7th September 2007

Welcome back to a new term. We have had 9 new pupils joining us this term which shows movement in the right direction. I would like to welcome new parents to the school and hope your faith in us is rewarded. Looking at the young people who have moved on from Year 6 in the school I think you have made a wise choice. I met up with a number of them over the summer and they are very fine individuals. I was delighted to talk to James Johnson and Georgia Adamson who have just completed their first years at University – James doing Environmental Science and Georgia doing Italian. Grace Bower, Sarah Spickett, Harley Raw and Megan Rosser all achieved good GCSE’s and are moving on to sixth form next year and Lauren Sunderland moves into her Year 11 having already passed several GCSE’s a year early. Great also to see a number of others including Jonathan Johnson, Gabriel Bower and Peter Bunce – all doing very well.
I am looking forward to my first trip to the Lakes next week. As I have a class this year I will not be as available as last year – but I am sure most issues can be resolved with Form Teachers.

The school has a new management set up and I will be releasing the details of that shortly. We have a new marketing consultant working for us so you should see much more activity there. Staffing has changed slightly with Mrs Watkins not in school on a Monday, and Mrs Hogg taking Year 1 and Reception on that day. Mrs Hogg will also be in on Tuesdays.

Next week I am in the Lakes so will not be inputting to the newsletter. Do check the fixture list and calendar carefully.
John HipshonThe Autumn Term has begun in the usual lively Alcuin school way.
Next week the older pupils will have their annual visit to the Lake District. This magnificent setting is the backdrop to what will be, for some, their first residential away from the family. This is a time for friendship, physical exertion, fresh air and fun. So good luck to them and the courageous staff accompanying them. Be sure to see the slide show of the visit on their return. Look out for your invitation to this, don’t miss it now!
We welcome children and parents who are new to the school this term.

What to look out for?
Parents’ Meeting. Isola Blair is your Chairperson of Friends of Alcuin
Harvest Festival – just before this half term holiday.
The concert in St Matthew’s church this November.
Of course, the Nativity play and carol concert, bound to melt the heart.
Keep your eye on the notice board and the newsletter for dates and times.
Homework sheets are a good way to keep in touch. Staff will put reminders on these occasionally of special events. You can also pass on simple information on it, let us know
what is working well. We love to hear from you of all the great things your child is involved in.
Judith WatkinsFriends of The Alcuin
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the new parents and children to the Alcuin School on behalf of the Friends of the Alcuin.
The Friends of the Alcuin are a group of parents and friends who are committed to supporting the school. We meet regularly on a Thursday evening during term time in the school building from 7.30 - 8.30 to share ideas, discuss issues and plan fund raising events.
Please join us for our first Friends meeting on 27th September 07, this will give you the opportunity to find out what The Friends are all about and what we have got planned for the forthcoming school year.
Isola Blair
Chair of The Friends of the Alcuin


Reminders & Notices
If anyone has changed address over the summer, please pop into the office and let me have your new details.
If you would like to receive this newsletter by email do let me know.
Hilary Oliver the recorder teacher will now be in on Wednesday mornings.
Liz Wymer