FOR FARRINGTONS SENIOR DEPARTMENT
THURSDAY  
FOUNDATION STAGE VISIT TO THE CHURCHILL THEATRE, BROMLEY
3.45- 4.30pm    Years 3 Tennis Coaching session – Sports Hall                 
6.00-9.00pm    Years 3 & 6 Parents’ Consultation Evening
FRIDAY
8.45am             Whole School Assembly – Taken by Mrs Glenis Ruston
1.00pm            Under 10 Netball Tournament at St. Christopher’s
2.00pm            Year
 
 
BULLETIN - 17 OCTOBER 2008
 
PAPERWORK
In order to reduce waste paper and in line with on-going efforts to improve our “green” credentials, a decision has been made regarding the issue of leaflets and pamphlets that are regularly sent home with children on Fridays.  Starting today, we will only be issuing information to the ELDER or OLDEST child within our Junior School families.  If you wish to continue to receive more than one copy of any item, please contact the Junior School office.
 
PHOTOGRAPHS
All children who were in school on Wednesday 8th October will be bringing home a proof copy of the individual portrait photograph taken on that day.  In relevant cases sibling group proofs have also been issued.  The new proof system allows parents to choose from a wider range of sizes and quantities and additional items such as key rings, fridge magnets, bookmarks, calendars and poster prints featuring the picture can also be purchased.  If you wish to order, please complete the form within the pack and return, together with cash; a cheque made payable to VAN COLS LTD or the completed Credit Card slip to the Junior School Office no later than Friday 7th November.  Late orders will attract a surcharge of £3.50.
 
FIZ CLUB
  • Children attending holiday club during the SECOND week of the half term holiday are asked to bring in their bicycles on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of that week.
  • The list of evening activities for the second half of this term together with a booking form accompanies this week’s mailing.  Please complete the form and return it to the Junior Office to ensure that your child is “signed up” for favourite clubs for the remainder of the term.
  • Unfortunately, the FIZ Club cookery and cricket lessons on Monday 3rd November for Years 3 & 4 and Cookery on Thursday 6 November for Reception & Year 1 pupils have had to be cancelled.
  • Mrs Samuel is away from 3rd – 12th November (immediately after the half term holiday).  Please telephone the Junior School Office during this period if you wish to book your child into FIZ for an occasional evening.
PARENTS’ CONSULTATION EVENINGS
Parents’ Consultation evenings will take place for every class during November.  Letters from Form Teachers will be issued on our return to school at the beginning of next month.  The dates are: 
Thursday 13th November            - Years 3 and 6;
Wednesday 19th November        - Years 4 and 5
Wednesday 26th November        - Pre-Reception, Reception, Years 1, Year 2.
 
FRIDAY ASSEMBLIES
The next half term’s Class Assemblies are as follows:
7th November              – Form 3R
21 November                – Form 3K
5th December                – Form 4K. 
Parents, grandparents, carers and friends of the children in the class involved are welcome to attend these events, which take place between 8.45 and 9.10am in the Junior School Hall.
 
OUTINGS NEXT MONTH
Thursday 13th November         - Pre-Reception and Reception children to the Churchill Theatre
Wednesday 19th November      - Year 5 are visiting the British Museum. 
 
NEW LUNCHTIME TAP and JAZZ DANCE CLASSES
Miss Lucy Griffiths, well-known to many of our children for her Wednesday evening and Saturday morning Dance classes, has agreed to take over the running of lunchtime Jazz and Tap lessons for children in Year 1 and above.  A leaflet regarding her classes accompanies this mailing.  If you would like your child to take part, please book early to avoid disappointment by telephoning Miss Griffiths during the half term holiday on 01689 827669.  Classes will commence at lunchtime on Tuesday 4th November.
 
FROM THE CHAPLAIN
Thank you to all parents, guardians and friends who kindly donated food and personal toiletries this half term to our Harvest Collection which went to support the work of the Whitechapel Mission in the East end of London.  In the next half term the focus of our giving shifts towards Christmas and we shall be supporting the SMILE shoeboxes appeal.  The shoeboxes are filled with Christmas gifts for the children in villages, schools, orphanages, refugee centres and Roma camps in the Balkan countries, Africa and Asia.  If you would like to fill (or sponsor) a shoebox please contact the Junior School Office for more information or visit the charity’s website: www.smileinternational.org.  I would be grateful if shoeboxes could be brought into school by Monday 24th November at the latest, though we would be very happy to receive them earlier  so that they can be shipped in time to arrive before Christmas.
 
