9th September 2016

Dear Parents,

Welcome Back!

I hope you’ve had an enjoyable summer holiday. Things really don’t

stand still here at Townfield Primary School and this new academic

year is no exception. On Wednesday Mrs Lee wrote to you all

informing you of the exciting changes as we convert to a multi-

academy trust. It all probably sounds a little bit daunting but I can assure you that Townfield

Primary School remains committed to ensuring that we provide an outstanding education for our

children.

Out of all the changes, probably the one that will have seemed the biggest to both you as parents and

the children is the change of roles for Mrs Lee, Mrs Durham and me (Mr Stitcher).

Mrs Lee now has the overview of the school (and any other schools that join us over the coming

months and years). Her new role of Acting Executive Head will mean you will see less of her but I can

assure you that she will be working very closely with myself and Mrs Durham as we continue to work

to raise standards and provide a safe and caring school community.

Mrs Durham is now the Acting Deputy Head Teacher. She will be your first port of call after

speaking to your child’s class teacher and their team leader and she will be available often when I am

not.

As Acting Head Teacher, I will be responsible for managing the day-to-day running of Townfield. You

will see me on the gates (usually when it’s raining as that seems to always happen on my day) and I am

contactable by phone and by email. I know many of you really well already having worked at Townfield

since 2008 and I’m looking forward to getting to know those of you to whom I have not spoken to

much in the past.

It is an exciting time at Townfield but it is very important to me that you feel happy with the

changes and that you know who you need to speak to should you have any concerns.

All of our staff strive to do their best for your children but we know there will be times when things

don’t go to plan. Most problems can be quickly resolved by speaking to the class teacher at the end of

Townfield Primary School

Academy Status

Newsletter

the day. If you find that there are still issues, then please call the office to arrange to meet with

the team leader (Mrs Griffiths in Foundation, Mrs Risk in Years 1 and 2, Mrs Dixon in Years 3 and 4

and Mrs Mathieson in Years 5 and 6).

Above all, please be assured that whilst Townfield Primary School never stands still, everything we do

is to improve the education and opportunities for your children.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you how important it is that children attend

school every day and that they arrive on time. This year, our governors have set a challenging target

of 96% attendance. Research has demonstrated that children who are absent from school a lot find

it harder to make and keep friends and fall behind with their learning.

One of the first things I have done as Acting Head is purchase some beautiful new badges that will

be rewarded to children who maintain 100% attendance!

I know that this is going to be an exciting year at Townfield and I, along with all of our dedicated

staff, am really looking forward to building and maintaining productive home/school partnerships.

School Meals

As you probably know, children in Key Stage 1 do not need to pay for school

meals as these are subsidised by the Government. However, if you are in

receipt of certain benefits, you can still apply for free school meals. Whilst

this won’t affect the cost of your child’s meals in Key Stage 1 (they will be

free regardless), it could mean we receive additional funding and can offer reduced rates for school

visits and residentials. If you think you may qualify, please contact the school office.

If your child has moved into year 3 you will be required to pay for his/her school lunch, the price per

week will be £9.50, you can pay for this using our online payment system, or cash/cheque at School

Office, however, if you think you are entitled to free school meals please complete an application

form, which can be obtained from the School Office. The form can either be sent to the Director of

Finance, (address can be found at the bottom of the page), or you can pass it back into the School

Office. This form must be completed and submitted as soon as possible in order to receive this

benefit.

11+ Test – Monday 19th September

The 11+ examination for Year 6 pupils will take place on the morning of

Monday 19th September. Both tests will take place at TPS. May I take

this opportunity to wish those pupils taking part the very best of luck!

Parent Transition Meeting – Wednesday 14th September – 3.30pm You are cordially invited, on Wednesday 14th September, to a ‘Parent

Transition Meeting’. This event gives you the opportunity to meet

your child’s new class teacher. It is vital that you attend this

meeting as it gives you, your child and the class teacher the

opportunity to get to know one another as we embark on this new

academic year. Children will be able to participate in the event,

giving your son/daughter the opportunity to show you around his/her new classroom

The event will take place at 3.30pm.

Africa Entry Point Day –Year 2 Pupils Monday 12th September 2016

The Pooh and Honey Bears will be having their Africa Entry Point Day on

Monday 12th September. Children have the opportunity to come to school

dressed as an African animal, a ranger or an animal.

We look forward to seeing the children in their costumes and sharing

outstanding Speaking and Listening skills. Please do not go to too much

expense, let your child use his/her imagination!

‘Ourselves’ – Year 1 Pupils

Year 1 will be learning about ‘Ourselves’ as part of their creative curriculum topic. We would like

children to bring in a series of photographs ranging from when they were first born to the present

day, (no more than six photographs).

Whilst we strive to make sure that the photographs are returned safely, we cannot guarantee this,

so therefore ask that the photographs are either copies or are not of great sentimental value.

Thank you.

Spectacled Bears – Adopt a Bear

The Spectacled Bears have asked if they can adopt a real Spectacled Bear at Chester

Zoo. This would be a lovely thing to do. If your child is in the Spectacled Bears and you

wish to contribute towards the cost of the adoption, please send your donation in a sealed

envelope marked with your child’s name. We suggest no more than a £2.00 donation.

Thank You.

Email Addresses for the Weekly Newsletter

If you would like your copy of the weekly newsletter emailed to you please could you

complete the reply slip giving your email address so the School Office can add your

details to the list. As a school we do our very best to help the environment so the more

parents that request their copy emailed the better! Many thanks.

Walking Home - Year 5 & Year 6 Pupils

For safeguarding purposes we would like all parents to complete and return

the reply slip if you are happy for your child to walk home unattended.

Even if you have completed a consent form in the past we still require you

to sign another.

Pupil safety is paramount to us and we want our children to be safe at all

times. Without a consent form your child will be sent to TEDS after

school club and a call will be made asking for you to collect him/her.

Thank you for your continued support.

Oaklands Trip – Year 6 – Deadline for Final Payment

The final payment of £125.00 was due today! If you have not yet paid the full

amount please do so by Monday 12th September or your child’s place could be at

risk. Any questions please contact the School Office as soon as possible.

Dates for your Diary

Yours sincerely

Mr D Stitcher

Acting Head Teacher

Thought for the week: Everyone under 18 has these rights:

Everyone under the age of 18 has all the rights in the Convention.

Wednesday 14th September – Parent Transition Meeting, 3.30pm

Monday 19th September – Year 6 11+ Examination