Ravenstone Primary School -

Head's Newsletter 2008/09 05

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:45:06 +0000

Content:

CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER 2008

Wednesday 17th December 2008

We have had a very busy and successful end to this wonderful term:
1. A VERY BUSY NIGHT: All of our Foundation Stage children (well, all who were well enough) were on stage singing and dancing for two wonderful performances of A Very busy Night at the end of term. Thanks to Rhian Robbins for the dance, MJ Paranzino for the music, Max Furnell for the set and Jo Lynch for the lighting, but special thanks to all the Foundation Stage children, the Y6 helpers and all Foundation Stage staff, led by Elaine Flanagan, for their help and encouragement. We collected in aid of the Age Activity Centre, Tooting and raised over £250. Thank you for your generosity. The show was filmed on 17/12/08 and DVDs will soon be available to order.
2. PTA CHRISTMAS FAIR: Another wonderful success on Saturday 6th December. Many thanks to all who helped and all who came long to make it such a special day. We made well over £4000! Special thanks to Jo Turner, Clare Fraser and Sarah Hill for the organising etc. Also thanks to Julie Noble for selling the Christmas trees: 56 sold and a profit of over £400, all collected in the pouring rain!
3. CAROLS IN THE LOWER HALL: Thanks to all who were able to join us for all of Y1-Y6 singing carols on Monday 15th December. Thanks to the PTA for providing mince pies and mulled wine afterwards.
4. PTA CHRISTMAS DISCOS: Thanks to Jo, Clare, Sarah and everybody who helped with organising and refreshments etc. on Friday 12th at the two discos. Special thanks to Freddie Morrison for spinning the discs at the second disco for the older children.
5. BBC OFF BY HEART: The poetry reciting competition on 5/12/08 was an amazing event. Over 70 children from Y3-Y6 took part and the quality was sensational. Fiona Mueller helped us judge and the year winners were as follows: Y3 Clara F, Y4 Khinar P, Y5 Georgina B, Y6 Zoe D. The overall school champion was Isabella D (Y6) who now goes through to represent Ravenstone at the regional heats. Thanks to Catherine Dowler for organising the event.
6. SNOWMAN PYJAMA PARTY: On 10/12/08 over 70 children from Reception to Y2 watched ‘the Snowman’ in the lower hall while parents chatted over coffee. This was all in aid of helping to send staff, parents and governors over to Ghana to visit our partner school, Yameriga, in the New Year. We raised £230. Look out for a similar event for KS2 coming soon!
7. CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS: the children had their Christmas lunch today and the parties will be tomorrow and the younger children may be visited by a certain special guest!
A reminder that we finish tomorrow THURSDAY 18th at 3:15pm. School re-opens for the children on TUESDAY 6th January 2009
On behalf of the children, staff and governors I would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and Happy New Year !

Summary:

Wednesday 17th December 2008

A VERY BUSY NIGHT! PTA CHRISTMAS FAIR! CAROLS IN THE LOWER HALL! PTA CHRISTMAS DISCO! BBC OFF BY HEART! SNOWMAN PYJAMA PARTY! CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS!

Stars of the first week of December 2008

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:53:40 +0000

Reception CS:
Austin S

Reception CS:
Khizrah C

Reception AF:
Amelia W

Reception AF:
Janhavi J

Year 1 MM:
Katrina T

Year 1 MM:
Ani O

Year 1 RH/FG:
Alice H

Year 1 RH/FG:
Charlie O

Year 2 CD:
Usman A

Year 2 CD:
Catherine B

Year 2 VE:
Mia L-L

Year 2 VE:
Daniel F

Year 3 RH:
Jack A-T

Year 3 RH:
Asad R

Year 3 MR:
Oliver M

Year 3 MR:
All of Ms Richardson's Class

Year 4 JL:
Juan R

Year 4 JL:
Oliver B

Year 4 FC:
Cynthia C

Year 4 FC:
Jessica N-W

Year 5 NL:
Kia O

Year 5 NL:
Fatima K

Year 5 AT:
Arslan A

Year 5 AT:
Benjamin H

Year 6 JH:
Michah C-N

Year 6 JH:
Scherezade M

Year 6 MF/AB:
Romy I

Year 6 MF/AB:
Janusz N

Swimmers of the week:
Adam L, Amber S (Y5)