ACCOMPANYING THIS MAILING
Ø      A letter from Mrs James, our Headmistress
Ø      A FIZ Club activities list for the second half of the Autumn Term
Ø      Information about our new lunchtime Jazz and Tap classes
Ø      Photograph proofs
Ø      Two leaflets from the Parents’ Association one about the Gift Wrap sale and Snowball Raffle, the other asking for donations for the Christmas Market
Ø      The latest edition of “Focus on Farringtons”
Ø      Copies of the menu for week commencing Monday 3rd November for the children in Foundation Stage classes
 
DIARY FOR WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 3 NOVEMBER
 
MONDAY
Nearly New Shop Open: 8.00-9.00am and 3.00-5.00pm
TUESDAY
Whole School Working Open Morning, 9.15-12 noon
FRIDAY
FPA Coffee Morning in the School Dining Room, 8.30-10.00am
Form 3R Class Assembly in the Junior School Hall, 8.45am
U11 Netball Matches v Baston, 1.30pm (away fixture)
 
BULLETIN - 10 OCTOBER 2008
 
 
SECOND HALF OF TERM DATES LIST:
Accompanying this mailing is a list of important dates in the Junior School calendar for the second half of this busy term.  You will notice from the calendar that we have changed the format slightly for Infant Nativities.  There will be one production to parents and friends by the children in Year 1 and Year 2, (Key Stage 1) which is due to be held on Tuesday 9 December and a separate production by Foundation Stage children i.e. those in our Pre-Reception and Reception classes on Wednesday 10 December.  As usual, all children in Years 3 – 6 (inclusive) will be participating in a Celebration of Christmas Carol Service in the School Chapel on Wednesday evening.
 
FIZ CLUB:
We would like to remind parents and carers that any last minute requests for joining the Half Term Holiday FIZ Club activities must be handed in no later than next Monday.  If you have any queries, please contact Mrs Samuel directly, telephone: 07989 257032.  The FIZ Club Christmas Disco, which is for children in Year 1 and above, is being held on Friday 28th November.  A letter with more details and a booking form for this event accompanies this mailing. A new list of evening activities for the second half of this term will follow in next week’s mailing.
 
NATIONAL YEAR OF READING VISITS:
The children were entertained by two people this week in connection with the National Year of Reading.  On Tuesday the author Fiona Dunbar treated the children in Years 5 & 6 to a talk together with a Powerpoint Presentation about her books and gave them advice on the importance of drafting and re-working their stories before submission.  Yesterday, the renowned illustrator Paul Bryn Davies treated the children in Years 3 to 6 to a fun-filled “dragon fantasy day”.  He helped the children to create their own dragons and wizards and we are looking forward to a beautiful display in the Junior School Hall shortly.  Accompanying this mailing is a letter with offers on the books that Mr Davies has published, which build on the children’s workshop experiences by giving detailed instructions on the drawing of fantasy creatures (a suitable Christmas present)?
 
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION:  
We are all looking forward to friendly competition at tomorrow’s Music Quiz.  Due to the large numbers who wished to attend, the venue has been moved from the Ferens Hall to the School Dining Room.  There will be notices at relevant entrances to show the way.  After tomorrow the next event hosted by the Association is the Christmas Market, which is being held on Saturday 22 November.  A leaflet about the Market accompanies this mailing.  The Association is still seeking good quality simple plastic hangars for the uniform shop – please leave any spares that you may have with the Junior or Senior school offices.
 
PARENTS’ FORUM: Reminder that it is next Tuesday, 14 October, and representatives are still required for the following form groups in the Junior School – Pre-Reception, 2B and 2C.  If you would like to volunteer to attend this once a term meeting, or would like further information; please contact Mrs Wortham on the Senior School telephone number (020 8467 0256).  Only one representative from each class is necessary.  Thank you.
  
PLASTIC BOTTLE TOPS:
What do you do with all those screw-fitting plastic tops from your milk and soft drink bottles and cartons?  Please send them (preferably washed first!) into the Junior School Office.  We are helping a 6 year old boy to collect his weight in bottle tops.  On achieving his aim, the little lad will be rewarded with an electric wheelchair to help him become more mobile.  This is obviously a really worthwhile cause – please help us to help him achieve his goal. 
 
