NEWSLETTER Issue: 1.07

FAREWELL MISS PALMER

Next Tuesday we will be saying a sad farewell to Miss Toni Palmer who leaves us after nine years of fantastic service to Newbridge. Hundreds of children over that time have been the lucky beneficiaries of her outstanding teaching, care and commitment to them and to the school. I know there are many who look back at their time here and recognise that she is one of those teachers who genuinely made a difference. It is also fair to say that our primary school would not be where it is today without her contribution as a phase leader and member of the Senior Leadership Team. We are indebted to her in so many ways and we can only wish her, partner Ian and son Isaac, all the very best in their next chapter in Plymouth. For her part, Miss Palmer said ‘This is the best school that I could possibly work at, with the best children and the best staff.’ Thank you for everything Miss Palmer!

………AND MRS MILES

It is also Mrs Miles’ last day at Newbridge after 6½ years as Receptionist in the Office. She is leaving to take up a similar post at Beechen Cliff Secondary School. Over the years Donna has shown great commitment to the school and to her duties, with admirable attention to detail, and she has involved herself in so many aspects of school life. She also amazes us with her ability to know every child’s name and just about every parent’s too! She says that ‘Newbridge is like one big family.’ Our very best wishes go with her and her family for a successful and happy future.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY W/B 19/10/09

Wednesday 21/10/09

INSET Day – School closed to children

Congratulations to Freya Edwards on the birth of her baby brother Archie on the 23rd September.

HEAD’S NOTES…..

I would like to wish everyone a fun-filled and relaxing half term break. This has been a very successful start to the year, with the school moving forward on a number of fronts. A big pat on the back to all our staff who are so committed to the children and school and to our children who I cannot praise highly enough.

We are seeking to appoint a School Meals Supervisory Assistant (SMSA) to carry out lunchtime duties supervising Upper School children. This would be a temporary position covering maternity leave. The hours of work are 12.10pm to 1.25pm every day, starting as soon as possible. If you are interested please contact the Office where we would be happy to give you more details.

On behalf of everyone at Newbridge Primary School, I would like to express my gratitude to Stephanie Massie who steps down after serving as Chair of the NPSA. She has put a huge amount of effort into the role and the success of our school association is due in no small measure to her skills and commitment. Jackie Ainsworth also deserves a great deal of praise for all her efforts as Vice Chair last year and Chair the previous year. We are very grateful to both of them.

ELM CLASS ASSEMBLY

This will be held on Tuesday 3rd November in the Lower School Hall at 2.40pm. Please wait outside the hall as directed. All parents/carers and family members are welcome.

COMPOSTING – If you think we need a composting scheme at school please contact Dawn Worthington via the School Office.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING 'STARS OF THE WEEK’

Years 1 and 2

Matilda, Ollie, Sam

Years 3 and 4

Jessica, Harry, Meg, Ralph

Years 5 and 6

George, Ollie, Daniel, Lily

PPA Art

Rosie, Kate

PPA PE

George, Ella

PPA Music

Nicholas, Max

FOUNDATION STAGE INFORMATION AFTERNOON

This session will take place on Thursday 5th November at 2.15pm in the Blue Room. Come and find out more about the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Mrs Harrison and Mrs Hansard will be available to answer any questions and queries you may have. For those of you who are unable to attend we will be sending out a summary sheet after the meeting.

TRISH’S DRUMMING WORKSHOPS YEARS 1 AND 2

The next six Drum Fun sessions start after half-term on 9th November. Please pick up a form from the School Office if you would like to continue or if you want to start attending the Lunchtime Drum Fun Club. All applicants will receive notification if they have gained a place in the club.

DINNER MONEY

All dinners must be taken on a weekly basis. The cost of dinners is £9.50 per week. Please send the money in on a Monday morning, in an envelope with your child’s name and class on it. All cheques to be made payable to B&NES please.

Dinner money for the coming term is as follows:

November 21 days @ £1.90 =£39.90

December 14 days @ £1.90 =£26.60

Total: £66.50

RECORDERS

Please would parents note that as from November recorders will run on Monday lunchtime (not Tuesdays). They are all working really well and should be practicing!

Thanks, Lesley Houston

KEYBOARD/PIANO LESSONS

Keyboard and Piano lessons will all be on Mondays from November. A new timetable and letter will be handed out next week.

