Keep up to date with news from across both sites and upcoming events with our monthly newsletter.
1. Generosity
Thank you for your donations (£644), which we have passed to the charity, Children in Need. This is in addition to the generous harvest food which was given to the local Food Bank in October.
2. Let’s be on time
AM: The playground gates open at 8.30am, and the class doors open at 8.45am. The pupils are straight to work with their morning tasks, so even if they are a few minutes late, they are missing valuable learning time. The class doors close at 8.55am.
PM: The playground gates open at 3.00pm. Reception and KS1 finish at 3.15pm, and KS2 finish at 3.20pm. After five minutes, pupils are escorted to the office, where they can be collected. If pupils are regularly collected late, the office will seek to identify ways that the school can support an improvement in punctuality.
3. Seasonal activities
We have a lot going on at school in December, including carol concerts, tombola, pantomime, Y2 Nativity, Reception Festive Sing, class parties, Christmas dinner, etc. In fact, too many to include in this newsletter, so we have sent the list of events separately and posted them on the website. We are also collecting good quality, unwanted Christmas jumpers and general clothing to support those in need.
4. School reminders
Our website is a source of up-to-date information. Here are a few items:
- School uniform requires black shoes - minimal white stripes allowed.
- No riding of scooters or bikes in the playground.
5. End of term
Last day for Nursery: Wednesday 18 December
Last day for Reception – Y6: Thursday 19 December 2.00pm
6. Keep safe
Tips on keeping your children safe online, especially with all the free time during the holidays.
Staying safe online | Childline (link opens in new window)
Teaching Your Child about Internet & Online Safety | NSPCC (link opens in new window)
7. Every penny counts…
Valence Primary School is registered with easyfundraising, which means you can raise FREE donations for us every time you shop online. Over 8,000 retailers will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself! These donations really mount up and make a BIG difference to us, so we’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to sign up and support us. It’s completely FREE and only takes a moment.
www.easyfundraising.org.uk (link opens in new window)
8. Incredible but true!
Do you know how many books you can borrow at a time from the local libraries? The answer is 12 per child for 3 weeks!! Completely free. What an amazing resource for families…
- Valence Library on Becontree Avenue
- Dagenham Library at Dagenham Heathway
Why not pop along to see the range of quality books you can freely borrow and ask how to register. It’s simple to register – you can even do it online.
Online User Registration (link opens in new window)
9. Having a clearout?
We could make good use of any unwanted arts and crafts activities or good quality toys for The Roost at both sites. (You may be having a clear out before Christmas. Any items to be brought to the school office.)
Nearly new school uniform available at both sites:
- Mondays at Bonham: 8.50am - 9.30am
- Tuesdays at St George’s: 3.20pm - 3.55pm
10. Come and help us
If you would like to volunteer at school, please give your name to the offices. It may be that you can help in class with your cooking, art, design or creative skills. Or, if you would like to hear pupils read, this is a great help to those children who need a little extra adult time. Grandparents welcome too!
Mr November
Headteacher
Have a wonderful holiday - see you on 6th January 2025
Download
You can download our newsletter as a PDF below.
