Newsletter 20.12.17

                                                                Weekly Newsletter

                                                                                                                                20th December 2017

Dear Parents,

We have come to the end of a long term and I am sure that the whole school community is looking forward to a well earned rest. I certainly am after spending the night in the pony’s stable, thanks to those naughty elves! !

Hopefully you’ve been able to follow the elves antics on facebook with your children-We have certainly had some fun this week!

The prospect of Christmas cheers us and lifts our spirits away from the cold, dark and depressing weather of the season. As Christmas draws closer, it is inevitable that our minds start, albeit briefly, to drift away from the hard work of our day-to-day school business, to the festive period itself. Let us remind ourselves, that this is one time of year when it is commonplace to find the spirit of human kindness alive and well. Let us embrace this by ensuring that we enjoy ourselves safely but also take time to look out for those nearest and dearest to us and those less fortunate than ourselves.

Certainly we have lots to smile about with the achievements of 2017 and it is a year we can look back on with a great deal of pride. We couldn’t be happier or prouder with the way that every member of this community continues to support and embrace The Learning Federation. It just goes to show 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' Our improving SATs result and the development of the farm, which will provide a totally different, exciting learning environment for our children, are just 2 examples of the way Mead is moving forward.

I could not be more excited about what’s in store for next year, and for the opportunity to work with pupils, staff and parents in 2018.

Staff news
Sadly we have to say goodbye to 2 staff members- Miss Reppin, who is returning to Australia, leaves Mead with our very best wishes for the future. Her replacement, Miss Morgaine, has already been in school to meet with the children in her class and is very excited to be joining the ‘Mead family’ in January.

Mrs Shoulders, who has been at Mead for 6 ½ years, will be sorely missed. She is leaving as she is expecting her first baby in February-When we come back we will be eagerly waiting for news of her baby’s arrival and then looking forward to meeting him. Her replacement Miss Gonsalves is very much looking forward to working with our children in the nursery.

Thank you!
Your generous donations following the Christmas performances raised a staggering £1115.70 which we will forward to Isabelle’s family as the ‘Mead family’s donation towards a head stone for her grave. I can’ even begin to tell you how impressed I am with the Harold Hill community spirit.

Attendance News!
I am delighted to announce the winners of the attendance league for the Autumn term Canada class! They will enjoy their reward at the beginning of next term, congratulations to all of the pupils in Canada who have remembered their number one job of coming to school every day. The overall attendance for this term is 94.5%. We have the Spring term to make 1.5% improvement to reach our target of 96%.

First Day of 2018
We are looking forward to seeing all children back at school in January 2018. There are no clubs at the beginning of term, so all pupils should be picked up promptly by 3.15pm.

School opens again on the Tuesday 2nd January – Breakfast Club at 7.45am – with the doors opening at 8.30am.

Havering Catering Services
Week beginning Monday 1st January is week 3 Havering Catering Services menu. A school meal costs £2.20 and is served with unlimited salad and vegetables.

LFPA
I would like to take this chance to thank the LFPA for the way they decorated the hall for the Mead Christmas lunch - the table covers, crackers and novelty hats really made it a very special event!

Finally…..thank you as well for all the cards and gifts that have been given to staff. On behalf of them I would like to thank you for your kindness and generosity.

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year… see you in 2018!

Have a fabulous holiday

Yours sincerely,

Mrs L Smith
Headteacher