Thanks, Lesley Houston

FOOTBALL MATCH REPORTS

Newbridge Red Devils v St Mary’s

On Thursday 8th October, Newbridge Red Devils played St Mary’s. It was a really tough game but with some brilliant vision from Sam.L and a great through ball from Josh to Oliver, Oliver slipped the ball into the net. The match could have gone either way but the Red Devils held on to their 1-0 advantage with St Mary’s pushing for the equalizer towards the end of the match. We won 1-0

We would like to say a big thank you to Mr Cumpson for organising the Match, Steve Wylie for refereeing the game, Mr Hempleman for coaching us and our parents for coming to support us. By John H

Newbridge All Stars v St Mary’s

On the 8th October Newbridge All Stars played St Mary’s. We started off brilliantly with a cracking half volley from the halfway line by Tom H which put us 1-0 up. We followed up quickly with a great run down the left by Alfie and his great cross meant Charlie quickly gave us a second. The next goal was also from Charlie inside the box. The 4th goal was a wonder strike from the half way line, again from Tom H. The 5th and 6th goals came from Jack. The 7th goal came from Harry W. The 8th goal completed Jack S’ hat trick. Then our 9th came from Alfie’s cross that deflected off the keeper and went into the back of the net. The 10th goal came from Harry R who looped a header over the keeper. In the end we won 10-0.

We would like to thank Mr.Cumpson and all the parents for supporting us.

By Tom E and Tom H

LINK ROMANIA – SHOEBOX APPEAL

As previously, we are supporting this charity. This is a very worthy cause, as the children and their families who receive these boxes have very few of the essentials that we all take for granted and certainly none of the special treats we receive. If you would like to give a shoebox, and it is completely voluntary, a leaflet giving you guidelines on how to do this is included with this Newsletter. The completed shoeboxes can be brought into school after half term. Final date will be Friday 6th November.

NEWSLETTER Issue: 1.06

HEAD’S VIEW
It is a time of change at Newbridge, with three of our long standing governors, Nigel Hamilton, Nicola Lucas and Lucy Hanney, leaving after giving fantastic service to the former Infant and Junior Schools, and then through the early stages of our Primary School. Fitting tributes are paid to all three in the attached Governors’ newsletter and I would just like to add to that by thanking all three for making a genuine difference in their own different ways. We are a better school for their contribution. If you would like to take up their reins as a governor, please refer to the Governors’ Newsletter for details.

We will also be saying farewell to Mrs Miles who will be leaving her post at the end of this half term to work in the school office at Beechen Cliff School. We will say more about Mrs Miles in next week’s final newsletter of term, but I just want to say that she will be missed and our very best wishes will go with her. If you would like to make a contribution towards Mrs Miles’ leaving present please send it to Mrs Hill. Mrs Dennis will be covering her post after half term until a permanent appointment is made.

Please can I refer everyone to the article in the Governors’ newsletter about sweets. I hope you appreciate that we are not stopping sweets in school for ‘Bah Humbug’ reasons but for the right reasons. This will come into effect after half term.

Last but not least we welcome Jibran who has just joined Willow class. Our best wishes go to him and his family.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY W/B 12/10/09:
Monday 12/10/09
- NPSA Coffee Morning: 9.00 – 10.00am
- Year 3 Roman Week
Thursday 15/10/09
- Isle of Wight meeting for Year 6 parents and children: 6.30pm
Friday 16/10/09
- Ted’s Big Day Out – RUH Fundraising

MISS PALMER
We are aware that former pupils and parents may want to send a farewell message to Miss Palmer. We would appreciate it if the word can be passed around that anyone who wants to send a message, please write it on a white sticky label and we will put all messages in a special book which will be presented to her on her last day, Tuesday 20th October. Please send to the Office or with your child by Friday 16th October. Thank you.

TED’S BIG DAY OUT NEXT FRIDAY
Please note that children (and staff) are asked to bring their teddies in on Friday 16th October, with a £1 minimum donation, to raise money for the RUH NICU ‘space to grow’ campaign. We have supported the RUH for several years and we appreciate your generosity in supporting the RUH and its desire to give the very best to vulnerable young babies. We will be holding a Teddies Parade in school during the day and the theme this year is ‘silver and blue’ for those that want to dress their teddies.

PLEASE NOTE………..
There will be no NPSA Committee meeting this coming Monday. Instead it has been rescheduled for Monday 9th November. Look out in next week’s newsletter for the latest NPSA news.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING ‘STARS OF THE WEEK’
Years 1 and 2
Maddie, Toby, Lucy, Olivia, Jack
Years 3 and 4
Tommy, Rhys, Lydia
Years 5 and 6
Abigail, Ben, Tom, Isabel
PPA Art
Toby, Ella
PPA PE
Oliver, John
PPA Music
Harry, Lucas

MRS BARTLETT’S QUESTIONNAIRE
Thank you to all those parents who have returned their questionnaire that I sent out regarding Transition in school. I have really enjoyed reading the comments so far. Closing date is 16th October, and it would be great to have some more as I value your comments!

ATTENTION: PARENTS OF CLASS 4PB
As Miss Palmer is leaving at half-term she is holding parents’ evening next week. If you would like to discuss your child’s progress with Miss Palmer, please sign up on the sheet in the main office.

