St Christopher’s C E School

Email: [email protected]
www.st-christophers.oxon.sch.uk

Newsletter
No 9: Friday 7th January 2011

Dear Parents
Welcome back to St Christopher’s for the new year. Sadly, we are saying goodbye to
Miss Sumner who is moving into a full time post. However, we are delighted that Mrs
Cookson will be taking on the role of full time teacher for Maple Class from the 17th
January 2011.
Please read all the information carefully in this newsletter – as always we have lots going
on!
Sarah Nisbett – Headteacher

Absent from School ? Quick Reminders

 13th January – Maple Class trip to Coleshill –
If your child is absent from school for any reason, packed lunch required and permission slips back by
please don’t forget to let us know. Absences are Monday please.
recorded in our registers with the appropriate  17th Jan – Clubs start – see attached – please
reason code, i.e illness, holiday, medical appointment note that, unfortunately, we will no longer be able to
etc. Where no reason is given the absence is offer the Late Bus on a Thursday as a result of this
recorded as “unauthorised” and may be investigated service not being fully utilised.
by the Educational Welfare Officer. 

SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
Please notify us about the absence by telephoning
school on 01367 860318 and selecting option 1 to
SEPTEMBER 2011
leave a message. Thank you.
The admissions process for children due to start
school in September 2011 is upon us!

If you have a child born between 1st September 2006

and 31st August 2007, Starting School booklets are
available from the office explaining the procedure for
BREAKFAST CLUB - 8.15am daily
starting school. Please call in and pick one up – the
50p per day
deadline for applications is 17th January 2011.

Everyone welcome – for a registration form If you submit a late application you are far less likely
please call in the school office. to obtain a place for your child at one of your
preferred schools.

SCHOOL UNIFORM – St Christopher’s uniform can

be ordered from:
www.simplyschoolwear.co.uk
Tel: 0800 404 6644
Emergency School Closures
In addition to our text system, school closures will be broadcast on:

Missed a Newsletter?
HEART FM – 102.6 FM /GWR–96.3 FM/
If you have missed a newsletter, they are available on our BBC Radio Oxford–95.2FM
website www.st-christophers.oxon.sch.uk Or check local radio station websites
 School Lunch Menus!
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
th
Week Commencing 10 January 2011

Chicken Breast with Roast Beef with Yorkshire Cheese Pizza

Breaded Fish & Chips
Macaroni Cheese Potatoes, peas & Pudding, and gravy, Mashed Potato
Chunky Chips
Carrots & Green Beans sweetcorn Roast Potatoes, carrots & Sweetcorn & Brocolli
Baked Beans & Peas
parsnips
Apple Crumble & Custard Melting Moment Cookie Peaches & Chocolate
Carrot Cake
with Fruit Juice Lemon Ice Sponge Cake Sauce

th
Week Commencing 17 January 2011

Roast Pork with Yorkshire

Lasagne
Cheese & Tomato Pizza Pudding, apple sauce and Fish Fingers & Chips
BBQ Sausage, Mash Cauliflower & Sweetcorn
Potato Dice with Herbs gravy Baked Beans & Peas
Pototo, Peas & Carrots
Brocolli & Sweetcorn Roast Potatoes &
Chocolate Sponge &
Vegetables Vanilla Ice Cream with
Eves Pudding & Custard Chocolate Custard
Orange Drizzle Cake Fruit Sauce
Jelly Jewel

Also available every day: Yoghurt, Fresh Fruit & Water - £2.05 per meal.
Any cheques for dinners please make payable to
Oxfordshire County Council.

DINNER MONEY – Thank you to those parents who send in money in advance on a Monday or on the day the
meal is eaten. Some meals however, are currently outstanding so please do not wait for a brown “reminder”
envelope – these are not sent out as a routine way to pay.

Diary Dates
th th
10 Jan 11 Jan 12th Jan 13th Jan 14th Jan

2.45pm Y5/6 Indoor

Maple Class Trip to
Athletics Competition at 9.30am Toddlers 2.45pm Celebration
Colsehill (packed lunch
Carterton Community 3.30pm Tennis Club Assembly
required)
College

17th Jan 18th Jan 19th Jan 20th Jan 21st Jan
12.30pm Garden Club
9.30am Toddlers 2.45pm Celebration
3.15pm Football Club
3.15pm Gymnastics Swimming 3.15pm Zumba Dancing Assembly
3.15pm Recorders
3.30pm Tennis Club 3.15pm Nature Club
3.15pm Indoor Athletics
24th Jan 25th Jan 26th Jan 27th Jan 28th Jan

9.30am Toddlers
Foundation Class - Eye 3.15pm Football Club 2.45pm Celebration
Mobile Library
3.15pm Gymnastics Tests 3.15pm Recorders Assembly
Swimming
3.15pm Zumba Dancing 3.15pm Indoor Athletics 3.15pm Nature Club
3.30pm Tennis Club

END OF DAY TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS - Please ensure that you let us know if arrangements
change during the year to keep our records up-to-date. Forms are available from the School Office.