Mentors of the week:
Best Attendance and Punctuality Mrs Lynch's Y6

Head's Newsletter 2008/09 04

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:25:04 +0000

Content:

NEWSLETTER 4 Friday 5th December 2008
Dear Parents/Carers,
The end of term is approaching and many festivities are upon us:
1. PTA CHRISTMAS FAIR: Tomorrow, Saturday 6th from 3:00-5:00pm. Loads of fun, gifts, the secrets room and a special visitor from Lapland! It will be crowded, so get there early!
2. CHILDREN IN NEED: Many congratulations to Michaela L and Daniella T (Y6) for organising two events in aid of BBC’s Children In Need on 14/11/08. The first was a blindfolded penalty shoot out and the second a toy/book sale. They raised over £50!
3. TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS: This starts in January and we are already registered. Please send in any tokens which you can start collecting in the New Year.
4. MJ PARANZINO HAS RETURNED: We are all delighted to see MJ back resuming her teaching at Ravenstone and inspiring us all with her dynamic and fun approach to music. Thanks to Caroline MacBrayne who kept music going in her absence. We are continuing with most of our traditional Christmas arrangements but unfortunately are not able to sing carols at Balham station this year.
5. POETRY RECITING COMPETITION: This afternoon we held the BBC’s ‘Off By Heart’ poetry reciting competition involving many children from KS2. The school champion will go forward to compete in the national event.
6. HEINZ CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION: Congratulations to Ellie H (Y6) who entered and won a national competition to design a Christmas card for Heinz.
7. SADIQ KHAN’S CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION: Many congratulations to Frankie R-S (Y2) who was the overall winner in our local MP’s annual Christmas card competition involving children from all local schools. Frankie has been invited to Westminster to meet the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and be presented with her prize next Wednesday 10th December!
8. VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONS: Twelve local schools competed in a volleyball tournament at Ernest Bevin yesterday. The girls were runners-up and in a thrilling final the boys defeated Alderbrook to be overall champions. Thanks to Morris Tolaram for coaching and taking the Y6 team, and to the parents for your support.
9. ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS: In a four-school tournament at Battersea Youth Centre on Tuesday our Y5/6 team also emerged victorious. Thanks to Emily Richardson and Morris, and again all the parents for their wonderful support.
10. FRIDAY ASSEMBLIES: Thanks to the many parents who attend our Friday assemblies. We have finished now until January because the stage is up for the Early Years show and we are getting ready for the end of term. I will send a new timetable out in early January 2009.
11. CRB CHECKS: Many thanks to all of you who have submitted forms for CRB checks in order that you may accompany us on trips, visits etc. We have processed many forms and are now calling a halt to this for the foreseeable future.
12. SCHOOL DINNER MONEY: Could all parents/carers PLEASE ensure they have paid all outstanding money as soon as possible or at the very least by the end of term. We have to pay the money to a private company and we are wasting ridiculous amounts of administrative time (and money!) sending reminders, making phone calls, chasing families who owe for food their children have already eaten. Some people seem to find this amusing but we are very fed up! On average we are owed over £300 every week.
13. CHRISTMAS PARTIES: Individual class teachers will give you details concerning your child’s class parties asap.
14. SCHOOL AND LIBRARY BOOKS: Could all parents please check to see if they have any school or library books at home. We would be very pleased to have them back asap.
15. GOVERNOR ELECTIONS: Once again apologies for the difficulties with the parent governor election. We will send out new ballot papers etc. early January.
With Best Wishes

Summary:

Friday 5th December 2008

PTA CHRISTMAS FAIR! CHILDREN IN NEED! TIMES & SUNDAY TIMES BOOKS! 4. MJ PARANZINO HAS RETURNED! POETRY RECITING COMPETITION! HEINZ CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION! SADIQ KHAN’S CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION! VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONS! ATHLETICS CHAMPIONS! FRIDAY ASSEMBLIES! CRB CHECKS! SCHOOL DINNER MONEY! CHRISTMAS PARTIES! SCHOOL AND LIBRARY BOOKS! GOVERNOR ELECTIONS!