EMMANUEL SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday 11 October at 9.30am - Subject: ‘God’s rules’ - All welcome

CELEBRATING WRITING
Sumayyah and Jazmine – 3B
MOON POEM
Shining
Like a ball of icing gleaming in space
Sparkling
Like a crystal pearl
Golden
Like a baseball hit into spaceBeautiful Like a glass ball and a golden button

NEWSLETTER Issue: 1.05

CONGRATULATIONS MRS SELLICK!
Yesterday we held a surprise assembly for Mrs Sellick to celebrate the incredible achievement of twenty five years at Newbridge. We all think the world of Mrs Sellick and Katerina in Year 4 summed up our feelings when she said that Mrs Sellick is ‘just like a mother to all of us’. She was also described as having a ‘heart of gold’, ‘always happy’ and ‘good with children and helps us when we are bleeding’! Many said she is ‘just lovely’. At the end of the assembly, Mrs Sellick said that she has loved every minute of her time at Newbridge and there is nowhere else she would rather be. Here’s to another 25 years at Newbridge, Mrs Sellick!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY W/B 05/10/09
Monday 05/10/09
- Volunteer induction/welcome in Blue Room 9.00-9.45am
Tuesday 06/10/09
- 2H Assembly @ 2.40pm
Wednesday 07/10/09
- Volunteer induction/welcome in Blue Room 9.00-9.45am
Thursday 08/10/09
- NPSA AGM And Cheese & Wine @ 7.30pm – all parents and carers invited
Friday 09/10/09
- Harvest Festival @ 9.15am

PLEASE NOTE ……………….
§ For our Harvest Festival next Friday we are asking children and staff to bring in produce on Thursday (to go to the Blue Room). This is then going to support the homeless through Julian House. Please ensure the produce is non-perishable ie tins and packets. Julian House have said that the following are always needed: rice, pasta, tinned fruit, tea, coffee, baked beans, cereals, biscuits ……Thank you for your support for the Harvest and for Julian House.
§ As mentioned before last term, Mrs Bartlett is leading the review of our transition procedures throughout the school. Your time in completing the questionnaire attached is greatly appreciated and will be very helpful when revising our procedures to make the transition for our children even smoother from one year to the next.
§ A big ‘welcome’ to Matilda (2C) and Ben (Elm) who have joined our school. Matilda was previously at St Andrews. Our very best wishes go to them and their family and we hope they will be very happy here.
§ A big ‘well done!’ to all our Reception children on the very positive start they have made at Newbridge. They also coped extremely well with their first whole school assembly and the loud welcome!

‘LET'S GROW’ VOUCHERS
We have started collecting Morrisons’ ‘Let’s Grow’ Vouchers. Last year we had a great collection and received a wheelbarrow, some seeds, compost and some gardening tools. We also gave every Year 3 pupil a pack of bean seeds from Morrisons for joining the scheme. Please ask family and friends to start collecting again! There is a collecting box in the school office. Many Thanks, Miss Simpson

FOOD by 1R
Crisps are salty, Toffee is gooey
Curry is lumpy, Chocolate is melty
Ice cream is soft, Jelly is wobbly

COMPOST BINS
We are trying to find out if there is a need for the school composting scheme. Could anyone who thinks they would use the compost, leave a message for Dave Courtney or Dawn Worthington at reception. Thank you.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING ‘STARS OF THE WEEK’
Years 1 and 2
Lucy, Olivia, Maddie, Toby, Jack
Years 3 and 4
Hannah, Jackson, Cameron, James
Years 5 and 6
Sam, Joshua, Joe, Lily, Brandon, Olivia
PPA Art
Francesca, Abi
PPA PE
Luke, William
PPA Music
Poppy, Sophie

SCHOOL COUNCIL
On Monday the school council met and chose a Local charity, a National charity and an International charity. We all decided by voting. We chose:
Local charity – South West Children’s Hospice for terms 3 & 4
National charity – Great Ormond Street Hospital charity for terms 5 & 6
International charity – Mercy In Action for terms 1 & 2
A big ‘thank you’ to the school councillors for representing their classes, and the class councils for giving their views and ideas.

CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE
At the end of every month each class teacher has a very difficult decision to face. They have to choose the one person from their class to receive a Certificate of Excellence. The person they choose has to consistently be the best that he or she can be. That could be in effort and attitude, achievement, behaviour or citizenship. Sometimes it can be very difficult deciding as all of the children at Newbridge seem to work so hard and behave so well!
The girls and boys with their names here this month deserve congratulating. It is not easy to be awarded a Certificate of Excellence and they have done extremely well.
Lower School
Lottie, Ben, Alfie, Joshua
Upper School
Daniel, Sam, Maddie, Jacob, Molly, Chloe, John, Jack

NEWSLETTER Issue: 1.04

CALLING ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS
You are all invited to any one of our induction and welcome meetings which are now being held on Friday 2nd October, Monday 5th October and Wednesday 7th October from 9.00 – 9.45am. This is for all our existing volunteers as well as anyone who would like to help in any way at Newbridge. At these meetings, over a cup of coffee, Mr Day, Mrs Kennaugh and I would like to talk to you about our new procedures, about how we would like to strengthen our volunteer network, to hear your views and express our gratitude for the work of our existing excellent volunteers. If you are a prospective or current volunteer who does not have a current CRB clearance for our school, then can you please bring three forms of identity with you (any three of passport, driving licence, birth or marriage certificate, utility bill and NI card – one of which must have your address displayed) so that we can get the process underway. I do apologise for the bureaucracy involved but I am sure you understand the need for such safeguarding measures. I look forward to seeing all our volunteers at these meetings. Mr Croker

