June 2010

As some of you will be aware, there is a "birth bulge" in the Meersbrook area which will have an impact on the number of children needing school places. As a result, Mundella is being considered for a new build. This would mean the Foundation Stage classrooms in the Infant yard and the mobile classrooms in the Junior yard would be removed. In the place where the Junior mobile is at present, the Local Authority would build an 8 classroomed, 2 storey building. This would house the Foundation Stage and the 2

classrooms currently in the Junior mobile and provide 4 extra classrooms. This would mean Mundella would become a 2 form entry school. ie from September 2011 we could admit 2 classes of children each year, rather than the current one and a half classes. As a result, we could slowly phase out the mixed aged classes we currently have to have – plus we would be rid of the less-than-perfect mobiles! We are really excited about the possibility; although we are aware there will be some disruptions. I believe a letter has gone out to all parents and carers inviting you to a meeting where the whole project can be discussed. Just a reminder that this meeting is on 14

offer your support if possible.

All schools have a Board of Governors. These are volunteers that are made up from different walks of life – some of which are parents. The Governing Body meets on a regular basis and works with the Head to ensure the school is run efficiently and that procedures and policies are followed.

If parents have concerns about anything that happens at school; and do not feel comfortable coming to me or other members of staff, then they can contact a Governor. They can do this via the email address (governors@mundella.sheffield.sch.uk) or by leaving a letter or note at the school office. The Chair of Governors is Mr

John Oldham and parent Governors are:

Mrs Allison Skinner (Vice Chair)

Mrs Oldham-Hepper

Mrs Palmer

Mr Voyce

Mrs Ogden Barnsley

Please do contact them if you have any concerns or issues.

We are always keen to hear your points of view so please will you take a few minutes to complete the attached questionnaire and return it to school? We try to keep everyone happy but we know there are things that we haven’t got completely right yet – so please give us your ideas. Thank you. Governors may well be arranging a meeting with a random selection of parents to gather their ideas too so watch this space!

Mrs Palmer, Parent Governor, is a member of the Parents Assembly and she has asked if I could pass some information onto all parents regarding this. The Parents Assembly is a new initiative which was launched in Sheffield in October 2009. The Parents Assembly aims to encourage mothers, fathers and carers from across Sheffield to be part of decision making around services for you and your family. The meetings are informal and relaxed and issues that matter to parents are discussed. Mrs Palmer has attended several meetings covering different topics such as Special Educational Needs, Anti Social Behaviour in Sheffield and E-Safety which is an area all parents (particularly Key stage 2 parents) need to be aware of in order to keep our children safe on line. The meetings run during the day with a free crèche provided. Other meeting times are considered depending on the demand from parents/carers.

The Parents Assembly is for all parents and carers across the city who have children 0-19 years old (or up to the age of 25 if your child has learning difficulties, a disability or both). If you are interested in joining the Parents Assembly you can get more information from Mrs Palmer who is usually around before and after school or you can leave a message for her in the school office; or why not go along with her to the next meeting. Please look out for activities which are run through the assembly on the parents’ notice board outside the dining room.

You can also contact Children and Young People’s Directorate Partnership and Engagement Team Tel: 0114 2735141 or visit www.sheffield.gov.uk.

This is your opportunity to be at the heart of decision making in Sheffield.

Thank you also to everyone who supported our recent Bag2school initiative. The next collection is June 29

As always, we have MASSES of un-named lost property. This will be outside the dining room for the next few weeks but any unclaimed items will them go to the Bag2School collection. PLEASE collect any items that you recognise as belonging to your child.

A frequent plea I know but PLEASE DO NOT park on Mundella Place in the mornings or afternoons. Please park in the carpark of the Sportsman Pub and walk down through the gennel. This is also a request for parents collecting children after clubs on Wednesday as Mundella Place becomes so congested due to the large number of clubs which are held on Wednesday. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

A further reminder that we are always keen to have parents who are able to help with trips etc. If you wish to help as a "one-off," you do not need a CRB check. However, we

We continue to have many successes in school.