VISIT TO FRANCE:
A most successful and enjoyable visit was had by all those (including the teachers!) who participated in last weekend’s French Experience.  Highlights were the visit to the Goat Farm, where we watched the farmer make goats’ cheese; the water park and, needless to say, the sweet factory…  The children in Year 4 have enjoyed hearing all the stories from this year’s participants and are already looking forward to next year’s trip when it will be their turn to go.
 
INDIVIDUAL AND SIBLING GROUP PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHS:
The school photographers are aiming to provide us with proof copies of the photographs taken last Wednesday by the end of next week.  This will allow parents to choose order requirements over the half term holiday.  We aim to send off the orders shortly after our return to school in order that the photographs can be with us before the end of term. 
 
HARVEST FESTIVAL SERVICE: 
It was good to see so many parents, carers and friends at our Junior Harvest Festival Service last Wednesday.  Your generous gift donations are now on their way to the Whitechapel Mission.  
 
YEAR 6 INTO YEAR 7 - SECONDARY SCHOOL INFORMATION:
In order for us to gain a clearer picture of parents’ preferences for their children’s secondary education, we would be most grateful if the forms sent home with children currently in Year 6 could be completed and returned to the Junior School office immediately after the half term holiday.  Thank you.
 
Years 5, 6 & 7 EASTER SKI TRIP, 28 March – 5 April 2009
We would like to remind parents that the second payment for this trip, £200 will be due no later than Friday 14 November. Cheques should be made payable to Farringtons School and sent in a sealed envelope for the attention of Mrs Long.
 
ACCOMPANYING THIS MAILING
  • A Junior School dates list for the second half of the Autumn Term
  • A FIZ Club Christmas Disco letter for the children in Year 1 and above
  • A letter about the offer from Mr Paul Bryn Davies
  • A leaflet from the Parents’ Association about the Christmas Market
  • A Secondary School preferences form for the children in Year 6
  • Copies of next week’s menu for the children in Foundation Stage classes
NEXT WEEK’S DIARY
 
MONDAY          
Mr Close taking whole Junior School Assembly -
Photography Competition results, 8.45am
 
TUESDAY          
Deadline for the next issue of “Focus on Farringtons”, 2.00pm
 
WEDNESDAY  
U11 A & B netball matches v Breaside (h), 3.45pm
Year 6 Residential Trip to the Isle of Wight Information Evening, 7.00pm
 
FRIDAY
Whole School Assembly taken by 4H with Mrs Hook – parents welcome
Inter-house Netball matches during the afternoon
Closing date for the National Year of Reading competition
HALF TERM BEGINS AT 3.45pm

BULLETIN - 3 OCTOBER 2008
 
VISIT TO FRANCE:  Many of our Year 5 and some Year 6 children are now enjoying themselves with Mrs Long and her team in Northern France.  They are sure to be getting a lot out of their very action-packed and fulfilling long weekend. We look forward to their safe return on Monday evening at approximately 5.30pm.
 
INDIVIDUAL AND SIBLING GROUP PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHS: The Photographers are coming to take individual and sibling group photographs of Junior and Pre-Reception children next Wednesday, 8th October, immediately after the Harvest Festival Service.  Please ensure your child is dressed in clean winter uniform.  Hair should be neat and, if long, tied back and secured with green or black accessories.  We expect copies of the photographs taken to be available in plenty of time for Christmas.  If you wish to have a sibling group picture taken, please complete the form overleaf and return it to the Junior School Office.
 
HARVEST FESTIVAL SERVICE:  We look forward to seeing many parents, carers and friends at our Junior Harvest Festival Service next Wednesday morning 8th October at 8.45am in the School Chapel.  All gifts – non perishable food items (e.g. packets & tins) with a shelf-life beyond Christmas 2008 and toiletries will be gratefully received.  
 
VISIT BY FIONA DUNBAR – AUTHOR:  Just a reminder that Fiona will have signed copies of her books available for purchase on Tuesday 7th October 2008 when she comes to talk to Years 5 & 6.  “The Truth Cookie”, “Chocolate Wishes”, “Toonhead”, “Pink Chameleon” and “"Blue Gene Baby” at £6 each; “Cupid Cakes” is £5.  Please bring any money into school in a clearly named and sealed envelope. Cheques should be made payable to Fiona Dunbar.
 