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY W/B 28/09/09
Thursday 01/10/09
- Kilve Court Meeting: Year 5 parents and children @ 6.30pm
Friday 02/10/09
- First Volunteer Welcome / Induction meeting (see ‘Calling All Our Volunteers’)

BETTER READING PARTNERS
Thank you for the excellent response to the call for volunteers to take part in this programme. At least eighteen volunteers stepped forward. In the first cohort, however, we can only train and accommodate seven to start the programme after half term. Mr Day will be contacting all the volunteers who expressed an interest and giving you further details. Anyone not taking part this time will have further opportunities for training and participation in the future. There will be more details about Better Reading Partners and how reading will be structured at Newbridge in next week’s newsletter.

YEAR 1
For our topic work please can all Year 1 children bring three photos showing themselves as a baby, a toddler and a child. Please make sure all photos are named. Please bring in by Friday 2nd October. Many thanks, Miss Barratt and Ms Rhodes.

VIOLIN WANTED
Does anyone have a quarter sized violin that a child in 2H can borrow for a term, to see if he likes the instrument. If you can help please call Sam on 01225 481449. Many thanks.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING ‘STARS OF THE WEEK’
Years 1 and 2
Charley, Bailey, Qutaybah, Lewis, Theo
Years 3 and 4
Hugo, Phoebe, Jacob, Harry
Years 5 and 6
Thomas, Sam, Lilley, Charlotte
PPA Art
Kasiem, Aisha
PPA PE
Emelia, Olivia
PPA Music
Daniel, Freya

Bath Guitar School presents...
Monsters of Rock - Guitar/Band Workshop on Saturday 31st October 2009
at Bathford Parish Hall, Bathford
The Monsters of Rock guitar/band workshop is designed to give guitarists between the ages of 8 and 18 the opportunity to play together with other musicians and encourage learning whilst performing together as a band.
Monsters of Rock Workshop - (Beginner/Intermediate Class)
This workshop is suitable for guitarists with one or more years playing experience (grade 3 and under). The workshop will have an emphasis on playing in a full band including a drummer and singer. During this workshop participants will learn the following full-length songs:
Summer of 69 – Bryan Adams
2. Black Knight – Deep Purple
Cost £25 (Payment in advance) The workshop will begin at 10.00am and will last for 3 hours. Squash and a snack will be available during the interval. Parents are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early to collect their children and watch the showcase performance of the full band songs.
Call Richard Perkins at Bath Guitar School on 07977 580 129 or Email info@bathguitarschool.com to book your place. Workshop has a limited number of spaces available. www.bathguitarschool.com

A message from the Family Information Service, Bath and North East Somerset Council
Choice Advice - Secondary Schools Admissions Support for Parents
Choice Advice is a service aimed at parents and carers who may have difficulty in selecting an appropriate Year 7 secondary school place for their children. This will include families who find the process difficult to understand, have not engaged with their child’s school, who may have English as an additional language or who meet certain other criteria.
Choice Advice will provide advice and assistance, delivered by an independent Choice Adviser, to help these parents and carers select a secondary school that meets their children’s academic and developmental needs, is easy to travel to and that their children will be happy and want to attend.
Parents of children entering into Year 6 this September 2009, who will be applying for a secondary school place for September 2010, will be eligible to access the service, if their needs meet the Choice Advice criteria. In Bath & North East Somerset Choice Advice is being delivered by the Family Information Service. If you know of a parent or family who may need some extra support with the Year 6/7 admissions process for this September, please contact Rowan Tanner on 0800 073 1214 or email Rowan_Tanner@bathnes.gov.uk

NPSA NEWS
Barn Dance – Friday 25th September - Upper School Hall
8.00pm -11.30pm
You can still buy a ticket on the door to our first event of the year! This promises to be a good one with the Upper School Hall turned into a barn, the Blue Room into a saloon and live folk and rock band ‘Rock ‘n Reel’. Tickets cost £7.50 and include a Ploughman’s Supper and a glass of wine.
2010 Newbridge Calendar
Due to popular demand, we will be producing a 2010 Newbridge Calendar, so hold off buying one from anywhere else! This calendar promises to be as much fun as the last one and will contain all those useful school dates again. Please watch this space for further details.