One Y6 boy has been very successful in the Sheffield Schools Football team – his team being Yorkshire Champions of the ESFA 7-a-side competition. Another Wayne Rooney in the making perhaps!

Our Boys’ Football team was unsuccessful in their bid to win the Sheffield Wednesday competition which would have taken them to South Africa; however, they did actually beat the eventual winners so they can hold their heads up high.

Our Y5/6 swimmers achieved silver medals in a recent competition and our Y3/4 swimmers are through to the City Finals.

The U11 Football Squad won the inter-schools competition organised by Sheffield United (Mr Shaw was thrilled to have measured up to Mr Fernandes’ success in the previous year!)

The athletes performed really well at a recent competition and over 10 of them have qualified to participate in the City Finals.

A number of Y6 pupils had their art work on display at a recent exhibition held at Ponds Forge; and one child will be having their work displayed at the "Great Sheffield Art Show."

Congratulations to all the children who have taken part in these events.

We are planning a "Mundella Parade" which we hope will be a

tremendous success. Each class is to represent one of the

countries taking part in the World Cup; and your child will have had some homework to do over the holiday to research the country their class has been allocated. We hope many of you will be able to participate in this parade but more details will follow.

We are also holding an "Enterprise Week" when each class will be given some money and they will have to plan ways to make a profit. This week will also encourage our pupils to be aware of managing their money.

The gymnasts and the Choir will be performing in a Schools’ Service at St Paul’s Church on 20

We are entering a team of Y5 and Y6 cricketers in events this term so good luck to them.

Thank you to all who donated at the last session. The next date is 14

Each year, we are given an attendance target by the LA. Obviously, if children are not in school they cannot make good progress. Each term, the Educational Welfare Officer meets with me and Mrs Rotherham to look at pupils’ attendance. If a child’s attendance falls below 90%, a letter may be sent to parents to highlight this fact. Often, poor attendance can be due to holidays taken during term time. The week before half term, there were over 29 pupils absent due to holidays taken in term time. As you can imagine, this has a massive effect on our attendance figures overall and may be a cause for concern to the LA. Please can I request that holidays are NOT taken in term time unless it is absolutely unavoidable? Thank you

Can I request that if your child is collected by a childminder that you have agreed with them a contingency plan in the event that they are unable to collect your child. Please make sure both the childminder and your child know the alternative plan. Thank you

Mrs Hodgson is collecting Pringles tubes for a creative project in FS. If you can help with this, please send any empty tubes (or even full ones!) to the office or to Mrs Hodgson. Thank you.

Also, Mrs Stringer is desperate for any bedding plants for Gardening Club. So, if you have any spare plants – please can you give those to the office or to Mrs Stringer? Thank you

Just a reminder that the Fayre is on 2

Jars full of sweets etc

Toys

Games

Books etc

Please leave these at the office but not before Monday 28

If you have received a paper copy of this newletter and would prefer to have it emailed instead please could you send an email to parents@mundella.sheffield.sch.uk making sure that you include your child’s name in the email. If you are emailing school with some information please email to

enquiries@mundella.sheffield.sch.uk and not the parents@ address as this is not checked on a regular basis.

Tues 15 June: Class photos (Full school uniform please)

Wednesday 30 June: Foundation Stage transition meeting for new September intake

Wednesday 7 July: KS2 sports afternoon (the original calendar says Thursday 7 July!)

9-11 July – Y6 Thornbridge camp

Thurs 15 July – Open Evening

Friday 16 July: KS1 sports afternoon (Mon 19

Tues 20 July: Y6 Celebration of Success evening

Thurs 22 July: Y6 Leavers’ Party

It has, as always, been a busy year and I can’t believe we are in the final term. It is 3 years since our last Ofsted inspection so we are expecting a call anytime soon. All our children have worked so hard all year and they can be proud of their achievements and their attitude in school – thank you for all you do to support them and us. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very pleasant Summer.

Please remember we want to work with you to provide the best for your children. We hope they are happy and make good progress, but if you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please answer the following questions – please give details for your answers if you can. Thank you

Does your child feel safe and happy at school? Do you feel any issues are dealt with?

