NEWSLETTER 4 

Friday 4th December 2009

Dear Parents/Carers,

Only two weeks to go to the end of term and much has happened, with a lot more to look forward to:

1. PARENT GOVERNOR ELECTION: I am delighted to report that five parents have put themselves forward (or been nominated) for the two vacancies: Diccon Beeny, Asifa Dar, Louise Eyeington, Dan Russell and Matthew White. Bearing in mind how busy things are at the end of this term, I have decided to hold the election early in January when all election statements etc. will be sent out along with voting forms.

2. PTA RAVENSTONE’S GOT TALENT: What a fabulous evening on Friday 13th November. The acts were sensational in terms of quality, variety and energy! It really does take a lot of courage to step up to the microphone in front of so many people and perform. Many thanks to all of the wonderful performers, the organisers, Katherine Harvey and Emma D’Cruz, the judges, Morris, MJ and Sue Metcalfe, also Diccon Beeny, and finally the compere, Iain Coyle. Thanks also to everyone who provided food and who served drinks. In addition to all the fun, we made about £150.

3. PTA QUIZ: Many thanks to the questionmaster, Iain Coyle, the scorers Katherine Harvey, Sam Long and all who helped behind the bar (Sue Metcalfe, Ruth Alexander-Smith, Gavin Smith) and setting up and clearing up on Friday 27th at our annual quiz night. We had great fun, raising £450!

4. SWIMMING SUPERSTAR: Joseph M (Y6) swims for Leander club and at the recent (15/11/09) Wandsworth Borough Junior Championships at Putney swimming pool, he won five gold medals and one bronze in his six events! He is the Y6 Junior Boys’ Champion. Absolutely fantastic!

5. ATHLETICS 1/12/09: Morris and Mrs Domaingue took a squad of 30 Y4/5/6 to compete in the Sportshall Athletics at Battersea Youth centre on Tuesday. In a ‘friendly’ against four other local schools we again were champions. We eagerly await the championships in January.

6. TABLE TENNIS/VOLLEYBALL: Flynn R-S and Rory S (Y6) represented Ravenstone yesterday in an inaugural primary table tennis competition at Ernest Bevin School. We also entered teams in the volleyball competition involving 8 schools. Out of 14 teams our A and B team finished 1st and 2nd! Very well done to all who represented Ravenstone.

7. FOOTBALL: We entertained a large squad of boys and girls from Hillbrook on 26/11/09 in a mini tournament organised by Richard Huie. Both teams displayed great skill and sportsmanship and Ravenstone emerged victorious.

8. CHESS: We have just received a Gold Level Award from the British Land Chess Challenge (the world’s largest chess competition) for consistently entering and providing high quality players over many years who have advanced to the latter stages of this prestigious tournament. Many thanks to all the players and Ewa Stevens who runs chess club every Monday.

9. BANDWORX: Our orchestra, featuring our children and those from Eveline Day school, gave an impressive end of term concert yesterday.

10. PTA CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS DISCOS (With Morris): NB CHANGE OF DATE: Thursday 10th December. Nursery-Y2 3:30-4:30, Y3-Y6 5:00-6:30pm

11. SNOWMAN FOR YAMERIGA: Last night’s showing of The Snowman for Reception, Years 1 and 2 in aid of Yameriga was a resounding success. Over 90 children attended and we raised approximately £250. Thank you.

12. INTRUDERS: Can I please respectfully remind all parents and carers once and for all that YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GO UP THE STAIRS TO THE MIDDLE OR UPPER FLOORS UNACCOMPANIED AT ANY TIME. This is for the safety and security of all children and staff. If your child is late or you have something to drop off, please go to the main office and we will deal with it.

13. SCHOOL CALENDAR: Many thanks to Claire Conway who has worked tirelessly to organise a wonderful Ravenstone calendar 2010 (and Valerie McLean for the photography). It’s brilliant! Buy yours very quickly before they are sold out. £6 each or £10 for two! Available at the Christmas Fair.

14. DINNER MONEY: Dinner money for next term is £124.70 for the whole term (58 days @ £2.15), for the half term is £62.35 (29 days) or £10.75 per week. May I remind all parents that it is essential to pay in advance.

15. PTA CHRISTMAS FAIR: Tomorrow, Saturday 5th December 3:00-5:00pm. Don’t forget the best Christmas Fair around: Lots of gifts, Xmas puddings, the Ravenstone calendar and a chance to visit the man himself!

On behalf of the children, staff and governors may I wish you all a relaxing and peaceful Christmas holiday. We break at 3:15pm on Friday 18th December and the children return on Tuesday 5th January 2010.

With Best Wishes

Alan Millington

DECEMBER 2009

5th PTA Christmas Fair 3:00-5:00pm

10th Y5 FH to Tooting Fire Station, PTA Children’s Christmas Disco

11th Y5 IH to Tooting Fire Station, 14th Carol Concert, St Mary’s Church 2.15 pm

15th, 16th Foundation Stage Shows 9:30 am Middle Hall

16th Children’s Christmas Lunch

18th Break for Christmas 3.15pm

JANUARY 2010 4th Inset Day

5th Children return

FEBRUARY 2010

1st Y1 to Horniman Museum

Half term 15th-19th APRIL 2010

1st Last day of spring term

19th Term starts 29th,

30th BookFair Lower Hall

MAY 2010

10th -14th Key Stage 2 SATs

31st-4th June Half term

JUNE 2010

7th Inset Day

15th Y1 to Apsley House

22nd Sports Day at Tooting Track Rec-Y6

JULY 2010

23rd Last day of the year