NEWSLETTER Issue: 1.03

SCHOOL POLICY ON HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME
It is becoming increasingly common at Newbridge for holidays to be taken during term time and we are concerned about the impact this is having on the children’s education. I want to reiterate that holidays during term time should be considered the exception and not the norm. Please can you read the following excerpts from the school’s policy on holidays in term time.
‘Parents are urged to avoid booking a family holiday during term time and should consider the implications for their child’s education when doing this.
Parents/Carers do not have the right to take their child out of school for such a holiday, but the school may choose to grant leave of absence of up to 10 days in any school year. In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary for longer planned absence but, as a rule, leave of absence for holidays will not be granted for more than ten days. All such exceptional cases should be discussed with the Headteacher.
In considering whether or not to authorise leave for a family holiday, the Headteacher will consider each case individually, taking into account a child's overall attendance and the reason for the holiday. A holiday will generally not be granted if the child’s attendance level is below 90%. In any case the Head will discuss the application with the child’s parents. The Headteacher will not authorise holidays taken at the beginning of the academic year or during time when pupils are being formally assessed.’
Our policy on this matter is being reviewed this year. In the meantime, can our parents and carers do all they can to ensure that holidays do not fall during the school term. Thank you. Mr Croker

CALLING ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS
You are all invited to any one of our induction and welcome meetings which are now being held on Friday 2nd October, Monday 5th October and Wednesday 7th October from 9.00 – 9.45am. This is for all our existing volunteers as well as anyone who would like to help in any way at Newbridge. At these meetings, over a cup of coffee, Mr Day, Mrs Kennaugh and I would like to talk to you about our new procedures, about how we would like to strengthen our volunteer network, to hear your views and express our gratitude for the work of our existing excellent volunteers. If you are a prospective or current volunteer who does not have a current CRB clearance for our school, then can you please bring three forms of identity with you (any three of passport, driving licence, birth or marriage certificate, utility bill and NI card – one of which must have your address displayed) so that we can get the process underway. I do apologise for the bureaucracy involved but I am sure you understand the need for such safeguarding measures. I look forward to seeing all our volunteers at these meetings. Mr Croker

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY W/B 21/09/09
Monday 21/09/09
ü Clubs start
ü Life Cycle bike training: Years 5 and 6
Tuesday 22/09/09
ü Open Morning: 9.30 – 10.30am
Friday 25/09/09
ü NPSA Barn Dance: 8.00pm

CONTACT DETAILS
To ensure all our records are up to date, can you please inform the office if any of your contact details have changed ie address, telephone number, mobile phone number and emergency contact. Thank you.

LOST PROPERTY
A pink and purple scooter was left in the Lower School at the end of last term. A child’s bike and helmet were also left on the stage in the Lower School Hall last Monday. Please claim these items as soon as possible. All lost property which is unclaimed is taken to the charity shop.

NEWBRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Please refer to the attached letter, with details about the AGM and how we can make our fantastic association even better! All our parents and carers are members of the NPSA – please support us.

SHOE BOX APPEAL – LINK ROMANIA REMINDER
As in previous years we will be supporting this appeal. Leaflets will go out to you all just before half term, so please start collecting your empty shoe boxes and gifts. Ideas for gifts:-toiletries, hairbrush, stationery, sweets, chocolates etc.

TEXT MESSAGING SERVICE
We are pleased to announce that we are trialling a text messaging service for the next three weeks to communicate school news, updates, reminders, events and other important information. Text messaging will help us to keep you informed at all times so that together we can offer the best support for your child.
From time to time you will receive a text message from the school. Please be assured that this service is FREE to you as the recipient of the text message.
We appreciate your support of this initiative as we trial this system. Please can you ensure the mobile phone details we have on our records are up to date.

In partnership with Bath and North East Somerset Council
FINDING IT HARD TO GET THE KIDS TO LISTEN?
FREE group for parents and carers to meet and discuss ideas using materials produced by the Family Caring Trust and led by two workers, both parents, from First Steps (Bath) Family Services Team.
When? - Monday evenings: 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Monday 5th October – taster session – come and see if this way of working is helpful to you without any further commitment.
Where? – Small Hall, St Saviour’s Infant School, Spring Lane, Larkhall, Bath BA1 6NY
How to book? – Telephone First Steps (Bath) 01225 444791

A message from the Community Learning Service
Thinking of improving your Maths or English?
Join our free 10-week brush-up courses. Courses are tailored to your needs with an opportunity to gain a Level 1 or 2 qualification.
Maths – Monday: 7.00pm – 9.00pm – start 14th September
English – Wednesday: 7.00pm – 9.00pm – start 16th September
Culverhay School, Rush Hill, Bath BA2 2QL
Sign up now! Call Naomi/Christina – 01225 396192 or Elaine – 01225 396450

NPSA NEWS
BARN DANCE - Friday 25th September: 8.00pm - 11.30pm Upper School Hall
Book a babysitter, dust off your cowboy hats and buy a ticket to our first event of the year! This promises to be a good one with the Upper School Hall turned into a barn, the Blue Room into a saloon and live folk and rock band ‘Rock ‘n Reel’.
Tickets cost £7.50 and include a Ploughman’s Supper and free glass of wine and are available from your class reps. Alternatively, fill in the tear-off slip below and hand it in to Reception. So, come along and have some fun!