PARENTS’ FORUM: The Parents’ Forum meeting is on Tuesday 14 October, and representatives are required for the following form groups in the Junior School – Pre-Reception, 1H, 1M, 2B and 2C.  If you would like to volunteer to attend this once a term meeting, or would like further information; please contact Mrs Wortham on the Senior School telephone number (020 8467 0256).  Only one representative from each class is necessary.  Thank you.
 
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION:  Please take any old style uniform that your daughter has outgrown to the Nearly New Shop as the Parents’ Association are still collecting the old green tunics, skirts and green and white striped blouses.  Items can be delivered to the Uniform Shop on Monday 6th October – opening hours 8.00 until 9.00am and from 3.00 until 5.00pm or at either of the School Offices.  The Association has arranged for the uniform to be donated to a Charity in Africa – “You Touch Africa” which is hoping to clothe a school in the hills of Tanzania with this project.  Shipment is due out by Christmas.
 
COATS:  As the weather is now getting considerably colder and is also more than occasionally wet, we would like to remind parents that all pupils should be bringing a coat or cagoule into school every day to wear when out in the playground and on their way over to the main school Dining Hall at lunchtime.
 
THE BOOK FAIR: Thank you to the many people who supported this event.  60% of the proceeds has been given to our school to buy more books for the Junior Library; consequently we have been able to order £650.00 worth of books – an excellent result for everyone.
 
FINALLY
Following our fantastic success winning the Under 11 Netball Tournament last week AND yesterday’s first two league match wins against Baston and Babington House, we take this opportunity to wish our Year 3, 4, 5 and & 6 runners strong legs for the Tony James Memorial Cross Country race at Bromley High School next Thursday afternoon and our Under 10 and Under 11 teams good luck in their Netball matches next Wednesday and Friday afternoon. 
 
ACCOMPANYING THIS MAILING
Ø      A leaflet from the Parents’ Association about the Nearly New Uniform Shop
Ø      A letter for the children in Year 2 about a trip to the Churchill Theatre next week
Ø      Copies of next week’s menu for the children in Foundation Stage classes
 
 
NEXT WEEK’S DIARY
 
MONDAY          
Nearly New shop open 8.00 – 9.00am and 3.00 – 5.00pm
Mr Walledge taking whole Junior School Assembly, 8.45am
French Experience pupils return at approximately 5.00pm
 
TUESDAY          
Famous Author, Fiona Dunbar, holding workshop for Years 5 & 6, 8.45am
Deadline for the next issue of “Focus on Farringtons”, 2.00pm
 
WEDNESDAY  
HARVEST FESTIVAL SERVICE in the School Chapel, 8.45am
INDIVIDUAL& SIBLING GROUP PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHS DAY
– all pupils in clean winter uniform please!
Year 2 trip to the Churchill Theatre, 12.30 – 3.30pm
 U10 A & B netball matches v Colfe’s (h), 1.30pm
Junior School Musical Soirée, School Chapel, 4.00pm
 
THURSDAY      
Renowned illustrator, Paul Bryn Davies, holding workshops for all classes
Cross Country Competition for Years 4, 5 and 6 in Bromley, 3.15-5.00pm
 
FRIDAY              
Whole School Assembly taken by Glenis Ruston
U11 Netball Tournament at St. Christopher’s, 1.30pm
 
SATURDAY        
Farringtons Parents’ Association Music Quiz Night 7.15pm in Ferens Hall
 
BULLETIN - FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER 2008
 
THE BOOK FAIR IS COMING!
To continue our celebrations of the National Year of Reading the book fair will be visiting our school next week.  All children will be given the opportunity to browse through the books during school time and note any that they would particularly enjoy.  The book fair itself will then be open from Monday to Thursday from 3.45 to 4.15 in the Junior Computer Suite (access via the playground).  Books may also be bought by completing the pink request form, that the children will bring home, and returning it to Ms Coatz, via form teachers, with the money enclosed.
It is always lovely to see so many people supporting this event as 60% of the proceeds are given to the school to buy more books for our library - so every penny counts!  
 
