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 yet another busy term for both parents and children. Our entries in the French Eisteddfod did
very well and lots of Silver and Gold Awards were won. In the Music Eisteddfod Pre-Prep C and the
School Choir won Silver Awards and the Junior Singers won Gold.
The
Pre-Prep Department gave two productions:
Pre-Prep A performed ‘A Wriggly Nativity’ and Pre-Prep B and C performed
“The First Christmas”. Both
productions were colourful and much enjoyed by parents, children and
staff. The Nursery also gave a
delightful performance of their Nativity called ‘It’s a Baby’.
The term
finished with the traditional Festival of Lessons and Carols and it was good to
see so many of you at the service.
On the sporting front,
there was another enjoyable tour to Port Regis School in England where for the
first time St Michael’s beat Port Regis 3-2 in football. On 20th November members of Forms 5 and 6 travelled to
Guernsey for Football and Hockey matches against Elizabeth College. 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.
Donations to Charity: This term St Michael’s has raised a magnificent sum. The Christmas Sale raised £10,500 and this will be donated to Jersey Hospice Care, BBC Children in Need and the Teenage Cancer Trust, Jersey Appeal. It was a wonderful team effort and I congratulate everyone. Readathon. The children in Forms 1 - 6 raised £3,490 for Sargent Cancer Care for Children and The Roald Dahl Foundation. A big ‘thank you’ for all your efforts.
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, should not return to school before seeing their GP and having the condition treated. With regards to swine flu please remember that if your child has a fever of 38°C or higher with symptoms including a cough, sore throat, joint pains and headache, they must stay off school and you should consult your GP for advice.
Labelling of Uniform/Sports’
Kit: There are still lots of PE kit
and School uniform unclaimed and not labelled.
I would ask that you make sure 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 find the wrong kit in your child’s
bag at a weekend please can you ensure it is returned to school.
Personal Property: We recommend that children do not bring expensive items e.g. watches into school that may be lost or damaged. All watches should be named in any event.
‘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: I should like to ask everyone driving into
the school grounds to continue to take great care. The paved walkway around the front of the school known as “the
yellow brick road” is the safe route for children to move around the site and
parents should avoid parking on it under any circumstance. To ease
congestion parents are reminded that space is available on the High Field opposite
the exit to school. I would also
request that you leave the grounds as soon as you have completed the ‘pick-up’.
Morning Break: I am very impressed with the quality of
healthy food children are given for morning break; most have fruit, a sandwich
or a biscuit. Sweets and chocolates, as
you are aware, are not allowed.
Reading: Children in Forms
3 to 6 should read a minimum of two books during the holidays. The English Department would like children
in Forms 3, 4 and 5 to write a review of one of the books to be handed in at
the start of next term. This will
be a good opportunity for the children to practise their typing skills on the
computer.
Cycling Proficiency: I have received an email from Philip Blake, Road Safety Officer informing me that on 23rd January 2010 he is holding a training morning for any parents wishing to volunteer to run a cycling proficiency course here at school. If anyone is interested then please call Philip on 612222.
Parents’ Evenings: Pre-Prep and Forms 1 and 2 evenings will take place on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th March 2010.
Parents’ Evenings: Forms 4 and 5 will take place on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th March 2010. 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 1st to Wednesday 3rd March 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 11th January 2010. 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 2010 ski trip and itinerary are enclosed with this mailing.
Morning Minibus: This service will resume on Thursday 7th January 2010. Please ensure your child is on time for the pickup. The driver has been instructed to keep to time.
School Office: The school office will close on Friday 18th December and will re-open on Monday 4th January. The Uniform Shop will be open, by appointment only, on Monday 4th, and Tuesday 5th January 2010, and thereafter between 8.15 am and 9.00 am, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Please telephone Paula on 07797 841829 to make an appointment.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas.
Richard de Figueiredo