NEWSLETTER Issue: 1.02

CHILD PROTECTION
‘At Newbridge Primary School we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of our pupils. Each pupil’s welfare is of paramount importance and we will always take a considered and sensitive approach in order that we can support our pupils in the best possible way.’ NPS Child Protection Policy.
In the light of the heightened response to child protection and safeguarding procedures in the media, I want to inform you of how we operate some of our school’s safeguarding and child protection procedures.
In my role as Designated Teacher for Child Protection I have a number of duties to fulfil. One of these is to work positively with parents/carers to support you with any issue or concern you may have. If there is any way we can help please do talk to us. In the same way if we have a concern then we will approach you. I feel strongly that ultimately we all want the same outcomes for your children; for them to be happy, healthy, to enjoy and achieve, and to keep themselves safe. We are committed to working with you openly and honestly whilst respecting your rights to privacy and confidentiality. It is however important for you to be aware that there may be exceptional circumstances when the school will have to discuss concerns with Social Care and/or the Police without your knowledge (in accordance with Child Protection procedures).
Through particular lessons and assemblies we ensure that pupils are aware of the sorts of behaviour towards them that is not acceptable and how they can keep themselves safe. All pupils are made aware of adults they can talk to, both in and out of school. They are told that they have a right to be listened to and heard and the steps that can be taken to protect them from harm.
In my role I ensure that all staff receive the relevant child protection training to support them in responding to any concerns they may have. In this I feel confident that we have a staff who are truly committed to our children and have a good understanding of their needs. A staff who respond appropriately and are able to support individual children and their families in the best way possible.
In terms of visitors, contractors, outside providers and volunteers on site we operate the locked site system and request every visitor to report to the school office to be signed in. On this note may I remind you that on entering the site through the bottom pedestrian gate you need to push this closed behind you.
As you may know, all staff, providers and volunteers are subject to a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure before they can work regularly at the school. At a time when we are actively requesting the support of volunteers I would like to try to put your minds at rest concerning this. I do understand that having a CRB check carried out may be a fearful experience; however, this is the world in which we live and we would not be fulfilling our safeguarding duties if these were not in place. It is best practice that a CRB should be in place if you volunteer in school, however briefly. This will also then allow for you to support a class whenever possible or at short notice i.e. a school trip. Please do not be offended if your offer of support is not accepted if you do not hold a valid CRB. I must also remind you that CRBs are not portable and that if you work or volunteer at our school, you need to gain one for this establishment. There is no cost for volunteer CRBs. If you would like to apply for one, then please contact Mrs Miles in the school office.
As I have said this is only a brief synopsis of some procedures. You will soon be able to view the school’s Child Protection Policy on the school’s website. If you would like to see a paper copy or ask any related questions then please contact me.
Please be assured that we are here to work with you and to support you; do not hesitate to contact me for any support or advice you may require. Gill Kennaugh

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY W/B 14/09/09:
Wednesday 16th September
ü Deadline for return of club choices forms
Friday 18th September
ü Year 6 pupils involved in Playleader Training pm

FRUIT SCHEME
Volunteers required to help with the Fruit Scheme. If you can help, please see Dawn Worthington in the Lower School Dining Hall any morning. Many thanks.

INDIE’S FREE PET MINDING SERVICE
Do you have pets in cages/tanks (eg hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, gerbils, rabbits, reptiles) and need someone to look after them when you go away? Indigo (4PB), whose mean parents won't let her have a caged pet of her own, is offering to mind your pets for free at her house, as long as she's not away when you are! Contact Indie direct or via Mr Baigent.
(‘Bring on the crocodiles, eh. Indie!’ Mr Croker)

MESSAGE TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
The induction sessions arranged for this week had to be postponed due to Mr Day’s absence from school. Mr Day, our Community Links Coordinator, has been suffering from severe back problems over the holidays but the good news is that he is on the mend. He hopes to return next week and he will then be back in touch with our volunteer network. This includes everyone who put their names forward to be involved in the Better Reading Partners programme. We would like to thank all our parents, relatives and members of the community who attended last term’s information sessions on how we would like to develop our volunteer network for the benefit of all. Mr Croker

WANTED: BATH BLITZ SPEAKERS
Year 5 are studying World War II this term, with a particular focus on the Bath Blitz. We would love for anyone with first hand experience to come and speak to the children about living in Bath during this time. Please contact Miss Amies or Miss Wells if you or someone you know could volunteer.

MUSIC CLUBS
It would be lovely to see some new faces at all the Music Clubs as well as all the lovely experienced musicians. I would especially like to see brass and flute players at orchestra. (Please no absolute beginner instrumentalists). Take the plunge, join in!

SUPPORTING CHARITIES
At the first school council meeting of the year in two weeks, we will be deciding on which local, national and international charity we would like to support this year. Each school rep will bring their class’ ideas to this meeting. Any ideas our families may have on this, please discuss with your child at home, so that we can make the most informed decision possible. Thank you.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I would just like to say a big thank you to all of you for organising your children’s PE kits. I have been really impressed this week with how smart they have all looked. It makes such a difference and put a huge smile on my face. Mrs Bartlett.