WEDNESDAY MEETINGS
We hope that all the parents and carers who were able to come to the informal meetings recently found them both helpful and informative.  If you have any further questions regarding expectations, the curriculum, your child’s learning or general matters relating to school life, please contact the school office in the first instance.  They should either be able to answer your queries or arrange for a suitable time for you to speak to the relevant member of staff.  We would ask that you do not try to liaise with teachers at morning registration as this is a very busy time in the school day as we settle the children for their first activity of the morning.
 
PHOTOGRAPHY DAY
Thank you to all those children who have sent in photographs taken on 8 September.  We have been delighted with the effort and imagination that has been put into achieving in some quite remarkable, beautiful, inspired and artistic prints.  Many of the photos are now on show in the Junior School Hall and South House and the competition winners will be announced shortly.
 
SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
We are hoping for good weather and an excellent turn-out for our Open Morning tomorrow.  We really do appreciate pupils and parents coming in to support this important event.  Please do not hesitate to recommend our school to possible pupils and their parents.
 
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION COFFEE MORNING
Next Friday, Farringtons Parents’ Association will be holding their charity coffee morning in the School Dining Room between 8.30 and 10.00am.  This time the chosen charity is Breast Cancer Campaign. Entry to the event costs £2.00per person if you buy your ticket in advance from one of the School Offices or £3 on the door (£2 if you wear pink).  There will be raffle prizes (any donations will be most gratefully received) and a quiz sheet to keep the brain cells ticking over.
 
CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPING
We KNOW that you are bound to have already purchased all those Christmas presents (!) but have you thought about the wrapping yet?  Accompanying this mailing is a small brochure from Northbrook.  Our school will benefit to the tune of 25% on every item you buy from the catalogue through the Parents’ Association and all the money raised will be going to our Swimming Pool Project.  In addition to being of excellent quality and good value, the paper/card has all been sourced from accredited European Sustainable Forests.   As mentioned in the catalogue, we will also be holding a free draw to win “Snowball” a cuddly polar bear.
  
TIED UP IN KNOTS
It would be most helpful if children could practise tying their school ties and shoelaces at home in order to help with neatness and speed at changing times.  Thank you.
 
FIZ HALF TERM HOLIDAY CLUB
Leaflets were sent home last week regarding the half term holiday activities, which will be run by FIZ Club.  If you would like your child/ren to participate in some or all of the holiday activities, please ensure that they are “signed up” by Friday of next week, 3 October.  If you have mislaid your copy of the form please ask at the School Office or Mrs Samuel, the FIZ Club manager.
 
PASSPORTS & EHICs
Many of our older Junior School children are heading to Europe this Autumn on school trips.  Next Friday pupils in Years 5 and 6 will be going to a chateau in Rue for a long weekend full of fun-packed learning activities.  Later on in the year the first of our Ski trip groups will be departing.  We would like to take the opportunity to remind parents that new regulations require passports to be valid for between three and six months AFTER the expected return date.  In addition EHIC (European Health Insurance Cards) are required for all children going abroad as part of a school trip. The EHIC is the replacement for the old E111 form. As of 1 January 2006, E111s are not valid.  EHICs can be obtained from a Post Office - you can collect an application form and post it yourself or use the Post Office Check & Send service, where they will check the application form and post the form off for you (the charge is £2 per application form). Your application should be processed within 21 days.   By Telephone You can telephone the NHSBSA EHIC Application Line on 0845 606 2030. Your application should be processed within 10 days.  Online - Takes 7 Days - You can use the NHSBSA website which can be found at www.ehic.org.
 
 
ACCOMPANYING THIS MAILING
  • A booklet about our Book Fair for everyone
  • The latest colour edition of “Focus of Farringtons”
  • A Northbrook Gift Wrap booklet via our Parents’ Association
  • The latest edition of “Raring2go” – What to do and where to go in the Bromley area
  • Copies of next week’s menu for the children in Foundation Stage classes
DIARY
SATURDAY        9.00 – 12noon, Whole School Open Morning
                             1.00pm, “The Big Draw” event on Chislehurst Common      
SUNDAY             Old Farringtonians Day at school
MONDAY           Year 1 all day visit to the Toy Museum at Bethnal Green
WEDNESDAY   Musical Soiree performed by Senior School girls, School Chapel, 4.15pm
THURSDAY       U11 Netball League match at Baston School v Bishop Challenor and Babington House, 3.45pm
FRIDAY              8.00am, French Experience pupils depart for their long weekend in Normandy.

