This week our children achieved an overall percentage of 95% (Nursery not included). 

Clubs next week

All after school clubs except for Grass Roots on Friday will be cancelled due to Parents Evening. Can all children who normally go to after school clubs please be picked up at the normal time, thank you.

Chorlton High Master Classes

Five children from years 4-6 attended a science master class at Chorlton high School this week. They were: Felix Dubicki-Piper (Year 4), Peter Mitchell and Louis Hadoke (Year 5), and Michael Day and Hader Khan (Year 6). Many thanks to Chorlton High School for providing them with such an exciting opportunity.

Philosophy and Drama

On March 3^rd, eighteen children from Years 5 and 6, plus six children from both Oswald Road and Chorlton C of E, were treated to a very challenging and stimulating session of philosophy and drama led by one of our parents, Peter Kennedy. The children were very inspired by the time they spent with Peter and are looking forward to a follow-up on March 24^th. Many thanks to Peter for challenging these children to think so deeply.

Nursery News

Just a reminder that the library service story session will take place in the Infant Hall on 23^rd March at 2.30pm. This session is for children in the Nursery, their parents and younger siblings. Please sign in at the Office between 2.15pm and 2.30pm and come down to the Hall as this should be a lot of fun.

On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week, the nursery will join together on the yard for wake-up gym as part of our Sport Relief activities. We will do this immediately after register time and it would help us if everyone gets to school promptly so that we can get active! On Friday we will be doing circuit activities for a much longer session. Children can come in sporty outfits on that day – we will be collecting donations for sport relief in the classrooms.

If you have been waiting for activity packs since the stay and play sessions before half-term you will be given the pack during your parent-teacher interview meeting next week, as the packs have finally arrived.
Sadly, Oak and Acorn nursery say a fond farewell to Mrs Jamal today. Whilst we are happy to welcome Miss Ledwick into the Hedgehog group, the Nursery and the school  will miss Mrs Jamal and hope she can come and visit us soon.

Have a lovely weekend, and to all of our mums – Happy Mothers Day. The Nursery staff.

School Meal Menu for next week – Week 4

Speedmark Challenge

Thank you to everyone who helped raise money during the Speedmark Challenge last Thursday and Friday especially Jayden Bell in 1KJ who raised a staggering £300! It was a great couple of days and all involved really enjoyed it.

Writing Competition

A reminder that entries for the writing competition need to be sent to Ms Boyle or Mrs Griffith by Monday of the coming week (15^th). The task was to write a story set in the future, based on the idea of exploring a new planet. Prizes will be awarded within the relevant phases.

Football

March is proving a very successful month for football at Chorlton Park.

Yesterday the Year3/4 6 a side football squad won all of their games in a tournament at Whalley Range High School. They came home with the shield and each received medals. As champions, they will now go in to the area finals to face winners from similar tournaments across Manchester.

Congratulations to Matthew Argent-Barnes, India Sangar, Hattie Midgley-Stevens, Josh Fox, Jeevan Bharda-Singh, Daniel Lewis, Taimur Amer, Daisy Wood and Billie Carr-Woodburn.

Also the Year 6 team has progressed well in the Wetton Trophy and play in the semi-final next Thursday (18^th March). The match will take place on the park and kick off will be 4pm. We hope as many children and parents/carers can be there to cheer on the team in what promises to be a thrilling encounter against St Anthony’s.

Parking

Just a reminder to park considerately. We have had a complaint from a neighbour, saying that her car was blocked in her driveway when a parent came to collect from school. We know that there are parking restrictions at the moment that are making the situation worse, but please set off 5 minutes earlier, so that you can find somewhere appropriate to park. Thank you.

This week our children achieved an overall percentage of 94 % (Nursery not included). 

Maths workshop

The maths workshop for Years 3 and 4 will be held on Tuesday 9^th March. There are two time slots at 9.30-10.30am or 6.00-7.00pm. Please note that the venue has changed and the workshops will now be held in 4BH’s classroom.

Sport Relief – Friday 19^th March

As usual in Chorlton Park we will Rise to the Challenge and raise some money for Sport Relief by exercising and having fun. We are going for the Chorlton Park ‘Marathon’.

