This week it was the turn of Year 3, Year 5, Year 6, Reception and Nursery to work in the wildlife area, our outside wild classroom; I have been hearing great stories of maths and literacy lessons taking place down there over the last week, as well as bushcraft and a whole host of other exciting activities.

Year 3 undertook their Copper Award walk, covering a distance of 8km this week. They walked through Orchard Leigh Golf Course and around the lake. They completed it in good spirit without any moaning! They really enjoyed the experience and were thrilled that they had all succeeded.

Springmead swimmers did themselves proud on Saturday at the friendly series gala at Frome pool.  Our squad of sixteen were divided into five teams giving them the opportunity to swim with other clubs including Frome, Wells and Shepton Mallet and Westbury.  They competed in a range of events including kick countdown, medley all-stars and flip relay.  The eventual winners were the Raiders, which included Jacob Humphrey. Well done to all of you! 

The following certificates were recently awarded to our youngest swimmers, celebrating their early achievements in the pool: 

Is great in the water: Lily Hastings-McMahon and Harriette Puddy-Jones.

Can swim with a float: Jonny Cox.

Is a super swimmer: Oliver Knatchbull.

On Monday the Year 3 & 4 football team had their first match of the year.  Despite being under pressure for much of the first half Springmead managed to reach halftime level at 1 – 1 thanks to a Luca Morgan goal equalising an early Beckington strike.  Playing against a completely changed team in the second half Springmead became more dominant and started to create better chances.  After being denied by the keeper on previous occasions Charlie Shakespeare managed to give Springmead the lead and then a second Luca Morgan goal secured the win. Campbell Goff played well in goal and there were all action performances from Elena Sidman and Alex Mori.

The Year 5 & 6 football team played North Bradley on Thursday afternoon.  As the elements closed in the surface became greasy and the ball was becoming difficult to control.  Both teams tried to play passing football but it was the slightly stronger and more experienced North Bradley team that took control. 

A spell of pressure resulted in the opening goal but Springmead soon equalised through an Elvis Jai Closs goal.  Another spell of pressure saw North Bradley take the lead and control of the game.  Despite further chances and great determination, particularly from captain Tom Brown, Springmead were unable to add to their score.  As Springmead pushed forward North Bradley were able to counter attack and add to their score eventually running out comfortable winners.

We traditionally ask that children bring in food gifts for the elderly residents of Lahs Place, Beckington.  This year could we please ask that the gifts are in jars, bottles and packets (rather than fresh produce), in a decorated box, ready to put on display at church. Gifts should be brought to school on Friday 1st October, as storage is difficult before this!  We will then take these down to the church that day, ready for our service on the Sunday morning. 

We also ask any willing parents to help us transport the boxes down to the church that morning. It only takes about half an hour and many hands certainly make light work of this particular task.

On Tuesday afternoon, whilst mopping up after lunch, the school received a routine, unannounced Environmental Health Department inspection.  All aspects of the food preparation, safety and hygiene were subjected to scrutiny.  The inspection team made a decision as to how well we comply with food hygiene and safety legislation, they also had to judge the structural conditions of the premises and their confidence in the management of the area. 

We are pleased to inform you that the school received the highest possible score, a 5 star rating.  Our thanks go to Tracey Martin and Evie Ksiaznicka who continue to work tirelessly to ensure this aspect of our provision, like the rest, is outstanding at all times.

Swimming news

It was especially exciting to welcome our new swimming coaching team: Sarah Paton, Olympic swimmer and head coach at Trowbridge swimming club and Bath University; Tony Phillips head coach at Warminster swimming club; Toni Derrick, coach at Frome swimming club; and Katie Ellis who has now embarked on her level 2 swimming coaching qualification. We have an incredibly strong team who are eager to pursue the vision Steve has for the development of swimming at Springmead School.

We look forward to hearing how some of the swimming squad get on at the friendly series gala at Frome pool on Saturday 18^th September.

Advance notice: Harvest Service, Sunday 3^rd October 2010

As you already know Rev. Andrew Chalkley has invited Springmead School to take part in a Harvest Sunday Service.  This will be the one Sunday service that the children from Year R-6 participate in during the academic year 2010/11; we trust that by providing lots of notice all families will be able to attend.  If you have a specific problem could you please write to your child’s class teacher over the next week, this will avoid unnecessary changes just before the event.

Harvest gifts

We traditionally ask that children bring in food gifts for the elderly residents of Lah’s Place, Beckington.  This year could we please ask that the gifts are in jars, bottles and packets (rather than fresh produce), in a decorated box, ready to put on the display at church. Gifts should be brought to school on Friday 1st October, as storage is difficult before this! We will then take these down to the church that day, ready for our service on the Sunday morning. 

We also ask any willing parents to help us transport the boxes down to the church that morning. It only takes about half an hour and many hands certainly make light work of this particular task.

Thank you those who have sent in nearly new shoes already, it isn’t too late; the ship leaves at the beginning of October for the Philippines!

Could children please bring in shoes they have grown out of, in sealed clear bags, one bag per pair, and put them in the box on the pew in the entrance way.   Please make sure they are clean and not worn out.  They will accept any shoes and Wellingtons but not winter boots, please!  Thank you in anticipation of your support.

Parent Focus Evening, Internet Safety, Monday 27^th September 7-9pm

We have invited David Wright, from the South West Grid for Learning, to lead a session on Internet safety.  We would encourage all parents to come along to this event, which will take place at the Village Hall in Beckington.  Could you please send the reply slip back to your child’s class teacher by Friday 17^th September so we can finalise numbers. 

(This will link to information sent out on Newsletter 25 last year which can be revisited on our website.)