BULLETIN - FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2008

 
PHOTOGRAPHY DAY
A big thank you to parents who arranged for their children to bring in cameras last Monday.  The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all concerned and we already have some excellent contenders for the competition.  A reminder that all photos should be 6” x 4” (15 x 10cms), printed on photo-quality paper, named on the reverse and handed to Form Teachers no later than next Thursday, 25 September.  Prizes will be awarded for the best photographs in each of the following categories: Portrait, Landscape, Comedy / Abstract, Action, Close-up and Digitally Enhanced.
 
NATIONAL YEAR OF READING
Yesterday’s visit by performance poet, Val Bloom proved to be an excellent start to our National Year of Reading activities.  She engaged the children (and staff!) with a number of amusing performances of her poems and then gave some super workshops to Years 5 and 6.  Val also signed copies of her books, which the children have added to their growing libraries.  The next event in this series is on Tuesday 23rd September, when storyteller Roy Cain will be engaging every yeargroup with stories relevant to current topics being covered in class.
 
LUNCHTIME FOOTBALL CLUBS
We would like to remind parents that boys and girls who wish to participate in lunchtime football clubs (and rugby clubs next term) will need to wear football/rugby boots and have shin pads.  In addition, children in Years 5 & 6 will need both these items for hockey lessons.  We strongly suggest buying the Velcro fastening football boots for younger children as it speeds up changing times dramatically!  These items are for sale (with a 10% discount offered to Farringtons families) from Jolly Good Sports at 89 Queensway, Petts Wood. (the shop is immediately opposite Oz, our school uniform shop).
 
OPEN MORNING – SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
By now, children should have received letters from members of staff regarding participation in Open Morning activities.  We hope that our pupils will take delight in showing off their respective skills to our visitors that day.  If you have any friends or relatives who are considering schools at the moment please suggest that they come along next Saturday morning.  Alternatively, individual appointments to view our school during the working week are always available. 
 
SOIRÉE
Mr James and Miss Stanton will be presenting a short Soirée performed by Junior pupils on Wednesday 8 October in the School Chapel at 4.00pm. Parents, carers and friends are warmly invited.  Pupils will be chosen by their music teachers to perform at this event and letters will be sent home to the nominated students over the next week or so.
 
PRINCE GEORGE, DUKE OF KENT COURT
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 next week.  The children will be walking there next Tuesday afternoon, talking to the elderly residents and listening to descriptions of favourite toys in years gone by. This activity links with a current topic being studied in class.  If you have any queries or concerns regarding this visit, please contact the Junior School office. 
 
FIZ HOLIDAY CLUB
Once again, FIZ Holiday Club will be running throughout the two week Autumn Half Term holiday.  A leaflet accompanies this mailing.  If you would like your child to attend for whole or half days, please complete the form and return it to Mrs Samuel via the Junior School Office as soon as possible.  If you have any queries regarding the activities taking place during half term, please contact Mrs Samuel direct on 07989 257032.
 
FLORA MARGARINE TOKENS
If your family has Flora Margarine in the ’fridge, please collect the tokens as we are hoping to buy some extra-special cookery items for Year 6 Food Technology lessons.   Eating well is essential for good health, yet more and more children don’t know how to choose and prepare healthy food. Flora “Cooking with Schools” aims to encourage change by helping put healthy eating at the heart of the classroom. Different Flora pack sizes contain different values of coupon. A 250g tub contains a code that is worth 20p, a 500g tub contains a code that is worth 40p and a 1kg tub contains a code that is worth £1.  Thank you!
 
MORRISONS – LET’S GROW VOUCHERS
“Let's Grow” aims to help schools capture children’s imagination to show them that food doesn't just come from supermarkets. By collecting Let’s Grow vouchers you’ll be giving them the opportunity to grow their own food in the school grounds.  For every £10 you spend in-store, you’ll receive a voucher that we can collect and redeem for brand new gardening equipment including seeds, spades and greenhouses.
 