All year groups (Reception to Year 6 – Nursery will be doing something in the Nursery gardens) will start in the Gym at 9.15am with a warm up and then we will be walking/jogging/running various routes around the park. When all the distances are added up they should equal a marathon. We would like the children to wear sport clothes and if possible keep to a red and white theme. Official Sport Relief clothes, socks and accessories are available from TKMaxx, Sainsbury’s and online. We are asking for a donation of 50p please. I’m afraid there won’t be enough room for parents and spectators in the gym but you are more than welcome to watch and support in the park.

Thank you – Mrs Lamb and Miss Humphries.

Parents (You said……….. we are doing)

Parents and carers will remember our recent whole school survey. The results were sent out a few weeks ago.

Whilst the results were overall very positive, we realise that there is still room for improvement. We promised that we would revisit the areas that were below 80% satisfaction and look more deeply into these areas, then to develop an action plan for improvement so that satisfaction percentages will be at least 85%.

The areas were:

1. Provision for Gifted and talented pupils 76%
   1. Provision for special needs (SEN) 63%
2. Behaviour (which was at 80%)

To ensure that we get your responses we have asked 2 parent governors Janet Macdonald and Tracey Langley to coordinate the gathering of views. They will of course treat all responses confidentially. To contact them please either:

1. Send a letter to the office for their attention
2. Send your contact details to the office for their attention

We know this approach works because previous feedback from parents has for example improved schools meals, and the playground equipment. We are open to ideas and welcome constructive comments to improve our school. We will do all within our powers to address any concerns raised and will keep parents informed of developments.

Attendance

Next week children with 100% attendance for the first half term will be receiving an award badge. Badges will also be given for good effort. This will continue every half term. Thanks to all the parents for co-operating and improving their child’s attendance.

School Meal Menu for next week – Week 3

Year 6 Football

Congratulations to the Year 6 football team won their home match against St Kentigern’s 9-3 on Monday. This was the quarter final tie of the Wetton Trophy and we are now in the semi-final! We will keep you updated on the team’s progress.

School Book Fair

The school book fair will be on next week. It will start on Monday 8^th March at 8.30am and finish on Friday 12^th March at 9.00am. Please come and have a look at the books on display. Each book sold will mean the school will receive commission to buy books for your child’s class and the library. Call in at 8.30-9.00am in the morning or 3.30-4.00pm after school.

School Bike Safety Assembly

Well done to all the children who took part in the bike safety programme with Chorlton police. Special congratulations to Demitria, Thomas, Subhan who won runner up prizes and Kai who won first prize.

Nursery News

On 23^rd March at 2.30pm the library service will visit for a special story session in the Infant Hall. Parents and younger siblings are invited to join us. Please come in through the office to sign in from 2.15.

We will be talking about our wonderful mums next week and would appreciate photos of our mums to put on display. We can photocopy pictures here and return them quickly to you.

Our materials table is glass – if you have any items you could safely bring in for display that would be great! Thanks, the Nursery team. 

This Newsletter is available on the website     www.chorltonpark.manchester.sch.uk

This week our children achieved an overall percentage of 96 % (Nursery not included). 

National Sing-Up Day

On Wednesday 24^th February, Chorlton Park joined thousands of other schools nationwide by taking part in National Sing-Up day. The whole school, including staff and parents, enjoyed singing together at the end of the school day. Thank you to Mrs Haycocks for organising the event within Chorlton Park.

Chorlton High Master Classes

Five children from year 6 attended a Food Tech Master Class at Chorlton high School this week. They were – Eve Ferris, Hari Sangar, Hannah Kennedy, Ro-Shaun Williams and Joe Wood. They were all involved in the finals of the annual Year 6 ‘Cook-Off’ organised by Mrs Brooks.

Further opportunities for children in Years 4, 5 and 6 to attend master classes in other areas of expertise are scheduled throughout the rest of the school year. Many thanks!

Library News

Library will now be open every day after school (3.15 – 3.45pm).  Children from Nursery, Reception and Year One are all able to take out a book.  Please drop in and browse our book section.

Playgroup is cancelled for next Fri 5^th March

There will be no Drumming next Tuesday

Chorlton Park Writing Competition

We are holding a writing competition where children can write a story set in the future, based on the idea of exploring a new planet. The stories will be judged in three age groups: Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6. The closing date for entries is Monday 15^th March and entries should be handed to either Ms Boyle or Mrs Griffith on completion. Winners will be announced on Friday March 26^th.

