ferncumbe friday

Friday 19th July 2019

amazing art exhibition!

Taking inspiration from our whole school visit to Coventry Cathedral and updated School Vision, our Art Exhibition last Tuesday afternoon was a resounding success. Every pupil contributed pieces of art, and to say that the level of skill on display was astounding is an understatement!. It was a pleasure to be able to share the exhibition with all of you and members of the local community.

We are indebted to Mrs Rosie Brown for her enthusiasm and hard work over the past few weeks, enabling us to bring the entire project to life.

the three billy goats gruff by hatton class

Hatton Class performed a dramatic and musical rendition of ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’ last Monday afternoon, to a packed hall of family members. Their energy, enthusiasm and confidence was clear for all to see, and it was the perfect way to end a successful year for them all!

goodbye year 6

Yesterday we said 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 shared a leaving poem, received keepsakes from their buddies and listened as the school sang them our traditional leavers’ hymn. Miss Morris also presented them with leaving gifts. We wish them continued success as they begin the next important stage of their education, and thank them for all they have given Ferncumbe over the years - we will miss every single one of them very much.

staff leavers

Yesterday we said goodbye to some much valued members of staff. Mr Donovan joined Ferncumbe 10 years ago, and throughout that time has not only taken care of our school, but also been an enthusiastic swimming instructor and friendly face to greet children on the gate every morning and afternoon. We wish him a long and happy retirement, and look forward to welcoming him back to school as often as he would like.

Mr Day joined us 3 years ago as a young apprentice, and has had a huge, positive impact during his time working here. He is taking up a position in a school closer to home and we truly wish him every success.

Keri Hopkins has been a key member of the Ferncumbe school office team over the past two terms, and will be sorely missed by adults and children alike. We thank her sincerely for all of her hard work during her brief time with us.

We will miss our staff leavers very much indeed and wish them all the very best for the future.

messages from the governors

Dear Parents/Carers,

I am adding a small contribution to the end of term school letter as the newly elected Chair of Governors, barely days into the role. I will write in more depth in the school newsletter for the start of the new year, but I did want to say three things.

Firstly, the school and the Governing Body owe our heartfelt thanks to Adrian Sloan who has chosen to retire this term as the Chair of Governors, although he has agreed to remain as a Governor. Adrian has led the Governing Body through two OFSTED inspections, given us guidance in so many areas and worked tirelessly for the school. He has left an incredible legacy and one I and my colleagues hope to build on going forward.

Secondly, to wish all the staff a really good summer break and thank them for their enormous efforts this year, recognised in the ‘Good’ rating by OFSTED.

Thirdly, to hope all our pupils (and their parents) have a lovely summer holiday and in particular to wish our Year 6 children who are leaving us all the very best for their future. They will be missed and we hope they will look back on their time at Ferncumbe with affection.

David Lane

WHOLE SCHOOL FOOD POLICY

As part of our review of policies which support our School Vision and in line with best practice, the Governing Body has recently approved the adoption of a Whole School Food Policy, which outlines the School's approach to food provision throughout the school day; rewards, celebrations and special events and curricular and extra-curricular activity. We would encourage you to take a look at the attached copy of the policy and if you have any comments, please send them to governors3210@welearn365.com with the heading "food policy", before the start of the autumn term.

Link to policy… https://www.dropbox.com/s/4yntn836txy2bbp/2019%20July%20Whole%20School%20Food%20Policy.pdf?dl=0

Many thanks,

The Governors

new class information evenings

On Wednesday 18th September 2019 there will be the chance to visit your child(ren)’s classroom(s) and listen to a presentation by teachers regarding important information for the academic year 2019-2020 There will be two slots from which to choose (6.15pm and 7pm), which will allow you to visit more than one year group if needed.

We look forward to welcoming as many parents as possible as there will be lots of sharing of information, and the opportunity to ask questions.

maths challenge at alcester grammar school

Members of Lowsonford Class represented our school in a Maths event at Alcester Grammar School this week. Mr Bladon commented that the team were wonderful ambassadors for Ferncumbe and competed at an extremely high level. Congratulations to you all!

A huge thank you to you all for your valued support throughout this academic year, it is much appreciated.

May I take the opportunity of wishing everyone a lovely Summer break. We all look forward to welcoming your children back to school on Tuesday 3rd September.

Kindest regards,

Tracey Webb, Deputy Headteacher

Newsletter Issue 20