ACCOMPANYING THIS MAILING
  • Competition entry cards for “The Big Draw” for everyone
  • Information about FIZ Holiday Club during the Autumn half term
  • A flier from Farringtons Parents’ Association about the Music Quiz Night on 11 October
  •  Copies of next week’s menu for the children in Foundation Stage classes
 
 
 
DIARY FOR NEXT WEEK
 
MONDAY
7.00pm, Information evening for children going on the trip to France
 
TUESDAY
Visit by Roy Cain, storyteller
Year 1 visit to Prince George, Duke of Kent Court Residential Home
 
THURSDAY
Closing date for Photography Competition
 
FRIDAY
8.45am, Whole School Assembly taken by Glenis Ruston
1.30pm, Farringtons U11 Friendly Netball Tournament
 
SATURDAY              
9.00 – 12noon, Whole School Open Morning
1.00pm, “The Big Draw” event on Chislehurst Common           
 
SUNDAY
Old Farringtonians Day at school
 
BULLETIN - 12 SEPTEMBER 2008
 
MONDAY 15 SEPTEMBER
We would like to remind parents that next Monday is Junior School Photography day. Whilst it is not essential to have one, we would like all children, other than those in Pre-Reception, to 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.
 
After the day of photo fun, we hope that children will return home with cameras and go through their pictures with parents.  Once you have chosen the best three or four pictures with your child, please have these developed and printed onto 6” x 4” (15 x 10cms) photo-quality paper.  Pictures should be named on the reverse and handed to Form Teachers as soon as possible after the event (but not later than Thursday 25 September.  Prizes will be awarded for the best photographs in each of the following categories: Portrait, Landscape, Comedy / Abstract, Action, Close-up, Digitally Enhanced.
 
WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER
The informal meeting for parents and carers with children in Pre-Reception, Reception, Year 1 and  Year 2 classes takes place next 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 the event to finish at approximately 8.30pm. 
 
NATIONAL YEAR OF READING
Mrs Brookman has arranged a programme of exciting events to happen at school over the next few weeks in connection with this, our “National Year of Reading”.  The first will happen next Thursday, 18th September, when our pupils are due to be entertained by a renowned performance poet, Val Bloom.   A letter from Mrs Brookman detailing some of the next two month’s worth of reading activities will come home with your child this evening.
 
OPEN MORNING – SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
Farringtons Junior & Senior School will be open to prospective pupils and their parents on Saturday, 27th September, between 9.00am and 12noon.  We would like to be able to show our visitors a cross-section of Junior School activities and consequently, letters will be sent home next week asking for certain pupils to be in school for short periods during the morning.  Parents are welcome to stay for the duration of the Open Morning and view all the activities; otherwise, pupils will be ready for collection immediately after their particular event.  If your child is unable to be with us on Saturday morning, please advise his/her Form Teacher immediately. 
 
EARRINGS
Children are allowed to wear only plain stud earrings.  NONE should be worn on P.E. days.  If earrings cannot be removed because the ears have only recently been pierced, please supply your child with tape to cover them.
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD
If you have not already done so, 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.
 
FRIDAY BULLETIN
Paper copies of the Bulletin are not sent home unless specifically requested.  If you have not already done so, 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 Mrs Brookman
  • The latest colour edition of “Focus of Farringtons” for everyone
  • A flier from our Parents’ Association, the FPA, about our Christmas Market on 22nd November
  • A letter for the children in Year 1 about a trip to Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood
  • A form about individual music lessons for children in Years 2 and above
  • Copies of next week’s menu for the children in Foundation Stage classes
DIARY FOR NEXT WEEK
MONDAY                  PHOTOGRAPHY DAY
TUESDAY                  Year 1 visit to the Produce Department at Sainsbury’s, Chislehurst
WEDNESDAY           Parents’ Information evening for Pre-Reception – Year 2 (incl), 7.00-8.30pm
THURSDAY              Visit and workshops by performance poet Val Bloom
FRIDAY                     Whole School Assembly taken by Donna Bompas, who will take about “The Big Draw” event on Chislehurst Common on Saturday 27 September
(immediately after our Open Morning)
 
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 8th 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 14 September 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 - 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
Link to Bulletin - 12th October 2007
Link to Bulletin - 5th October 2007
Link to Bulletin - 28th September 2007
Link to Bulletin - 21st September 2007
Link to Bulletin - 14th September 2007
Link to Bulletin: 7th September 2007