Speedmark Challenge

Just a quick reminder that the Speedmark challenge is on Thursday and Friday next week. Please send any sponsor money to the office by Thursday.

School Meal Menu for next week – Week 2

This Newsletter is available on the website     www.chorltonpark.manchester.sch.uk

This week our children achieved an overall percentage of 95 % (Nursery not included). 

School Meal Menu for next week – Week 1

National Sing-Up Day is on Wednesday 24^th February. On this day, all of the children will be joining schools across the country in a nationwide event in a Guinness World Record attempt. The purpose of the event is to promote sing-up which is a government initiative to encourage children to sing more. At 3pm on 24^th February, Foundation stage and Year 1 will gather in the Infant Hall, Year 2-4 in the Dining Hall and Nursery children will stay in the Nursery to sing. When you come to collect your children, you are invited to come and join in with us before you take them home at the usual time of 3.20pm. This should be a very exciting event, please support us in it by arriving slightly early on that day so that you can sing with us if you wish!

Year 4 trip to 21cc

Please look out on the blog for the work the children have been doing as a result of their trip to 21cc last week. The BBC will also be including some of this work in their website within the next few months. We will keep you updated. 

SpeedMark Challenge

Just a reminder that the sponsored SpeedMark challenge is taking place on Thursday 4^th march (Year 4, 5 and 6) and Friday 5^th March (Yrs 1, 2 and 3).

Safety Concerns

Over the last week the police have been present at the beginning and end of the day outside school. They have found the situation some parents are putting their children in to be extremely dangerous, because of this they are coming in the first Monday back to talk to the children in KS1 and 2 assemblies regarding parking and road safety. If you are one of the parents who are continuing to park on the yellow zigzag lines, it is you the police will be focusing on next term. Thank you for all the parents who continue to put children’s safety first by parking elsewhere.

After Half Term, the staff will no longer be able to park in the car park, meaning they will be parking on the road outside school.

Year 5 students and families….Would you like to help me / be involved in a film/arts project?

I am a parent with children at Chorlton Park, who is running an arts project called the ‘The Museum of Childhood’.  This project will end with an exhibition for the Chorlton Arts Festival in May 2010.

The project is about how objects can conjure up memories from /of childhood, and I am interested in working with ten families from Chorlton Park (with children aged 10 years/’rising ten’). 

If you have a short story to tell about one object that is important to you and why, and are interested in the film-making process please contact me for more information!

You can email me at judd.su@btopenworld.com  or leave a message for me via the office.

Year 4 Castleton Residential Meeting

Year 4 parents should have already received a letter early this week regarding the Castleton meeting which will be held on the first Tuesday back after half term – Tuesday 23^rd February. To enable as many parents and carers as possible to come, we will be running it three times over the day – 9.15am, 3.30pm and 6.30pm. This will be an opportunity for us to share important information regarding the residential. We hope to see as many of you as possible.

Nursery News

All the Nursery staff and children wish Miss Wilson Bon Voyage. We are very sad that she won’t be here but very happy that she will get to travel around Australia. At the same time we are happy to welcome Ms Opdam into our school. In the week after half term we will be focusing on ourselves, our groups, our nurseries and our families. Each child can bring in their favourite Fairy tale from home for us to read out to the class. Please remember to tell us that the book is in school and label it with their name. Finally, enjoy half-term week. We hope you have fun and come back safely after a well deserved break.

On Saturday 6^th February Hannah, Eve and Billie from Year 6 went on a course at Altrincham Grammar School for Girls. Hannah and Eve went on a fashion designing course and customized their own t-shirts with spray paint. Billie went to a drama workshop where she wrote a play script and performed it. All the girls really enjoyed their day and thought it was fantastic.   

St Bedes v Chorlton Park Y6 football

Monday night saw the postponed cup match between these two great teams. The match was a rollercoaster ride for the spectators; on the 89^th minute C.P.P.S were out of the cup loosing 2-1. With the last kick of the game we equalised and took the game to extra time. We eventually won 2-5, but this was the toughest game so far this season. The boys showed great character to come back twice and finally win. Well done boys, we await to see who we play in the next round!!