Stars of the last week of November 28/11/08

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:45:21 +0000

Reception CS:
Zia J

Reception CS:
Charlotte L

Reception AF:
Iona M

Reception AF:
Phoebe L

Year 1 MM:
Sam N

Year 1 MM:
Anna F

Year 1 RH/FG:
Oscar C

Year 1 RH/FG:
Joseph B

Year 2 CD:
Hazel G

Year 2 CD:
Bilal G

Year 2 VE:
Swaraa V

Year 2 VE:
Reuben Rae

Year 3 RH:
Lia F

Year 3 RH:
Josh W

Year 3 MR:
Nile W

Year 3 MR:
Clara F

Year 4 JL:
Rhys P

Year 4 JL:
Emma D

Year 4 FC:
Jayda O-W

Year 4 FC:
Phoebe S

Year 5 NL:
Mohammed H

Year 5 NL:
Blyth W

Year 5 AT:
Jacques M

Year 5 AT:
Kern R

Year 6 JH:
All of Mrs Lynch's Class

Year 6 JH:
All of Mrs Furnell's and Mrs Bolton's Class

Swimmers of the week:
T'yahna S (Y6) and Jevontae H (Y4)

Mentors of the week:
Best Attendance and Punctuality Mrs Lynch's Y6

Stars of the Week 21/11/08

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:59:09 +0000

Reception CS:
Magda B

Reception CS:
Tyreece C

Reception AF:
Ru A

Reception AF:
Khizrah C

Year 1 MM:
Dora N

Year 1 MM:
Eleanor S-B

Year 1 RH/FG:
Lotte M

Year 1 RH/FG:
Alice H

Year 2 CD:
Beck S-T

Year 2 CD:
Khava C

Year 2 VE:
Charlie B

Year 2 VE:
Rabia H

Year 3 RH:
Sachin P

Year 3 RH:
Lauren N

Year 3 MR:
All of Mr Turi's Class

Year 4 JL:
Zaid M

Year 4 JL:
Iman S-M

Year 4 FC:
Samira M

Year 4 FC:
Khinar P

Year 5 NL:
Jaydn W

Year 5 NL:
Shuko M

Year 5 AT:
Stanislava K

Year 5 AT:
Kamal O

Year 6 JH:
Elsa K

Year 6 JH:
Ethan B

Year 6 MF/AB:
Jasmine P

Year 6 MF/AB:
Joshua S

Swimmers of the week:
Luis F (Y5), Natalie D (Y4)

Mentors of the week:
Best Attendance and Punctuality Mr Turi's Y3

Head's Newsletter 2008/09 03

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:01:05 +0000

Content:

