Dear Parents,
Sporting Events
Over the last two weeks, some children from Oak Class have represented the school at athletics and tennis. They all did really well, with the tennis team coming second overall, despite competing against much larger schools. All were a credit to the school. Thank you and well done to them.
Consultation on Academy Conversion
The Governors want to pass on their thanks to all who responded to the consultation process, whether by attending a meeting, speaking with a governor, completing a questionnaire or e-mailing comments. Governors will meet next Thursday 12th for a special meeting of the Full Governing Body at which they will consider the responses received. They will take all the views expressed into consideration as they decide whether or not Dr South’s should apply to become an academy with the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust.
Assessments
Next week we have the Year 6 children doing the end of Key Stage 2 Assessments (SATS). I have been immensely impressed with the mature way in which the children have approached the tests and want to thank them for their positive attitude and good example. They are stars! The following week sees the Year 2 children doing the new Year 2 SATS; we have tried to keep these very low key.
I have been instructed by the Local Authority to remind all parents and children that the SATs are confidential and that there must be no discussion of the content of any of the papers, including on social media. Last year the DfE tracked and interviewed parents who did this.
May Day Celebrations
A quick reminder that the Friends of Dr South’s are looking for donations of toys, books, clothes and plants for stalls on May Day. Please give them to Amy Levy (mum of Jacob and Bella) or leave them at the school office. We would also be very grateful for any help making quiches, salads and cakes, running stalls and serving food. If you can help, please email drsouthsfriends@gmail.com or speak to Sophie Miller or Nicola Richardson. There will be a home clothes day on Friday 20th May to collect prizes for the tombolas. Children may wear home clothes to school in exchange for a tombola prize.
It’s A Knockout Challenge – Sunday June 26th, 12-5pm
Dr South’s have been invited to enter a team into the “It’s a knockout challenge” organised by Bletchingdon School. The team needs to be between 8 and 15 children, with at least 4 children aged 5-7. It was a really fun afternoon last year, with games involving inflatables and a pool. If you are interested in taking part, please e-mail drsouthsfriends@gmail.com asap or speak to Sophie Miller (mum of Islay, Flora and Noah)
This week we congratulated:
- Willow Class: Jak, for a really mature attitude in the classroom;
- Ash Class: Agnes, for a lovely blackbird non-fiction booklet; Alice, for a great descriptive narrative;
- Oak Class: Ruby, for brilliant tennis playing; Millie, for amazing poetry;
- Beech Class: Scarlet, for a superb short story.
Best wishes, Huw Morgan – Headteacher
Our Christian value for the term is Justice. Ask your child about Jonah, and why he ran away, only to end up in the whale. What can we learn from the story?
This week we have been learning about:
Ash
- Descriptive narratives;
- Telling the time;
- Reading scales for liquid;
- May Day dancing;
- Programming a moving toy.
Oak
- Viking longships;
- Designing websites;
- Deforestation;
- Classification of plants and animals;
- Adding decimals;
Beech
- Writing short stories;
- Finding missing lengths of shapes;
- Features of 2-d and 3-d shapes;
- Anglo-Saxon crime and punishment;
- Hacking websites;
Future events (w/b 9th May):
All week
- Year 6 Assessments (SATS).
- A group from Oak Class will be cooking.
- Year 3 will be using the Lin Cooper Practical Skills Building in the afternoons.
Monday
- Forest School for Year 3.
- Governor Teaching and Learning Committee meeting.
Tuesday
- Forest School for Year 5.
Wednesday
- Violin and cello lessons.
- Recorder lessons.
Thursday
- PE with Andy.
- Governor Finance, Premises and Personnel Committee meeting.
- Full Governor meeting to make the decision regarding possible academy status.
Friday
- Jacob’s Field for Ash Class.
- Clarinet lessons for Beech Class.
- Swimming for Oak Class.
- Year 4 multi-generational project.
Forthcoming dates
w/b Monday 9th May Year 6 tests (SATS)
Friday 27th May May Day, end of Term 5
Monday 6th June Start of Term 6
Sunday 12th June Queen’s Birthday celebration
Saturday 25th June Islip Village Fete
Thursday 23rd June Sports Morning and family picnic
Wednesday 6th July Oak and Beech production
Thursday 7th July Reserve Sports Morning (in case of bad weather)
w/b Monday 11th July Beech Class residential
Wednesday 13th July Willow and Ash production
Wednesday 20th July Leavers’ Service, end of Term 6