Maths Quiz

On Friday, children from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 took part in a Maths quiz assembly. Taking part were…Sam and John from 3JE, from 3MJ Alfie and Joel, and from 3MB Theo and Ahmad.

From Year 4, Atlanta and Georgia from 4DM, Abraham and Hattie from 4SH and Manik and Ibrahim from 4BH. From Year 5 Dylan and Noor from 5SK, Aziz and Usman from 5MW and Ruby O and Jude from 5HW. From 6, Ahmed and Jason from 6MG, Ceara and Bukhari from 6RH and Aleyshea and Brandon from 6JG.

The winners in years 3 and 4 were, Manik, Hattie and then Ibrahim. Out of year 5 and 6, Ahmed came first with an impressive 91%, followed by Brandon and Jason.

Police Bike Safety

Well done to all the children who took part in the Police Bike Safety course. The children who took part have been asked to create some posters and letters that could be displayed in the Police Station!! The police will be in school next half term to hand out a prize to one lucky winner Thank you to all those who helped out!

This week our children achieved an overall percentage of 96% (Nursery not included). 

Message from the Police

The police were outside school twice this week and have found a high number of cars parked or stopped on the yellow zig-zag lines outside school.  This is clearly a risk to our young people which is why the yellow zig-zags are there to protect our children.  Please show you care and park elsewhere.

Due to the high numbers found this week the police will be returning over the rest of the term and issuing tickets.

Chorlton Schools’ Quiz

On Tuesday 4 children from Chorlton Park competed in a quiz against 5 other Chorlton schools.

Milad Mossanen-Parsi, Louis Hadoke, Manik Mehta and Cynog Williams from years 6 down to 3 were picked to represent Chorlton Park.  There were 8 teams in total competing and Chorlton Park came second.  The team displayed incredible general knowledge skills, for example recognised the flag of Sri Lanka, knew which monument was built in Trafalgar Square in 1843 (Nelson’s Column). Well done to the team.

School Meal Menu for next week – Week 6.

Year Three Roman Soldier Day
On Friday 12th February Year Three will be having a day in the life of a Roman soldier. We would love children to dress up as though they were members of the Roman Army. The day will include training drills, shield practice and other army activities! 

Alex Williams

Alex, ex Man City goal keeper and ex-governor for Chorlton Park came into school on Wednesday to give a talk about the power of sport and aspiring to be what you want to be and not giving up on your goals.  Jamiel, 5MW, asked him what team he supported and his answer was City, true to his roots, as he grew up in Moss Side.

Nursery News

Next Friday Nursery are holding a leaving party for Miss Wilson, all the children are invited to come in dressed up as Miss Wilson for the day!  We are having a party in the afternoon. 

Message from Miss Wilson

Thank you to all the children I have had in my class over the past 3 years, who have made my time at Chorlton Park really special and thank you and good bye to all the parents and staff.  I will be leaving on Friday 12^th and will keep in touch with school whilst I am on my travels around Australia.

School Dinners

We have been listening to pupils’ ideas and opinions about school dinners and one of the concerns was not having a choice when your class is on the last lunch sittings.  We are now piloting a pre-order system with Years 5 & 6 which is due to start after half term.  If this is successful we will start to roll it out across school.  We will keep you up to date with progress.

This Newsletter is available on the website     www.chorltonpark.manchester.sch.uk

This week our children achieved an overall percentage of 96% (Nursery not included). 

Chorlton Primary Schools Fundraise Together for Children of Haiti 

School councillors from Chorlton Park and 6 other Chorlton Primary Schools, handed over a cheque for £6069 (of which £1340.97 was raised by Chorlton Park) to help the children of Haiti affected by the recent  devastating earthquake. We would like to thank children and their families for their kindness and generosity.

New Governors for Chorlton Park

Congratulations to our new parent governor; Ian Devine, and the two staff governors; Ms Wray and Ms Potter.  The current governing body are looking forward to working with you and welcome you to the team.

Children’s Magazines

Year 6 would like any donations of old children’s magazines for the classroom.

Well done to Muiz Ahmed in 6RH who sent up a cartoon drawing to Match Magazine for their Gallery Page and it appears in the current edition.  If you want to see the picture check out the Year 6 Blog.