A message from the School Crossing Patrol Coordinator
SCHOOL CROSSING PATROL SERVICE – “Using your Lollipop”
School Crossing Patrol is here to ensure the safety of you and your children as you cross the road on your way to and from school. To help the “Lollipop” help you, please observe the following
rules:
- Always use the Patrol! Getting your children into the habit of using the “Lollipop” will help ensure their safety when they walk to school on their own
- Please cross close to, and walk in front of the Patrol where he/ she can see everyone using the crossing, please do not walk behind the Patrol
- Everyone using the Patrol should wait on the pavement until the Patrol instructs you to cross. He or she will judge when it is safe to cross and when the traffic has stopped. Please do not allow your children to follow you into the road. They must wait for the School Crossing Patrol to beckon them across the road.
- Never let your children run near to, or across the road, even in front of the Patrol
- If your child cycles to school, ensure they dismount and push their bike or scooter across the road.
- Be patient. Your Patrol has a difficult job to do and her first concern will always be the safety of the children. There may be times when he / she may be cautious about entering the road, especially during very busy periods. Please encourage your children to rely on the judgement of your Patrol.
Please be aware the law allows School Crossing Patrols to stop the traffic for All Pedestrians, including adults, during their duty times at their appointed site only. The Patrol must not change their appointed site or take responsibility for crossing pedestrians away from their site.
WANTED: Relief Lollipop Person to cover the patrol on Newbridge Hill whenever Mr Cross is unavailable. If interested please contact Irene Stewart, School Crossing Patrol Co-ordinator – Tel: 01225 394922 or email Irene_Stewart@bathnes,gov.uk

ORIENTEERING – Come and Try it
Bristol Orienteering Klub (BOK) welcome families and individuals to try orienteering on Saturday 12th September at Kingsweston House, Bristol BS11 0UR. Arrive between 1pm and 2pm. Park at the house. Cost: juniors £1 (accompanying adult free) adult courses £3. For more information see www.bristolorienteering.org.uk or contact Celia on Tel 07907778865

NPSA NEWS
For those of you who are new to the school, NPSA stands for Newbridge Primary School Association. It is made up of both parents and staff and its aim is ‘to advance the education of the pupils of the School by providing and assisting in the provision of facilities at the school’.
In other words, it is the NPSA who runs various events throughout the school year in order to raise funds and promote a community feel within the school. Some of the events we usually run include Christmas Fairs, Quiz Nights, Cake Sales, Coffee Mornings and Summer Fairs. Last year we raised an impressive £13,500 thanks to the great support we received!
You might be wondering how you can join in and become a member? Well – you are automatically members of the NPSA if your child attends the school but, if you would like to become more involved, we will be publishing a list of committee roles in next week’s newsletter.
And the Annual General Meeting with Cheese and Wine Reception will take place on Thursday 8th October at 7.30pm in the Blue Room. This is open to all our parents, carers and staff.
Barn Dance – Friday 25th September - Upper School Hall
8.00pm - 11.30pm
Book a babysitter, dust off your cowboy hats and buy a ticket to our first event of the year! This promises to be a good one with the Upper School Hall turned into a barn, the blue room into a saloon and live folk and rock band ‘Rock ‘n Reel’. Tickets cost £7.50 and include a Ploughman’s Supper and free glass of wine and are available from your class reps. Alternatively, fill in the tear-off slip below and hand it in to Reception. So, come and have some fun and raise some money for the school at the same time!
Help wanted!
Due to popular demand, we are hoping to publish another Newbridge School Calendar this year. If you would like to be involved in either the admin or the sourcing of printers – please email npsa@hotmail.co.uk or pop a note in the NPSA tray in Reception by Friday next week. Your help will be very much appreciated.

(‘I would like to let all our new parents and families know that we have the best School Association in the world! The members of the NPSA committee organise a fantastic variety of events throughout the year. We raise loads of money to help provide our school with first class facilities and resources (eg the new adventure trail) and, on top of that, everyone gets involved to help run activities and events or support them on the day. There is always lots of laughter and we pride ourselves on the sense of togetherness that we have, whether it be helping out at Groundforce on a Saturday morning or scratching our heads at a Quiz Night! An excellent example of this was the Summer Fete at the end of last term. The NPSA Chair, Steph Massie, and a hugely committed team around her, organised the best Summer Fete I have attended (I have been to a few in my time!). It was packed with people of all ages, we all had a lot of fun and we raised over £ 6000 as well! Of course, any school association is only as good as the people in it and we always need more willing hands, more ideas and more energy to help us continue to grow and develop. Why not come along to the AGM and find out about the best in the world!’ Mr Croker)

NEWSLETTER Issue: 1.01

Welcome back to the start of another exciting year at Newbridge! I hope you all had a fantastic summer and feel well-rested for the term ahead. Everyone looks very bright-eyed and raring to go, and I must commend the children on how smart they look in their school uniforms. We welcome two new children, Jimmi (3S) and Rhiannon (6H), who both started yesterday. My very best wishes go to both of them. Our Reception children start next week and we look forward to welcoming them.

