ST MICHAEL’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL

 

   

2009 TRINITY HALF-TERM NEWSLETTER                   

 

I have pleasure in enclosing various invitations and information relevant to you.   Please check the enclosures carefully as some require immediate attention.

 

Common Entrance and School Examinations: Common Entrance examinations begin immediately after half–term on Monday 1st June.    Examinations for Forms 3 – 5 will take place on 2nd – 4th June (inclusive).   The children have already received advice from staff and revision guidelines are contained in the student planners.    I have also given an Assembly about revision techniques and learning styles and advice is enclosed for you.

 

We wish all our Common Entrance candidates success in their examinations.

 

Uniform: Children should return to school after half-term wearing summer uniform.  The shop is open each Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings between 8.15 am and 9.00 am during term time.   Please note that the shop will be open during half term by appointment only.  Please telephone Paula between 8.00 am and 12.00 pm only on 07797725957.

 

Changes to the Uniform List: From September there are to be some significant changes to the sports clothing required for your child.   Initially there will be a one year phasing–in  period so that new items of clothing can be bought as and when your child either wears-out or grows-out of their existing kit.  Please note we are also introducing new girls and boys games holdalls for Forms 1 – 6 inclusive.  A new clothing list is included in this mailing for your convenience. 

 

Sun-hats and cream: During very sunny weather children will be encouraged to wear sun-hats.  These can be purchased from the uniform shop.  Children should also wear sun cream (minimum SPF15), which should be kept in their games bag.    We suggest that Pre-Prep children have sunscreen applied before coming to school.

 

Swine Flu:  Matron and I have been involved in Island wide discussions about the H1N1 virus.  I am aware that all households should have received the information leaflet entitled “ Important information about Swine Flu” and this contains all the relevant websites and Health Department Helpline telephone number.  I have talked to all the children in school in at least two assemblies about personal hygiene. If you have any concerns then please do get in touch with Matron at School.

 

Medications:  If your child needs medication during the school day, please ensure that you see Matron to explain dosage and any other information.

 

Water in School:  We are keen that the children should drink plenty of water during the day and the class-based children are encouraged to bring bottles of water into school.   We are, however, concerned about the cleanliness of these bottles and suggest that new bottles are brought into school each week, or the existing bottles are taken home weekly for sterilisation.

   

 

After school in the playground: Just a reminder that Pre-Prep children and toddlers playing on the playground after school are the responsibility of their parents.    Form 1 and 2 children are not allowed to be on the playground or the grass circle after school and they know that after being released from the steps they must stay in their parents’ cars.  These rules are made for the safety of your children.  I would ask you to remember senior children are still in classes and therefore you should not delay your departure any longer than is absolutely necessary.

 

School lunch: If your child is currently on school lunches this will continue next year unless you inform us.  Those children currently on packed lunch will continue.  However, if you wish your child to go onto hot lunches then please complete the enclosed lunch form and return it to the school office as soon as possible. Matron will advise if you have been successful in gaining a place for your child.

 

Many of you will be aware that although the lunch menu is published, Paula does introduce new items and appropriate seasonal variations whenever she can and it is not always possible to update the menu to reflect these changes.

 

Staff changes:  After working at St Michael’s for the past 23 years, Mrs Jenny de Figueiredo will be retiring from the Nursery at the end of the Trinity Term and Mrs Mary Adelmann will be taking over the role as Head of Nursery from September 2009. 

 

 Activities’ Week: The week of Monday 15th – Friday 19th June will be Activities’ Week for children in Forms 3 - 6.  Form 3: Various events are being organised for Form 3 during the week of 15th June.  These will include a visit by French penfriends and various trips away from school. Details will follow after half-term.  Form 4 will have overnight stays in Herm and France and a day in Jersey, whilst Forms 5 and 6 will be spending the week in France.   

 

The school has several events planned before the end of term and I look forward to you joining us at our sports days, music concerts, Form 5 and 6 production of Cinderella, and at Open Day when our guest speaker will be Mr Richard Biggs, Headmaster of King’s College, Taunton.

 

Please note that the school office will only be manned from Tuesday to Thursday, 9.00 – 12.00 noon during half-term.  At all other times the answer phone will be on and messages can be left. 

 

 

RICHARD DE FIGUEIREDO