Year 5 Homework
Thank you very much to all the parents that turned up to the homework forum, it was great to hear your ideas and comments, we will get back to you shortly after the half term break with news about how homework will be run.

Nursery News

Next week’s material of the week is cloth. We will be thinking about who makes our clothes and how they are made. If you have interesting pieces of cloth please bring them along.

Stay and Play week will take place on Tuesday 9^th Feb, Wednesday 10^th Feb, Thursday 11^th Feb and Friday 12^th Feb. Parents are invited to participate in activities with their child from 8.50 to 10.30. There are sign up sheets in each Nursery. It is a wonderful opportunity for you to experience your child’s morning and to observe them in the classroom. The children are settling well into their new classes.

Please remember that book bags need to be returned to school on a Monday.

Have a lovely weekend, the Nursery staff.

Internet Use

Parents will be aware that computers are a major part of learning at Chorlton Park, but also that technology can be abused.

We have a good filtering system that allows us to link a name to actions. Recently we were able to track and identify a pupil that left an unpleasant comment on our school blog. This also allowed us to exonerate pupils that were not involved. We want to remind all of our children that they are responsible for what they do if on their mobile phone, e mail or online. 

Unfortunately our systems do not protect children at home. The growth of social networking such as Facebook and Twitter and internet enabled mobile phones has meant that the online community is accessible. We would advise parents regularly check on their child’s internet activities.

We have run short workshops on internet safety use and will be willing to run another course if it is required.

Attendance

Parents will be aware from previous letters that we are focusing on pupils with persistent absence (attendance below

80%). We are pleased to say that there has been a significant improvement. Our parent support advisers are doing a fine job in motivating families and children to have good levels of attendance.

The local authority is supporting schools to reduce absence with attendance sweeps. During a sweep, a team will visit all homes where a child is absent on the day of the sweep. There has already been 1 sweep and we expect there will be more in the future.

Y6 Football
Year 6 boys will be taking part in an FA cup style competition with the first fixture this Monday at St. Bedes, come along and cheer us on….Kick off is 3pm!! 

Clubs

We’ve organised some fantastic after-school clubs for this term.

All of them offer great opportunities for our children to be active,

musical and to learn new skills. For more information and to

book a place just pop in to the school office.

Tues

Netball Club, Y2-6

3.30-4.30

In Gym - £4 per session (PFC)

Drumming, Y1-6

Infant Hall

£3 per session

Wed

Spanish Club, Reception –Y6

Infant Hall / Music Studio

£3 per session

Thur

Multi Sport, Reception – Y6

£3 per session (PFC)

Mela

We still haven’t had any volunteers to help organise the Mela Evening.

 It would be such a shame if we can’t hold this fantastic event this year.

If you think you can spare a bit of time to help with this celebration

of Asian culture, do get in touch with us via the school office.

School Meal Menu for next week will be week 4.

Hello everyone and a very Happy New Year from the PTA. Just a couple of things to say this week:

Hats for Haiti

The PTA will be contributing to the funds raised by the children today. We’ll keep you posted on how much was raised altogether.

Mela

It’s time again for this very popular event, a celebration of Asian culture with music, food and fashion. We need people to help us organise it this year and preferably those of you with a real understanding of how to create a fantastic Mela evening. So if you can spare a bit of time do get in touch with us via the school office. 

After-School Waiting Area

Along with Mr Watson we’ve been looking at finding an indoor space where parents and carers can wait while their other children finish after-school clubs. We’re looking at a couple of options and should have a result very soon, so watch this space. Freezing in the playground should soon be a thing of the past!

Personal Development & Wellbeing

% of responses

Achievement, Standards, Teaching & Learning

% of responses

Strongly agree

Strongly agree/ agree

Leadership & Management

% of responses

Strongly agree

Strongly agree/ agree

Care, Guidance & Support

* answered if parent/ carer’s child has special educational needs

Strongly agree

Strongly agree/ agree

This week our children achieved an overall percentage of 93 % (Nursery not included). 

Parent Partnership

We are constantly looking at ways in which we work together with our parent/carers and school community and would like to thank you for the committed, enthusiastic support that we regularly receive.

To further improve these already strong links I would like to ask for some volunteers to join a school working party looking at how we can continue to improve the work we do together. This would involve meeting once a half term during the school day, as well as being able to offer ideas and opinions on what we need to do to improve systems we have in school already.