NEWSLETTER 3 Friday 14th November 2008

Dear Parents/Carers,
1. OFSTED INSPECTION: I attach the Ofsted report after our latest inspection, which took place the Friday before half term. I have to confess that I was not really expecting Ofsted to knock on the door quite so soon (I was expecting the call after Christmas. We have the dubious honour of being the first school in the borough to have received two short notice inspections, whilst some are still awaiting their first) but nonetheless we are all very pleased that the inspectors have been and gone! At the verbal feedback the lead inspector described Ravenstone as a ‘fabulous school’ and one in which he ‘would love to work in, and send his grandchildren to’. Of course such statements do not feature in the report since they are not official ‘Ofsted language’. It is worth remembering that an Ofsted inspection is only a snapshot. At Ravenstone we are constantly striving to improve the quality of the educational provision for all of our pupils. Having said that, we are all very pleased that the report recognises our considerable achievements and agrees with our judgements about where the school is now, and how to continue improving. I would like to thank all parents and carers for your support and encouragement. We received over 200 replies to the Ofsted questionnaire- about three times the number most schools of our size receive!
2. US VISITORS: We were visited on 6/11/08 by five teachers from Dolby Elementary School, Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA. This was the day after the US elections and our children were very keen to discuss Obama’s victory with our guests. The visitors were overwhelmed by your children’s knowledge and enthusiasm and commented on the quality of the relationships between pupils and teachers, the working environment and the work on display in the school.
3. MJ PARANZINO: MJ is recuperating after her operation and intended to return straight after half term but is now on track to return before the end of November, just in time to co-ordinate our Christmas celebrations! In the meantime Mrs MacBrayne continues to keep everything ticking over. We intend to hold all of our normal Christmas events. Check in the diary for dates and times. The dates of the class parties will be announced later.
4. PTA AUTUMN TEA: Many thanks to Diccon Beeny for organising yesterday’s feast of cakes and biscuits.
5. PARENT GOVERNOR ELECTIONS: We now have vacancies for three parent governors. This is because their terms of office (four years) have expired. One, Freddie Morrison, will definitely stand again, but two are not now eligible since their children have moved on to secondary schools. I shall be sending further information out next week confirming all of the details and election procedures.
6. RAVENSTONE WEBSITE: Parents may not be aware that every Friday I immediately put the Stars of the Week on the school website: www.ravenstoneschool.co.uk . Please also have a look at the supplementary website, Ravenstone Blogs on p. 2, which features work by the children on the Applemac computers, including some recent Y6 School Journey Podcasts, photos and thoughts.
7. FRIDAY ASSEMBLIES: We are all delighted that so many of you come in to Friday assemblies but can I please respectfully remind you all to leave the playground by 10:25am at the very latest, for obvious safety and security reasons.
Looking forward to a very productive and enjoyable half term in the run up to Christmas.
With Best Wishes

Summary:

Friday 24th October 2008

OFSTED INSPECTION ! US VISITORS! MJ PARANZINO! PTA AUTUMN TEA! PARENT GOVERNOR ELECTIONS! RAVENSTONE WEBSITE ! FRIDAY ASSEMBLIES!

Stars Of Remembrance Week 14/11/08

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:40:21 +0000

Reception CS:
Anton B

Reception CS:
Preeya S

Reception AF:
Alax S

Reception AF:
Jack D

Year 1 MM:
Sonny M

Year 1 MM:
Billy B

Year 1 RH/FG:
Sam B

Year 1 RH/FG:
Suzannah K

Year 2 CD:
Safiya A

Year 2 CD:
Mackenzie S

Year 2 VE:
Ryan L

Year 2 VE:
Joe R

Year 3 RH:
Olivia R

Year 3 RH:
Amber C-K

Year 3 MR:
Joseph B

Year 3 MR:
Alistair G

Year 4 JL:
Abdishakuur Y

Year 4 JL:
Morgan L

Year 4 FC:
Jessica N-W

Year 4 FC:
Afzaal B

Year 5 NL:
Jacob M

Year 5 NL:
Kofi O-A

Year 5 AT:
Tanya W

Year 5 AT:
Rory S

Year 6 JH:
Harvey C

Year 6 JH:
Nathan K

Year 6 MF/AB:
Amaal Y

Year 6 MF/AB:
Demari W

Swimmers of the week:
Ruby S (Y6) and Abubaka M-A (Y5)

Mentors of the week:
Best Attendance and Punctuality Y6 AB/MF and Y6 JL

Christmas Fair, Saturday 6th December

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:16:15 +0000

Start: 06/12/2008 - 3:00pm

End: 06/12/2008 - 5:00pm

description:

It’s all systems go for the annual Ravenstone Christmas Fair, this year on Saturday December 6.

Come along and enjoy the Christmas Fair including; raffle, tombola, santas grotto, face painting, craft stall (with beautiful handmade gift ideas), christmas pudding stall, mince pies, carol singing, art & craft activities.

