Newsletter Issue 5
ferncumbe friday
friday 15th November 2019
'Time to listen, time to be heard'
Our new Shakespeare Ambassadors’ Motto
Ferncumbe’s very smiley Shakespeare Ambassadors!
On Thursday 7th November, our six newly elected Shakespeare Ambassadors went along to 'The Other Place' in Stratford for an RSC Training Day. Along with three other Warwickshire schools, they learnt what skills they needed to be effective Ambassadors, thinking about what the school community might expect from them too. They’ve come away armed with so many exciting ideas so there will be plenty of opportunity for both children and adults to get involved. Watch this space!
The children from Ferncumbe were an absolute pleasure to take along and represent our school. All children stepped into their new role as Shakespeare Ambassadors with enthusiasm, politeness, willingness to get stuck in and displayed a passion for Shakespeare throughout the day, plus they got a badge to prove it! Well done.
Mrs Foss
Parent lessons
Thank you to all our parents, grandparents and other relatives who visited school last Thursday morning and participated with such enthusiasm in the variety of activities in each class. I know that the children were particularly appreciative, and it was clear that they loved sharing their learning with you!
recent Siams inspection
May I take the opportunity of thanking you all for your support last week during our SIAMS inspection (an additional inspection because we are a Church of England school). The visiting insepctor explored how effective Ferncumbe’s distinctive Christian vision is, and how well it is established and promoted by leadership and teaching.
The final report will be made available in approximately two weeks and we will, of course, advise you.
christmas shoebox appeal
With the nights getting colder and darker, ‘Helping Hands Community Project’ which is based in Leamington, has just launched its Christmas Shoebox Appeal. Ferncumbe is once again going to support this worthwhile venture and we are asking all members of The Ferncumbe Family to kindly donate decorated, filled shoeboxes. Miss Forbes will launch the idea with the children during assembly on Wednesday 20th November.
The following list is an example of recommended items you may wish to include: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, flannel, dry shampoo, deodorant, sanitary products, hairbrush / comb, coffee & meal vouchers, clothes vouchers, hat, scarf, gloves, socks, handwarmers, book, 2020 diary, notepad & pen, pocket games (e.g. cards), chocolates and sweets.
If you would like to fill and donate a shoebox, please ensure it is in school by the morning of Monday 2nd December, so that the boxes can be delivered to Leamington altogether. We are happy to store filled shoeboxes which are ready before that date, and thank you in advance for your support with this endeavour. Your generosity is much appreciated.
climate change assembly
This morning, Mrs Grier gave an assembly all about Climate Change. We are aiming this year, to embed a small amount of learning into each year group curriculum to help our children understand what Climate Change is and how we can make greater efforts to care for the planet. We will approach this in a problem-solving and empowering way, to avoid anxiety or worrying the pupils.
We have begun with a 'Green Top Tips' scavenger hunt around the school, where as of next week, the pupils can find the top tips around school and enter into a prize draw if they find all ten.
Please talk to your children about what they learnt from the assembly and perhaps open up a discussion at home about what you do as a family and could perhaps do in the future?
Many thanks for your support.
warwickshire children’s chorus is calling all of our wonderful singers!
only 2 saturday rehearsals a term
Warwickshire Children’s Chorus will be holding a rehearsal on the morning of 30th November 2019 at Warwick Prep School. The children will be preparing for a performance at the Winter Warmer concert during the afternoon of 8th December, which will be held at the Warwick Hall. Having seen this choir perform in the past I can tell you that the children truly have a wonderful time, along of course with the benefits reaped from singing in such a brilliant group.
If any of your children are interested you can sign them up on the Warwickshire Music website, and follow the ‘enrol today’ link… https://www.warwickshiremusichub.org/childrens-chorus
Ferncumbe has just been named as one of six ‘Warwickshire Singing Schools’ - it would be fantastic to have as many Ferncumbe children join the chorus as possible!
county boys choir is looking for boys (aged 7+) who love to sing!
If any of our boys aged 7+ who love to sing would like to join a choir, look no further than the hugely successful County Boys Choir who meet in Warwick on a Wednesday. Ferncumbe have past and current pupils as members, and the feedback is always that it is a lot of fun! There is also the opportunity to progress to the County Choristers.
No audition necessary! Further information and enrolment details can be found here… http://www.choristers.org/the-three-choirs/
CHRISTINGLE SERVICE AND TREE FESTIVAL
Children from Ferncumbe, along with friends and family, are invited to the Christingle Service (10am) on Sunday 8th December at Holy Trinity Church.
Please also note that the Christmas Tree Festival will take place at Holy Trinity Church on Saturday 7th December (10am - 4pm) and Sunday 8th December (11.30am - 4pm). Please do come along and view the trees (including Ferncumbe’s) on display.
Christmas Choir!
This half term, Miss Forbes has started a choir for Christmas. We will be performing at the Hatton Arms on Tuesday 17th December between 6 and 7pm. We would love to see as many of you there as possible to support the children and adults who will be singing a range of Christmas songs and traditional carols!
We will also be singing at the Christingle Service on Sunday 8th December at Holy Trinity Church, Hatton. Again, please do come along and support us and enjoy the Christmas Tree Festival too!
Miss Forbes
a big thank you from Mr donovan
Mr Donovan has asked me to thank you all for contributing towards his retirement gift last term. He popped in this morning to show us the new watch he has recently bought with the donations. It is great that we still get to see him on a regular basis as Mr Donovan attends swimming lessons on a Wednesday morning with the children, in his role as a swimming coach.
1st hatton brownies
Calling all parents, grandparents and guardians of girls aged 7 to 10 years!
Did you know 1st Hatton Brownies meets 6pm to 7.30pm every Monday evening at Ferncumbe Primary School? (After Wren’s Nest).
Brownies offers girls exciting opportunities to try new things and discover their potential. They make their own decisions, learn new hobbies, develop skills and have adventures. We go to special events, camps and holidays and above all we have lots of fun!
1st Hatton Brownies currently have spaces for new girls and we are looking forward to making new friends. If you know a girl who would like to join in the fun, please call Tawny Owl on 07818 422150 for details.
palisander recorder quartet
We are really looking forward the the concert that the Palisander Recorder Quartet are giving for the children at Ferncumbe next Thursday. If you would like to have a listen too, please see the information below about their upcoming family concert in Warwick next Saturday morning.
With very best wishes for a lovely weekend,
Tracey Webb, Head of School