To get involved in this group please email mblackburn@chorltonpark.manchester.sch.uk or call into school and speak with me.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Mrs Blackburn  Year 4.

Milk Deadline

The deadline for ordering milk was today, Friday 15^th.  If you have just ordered milk from January your child will receive it from Monday 18^th.

School Dinners this term are £90 for the term or £45 up to half term.  The school menu for next week is week 2. 

Parent and Carers Questionnaire

All the data from the recent questionnaires has been collated and we’ve received some really useful feedback, which will help us keep improving the school (please see the report attached).  We were pleased that the vast majority of responses were very positive. For example:

“It is a friendly, welcoming and inclusive school. The teachers, deputies and headteacher always make time to talk to you”

“There is a good social and ethnic mix which prepares children well for life”

“Despite being so big there is a strong sense of cohesion and togetherness”

However, we will not be complacent and we do realise that improvement is a continuous process. The senior leadership team and our governing body will be discussing areas for improvement highlighted in the questionnaire responses, for example homework, and we will keep you updated.  Thank you to all the parents and carers who responded and our PSAs Ian and Sharon for their hard work.

Netball Club – Thursday cancelled because of Girls Football at Whalley Range.

Privacy Notice

You will all have received a copy of the most recent privacy notice, sent home today.

This Newsletter is available on the website     www.chorltonpark.manchester.sch.uk

This week our children achieved an overall percentage of 94% (Nursery not included). 

 We are outstanding!

It is official, Chorlton Park is outstanding.  We have now received confirmation from Ofsted that your school has achieved the outstanding grade from its recent inspection.  A copy of the report will be sent out early today.

Thank you. 

Well done to the staff, pupils and governors and thank you to parents for your support.  Please join us at the start of the day on Friday 18^th as we celebrate our fantastic report. As parents enter school the school’s brass ensemble and the choir will be performing on stage in the dining hall.  The foundation will also be singing in classes.  There will be mince pies and refreshments for parents to enjoy.

Musical Achievement

Robert Evans 5HW took part in the annual charity concert held by the Kalinka Balalaika Orchestra at the Royal Northern College of Music on Friday 4th Dec. Robert is the youngest member of the orchestra. Mr Billington also made a special guest appearance playing an unusual woodwind instrument called the zhuleika.

Parent Survey

Thank you to all the parents and carers who returned the survey.  We have had some lovely compliments and really helpful ideas for improvements.  Due to microphone problems at the Winter Fair the prize draw took place in assembly to day and the children who won the vouchers were: Sam in Oak, Aalaa in Year 1 and Lily in Year 4, please come to the office to claim your voucher  

Year 5 Victorian Day

Thank you to all the parents to going to so much trouble with the costumes and coming to the assembly and that you took on some of the issues on hygiene and good home management!  The children had a wonderful day in character.

Panto

Yesterday the younger children watched the Aladdin, the Oak Nursery children said:“it was really scary but it was good”, “there was a big blue Genie but he was not real,  it was a costume”.

Young Voices

Mrs Habershon and Mrs Millington would like to say a huge thank-you and well done to all the children who took part in the Young Voices Concert at the MEN Arena on Tuesday.  You were brilliant.  DVDs will be available from the Young Voices website.

Congratulations to the Choir

The Choir sang at Alexandra Lodge Care Centre on Thursday. They behaved really well on the long walk to and from the care home and sang beautifully in the care home. The residents were very appreciative and said that we had made their Christmas for them. We would also like to thank all parents who gave up their time to help us during the visit. Their help was much appreciated. Choir has now finished until the first week back.

Nursery News

The final colour of the week for this year is white.

Our Christmas Party will take place on Wednesday 16^th December. We welcome donations of food and juice or water. Please remember that all food and drink must be suitable for vegetarians. If you wish to send part clothes for your child to change into, bring then in a bag clearly labeled with your child’s name.

Christmas Dinner will be on Tuesday 15^th December. 

Christmas Tree

The school Christmas tree is available on Friday 18^th December if you want to put a bid in for it, this will go to school fund , please come to the office and let us know.

School Dinners will be on Week One Menu this week, but Tuesday is Christmas Dinner.