As a staff, we are really excited too about a new year. Over the holidays, phase two of our ICT update has been completed and now there are new and upgraded computers throughout the school. Various areas have been redecorated and old classroom furniture replaced. The incredible Upper School cloakroom mural has been completed and I urge you all to see this when you have the opportunity. In my view, it is right up there with the Cistine Chapel! All the designs were created by the outgoing Year 6 children and they were led by Jane Callan who was very ably assisted by Carol Hinton and Paulo Baigent. I cannot even begin to tell you how much time they have invested in this project and I cannot thank them enough for their skill and dedication to the cause.

The only ‘down side’ to the start of this year is the news that Miss Palmer will be leaving us at the end of this half term. Miss Palmer is an outstanding teacher and has brought so much to the school in her nine years here. However, her partner has been appointed to a senior position in the Plymouth City Council and my suggestion of commuting seems out of the question! It will be with sadness to see Miss Palmer leave us but it will be an exciting new chapter for her family. I have written a separate letter to our 4PB parents and carers, going into a little more detail, but suffice to say here that Mrs Bartlett will be taking over from Miss Palmer after the October half term and Mrs Kennaugh and I will be taking on Mrs Bartlett’s PPA PE teaching commitments. We are all excited about the prospect!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY W/B 07/09/09
Tuesday 08/09/09
ü Getting to Know You: Year 1 @ 2.00pm Year 4 @ 2.30pm
Wednesday 09/09/09
ü Getting to Know You: Year 2 @ 2.00pm Year 5 @ 2.30pm
Thursday 10/09/09
ü Getting to Know You: Year 3 @ 2.00pm Year 6 @ 2.30pm
Friday 11/09/09
ü Curriculum Overview out to parents

‘GETTING TO KNOW YOU’ SESSIONS FOR PARENTS
This is an opportunity for parents and carers to meet their child’s teacher, spend half an hour in their child’s classroom and run through the day to day routines and expectations. This session will answer all those questions you may have about homework, PE kit, house points and so on. Last year we introduced these sessions for the first time and parents found them extremely useful.

LOWER SCHOOL – START OF THE DAY
From Monday 7th September, we are asking the children to follow new procedures at the beginning of the day.
From 8.40am please:
v wait with your child on the lower school playgrounds (if it is raining please go under the covered areas until the bell rings and the class teacher opens the classroom door).
v sign the ‘Going Home Book’ in class cloakrooms when necessary
At 8.50am the bell will ring and all the children will line up in the playground as follows:
v Foundation Stage to line up in the lower playground
v Year 1 and 2 to line up on the upper playground
The teacher of each class will greet their lines of children and walk them into the classrooms.
Please ensure your child has all their belongings with them, to take into their classrooms. We would like to encourage the children to be as independent as possible. It is important that all children are accompanied by an adult until they are in line and the teacher is ready to take them into class. Thank you for your support.

KEYBOARD/PIANO LESSONS
There are a couple of spaces available for keyboard or piano lessons. Please let Mrs Houston know if you are interested. Please note there is a charge for these lessons. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

YEAR 4 SWIMMING
Class 4C will be swimming on Wednesdays up to half-term, starting next Wednesday 9th September. Please bring in swimming kit and be in the playground by 8.45am. Any problems please see Mr Cumpson. If any parents would like to help (must be CRB checked) please contact Mr Cumpson.

DINNER MONEY
All dinners must be taken on a weekly basis. Please note that the cost of dinners has increased to £9.50 per week. Please send the money in on a Monday morning, in an envelope with your child’s name and class on it. All cheques to be made payable to B&NES please.
Dinner money for the coming term is as follows:
September - 20 days @ £1.90 = £38.00
October - 14 days @ £1.90 = £26.60
TOTAL = £64.60

LITERACY LINK BOOKS
To keep these books in the best condition possible throughout the year, we are asking for our parents and carers’ help! Can you please ‘tacky back’ the front and back covers at home. We found last year that the constant toing and froing between home and school took its toll and it was difficult to take the pride and care in this book that we would expect. Thank you for your support in this.

E-SAFETY - BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET LOCAL SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN BOARD IN ASSOCIATION WITH SOUTH WEST GRID FOR LEARNING (SWGfL)
Information evenings for parents to help keep your children safe online
7.00 – 8.00pm all welcome
Bath – Ralph Allen School (Claverton Down Road, Combe Down) – 15th October 2009
Midsomer Norton – Norton Hill School (Charlton Road, Midsomer Norton) – 4th November 2009
Keynsham – Wellsway School (Chandag Road, Keynsham) – 15th September 2009 (Lansdown Hall)