PARKING AT SCHOOL - As we are at the start of a new term, please may we remind
parents to respect our neighbours when parking near the school. From time to time we do receive complaints –
please help us keep this to a minimum by not blocking drives and gateways and keeping clear of the zig-zag lines
– thank you
 FREE SCHOOL MEALS

Entitled to Free School Meals? Children whose

parents/carers receive the following support payments
Swimming will continue again on Tuesday 18th may be entitled to the Free School Meal scheme:
January 2011 at Brize Norton swimming pool and
transport will be provided by Rebound Coaches.  Income support/Employment support
To cover costs we need to ask parents to pay a  Income based job seekers allowance
contribution of £1.50 per lesson per child (slip  Support under the Immigration & Asylum Act
attached). 1999
 The Guarantee element of State Pension
 Child Tax Credit - providing that Working Tax
All the children in Year 3, 4, and 5 will
Credit in not included and that the annual
again swim, along with some children in income for Tax Credit purposes is within the
Year 6 who have not met the level guideline set for the financial year.
required.
If you feel this applies to you, then please call into the
Children will need a swimming kit, which must school office for an application form.
include a swimming hat (available from the school
office at a cost of £1.00) in a suitable bag. Boys
must wear swimming trunks, not shorts.
Oxfordshire County Council’s policy does not allow
children to wear goggles. If your child needs to
wear goggles they need to be BS 5883:1996 - Children in all classes are expected to have their PE kits
please return the permission form below if you in school all week. PE kits may be taken home over the
have not already done so last term. Please ensure weekend for washing, but please make sure it’s back in
that all watches and earrings are left at home on school on Monday morning. No football kits may be
swimming days worn for PE lessons. May we remind parents that all
children are expected to wear school uniform with
Please note that a letter from a parent is required suitable school shoes (no trainers or open-toed sandals)
if a child is to miss a swimming lesson for any and long hair must be tied back for health and safety
reason. Generally, if a child is well enough to be at reasons.
school then they are well enough to swim.
Oak and Willow Class will need shinpads and
mouthguards for PE.
Term 3 Term 4 Term 5 Term 6
18th Jan 1st March 3rd May 7th June
25th Jan 8th March 10th May 14th June
1st Feb 15th March 17th May 21st June Community Health Oxfordshire
8th Feb 22nd March 24th May 28th June
15th Feb 29th March 5th July
Make Use of Mouthguards

A mouthguard will help to reduce injury to teeth and

lips, help to protect against a broken or dislocated jaw,
and will also reduce the risk of concussion. It’s
important to wear a mouthguard for sports involving
physical contact or moving objects, such as rugby,
We are pleased to announce football, cricket and hockey.
that Oxford United will again be running a
Football Club after school on Thursdays Mouthguards can be clear or made in different colours.
for ten weeks, starting on the 20th Young people are still growing and their teeth will be
moving, and so a mouthguard may need replacing
January 2011. If you would like your
regularly so that it fits properly. When going for a
child to participate then please call in the dental check-up take the mouthguard too so that the
school office for a form. dentist can check the fit.
 MEDICINES IN SCHOOL HEALTHY EATING
All Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 children are given a
healthy snack daily. Key Stage2 children may bring in a
If your child has a medical condition or
healthy snack, no crisps or chocolate, if they wish.
allergy e.g asthma, that may require
medication e.g inhalers, during school hours,
then please send in to school in a clear
Water Bottles - Just a quick reminder that we do
plastic box/bag, with a photograph of your
encourage all children to bring a water bottle to school
child along with a completed medical consent
each day. Water bottles (with a sports style top) can
form which can be obtained from the school
be kept on desks for continuous use during the day. We
office – thank you. recommend the bottles be named!

Help us keep the spread of germs in school to a minimum by following this advice from the NHS.

CATCH IT – germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.
BIN IT – germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of your tissue as soon as possible.
KILL IT – hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can.

Thank you

REPLY SLIP
(for completion and return if you have not already done so)

Goggles in Swimming

I wish to request that my child ……………………………….. be allowed to take part in swimming lessons wearing
his/her goggles which meet BS 5883:1996. I understand that the regulations recommend that goggles are
not worn for school swimming lessons. I further understand that in the event of injury arising from my
child wearing goggles, neither the County Council nor the Governors of the School will be prepared to accept
liability for such injury.

Signed …………………………………………. …………………(Parent/Guardian) Date ……………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………….

SWIMMING PROGRAMME Cheques payable to Oxfordshire County Council

 I enclose a contribution of £7.50 to cover the costs for Term 3

 I enclose a contribution of £15.00 to cover the costs for Term 2 and Term 3.

Name/s ……………………………………………………………………………… Class/es ……………………………….

Signed ……………………………………..……. (Parent/Guardian) Date ……………………………..

 GYMNASTICS CLUB
We are delighted that Teresa Foster, British Gymnastics Association Club Coach & Coach at Swindon School of Gymnastics,
will again be running a Gymnastics Club this term starting with Ginkgo Class. She will coach the children towards the British
Gymnastics Awards and there are 12 places available; if these are not all taken the places will then be offered to Maple
Class. Children will be barefoot and must wear shorts and t-shirt, or a leotard if you have one, and bring a water bottle.
Please return the attached clubs form to secure a place.

