Newsletter Issue 20
Ferncumbe Friday
Friday 21st July 2017
Year 6 Leavers
Today we will be saying an emotional farewell to our Year 6 children. In Church last Wednesday morning they presented their final assembly to the school and their parents. They talked about the many special memories they have made whilst at Ferncumbe, received keepsakes from their buddies and listened as the school sang them a leavers’ hymn. Miss Morris also presented them with leaving gifts. We wish them all continued success as they begin the next important stage of their education, and thank each and every one of them for all they have given Ferncumbe over the years - we will miss them very much.
staff leavers
Today we will also be saying a final goodbye to Miss Kennett and Mr Pagett, and 'au revoir' to Miss Hill (who is transferring to Aylesford). We sincerely thank them all for their hard work, dedication and much valued contributions to Ferncumbe, and wish them every success in the future.
Well done Lily!
Well done to Lily Tomkinson in Honiley Class who swam with her Mum in a 5km swim to raise money for BLISS, who care for premature and sick babies. Lily managed to swim 2km, which is a fantastic achievement for a 7 year old! She evidently showed such determination as she knew how important it was to succeed. Along with her Mum, she managed to raise over £1000. Congratulations!
master mathematicians!
Well done to Molly, James, Kate and Sam from Wroxall Class who represented Ferncumbe in the annual 'Primary School Maths Challenge' at Myton School a couple of weeks ago. They each showed great Mathematical skill and did themselves proud, with the group achieving an impressive 3rd place. Congratulations!
Governor Update
Goodbye to Jean Lewis and Ben Mowl
Jean Lewis has been a governor for over 10 years, in which time she has been a committee chair, Vice-Chair and Chair of Governors. She oversaw the appointment of Miss Morris as Headteacher and as Foundation Governor has been, along with Miss Morris and Hannah Morley-Brown, instrumental in ensuring we achieved "outstanding" in our last SIAMS Inspection. Jean has been a great friend to Ferncumbe and will be sorely missed.
Ben Mowl has been a parent governor for nearly 4 years. He has been a member of the School Pay Group and link Governor for Wren's Nest. Ben has been a great asset to the Board and as a parent representative. Ben will also be missed.
Looking forward, we will be holding a Parent Governor election as soon as we return after the Summer break. If you feel you have the skills, time and an interest in primary education, please consider putting yourself forward and take a look at our Governor Pages for more information.
School Performance
Initial indications are that the school has achieved some excellent results. All year groups have exceeded last year's DfE floor target of 65% of pupils meeting age related expectations, with every year group achieving 70%+, and the majority achieving 85%+, for Reading, Writing and Maths. Governors would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for their contribution and dedication to the school.
Finance
Our 3 year financial forecast indicates that the school remains on a firm footing, and unlike many schools we are not yet facing the hard decisions we see reported in the press. This is down to Mrs Bosworth's hard work and determination to keep us within our means , combined with the funding we receive from our agreement with Aylesford School. We are also lucky to have such a dedicated group of Friends, who contribute considerably to the school, both in terms of their time and the funds they generate.
On behalf of the Board I would like to wish those who are leaving the school, both staff, pupils and parents, success in their future endeavours, and for those who will be returning to us in September, a happy and restful Summer.
Adrian Sloan, Chair of Governors.
Ferncumbe's Fabulous Fundraisers!
After hearing about the tragic events that occurred in Manchester and London, Darcey, Sophie, Lily, Annabel, Olivia and Amelka, in Honiley Class, decided they wanted to do something to help. The girls worked tirelessly making loom band bracelets, rings and necklaces to sell, with all the proceeds going to the Red Cross, helping those who have been affected.
Our fabulous fundraisers have now raised a grand total of £130!
Well done girls, we are very proud of you. An amazing achievement for very worthy causes!
Miss Kennett
terrific tennis, maddie!
Last month I was invited to a special tennis coaching session at The Edgbaston Priory Tennis Club.
The course was called 'She Rallies'. It was just for girls and was all about keeping girls playing tennis. For every girl playing tennis there are four boys!
The coach was Judy Murray, Andy Murray's mum! She was brilliant and great fun, and taught us lots of cool tennis tactics. I can't wait to use them in my matches.
Maddie Pellow
A huge thank you to you all for your valued support throughout the year. I have found it so heartwarming this week to read and hear so many positive, appreciative and inspiring comments about staff, from both adults and children alike.
May I take the opportunity of wishing everyone a lovely Summer break. Staff look forward to welcoming children back to school on Tuesday 5th September.
Kindest regards,
Tracey Webb, Deputy Headteacher