La Rue de la Houguette, St Saviour, Jersey JE2 7UG
Telephone: (01534) 856904 Fax:
(01534) 856620
E-mail:
office@stmichaels.je Website:
www.stmichaelsschool.je
TO ALL PARENTS FROM THE HEADMASTER
This has been another busy term for parents and children. Our entries in the French Eisteddfod did very well with all children winning either, Gold, Silver or Bronze Certificates. Benjamin Fritschi, Oliver Seymour, Benedict Jones and Raul Lai were cup winners and my congratulations go to them all. The Senior Choir, Form 3, Form 2 and Form 1 Choirs all sang in the Music Eisteddfod and gained Silver Certificates in their respective classes.
The Pre-Prep Department had
two productions: Pre-Prep A performed
their version of the Nativity and Pre-Prep B and C performed “A Baby is
born”. Both productions were colourful
and much enjoyed by parents and friends.
Our term ended with the
traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols.
For me this is truly the start to Christmas. Well done to all!
On the sporting front, there was another enjoyable tour to Port Regis School in England and on 21st November members of Forms 5 and 6 travelled to Guernsey for football and hockey matches. School teams have enjoyed success on a weekly basis and we look forward to this continuing next term and, of course, to our Festival of Sport in March.
Half-term October 2009: I have decided for a variety of reasons that October half-term will
commence at the end of school on Thursday 22nd October 2009. Friday
23rd October therefore becomes the first day of the holiday.
Donations to Charity: This term St
Michael’s has raised a magnificent sum.
The Christmas Sale raised
£10,800 and this will be donated to Jersey Hospice Care and BBC Children in
Need. It was a wonderful team effort
and I congratulate everyone. Readathon. The children in Forms 1 - 6
raised £3,523.10 for Sargent Cancer Care for Children and The Roald Dahl
Foundation, two very worthwhile charities devoted to improving the lives of
sick children. A very big ‘thank you’
for all your efforts.
Christmas Sale: Mr Sinclair has advised me
that he is looking for a new team of parents to run the Crafts stall at next
year’s Christmas Sale. Please see Mr Sinclair if you are interested.
Health Matters: May I
remind parents that children should not return to school until 48 hours have
elapsed after the last bout of sickness or diarrhoea. Children with other highly contagious diseases e.g.
conjunctivitis, impetigo, chest infections, etc., should not return to school
before seeing their GP and having the condition treated.
Labelling of Uniform/Sports’ Kit: There is a large amount of unclaimed PE and School uniform, which
is not labelled. Could you please
ensure that all items of clothing are named.
Football/Rugby boots should be fitted with aluminium studs bearing the
‘kite’ safety mark. Please check studs
regularly to ensure there are no sharp edges. May I remind parents that children in Forms 1 – 6 need a fleece
and a school sweatshirt. If you
do happen to find the wrong kit in your child’s bag at a weekend please ensure
it is returned to school.
‘Off games’:
Requests
for a child to miss his/her PE lesson should be in the form of a letter from
parents please.
Snowy Weather:
If
it snows you are advised to listen to Radio Jersey, Radio 103 or telephone the
school diary for information. After
taking the appropriate advice it may be that we will open school but for a 10
am start rather than 8.40 am. Of
course, it is your decision to remain at home if you are uncomfortable about
driving in snow.
Driving and Parking: Once again I should like
to ask everyone driving into the school grounds to continue to take great
care. For safety reasons drivers should
reverse cars into parking spaces, making it safer when leaving school. To ease congestion parents are reminded
that space is available on the high field opposite the exit to school. I would also ask you to leave the grounds as
soon as you have completed the ‘pick-up’. As you are aware the new car park is
available for extra parking with its exit onto La Rue de la Houguette.
Morning
Break: We expect the children to bring
a snack for their morning break. This
should be in the form of fruit, a sandwich or a biscuit. Sweets and chocolates are not allowed. Milk and fresh water are provided. It has come to my notice that some
children are sent to school without a snack on a regular basis.
Reading: We would like all children
in Forms 3 to 6 to read at least two books during the Christmas holidays. On their return to school, children will
write a review on one of the books that they have read during the holidays.
Commonwealth Essay
Competition 2009: Children in Forms 3 to 6 have been given information about this
competition. The closing date for
essays is 1st March 2009 but some preparation and research will need to be done
during the Christmas holidays and I would ask parents to help and support their
children with this project. The
essays will be written in school next term.
Pupils from St Michael’s have been very successful in this
competition in recent years.
Lent Term Parents’ Evenings: Pre-Prep and Forms 1 and 2 evenings will take place on Tuesday 17th March and Wednesday
18th March 2009. Parents’ evenings for Forms 4 and 5 will take place on
Wednesday 25th March and Thursday 26th March 2009. If you know that you are unable to make a
particular evening please let the office know as soon as possible.
Lent term examinations for Form 6:
These
will take place from Monday 23rd February to Thursday
26th February inclusive.
Please do not make medical or other appointments for your children
during this period.
After-school clubs: Gym, Netball, and Football Clubs will recommence in the
second week of next term ie, Monday 12th January 2009. Swimming Club will resume after
the Lent half term and new lists will be sent home next term.
Ski Helmets: These are a compulsory item of
equipment for children in the ski party.
If you have one at home that is no longer required and which you would
be happy to donate or sell then please let Mr McAviney know. A clothing list for the February 2009 ski
trip and itinerary are enclosed with this mailing.
Morning Minibus: This service will resume on
Thursday 8th January 2009. Please
ensure your child is on time for the pickup.
The driver has been instructed to keep to time.
School Office: The school will be closed on Friday 19th December and
will reopen on Monday 5th January. The Uniform Shop will be open, by
appointment only, on Thursday and Friday 18th and 19th
December 2008 and also on Monday 5th, and Tuesday 6th
January 2009, and thereafter between 8.15 am
and 9.00 am, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Please telephone Paula on 07797 725957 to make an appointment.
I wish you all a very happy
Christmas.
Richard
de Figueiredo
Headmaster December
2008