Stars of the first week of November 7/11/08

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:56:41 +0000

Reception CS:
Cameron D

Reception CS:
Maryam A

Reception AF:
Lara S

Reception AF:
Charlotte D-T

Year 1 MM:
Jemima M

Year 1 MM:
Josh S-S

Year 1 RH/FG:
Jack C

Year 1 RH/FG:
Archi P

Year 2 CD:
Nural D

Year 2 CD:
Chione W

Year 2 VE:
Jack S

Year 2 VE:
Amina K

Year 3 RH:
Rhianna B-W

Year 3 RH:
Toby L

Year 3 MR:
Olivier M

Year 3 MR:
Michael O

Year 4 JL:
Chris D

Year 4 JL:
Alex C

Year 4 FC:
Danielle W

Year 4 FC:
Francesca K-H

Year 5 NL:
Kamal O

Year 5 NL:
Megan H

Year 5 AT:
Rhianna B

Year 5 AT:
Kia O

Year 6 JH:
Tijani B

Year 6 JH:
Zian B

Year 6 MF/AB:
Tyler W

Year 6 MF/AB:
Nathan K

Swimmers of the week:
Gary F-B (Y5), Rosie P (Y4)

Mentors of the week:
Best Attendance and Punctuality Mrs Lynch's Y6

Head's Newsletter 2008/09 02

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:13:09 +0000

Content:

Friday 24th October 2008

Dear Parents/Carers,
We are very pleased with the way that all of our new children have settled into life at Ravenstone. This has been a very busy half term for all of us and me especially: I was at the LEA’s Headteachers’ conference for three days, followed by a very sudden bereavement and then a week at school journey.
Then Ofsted today, so apologies for a very brief (and rushed) newsletter.
I am looking forward to a quieter half term.

Summary:

Friday 24th October 2008

HEALTHLY LIVING WEEK! BIKE IT! YAMERIGA! GOLDEN WEEKS! SCHOOL JOURNET! CLUBS!PACKED LUNCH ROOM! PTA QUIZ! RAVENSTONE SINGERS CONCERT FOR DEMELZA! OFSTED!

Sustainable Development: Notes from meeting of 8th October, 2008.

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:12:31 +0000

Content:

Sustainable Development: meeting 8th October, 2008.

“Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Summary:

“Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Stars of the Week 3/10/08

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:17:50 +0000

Reception CS:
Joe R

Reception CS:
Annabelle F

Reception AF:
Maisy D

Reception AF:
Ibad A

Year 1 MM:
Sonny M

Year 1 MM:
Rianna D-E

Year 1 RH/FG:
Miles A

Year 1 RH/FG:
Natasha H

Year 2 CD:
Charlie L-G

Year 2 CD:
Anna C-E

Year 2 VE:
Tara K-L

Year 2 VE:
Naia B

Year 3 RH:
Kathy D

Year 3 RH:
All of Y3

Year 3 MR:
Stephanie T

Year 3 MR:
Jaylee S

Year 4 JL:
Ryan D

Year 4 JL:
Daisy H

Year 4 FC:
Ben N

Year 4 FC:
Poppy G

Year 5 NL:
Oliver G

Year 5 NL:
Maia C

Year 5 AT:
Saeed M

Year 5 AT:
Candice J

Year 6 JH:
Ruby S

Year 6 JH:
Callum N

Year 6 MF/AB:
Rochelle McK

Year 6 MF/AB:
Patricia L

Swimmers of the week:
Mae F (Y6), Ryan D (Y4)

Sustainable Development - calling all interested parties.

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:17:20 +0000

Content:

Here at Ravenstone we are aware of the impact our building and school activities have on the environment. We are keen to enter this topical debate in order to take appropriate, cost-effective action where possible. We invite you to a brain-storming meeting to discuss issues which affect our ageing school premises and the curriculum which goes on within it.

Please see the report attached to this website for more information and come along to listen and/or contribute to the meeting on Wednesday 8th October. Everyone is welcome.

Elizabeth McFarlane, Premises Committee

Maths Strategies at Ravenstone

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:39:02 +0000

Content:

Attached is a Powerpoint Presentation by Max Furnell outlining the approach to teaching mathematics to the children. Many of the techniques used now are quite different to those taught previously. If you want to help your child at home you really do need to understand these modern techniques.

Summary:

If you want to help your child at home you really need to understand these modern maths techniques.

Welcome to Ravenstone

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 13:38:06 +0000