Dear Parents

I have a few items of information for you ahead of our next Newsletter in November

Golden Boot

I am delighted with the response to this local authority initiative by the pupils at St Margaret’s C of E Junior School. Classes have embraced the Golden Boot Challenge and this has become very competitive indeed! At the time of writing classes 1, 6, 9 & 13 were leading the way with their efforts—well done!

The knock-on impact has been a reduction in traffic in Orchard Street and fitter children (parents too?). Thank you for responding so well and supporting us. I do hope that as the days get colder the determination remains—that is the real challenge.

Club Times

After school clubs finish at 4:15 in terms 2 & 3 to avoid children walking home in poor light or the dark.

Road Crossing

Mr Holland has noticed a number of parents crossing Orchard Street with their children between parked cars and only 10 metres away from the crossing point.

Please set a good example to children and cross at the crossing point with Mr Holland—even if you have to walk a few more metres. October/November will see the highest number of road accidents involving children because of the poor light at this time of year. Make sure your child does not become a statistic.

Back Pain!

You may be aware that Mrs Wymark (our swimming coach) has been off work for a number of weeks. She has trapped a sciatic nerve which is causing a good deal of pain and discomfort. It is unlikely that we will see Mrs Wymark on the 2nd of November when we return after the break so the re-opening of the swimming pool will be delayed a few weeks. I know pupils are keen to be back in the water but Mrs Wymark’s long term fitness is our priority.

Harvest!

We have received a very kind letter of thanks from ‘Caring Hands’ for your generous contributions to our Harvest Festival last week – thank you. The service was thought provoking and wonderfully presented by the children. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did and I look forward to seeing you at our next service in St Margaret’s church at Christmas.

11+ Results

If there is a postal strike in Medway next Friday and 11+ results delayed, I will phone parents of those who sat the test between 12:00 and 1:00 on Saturday 31^st. Please be patient - do not call the school as incoming calls will be diverted to the answer phone.

C P Gabbett

Headteacher