Do you feel there are a range of role models in school who help your child develop an understanding of equal opportunities?

Do you feel welcomed in school? If not – what would help to improve the situation?

Do you feel respect is given to all – regardless of gender, beliefs or ethnicity?

What do you see as the key issue which would help our school be even better?

Thank you for your response. Please put your name and your child’s class if you are happy to do so. Otherwise, please leave these blank.

Name ____________________________ Class _______

We are planning a "Mundella Parade" which we hope will be a

tremendous success. Each class is to represent one of the

countries taking part in the World Cup; and your child will have had some homework to do over the holiday to research the country their class has been allocated. We hope many of you will be able to participate in this parade but more details will follow.

We are also holding an "Enterprise Week" when each class will be given some money and they will have to plan ways to make a profit. This week will also encourage our pupils to be aware of managing their money.

The gymnasts and the Choir will be performing in a Schools’ Service at St Paul’s Church on 20

We are entering a team of Y5 and Y6 cricketers in events this term so good luck to them.

Thank you to all who donated at the last session. The next date is 14

Each year, we are given an attendance target by the LA. Obviously, if children are not in school they cannot make good progress. Each term, the Educational Welfare Officer meets with me and Mrs Rotherham to look at pupils’ attendance. If a child’s attendance falls below 90%, a letter may be sent to parents to highlight this fact. Often, poor attendance can be due to holidays taken during term time. The week before half term, there were over 29 pupils absent due to holidays taken in term time. As you can imagine, this has a massive effect on our attendance figures overall and may be a cause for concern to the LA. Please can I request that holidays are NOT taken in term time unless it is absolutely unavoidable? Thank you

Can I request that if your child is collected by a childminder that you have agreed with them a contingency plan in the event that they are unable to collect your child. Please make sure both the childminder and your child know the alternative plan. Thank you

Mrs Hodgson is collecting Pringles tubes for a creative project in FS. If you can help with this, please send any empty tubes (or even full ones!) to the office or to Mrs Hodgson. Thank you.

Also, Mrs Stringer is desperate for any bedding plants for Gardening Club. So, if you have any spare plants – please can you give those to the office or to Mrs Stringer? Thank you

Just a reminder that the Fayre is on 2

Jars full of sweets etc

Toys

Games

Books etc

Please leave these at the office but not before Monday 28

If you have received a paper copy of this newletter and would prefer to have it emailed instead please could you send an email to parents@mundella.sheffield.sch.uk making sure that you include your child’s name in the email. If you are emailing school with some information please email to

enquiries@mundella.sheffield.sch.uk and not the parents@ address as this is not checked on a regular basis.

Tues 15 June: Class photos (Full school uniform please)

Wednesday 30 June: Foundation Stage transition meeting for new September intake

Wednesday 7 July: KS2 sports afternoon (the original calendar says Thursday 7 July!)

9-11 July – Y6 Thornbridge camp

Thurs 15 July – Open Evening

Friday 16 July: KS1 sports afternoon (Mon 19

Tues 20 July: Y6 Celebration of Success evening

Thurs 22 July: Y6 Leavers’ Party

It has, as always, been a busy year and I can’t believe we are in the final term. It is 3 years since our last Ofsted inspection so we are expecting a call anytime soon. All our children have worked so hard all year and they can be proud of their achievements and their attitude in school – thank you for all you do to support them and us. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very pleasant Summer.

Please remember we want to work with you to provide the best for your children. We hope they are happy and make good progress, but if you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please answer the following questions – please give details for your answers if you can. Thank you

Does your child feel safe and happy at school? Do you feel any issues are dealt with?

Do you feel there are a range of role models in school who help your child develop an understanding of equal opportunities?

Do you feel welcomed in school? If not – what would help to improve the situation?

Do you feel respect is given to all – regardless of gender, beliefs or ethnicity?

What do you see as the key issue which would help our school be even better?

Thank you for your response. Please put your name and your child’s class if you are happy to do so. Otherwise, please leave these blank.

Name ____________________________ Class _______