Monday 29^th January 2024

 

Dear Parents/Carers,

 

RE: Attendance

 

At the start of this term we have seen an unprecedented increase in children’s absence from school. Most of the children off school have been unwell and we understand that winter viruses are very prevalent at the moment. If your child is genuinely unwell then they must be at home to recover. However, if your child is just a bit under the weather we want to encourage parents to still send your child to school.

 

We can administer Calpol with your permission and we will never keep a child in school for a whole day if they deteriorate, especially if they run a temperature.

 

It is vitally important for your child to be in school, even half a day can make a difference. Children who miss 10% or more of lessons quickly fall behind and their academic progress really suffers. If your child has a mild illness such as a cough or cold, please inform our office team who will monitor and take care of your child throughout the day.

 

I thank you for your support in this matter.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Mr Tim O’Brien

Headteacher

 

Welcome to the start of a new school year, especially to all our Year 3 children and parents.  We hope everyone had a relaxing summer holiday.

 

We would also like to welcome two new members of staff to our team. Mrs Wheatland is our new teacher in Year 4. Mrs Etherington has joined us as a new Lunch Time Assistant.

 

School Uniform

 

All the children looked very smart at the start of the school year. We believe that wearing school colours helps children feel a sense of identity and encourages community spirit. Our school colour is navy blue. This is our uniform expectation:

• Navy blue sweatshirt or cardigan with the new Wootey badge.
• Grey trousers, skirt or shorts
• White shirt or polo shirt (optional to have this with a school badge)
• White or grey socks for girls or grey tights. Grey or black socks for boys.
• Option to wear navy blue and white gingham dresses in the summer. Separate gingham blouses or skirts are not permitted.
• Children can wear small hairclips or bows. However, large Jo-Jo bows are not acceptable.
• Black shoes or all black trainers (Trainers that contain large logos or alternative coloured soles are not acceptable.)

On P.E. days children can come to school in their P.E kit for the day.

 

Please can we remind parents that children cannot wear the following:

• Jewelry, such as bracelets and necklaces. (Pupils with pierced ears may wear only small plain studs – one per ear. No other studs are permissible. Watches are also allowed.)
• Nail varnish or make-up.
• Large bows or headbands
• High heeled shoes, sling back or toeless shoes, sandals or flip-flops.
• Trainers, other than plain black, or fashion footwear.
• Leggings, footless or patterned tights.
• Boots.
• Extreme haircuts or unnatural hair colours.

 

Cost of Living Crisis

We are very aware of the financial pressures that families are experiencing at the moment. We know that the cost of school uniform can be a concern. We also know that affording food and paying energy bills is affecting many households too. Please do not hesitate to speak to our staff if you are ever worried. Mrs Slade, in the school office, can signpost help and contacts. We may also have some practical ways we can support you with second hand uniform, food and free school meals too.

 

Lockers

 

All children have lockers to keep their bags and equipment. Each locker has an approximate height and depth of 40cm x 40cm. We discourage children from having large rucksacks. Bags must fit in to this space or they will not be permitted in school.

 

School Collection

 

At the end of the school day, it is our expectation that all children in Years 3, 4 and 5 will be picked up by a parent or a responsible adult unless you inform us differently. We will keep children in school if no adult comes to collect them. Children can walk home by themselves but you must inform the school office. If you are making alternative arrangements for your child to be picked up, please contact the school office before 1pm. Late changes put pressure on our staff to pass on the information and can be unsettling for the children.

 

For children in Year 6, the expectation is that they will not need a direct handover to a parent or responsible adult unless you inform us. Please contact the school office if you have a particular arrangement.

 

Talking to us

 

If you have any questions about your child’s learning or how they are settling in to school at the start of this term, please let us know. A member of the senior leadership team is normally on gate duty from 8:45am to 9:00am in the morning. Class teachers are always available to speak to parents at 3:15pm. You can also find a wealth of information about our school and the curriculum on our website.

 

https://www.wootey-jun.hants.sch.uk/

 

 

We look forward to another great year ahead and we thank you in advance for your continued support.

 

Your sincerely,

 

 

Mr Tim O’Brien

Headteacher