A good range of school clubs will start again this term – please see below. We request a voluntary contribution to help
cover resources and staff costs. The Extended Services GO4IT Project may provide funding for children receiving Free
School Meals. Please see Ms Nisbett for a form. To register your child(ren), please return the reply slip attached.
Club Led by Time Year Numbers Cost Dates
Group
Mon Gymnastics Teresa Foster 3:15-4:45pm Ginkgo 12 £15.00 17th, 24th, 31st Jan
7th & 14th Feb
Tues Indoor Athletics Mrs Brownjohn 8.00 – 8.45am Any Any £10.00 18th & 25th Jan
& Breakfast 1st, 8th & 15th Feb
Tues Tennis Club at Chris Hand 3:30-4:30pm Any Forms in £18.00 11th, 18th & 25th Jan
Colston the office 1st, 8th & 15th Feb
Weds Zumbatomic Claire 3.15-4.15pm KS2 20 £10.00 19th, 26th Jan
Dancing Goodenough 2nd & 9th & 16th Feb
Thurs Gardening Mrs Cross 12.30pm – 1pm Any Any £3.00 20th Jan, 3rd &
17th Feb
Thurs Recorders Ms Nisbett 3.15-4.15pm KS2 8 £10.00 20th, 27th Jan
3rd, 10th & 17th Feb
Thurs Football Oxford United 3.15-4.15pm Any Forms in £30.00 20th January – 31st
the office March 2011
Fri Nature Club Janet Hobbs 3.15-4.15pm Any Any £10.00 21st, 28th Jan
4th, 11th & 18th Feb
Please note:
 Once your child registers, we do expect that they will attend each session
 For ease of banking & administration, payments are due at the start of the course
 Payment and commitment is for the whole course to cover staff/coach costs & resources
 Please collect your child promptly as staff may need to go home!

CLUBS: Please register my child(ren) for the following clubs:

Tick/Initial Club No of sessions Contribution

Gymnastic Club 5 £15.00
Indoor Athletics & Breakfast 5 £10.00
Zumba Dancing 5 £10.00
Gardening Club 3 £3.00
Recorders 5 £10.00
Nature Club 5 £10.00
I have deducted £3.00 relating to Garden Club already paid.
Please reimburse me £3.00 already paid relating to Garden Club as my child/ren do(es) not wish to join this term.

I enclose £…………………..(cheques payable to St Christopher’s School please)

Child(rens) name(s): ………………………………………………………… Classes………………………………………………………………………………….

Preferred telephone number in case of emergency/club cancelled: …………………………………………………………………………….

 Message from the
St Christopher’s Web Master

First I'd like to thank all who have provided

comment on the new design I have put in place. As a THE SCHOOL BUS
result of some comments I have reworked the way
that the newsletters are presented in the pop-up Please note that the school bus service is provided
windows. You should now be able to zoom in and out directly by Oxfordshire County Council, who are
while in the windows allowing a better view of the responsible for the bus contract – not the school.
newsletter. They are also now downloadable and Below are the contact details for OCC Integrated
printable. Minutes of the SCPA are now treated in Transport Services. If you experience any problems
the same way . with the bus service provided we would be grateful if
you could report them directly to OCC.
You may know that I manage this site as a hobby, Thank you.
not professionally, and so am still learning about how
best to provide access to the information on the Oxfordshire County Council
site. As a result I value any thoughts that you have Integrated Transport Service
and have added new functionality to the Contact Us Tel: 01865 871670
page where you are able to fill in, and send me
directly, feedback on the site. I look forward
to hearing from you all.

Regards - Keith Watt

We are delighted to welcome Claire Goodenough who

will be running a Zumbatomic Club this term on
Wednesdays – please see below for more details.
HOCKEY CLUB (OPEN TO YEAR 5 & 6)
AT
WOOD GREEN SCHOOL ATP
FRIDAYS 3.30PM – 4.45PM
The Zumbatomic fitness programme has been created STARTING 14TH JANUARY 2011
by Zumba Fitness as a dance class designed just for
kids. It is a fusion of the Zumba programme's moves Linda Billington, WOSSP Sport Coach, is running a
(salsa, merengue, reggaeton, hip-hop and more) to Hockey Club for children from the Primary Schools
become a high octane workout that is about fun and
in the Partnership, open to Year 5 -6 and is an
fitness all at the same time!
exciting opportunity for children to develop their
The dance moves are tailored to primary children so skills. There will be a charge of £10 as a
the classes are appropriate, safe and effective. contribution towards the cost of the sessions.
Zumbatomic will get your kids motivated and
energised, ready to get their groove on!" To apply please pick up a form from the school
office or
I'm looking forward to working with you!
for further information contact :
Claire Goodenough
(Go Activator)Nexus Community - a division Claire Wallace on 01608 649503
of GLL [email protected]